FujiFilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 printer is a much-loved $100 accessory in my travel journal kit. I often tape a printed image next to my handwritten thoughts to preserve a moment in time. The prints produced by the instant film can, however, be soft and muddy — something the new $169.95 Instax Mini Link+ promises to improve.
Technology
How to send free digital invitations on iPhone
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Creating invitations should feel easy, not stressful. Apple’s Invites app makes it simple to create free digital invitations with built-in RSVP tools, even if your guests do not use iPhones.
You can design the invite, track responses, and share photos after the event, all from your iPhone. Below is a clear step-by-step guide with exact instructions so you can get it right the first time.
Oh, and if you want more options beyond Apple’s Invites app, we also cover the best invitation apps for both iPhone and Android.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.
HOW TO SHARE YOUR ESTIMATED ARRIVAL TIME ON IPHONE AND ANDROID
Apple’s Invites app lets users create free digital invitations with built-in RSVP tools directly from an iPhone, making event planning faster and easier. (Katharina Kausche/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Why Apple Invites makes event planning easier
Apple Invites keeps everything in one place. You design the invite, manage RSVPs and share memories without switching apps. You can:
- Create invitations for parties, meetings and family events
- Let guests RSVP from any device
- Share photos, playlists and links after the event
Apple Invites system requirements
Before you start, confirm these basics. You need:
- An iPhone running iOS 18 or newer
- An iCloud+ subscription to create invitations
Guests can view and RSVP without an iCloud+ subscription. The steps in this article were tested on an iPhone 15 Pro Max running iOS 26.2.
Download Apple Invites from the App Store
First, install the Apple Invites app.
- Open the App Store.
- Search for Apple Invites.
- Download the app named Apple Invites to avoid confusion.
Open the Invites app after installation.
How to create a free digital invitation with RSVP on iPhone
You are now ready to build your invitation.
Start a new invitation in Apple Invites
- Open the Invites app.
- If this is your first time, tap Create Invitation.
If you have created invites before, tap the plus icon in the top corner.
Add a background image to your invitation
- Tap Add Background.
- Choose one option:PhotosCameraPlayground using Apple Intelligence on supported modelsYou can also select Emoji, Photographic or Color backgrounds.
- Photos
- Camera
- Playground using Apple Intelligence on supported models
- You can also select Emoji, Photographic or Color backgrounds.
Grant photo or camera access if prompted.
Add event details like title, date and location
Next, fill in the key information.
- Tap Event Title and enter the name of your event.Choose from four available fonts.
- Choose from four available fonts.
- Tap Date and Time.Select a start and end time or mark the event as all day.
- Select a start and end time or mark the event as all day.
- Tap Location.Enable Location Services if prompted.
- Enable Location Services if prompted.
- Tap Add a Description to include event details or notes.
If you add both a date and a location, the app automatically shows:
- The weather forecast for that day
- A Maps link with directions
Add optional features like photos, links and playlists
You can add several optional features to enhance your invitation.
- Add a shared photo album so guests can view and upload photos by tapping Create Album
- Add a website link, such as a gift registry, by tapping Add a Link
- Add a shared Apple Music playlist guests can listen to and add songs to by tapping Add Playlist
Add a Tile to bundle photos, playlists or links in one place by tapping Add Tile
Preview and create your invitation
Before sending, review everything.
- Tap Preview.
- Review how the invitation will look to guests.
- Tap Next in the upper-right corner.
- Wait a few seconds while the invite is created.
NEVER LOSE YOUR CAR WITH MAPS PARKING TOOLS
Apple Invites allows hosts to design invites, track guest responses and share photos without requiring guests to own an iPhone. (Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
How to send invitations and manage RSVPs on iPhone
Once your invitation is live, you can share it in two different ways.
Invite guests using a public link
- Under Invite with Public Link, choose how you want to share the link:MessagesMailShare LinkCopy Link
- Messages
- Share Link
- Copy Link
- Toggle Approve Guests on if you want to review RSVPs before guests are added.
- Leave Approve Guests off to allow anyone with the link to RSVP automatically.
Guests who accept the invite will appear in your guest list.
Invite guests individually
- Scroll to Invite Individuals.
- Tap Choose a Guest.
- Then you’ll be prompted to access your contacts and click Continue.
- Click Select Contacts
- Select only the contacts you want to include for this invitation and click Continue
- Tap Allow Selected Contacts
- Select a contact to send a one-time invite link.
- Then click Messages, Mail or Share Link
This option sends a unique link to a single guest.
Guests can RSVP even if they do not own an iPhone.
How to send invitations and manage RSVPs on iPhone
Once your invitation is live, you can share it in two different ways.
Invite guests using a public link
- Under Invite with Public Link, choose how you want to share the link:MessagesMailShare LinkCopy Link
- Messages
- Share Link
- Copy Link
- Toggle Approve Guests on if you want to review RSVPs before guests are added.
- Leave Approve Guests off to allow anyone with the link to RSVP automatically.
Guests who accept the invite will appear in your guest list.
Invite guests individually
- Scroll to Invite Individuals.
- Tap Choose a Guest.
- Then you’ll be prompted to access your contacts and click Continue.
- Click Select Contacts
- Select only the contacts you want to include for this invitation and click Continue
- Tap Allow Selected Contacts
- Select a contact to send a one-time invite link.
- Then click Messages, Mail or Share Link
This option sends a unique link to a single guest.
Guests can RSVP even if they do not own an iPhone.
Manage event settings and RSVP notifications
You stay in control after sending.
- Tap the Settings icon inside the invite.
- Adjust guest permissions and RSVP options.
- Enable notifications to receive alerts when guests respond.
- Set plus one limits or block additional guests if needed.
Your invitation appears on the app home screen under Upcoming.
Edit an invite after sending it
Plans change, and edits are allowed.
- Open the invite from the Upcoming list.
- Tap the More Button (three horizontal dots in the upper-right corner)
- Click Edit to update details.
- Changes sync automatically for guests.
5 BEST APPS TO USE ON CHATGPT RIGHT NOW
With Apple Invites, users can manage event details, RSVPs and shared content all in one place using iOS 18 or newer. (Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Pro tip: duplicate invitations for recurring events
If you host a recurring event, such as a book club, save time.
- Open an existing invitation.
- Tap the More button. (three horizontal dots in the upper-right corner)
- Select Duplicate.
- Adjust the date, time or details as needed.
Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?
Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Kurt’s key takeaways
Apple Invites makes event planning feel simple again. You can create free digital invitations, send them in seconds and track RSVPs without chasing people down. Everything lives in one place, from guest lists to shared photos, which saves time and reduces stress. Best of all, guests do not need an iPhone to respond. That makes Apple Invites practical for real life, not just Apple users. Whether you are planning a birthday, a family dinner, or a casual meetup, this app helps you focus on the event rather than the logistics.
Would you consider replacing paper invites or group texts with Apple Invites, or are you still planning events the old way? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
The big upgrade is a new Design Print mode. It’s supposed to make text and intricate illustrations crisp and legible, but I didn’t see much of an improvement, despite that being a big selling point. I did, however, find that the improved processing inside the Mini Link+ enhanced contrast, colors, and sharpness, to reveal more details in a wide variety of photos, and I think that’s more important to most people.
From my testing, the new Mini Link+ is definitely an upgrade, but don’t expect this, or any instant film Instax printer to perform miracles, especially for images measuring just 62 x 46mm (2.44 x 1.81 inches).
$170
The Good
- Best Instax Mini printer yet
- Improved colors, sharpness, and contrast on most photos
- Fun for creatives
The Bad
- Little improvement on text heavy illustrations
- Expensive
- App is overwrought
FujiFilm’s Instax printers all use its Instax Mini instant film which typically costs around $30 for 20 sheets, or about $1.50 per photo. To print, you need to download the “Instax Mini Link” app available for both iOS and Android.
The app is overwrought with features that let you visualize your photos in real space with VR and use the printer as a remote camera shutter. It also helps you organize your images; imagine your prints in frames, on shelves, or as a collage taped to the wall; and prettify them with text, stickers, and filters. You can even connect your Pinterest account if you want. Fun, I suppose, but I’m not twelve-years old – I’m a full-grown man, damnit, and I just want to print photos in my iPhone’s photo library, and do it quickly!
To do that, I have to first import the image into the Instax Mini Link app, hit print, choose either the Simple or Design mode, then wait 20 seconds for the printout. Simple print promises “smooth color tones for everyday images” and produces softer images that, in general, are still an improvement over most anything the Mini Link 3 can print. Design mode is exclusive to the Mini Link+ and the reason you might want it.
I tested the different modes with a variety of images and generally found Design prints made on the Mini Link+ were superior for faces, landscapes, high contrast images, and macro shots of nature. Everything, really, other than text-heavy illustrations, where I saw no obvious improvement.
For example, look at my stupid face. Photos with intense lighting were susceptible to blowout when printed on the older Mini Link 3. The Simple and Design prints from the Mini Link+ handled the lighting better, with improved contrast, more detail in the eye, and more accurate colors and skin texture.
In the example above, everything in the Mini Link 3 print is super soft and blends together in a muddled mess. The Mini Link+ again offers improved contrast, with visible textures on the rock faces, tree branches, and improved colors throughout. The wooden slats on the barn, lines of individual trees, and wheel detail are more pronounced on the Design print, with less saturation on that big pine to the left.
Here, the Mini Link 3 struggles to depict the snow as anything but a white smear, while you can make out individual snowflakes and depth on the Mini Link+ Design print.
In this example, the Mini Link 3 really flattens the sky and removes the texture from the distant mountain. The greens and blues are more brilliant with the Simple and Design prints, while the separation between bits of gravel and blades of grass is more apparent in Design mode.
In this Spotify screenshot, Design mode sharpens the lettering and artificially enhances the white text with a black outline, most visible on the letters “a” and “s.” Simple mode doesn’t do this. The outlining does make the lettering pop.
I find surprisingly little difference between these illustrations printed by the Mini Link 3 and the Mini Link+, even in Design mode. Strange because this is where FujiFilm’s new printer is supposed to excel. Nevertheless, they all look good enough for hobbyists, and anyone looking to spice up a journal or decorate a room.
1/7
After printing 15 photos over the last few days, the battery on the Instax Mini Link+ is still at 80 percent. The battery charges over USB-C, and, if you’re in Europe, the FujiFilm NP-70S battery can be user-replaced when it no longer holds a charge.
From my testing, I think it’s clear that if you want the best photo quality available in an Instax printer, then the $169.95 Mini Link+ is the one to get. It also makes the case for being a worthy upgrade for some Mini Link 3 owners, so long as you’re not expecting improved prints of text-heavy illustrations.
But its price puts the Mini Link+ into direct competition with dye-sublimation printers like the Canon Selphy QX20 which yields prints that are sharp and accurate with better resistance to water and fading. Otherwise, the Mini Link 3 is still a great printer for the price, and the soft, moody images it prints is a vibe worth $100.
Photography by Thomas Ricker / The Verge
Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
An Amazon delivery worker sorts packages out for delivery in the financial district of New York City, Oct. 11, 2022. (REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.
IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:
– Amazon to cut 16,000 roles as it looks to invest in AI, remove ‘bureaucracy’
– Uber unveils a new robotaxi with no driver behind the wheel
– Ex-Google engineer found guilty of stealing AI secrets for Chinese companies
MASSIVE CUTS: Amazon said Wednesday it will cut approximately 16,000 roles across the company as part of an organizational overhaul aimed at “reducing layers, increasing ownership, and removing bureaucracy,” while continuing to invest heavily in areas such as artificial intelligence.
YOUR NEW RIDE: Uber is getting closer to offering rides with no one behind the wheel. The company recently unveiled a new robotaxi and confirmed that autonomous testing is already underway on public roads in the San Francisco Bay Area. While the vehicle first appeared earlier this month at the Consumer Electronics Show 2026, the bigger story now is what is happening after the show.
Lucid, Nuro and Uber unveil a robotaxi during Nvidia Live at CES 2026 ahead of the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Jan. 5, 2026. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)
TECH THEFT: A federal jury found a former Google engineer guilty of stealing artificial intelligence (AI) trade secrets and spying for Chinese tech companies, ending a high-profile Silicon Valley trial.
FIDO’S BIG BROTHER: Tuya Smart just introduced Aura, its first AI-powered companion robot made for pets. Aura is designed specifically for household cats and dogs, with AI trained to recognize their behaviors, movements and vocal cues. The idea behind Aura is simple. Pets need more than food bowls and cameras. They need attention, interaction and reassurance.
GOING BIG: What happens when artificial intelligence (AI) moves from painting portraits to designing homes? That question is no longer theoretical. At the Utzon Center in Denmark, Ai-Da Robot, the world’s first ultra-realistic robot artist, has made history as the first humanoid robot to design a building.
A man faces the realistic artist” robot “Ai-Da” using artificial intelligence at a stand during the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva on May 30, 2024. (FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)
FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
X
LinkedIn
SIGN UP FOR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERS
Fox News First
Fox News Opinion
Fox News Lifestyle
Fox News Health
DOWNLOAD OUR APPS
Fox News
Fox Business
Fox Weather
Fox Sports
Tubi
WATCH FOX NEWS ONLINE
Fox News Go
STREAM FOX NATION
Fox Nation
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements, and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.
Sonos isn’t exactly synonymous with the Super Bowl, although the brand discounts its gear every year around this time like clockwork. It’s knocking 20 percent off many of its marquee products, including soundbars and standalone speakers — all of which can be paired together to improve sound quality and to put audio in more places at home.
Through February 16th, the company is keeping its prices in place on the Era 100 and the larger Era 300 speakers, the Beam and Arc Ultra soundbars, as well as its selection of wireless subwoofers. To put the prices in context, some of these discounts match — or beat — the current costs of Sonos’ certified refurbished gear.
The Era 100 very well may be the best, most feature-packed smart speaker around in its price range. In our 2023 review, we praised its stereo sound playback and improved bass response over its predecessor, the Sonos One. Notably, it supports Bluetooth playback (in addition to Wi-Fi connectivity) as well as line-in audio via USB-C, in case you’d rather plug in a wired audio source. While this model typically sells for $219, it’s currently available for $179 through Sonos, as well as Amazon and Best Buy.
The Era 300 is Sonos’ modern spin on the Sonos Five, offering bigger sound than the Era 100. Its specialty is spatial audio, which sounds incredible when you find a song that’s been mixed just right (the thing is, not all Dolby Atmos tunes are mixed equally). Like the Era 100, this model offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless connections, as well as line-in via USB-C. Our review notes, however, that stereo playback is an area where the Era 300 actually falters compared to its predecessor. But given its improvements overall (and since the Five that launched in 2020 is no longer on sale), the 300 is a great speaker to consider if you really want to feel immersed in your music. It’s $379 during the sale period at Sonos and Best Buy, down from $479.
Jumping to soundbars, the second-gen Beam is down to $369 from its original $499 price. While it’s definitely not the most feature-packed soundbar that you can get at around this price, its ability to tie-in with other Sonos products, plus its improved soundstage over the first-gen model might make it worth considering for you. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos is its marquee feature, although we noted in our review that it’s a virtualized effect since it lacks upward firing speakers that truly enable the vertical sound effects to shine. Note that it’s lacking in physical connectivity compared to most other models, with just a power plug, an HDMI eARC port, and an ethernet jack. In the event that you wish to connect the Beam to your TV or receiver via optical audio, you’ll need to purchase this $25 HDMI-to-optical adapter.
The Arc Ultra is a much better soundbar than the Beam, and carriers a larger $899 price (down from $1,099). Our reviewer noted that the bass improvements in this model are such that it can stand on its own without the purchase of a wireless subwoofer. It also boasts more immersive sound quality, plus Bluetooth connectivity, which was missing in the original Arc. The Arc Ultra’s sound can be further enhanced by connecting other Sonos speakers to the mix, although its older Play:1 and Play:3 speakers are ineligible to join the speaker family for surround sound.
If you’re considering either the Bean or the Arc Ultra (or if you already own one of its soundbars), their performance will benefit greatly with the addition of a Sonos subwoofer, of which the company makes two models. The Sub 4 is its high-end option, which is $759 during the sale period (down from $899). Anything this close to $1,000 is extremely expensive for a subwoofer, especially considering that most companies include one with their surround sound systems. The Sub 4 is able to lay horizontally or sit vertically — however suits your room best.
For almost half the cost of the Sub 4, you can get the Sub Mini. It’s $399, down from $499. You may be thinking that even this one is still pretty costly, and I agree. Although, it’s a product that Sonos loyalists were begging for, as before it there was no other choice than to spring for its more expensive subwoofer. In our review, we deemed it unworthy for filling large rooms with bass, but totally sufficient in most other ways. Something cool about its design is the force-canceling effect that reduces floor vibrations, which could be great if you’re worried about disturbing neighbors or other people in the house.
Lifestyle30 minutes ago
‘Melania’ is Amazon’s airbrushed and astronomically pricey portrait of the First Lady
Technology43 minutes ago
The latest Instax printer is a pricey but worthy upgrade
World49 minutes ago
Venezuela releases all known American detainees after Maduro’s capture and government takeover
Politics55 minutes ago
New Jersey governor to launch portal for uploading videos of ICE tactics: ‘They have not been forthcoming’
Health1 hour ago
Colorado declares disaster emergency as presumptive bird flu outbreak hits facility with 1.3M chickens
Florida1 year ago
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Connecticut2 years ago
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
Oregon2 years ago
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Virginia2 years ago
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana1 year ago
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Politics55 minutes ago
New Jersey governor to launch portal for uploading videos of ICE tactics: ‘They have not been forthcoming’
World2 hours ago
Israeli forces kill 12 Palestinians across Gaza, attacks reported in Rafah
News3 hours ago
Anti-ICE protests take place across US for ‘National Shutdown’
News12 hours ago
Map: 2.4-Magnitude Earthquake Reported in New Jersey
Politics13 hours ago
Don Lemon could face up to a year in prison if convicted on criminal charges
-
Illinois1 week agoIllinois school closings tomorrow: How to check if your school is closed due to extreme cold
-
Pennsylvania5 days agoRare ‘avalanche’ blocks Pennsylvania road during major snowstorm
-
Science1 week agoContributor: New food pyramid is a recipe for health disasters
-
Technology1 week agoRing claims it’s not giving ICE access to its cameras
-
Movie Reviews1 week ago
Movie Review: In ‘Mercy,’ Chris Pratt is on trial with an artificial intelligence judge
-
News1 week agoVideo: Jack Smith Defends His Trump Indictments During House Hearing
-
Politics1 week agoSupreme Court appears ready to keep Lisa Cook on Federal Reserve board despite Trump efforts to fire her
-
Politics6 days agoTrump’s playbook falters in crisis response to Minneapolis shooting
