Alex Blake
Alex Blake has been messing around with Apple tech ever since he caved to the pressure and bought an iPhone 3G “just to see what all the fuss was about.” He’s spent the subsequent 15 years prattling on about Apple and has somehow managed to do so professionally. Don’t ask him how. Formerly the commissioning editor at Apple magazine MacFormat, these days Alex is a freelance writer who is just as happy whipping up tutorials as he is sharing his sadly misinformed opinions on the latest tech developments. He’s got bylines in iMore, TechRadar, Digital Trends, Creative Bloq, PC Gamer, and more. When he’s not writing about Apple or testing the latest apps on his Mac mini or MacBook Pro, you’ll find Alex hiking in the English countryside, gaming on his PC (gasp!), and polishing up his web design skills. He dreams of one day owning his own hard cider business, thereby enabling him to merge the two Apples of his life into one all-powerful superfruit.
Latest articles by Alex Blake
![The GameSir X4 Aileron iOS games controller against a yellow background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XniHXQBhrUZJg5FSC5AaHT-320-80.jpg)
GameSir X4 Aileron review: Xbox gaming for iPhone owners
By Alex Blake published
The GameSir X4 Aileron is an Xbox-style controller that’s branded for Android, but it works just as well on iOS. Should you buy it?
![A person holds an iPhone XR in the rain.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3mm5zPF8HzjQWckDyQqoRb-320-80.jpg)
This iPhone weather app nails widgets and complications — here’s how I use it to get instant forecasts
By Alex Blake published
Weather Up’s interactive widgets and Apple Watch complications let you see upcoming weather with none of the hassle.
![The 2023 redesign of Spotify's app](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hRHTXsFSKaw9QCPrKRXbib-320-80.jpg)
This clever app gives me Spotify Wrapped stats all year round — here's how to use it to see your music listening trends
By Alex Blake published
Sick of waiting for your Spotify Wrapped to drop? Stats.fm lets you dive into your listening habits whenever you want.
![Noir app on iPhone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YMpQZGYu2tt6xw7EKpjvgm-320-80.jpg)
This dark mode iPhone app is a dream come true for night-time reading — here's how to use it
By Alex Blake published
Noir adds a dark mode to every website, making each one easier to read and better for your eyesight.
![The Stage View app running in macOS Sonoma, with Stage Manager also open.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/z6y5mxfmTyU2eGJc8oPczJ-320-80.jpg)
Stage View: Is this app the fix Stage Manager for Mac needs?
By Alex Blake published
Stage View adds previews to apps and windows in the Stage Manager sidebar. Is it worth your cash?
![The Logitech Signature Slim K950 wireless keyboard against a yellow background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TNVPSzTqfPkXV6MxfyPCpS-320-80.jpg)
Want a great keyboard at an affordable price? Logitech Signature Slim K950 types like a stripped-back MX Keys S without the costly extras
By Alex Blake published
The Logitech Signature Slim K950 is a more affordable version of the MX Keys S, with a similar typing feel but without a few nice-to-haves.
![A close-up of a Mac's keyboard, showing the Delete key.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/y6tNZw5b6RAAMeyJFVcD2Y-320-80.jpg)
Sick of dealing with your Mac’s unwieldy trash? Here’s how to manage deleted files like a pro
By Alex Blake published
There are a ton of hidden methods for managing your trash in macOS. Here are all the best tips and tricks.
![Winston on iPhone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eVbTeD37AmvEPfxvyeuTXk-320-80.jpg)
This Safari extension helps fix my Reddit experience now that Apollo is gone
By Alex Blake published
Sink It for Reddit nixes a bunch of annoying Reddit features and brings in some excellent ones of its own.
![MacBook macOS Sonoma widgets on desk](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ugkXL8HvCHL9pcnQia3ue4-320-80.jpg)
The 10 best Mac tips and tricks you need to know about
By Alex Blake published
Get more from macOS with all the best Mac tips and tricks designed to save you time.
![iPhone 15 Pro with a titanium finish running iOS 17](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GyCjDmMyjmmrR6xbXodePg-320-80.jpeg)
How to take control of your content feed with feeeed
By Alex Blake published
feeeed keeps Twitter threads, subreddit posts, YouTube videos and more all in one place.
![iPhone in pocket](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RVAM3cA3Q3wnS6c8WzbG6T-320-80.jpg)
The most important changes to the iPhone camera, ever: Selfies, AI, Zoom lenses, and more
By Alex Blake published
iPhone Photography Week Apple’s iPhones create incredible photos and videos. Here are all the best camera features Apple has added over the years.
![The HyperX Vision S webcam on top of a monitor.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yXNbqH3SAyFUu8eK5sToYN-320-80.jpg)
HyperX Vision S webcam review: Good, but not quite good enough
By Alex Blake published
A well-made webcam with good low-light performance that nevertheless struggles to justify a place in your setup.
![The SteelSeries Alias Pro microphone on a marble mantlepiece.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KM7k7ExR89hRT8fAtGjR3G-320-80.jpg)
SteelSeries Alias Pro microphone review: Be heard clearly
By Alex Blake published
A brilliant option for gaming and streaming – it’s just a shame its software isn’t Mac-compatible.
![The GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro game controller for iOS and macOS against a yellow background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SwP4otXwLk5Yb5gmtCfyH7-320-80.jpg)
GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro review: Performance without the price tag
By Alex Blake published
GameSir’s controller throws in an awful lot for the asking price, but there’s one major caveat to be aware of.
![The GameSir T4 Cyclone game controller for iOS and macOS against a pink background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/e4msVHneZxfRuhyXFCknoE-320-80.jpg)
GameSir T4 Cyclone review: Whipping up a storm
By Alex Blake published
A simple, solid controller with some handy extras – but is it fatally flawed?
![The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus handsets on a blue and pink background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/W5M5BABybBqCy9TSRjsjcL-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus: Which one should you buy?
By Alex Blake published
You don’t need to break the bank to get a great iPhone, as these two devices prove.
![Olympic swimming gold medalist Amy Van Dyken using the Fitness app on an Apple Watch.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fZnnaDBv4oJZArSk25jRpM-320-80.jpg)
watchOS 10 is great – but it’s ruined the Apple Watch Fitness app
By Alex Blake published
Opinion The Apple Watch’s latest operating system, watchOS 10, is full of neat features. But it’s changed the Fitness app beyond recognition, and that’s a bad thing.
![The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max on a pink and gray background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qFJagvTSdsUuCc6sKXRqg5-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Which one should you buy?
By Alex Blake published
Not sure how to choose between these great devices? Our guide is here to help.
![The Logitech Pebble Mouse 2 M350S seen from above on a marble worktop.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tYwdFoKqTbATw7USxFAgzD-320-80.jpg)
Logitech Pebble Mouse 2 M350S review: Low profile, low comfort
By Alex Blake published
The flat shape of Logitech’s slimline mouse makes it tough to recommend.
![The Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380S keyboard seen from above on a marble worktop.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nRtXmcGbgTSyyrkcwYK7YB-320-80.jpg)
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380S review: The right type?
By Alex Blake published
The Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380S keyboard is good, but never steps up to become great.
![iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Plus](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jDoRMBhvH2X2zpcmvDP4S7-320-80.jpg)
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Plus: Which one should you buy?
By Alex Blake published
Should you go for premium features or a larger display? That’s what our guide is here to answer.
![iMac 2020 in an office](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NPqzCSUs8U5ewYzvBk8szS-320-80.jpg)
How to choose a desktop Mac
By Alex Blake published
Why – and how – students should consider buying one of Apple’s desktop Macs instead of a MacBook
![Apple Mac mini M2](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pgNUK42WEYXLpFF8GFZs3U-320-80.jpg)
Should a student buy a Mac mini?
By Alex Blake published
A mighty Mac for serious studies.