Category Archives: COVID-19

Episode 187, Apple empowering people with their health information; Apple updates many of its Operating Systems



In this episode, we will discuss Apple’s releasing of a new report sharing the ways Apple products are helping users, developers, and health organizations advance personal health, research, and care.  In the second half of the podcast we will tell you about Apple updating many of its operating systems.

A new report shares the ways Apple products are helping users, developers, and health organizations advance personal health, research, and care. The report can be found at this link: Apple Health Report.

With the release of iOS 16 and watchOS 9 this fall, Apple Watch and iPhone will offer features that focus on 17 areas of health and fitness, including new features like AFib History, Medications, and the ability to track sleep stages on Apple Watch.

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 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

Mac Minutes Podcast, Episode 141, UV Light sterilization explained; Review of the versatile Ampere Cell to clean your tech devices



In this episode we will continue our emphasis on health with a review of the versatile Ampere Cell, which uses UV light to clean your tech devices.  We will also explain how UV light appears to kill the deadly COVID virus and other harmful organisms.

When you’re not sanitizing your smartphone, power it up. Ampere Cell’s charging surface contains two 15W wireless charging coils to fast-charge any Qi-enabled device. More information is at their website ampere.shop

Episode 133, Apple advances personal health by introducing secure sharing and new insights



In this episode, we will discuss the announcement during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2021) that with iOS 15, iPhone and Apple Watch users will now have the ability to share health data with loved ones or a care network, view Trends, and measure their Walking Steadiness.

iOS 15 brings secure sharing and new insights for users within the Health application.
Users can choose to share their health and wellness data with loved ones or caregivers for more meaningful conversations and support, even from afar.
Users have granular control over which health data types they choose to share and with whom.

 


Episode 121, Apple announces Worldwide Developer’s Conference; and a review of KeySmart’s CleanLight, portable ionic UV air purifier



In this episode, we discuss Apple’s announcement this week of the Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) and a product review of the CleanLight, a portable ionic UV air purifier manufactured by KeySmart. More information about the Mac Minutes Podcast can be found at the podcast’s website. (Graphics courtesy of Apple Inc. and KeySmart)

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off online beginning June 7, 2021
The CleanLight Air Pro is a portable ionic UV air purifier.

Episode 119, Apple Maps now displays COVID-19 vaccination locations; testing; and using location tracking



In this episode, we will discuss Apple’s recent announcement on new COVID features in the maps application.  You can now ask the Siri or search within Apple Maps to find nearby COVID-19 vaccine providers throughout the US, with operating hours and links to important information. We will cover how these tips work and talk about other features for finding COVID testing and using location tracking. Click on COVID mobility data and trends for the past year.  More information is at the Mac Minutes Podcast website.(Graphics courtesy of Apple Inc.)

Apple Maps users can now quickly find the closest pharmacies and healthcare providers offering COVID-19 vaccines.
Information including address, operating hours, contact information, and more can be found on the provider’s placecard in Apple Maps.

Episode 118, AirPop launches first smart air wearable, Active + with Halo Sensor; and Apple updates operating systems



In this episode, we discuss the launch of the AirPop Active + Smart Mask with Halo Sensor which tracks a combination of air quality data and information about your breathing rate, helping users take control of their respiratory health.  We will finish the podcast talking about the sweeping updates this week to Apple’s operating systems  More information for the mask are at AirPop and the Mac Minutes Podcast websites. (Graphics courtesy of AirPopHealth)

Halo’s discreet sensor array automatically detects when you start breathing and then syncs your breathing data with the app. An inhale/exhale LED ring indicates breath rate while its intelligent capture supports real-time or background passive modes. The personal dashboard shows real-time protection levels and tracks breathing by activity and location. The device works with Apple HealthKit, so you can track your breathing in iOS.
With its patented 360 degrees sealing, medical-grade soft touch membrane, and super light construction the Active mask filters adaptively seal to the contours of your face. The design maintains its shape and fit when snapped into the Airknit pre-formed shell. Paired with adjustable earloops to create the ideal fit for every face.

Episode 114, AppleWatch ECG studies prove to be able to early detect COVID-19; hands-on Maskfone protective mask review



In this episode we will reexamine the AppleWatch ECG functions and the discuss the results from a recent study at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York that associated with wearable devices to identify and detect if a wearer has COVID-19 days before they are diagnosed or symptoms appear. We will also do a hands-on product review of the MaskFone, a combination of N95 mask and integrated earbuds that will change how you look at wearing a mask. The School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Study is available at https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.06.20226803v1.full.pdf. (Graphics courtesy of MASKFONE and Apple Inc.)

A-fib means the heart is beating in an irregular pattern and is the most common form of serious arrhythmia.
MASKFONE is the optimal face mask. It provides maximum protection against airborne health risks, while affording a more convenient and serviceable way of taking phone calls and listening to music. More info is at https://global.maskfone.com

Episode 104, COVID-19 location tracing using your Apple iPhone



In this episode we will teach you how to COVID-19 location trace using your iPhone. Additionally, I’ll talk to a friend who has used this technique and we will hear her story.