Tag Archives: MacMinutes

Episode 212, Users can enable high and low heart rate notifications from Apple Watch



In this episode, we will discuss Apple announcements about heart health.  February is American Heart Month.  Many of us including myself are impacted or know someone who is affected by heart disease.   There is ongoing research and will talk about how your Apple devices can make a difference in the health of you and your loved ones. With heart health features — including high and low heart notifications, Cardio Fitness, irregular rhythm notifications, the ECG app, and AFib History — Apple gives users an ever-developing view of their health with actionable insights.

AppleWatch’s advanced technology provides insights to help users better understand their health and also has the potential to open the door to discovery for the research and medical communities.
Users can enable high and low heart rate notifications from Apple Watch.

Episode 211, Apple issues critical update correcting the triggering of erroneous emergency messages and dispatches; how to enable and disable crash detection



In this episode, we will discuss Apple issuing a critical updatie to 16.3.1 to correct a critical feature which has triggered erroneous emergency messages causing false dispatches.  This is an important to recreational enthusiasts who participate in activities where a fall may occur,  This patch is intended to correct the issue, however, we will tell you how to manually enable and disable crash detection .

Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, tubing or sledding, any recreational sport where a fall is possible, this Apple update is a necessary and needs to be made as quickly as possible.
We will also tell you how to turn on and off crash detection is desired.

Episode 210, New Apple Watch band, watch face launch; fitness activity award starts; and new program content celebrates Black History Month



In this episode, Apple released a new special-edition Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, alongside a new matching watch face and iPhone wallpaper celebrating Black History Month this February. This news and much more Apple program content is new and we will cover it all.

The Unity Mosaic watch face incorporates geometric shapes in green, black, red, and yellow, and the yellow accent can be personalized with other colors.
The Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, watch face, and iPhone wallpaper are inspired by the creative process of mosaic.
Throughout February, Apple Watch users can participate in the Unity Challenge and earn a limited-edition award by closing their Move ring seven days in a row.
Users can enjoy a new episode of Time to Walk featuring “the godmother of soul,” Patti LaBelle, beginning today, Jan 30.

 


Episode 209, It’s back… Apple’s new generation of HomePod with breakthrough sound and intelligence



In this episode, we will discuss the second generation of the Homepod which was thought by all to be vintage never to be seen again.  The first generation delivered incredible audio quality.  This new generation is designed to bring enhanced Siri capabilities, and a safe and secure smart home experience.

HomePod features a gorgeous design with seamless, acoustically transparent mesh fabric and a backlit touch surface.
HomePod is packed with Apple innovations, Siri intelligence, and smart home capabilities, while delivering a listening experience.

Episode 207, Learn to Return: Apple Watch Compass to find your way and using the Backtrack feature to get back



In this episode, we know many people got new Apple Watches over the holidays and we will delve deeper into one of the new Compass Application features which will work in the city or in remote areas.  In Alaska and other remote areas, this feature can be a lifesaver.  In the city, it can be a convenience, so you don’t waste valuable time or having to call for a ride.

Your bearing is shown at the center of the watch face. Rotate the Digital Crown to see your incline, elevation, and coordinates in the inner ring of the compass. Continue scrolling to show the location of waypoints you created.

To add or edit a bearing, select the menu icon List icon then scroll to and select Bearing. Adjust the Bearing by rotating the Digital Crown, then select Done.

You can use the Compass app to track your route and then help you retrace your steps in case you get lost. To use, from the Compass screen, select the Backtrack icon. Select Start to begin recording your route.
The location where you first selected the Backtrack icon appears on the compass. Follow the path back to return to where you first turned on Backtrack.
When you’re finished, select the Backtrack icon again then select Delete Steps.

Episode 206, Apple Fitness+ unveils new offerings; Apple Fitness Activity Award challenge continues



In this episode, we will discuss Apple’s recent announcement that Fitness+ has multiple new offerings for the 2023 along with the opportunity to be working towards earning the “Ring in the New Year” activity badge.

Fitness+ introduces two new Collections this month: 6 Weeks to Restart Your Fitness and Level Up Your Core Training.
Jenn Lau joins the Fitness+ team to lead Strength workouts, and Brian Cochrane joins to lead HIIT. 
Award-winning actor, producer, and activist Jamie Lee Curtis kicks off the fifth season of Time to Walk.
A brand-new Meditation theme, Sleep, joins the Meditation library, and Fitness+ will also add a new program, Introduction to Meditations for Sleep, to help users get started.

Episode 205, Apple ‘Rings in the New Year’ with new fitness award; Apple announces 2023 Major League Soccer Apple TV schedule



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 Sunday, January 1, 2023 and we will follow up on our earlier podcast with Apple announcing the Major League Soccer, or commonly referred to as MLS, Apple TV schedule (https://mlssoccer.com/schedule).  We have got a lot to cover in this New Year’s edition.

Apple Watch users will once again in 2023 be able to complete an Activity Challenge for New Year’s. Those who close all three of their stand/roll, exercise, and move rings for seven days in a row at any point in January will earn a special award in the Fitness app and custom animated stickers that can be used in the Messages and FaceTime apps.
Fans can visit https://apple.co/MySportsMLS on iPhone or iPad to be directed right to the Apple TV app and follow their favorite Major League Soccer clubs, and get alerts before upcoming games.

Episode 204, Use It, or Lose It—Save Your New Devices with an Uninterrupted Power Supply



In this podcast, we will look at how Uninterrupted Power Supplies, commonly referred to as a UPS, to protect your new Apple devices and valued accessories you may receive over this holiday season.  We will teach you how differentiate between the different features and capabilities when shopping for one.

APC UPS Battery Backup Surge Protector, 425VA Backup Battery Power Supply, BE425M, is just one of many UPS which offer low-cost protection to your prized electronic devices.

 


Episode 202, Apple and Major League Soccer announce MLS Season Pass launching in early 2023



In this podcast Apple and Major League Soccer announced MLS Season Pass will launch February 1, 2023 an unprecedented subscription service to fans in over 100 countries and regions that features every live MLS regular-season match, the entire playoffs, and the Leagues Cup, all with no blackouts.  We will tell you about and how to get the games, prices and all the details.  Happy holidays from the Mac Minutes Podcast.

MLS Soccer will be available to sign up starting Feb 1. To keep up-to-date with the latest information and sign up for updates about MLS Season Pass, go to https://apple.com/apple-tv-app

Episode 201, Winter ‘Slopes’ App offers new features for Apple Watch and Ultra winter ski and snowboarding enthusiasts



In this podcast we will review the winter skiing and snowboarding application ‘Slopes’ and all its new features for Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra owners this season.  We will additionally tell you about a new Action Button feature that has been added to the Apple Watch Ultra for the Slopes application.  Happy Holidays!