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Adam Engst 5 comments

iOS 17.5 Adds Cross-Platform Location Tracking Alerts

Apple has released a large set of operating system updates, including iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, macOS 14.5 Sonoma, watchOS 10.5, tvOS 17.5, HomePod Software 17.5, macOS Ventura 13.6.7, macOS Monterey 12.7.5, iOS 16.7.8, and iPadOS 16.7.8. New features include alerts for Android-paired tracking devices moving with you and a new game and leaderboard for Apple News+ subscribers.

Adam Engst 11 comments

Do You Use It? macOS Versioning Sees Low Awareness and Adoption

The results of our poll asking how often you use macOS’s versioning feature show that nearly three-quarters of TidBITS readers either never use versioning or don’t even know what it is. But versioning could save you from losing work—it’s worth trying.

Adam Engst 28 comments

Apple Apologizes for Tone-Deaf “Crush!” iPad Pro Ad

After significant backlash, Apple has apologized for and pulled its “Crush!” ad showing creative and cultural objects pulverized by an industrial press. Was the ad just an ill-considered effort to shock or an all-too-accurate metaphor for today's tech industry?

Adam Engst 54 comments

Apple Unveils New iPad Air, iPad Pro, Apple Pencil Pro, and Magic Keyboard

Everyone expected iPad announcements from Apple’s Let Loose event, and the company didn’t disappoint. It introduced new 11-inch and 13-inch models of the iPad Air and iPad Pro, alongside a new Apple Pencil Pro and redesigned Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro.

Adam Engst 13 comments

Going All in on MagSafe for the iPhone in the Office, Bedroom, and Car

Since upgrading to an iPhone 15 Pro last year, Adam Engst has been working to incorporate MagSafe charging into his tech life, adding mounts and chargers that make it easier to use and charge the iPhone in different aspects of his life.

Adam Engst 22 comments

Online Messaging Systems of Yesteryear

Want to wax nostalgic? This history of online messaging system is sure to trigger some memories of when the Internet was a smaller, kinder place.

Michael E. Cohen Adam Engst 12 comments

Apple Revenues Drop 4% in Q2 2024, with Bright Spots from Services and Mac

Though Apple revenues declined compared to the same quarter last year, the drop was less precipitous than many had feared, and Apple still announced profits of $23.6 billion. Revenue increases came from the Services and Mac segments.

Adam Engst 36 comments

The Challenge of Replacing “User” with More Precise Terms

This MIT Technology Review piece points out that relying too heavily on the term "user" exacts a cost in depersonalizing the relationships we have with the software that fills our lives. Let's work to use more precise terms.

Adam Engst 17 comments

Arc Search iPhone App Now Syncs Arc Sidebar Tabs

An update to the Arc Search app for the iPhone gives Arc users using macOS and Windows access to all their tabs and the ability to save pages from the iPhone to the Arc sidebar.

Adam Engst 1 comment

CryptoChameleon Phishing Kit Targets LastPass, Others

If you have a LastPass account, beware of voice phishing calls that will warn about your account being accessed from a new device. Are we on the cusp of being targeted by AI-driven phishing calls?

Adam Engst 59 comments

Widespread Reports of Apple ID Accounts Being Inexplicably Locked

If your devices mysteriously ask you to reset your Apple ID password and then lock your account, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, there’s nothing to do but go with the flow.

Adam Engst 16 comments

Preparing for the Unthinkable: A Brief Guide to Digital Legacy Planning

Losing Charles Edge recently caused Adam Engst to think morbid thoughts that turned into advice about how planning for the unexpected can make life a little easier for those left behind.

Adam Engst 32 comments

Apple “Let Loose” Event Scheduled for 7 May 2024

Anticipate new iPads, possibly along with a new Apple Pencil and updated Magic Keyboards. But will the announcement make the iPad exciting again?

Adam Engst 8 comments

Take Control Author Charles Edge Dies

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Charles Edge, a prolific author, blogger, and podcaster who was one of the best-known figures in the Mac admin community. 

Adam Engst 4 comments

Helper Helper Streamlines Volunteer Management

If you organize events that require significant numbers of volunteers, you know how much work it is to track everything manually in a spreadsheet. A better option is a volunteer management system like Helper Helper, which Adam Engst has used for over a year.