Category Archives: Computers

Episode 267, Apple introduces powerful new iPad Mini built for Apple Intelligence



In this episode, we will discuss Apple’ introduction of Introduction of a powerful new iPad mini built for Apple Intelligence.  The ultraportable iPad mini is more capable and versatile than ever with the powerful A17 Pro chip and support for Apple Pencil Pro. 

The new iPad mini delivers powerful performance, incredible value, and the full iPad experience in an ultraportable design.
The A17 Pro chip makes playing demanding, graphics-intensive AAA games like Zenless Zone Zero easier than ever while on the go.
With systemwide Writing Tools, available with the first set of Apple Intelligence features in iPadOS 18, users can rewrite, proofread, and summarize text nearly everywhere they write.
With Image Playground, users can create playful images in seconds in apps like Freeform.
An updated 12MP wide back camera delivers even more versatility on the new iPad mini.
With advanced features like squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic feedback, Apple Pencil Pro makes creating a masterpiece in apps like Procreate more intuitive than ever.
Math Notes in the Calculator app brings an intuitive way to do math, allowing users to type or write out math to evaluate expressions and assign variables.

Episode 266, iOS18, Satellite Messaging on your iPhone



In this episode, we will discuss Apple’ introduction of Messenging via satellite on your iPhone that is now available with iOS18.  With all model of iPhone 14 or later, you can send iMessages or SMS messages via satellite when you’re off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

Try the Satellite Connection demo To learn how to connect to a satellite, open the Settings app > Apps > Messages, then tap Satellite Connection Demo.
When your iPhone detects that you’re outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, it alerts you — on the Lock Screen, you get a prompt that you can send and receive messages via satellite. Otherwise, you get a notification to Use Messages via Satellite when you open the Messages app.
To send a message, just open the Messages app — you’ll be prompted start accepting messages, if you haven’t already, and your iPhone provides instructions to connect to a satellite to send a text. If you have iPhone 14 Pro or later, the Dynamic Island at the top of the screen has indicator dots that show the strength of your connection and, if your connection could be improved, arrows that direct you to turn left or right. You can tap the Dynamic Island to open Connection Assistant for more help.
If you have cellular or Wi-Fi coverage and you’re messaging with someone who is using Messages via satellite:  In iMessage conversations, you see an alert that your contact is accepting messages via satellite.  After you tap send, you need to also tap Send via Satellite underneath the message bubble. If you have cellular or Wi-Fi coverage and you’re messaging with someone who is using Messages via satellite: If you’re an emergency contact or a member of a Family Sharing group, you can send an SMS message before your contact sends you a message via satellite. They’ll receive the message once they start accepting messages via satellite.

Episode 265, Apple launches macOS Sequoia with new and improved features



In this episode, we will discuss Apple’ introduction of macOS Sequoia, now in the public format, bringing iPhone Mirroring, Apple Intelligence, and more improvements to Mac. We will talk more about these and other significant new features and upgrades to our desktop system. For a comprehensive list of everything that’s new in macOS Sequoia visit this link furnished from Apple.

macOS Sequoia now features iPhone Mirroring; new updates to Safari, video conferencing, and more; and starting next month, will mark the arrival of Apple Intelligence on Mac.
With iPhone Mirroring, users can now fully access and engage with their iPhone right from Mac while iPhone remains locked nearby.
Highlights in Safari make it even easier to discover information on the web, quickly pulling up relevant information about a site.
Easier window tiling lets users quickly drag windows into key areas on their screen to effortlessly arrange them into side-by-side tiles, or place them into corners to keep even more apps in view.
A new Passwords app makes it even easier to access passwords and organize credentials all in one place.
Users can select beautiful built-in backgrounds, while Apple’s industry-leading segmentation technology helps them look their best while video conferencing with macOS Sequoia.

Episode 259, Introducing Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that puts powerful generative models at the core of iPhone, iPad, and Mac



In this episode, we will discuss news on Apple Intelligence and its ability to deliver intelligence that is helpful and relevant.  It will be the personal intelligence system that puts powerful generative models at the core of iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Apple Intelligence — the personal intelligence system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac — combines the power of generative models with personal context to deliver intelligence that’s useful and relevant to the user.

With Priority Messages in Mail, a new section at the top of the inbox shows the most urgent emails.

Priority Notifications surface what’s most important, and summaries help users scan long or stacked notifications to show key details right on the Lock Screen.

In Messages, users can use Image Playground to quickly create fun images for their friends, and see personalized suggested concepts related to their conversations.

Users can pick someone from their photos and create a Genmoji that looks like them.

The new Clean Up tool in Photos can identify and remove distracting objects in the background of a photo — without accidentally altering the subject.
The new Clean Up tool in Photos can identify and remove distracting objects in the background of a photo — without accidentally altering the subject.

 


Episode 245, Stolen Device Protection feature available with iOS 17.3



In this episode we will discuss Apple’s addition of the Stolen Device Protection feature on iPhone with iOS 17.3. Stolen Device Protection adds a layer of security when your iPhone is away from familiar locations, such as home or work, and helps protect your accounts and personal information in case your iPhone is ever stolen.  When Stolen Device Protection is enabled, some features and actions have additional security requirements when your iPhone is away from familiar locations such as home or work. These requirements help prevent someone who has stolen your device and knows your passcode from making critical changes to your account or device.


Episode 244, Apple Vision Pro available in the U.S. on February 2



In this episode we will discuss Apple’s introduction of Apple Vision Pro available in the U.S. on February 2.  Vision Pro is a revolutionary spatial computer that transforms how people work, collaborate, connect, relive memories, and enjoy entertainment.

Apple Vision Pro utilizes the most advanced materials possible in a beautiful, compact design.
Flexible straps ensure audio remains close to the user’s ears, while the included Solo Knit Band and Dual Loop Band allow users to find the optimal fit for them.
An all-new App Store on Apple Vision Pro features more than 1 million apps, including new experiences that take advantage of the unique capabilities of Vision Pro.
Apple designed a groundbreaking new feature called EyeSight for Apple Vision Pro to help the user stay connected to the people around them, giving visual cues to others about what the user is focused on.

Episode 239, Apple Watch double tap gesture now available with watchOS 10.1



In this episode we will discuss Apple Watch double tap gesture now available with watchOS 10.1.  The new double tap gesture for Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 is now availale with watchOS 10.1, bringing a fast and convenient new way to interact with Apple Watch.  We’ve had a chance to use it for a short while now and will let you know some of the ways you can use it.

Double tap allows users to select the primary action in a wide variety of watchOS apps and notifications, including opening the Smart Stack and scrolling through widgets; answering and ending phone calls; and playing and pausing music.
With double tap, users can open the Smart Stack from any watch face and scroll through widgets in the stack.
Double tap has been designed to automatically select the primary action for most apps and notifications. In two instances, the user can elect a different function by accessing their settings on iPhone.

Episode 236, Apple introduces new Apple Pencil, bringing more value, USB-C, and choice to the lineup



In this episode, we will discuss Apple introduces new Apple Pencil, bringing more value and choice to the lineup.  We will be covering the features of the new Apple pencil and comparisons to the current lineup.  More information is on our podcast website at https://macminutes.blubrry.net and the Apple website covering the new pencil at https://apple.com/apple-pencil .

Perfect for note taking, sketching, annotating, journaling, and more, the new Apple Pencil is ideal for everyday productivity and creativity.
The new, more affordable Apple Pencil brings incredible features that customers love, including pixel-perfect accuracy, low latency, and tilt sensitivity.
A sliding cap reveals a USB-C port, enabling the new Apple Pencil to work with all iPad models that have a USB-C port.


Episode 235, iPadOS 17 brings new features improving versatility and personalization



In this episode, we will discuss Apple releasing iPadOS 17 recently bringing with in many new levels of personalization and versatility to iPad.  We will be covering these features with screenshots on the podcast website https://macminutes.blubrry.net.  For full details, go to the Apple iPadOS 17 website located at https://apple.com/ipados/ipados-17

iPadOS 17 takes iPad even further with new levels of personalization, beautiful and helpful custom Lock Screens, easier ways to find and share information, and intelligent features to help get things done.
The Lock Screen is redesigned to be more beautiful, personal, and useful.
A new stickers experience in Messages lets users express themselves, be creative, and share ideas on the fly.
Users can leave an audio or video message in FaceTime.
Users can securely share health data and receive important notifications about their loved ones’ health in the Health app.
In Freeform, users can create expressive boards with new drawing tools and a diagramming mode.

Episode 233, watchOS 10 launches bringing significant new features to Apple Watch



In this episode, we will discuss the Apple released this week watchOS 10, an update which I have used, and is a significant update. This is bringing a new visual language to apps to see more information at a glance, a new Smart Stack to show relevant widgets right when they’re needed, and delightful new watch faces. Bluetooth connectivity for power meters, speed sensors, and cadence sensors arrive for cyclists, unlocking new metrics and Workout Views, and cycling workouts will automatically show up as a Live Activity on iPhone and utilize the full screen. We will talk about these new features and more.

watchOS 10 is available today, delivering redesigned apps, a new Smart Stack, additional watch faces, new cycling and hiking features, and tools to support mental health.
Introducing the Smart Stack, which enables users to see timely information that adapts to their context.
Modular Ultra takes advantage of the large display of Apple Watch Ultra, using the outermost edge to present real-time data, including seconds, altitude, or depth.
Apple Watch calculates personalized Power Zones, used to easily see the current zone and track how long is spent in each, which is an effective and popular way of improving performance.
The Compass app automatically generates two new waypoints when available: a Last Cellular Connection Waypoint and a Last Emergency Call Waypoint.