Travel - Macally Blog

Here’s Top 12 Products for Eating in Your Car

David Chen — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:29:38 +0000

ith the busy lives we lead today, we often find ourselves having to eat in places not designed for it. Finding time to eat a solid meal is hard, so being able to quickly replenish your energy in your car is priceless. Eating in your car is something more of us are doing every day, and it pays to have the right accessories to do so comfortably. We have picked out the 12 best products for eating in your car comfortably, and conveniently.

Conclusion:

Eating in your car comfortably can be a challenging endeavor. From the mess created by spillages to finding places to store your food and rubbish – eating on the go can be a hassle. But with these top 12 products, it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’re a busy college student, or working on the go, Macally has a solution for all your needs. There’s a product for everyone, from car headrest snack trays to car trash cans. So next time you’re eating in your car, remember to check out Macally’s innovative products for an easier, more convenient experience.

The post Here’s Top 12 Products for Eating in Your Car first appeared on Macally Blog.

Learn The Ideal Way Connecting iPhone To Cars

David Chen — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:23:41 +0000

s technology progresses, life becomes easier to manage. Long gone are the days of struggling to connect your phone to your car stereo. With the Apple Shortcuts App, connecting your iPhone to your car can be as simple as pressing a button. Apple strives to deliver exceptional user experiences and drive innovation in the tech space, which is why we at Macally are proud to offer Mac-optimized peripherals to make your life easier.

Whether you’re a college student who frequently commutes to school or a work-from-home individual who enjoys weekend drives, the Shortcuts app can change the way you drive. We’ve all been there, frustrated by our iPhone seemingly playing random choices of music or skipping our queues – and the worst part of it all is not being able to change it while you’re driving. Leaving us at the mercy of whatever our device has decided to play.

What if there was a way to stop this from happening, and allow you to play exactly what you want at the press of a button – that’s where Apple’s Shortcuts App shines. Developed from Apple’s 2017 acquisition of Workflow, Shortcuts allows you to create strings of commands through various apps and inputs all enabled by one ‘shortcut’. Gives you the ability to play your favorite album or podcast, right where you left off.

We’ve developed a step-by-step guide walking you through exactly how to make the most of the Shortcuts App, and to avoid being at the mercy of your iPhone’s music choice.

How To Play A Specific Album Or Playlist When Getting In The Car:

Get your favorite tunes playing as soon as you hit the road! With Apple’s Shortcuts App, it’s a breeze to ensure your iPhone connects to your in-car Bluetooth or CarPlay system with your personalized playlist. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone
Step 2: Tap on ‘Automation’ at the bottom of your screen.
Step 3: Tap on the ‘+’ in the top-right corner to start creating a new automation.
Step 4: Next tap on ‘Create Personal Automation’ which is ideal for what we need.
Step 5: You’re going to have to tap on CarPlay if your vehicle has CarPlay, or if not simply scroll down and tap on Bluetooth.
Step 6: If you’re using the CarPlay option, make sure ‘Connects’ is selected.
Step 7: If you’ve using the Bluetooth option, select which Bluetooth device this automation applies to, which for our example is your car. It should be the same device you connect with to play music. To do this, tap on the ‘Choose button’ next to ‘Device’ to open the list of Bluetooth devices that have been previously paired with your iPhone. Finally, tap on the name of your vehicle’s in-car Bluetooth system, and don’t forget to press Done after!
Step 8: Once you’ve confirmed the settings for your device, tap on ‘Next’. Then, tap the ‘Add Action’ button.
Step 9: Once you’ve set up which device to use, it’s time to set up the music. To do this, Search for the apps and actions field and type “Music.” Then, tap on the blue plus button just to the right of Play Music. This will add a Play (Music) action to your shortcut.
Step 10: Now we need to add the music, to do so. tap the Music placeholder to select what you would like to play.
Step 11: Now depending on what you want to play, tap the Artists, Song, Lyrics, and More fields to search for a specific entry, or browse using the options section. As an example, it’s possible to tap ‘Library’ to browse your personal music for any playlist, artist, or album, or simply press ‘Browse’ to search through the Apple Music range.

You can also select an entire album, artist, or playlist by tapping the ‘+’ in the top-right corner.

*Note, You can also explore the Radio section to choose a specific Apple Music radio station to play each time instead, which is a great option if you want a bit of variety.

Step 12: Once you’ve selected a song, album, artist, playlist, or radio station, you’ll be returned to the Actions screen. From there, tap the right-pointing arrow beside the name of your selected music, this will show you the playback options.
Step 13: You’re able to choose whether to shuffle, or repeat the playlist when you get into your car. To do so, simply tap on the option you’d prefer. When you’re happy with your choices, tap ‘Next’ in the top-right corner.
Step 14: An important step you don’t want to miss is to make sure you tap the switch beside ‘Ask Before Running’ to toggle it off. As this setting stops it asking if you would like to run the shortcut each time – defeating the point of us creating this.

Ensure you tap ‘Don’t Ask’ to confirm this choice.

Final step: To finish up your Shortcut, simply tap ‘Done’ In the top-right corner to save the new automation.

Want To Play Other Media Than Music?

If you’d prefer a podcast or other media, it’s really simple to select a different source. Simply follow the steps outlined in our guide and when you reach Step 9*(link step 9), just search for either podcast, YouTube, or any other media you’re after.

Conclusion:

By following our guide, you’ll be able to set up an awesome automation that will play your favorite song, playlist, podcast, or other media when you get into your car – making each and every journey more enjoyable. This setup will allow you to play exactly what you want every time, gone are the days when your iPhone can hijack your playlist – say hello to the ideal way of connecting your iPhone to cars.

If you’d like to know more about the Shortcuts App, and other automation possibilities let us know by sending us an email here *link email.

The post Learn The Ideal Way Connecting iPhone To Cars first appeared on Macally Blog.

Wondering How To Turn Off Driving Mode On iPhone? Here’s how

David Chen — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 07:11:12 +0000

et’s set the scene, you’re on an important phone call whilst walking to your car. You Get in, start it up and your phone connects to your car’s audio system. You pull out and then suddenly your call is silent – what happened, did they hang up, did I lose connection? It’s Apple’s latest feature – driving mode – and it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

Love it or hate it driving mode has features that most of us will want at some stage making it important to know how to turn off driving mode on iPhone. Today’s blog will be on just that, walking you through what driving mode actually does, and how to turn it off.

Firstly, What Is Driving Mode On iPhone?

Driving mode is part of Apple’s Driving Focus, designed to keep the driver focused and safe from distractions while driving. It has been designed with good intentions, but the execution takes features and decisions away from the user which historically has not gone down well.

When this feature is on, incoming calls and notifications will be muted automatically. You’ll still receive a message letting you know someone is trying to reach out but they won’t be able to hear anything until you turn off driving mode.

Driving mode on iPhone turns itself on when your device connects to a car via Bluetooth or identifies that you are moving at a speed similar to driving, either via GPS or motion sensors.

The flaws with this logic can be seen immediately, as instances where a passenger connects to the audio, or the driver connects without moving the car will cause all phone calls and messages to be muted.

Turning it off is not a straightforward endeavor, leading many to be frustrated at the lack of information given about how to turn off driving mode on iPhone.

Disable Driving Mode Manually:

If your iPhone has mistakenly gone into driving mode and you need to know how to turn off driving mode on iPhone, it’s quick and easy.

To disable driving mode on iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of your screen, next open the Control Center. Then to disable it simply tap the car icon to turn off driving mode manually.
It can be done quickly and easily if you’re not driving. If you need to disable it while driving, this next step is for you.

How To Disable Driving Mode On iPhone While Driving:

As we all know it’s illegal to touch our phones while we drive, and for good reason. With almost 20,000 car crashes each day in the US, we want to do anything to prevent adding to that statistic. So, without touching your phone to turn off driving mode can still be done easily but it will require some preparation.

To do this, we will need the help of Siri, as it will stay connected while you drive and won’t require you to touch your phone to operate it.

To enable Siri’s driving mode, navigate to your iPhone’s Settings App. Once there find the Siri & Search section, in this section locate ‘Allow Siri When Locked’ and enable it. This will allow you to operate Siri without needing to touch your iPhone.

It’s a good idea to test this before driving, to do so simply say “Hey Siri” with your phone locked. It should respond to your voice and ask what you need.

If that has worked, you can now disable driving mode while driving by utilizing Siri. To do so, simply say, “Hey Siri, turn off driving mode.” This will disable it quickly, allowing you to get back to your phone call.

Disable Driving Mode From Settings:

Another way to answer your question about how to turn off driving mode on iPhone is to prevent it from turning on entirely. To do this we will need to disable driving mode in your iPhone’s settings.

To turn off driving mode in your iPhone’s settings, again navigate to your control center by swiping down from the top right of your screen. Once there, press and hold on to the ‘Focus’ button, this will take you to a top-down list of options. Navigate to ‘Driving mode, near the bottom and press the 3 dots on the right side. This will take you to your driving focus settings allowing you to disable the feature.

In these settings, you can also access features like allowing certain contacts to message you during driving focus and more.

Turn Off Bluetooth:

A simpler method of preventing driving mode from activating is to disable your iPhone’s Bluetooth.

Driving mode needs Bluetooth to enable automatically, as when it connects to your car’s audio it enters driving focus. If you turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone, it won’t enable driving mode. To turn off Bluetooth, go to your Settings App, then to Bluetooth and toggle Bluetooth off.

Use CarPlay:

This next tip is great for those with newer cars, as they most likely won’t encounter the issues with Driving mode and won’t need to search how to turn off driving mode on iPhone.

If you have an Apple CarPlay compatible iPhone and car, a device with Apple CarPlay installed will allow you to control your phone while driving, negating the driving focus issues.

CarPlay also lets you safely use your iPhone while driving with Siri voice controls or by using your car’s controls. If your car doesn’t have CarPlay, you can use a third-party device such as a Bluetooth receiver to achieve the same result.

Conclusion:

Driving mode is a safety feature that is designed to keep us focused on the road while driving. However, if you find it more of an annoyance than a safety precaution, there are ways to turn it off so you can stay connected to your device while you’re on the go. By following the tips outlined above, you can turn off driving mode on your iPhone quickly and easily, so you can stay connected while driving without having your device interrupt your drive unnecessarily.

The post Wondering How To Turn Off Driving Mode On iPhone? Here’s how first appeared on Macally Blog.

Why the Car Food Tray is Taking the World by Storm

David Chen — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 07:03:59 +0000

here’s something special about being able to grab a quick bite to eat on the go, especially when you’re running late to a morning meeting or class. One of the biggest challenges we face is trying to balance a meal and a drink in the confined space of our cars, or the greater challenge, while trying to simultaneously drive. The solution to this problem? You guessed it, the car food tray.

The perks associated with this innovative new device are undeniable. It’s truly a 21st-century creation designed for college students always on the go, or those who travel frequently for their work. In this blog, we will discuss what exactly the car food tray is, and what options are available.

So, What Is A Car Food Tray?

A car food tray is an ingeniously designed device that fits into your car’s cup holder and allows you to have a meal or snack while driving. It does this by providing a stable platform, or tray, positioned conveniently where you need it. Typically adjustable, the car food tray is both effective and safe. Allowing you to utilize it while driving, or while sitting wherever you want to eat.

It’s the perfect solution for those who are always on the go, whether it be commuting to work or traveling for business. The designs vary but the primary purpose remains; convenience and safety.

Do I Really Need A Car Food Tray?

The benefits of a car food tray make it an appealing purchase. It is a device designed for a specific need, and once you have indulged, you’ll never be able to go without it.

These Are Some Of The Reasons A Car Food Tray Is A Game Changer:

Keeps Your Car Clean

Have you ever tried eating a burger while driving and not dropping any into the bottomless cavity? It’s definitely a challenge not many could accomplish.

However, with the car food tray, you no longer have to worry about getting food stains on your car seats, dashboard, or leather upholstery. You can place your snacks, fries, or sandwiches in the tray and savor your meal without worrying about the after-effects of messiness.

Maximum Comfort And Convenience

No one likes having a meal hunched over the steering wheel, it’s incredibly messy, inconvenient, and now, unnecessary. With the car food tray, you can eat in comfort without spilling a drop.

You can adjust the tray to your preferred waist height, and the 360-rotating capability ensures that you can eat without any hassle. Plus, there is extra space to hold your beverage – either a canned drink or a cup of coffee.

Safety First

We’re all guilty of driving whilst eating at least once, whether running late, starving, or just needing a snack – sometimes it just needs to be done. Driving is a serious matter as most of us know, and eating can definitely reduce your concentration on your surroundings and the road in front of you.

However, with the car food tray, you can position your food in a safe, accessible position. Granting you the ability to safely drive whilst enjoying your meal on the go.

Makes Traveling Easy

For long car journeys, eating a good meal can lift your mood. With the car food tray’s easy fit, you never have to worry about stopping at a fast food restaurant and losing precious time you could be spending at your destination.

The tray fits easily into small spaces in your car, so will be out of the way until you need it. It’s particularly ideal for those who love road trips and working while on the go.

Perfect For Working Whilst Eating

We all have those days where everything seems due all at once, and we barely have the time to crunch a meal. A car food tray can serve double duty as well – it can be used as a table to hold things like papers and books or can even serve as a secondary desk. With the ease of the tray’s positioning height and 360 rotating capability, the sky’s the limit on how you can customize it to suit your needs.

What Types Of Car Food Trays Are Available?

The options are seemingly endless. Most trays come with adjustable straps that easily fit into different cup holders, as well as multiple compartments for holding drinks, snacks, and other items. Some even have removable sections for easy cleaning, while others feature built-in utensil holders and cooler compartments.

Conclusion:

There’s no doubt about it that the car food tray is the way to go when you want to take the hassle out of mealtime on the go.

Its simplistic, innovative design is exactly what so many of us need to make our lives that little bit easier. It’s a device that holds convenience, comfort, and safety all in one and is taking the world by storm.

So whether you’re a busy college student needing a quick bite, or a worker always on the, the car food tray will make your life easier.

The post Why the Car Food Tray is Taking the World by Storm first appeared on Macally Blog.

Travel - Macally Blog

Here’s Top 12 Products for Eating in Your Car

Conclusion:

Learn The Ideal Way Connecting iPhone To Cars

How To Play A Specific Album Or Playlist When Getting In The Car:

Want To Play Other Media Than Music?

Conclusion:

Wondering How To Turn Off Driving Mode On iPhone? Here’s how

Table of Contents

Firstly, What Is Driving Mode On iPhone?

Disable Driving Mode Manually:

How To Disable Driving Mode On iPhone While Driving:

Disable Driving Mode From Settings:

Turn Off Bluetooth:

Use CarPlay:

Conclusion:

Why the Car Food Tray is Taking the World by Storm

Table of Contents

So, What Is A Car Food Tray?

Do I Really Need A Car Food Tray?

These Are Some Of The Reasons A Car Food Tray Is A Game Changer:

What Types Of Car Food Trays Are Available?

Conclusion: