Tag Archives: Anchorage

Episode 161, Apple’s Polishing Cloth finally arrives along with an enlightening review



Happy New Year.  In our first episode of  2022, we will review the Apple Polishing Cloth which I finally received.  For most U.S. shoppers, their shipment has been delayed until early January, at the earliest, so this review is timely even with its early launch.   I’ve been using it rigorously to give you my initial review.

Apple’s polishing cloth is priced is sold both in Apple retail stores and on Apple.com. The cloth has been delayed for months and is just coming to many customers in 2022.
Picture of the Apple Polishing Cloth and unboxing photo

Episode 160, Apple ‘Rings in the New Year’ with 2022 AppleWatch Activity Award



Happy holidays and a joyous New Year. In this episode, we will discuss the announcement that you’ll be able to work towards earning the “Ring in the New Year” activity badge beginning on Saturday, January 1, 2022.

 

AppleWatch users can unlock a special 2022 ‘Ring in the New Year” award in the Activity app and unique stickers for iMessage and FaceTime after completing a meeting a specific goal: close all three Activity rings for seven days in the month.

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 158, Apple offers exclusive gifts to music lovers; Fitness+ will feature Prince William on Time to Walk starting Dec. 6



Happy holidays from the Mac Minutes Podcast!  In this episode, we will discuss two special events Apple is offering its users for free this holiday season.  The events are from Apple Music and Fitness +.

It’s the holiday season, and at Apple Music we’re getting into the giving spirit. As we head into the most wonderful time of the year, we’re offering exclusive gifts for Apple Music users — just because we love you.
Fitness+ guides users through engaging workouts led by a diverse and inclusive team of trainers.
The second season of Time to Walk on Apple Fitness+ will close with a special holiday episode featuring Prince William.

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 155, Apple honors and supports American Veterans with their programs and products



In this episode, I will tell you about how Apple honors and celebrates American Veterans.  I will do this from information provided from Apple and with the perspective of having nearly 40 years of service, both civilian and as an active duty service member.  This is how Apple has made a difference to me since their very early beginnings.  This episode is dedicated to honoring and helping fellow Veterans and their family members who use or have access to Apple products.

On Apple Fitness+, a new episode of Time to Walk features Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., chief of staff of the US Air Force and the first African American to lead a branch of the armed forces.
This Veterans Day, special activations across Apple’s products and services honor veterans throughout the US by sharing their stories and legacies.
Apple Watch users across the US can participate in the Veterans Day Challenge on November 11 to earn a limited edition Activity award and animated stickers for messages.

Episode 154, Streaming television to save money and enjoy your favorite entertainment



In this episode, I will tell you my personal experience with cutting cable, saving significant money, streaming TV and the technology I used to receive numerous television channels and shows. Both the devices below are great devices to start your streaming experience.

RoKu offers several streaming devices. This is the model that I use at home. This model offers more features than the less expensive devices and is a excellent way to start streaming.  Price is $99 from Roku.

Apple TV HD brings the best shows, movies, live sports, and access to your favorite Apple services. Enjoy content from services like Apple TV+, Netflix, and Disney+, as well as live channels from YouTube TV and Sling TV.  Every Apple TV comes with complimentary telephone technical support within 90 days of your Apple TV purchase. Price is $149 from Apple Inc. 

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