Monthly Mini-Bytes - May 2021

 

Amazon Sidewalk and Privacy As we put more and more things on our home networks they become more vulnerable to compromise. From cameras, to smart speakers, thermostats, microwaves, to electric cars, the number of devices seems to be increasing every year, and they all need internet access. That means your home network has a myriad of devices, all of which have different privacy settings, and different organizations managing their security. And most are controlled by apps that communicate with a resource outside of your home network to talk with a device that is on your home network. Yes, it's a complicated mess, and what makes it worse are companies that share your network credentials with others. It is happening. Enter Amazon Sidewalk: This feature set to go live on June 8th covers all Amazon connected devices, which include Ring Doorbells & Cameras, Echo Smart Speakers, and others. It effectively allows other devices access to your network. Yes, you read that correctly. Sidewalk "shares" your network credentials so that other devices may use your internet connection. And yes, Amazon speaks at length about encryption, and blah blah blah, but at the end of the day they are sharing your internet connection with devices that aren't yours that you haven't authorized to be either on your network or using your internet connection and bandwidth. What's worse is that this feature is enabled by default, meaning that you need to turn it off if you want to opt out. Here are links on how to disable this feature: Ring: https://support.ring.com/hc/en-us/articles/360032524592-Opting-In-and-Out-of-Sidewalk Echo: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GZ4VSNFMBDHLRJUK Sorry to say, but security isn't just about managing passwords anymore. Your home network has now become the front line in the war against privacy. If you have a piece of tape on your computer's camera, then you should be concerned enough about privacy and security to seriously look at what devices you allow to be installed on your network. It is not an easy task these days. From pool pumps, to water heaters, sprinklers, lighting, and security systems, they are all connected. The only thing I ask is that you don't read this article out loud -- your smart speaker is listening.

Cox Email: Check Your Webmail Settings We have seen a number of compromised Cox email accounts over the past few months. Scammers have been getting access to Cox emails and forwarding to external accounts. It's a good idea to go in and check these settings. Go to https://webmail.cox.net/ Log into your Cox Mail with your Username and Password Click the Cog/Gear in the Upper Right Select Settings In the left-hand column, click the arrow next to Inbox to expand the options Select Auto-Forward. Verify if it is correct if you are forwarding your mail. Select Filter Rules on the left. If you are not forwarding mail, this is generally empty. Also, if you haven't changed your Cox password in years, if it is simple or easy to remember, then you may want to change it.

Updates & Rumors About the M2 MacBook Pros

The new M1 chip is great. The only problem is that many power users are longing for the next generation to speed up the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Pro. There are strong indications that this more powerful "pro" level chip will be released in the third quarter. To read the latest rumors visit: https://fossbytes.com/m2-macbook-pro-features-design-release-date/

Monthly Mini-Bytes - April 2021

 

The M1 iMac is Here! Starburst. I never understood the appeal. If I want candy, it better be candy and not pantomime fruit flavors. It's the same thing with Skittles. I'll pass, but along comes the new M1 iMacs in all their colors it's good to know that they still have the classic silver. Love or hate the new design, the iMac finally has the new M1 chip inside and with a 24-Inch screen, it's bigger, too. And bigger is better and that should be enough. Right? Well, not so fast. If you need an iMac then this is the one to get, but it does not contain the high power M1X chip that we expected. That one probably won't be available until the fall at which time it should show up in the Mac Pro and 16-Inch MacBook Pro, too. The new 24-Inch iMac is significantly faster than the current Intel offerings, which we don't recommend, and the M1 iMac will serve most users very well. It is just as speedy as the M1 Mac MIni, Air, and 13-Inch Mac BookPro, but with more ports if you opt for the better models. And if you consider the cost of a quality 4K display, it is a great deal. So if you need an iMac, this is the one to get. We'd recommend starting with the $1499 model, as it has double the ports and ethernet. For more info on the new iMac, click here: https://www.apple.com/imac-24/

Lost Something? AirTags Have Your Back With the iPhone 11, Apple introduced the U1 chip. This chip allows for the precise location of devices. The AirTags take advantage of this new chip and can be attached to luggage, keys, devices, or just about anything. You can then use the Find My app to locate those items when they are misplaced. To learn more about AirTags, visit: https://www.apple.com/airtag/

The New iPad Pro is Powered by the M1 Chip

Wow! Apple went and did it. They put their desktop class M1 chip into the new iPad Pros. This is huge! That makes the new iPad Pros, by far, the most powerful tablets on the planet. The question is if you need all that power. Currently most iPad apps cannot take full advantage of the current generation, and these new ones are such a leap forward that it begs the question of what type of apps will the new Pros be able to run? For more info on the new iPad Pro, visit: https://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/

Monthly Mini-Bytes - March 2021

 

Where are the M1 iMacs and Others? Before we start, know that there was no Mini-Bytes for February. You didn't miss out. We didn't publish last month. Anyway, where are the new M1X equipped Macs? No one knows, and Tim Cook stopped returning my calls and texts after that poker game back in October. And just like the rest of the world I am out in the cold when it comes to knowing when the new Macs will drop. The delay is a big problem. Currently the low end M1 equipped Mac Mini, MacBook Air, and 13-Inch MacBook Pro smoke the more expensive Intel-based machines. It is a colossal waste of money to purchase an Intel Mac at this time, which means if you are an aficionado of a big screen iMac you are out of luck. The good news is that Apple has more leaks than a screen door in a boat without Flex Seal, so we can get a good look at the new iMacs that will come with the anticipated M1X. This is the same chip that will show up in the 16-Inch MacBook Pro and a refreshed MacPro. To learn more about the new designs, visit: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-15/apple-plans-redesigned-imac-new-mac-pro-smaller-mac-pro-cheaper-monitor

What Type of Backup Drive for Time Machine? Computers consume a lot of power, and power doesn't grow on trees. Okay, carbs grow on trees (apples, pears, etc.), which you can eat for energy so I guess my analogy is lacking, but your computer -- a computer uses a healthy amount of electricity. Apple employs advanced power management to help save energy, the environment, and your power bill. Unfortunately, this can wreak havoc on certain external drives. Those small little USB drives that are bus-powered (no power cord) are convenient and easy to store, but when used for Time Machine we have seen them get corrupted. Lately we have been suggesting desktop-class hard drives with a dedicated power supply. These are larger units that you plug into the wall. Since they have their own power supply they are free of the computer's power management, and, in our opinion, a better choice for Time Machine Backup with current systems on newer Macs.

Long Live the HomePod! ...or not

Yes, Virginia, Apple is putting the original $350 HomePod out to pasture. It was too expensive and fell to the more affordable smart speakers on the market. But the sound they produced was just amazing, and with the price drop to $299 it is a compelling argument for a smart speaker if sound is your number one qualification. To learn more about the HomePod, visit: https://www.apple.com/homepod/

Monthly Mini-Bytes - January 2021

 

How to Automatically Update Your iPhone & iPad iOS and iPadOS updates seem to be coming out often these days, and setting your iPhone or iPad up to automatically accept these updates is easy as one, two, three! On either device go to Settings -> General -> Software Updates. Select "Automatic Updates." Here you will see two options. "Download iOS Updates" will download any new updates to your device while on Wi-Fi. "Install iOS Updates" will run those updates overnight when you are charging and on Wi-Fi. Turn them both on to take advantage of automatic updates.

Apple Service Programs - Get Your Stuff Fixed! If you have a problem with any Apple product, it's a good idea to check and see if Apple has a formal Service Program for it. These programs offer fixes for everything from AirPods to Macs. To see the current list of Apple Service Programs visit: https://support.apple.com/service-programs

New Apple M1 Macs and Ultra-Wide Monitors

We have a bug! Brand new Macs running the M1 chip seem to have problems with appropriate resolutions for ultra-wide monitors. The good news is that a fix will be coming out in macOS Big Sur 11.2. For now this problem only affects those crazy super wide monitors. For more info, visit: https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/12/24/apple-confirms-fix-for-ultrawide-monitors-with-m1-apple-silicon-macs-is-coming

Monthly Mini-Bytes - December 2020

 

The AirPods Max Drain Your Wallet If you can't wait for the AirPods Max Pro (it's just an egg chair, really) or you have $549 burning a hole in your pocket and don't mind spending $100 more than comparable (and better) units, then boy does Apple have a deal for you! For the ridiculous previously mentioned price of $549, Apple has the AirPods Max -- an over-the-ear headphone set that boasts a lot of the tech from the smaller AirPods. But that price... WOW! There is not a blogger, vlogger, or pundit that hasn't balked at the price of the AirPods Max. There are better options that are far less expensive. The insult continues when you consider the $549 AirPods Max don't come with a charger, headphone adapter, or practical case. I don't know what Apple was thinking, but if the Corvette C8 can sell for 40% over the sticker price, maybe Apple knows something that we don't. Hmmm.... The Pet Rock is back!!! In all seriousness, the AirPods Max are very good. They have a sumptuous design that more than communicates their premium price. They are super easy to set up and work seamlessly with your Apple products. The question is if they demand the high price. I guess at the end of the day it's up to the buyer. All I know is that it's time for me to walk my Pet Rock. To ogle at the AirPods Max, visit: https://www.apple.com/airpods-max/

The End is Nigh for Adobe Flash Player Finally! It's been years since "Flash was on it's way out." Steve Jobs railed against it way back in 2007. But it just would not go away. HTML5 has for years been better, faster, and all that, but for some reason web animations have continued to be developed with Flash. Well it's done and Adobe is ending Flash support at the end of 2020. This means if you have it on your Mac, you need to uninstall it. Here is a link to where you can download the uninstaller for 10.4 and later: https://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/support/uninstall_flash_player_osx.dmg When complete, your browser will launch and Adobe will try to sell you something, but just ignore it. You will need the money for the AirPods Max.

Where are the Printers?

Ah! Yes... printing. The enablement of deforestation that can be done from the humble abode. They run on ink cartridges that cost as much as a trip to the grocery store. They fall off the wi-fi network. They jam with paper; their jets clog if neglected; and they are guaranteed to break the minute you need to print out a boarding pass. And now! Yes, now during a global pandemic printer prices have gone through the roof, but not really. In reality they are just being sold for full price. Printer prices are usually inflated so the office supply stores can give you 50% off so it looks like a good deal. And usually it is, but the $200 printer that normally sells for $125 is $200... if you can find one. With many students and adults operating from home, the personal deforestation device can be an elusive creature. How can you get your hands on one? If you need a printer check Staples and CostCo. Staples always seems to have the best prices, and these days if you are going to find a deal, Staples will be the place. Unless you go to CostCo, which is of course, the deal capital of the world (#factchecked). CostCo usually has a limited selection, but what they do have is very good.

Monthly Mini-Bytes - November 2020

 

The Apple M1 Chip is the Real Deal We have been waiting for Apple to be Apple and come out with a game changing new thing. Well they have, and it's the all new M1 chip. Apple is switching their processors from Intel to their own chips, the first of which is the M1. What's so exciting about it? Well, a base $1299 13-Inch MacBook Pro outperforms a $4500 loaded 16-Inch MacBook Pro with the Intel i9 processor. And that's a machine with only 8 GB of RAM up against one with 64 GB. It's just crazy! The only three Macs that currently have the new chip are the MacBook Air, 13-Inch MacBook Pro, and the Mac Mini. The chip that will be placed in the refreshed iMacs and 16-Inch MacBook Pro promises to be even more powerful. Our advice: If you are in the market for a new Mac, only get one with one of Apple's new chips. Do not buy an Intel Mac at this point. The last time Apple made a switch like this, the old Macs were sunsetted rather quickly. To learn more about the M1 Chip visit: https://www.apple.com/mac/m1/ To see a full review and speed test, watch Brian Tong at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJqk2SMJmXc

macOS Big Sur is Out! Don't Upgrade Just Yet Apple launched it's newest version of macOS this month -- Big Sur. It is much better than the last two releases for initial stability, but we would recommend upgrading until at least January so that software developers can do what they do and work out the bugs. The biggest annoyance with Big Sur is the gray on gray theme that will have you running to the Accessibility preference pane in System Preferences to darken the contrast. Also, familiar menu items have been moved around and tweaked. It will take some time to learn how to re-navigate. To learn more about macOS Big Sur visit: https://www.apple.com/macos/big-sur/

Optimize Battery: The Latest iOS Annoyance

iOS 14, along with its equivalent on the Apple Watch, has been out for a while now. When we first installed it both Wendy and I noticed that our battery was draining quickly. Our phones and watches did not make it through the day. Then we found it! Apple added something back in iOS 13 called "Optimized Battery Charging." Basically it only charges the battery to 80% to reduce battery aging. What!?!?!? Sorry Apple... I want my whole battery charged. Even though this "feature" was introduced in iOS 13, it seems impossible to turn off in iOS 14. You can attempt to turn it off on the iPhone and Watch under Settings->Battery->Battery Health. You will see an option to shut it down for 24 hours or permanently, although whatever you choose it will turn itself back on. Very annyoying! Hopefully this will get fixed in an upcoming release. I hate that Apple won't let us turn it off. I guess they know what's best for us.... Nutz! To find out more this, visit: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210512

Monthly Mini-Bytes - October 2020

 

The iPhone 4 is Back! ...or 4s, 5, or 5s. Your pick! Who said everything old is new again? Chaucer? Socrates? Kane? Doesn't matter, because rehashing a successful old design language ain't a bad thing. The iPhone 4 when it debuted way back in June of 2011 (yes, we used to get iPhones just in time to enjoy some summer wine) was an elegant and remarkably space-efficient design. I loved those phones, and held onto my 5s for over three years. When Apple updated the iPad Pros in 2017 mimicking those classics, it was a big hit. Now they have applied it to the new iPhone 12 family. And yes, the iPhone 12 is a family. From the Mini to the Pros there is a phone to fit everyone. They all benefit from the same powerful internals from the processors to 5G compatibility. If you choose any of the 12s, you will not be making a bad decision. That being said, we recommend a 12 variant over any other iPhone being sold right now. They are that good. The iPhone Mini is smaller than an iPhone 8 or SE, but with a larger edge-to-edge screen. The regular 12 is the best all rounder. Go for the Pros if you are heavy into photography, with the iPhone 12 Pro Max boasting camera advancements that will really impress. To learn more about the iPhone 12 family visit: https://www.apple.com/iphone/

Smart Speakers and Privacy Apple just launched a new HomePod mini and it is excellent. The sound of the original HomePod was fantastic, but we don't own one and we won't. It's too bad. The rich sound that seems to emanate from every part of the room is just fantastically rich, but it's the "smart" part that scares us. Apple beyond all the other smart speaker makers does the best job in regard to privacy. The HomePod listens actively for the "Hey Siri" command and only then sends your conversations to Apple's secure server for analysis. That means it's listening all the time, and whether it's an Alexa or Cortana, smart speakers eavesdrop on every single word spoken. Amazon even lets you look up conversations that Alexa has recorded. Scary? You bet. With a smart speaker you have willingly given large corporations 24x7 access to every conversation in your home. This is something the Soviets or East Germans would have employed if the tech was available, but now we plunk down several hundred dollars to give access to... who knows! Even if Apple or Amazon or Microsoft calm us with their promises of security, we know that systems get compromised all the time. And if you really want to get scared out of your mind, check out the Fox TV show Next, which chronicles a rogue artificial intelligence that uses a smart speaker to manipulate a youngster into almost doing the unthinkable. Okay, this is a bit alarmist, maybe... but is it? I think it's important to understand technology and weigh the benefits over the shortcomings. Sure, a smart speaker can pull up your playlists on demand, but I remember a time not that long ago when I walked up to a CD player, put in a disc, and listened away. And it sounded really good, too. The final thought here is to always cautiously embrace technology. The benefits to you have to outweigh the risks, and if your privacy and security is important, take a second look at that smart speaker.

iPhone 12 Family MagSafe Secret

Okay, well it's not a secret, but it's definitely a new feature. All iPhone 12 variants now have MagSafe charging along with a whole host of nifty accessories. Think of this like the evolution of the charger for the Apple Watch. It gives the iPhone 12 phones the ability to lock onto wireless charging pads to keep them from shifting about. It will be interesting to see how folks end up using this feature. To learn about the new MagSafe feature for the iPhone 12 check out this article from CNET: https://www.cnet.com/how-to/iphone-12-magsafe-accessories-how-apples-snappy-new-magnet-feature-works/