Category Archives: Computers

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.

Episode 156, SharePlay powers new ways to stay connected and share experiences in FaceTime



In this episode, we will talk about Apple’s announcement Thursday giving SharePlay powers new ways to stay connected and share experiences in FaceTime.  SharePlay is now available with Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple TV+, NBA, Paramount+, SHOWTIME, TikTok, Twitch, and many more apps.  We will discuss the features and practical applications.

With SharePlay, people can now share experiences while connecting with friends on FaceTime, including watching a TV show or movie, listening to music, or completing a workout.
NBA League Pass through the NBA app offers SharePlay support so iPhone and iPad users can watch a recent basketball game or stream the latest game live, and SharePlay will keep the experience in sync for everyone on the FaceTime call.
SharePlay works with Apple Fitness+ so users can work out or meditate together while on a FaceTime call.

Episode 153, Apple celebrates Veteran’s Day with Fitness; Activity Awards creates your achievements into beautiful magnets



In this episode we will discuss Apple celebrating Veteran’s Day in the United States by earning a beautiful Apple Activity Challenge Fitness award on Thursday, November 11.  We will tell you how you can participate in this noteworthy effort. In the second half of the podcast we will talk about the Activity Awards company that offers physical representations of the digital fitness awards that Apple provides when AppleWatch owners meet their goals. Happy Veteran’s Day from the Mac Minutes Podcast!

Apple is planning to offer its next Apple Watch Activity Challenge on Thursday, November 11 in honor of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday. The photo in the far right is the physical Veteran’s Award that is obtainable from https://activityawards.com
This display is my shadow box with my earned Apple Activity Awards.

Episode 152, macOS Monterey operating system launches bringing new features; iOS 15.1 update brings SharePlay and COVID vaccination card to AppleWallet



In this episode, we will discuss the new features of macOS Monterey which was launched on Monday and the recent iOS 15.1 update which brings SharePlay to FaceTime and COVID vaccination cards to AppleWallet.

macOS Monterey includes powerful new ways to connect with others, accomplish more, and work seamlessly across Apple devices.
FaceTime includes new audio and video features that make calls feel more natural and lifelike, and new Continuity tools like AirPlay to Mac enable Apple devices to work even better together. Live Text and Visual Lookup bring new intelligence features to surface useful information, Safari includes powerful tab organization with Tab Groups, and the ease of automation comes to the Mac with Shortcuts.
Learn how to add your COVID vaccination at Apple Support located at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212752

Episode 150, Apple ‘Unleashed’ Keynote Event highlights new powerful 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros equipped M1 Pro and M1 Max Silicon Chips



In this episode we will discuss the highlight of the virtual Unleashed Keynote Event, the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with all new generation of M1 Pro and Max silicon chips, which were announced Monday morning by Apple.

The completely reimagined 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro is powered by the all-new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.
MacBook Pro features a Magic Keyboard with a full-height function row and the industry-best Force Touch trackpad.