12 things you didn’t know your iPhone earphones could do
<p>If you’ve got an Apple iPhone or iPod then you’ll want to know about these nifty tricks. The “EarPods” (Apple’s fancy term for earbuds/earphones) that come with the latest versions of iPhones and iPods have an in-built remote control that give you access to a host of capabilities. Here’s how to access them:</p>
<p><strong>Play or pause a song or video –</strong> Press the centre button once and press again to resume.</p>
<p><strong>Skip to the next song or chapter in a podcast –</strong> Press the centre button twice quickly.</p>
<p><strong>Fast-forward –</strong> Press the centre button twice quickly and hold.</p>
<p><strong>Go to the previous song or chapter –</strong> Press the centre button three times quickly.</p>
<p><strong>Rewind –</strong> Press the centre button three times quickly and hold.</p>
<p><strong>Answer or end a call –</strong> Press the centre button once to answer. Press again to end the call.</p>
<p><strong>Decline an incoming call –</strong> Hold down the centre button for about two seconds, then let go. When you let go, two low beeps confirm that you declined the call</p>
<p><strong>Switch to an incoming or on-hold call and put the current call on hold –</strong> Press the centre button once. Press again to switch back to the first call.</p>
<p><strong>Switch to an incoming or on-hold call and end the current call –</strong> Hold down the centre button for about two seconds, then let go. When you let go, two low beeps confirm that you ended the first call</p>
<p><strong>Take a photo –</strong> Open the camera app and take a photograph by pressing either of the volume buttons.</p>
<p><strong>Activate Siri –</strong> When connected to the internet, press and hold centre button. You can then speak instructions into the microphone on the headphones</p>
<p><strong>Use VoiceOver (iPod Shuffle and iPod nano) –</strong> To use VoiceOver, press the centre button to hear the song title and artist name. Continue pressing until you hear a tone, and then release the button. VoiceOver announces the current playlist, and then all your playlists. Press the centre button when you hear the name of the playlist you want</p>
<p><strong>Related links:</strong></p>
<p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/technology/2015/03/podcast-guide/" target="_blank">A guide to podcasts: What are they and where should I start?</a></span></strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/technology/2015/02/how-to-use-facetime/" target="_blank">Do you use FaceTime (aka the new Skype)? Here’s a how-to guide</a></span></strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/technology/2015/02/apple-top-downloads-2014/" target="_blank">The tops apps, movies, books, music and TV shows you’ll want to know</a></span></strong></em></p>
