iOS Today (Audio)

By TWiTTechnology

iOS Today (Audio) episodes

August 29, 2024 iOS 717: Our Favorite Apps - PictureThis, Frame Grab, Shareshot, & more!
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

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 [email protected].
1 hr
August 22, 2024iOS 716: Apple Intelligence (Part 2) - Enhancements to Photos, Safari, and more!
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

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 [email protected].
29 min
August 15, 2024iOS 715: Apple Intelligence (Part 1) - iOS 18.1 Beta & AI Features
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

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 [email protected].
53 min
August 08, 2024iOS 714: Hardware Picks & Tips - Ugreen Car Charger, Nomad Tracking Card, BANG!CASE
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 [email protected].
52 min
August 01, 2024iOS 713: Getting Started with the iOS 18 Public Beta - Control Center, Home Screen, & Texting Changes
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

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 [email protected].
58 min
July 25, 2024iOS 712: HomePod Tips & Tricks - Intercom, ambient sounds, humidity sensors, & more
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 [email protected].
46 min
July 18, 2024iOS 711: Tips & Tricks You Might Have Missed - Personalized vibrations, Live Captions, Reply button
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.

You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to [email protected].
49 min
July 11, 2024 iOS 710: Apple Design Award 2024 Winners (Part 2) - Winners for Social Impact, Visuals, and Spatial Computing
In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive into the second half of the 2024 Apple Design Award winners, covering the categories of Social Impact, Visuals and Graphics, and the new Spatial Computing category. They discuss standout apps and games that push the boundaries of design and functionality across Apple's platforms, including innovative uses of Apple Vision Pro technology.

Social Impact category winners:

Gentler Streak: A fitness app that takes a more compassionate approach to fitness tracking

The Wreck: A narrative game exploring themes of grief and sisterhood

Visuals and Graphics category winners:

Rooms: An 8-bit style room design app with social features

Lies of P: A Pinocchio-inspired action game with stunning visuals

Spatial Computing category winners:

djay: A DJ app that creates an immersive turntable experience in Apple Vision Pro

Blackbox: A puzzle game that cleverly uses device sensors and features

Shortcuts Corner:

Discussion of how to add custom app icons to shortcuts in iOS 17 and 18

Rosemary and Mikah also addressed a listener question about the potential of AI-enhanced Siri to provide personalized recommendations based on user data, discussing the possibilities and limitations of such features.

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 [email protected].
46 min
June 27, 2024iOS 709: Apple Design Award 2024 Winners (Part 1) - Showcasing Innovative, Inclusive, and Engaging Apps
Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard check out the first set of winners and finalists of the Apple Design Awards 2024. They discuss apps and games that stood out in the categories of Delight and Fun, Inclusivity, Innovation, and Interaction, highlighting how these apps and games make the most of Apple's technologies and deliver exceptional experiences. Later in the Shortcuts Corner segment, Rosemary tackles a listener question about creating a medication reminder shortcut.
Main Topic: Apple Design Award Winners - Part 1
Bears Gratitude (winner, Delight and Fun): A cute and colorful journaling app that encourages daily gratitude entries and self-care.

NYT Games (winner, Delight and Fun): A comprehensive collection of games from the New York Times, including crosswords, Spelling Bee, Wordle, and more.

Crayola Adventures (winner, Inclusivity): An adventure game for children that sets a new standard for inclusive character creation options.

oko (winner, Inclusivity): An accessible navigation app that uses AI to provide detailed instructions and assistance for visually impaired users.

Lost in Play (winner, Innovation): A beautifully drawn adventure game that feels like an interactive graphic novel.

Procreate Dreams (winner, Innovation): A powerful drawing and illustration app that takes full advantage of the Apple Pencil and its features.

Crouton (winner, Interaction): A feature-rich recipe manager and meal planner with unique interactions, such as using facial gestures to navigate recipes on iPhone and iPad.

Rytmos (winner, Interaction): A clever puzzle game where solving mazes creates layered audio loops, resulting in a full musical composition.
Shortcuts Corner:
Listener Alex asks for help creating a shortcut to remind his father-in-law to take medication every five hours, without disturbing him during the night.

Rosemary explains that while it's not possible to directly log medication in the Health app, a close solution can be achieved.

She suggests adding an icon to the home screen that, when tapped, logs the medication as taken and sets a reminder for the next dose.

The shortcut should also disable any existing medication reminders and avoid setting reminders during the father-in-law's sleeping hours.

Rosemary walks through the process of creating the shortcut using actions like Find Alarms, Adjust Date, and If statements.

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 [email protected].
54 min
June 20, 2024 iOS 708: iOS 18 Additional Features - Apple Intelligence, Genmoji, Siri with ChatGPT
In this episode of iOS Today, Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard explore the additional features coming in iOS and iPadOS 18 that weren't covered in their initial WWDC recap. They discuss the exciting potential of Apple's new AI capabilities with Apple Intelligence, fascinating updates to the Notes app with enhanced handwriting recognition, and much more. The show concludes with an insightful Shortcuts Corner segment exploring automation improvements tied to AirPods and the Home app.

Main Topic: iOS 18 Additional Features

- Apple Intelligence: Apple's take on generative AI with a focus on privacy and on-device processing. Woven into many new iOS 18 features.

- Writing tools: Enhancements to make text more friendly/professional, summarize, proofread, and more. Smart reply improvements in Mail.

- Image generation: An "image playground" to create custom images based on context. Unique "Genmoji" to make your own emoji.

- Photos: Improved search, memory movies, and the ability to clean up unwanted elements in pictures.

- Siri: ChatGPT integration and potential for other large language models in the future.

- Notes app: Auto-refine and straighten handwriting, copy handwriting as text, audio recording, and more updates coming post-release.

- Calculator app and Math Notes: A new place for handwritten equations, graphing, and dynamic calculation.

- Maps: Integrated hiking trail maps and topographic maps, potentially replacing third-party apps.

- Passwords app: A dedicated place to manage passwords across devices, similar to third-party password managers.

- SharePlay: Shared playback controls on HomePods and screen sharing with device control in FaceTime.

- Wallet app and Apple Pay: "Tap to Cash" for easy money transfer, rewards/points balances, and installment financing options.

- Journal app: Search functionality, widgets for writing prompts and streaks, and integration with Health app.

- Apple TV app: "Insight" feature to identify on-screen people and music, plus enhanced dialogue options on more devices.

- Home app: Granular controls for guest access, HomeKey improvements for hands-free unlocking.

Shortcuts Corner

- AirPods: Head nodding/shaking detection for automation prompts and enhanced voice isolation for better audio in windy conditions.

- Home app: Robot vacuum integration to run cleaning automations when everyone leaves home.

- Energy monitoring: Ability to add utility providers to track energy usage and work towards more eco-friendly automations.

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 [email protected].
45 min

About iOS Today (Audio)

From the publisher's feed

Join Rosemary Orchard and Mikah Sargent for iOS Today, TWiT.tv's podcast for all things iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and more! From app reviews to helpful tips and tricks, from the latest news to the coolest accessories, Rosemary and Mikah will help you make the most of all your iOS devices.

Submit your Apple device and shortcut queries through email at [email protected] or via TWiT's social media. You might hear your question answered on the show!

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