iOS 15.1 review: Apple tries sharing – Engadget
After iOS 14 shook up the iPhone’s interface with stackable widgets and an app library, iOS 15 at launch didn’t seem so dramatic. Given that several major features, like SharePlay, were delayed, little seemed different from the public beta. But now, with iOS 15.1, everything seems to be in f…….
After iOS 14 shook up the iPhone’s interface with stackable widgets and an app library, iOS 15 at launch didn’t seem so dramatic. Given that several major features, like SharePlay, were delayed, little seemed different from the public beta. But now, with iOS 15.1, everything seems to be in full working order. It’s time to put Apple’s latest mobile OS through its paces.
SharePlay is finally here
Mat Smith/Engadget
We had to wait until iOS 15.1 for SharePlay — one of the few significant features inside this otherwise quiet update. All things SharePlay are underpinned by the FaceTime app. We have a guide to using SharePlay right here, but the major point is that not all apps are compatible.
Pros
- Familiar and reliable
- SharePlay works well — especially with TV Plus and Fitness Plus
- Further support for older iPhones
- Focus modes are customizable and useful
Cons
- SharePlay lacks wider support from apps
- Not many compelling Safari extensions — yet
- A relatively minor update from iOS 14
You need to start a FaceTime call before doing anything SharePlay. Then, once connected to someone, you can open a supported app and you’ll see an alert at the top of the screen asking if you want to stream your content to your FaceTime contact. They will then see a pop-up, asking them to join you.
Shared shows and content are impressively lag-free and can be navigated by anyone watching, so your friends can pause a TV show if they need to make a snack run. A picture-in-picture box offers a view of all the callers. It’s a little tight on an iPhone, but works well on Apple TV and iPads. When shows offer multiple subtitles and audio options, everyone can listen/read in their chosen languages.
There are also a few games compatible with SharePlay, but you’ll probably tend toward the free-to-play options, like the charades-based game, Heads-Up. (Testing it out with other Engadget editors was far more fun than it had …….
Source: https://www.engadget.com/apple-ios-15-review-150030599.html
