Category Archives: Computers

Episode 190, America Celebrates National Parks with Fitness Activity Award; Projected Apple Sept. 7 Product Event; and Operating System Updates



In this episode, we will discuss the announcement this week about Apple celebrating America’s National Parks, including several activities including a fitiness activity award; a product announcement event predicted for September 7 and urgent updates necessary for our Apple operating systems.

Joshua Tree National Park in California tells the rich history of the Serrano, the Chemehuevi, and the Cahuilla people who, like many Indigenous communities past and present, stewarded the land for centuries. Photo by Eric Kruszewski (@erickruszewski). Shot on iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Apple users can visit a collection of episodes centering Indigenous voices on Apple Podcasts.
Apple Watch users are encouraged to celebrate the beauty of national parks everywhere with a limited edition Activity Challenge award on August 27.

Episode 185, MacBook Air M2 orders start; Apple introduces Lockdown Mode coming to new operating systems



In this episode, we will discuss the start of ordering today of the all-new Mac Book Air with M2 and Apple’s introduction of Lockdown Mode to the upcoming operating systems.

With the new M2 chip, the 13-inch MacBook Pro delivers even more performance and capabilities than before for faster video and photo editing, along with smoother gameplay.
The Lockdown Mode capability further hardens device defenses and strictly limits certain functionalities, sharply reducing the attack surface that could potentially be exploited by highly targeted mercenary spyware.

Episode 183, iPadOS 16 takes the versatility of iPad even further with powerful new productivity and collaboration features



In this episode, we will discuss iPadOS 16 and how it will take the versatility of iPad even further with powerful new productivity and collaboration features.  Features such as an entirely new multitasking experience with Stage Manager and full external display support, new ways to collaborate via Messages, big updates to Mail and Safari, iCloud Shared Photo Library, pro features including Reference Mode and Display Zoom, and more.

iPadOS 16 introduces a new multitasking experience, new ways to collaborate with others, and new features for pro users that take advantage of the power of the M1 chip. 
Families now can share photos seamlessly and relive more complete moments with iCloud Shared Photo Library.
The Weather app comes to iPad, allowing users to access detailed weather information with just a tap.

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 181, Apple unveils all-new MacBook Air, supercharged by the new M2 chip at WWDC22



In this episode, we will start our discussion of the Worldwide Developers Conference 2022.  WWDC22 began with a Keynote Monday introducing the all new MacBook Air which we will start with today. Also, announced was the new M2 chip supercharging the 13-inch MacBook Pro. There were also previews of the exciting updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS and watchOS—all with new features and capabilities which we will cover in a upcoming episode.

MacBook Air features a new, strikingly thin design in four beautiful finishes, larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, 1080p HD camera, MagSafe charging, and more.

 

Measuring just 11.3 mm thin, the new MacBook Air is available in four beautiful finishes — silver, starlight, space gray, and midnight.
The new 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter features two USB-C ports, so users can charge two devices at once.

Episode 170, ‘Peek Performance’ Apple Event launches new hardware, software, accessories and brings baseball to Apple TV+



In this episode, we will highlight today’s peek performance Apple Event which included launch of the Mac Studio and Studio Display; a new 5G version of the iPhone SE with an A15 chip; and an M1 iPad Air with 5G capability; and new colors to the iPhone 13, Software includes new versions of iOS and macOS.  Accessories debuted are new iPhone and and AppleWatch bands. Lastly, Friday Night Major League Baseball will debut on Apple TV+ alongside several shows highlighted during the hour-long presentation. We will do all this in about 10 minutes. (Photos courtesy of Apple Inc.)

Mac Studio with M1 Max and the new M1 Ultra delivers unprecedented performance and extensive connectivity in an incredibly compact design. Studio Display features an expansive 27-inch 5K Retina screen, an advanced camera with Center Stage, and amazing high-fidelity audio.
Mac Studio puts essential connectivity within arm’s reach, with a wide selection of ports on the back, and two USB-C ports and an SD card slot on the front.
Apple announces the new iPhone SE: a powerful smartphone in an iconic design.  The most affordable iPhone features the powerful A15 Bionic, 5G, better battery life, improved durability, and a new camera system with advanced features like Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, and Deep Fusion.
New, sophisticated alpine green iPhone 13 Pro and green iPhone 13 join the lineup, featuring the lightning-fast A15 Bionic, advanced camera systems, great battery life, impressive durability, and 5G.
The new iPad Air features the breakthrough M1 chip, ultra-fast 5G, a new front camera with Center Stage, and more.
New, sophisticated alpine green iPhone 13 Pro and green iPhone 13 join the lineup, featuring the lightning-fast A15 Bionic, advanced camera systems, great battery life, impressive durability, and 5G.


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 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 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 157, Outsmarting the ‘Porch Pirates’ using Ring Doorbell and Deliveries Application



In this episode, we will discuss using technology to outsmart the porch pirates and have a secure shopping season.  We will review Ring Doorbell devices and the Deliveries application available in the Apple App Store.  The combination of using these together will go a long way in ensuring you get your packages this holiday season.

See, hear and speak to visitors from anywhere with the new and improved Video Doorbell. Get real-time notifications on your phone and tablet, customize your motion settings and conveniently stay connected to home, no matter where you are located.
The seven Ring Doorbells from Ring.com which are available ranging in prices from $49.99 to #349.99 (US).
The Deliveries Application icon from the Apple App Store.  The application won an ‘Editor’s Choice’ award and has a 4.8 rating from more than 33,000 users.  The price is $4.99 annually.