At this meeting, held on 11th October, we talked about recent Apple news, some more new OS features and member topics.
New OS Features
We looked at a few more new features in Apple’s updated operating systems:
- The handy convert option in calculator on Mac and iOS.
- The redesigned iCloud settings interface on Mac.
- On Mac, you can now press Ctrl+Enter to open the context menu using the keyboard while editing text in most apps.
- In Settings on Mac you can now change what happens when you double click a window title bar.
- On Apple watch, commonly used timers can now be pinned for easier access.
- We talked about user’s positive experiences with the new Apple watch Vitals app detecting illness before symptoms appear.
These new features are covered in Mac Rumors’ macOS and watchOS roundups.
- Denesh mentioned that it’s possible to securely share Sign-in with Apple credentials as well as passwords and passkeys using the Apple Passwords app.
Apple News
- The Internet Archive is currently offline following a cyber attack and reported data breach (mentioned by DaveK).
- The final dedicated iPod models are now considered obsolete by Apple.
- Apple will further tweak security warnings for screen recording apps in macOS 15.1.
- A 1983 Mac prototype with the “Twiggy” 5.25” floppy drive is up for auction.
- Microsoft Office 2024 is now available as a one-time purchase.
- Paypal announce that they will start sharing certain information with merchants by default. This doesn’t currently seem to be live for UK accounts. This was mentioned by DavidB and is discussed on episode 995 of the Security Now podcast.
Member Topics
- We discussed online marketplaces, including eBay removing selling fees for private sellers and how Vinted makes money without charging fees.
- DavidB mentioned M4 MacBook Pro systems apparently leaking before it has been announced.
- DavidB mentioned the song In the Year 2525 by Zager and Evans. He also recommended The Secret Genius of Modern Life on iPlayer and particular series 2 episode 3 about the smart phone.
- DaveK talked about Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s Solid project and POSSE and how they might improve the web and Internet services.
- Ben mentioned the walkie-talkie feature on Apple watch.
- Denesh recommended Slow Horses, Dark Matter and City on Fire on Apple TV+.