Photo by Michael Martine, 2014

Starting off this week’s episode, Michael and Michael reflect on the innovation and ingenuity people are bringing to the global COVID-19 response.  Examples of repurposing snorkeling masks to be used as ventilators and corporations retooling their manufacturing lines to take existing parts from their supply chain and designing ways to help is reminiscent of the Apollo 11 story.  Even small design changes, such as telecommunications providers replacing the standard message with “Stay Home” when a client connects to the cellular network, and social location sharing apps like Swarm reinforcing the social and physical distancing message is precisely what the world needs right now in the all hands on deck effort to bend the curve and decrease the number of people becoming infected.

There are a number of other news stories that caught the co-hosts’ eye this week, many of them regarding a certain corporation from Cupertino, California.  Michael R spells out why the new iPad Pro’s LiDAR sensors are a really big deal.  The pair discuss the organic nature of the animations for the cursor in iPad OS and how to use a mouse or trackpad with the newest iteration of the operating system.  Have you started using a mouse with your iPad?  We’d love to know what you think.  Speaking of operating systems, OS/2 makes a reprise on today’s show, with the updates and capabilities from Arca Noae.  

Wrapping things up on a lighter note, Michael and Michael marvel at the Microlino, a Swiss bubble car with super cute Italian stylings and invite you to listen to some of the Gilbert & Sullivan most memorable songs performed by the Durham Savoyards over the years.  

We are very grateful for the efforts of all the first responders, health care practitioners and all the people around the world working to keep their fellow human beings safe and well.  

Selected Links

3D Printing Media Network article: Isinnova shares 3D printed adapter to turn snorkeling mask into a non-invasive ventilator — https://www.3dprintingmedia.network/isinnova-shares-3d-printed-adapter-to-turn-snorkeling-mask-into-a-non-invasive-ventilator/ 

BREAKING: @Ford plans to build respirators, ventilators & face shields in Michigan in partnership with the UAW, GE Healthcare & 3M. Some details:-1,000 respirators per month, using F-150 seat fans, portable battery packs & 3D printed parts-100,000 face shields per week— Michael Martinez (@MikeMartinez_AN) March 24, 2020

Here are some sketches, via @Ford, of its makeshift respirator design that includes fans from F-150 seats, hoods from factory paint shops and other automotive parts. pic.twitter.com/bJbvLvm7f1— Michael Martinez (@MikeMartinez_AN) March 24, 2020

MacRumors article: Mobile Networks in Multiple Countries Display ‘Stay Home’ Message When Users Connect to Cellular Instead of WiFi — https://www.macrumors.com/2020/03/24/stay-home-wifi-off-messaging-iphone/ 

Swarm — https://www.swarmapp.com