Category Archives: Apple

Episode 169, Apple announces spring event; Activity Challenge for International Women’s Day; and transforming Activity Awards into beautiful magnets



In this episode, we will talk about Apple’s upcoming Spring event; an AppleWatch Activity Challenge for International Women’s Day; and transforming digital Activity Awards, using an independent company, into beautiful magnetic pin mementos.

Apple announced Tuesday their ‘peek performance’ spring event is scheduled for Tuesday March 8 at 10 a.m. PST.
Apple is recognizing women and fitness with the Women’s Day Award above.  To win the International Women’s Day award, Apple Watch users will need to complete a workout of any kind with a length of at least 20 minutes.

Accompanying the award, winners will receive a series of animated stickers that can be used in the Messages and FaceTime apps.

Episode 168, Alive-Cor launches world’s first FDA cleared credit-card-sized personal ECG, KardiaMobile Card



In this episode, we will discuss AliveCor launching KardiaMobile Card, the only personal ECG slim enough to fit in a wallet for instant feedback on heart health anytime, anywhere.  We will also be covering the management program for the device KardiaCare, which provides ECG interpretation by board-certified cardiologists, amongst other contributing services.

 

Arrhythmias don’t wait for the doctor’s office, so we created a portable, durable personal EKG that goes anywhere you go. KardiaMobile Card is as thin and light as a credit card, fits perfectly in your wallet, and records an accurate, medical-grade EKG in seconds. KardiaMobile Card also includes an exclusive KardiaCare membership, so you can better manage and understand your heart health on the go.
KardiaMobile Card is compatible with most popular phones and tablets. To use your Kardia device, you must download the Kardia app on a compatible device running at least Apple iOS 10.3.3, or at least Android OS 6.0. The price is $149 and comes with one-year of KardiaCare which we will discuss in the podcast.  Their website is https://kardia.com

Episode 167, Apple announces businesses to accept contactless payments through Tap to Pay on iPhone; Apple updates AirTag and unwanted tracking



In this episode, we will discuss Apple announcements this week, United States merchants will be able to accept Apple Pay and other contactless payments simply later this year by using iPhone and a partner-enabled iOS application.  In the second half of the podcast we will talk about Apple discussing AirTags and unwanted tracking. We will talk about these items and much more.

No additional hardware is needed to accept contactless payments through Tap to Pay on iPhone, so businesses can accept payments from wherever they do business.
Tap to Pay on iPhone enables businesses to seamlessly and securely accept Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets through a simple tap to their iPhone.
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. Apple announced this week they will be making changes to prevent unwanted tracking.

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 163, COVID-19 Exposure Notifications: Help slow the spread of the virus with one iPhone step; Alaska joins worldwide program



In this episode, we will discuss the Exposure Notification System created jointly by Google and Apple to help our governments and global community fight the COVID-19 pandemic through contact tracing.  Also, Alaska has joined the long list of states and countries which have already implemented the program named Alaska COVID-ENX. Check this nationwide listing to see if your location has an application available at this link.

 


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

Episode 160, Apple ‘Rings in the New Year’ with 2022 AppleWatch Activity Award



Happy holidays and a joyous New Year. In this episode, we will discuss the announcement that you’ll be able to work towards earning the “Ring in the New Year” activity badge beginning on Saturday, January 1, 2022.

 

AppleWatch users can unlock a special 2022 ‘Ring in the New Year” award in the Activity app and unique stickers for iMessage and FaceTime after completing a meeting a specific goal: close all three Activity rings for seven days in the month.

Episode 159, Apple releases macOS Monterey 12.1 adding Apple Music Voice Plan and other features



Happy holidays to our Mac Minutes Podcast listeners.  In this episode, we will discuss Apple’s release of macOS Monterey 12.1 adding Apple Music Voice Plan and other significant improvements.

This week Apple released the second major update to Monterey on Monday, December 13th. macOS Monterey 12.1 brings a selection of new features including SharePlay, Apple Music Voice Plan, Digital Legacy, new options in Memories in Photos, and some bug fixes.

Episode 158, Apple offers exclusive gifts to music lovers; Fitness+ will feature Prince William on Time to Walk starting Dec. 6



Happy holidays from the Mac Minutes Podcast!  In this episode, we will discuss two special events Apple is offering its users for free this holiday season.  The events are from Apple Music and Fitness +.

It’s the holiday season, and at Apple Music we’re getting into the giving spirit. As we head into the most wonderful time of the year, we’re offering exclusive gifts for Apple Music users — just because we love you.
Fitness+ guides users through engaging workouts led by a diverse and inclusive team of trainers.
The second season of Time to Walk on Apple Fitness+ will close with a special holiday episode featuring Prince William.