Tag Archives: MacMinutes

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 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

Episode 151, Apple launches third-generation AirPods in stores Tuesday, October 26th



In this MacMinutes Podcast episode, we will discuss the upcoming launch Tuesday of the third-generation AirPods which were announced at the Apple Keynote Event earlier this week. These new AirPods are available now for pre-order at Apple.com and will be available at Apple Stores beginning Tuesday, October 26th.

Apple announced the AirPods, 3rd Generation at their keynote presentation on Monday, Oct. 18th. They are available now for preorder with Tuesday, Oct. 26 in stores. The new AirPods feature all-new with spacial audio, adaptive equalization the tunes music to your ears; longer battery life and our water resistant.

Episode 150, Apple ‘Unleashed’ Keynote Event highlights new powerful 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros equipped M1 Pro and M1 Max Silicon Chips



In this episode we will discuss the highlight of the virtual Unleashed Keynote Event, the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with all new generation of M1 Pro and Max silicon chips, which were announced Monday morning by Apple.

The completely reimagined 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro is powered by the all-new M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.
MacBook Pro features a Magic Keyboard with a full-height function row and the industry-best Force Touch trackpad.