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Opening
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Sponsor: Nebia
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Nebia
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The Nebia by Moen Quattro Shower head from Nebia
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One of the most relaxing times of day for me is when I’m in the shower. It’s a perfect time to contemplate and relax and having a great shower head like the Quattro makes it even better.
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Backed by some of the biggest names in Silicon Valley, including TimCook. The Quattro is the world’s best high-pressure water-saving shower
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It’s designed by former Tesla, NASA, and Apple engineers who spent years researching and developing a superior shower experience.
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Nebia offers four spray modes.
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My favorite mode is called “Angel Hair” and it offers 150 streams of water. It gives me a great “high pressure” feeling while still saving water. In California that’s key for saving on my water bill.
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The ”Soft Spray” is also great as it offers that spa like experience.
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And the Quattro looks great too. We went with the Rainshower version in a soft nickel finish
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But it comes in 5 beautiful finishes, so you can get the one that fits your style and design. And while I went with the Rainshower versions it’s also available in a Handshower design.
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The design and quality is amazing and I love how well engineered it is. The control slider is large and easy to adjust with each mode locking into place with a satisfying “click”
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It’s also incredibly easy to install.
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I had it done in just a couple of minutes from taking it out of the box.
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Quattro allows you to save water without compromising on experience. Each mode saves 40-
50% of water compared to a traditional shower.
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Nebia also offers awesome sustainable bathroom accessories.
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My family is in love with their new Quick-Dry Earth Mat. No more wet towels or rugs. This mat immediately dries, it’s magic and really cool to watch.
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They also offer shower shelves, shower curtains, hooks, bath mats, and more so you can easily upgrade your bathroom.
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Nebia by Moen Quattro starts at just $119 exclusively on nebia.com. Right now they’re having their biggest sale of the year with up to 30% off Nebia products + free shipping in the U.S! Go to Nebia.com/MacCast to take advantage of this offer and act fast before the sale ends!
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Again, go to Nebia.com/MacCast, that’s N E B I A dot COM slash MacCast to save up to 30% off Nebia products in their biggest sale of the year! 
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News
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Apple still exploring AirPower
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Ah, Apple’s ill fated AirPower seems to be the vaporware product that the community, or at least analysts, and maybe Apple just won’t let rest
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At least according to a new note from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman
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You might remember during the 2017 keynote announcing the iPhone X Apple also pre-announced the AirPower charging mat that would charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at once without needing specific placements on the pad.
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Alas, it was a product that reportedly had huge development issues and troubles. Mostly to due with the limits of physics. Induction charging creates heat and ultimately no amount of Apple engineering could solve for science and Apple scrapped the product, but apparently not the idea
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Gurman says Apple still wants the product but they are looking at other technologies, like true wireless charging technology.
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Apple is apparently continuing to explore the ideas of induction charging, reverse charging, and wireless charging and could eventually turn these into new products or a set of features added to existing products.
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A possible motivation for Apple is the hope to one day drop all ports from the iPhone.
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One idea Gurnman claims Apple is exploring is the idea of an iPad that charges and iPhone and the iPhone charging your AirPods all over the air (I assume by being in close proximity to each other).
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One path might be Apple starting with working reverse wireless charging into a product like the iPad, something we’ve heard before, and then evolving that into a true wireless system.
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Reports of 16-inch MacBook Pro charging issues
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From MacRumors… there is a [Reddit Thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/r455s3/2021_macbook_does_not_charge_when_its_completely) that has some owners of new M1 16-inch macBook Pros saying their units are failing to charge via MagSafe if the power is connected when their systems are shut down and the lid is closed.
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It seems like a very isolated and odd issue and neither MacRumors nor iMore were able to confirm the reports, but there are still enough people reporting the issue on the thread that it seems like there’s at least some owners impacted by the bug.
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For affected users when they MagSafe is connected after the machine has been shutdown the ‌MagSafe‌ light flashes amber and fails to deliver power to the Mac battery
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Connecting it in any other scenario, like the machine being asleep, or with the lid open everything seems to work fine.
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Apple Support has reportedly responded to several of the posters and noted that their engineers are aware of the problem and looking into it.
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For now they say impacted customers should keep their macOS updated and use one of the following workarounds:
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Charge the computer while in sleep mode
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Charge the computer with the lid open
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Attach the MagSafe cable first, before shutting down the computer.
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iPhone delays give customers pause
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It now appears that delays in iPhone 13 shipments due to component shortages might be making potential Apple users decide it worth waiting longer to get their iPhone upgrade and just stick with the phone they have now until the “next” iPhone release.
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At least that’s what reports from Bloomberg claim.
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They say that Apple is prepping suppliers that iPhone 13 demand is already weakening and component orders going into next year may be scaled back.
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It was previously reported, also by Bloomberg, that iPhone 13 production had been cut back by about 10 million units. Now it seems that may be cut even more.
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In a lot of ways it makes sense. A big driver of new iPhone sales is the hype and excitement created by the launch of new phones. If you’re already waiting until into 2022 to get a 2021 model you might just decide that you can go longer with your existing device.
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Add to that that the iPhone 13 models weren’t all that updated from the iPhone 12s, same designs with slightly better processors and slightly bumped camera specs, I can understand just waiting to see what Apple does with the iPhone 14s.
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Still Apple seems to have some good sales news for iPads in Europe
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A new report from Canalys showed that while overall tablet sales were in a fall in the 3rd quarter Apple was able to buck the trend and saw growth
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Overall they say tablet sales in Western Europe dropped 20 percent from the same quarter in 2020
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Samsung was the biggest loser with an estimated drop in tablet sales of 53 percent. ouch.
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The other top four vendors also saw double digit losses while Apple’s iPad was able to grow shipments by 33 percent.
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Apple also saw a nice bump with Mac sales as well increased mac shipments by 27% year over year and gaining 1 percent in market share moving from 11 to 12 percent.
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Apple’s 2022 lineup shaping up
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Continuing with the Bloomberg Mark Gurman show…
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He laid out in his latest newsletter what he links Apple has in store for us in 2022.
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While I don’t think there are many big surprises there still some stuff of note
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Let’s start with one there has been a lot of buzz about, Apple’s first “headset” product.
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It’s expected to be a mixed augmented and virtual reality headset.
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The early focus, according to the analyst, should be three key areas: gaming, media consumption, and communication
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He expects it to have multiple processors, a fan, extremely high-resolution displays and its own App Stores which should appeal nicely to game developers
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For media he thinks Apple will work with media partners to develop VR content for the device (wonder if some of this will leverage Apple TV+?)
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Here he sees Animojis and a VR FaceTime-like experiences with Apple trying to develop better experiences now that Zoom and connecting remotely have become a thing.
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Seems like a lot for an early product that is expected to roll in with a $3000 USD price tag. Still it make sense for Apple.
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Right now the thinking is Apple will start ramping up production in the second quarter of 2022 with a fourth quarter launch.
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For iPad updates, a new iPad Pro design with wireless charging, plus updates to the iPad Air and entry-level iPad.
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iPad Air: A15 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, and Center Stage
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Entry level iPad: at least a spec update as usual
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We’re still expecting a higher end, larger display, Apple Silicon iMac
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The Apple Silicon Mac Pro
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This should bring dual M1 Max and quad M1 Max processor designs
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The next generation of Apple’s M1 Apple Silicon products, the Mac mini, MacBook Air, and the 13-inch MacBook Pro
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Apple will have a second gen M2 chip which will have the same CPU cores as the M1 and up to 10 GPU cores but with improved performance
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While it doesn’t say I would also expect the 13-inch MacBook pro may lose the TouchBar, get magSafe, and probably at least the SD card slot, if not also the HDMI port of this years update MacBook Pro models.
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Updated AirPods Pro
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An iPhone SE with 5G
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Apple Watch updates with a new Apple Watch SE design, updates for Apple Watch, and the “Sporty” ruggedized versions we’ve been hearing rumored about for over a year now.
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Sponsor: Overland
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Overland
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Something I’ve been trying to do for myself recently is to make sure I’m taking the time to slow things down and make sure I enjoy even the small comforts in life.
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Like sitting with my wife at the end of the week and enjoying the latest episode of Ted Lasso or listening to the sound of the rain that we get so rarely here.
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Another comfort is getting to the end of a busy day and slipping on a pair of Overland sheepskin slippers.
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I have their Men's Ethan Classics and I love them.
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I have never really been a “slippers” person, but after having these I think it’s because I didn’t ever have the right slippers
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Overland is a family-owned American heritage brand that’s put comfort and quality first for nearly 50 years.
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They offer outerwear, accessories, and home décor made from sustainable natural fibers like sheepskin, leather, and wool.
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Overland uses expert craftsmanship to pair the highest-quality Merino sheepskin—which is naturally moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and anti-microbial—with supportive memory foam midsoles, in order to make slippers that feel better and wear better, for longer.
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Something that really sets Overland apart is that they’re one of the only brands in the world that use true double-faced sheepskin, so the suede you see outside is the same piece as the fluffy sheepskin you feel inside.
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It’s lighter, more breathable, and means there are no synthetic materials touching your feet.
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Plus, you know you’re getting top quality material because it has to look and feel great all over to meet their standards.
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If you want a pair of well-made, comfier-than-you-could-imagine slippers —these are the ones to get.
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With being at home a lot more now and having ones with a rubber sole they are my go to footwear for around the house
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With holidays upon us a pair of Overland slippers would also make an amazing gift for friend or loved one.
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Overland offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and their commitment to customer service is exceptional.
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So don’t wait another day to slip into something way more comfortable.
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Get the best, highest-quality sheepskin slippers on the market at OVERLAND dot com slash MACCAST.
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You’ll get free shipping and free returns—and I recommend you go today because these slippers are so beloved that they’ve been known to sell out!
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That’s OVERLAND dot com slash MACCAST. OVERLAND dot com slash MACCAST
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Sponsor: Uncommon Goods
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Uncommon Goods
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If you’re anything like me, you want to win that “Best-Gift-Giver-Ever" title this holiday season. We’ve got a secret source for that—it’s Uncommon Goods
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Uncommon Goods has incredible gifts for all the people you care about. Moms, dads, teens, in-laws, best friends, or someone special
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I found their site also makes it incredibly easy to shop for someone specific, like my mom.
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It’s tough every year for me to figure out the perfect gift for her, but Uncommon Goods made it easy for me to browse unique gifts for Mom’s and since she’s into gardening I found great items like their Gardener's Tool Seat and Unwind Lavender Gift Set.
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The items on Uncommon Goods are things you’re not going to find just anywhere—they have unique and creative gifts – often handmade by independent artists and makers.
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Uncommon Goods looks for products that are high quality, unique, and often handmade or made in the US. They have the most meaningful, out-of-the-ordinary gifts anywhere.
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In our lives we’re also looking to downsize and make things simpler with stuff.
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Uncommon Goods can also help with that because they offers Uncommon Experiences.
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Choose from live online classes in mixology, cooking, flower arranging, embroidery and more from handpicked artists and experts.
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And with every purchase you make at Uncommon Goods, they give back $1 to a non-profit partner of your choice.
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To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMON GOODS dot com slash MACCAST.
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That’s UNCOMMON GOODS dot com slash MACCAST, for 15% off! Don’t miss out on this limited time offer!
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Uncommon Goods. We’re all out of the ordinary.
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Feedback, commentary, opinions
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Thoughts on Apple Glasses
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I mentioned last episode that some analysts think the iPhone could be replaced in the next 10 years or so by Apple’s headset
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Mike says:
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“I can't imagine that the iPhone will be going away in 10 years or even in 20 years. There is no way that glasses or especially contact lenses could replace the full functionality of an iPhone. The cameras for example could not be duplicated with glasses. Could you imagine the triple camera system on a pair of glasses? Plus, a lot of people would like the idea of pulling a device out of their pocket because it would just have more functionality. I think people will use both the AR device and an iPhone. I don't think it's either or. Just like people use both an iPhone and an iPad. The use cases are just different.”
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I can possibly see that, but I think the concept would be larger than just glasses. We’re probably talking more about a collection of “wearables”? Your glasses, integrated with mics and headphones (a la AirPods Pro) and sensors like the Apple Watch, etc.
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I know the concept feels odd now, but so did the idea that we’d all be walking around everyday with out attention focused on a 5-inch slab of glass super computer. Or wearing a always on health monitoring system.
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There will obviously be a lot of social and privacy implications and conversations to have. Etiquette will also have to be something that we grapple with
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I don’t pretend to know what a world looks like or becomes with everyone walking around all day with a visual information layer over their eyes, but it’s probably not far off from the heads down screen viewing society we have today. Maybe better because at least heads will be up?
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Still there are aspects that start to feel very Matrix or Ready Player one with a mix of Orwellian, but we also feel close to those things now too (if not already there?)
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How will we balance our virtual and IRL lives and not lose ourselves?
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For someone who grew up on 80s sci-fi I find it all fascinating and exciting while terrifying at the same time
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Great recovery story. Backup reminder
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Stuff happens and having a backup can take so much of the stress out when things go sideways
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Play comment from Eric
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Backup in the M-Series age
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Backup and recovery has changed with T2 security chips, Big Sur, and Apple silicon
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Specifically dealing with a bootable backup.
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Play question from John
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The issue is there are all kinds of recent changes and exceptions based on what Mac you have and what OS you’re running.
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Frankly I’ve about given up the idea of having “bootable” backup. Apple has really made it more trouble than it’s worth.
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It’s doesn’t mean giving up on backup, just that recovery will take longer since you can’t just boot from your backup and keep working until you have time to deal with a full recovery.
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If you do want to keep trying to see if you can get a bootable backup working here are some of the challenges:
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Starting with BigSur your OS resides on it’s own cryptographically sealed “Signed System Volume” and that can only be copied by Apple’s -proprietary utility, "Apple Software Restore" (ASR)
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Carbon Copy Clone can use this, but they have no way to verify the copy and ASR can fails with no explanation. (might be why your clone didn’t work?)
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CCC offers a good [bootable clone troubleshooting guide](https://bombich.com/kb/ccc6/help-my-clone-wont-boot) on their website
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An Apple Silicon Mac’s won't boot if the internal storage has failed
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Regardless of where the boot device is physically located, the boot process is always facilitated by a volume on the internal storage. There is a lightweight operating system on that volume ("iBoot") that evaluates the integrity of the boot assets and authenticates the OS on the external device, then proceeds with the boot process from that external device.
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If you have a non-Apple Silicon Mac with a T2 (not T1) security chip, you need to enable External Boot from Apple’s Startup Security Utility
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Restart your Mac while holding down Command(⌘) and the "R" keys.
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Choose Startup Security Utility from the Utilities menu in the menu bar (see this screenshot for clarification)
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Click the Enter macOS Password button, then choose an administrator account and enter its password.
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Change the External Boot (or "Allowed Boot Media") setting to Allow booting from external media
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Important: Do NOT change the Secure Boot setting. It should remain "Full Security" because that’s compatible with booting a T2 from its own backup. (You would need top change this to allow your Mac to boot from a different Macs backup)
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Restart
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On M1 Macs several of the old boot commands / process have changed.
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Recovery Mode
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Shutdown the Mac
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Press and hold the power button and wait until the display shows Loading Startup Options, then release
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Click the Options (gear icon) and click Continue.
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You should then see the macOS Recovery screen allowing you to choose a user. Select and login and then you should see the recovery options (also Disk Utility and Safari)
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Startup Manager
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This might be obvious already, but…
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Shutdown the Mac
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Press and hold the power button and wait until the display shows Loading Startup Options, then release
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Your should then see any internal or external drives and you can select the one to boot from
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If you hold option and click a volume here you can click the “Always use…” to make that volume the “default” system volume.
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If your Mac is already in Recovery Mode, the boot volume can be selected under the Apple (  ) menu with Startup Disk.
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Safe Mode
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On your Mac, choose Apple menu () > Shut Down.
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After your Mac shuts down, wait 10 seconds.
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Press and hold the power button until the startup disks and Options appear.
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Press and hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.
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Diagnostics Mode
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Shut down your Mac
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On startup, press and hold the power button until the display shows Loading Startup Options
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When the Startup Options screen fully loads, you’ll see a gear icon and icons for your internal and external drives.
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Press and hold Command ( ⌘ ) – D until the Mac restarts and the Diagnostics Loader menu appears in the menu bar.
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Verbose Mode
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This needs to be done now by using the Terminal and entering a command to change the nvram settings.
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Really not recommended unless you really know what your doing.
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You can get to these boot logs in a safer way by reboot the Mac in Recovery mode
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From the Recovery mode screen appears, select Recovery Log from the Window menu
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The log records the boot process, and can be set to show all logs, errors only, or errors and progress.
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My personal backup recommendations
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If you use nothing else… use at least Time Machine
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I would also have a Cloud backup, in case of physical disaster or theft.
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No, iCloud doesn’t count as “backup”
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Have at least one Mac that backups all your Photos and purchased media (downloaded from Books, Music, and TV (iTunes))
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From Apple’s [Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/iTunes/)
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“It is your responsibility not to lose, destroy, or damage Content once downloaded. We encourage you to back up your Content regularly.”
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“Purchased Content will generally remain available for you to download, re-download, or otherwise access from Apple. Though it is unlikely, subsequent to your purchase, Content may be removed from the Services (for instance, because the provider removed it) and become unavailable for further download or access from Apple. To ensure your ability to continue enjoying Content, we encourage you to download all purchased Content to a device in your possession and to back it up.”
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Closing
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Supporters
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