Category Archives: Apple

Episode 138, Apple launches iPhone 12 MagSafe Battery Pack; & updates operating systems



In this episode we will discuss the recent launch of Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack, an add-on battery that is tailored to work with the Phone 12 models.  We will cover its features, some of the reasons you may want to buy one, and how to use it properly.  We will end the podcast to tell you about the recent update for various Apple operating systems, including macOS Big Sur 11.5, iOS 14.7, watchOS 7.6, and tvOS 14.7.

The MagSafe Battery Pack only comes in white, priced at $99 US and has a rounded, rectangular design that matches the shape of the iPhone, and it attaches to the back of all of the iPhone 12 line up.
To see your charging status in Today View or on the Home Screen, add the Batteries widget:  Go to Today View or the Home Screen page where you want to add the widget, then touch and hold the background until the apps begin to jiggle. Tap the Add Widget button at the top of the screen to open the widget gallery.  Scroll or search to find Batteries, tap it, then swipe left through the size options. The different sizes display different information.  When you see the size you want, tap Add Widget, then tap Done.

Episode 137, Using the iMovie App with iPhone to make video magic



In this episode we will have a special guest, Ms. Liana Hanson, who will telling us how she has used the iMovie application with her iPhone to make good quality videos with audio for use on various platforms without expensive programs and support equipment.


Episode 135, Colorful Apple Watch International Collection bands and watch faces show patriotism for upcoming Olympic Games; Apple launches public OS Beta program



In this episode, we will discuss the Apple’s launching this week of New Sport Loop bands and matching downloadable watch faces feature bold designs that represent 22 nations around the world. These bands are just in time to show your support for your summer Olympic teams taking place July 23 through August 8. Additionally, we will briefly talk about Apple launching the public beta operating systems.

Australia, Belgium, and Brazil International Collection Sport Loop bands and matching Stripes watch faces
The US International Collection Sport Loop and Stripes watch face.

Episode 134, Using Spatial Audio on Apple Music; Apple Fitness+ releases new episodes of ‘Time to Walk’ starting Monday, June 28



In this episode, we will discuss the Apple Music launching industry-leading sound quality to subscribers with the addition of spatial audio from some of your favorite artists with support for Dolby Atmos.  Additionally, new episodes of ‘Time to Walk’ are available for Fitness+ users on Apple Watch starting on Monday, June 28, with a whole new group of guests covering a wide spectrum of interesting topics.

New episodes of ‘Time to Walk’ are available for Fitness+ users on Apple Watch starting June 28, with guests including Randall Park, Michaela Jaé “MJ” Rodriguez, Anthony Joshua, and more.
Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos and Lossless Audio has arrived for Apple Music subscribers. First there was mono, then stereo, and now there’s Spatial Audio. Spatial is an immersive experience with sound moving around you in different directions.

Episode 132, Apple debuts iOS 15 bringing new ways to stay connected and powerful features that help users focus, explore, and do more with on-device intelligence



In this episode, we will discuss one of Apple’s announcements Monday kicking off its annual Worldwide Developers Conference 2021 with major updates to FaceTime, new Focus features to reduce distraction, enhanced on-device intelligence to discover information, and more ways to explore the world using Maps, Weather, and Wallet.

iOS 15 introduces SharePlay in FaceTime, Live Text using on-device intelligence, redesigned Notifications, and more.
The stunning Portrait mode from the Camera app is now optimized for video calls in FaceTime.
Focus helps users filter notifications to reduce distractions, using a custom Focus or a suggested Focus like Work or Sleep.
An all-new city navigation and exploration experience comes to Apple Maps with more realistic and colorful details.

Episode 131, Not all USB-C ports or cables are equal; why one USB-C cable is not likely like another; and what you should know. WWDC 2021 begins Monday.



In this episode, I’ll explain the USB-C charging system and tell listeners the differences between the cables and why not all USB-C ports or cables are equal; why one USB-C cable is not likely not like another; and what you should know.  Ushering in several years ago was the idyllic age of the one-size-fits-all cable. Despite the USB-C connector supplied as default in modern smartphones, the standard has, unfortunately, failed to live up to its promises.  It’s now become time, especially here in the past year, where to keep track which cable belongs to what device if you want a device to work or work optimally.  Also, you need to know what your device USB-C port’s capabilities.  We have some fixes for the interim and there is some promise of improvements in the future.   We will close with information about WWDC 2021 which kicks off Monday.

Typical USB-C male connector

 


Episode 129, Apple Music announces Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos; and will bring Lossless Audio to entire catalog



In this episode, we will discuss the announcement Monday that Apple Music is bringing industry-leading sound quality to subscribers with the addition of Spatial Audio with support for Dolby Atmos.  (Graphics courtesy of Apple Inc.)

 

 


Episode 128, Apple talks about App Store cybersecurity



In this episode, we will give you a rare glimpse of what Apple has accomplished to make App Store a safe and trusted place for users to discover apps by detecting and taking action against fraudulent developers and users. (Graphics courtesy of Apple Inc.)


Episode 127, Hands-on Tracker Comparison: Tile Slim versus Apple AirTag



In this episode, we will give an overview of the new Apple AirTag and discuss the differences between Apple’s new AirTag and the tried-and-true Tile Slim.  This will hopefully give you some insight of what tracker you may want to choose for your valuables.

AirTag is a small and elegantly designed accessory that can be personalized with free engraving, and enables iPhone users to securely locate and keep track of their valuables using the Find My app. (Graphic courtesy of Apple Inc.)
Put Slim in tight spaces like your wallet, passport case or luggage tag and use our free app to find them. Keep track of more for less with our multi-packs or give them to your friends and family as a gift. The Tile Slim has a 200 ft. Bluetooth range and is as thin as two credit cards. There is up to a 3-year built-in battery and is waterproof. Tile is also compatible with Android, Windows and iOS platforms. (Graphic courtesy of Tile Inc.)

Episode 126, Apple releases iOS 14.5 delivering unlock iPhone with Apple Watch, more diverse Siri voice options, and new privacy controls



In this episode, we will discuss Apple’s release of  iOS 14.5 delivering features including unlock iPhone with Apple Watch, more diverse Siri voice options, new privacy controls operating systems and much more.

Apple users can now use their Apple Watch to securely unlock iPhone when Face ID is enabled while wearing a face mask.
iOS 14.5 adds six new emoji characters including a face exhaling, woman with beard, and heart on fire, among others.
Users can now select different skin tones for each individual in the couple kissing and couple with heart emoji.