On this week's episode of iOS Today, Rosemary Orchard and Mikah Sargent walk through some of their favorite apps for accomplishing a variety of tasks on their iPhones. There's also the announcement of a September Apple event. Will we see anything special related to Apple Watch or watchOS? Plus, TwelveSouth's Butterfly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 Charger looks ideal for those who travel!

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

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In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into the exciting new Apple Intelligence features coming with iOS 18.1. They explore improvements to Photos, transcription capabilities, Safari enhancements, and more.

• Photos app improvements:
  • Enhanced natural language search capabilities
  • Creation of custom "memory mixes" with user-defined parameters
• Transcription features:
  • Voice transcription in Notes app with summarization
  • Call recording with automatic transcription saved to Notes
• Phone app updates:
  • T9 dialing now available for those who prefer it
  • Improved search functionality for finding recorded calls
• Safari enhancements:
  • Article summarization feature
  • Option to have Siri read summaries aloud
• Apple Intelligence Report:
  • New privacy feature allowing users to export their AI-related data
  • Available in Settings under Privacy and Security

Feedback segment:

• User question about emoji shortcuts on iPadOS
• HomePod Mini audio sync issues with TV

Shortcuts Corner:

• Demo of JSON app for viewing and understanding JSON files

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

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In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive into the exciting world of Apple Intelligence, exploring the new features available in the iOS 18.1 beta. They discuss the improvements to Siri, Messages, Mail, and writing tools, while also addressing the potential implications of these AI-driven features!

Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1 Beta

• Beta software risks: Potential instability, battery drain, and the need for caution when installing beta versions.
• Siri improvements: New rainbow animation, better voice recognition, and enhanced knowledge base for support questions.
• Messages enhancements: Contextual suggestions tailored to individual conversations and improved summarization of group chats.
• Mail upgrades: Priority inbox feature and message summarization capabilities similar to Gmail.
• Writing tools: New options for rewriting text in different styles, though Mikah expresses concerns about potential overreliance on AI
• Privacy focus: Apple's commitment to user privacy in implementing AI features

Feedback Segment:

• Peter's request for comprehensive iOS update documentation from 17.6 to 18.0

Shortcuts Corner:

• New "Reduce Interruptions" focus mode: Rosemary demonstrates the intelligent breakthrough and silencing features in iOS 18.1
• Dan requests a music/podcast-switching shortcut

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

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Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

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Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard kick off this episode with a discussion of their favorite tech hardware and accessories. From a versatile 3-in-1 wireless charging station to a powerful car charger and a reusable UV sanitizing box, the hosts highlight a diverse array of must-have gadgets that can enhance your Apple device experience. They also delve into the Nomad Tracking Card, a slim and rechargeable item tracker that leverages the Find My network, as well as some clever storage solutions for organizing your Apple Watch bands. Additionally, Rosemary showcases a unique case that adds three customizable action buttons to the iPhone 15 Pro, providing an alternative to the built-in single action button.

• Anker's Mag Go 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
  • Combines MagSafe, Apple Watch, and AirPods wireless charging in a compact, folding design
  • Supports 15W fast wireless charging for compatible devices
  • Includes a USB-C cable and wall adapter
• Ugreen 130W USB-C Car Charger
  • Offers three ports (100W USB-C, USB-C, and USB-A) to charge multiple devices simultaneously
  • Designed with built-in cooling vents to prevent overheating
  • Supports full 100W charging for power-hungry devices like laptops and tablets
• Nomad Tracking Card
  • A credit card-sized, rechargeable item tracker that integrates with the Find My network
  • Provides long-lasting battery life and can be recharged wirelessly using MagSafe
  • Offers peace of mind for keeping track of everyday items like wallets
• Philips Hue UV Light Sanitizer Box
  • A large, standing UV light box for disinfecting and drying various devices and accessories
  • Features two UVC lamps and a built-in fan for drying items after sanitization
  • Supports 10-minute and 35-minute disinfection and drying cycles
• Twelve South Time Porter
  • A wall-mounted organizer that allows you to display and store your Apple Watch bands
  • Provides a convenient way to access and choose from your collection of bands
• Twelve South Butterfly
  • A 2-in-1 MagSafe and Apple Watch charger that folds for easy, portable charging
  • Designed with a leather-clad body and available through the Apple Store
• BANG!CASE for iPhone 15 Pro
  • Adds 3 customizable action buttons to the side of the iPhone, allowing for additional shortcut functionality
  • Connects to the phone via Bluetooth and leverages the Accessibility settings for button assignments
  • Offers options for single press, double press, and long press actions

Feedback:

• Ken shares his solution for transferring photos and videos from an iPhone to a work computer with software installation restrictions, using the Simple Transfer app and a local network connection.

Shortcuts Corner:

• Rosemary showcases creative ways to utilize the action button feature on the iPhone 15 Pro, such as formatting text for Discord, checking if you're at home, and automating smart home controls.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into the newly released iOS 18 Public Beta. They explore exciting new features, customization options, and important considerations for users thinking about installing the beta. The hosts emphasize the importance of providing detailed feedback to Apple and being prepared for potential issues when running beta software.

• Introduction to the iOS 18 Public Beta: Explanation of what the public beta is and how to install it
• Beta testing considerations: Warnings about potential issues and the importance of providing detailed feedback
• Home screen customization: New options for app icon sizes, widget resizing, and free placement of icons
• Control Center redesign: New customization options and multi-page layout
• Text effects and Tap backs: New ways to add flair to messages and expanded emoji reactions
• Scheduled messages: New feature allowing users to schedule iMessages to send later
• App icon appearance: New options for automatic, dark, light, and tinted app icon styles

Feedback and Shortcuts Corner:

• ParkPal app recommendation: An app that notifies users of shorter wait times at theme parks
• Chamberlain MyQ garage door control: Using IFTTT and Shortcuts to control a garage door with Siri

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

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Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into the world of HomePod and HomePod mini, revealing a treasure trove of tips and tricks. From setting alarms and using intercom features to leveraging built-in sensors and personal requests, the duo explores the full potential of Apple's smart speakers. The episode concludes with a Shortcuts Corner segment, addressing a viewer's question about customizing shortcut menu appearances.

HomePod Tips and Tricks:

• Setting alarms: Using voice commands or the Home app to set and manage alarms on HomePod
• Shazam integration: HomePod can identify songs playing nearby, though it doesn't save the results
• Temperature and humidity sensors: Newer HomePods can measure room conditions
• Intercom feature: Send voice messages to specific rooms or the entire house
• Ambient sounds: Apple's remastered soundscapes for relaxation and focus
• Personal requests: Access messages, reminders, calendars, and more through voice commands
• "What's my update?" feature: Get a personalized morning briefing including weather, reminders, and news
• Troubleshooting: Rosemary shares her experience with Siri weather responses and offers tips for resolving issues

Feedback:

• A listener wants to know how to omit BBEdit from constantly showing up as a "Recent" file

Shortcuts Corner:

• Custom menu images: A viewer asks how to add custom images to shortcut menus

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard unveil a treasure trove of hidden features and advanced tips for iOS and iPadOS devices. From transforming your on-screen keyboard into a precision text-editing tool to customizing contact notifications, the hosts cover many practical tips to enhance your Apple device experience. They also explore photo editing tricks, Wi-Fi password sharing, live captions in FaceTime, and creating shortcuts for health management.

• Keyboard tricks:
  • Using the spacebar as a trackpad for precise text editing
  • Quick-switching between letters, numbers, and symbols without changing keyboards
• Contact customization:
  • Setting personalized vibrations and ringtones for important contacts
  • Managing emergency bypass settings to prioritize notifications
• Photo management:
  • Copying text from screenshots when apps don't allow selection
  • Applying consistent edits across multiple photos
• iOS 17 features:
  • Streamlined two-factor authentication with automatic code-filling
  • Customizable home screen layouts and focus modes
• Communication enhancements:
  • Live captions in FaceTime calls
  • Replying to specific messages in iMessage threads

Feedback:

• Discussion on authentication for the new iPhone mirroring feature

Shortcuts Corner:

• Medication reminders:
  • Creating a shortcut to set alarms for medication schedules
• Nutritional tracking:
  • Developing a custom shortcut to log dietary information in the Health app

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

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Leo & Mikah help you with your homework.

• Back to school: Noteshelf, Microsoft Math Solver, WolframAlpha, Babbel - Language Learning, Desmos Graphing Calculator, Cozi Family Organizer, PhotoStudy
• News: Flexibits introduces a new subscription: Fantastical Premium for Families. Google Maps returns to Apple Watch and joins CarPlay Dashboard. Apple releases the watchOS 7 Public Beta. Setapp comes to iOS. The MTA asks Apple to improve Face ID unlock with face coverings.
• Listener feedback: Rotation lock on iOS, nerds vs. geeks vs. dorks, and accidental touches on Apple Watch.
• Mikah's App Cap: Thwip
• Leo's App Cap: Microsoft Family Safety

Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

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