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They are giving all new Maccast customers a $20 credit.
More than just hosting. With Linode you have all the options and choices to build a server with the services and features you need
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Pricing is simple with no surprise fees. Your pay just for what you use with hourly billing across all of their plans and add-on services
Their new cloud manager features an improved user interface which makes managing your Linodes and upgrading your plan even easier.
Visit: linode.com/maccast to set up your first Linode and get a $20 credit.
News
Health Features in future AirPods
DigitTimes reports that Apple could be looking to add new ambient light sensors and other technology into future versions of their AirPods likely to enable additional health and other features
Current AirPods already have optical sensors that are used to detect when they’re in your ears.
They think Apple will tap partner ASE Technology to use ASE’s ambient light sensors and SESUB (semiconductor embedded in substrate)-based System-in-package (SiP) technology to enable the new AirPods functionality
They say ASE has used the tech with Ai designs in truly wireless headphones to monitor heart rates, step counts and health conditions
They say the technology has also been used to to conduct intelligent translation and detect head motions
It’s speculated that to enable some of the new functions there might need design changes made to the AirPods or that Apple could simply integrate some of the feature into other headphone products like their Beats line.
The report only give a timeline for 1 to 2 years for the new features.
Here’s an iPhone twist… Smart Connector
Apple leaker “Fudge” on Twitter claimed we’ll have one more year of the Lightning connector and then… Smart Connector
Yup, not USB-C, not no connector but a Smart Connector
That actually kind of makes sense.
Still a way to get a “port-less” iPhone, but retain a “physical” way of connecting the device to accessories and to have a connection for “emergency” connections.
Still the SmartConnector is not a fully sealed port, so Apple might need to tweak it if the goal to to get rid of as many ingress points as possible.
iPhone 11 now the world’s top phone
A new research report from Omdia says that Apple’s iPhone 11 was the world’s most popular smartphone during the first quarter of 2020
Apple is estimated to have shipped as many as 19.5 million iPhone 11 models during the quarter
The iPhone XR was the most popular device in the same quarter a year ago, but dropped to 4th place this year with and estimated 4.7 million units shipped
According to the report the iPhone 11 shipped 6 million more units than the iPhone XR did in the same quarter last year.
iPhone 11 also shipped almost three times the number of units as the phone in the number two spot. The Samsung Galaxy A51 which shipped 6.8 million units
The popularity of Apple’s more affordable options seems to continue to be supported by reports like this.
It’ll be interesting to see how the recently updated iPhone SE does in the second quarter.
macOS update with Battery Health
Apple released macOS 10.15.5 that, along with bug fixes and performance improvements, add battery health features
Like the one added to iOS the system is designed to help prolong the lifespan of your Macs battery
The feature monitors your battery’s temperature history and charging patterns and makes adjustments to reduce wear on the battery, and slowing its chemical aging.
The Energy Saver preference pane now displays battery condition and recommends if the battery needs to be serviced
It also includes an option to disable the battery health management feature.
System Preferences > Energy Saver. Click on the “Battery Health…” button.
It’s best to keeps the electrons flowing when it comes to batteries.
Bounce between 10-15% and 90% charge.
Staying fully charged all the time or leaving the charge fully depleted is harder on your battery
Also environmental conditions and impact battery life. Too hot or too cold is bad too.
Other features in the update
FaceTime Prominence Preference - Stop video tiles do from changing size when a participant speaks
Calibration Fine-Tuning for Pro Display XDR
Bug fix highlights
Fixes an issue that may prevent Reminders from sending notifications for recurring reminders
Addresses an issue that may prevent password entry on the login screen
Fixes an issue where System Preferences would continue to show a notification badge even after installing an update
Resolves an issue where the built-in camera may not be detected when trying to use it after using a video conferencing app
Fixes a stability issue with uploading and downloading media files from iCloud Photo Library while your Mac is asleep
Apple also rolled out a ton of App updates over the long weekend to address the Family Sharing “this app is no longer shared with you.” bug
If you are being impacted you’ll want to open the App Store and get the latest updates for your apps
Apple will reopen 100 US Stores
Apple has over 510 Apple Stores worldwide and all but 52 in greater Chine have been shut down
Apple plans this week to re-open another 100 US stores, although with limited access
Most stores will be offering only curbside or storefront service.
So order online and pick-up at the store and dropping off or picking up equipment for service at the Genius Bar.
Depending on the location some store will be open for walk-in.
Apple advises checking the local store webpage for more information about hours and how they’re operating.
Depending on the state and the guidelines you may be required to wear a mask and they could be doing temperature checks prior to letting you in the store.
Apple TV+ has Fraggles
We know what the first “back catalog” TV show coming to Apple TV+ is. Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock
Last time we discussed the rumor that Apple was looking into purchasing rights to older TV shows for it’s service.
Now it’s confirmed that Apple purchased the rights to full back catalog of Fraggle Rock. 96 episodes.
Currently on Apple TV+ there is also a new short form Fraggle Rock series call “Fraggle Rock On”
Reports say that original Fraggle Rock episodes could see availability on Apple TV+ as early as this week.
Apple is also said to be ordering a season reboot of the show with new full-length episodes on the way as well.
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They sent me some samples of their Purple Grid and it’s pretty neat stuff
If you press on it with your weight distributed across the cells it firm and supportive
But more direct pressure on specific points will give more and conform to that shape
It’s easy to see how this technology would adapt and mold to your body to be both soft and supportive
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Feedback, commentary, opinions
Re-install apps. Save your data
If you just delete an app from your iOS device it takes the app and any local data.
Not as much an issue for Apps that store or sync data to the cloud.
Big deal for apps that only store data locally.
Luckily there is another option to the press and hold, wiggle, delete route.
That’s “offloading"
Open the Settings and tap “General”
Tap on iPhone Storage
Find and tap on the app you want to reinstall
Tap on “Offload App”
This will remove the app, but NOT it’s documents or data
Tap on Re-install app.
You can also use a tool like [iMazing](https://imazing.com) to backup and restore app data.
Play comment from David
Sounds like you just were using the wrong iMazing feature
It has an option to transfer data from and old device to a new one and in that case you do need both devices.
Then when you select the backup choose, Other backups - Restore another device's backup to your device
iMazing actually uses the same process and location for the backups as iTunes
The big difference is iMazing will give you the option to do 'Time Machine' like snapshots of your devices.
Save space and lets you go back in time and restore any specific version of your backup.
iPad Board Games: Solo & Duo
Listener John knows I’m a big fan of tabletop games and had a great question.
Many tabletop games have iPad versions and now that we are “distancing” he wanted to know which ones would be good for family and friends to play remotely together online.
I know many have online multiplayer modes, bit wasn’t sure which ones would be best for “private” groups
I reached out to my friend and fellow podcaster Dan Patriss and we’re going to share recommendation over the next three shows.
This week were going over some games designed for one or two players. The solo / duo set
