Tag Archives: Apple Watch

Episode 190, America Celebrates National Parks with Fitness Activity Award; Projected Apple Sept. 7 Product Event; and Operating System Updates



In this episode, we will discuss the announcement this week about Apple celebrating America’s National Parks, including several activities including a fitiness activity award; a product announcement event predicted for September 7 and urgent updates necessary for our Apple operating systems.

Joshua Tree National Park in California tells the rich history of the Serrano, the Chemehuevi, and the Cahuilla people who, like many Indigenous communities past and present, stewarded the land for centuries. Photo by Eric Kruszewski (@erickruszewski). Shot on iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Apple users can visit a collection of episodes centering Indigenous voices on Apple Podcasts.
Apple Watch users are encouraged to celebrate the beauty of national parks everywhere with a limited edition Activity Challenge award on August 27.

Episode 182, Apple unveils watchOS 9 for AppleWatch delivering new ways to stay connected, active, and healthy



In this episode, we will continue our discussion of the events from the Worldwide Developer Conference 2022 (WWDC22) focusing on the features unveiled in watch OS9, the operating system for the AppleWatch. Specifically, we will discuss an enhanced Workout app, swimming enhancements, sleep stages, a first-of-its-kind AFib History feature, and an all-new Medications app.  All this and and much more is available from Apple here.

Introducing more customizable watch faces, an enhanced Workout app, sleep stages, a first-of-its-kind AFib History feature, and an all-new Medications app.
The new Medications experience on Apple Watch and iPhone helps users manage and track their medications, vitamins, and supplements. Custom schedules can be created for each medication, and users can set up reminders to help keep them on track.
For users diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, AFib History estimates the time a user’s heart is in AFib and provides useful insights on lifestyle factors that may influence their condition.
watchOS 9 adds even more insights to the Sleep app with sleep stages. Using signals from the accelerometer and heart rate sensor, Apple Watch can detect when users are in REM, Core, or Deep sleep.

Episode 176, Apple announces 2022 International Dance Day Activity Award, Friday, April 29; Apple Fitness+ gives users ‘Permission to Dance’ with new Artist Spotlight series, curated Dance workouts, and more



In this episode, we will discuss Apple’s celebration of the 2022 International Dance Day coming up this Friday, April 29. In the second half of the podcast we will discuss Apple Fitness+ gives users “Permission to Dance” with new Artist Spotlight series, curated Dance workouts, and more.

To get the International Dance Day award, Apple will ask Apple Watch users to do a dance workout of 20 minutes or more on Friday, April 29.
This spring, Apple Fitness+, the first fitness and wellness service built entirely around Apple Watch and designed to be welcoming to all, is celebrating music and dance with a new lineup of world-renowned Artist Spotlight musicians and curated Dance content in the lead-up to International Dance Day on April 29.

Apple Watch users who successfully complete a dance workout on the appropriate day will unlock a badge in the Fitness app along with animated stickers that can be used in the Messages and FaceTime apps.

Episode 175, Apple celebrates Earth Day 2022 on Friday, April 22 with Fitness Activity Award and more



In this episode, we will discuss Apple’s celebration of Earth Day coming up this Friday, April 22.  For more info, see Apple’s environmental website.

Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Lisa Jackson Vice President, Environment, Policy & Social Initiatives, said, “Developing solutions to global challenges is never an easy journey, and it isn’t one that can be undertaken alone. In a year like no other, Apple has continued to work with a global network of colleagues, companies, and advocates to further our efforts to make our environmental work a force for good in people’s lives—and give the communities most impacted by climate change a seat.”
This challenge requires users to complete a workout of any category for at least 30 minutes. You’ll then unlock stickers that can be used in the Messages app, FaceTime, and more.
Through April 22, 2022, Apple will donate $1 for every purchase made using Apple Pay on apple.com, through the Apple Store app, or at an Apple Store. Donations are limited to a maximum of one million dollars The donation goes to World Wildlife Fund.

 


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 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.

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 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 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 148, Apple Watch Series 7 preview; preorder Friday with availability starting Friday, Oct. 15



In this episode we will preview the Apple Watch Series 7 features a larger and more advanced display, enhanced durability, faster charging, new aluminum case colors, and watchOS 8.  Apple announced this week Apple Watch Series 7, featuring the largest and most advanced Apple Watch display ever — and a reengineered Always-On Retina display with significantly more screen area and thinner borders — will be available to order beginning Friday, October 8, at 5 am PDT, and arriving, along with availability in stores starting Friday, October 15.

Apple Watch Series 7 features a larger and more advanced display, enhanced durability, faster charging, new aluminum case colors, and watchOS 8. Apple Watch Series 7, featuring a larger, more advanced display, is available for order starting Friday, October 8.
Apple Watch Series 7 is available in five brand new aluminum case colors, including midnight, starlight, green, and a new blue and Product Red.