Category Archives: Computers

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.

Episode 231, USB-C 4.0 brings the best technology has to offer with new Apple devices on the way



In this episode, wi will discuss the replacement of the current Lightning port with the more prevalent USB-C connector, a move that is designed to help the company conform with European regulations.  We will also inform to you what the upcoming Apple announcement scheduled for Sept. 12 at 10 am and what devices we speculate to make their debut.


Episode 228, Apple Card’s Savings account by Goldman Sachs reaches over $10 billion in deposits



This podcast will tell you about Apple’s announcement Wednesday that Apple Card’s high-yield Savings account offered by Goldman Sachs has reached over $10 billion in deposits from users since launching in April. You will learn more about this feature available for use on Apple devices.

Launched in April, Apple Card’s high-yield Savings account by Goldman Sachs has seen more than $10 billion in deposits.
Users can easily set up and manage their Savings account directly from Apple Card in Wallet.

Episode 227, macOS Sonoma brings all new capabilities and features



Today’s podcast includes new features coming to macOS Sonoma this fall and earlier for those enthusiasts who sign up for the beta versions.  We will talk about these all-new macOS Sonoma features and capabilities for elevating productivity and creativity and wrap up the show with those features for optimizing the gaming experience and some quick improvements underway.

macOS Sonoma makes the Mac experience better than ever — from more ways to personalize with widgets, to big updates to Safari and video conferencing, along with exciting new game titles. More information is at https://apple.com/macos/sonoma-preview
Users can personalize their desktop with widgets, and with Continuity, they can even add widgets from their iPhone right on their Mac.
Video conference calls get more engaging with new features like Presenter Overlay and Reactions, which are powered by the Neural Engine in Apple silicon.

Episode 222, Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference to kick off June 5, 2023, with keynote address; hardware predictions



In this episode we will discuss Apple WWDC23 program being unveiled, showcasing an exciting slate of online events for Apple developers around the globe to experience. We will take you through the agenda we know so far, along with some speculation by some of the tech reporters.