Category Archives: Technology

Episode 174, Apple announces annual Worldwide Developers Conference; Apple introduces broadcasters and production details for “Friday Night Baseball,” beginning April 8



In this episode, we will discuss Apple announcement Wednesday, April 6 of its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, commonly referred to as WWDC. In the second half of the podcast, Apple announced Thursday the lineup of broadcasters and production enhancements for “Friday Night Baseball,” which leads off Friday, April 8, and each Friday throughout the season, only on Apple TV+.

Friday, April 8
New York Mets at Washington Nationals
7 p.m. ET
Houston Astros at Los Angeles Angels
9:30 p.m. ET
Friday, April 15 
Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago White Sox
7 p.m. ET
Cincinnati Reds at Los Angeles Dodgers
10 p.m. ET
Friday, April 22
St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds
6:30 p.m. ET
Texas Rangers at Oakland Athletics
9:30 p.m. ET
Friday, April 29
New York Yankees at Kansas City Royals
8 p.m. ET
Washington Nationals at San Francisco Giants
10 p.m. ET

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference will be held in an online format from June 6-10. The event is free to developers and the public can tune into the Keynote presentation.
Fans can access “Friday Night Baseball” games and additional content, including new exclusive programs such as “Countdown to First Pitch” and “MLB Daily Recap,” beginning today in the Apple TV App.

Episode 172, Apple launches the first driver’s license and state ID in Wallet with Arizona and many more to follow



In this episode, we will discuss Apple announcing Wednesday, March 24 the first driver’s license and state ID in Wallet with Arizona and many more to follow close behind. Those additional states to soon follow include Colorado, Hawaii, Mississippi, Ohio, and the territory of Puerto Rico.  We will cover this announcement and more.  For those listeners who need to know more, go to this Apple website.

Driver’s license and state ID in Wallet gives users an easy and secure way to access and present their ID at select TSA airport security checkpoints from their iPhone or Apple Watch.
Adding a driver’s license or state ID to Wallet can be done in a few simple steps: Residents can tap the + button at the top of the screen in Wallet on their iPhone, select “Driver’s License or State ID,” and follow the on-screen instructions to start the setup and verification process.
Users can seamlessly and securely add their driver’s license or state ID to Wallet by following the on-screen instructions on iPhone.
Once added to Wallet, users can present their driver’s license or state ID to the TSA at participating airport security checkpoints by simply tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch at the identity reader.

Episode 171, Apple introduces the most powerful and versatile iPad Air ever, available now in stores



In this episode, we will dive deep into the new iPad Air which features the breakthrough M1 chip, ultra-fast 5G, a new front camera with Center Stage, for just a start.  We will make a case why it may be a good buy in comparison with Apple’s other models and why it may be time to upgrade to a newer version.

The powerful and versatile new iPad Air comes in a stunning array of colors, and features the Apple-designed M1 chip, a new Ultra Wide front camera, blazing-fast 5G, and more.
The Magic Keyboard provides the best typing experience on iPad Air with its integrated trackpad and floating design.

Episode 169, Apple announces spring event; Activity Challenge for International Women’s Day; and transforming Activity Awards into beautiful magnets



In this episode, we will talk about Apple’s upcoming Spring event; an AppleWatch Activity Challenge for International Women’s Day; and transforming digital Activity Awards, using an independent company, into beautiful magnetic pin mementos.

Apple announced Tuesday their ‘peek performance’ spring event is scheduled for Tuesday March 8 at 10 a.m. PST.
Apple is recognizing women and fitness with the Women’s Day Award above.  To win the International Women’s Day award, Apple Watch users will need to complete a workout of any kind with a length of at least 20 minutes.

Accompanying the award, winners will receive a series of animated stickers that can be used in the Messages and FaceTime apps.

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 167, Apple announces businesses to accept contactless payments through Tap to Pay on iPhone; Apple updates AirTag and unwanted tracking



In this episode, we will discuss Apple announcements this week, United States merchants will be able to accept Apple Pay and other contactless payments simply later this year by using iPhone and a partner-enabled iOS application.  In the second half of the podcast we will talk about Apple discussing AirTags and unwanted tracking. We will talk about these items and much more.

No additional hardware is needed to accept contactless payments through Tap to Pay on iPhone, so businesses can accept payments from wherever they do business.
Tap to Pay on iPhone enables businesses to seamlessly and securely accept Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets through a simple tap to their iPhone.
AirTag is a small and elegantly designed accessory that can be personalized with free engraving, and enables iPhone users to securely locate and keep track of their valuables using the Find My app. Apple announced this week they will be making changes to prevent unwanted tracking.

Episode 165, New AppleWatch band launches; new fitness challenge award; and Apple’s iPhone macro photo contest for ‘Shot on iPhone’ Challenge begins



In this episode, we will discuss this week’s news of Apple launching a special edition Apple Watch Black Unity Braided Solo Loop and matching Unity Lights watch, a new fitness challenge award; and the opportunity to share your best iPhone macro photos for Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” Challenge.

The Black Unity Braided Solo Loop band is created by weaving together 16,000 recycled yarn and silicone threads using advanced precision-braiding machinery, for an ultra-comfortable, custom fit.  The band is priced at $99 US and is available at apple.com.
Throughout February, users will also have the opportunity to participate in the Unity Challenge and earn a limited-edition award, by closing their Move ring seven days in a row.
Apple invites iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max users to capture the little things, in a big way, with a macro photography Shot on iPhone Challenge. The challenge starts today and runs through February 16, 2022. Winners will be announced in April.

Episode 164, AT&T to deliver up to 5-Gigs of internet speed in 70 cities; Apple releases Polishing Cloth cleaning instructions



In this episode, we will discuss today’s announcement by AT&T of upgraded fiber plans which support speeds up to 5 Gigabytes for customers in 70 metropolitan cities across the United States. A listing of the cities is below with multi-gig in blue text.  In the second half of the podcast, we will be following up on the story we did a few episodes ago about the Apple Polishing Cloth.

 

The Apple Polishing Cloth is now becoming widely available after months of backorders.  You can find them at Apple Stores and online. Learn how Apple recommends you clean the cloth when it becomes soiled.

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 162, Apple Fitness+ introduces new ways to motivate people toward their fitness goals starting Monday, January 10



In this episode, we will review Apple Fitness+ expanding its programs by introducing Collections and Time to Run on January 10.  My personal favorite, also occurring Monday, Fitness+ will also introduce the third season of Time to Walk featuring the world’s most interesting and influential people.  Mac Minutes listeners can also learn how to take advantage of a special event with world-renown Apple tutorial expert, Dan Wassink, from Dan’s Tutorials, occurring Jan 12, 7 pm (AKT).

Time to Run will launch with three episodes from London, Brooklyn, and Miami Beach on Monday, Jan 10.
Starting January 10, Fitness+ will introduce the third season of Time to Walk, with new guests including Rebel Wilson, Bernice A. King, Hasan Minhaj, and more.
New workouts will be added to the Artist Spotlight series on January 10, featuring the music of Ed Sheeran, Pharrell Williams, Shakira, and the Beatles.