Category Archives: Apple Watch

Episode 187, Apple empowering people with their health information; Apple updates many of its Operating Systems



In this episode, we will discuss Apple’s releasing of a new report sharing the ways Apple products are helping users, developers, and health organizations advance personal health, research, and care.  In the second half of the podcast we will tell you about Apple updating many of its operating systems.

A new report shares the ways Apple products are helping users, developers, and health organizations advance personal health, research, and care. The report can be found at this link: Apple Health Report.

With the release of iOS 16 and watchOS 9 this fall, Apple Watch and iPhone will offer features that focus on 17 areas of health and fitness, including new features like AFib History, Medications, and the ability to track sleep stages on Apple Watch.

Episode 182, Apple unveils watchOS 9 for AppleWatch delivering new ways to stay connected, active, and healthy



In this episode, we will continue our discussion of the events from the Worldwide Developer Conference 2022 (WWDC22) focusing on the features unveiled in watch OS9, the operating system for the AppleWatch. Specifically, we will discuss an enhanced Workout app, swimming enhancements, sleep stages, a first-of-its-kind AFib History feature, and an all-new Medications app.  All this and and much more is available from Apple here.

Introducing more customizable watch faces, an enhanced Workout app, sleep stages, a first-of-its-kind AFib History feature, and an all-new Medications app.
The new Medications experience on Apple Watch and iPhone helps users manage and track their medications, vitamins, and supplements. Custom schedules can be created for each medication, and users can set up reminders to help keep them on track.
For users diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, AFib History estimates the time a user’s heart is in AFib and provides useful insights on lifestyle factors that may influence their condition.
watchOS 9 adds even more insights to the Sleep app with sleep stages. Using signals from the accelerometer and heart rate sensor, Apple Watch can detect when users are in REM, Core, or Deep sleep.

Episode 180, Apple unveils new Apple Watch Pride Edition bands; Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off June 6 with keynote address and agenda highlights



In this episode, we will discuss Apple unveiling three new Apple Watch Pride Edition bands and Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference kicking off June 6 with keynote address and other events.  We now have a more detailed agenda of the upcoming WWDC22.

Pride Edition bands and watch faces have served as symbols of support for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies since they were first introduced in 2016.
The Pride Edition Nike Sport Loop for Apple Watch incorporates black stripes, a design theme in Nike’s Be True campaign that promotes LGBTQ+ equality in sport.

Episode 176, Apple announces 2022 International Dance Day Activity Award, Friday, April 29; Apple Fitness+ gives users ‘Permission to Dance’ with new Artist Spotlight series, curated Dance workouts, and more



In this episode, we will discuss Apple’s celebration of the 2022 International Dance Day coming up this Friday, April 29. In the second half of the podcast we will discuss Apple Fitness+ gives users “Permission to Dance” with new Artist Spotlight series, curated Dance workouts, and more.

To get the International Dance Day award, Apple will ask Apple Watch users to do a dance workout of 20 minutes or more on Friday, April 29.
This spring, Apple Fitness+, the first fitness and wellness service built entirely around Apple Watch and designed to be welcoming to all, is celebrating music and dance with a new lineup of world-renowned Artist Spotlight musicians and curated Dance content in the lead-up to International Dance Day on April 29.

Apple Watch users who successfully complete a dance workout on the appropriate day will unlock a badge in the Fitness app along with animated stickers that can be used in the Messages and FaceTime apps.

Episode 172, Apple launches the first driver’s license and state ID in Wallet with Arizona and many more to follow



In this episode, we will discuss Apple announcing Wednesday, March 24 the first driver’s license and state ID in Wallet with Arizona and many more to follow close behind. Those additional states to soon follow include Colorado, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio, and the territory of Puerto Rico.  We will cover this announcement and more.  For those listeners who need to know more, go to this Apple website.

Driver’s license and state ID in Wallet gives users an easy and secure way to access and present their ID at select TSA airport security checkpoints from their iPhone or Apple Watch.
Adding a driver’s license or state ID to Wallet can be done in a few simple steps: Residents can tap the + button at the top of the screen in Wallet on their iPhone, select “Driver’s License or State ID,” and follow the on-screen instructions to start the setup and verification process.
Users can seamlessly and securely add their driver’s license or state ID to Wallet by following the on-screen instructions on iPhone.
Once added to Wallet, users can present their driver’s license or state ID to the TSA at participating airport security checkpoints by simply tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch at the identity reader.

Episode 166, Apple celebrates Heart Month; new AppleWatch Activity Challenge Feb. 14; and Apple Heart and Movement Study update released



In this episode, we will discuss Apple celebrating Heart Month with new resources and events across many of its services.  Additionally we will talk about the lifestyle insights from the Apple Heart and Movement Study, a new fitness Activity Challenge and more money for trading in on your Apple Watch.  All this, a special event to announce, and much more.

A new Heart Month Activity Challenge to help people of all fitness levels put their health first by completing 30 minutes in their Exercise ring on February 14 to earn a special award.

Episode 165, New AppleWatch band launches; new fitness challenge award; and Apple’s iPhone macro photo contest for ‘Shot on iPhone’ Challenge begins



In this episode, we will discuss this week’s news of Apple launching a special edition Apple Watch Black Unity Braided Solo Loop and matching Unity Lights watch, a new fitness challenge award; and the opportunity to share your best iPhone macro photos for Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” Challenge.

The Black Unity Braided Solo Loop band is created by weaving together 16,000 recycled yarn and silicone threads using advanced precision-braiding machinery, for an ultra-comfortable, custom fit.  The band is priced at $99 US and is available at apple.com.
Throughout February, users will also have the opportunity to participate in the Unity Challenge and earn a limited-edition award, by closing their Move ring seven days in a row.
Apple invites iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max users to capture the little things, in a big way, with a macro photography Shot on iPhone Challenge. The challenge starts today and runs through February 16, 2022. Winners will be announced in April.

Episode 164, AT&T to deliver up to 5-Gigs of internet speed in 70 cities; Apple releases Polishing Cloth cleaning instructions



In this episode, we will discuss today’s announcement by AT&T of upgraded fiber plans which support speeds up to 5 Gigabytes for customers in 70 metropolitan cities across the United States. A listing of the cities is below with multi-gig in blue text.  In the second half of the podcast, we will be following up on the story we did a few episodes ago about the Apple Polishing Cloth.

 

The Apple Polishing Cloth is now becoming widely available after months of backorders.  You can find them at Apple Stores and online. Learn how Apple recommends you clean the cloth when it becomes soiled.

Episode 162, Apple Fitness+ introduces new ways to motivate people toward their fitness goals starting Monday, January 10



In this episode, we will review Apple Fitness+ expanding its programs by introducing Collections and Time to Run on January 10.  My personal favorite, also occurring Monday, Fitness+ will also introduce the third season of Time to Walk featuring the world’s most interesting and influential people.  Mac Minutes listeners can also learn how to take advantage of a special event with world-renown Apple tutorial expert, Dan Wassink, from Dan’s Tutorials, occurring Jan 12, 7 pm (AKT).

Time to Run will launch with three episodes from London, Brooklyn, and Miami Beach on Monday, Jan 10.
Starting January 10, Fitness+ will introduce the third season of Time to Walk, with new guests including Rebel Wilson, Bernice A. King, Hasan Minhaj, and more.
New workouts will be added to the Artist Spotlight series on January 10, featuring the music of Ed Sheeran, Pharrell Williams, Shakira, and the Beatles.

Episode 161, Apple’s Polishing Cloth finally arrives along with an enlightening review



Happy New Year.  In our first episode of  2022, we will review the Apple Polishing Cloth which I finally received.  For most U.S. shoppers, their shipment has been delayed until early January, at the earliest, so this review is timely even with its early launch.   I’ve been using it rigorously to give you my initial review.

Apple’s polishing cloth is priced is sold both in Apple retail stores and on Apple.com. The cloth has been delayed for months and is just coming to many customers in 2022.
Picture of the Apple Polishing Cloth and unboxing photo