iOS 17 is the latest update that comes with a number of new features. Among these innovative new features, there is one that has attracted a lot of attention from iPhone users worldwide: the remarkable StandBy function. With this feature, you can turn your iPhone into a versatile smart display or a reliable nightstand companion.
Since its introduction, iPhone StandBy has left a lasting impression. The ability to personalize the iPhone as a smart display captivates everyone. In addition to its main function of displaying the time, it offers the flexibility to showcase a calendar widget or even your favorite photo.
If you are curious about how the StandBy feature works and want to realize its potential on your iPhone fully, you have come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to enable and use StandBy mode in iOS 17.
What is StandBy Mode?
StandBy mode is an innovative feature introduced in iOS 17 to turn the iPhone into an always-on smart display. StandBy is triggered when the iPhone is placed on its side while charging, allowing you to view photos, clocks, or other widgets.
When StandBy mode is activated, your device turns into a versatile control center that displays a range of widgets and valuable information at a glance. Whether it’s the time, weather, calendar events, your favorite photos, or even music controls, StandBy mode keeps your iPhone’s screen useful even when it’s turned off.
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StandBy mode is available for all iPhone models that are compatible with iOS 17. However, for the iPhone 14 Pro series and newer models, there’s an added bonus: the Always-On Display feature. On these models, StandBy mode is displayed seamlessly, while other iPhone models require a simple tap on the screen to activate it.
Among the benefits of StandBy mode is that it displays live activity, notifications, Siri, and audio playback controls through an immersive full-screen display. Continuous delivery of real-time updates enhances the overall user experience, so you can effortlessly follow live events and sports scores or track the progress of your food delivery.
How to Enable StandBy Mode on iPhone?
By default, updated iPhones with iOS 17 have StandBy mode enabled, so you do not have to spend extra time activating StandBy features. However, if your iPhone updated with iOS 17 does not have StandBy mode enabled, and you want to enable this feature. Follow the steps below to do so.
Note:
Make sure you have an iPhone with iOS 17.
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down to StandBy and tap on it.
3. Tap the toggle button to the right of StandBy. In addition, you can customize the standby settings (night mode, show notifications) to your preferences.
4. To reduce eye strain in low-light conditions, you have the option to activate the night mode, which gives the user interface a red-colored display. Turn on the toggle switch to the right of Night Mode under the DISPLAY category.
5. To enable the display of notifications, simply turn on the toggle switch to the right of Show Notifications under the NOTIFICATIONS category. If you want to prevent notifications from appearing on the screen when standby mode is enabled, disable the toggle switch.
Note:
Even if you have disabled notifications for standby mode, critical notifications will still be displayed. This is because critical notifications are considered so important that they need to be seen even if your device is in standby mode and you have disabled notifications.
To activate StandBy mode on your iPhone, position it in landscape mode on a stable surface. Once it is in this position, your iPhone will automatically switch to StandBy mode. Once you start using this fantastic feature for the first time, you will be greeted by a welcome screen.
You can now navigate through different styles and widgets in StandBy mode by swiping vertically and horizontally.
Additional Features For 14 Pro Series And Later Models of iPhone
If you own a 14 Pro series iPhone or a newer iPhone model with an iOS 17 update, you’ll be happy to know about two fascinating additional features available in StandBy mode. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to make the most of these features:
Always On Features:
The Always On toggle feature is available on iPhone 14 Pro and later models. When the Always On feature is enabled, the screen intelligently turns off when not in use. When iPhone detects attention, the screen does not go to sleep. To enable the feature, perform the following steps.
1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap StandBy.
3. Turn the toggle switch on the right under the “Display” section to “Always on.”
Motion To Wake:
If you enable the Motion To Wake feature, your iPhone’s display will automatically wake up when motion is detected. This is especially useful if you use your device at night without unlocking the screen manually.
1. Launch Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll through the options and tap on StandBy.
3. Under StandBy, tap Night Mode.
4. Turn on the toggle right to the Motion To Wake option.
How to Customize StandBy Mode?
When you customize the standby mode on your iPhone, you can customize the widgets, photos, and watch face to your preferences. With the latest iOS 17 update, you have a number of options to choose from. You can view the time, weather, and calendar events and even control smart home devices.
The Standby mode offers three home screens:
Clock: This page displays a large clock face with the time and date in different fonts and styles. You can also view the current weather conditions and your next calendar event.
Photos: This page displays a slideshow of photos from your Photos library. You can swipe through the photos to see different photos or tap on a photo to view it full screen.
Widgets: This page displays a variety of widgets from your favorite apps. You can customize the widgets to display the information you want, such as the weather, your calendar, or your to-do list.
Note:
You cannot add additional (third-party) widgets to the standby home screen, such as widgets that display the latest cricket score or the PhonePe scanner. You can only add Apple-provided widgets such as “Battery,” “My Search,” “Fitness,” etc., to the StandBy Widgets home screen of your iPhone.
Alright! So without further ado, let us explore how to customize StandBy mode on our iPhone.
How to Customize StandBy Widgets Screen on iPhone
The Widgets screen displays a variety of widgets from your favorite applications. You can customize the widgets to display the information you want, such as the weather, your calendar, or your to-do list. You can add widgets from a variety of apps, including Home, Apple Music, and so on. Follow the steps below to customize your widget screen.
1. Position your iPhone on a MagSafe charger in landscape mode.
2. Swipe horizontally in standby mode to access the widget view.
3. Press and hold any widget to either add new ones or rearrange them in Smart Stacks.
4. To remove a widget, tap the minus (–) icon in the upper left corner of the widget.
5. Tap Remove when the confirmation popup appears.
6. To add a new widget, tap the plus icon (+) in the upper left corner of the screen.
7. Select the widget you want from the available options. If you can not find a widget, you can also find it by doing a simple search.
8. Tap Add Widget.
9. Confirm your changes by tapping Done in the upper right corner.
How to Customize StandBy Photos Screen on iPhone
The Photos screen displays a slideshow of photos from your Photos library. You can swipe through the photos to see different photos or tap on a photo to see it full screen. The slideshow is created automatically based on your photo library. To do this, follow the steps below.
1. To open the gallery view in standby mode, swipe to the left.
2. Hold your finger anywhere on the screen.
3. Tap the plus icon in the upper left corner of the screen to display the album or favorites in your photo gallery.
Note:
Make sure the images you want to display in the slideshow are either in an album you created or marked as favorites.
4. Select the photos you want to include in the StandBy Photos slideshow on the Home screen.
5. Finally, tap Done to confirm your selection.
6. To remove photos from the standby screen, tap the minus (–) icon.
7. Once you click the minus icon, it will be removed from the screen.
How to Customize StandBy Clock Screen on iPhone
On the Clock screen, you can easily read the time and date. You also have the option to view the weather conditions and your upcoming calendar appointments. Moreover, you have the possibility to customize the clock face with a variety of colors, fonts, and styles according to your preferences. To do that, follow the steps below.
1. Swipe to the left to open the clock view.
2. Press and hold the screen to view the different options.
3. Switch between all five clock styles by selecting your preferred option.
4. Finally, tap “Done” to apply the change.
Tips For Using StandBy Mode
To take full advantage of standby mode on your iPhone, you should follow a few useful tips and tricks. Whether you are an iPhone newbie or an experienced user, the following recommendations will help you take full advantage of this feature:
Standby mode consumes battery power. Leave your iPhone plugged in overnight, and trust that it will consume very little power.
The simplicity of the StandBy mode promotes concentration. It reduces distractions and increases productivity while studying or working.
When you activate StandBy mode for the first time, an animated message guides you through the process. By default, the two-column view is displayed with the Clock and Calendar widgets. Swipe up and down to switch between the preloaded widgets.
If you want to customize your standby view, rotate it left or right to show clocks or images in full-screen mode.
It is also crucial to note that the StandBy function of your iPhone will not be able to work if your iPhone is set to Low Power mode.
If you take these additional tips to heart, you can make the most of iPhone StandBy mode and make it a valuable tool for your daily life.
Stay Connected to The Information That Matters to You
Standby mode on iPhone is a powerful feature that keeps you up to date even when you aren’t actively using your device. If you follow the steps described in this guide, enabling and using StandBy mode will be a breeze.
You can turn your iPhone into a versatile smart display, personalize it with widgets, photos, and clock faces, and even use additional features like Always-On Display and Motion To Wake on compatible models. StandBy mode lets you get the most out of your iPhone and effortlessly stay connected to the information that matters to you.
FAQs about Using iPhone StandBy Mode
According to Apple, StandBy Mode should only consume about 1% of battery power per hour. This is significantly less than the 4-5% per hour that the always-on display feature consumes. StandBy Mode is designed to consume less battery power than the always-on display feature that was introduced in iOS 16.
StandBy mode is available on iPhone models that are compatible with iOS 17, including the iPhone XR and newer models. However, it is important to note that the “always-on” functionality of StandBy mode is only available on iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max models.
No, StandBy Mode is not customizable for different time zones. When StandBy Mode is enabled, the time and date on your iPhone will always be displayed in the time zone that is set as your default time zone.
If you travel to a different time zone, you will need to manually change your iPhone’s time zone in order for StandBy Mode to accurately display the time and date. You can do this by going to Settings > General > Date & Time.
StandBy Mode offers a number of benefits, including:
It allows you to keep an eye on important information without having to unlock your iPhone.
It can help you to stay organized by displaying widgets for your favorite apps.
It can be used as a bedside clock or a digital photo frame.
StandBy Mode does have a few drawbacks, including:
It can drain your iPhone’s battery if you leave it on for a long period of time.
It may not be suitable for all environments, such as a meeting or a classroom.
The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government’s “wind up” demand Wednesday, saying it is meant to address “risks” related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.
“The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners,” he said in a statement.
The announcement added that the government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content.
However, it urged people to “adopt good cybersecurity practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as to be aware of which country’s laws apply.”
Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking details about what evidence led to the government’s dissolution demand, how long ByteDance has to comply and why the app is not being banned.
A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the shutdown of its Canadian offices will mean the loss of hundreds of well-paying local jobs.
“We will challenge this order in court,” the spokesperson said.
“The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.”
The federal Liberals ordered a national security review of TikTok in September 2023, but it was not public knowledge until The Canadian Press reported in March that it was investigating the company.
At the time, it said the review was based on the expansion of a business, which it said constituted the establishment of a new Canadian entity. It declined to provide any further details about what expansion it was reviewing.
A government database showed a notification of new business from TikTok in June 2023. It said Network Sense Ventures Ltd. in Toronto and Vancouver would engage in “marketing, advertising, and content/creator development activities in relation to the use of the TikTok app in Canada.”
Even before the review, ByteDance and TikTok were lightning rod for privacy and safety concerns because Chinese national security laws compel organizations in the country to assist with intelligence gathering.
Such concerns led the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill in March designed to ban TikTok unless its China-based owner sells its stake in the business.
Champagne’s office has maintained Canada’s review was not related to the U.S. bill, which has yet to pass.
Canada’s review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to might harm national security.
While cabinet can make investors sell parts of the business or shares, Champagne has said the act doesn’t allow him to disclose details of the review.
Wednesday’s dissolution order was made in accordance with the act.
The federal government banned TikTok from its mobile devices in February 2023 following the launch of an investigation into the company by federal and provincial privacy commissioners.
— With files from Anja Karadeglija in Ottawa
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2024.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
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Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s competition watchdog said Thursday it’s opening a formal investigation into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it has “sufficient information” to launch an initial probe after it sought input earlier this year on whether the deal would stifle competition.
The CMA has until Dec. 19 to decide whether to approve the deal or escalate its investigation.
“Google is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world,” the company said. “Anthropic is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don’t demand exclusive tech rights.”
San Francisco-based Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who previously worked at ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company has focused on increasing the safety and reliability of AI models. Google reportedly agreed last year to make a multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic, which has a popular chatbot named Claude.
Anthropic said it’s cooperating with the regulator and will provide “the complete picture about Google’s investment and our commercial collaboration.”
“We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others,” it said in a statement.
The U.K. regulator has been scrutinizing a raft of AI deals as investment money floods into the industry to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. Last month it cleared Anthropic’s $4 billion deal with Amazon and it has also signed off on Microsoft’s deals with two other AI startups, Inflection and Mistral.
