Category Archives: Computers

Episode 65, Apple releases redesigned Maps Application with many new features



We will talk about Apple’s delivery of a new redesigned Maps Application and some of its new features such as better road coverage and pedestrian data, more precise addresses, and detailed land coverage. We will also highlight some tips throughout the podcast. (Graphics courtesy of Apple Inc.)

Collections makes it easy to share locations with friends and family.
Navigate to frequent destinations with a quick tap of Favorites.
With Indoor Maps for airports and malls, customers can see what level they’re on, restroom locations and even which stores and restaurants are open.
Apple delivers a new redesigned Maps for all users in the United States.
With Indoor Maps for airports and malls, customers can see what level they’re on, restroom locations and even which stores and restaurants are open.

Episode 64, Hyper launches Hyperdrive Gen 2 USB-C hubs in 6, 12 and 18-port models; Track health trends in the Apple Activity application



In this episode, we will talk about Hyper launches HyperDrive GEN2: Next generation USB-C Hub with 2X speed/power of current USB-C hubs on Kickstarter. We will also show you how to track health trends in the Apple Activity application on your iPhone.(HyperDrive GEN 2 photos courtesy of Sanho Corp.)

The back view of the 6-12, and 18 port Hyper hubs.

 

Hyper front view of the 6, 12 and 18 port models.
Track health trends in the Apple Activity application on your iPhone (Photo courtesy of Apple Inc.)

Episode 63: ‘Juice-jacking’ USB power, Power Cord hacks threaten device security; and Apple updates operating systems



We will talk about security threats to your devices from juice-jacking power supplies, malicious power cords and how to prevent being victimized. Also, on Tuesday, Apple released updates for its operating systems for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, Mac, HomePod, and Apple TV devices.  We will give you an overview of what was impacted. (Photos courtesy of Apple Inc.)

Pictured is a 12-watt Apple USB Power Supply. Many counterfeits exist so buying from Apple or a reputable retailer is recommended.
Pictured is a USB-A to Lightning cable. Buying genuine Apple cables are a sure bet for protecting your devices. Forget the freebies or low-cost alternatives.

Episode 62, Cable Cord Cutting: Using technology to save money; Windy weather app review; and more!



In this episode, I will tell you my personal experience with cutting cable, saving significant money and the technology I used to receive the television channels I enjoy. In a few easy steps I immediately cut my cable bill from $140 to $59 monthly.  Both of the devices below I use and highly recommend.  We will review the Windy weather application and the website Music Butler, which updates you on the latest releases from your favorite artists.

RoKu offers several streaming devices. This is the model that I use at home. Price is now $79, regularly $99, from Roku.

 


Episode 61, Apple’s new iPhone night-mode photography contest; night-mode tips; and Brydge offers new keyboard, with trackpad



Apple announced recently how you can share your best iPhone night-mode photos in Apple’s new photography contest.  Also, we will be giving you some tips on how to do so and we will discuss Brydge offering a new keyboard, with trackpad.  You can view more of Apple’s last years photo contest winners and information about the contest at the following website: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/01/share-your-best-iphone-night-mode-photos/

Shot on iPhone 11 Pro in Night mode by Austin Mann. (Courtesy of Apple Inc.)
The all new Bridge Pro + is available at www.brydge.com. (Courtesy of Bridge)

Episode 60, New devices need an Uninterrupted Power Supply; stopping annoying election and other robo-calls



Happy New Year!  Many of you have received new Apple and tech devices as gifts this holiday season.  Now it’s time to take the next step and protect them using and Uninterrupted Power Supply, commonly referred to as a UPS.  We will also teach you how stop annoying robo-calls this election year.

CyberPower – 650VA Battery Back-Up System, available at Best Buy, $59.99
CyberPower 1500VA / 900Watts Simulated Sine Wave UPS available at Costco, $129.99

Episode 59, Qobuz Music for those who appreciate music quality with a new affordable price



In this episode, I’ll be talking about Qobuz Music Service, which is one of the applications I use when I want the best quality of music and tell you how you can get it from your Apple devices. (Graphic courtesy of Qobuz)


Episode 57, With optimized Battery Charging your iPhone learns your daily charging habits, improving life of your battery; iPhone 11 Pro Smart Battery Case review



In this episode, we are going to discuss the Optimized Battery Charging feature on your iPhone, why its important,  and how it learns from your daily charging habits to improve the lifespan of your battery. Plus, we will review the iPhone 11 Pro Smart Battery Case which recently became available. (Graphics courtesy of Apple Inc.)

Optimized Battery feature on iOS13
iPhone 11 Pro Smart Battery Case


Episode 56, Apple Watch is ideal for gifting wellness; and Apple’s health application now gives US VA patients access to their Health Records



In this episode, I’ll be talking about why you should consider gifting an Apple Watch to yourself or another who you care about their health and wellness.  I will follow up telling you about Apple and the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced that veterans across the U.S. and surrounding territories now have access to the Health Records feature in the Health app on iPhone.   If you are or know a person who uses VA services, please share this info with them. (Graphics courtesy of Apple Inc.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Episode 55, Using Technology to outsmart ‘Porch Pirates’; review of Ring Video 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 Video 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.

Ring Doorbell devices available for monitoring activity (www.ring.com).
Deliveries Application screenshots from an iPhone showing some of its features.