iOS Today (Video)

Brew the perfect cup or mix the ideal cocktail with these iOS apps! Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive into specialized apps for creating beverages, from precision coffee timing to cocktail recipe management. They explore how these apps can enhance your drink-making experience while sharing Apple's latest privacy-focused AI developments.

• AeroPress Timer ($4.99) - A specialized app for AeroPress coffee brewing that includes recipes from competitions and roasters worldwide, with detailed timing for each brewing step and voice shortcut support
• FourSix Coffee Timer (Free with IAP) - Designed for pour-over coffee brewing with timing for each stage of the process
• Just Timers (Free with IAP) - A flexible interval timer app that lets you create custom named timers with different colors, alerts, and even the ability to open URLs when timers expire, perfect for any brewing process
• Highball (Free) - A beautifully designed cocktail recipe app from Studio Neat that allows you to create, customize, and collect drink recipes with visual representations of glass types and garnishes

News

• Apple's Privacy-Focused AI Research - Apple published research on their approach to improving AI features like Genmoji while preserving user privacy through differential privacy techniques. Apple detailed how they create and refine synthetic data to train text generation models without accessing real user emails, instead using anonymous device feedback to identify common message patterns

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at [email protected].

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Discover essential utility apps that solve everyday problems with your Apple devices! Hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard walk you through a collection of must-have apps that address common pain points throughout your day. From document scanning to printing solutions, they demonstrate how the right apps can make your digital life significantly easier.

• Simple Scan by Agile Tortoise - A powerful document scanning app that lets you choose your destination (email, messages, files) and quality settings, making it easy to digitize paper documents and manuals.
• Yoink - A clever "shelf" app that serves as a temporary holding place for files you need for a short time but don't want to save permanently.
• Printer Apps (Canon PRINT, HP, etc.) - Manufacturer-specific printer apps can help troubleshoot connection issues, perform maintenance, and sometimes succeed at printing when AirPrint fails.
• PDF Expert - The free version offers scaling options for printing that aren't available in most standard print dialogs, allowing you to adjust document size to fit perfectly on different paper sizes.
• PCalc- Goes beyond basic calculations to offer extensive conversion capabilities for length, area, currency, cooking measurements, and much more.
• Soulver 3 - A powerful math app for "back of the envelope" calculations with annotations, perfect for budget planning or working through complex math problems.
• Drafts - An incredibly versatile text capture tool that works via widgets, serves as a digital post-it system, and helps clean up long URLs from sites like Amazon before sharing.

News

• iPadOS Updates Coming - Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to make iPadOS more like macOS at WWDC this year, focusing on productivity, multitasking, and app window management.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at [email protected].

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Looking for tech accessories that will enhance your Apple experience? Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard showcase their favorite gadgets and devices that pair perfectly with your Apple products. From keyboards and remote controls to innovative cases and water bottles, this episode highlights practical and useful accessories you might want to add to your own tech collection.

• Logitech MX Keys Mini - Rosemary shows off this compact keyboard that connects to three devices and features USB-C charging with nicely dimpled keys for better typing.
• Otterbox Statement Series Cactus Leather Case - Mikah discovered this premium case made from sustainable cactus leather that offers a great feel while avoiding the bulk traditionally associated with Otterbox products.
• Satechi R2 Bluetooth Multimedia Remote Control - This metal remote features both multimedia and presentation modes, making it perfect for controlling media playback or presentations when traveling.
• LARQ PureViz Bottle - This high-tech water bottle features UV lights in the lid to kill bacteria, tracks water intake with sensors, and offers an optional filtration straw for cleaner water on the go.
• Sony SRS-NB10 Wireless Neckband Speaker - A comfortable alternative to headphones that sits around your neck, delivering personal audio without blocking your ears, perfect for audiobooks or conference calls.
• Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Man Wizard - This phone-attachable spectrum analyzer works with the Wi-Fi Man app to create AR maps of your home's Wi-Fi coverage, helping identify dead zones and optimize router placement.
• Orbit Key 2-in-1 Tech Accessory Pouch - A versatile carrying case with elastic pockets, pen loops, and space for cables, chargers, and other tech essentials, plus a compartment for an AirTag to track your gear.
• dBrand "Touch Grass" Skin - An April Fools product that's actually real, featuring AstroTurf-like coverings for phones, laptops, and other devices.

News

• WWDC 2024 Announced - Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference will be held the week of June 9th, with rumored major redesigns coming to Apple's operating systems!

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at [email protected].

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Find out how technology can revolutionize your cooking experience as Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard explore smart cooking thermometers, recipe management apps, and clever kitchen timers in this food-focused episode of iOS Today.

• Smart Meat Thermometers - Rosemary shares her experience with the TempSpike by ThermoPro, featuring dual probes, WiFi connectivity, and a convenient display that shows cooking temperatures without needing to check your phone.
• Meter Plus Thermometer - A Bluetooth-enabled alternative to TempSpike that helps monitor meat temperatures, though Rosemary notes its Bluetooth range isn't as reliable.
• Crouton Recipe App - A comprehensive recipe management app with meal planning features, weather integration, hands-free cooking mode (using winks and mouth gestures), and smart device integration.
• Kitchen Timers with HomePod - Using HomePods to set multiple named timers for cooking, and how to check your active timers through the Home app when you're away from your kitchen.

News

• iOS 18.4 Update - Apple released iOS 18.4 with several new features including Priority Notifications, a new "Sketch" style in Image Playground, and the Apple Vision Pro companion app.
• Apple News+ Recipes - The update adds curated recipes with a special catalog and cooking mode.
• Matter-Compatible Robot Vacuums - HomeKit now supports Matter-enabled robot vacuums from brands like Roborock, Ecovacs, and SwitchBot.
• New Emoji - iOS 18.4 introduces new emoji including face with bags under eyes, root vegetable, fingerprint, harp, leafless tree, purple splatter, and shovel.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at [email protected].

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

Struggling with allergies, symptoms, or invisible illnesses? Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard explore a range of iOS apps and features designed to help you track your health, monitor symptoms, and manage illness right from your iPhone and Apple Watch.

• Built-in Health app features - Apple has added an extensive list of symptoms you can track directly in the Health app, from abdominal cramps to sore throat, allowing users to log severity and duration.
• Peak app - A widget-focused app that displays your health metrics on your home screen, with options to track heart rate, blood oxygen, time in daylight, and other metrics related to health conditions.
• My Pollen Forecast Pro - A $4.99 app that shows local pollen counts with color-coded indicators and forecasts, plus a diary feature to help correlate symptoms with specific pollens.
• Plume Labs - Free air quality tracking app that provides localized air quality index measurements, pollution maps, and recommendations for outdoor activities based on current conditions.
• Pedometer++ and Sleep++ - This pair of David Smith apps track your steps and sleep patterns, with badges for achievements and integration with Apple Health data to monitor trends and potential health indicators.
• Visible - A subscription service using a Polar armband to track heart rate and daily exertion, designed for people with long COVID or invisible illnesses, providing "pace points" to help manage energy throughout the day.

Feedback

• Separate volume controls - Robert shared a tip about iOS having separate volume channels for Siri/navigation and media, explaining how to adjust the Siri volume by asking Siri to read a message and then changing the volume while it's speaking.

Shortcuts Corner

• Symptom logging shortcut - Rosemary created a simple one-action shortcut to log health symptoms directly from your home screen, using the "Log Health Sample" action with customizable options for tracking different symptoms.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at [email protected].

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

Space is calling, and your iPhone is your intergalactic guide! Join Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard as they explore stellar apps and features that bring the cosmos right to your screen.

• Night Sky App
  • Augmented reality app that helps identify stars, constellations, and celestial objects
  • Shows real-time sky mapping with translucent constellation overlays
  • Can track satellites and display multiple viewing modes
• NASA App
  • Free app with comprehensive space exploration content
  • Features include space news, mission updates, live events, images, videos, and podcasts
  • Offers AR models of rovers and spacecraft
• Solar Smash
  • Planet destruction simulator
  • Allows users to destroy planets using various weapons like nuclear missiles, asteroids, and spaceships
  • Free app with in-app purchase options to remove ads and unlock additional features
• Space Flight Simulator
  • Free app that lets users build and launch virtual rockets
  • Simulates the challenges of rocket construction and space flight
  • Tutorial mode helps users understand the complexities of space exploration
• Astronomy Watch Face
  • 3D models of Earth, Moon, and solar system
  • Can scroll through time to see planetary movements and moon phases
• Solar Watch Faces
  • Multiple styles showing sun's movement and daylight progression
  • Includes solar dial, solar analog, and solar graph options
• Astronomy backgrounds
  • Dynamic planet views that change based on time and location
  • Earth view particularly impressive, showing day/night transitions

News Segment

• AirPods Max USB-C Update
  • Upcoming firmware update in April will add lossless audio and ultra-low latency
  • Requires USB-C AirPods Max and specific cable
  • Targeted at music creators and professionals

Feedback

• Geocaching App Recommendation
  • Cachly app suggested by listener Carson
  • Provides comprehensive geocaching tools and offline map support

Shortcuts Corner

• 3D Printing Air Filtration Automation
  • Listener Carson seeks a way to automatically control air filter during 3D printing
  • Rosemary suggests solutions like OctoPrint, Controller for HomeKit, and Home Assistant

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at [email protected].

Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today

Want access to the ad-free video 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.

Drive into the world of Apple CarPlay as hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard provide a comprehensive visual tour of this automotive technology, explaining how it works, what it can do, and how to customize it for your driving needs.

• What is CarPlay? - CarPlay is an extension of your iPhone that projects to your car's display, not software installed by car manufacturers.
• Connection Types - Available in both wired (USB) and wireless versions, with wireless CarPlay using a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
• CarPlay Interface - The interface includes a dashboard with maps, media controls, and customizable app icons that can be organized based on frequency of use.
• App Management - Users can control which apps appear in CarPlay through Settings > General > CarPlay on their iPhone, removing distracting apps like Zoom or Teams.
• CarPlay Settings - In-car settings include options for driving focus mode, message announcements, appearance (light/dark mode), wallpaper selection, and accessibility features.
• Accessibility Features - Options include bold text, color filters for colorblindness, voice control using iPhone's microphone, and sound recognition for car horns and sirens.
• Apple Intelligence Integration - New feature allows Siri to remain on screen without blocking the map view, plus automatic message sending.
• Siri Suggestions - Calendar events, HomeKit controls, and other contextual suggestions appear on the dashboard and can be toggled on/off.
• Third-Party Apps - Apps like Carrot Weather are now available for CarPlay, showing weather information while driving.

Feedback

• iTunes Match Question - Bill asked what happens if he discontinues iTunes Match. Will his music be safe even if he hasn't downloaded it all?

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at [email protected].

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Want access to the ad-free video 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.

Head into the world of data management with hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard as they explore essential apps to help you organize and action your data more effectively. From storing manuals to creating databases and automating with shortcuts, this episode provides practical solutions for both personal and professional data needs.

• DEVONThink - A powerful app for storing and searching documents like manuals, with annotation features and the ability to create links to specific sections of documents
• Tap Forms - The spiritual successor to Bento, allowing users to create custom forms and databases with various field types and options for viewing and organizing data
• Airtable - A versatile database service that integrates with automation tools and offers various views (grid, Kanban, calendar) to organize and visualize data
• Notion - Described as a great "dumping spot" for storing all kinds of information, offering a different approach to data management than Airtable

Apple News

• New iPad Air with M3 Chip - Apple announced the new iPad Air with M3 chip supporting Apple Intelligence, available in 11-inch ($599) and 13-inch ($799) models
• New Magic Keyboard - Features a 14-key function row and larger trackpad, priced at $269 for 11-inch and $319 for 13-inch models
• Updated Base iPad - Now includes double the storage capacity and features the A16 chip

Feedback

• CarPlay Directions - Addressed a viewer question about stopping CarPlay from automatically suggesting directions home, with tips on using alternative map apps
• Procreate App - Acknowledged viewer feedback about Procreate being an excellent graphics app for iPad that deserved mention in a previous episode

Shortcuts Corner

• Smart Bulb Automation - Solved a problem where smart bulbs were turning on too dim when returning home, showing how to properly set up HomeKit automations with specific brightness levels

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at [email protected].

Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today

Want access to the ad-free video 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.

Head into the world of educational technology with Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard as they explore cutting-edge iOS apps that make learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics engaging and interactive. From virtual anatomy lessons to coding playgrounds, these apps transform your device into a powerful learning tool.

• Skeleton 3D Anatomy: A free app for exploring human anatomy in 3D, allowing users to tap and learn about different bones, their Latin names, and skeletal structures. Perfect for students, medical enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the human body.
• Swift Playground: Apple's coding education app that helps users learn Swift programming. Recent updates include the ability to create and publish entire apps directly from an iPad, making coding more accessible than ever.
• Khan Academy: A comprehensive learning platform offering free courses in mathematics, sciences, computing, and more. Features include partner content from NASA and the California Academy of Sciences, with the ability to track progress across devices.
• BrainPOP: An educational video platform featuring engaging content about scientific concepts, historical figures, and educational quizzes. Known for its animated robots and human characters that explain complex topics in an approachable manner.
• Enki: A coding learning app supporting multiple programming languages like Python, JavaScript, SQL, and CSS. Offers flexible subscription options for those wanting to expand their programming skills.
• The Elements by Theodore Gray: An interactive periodic table app with beautiful images, 3D representations, and fascinating stories about chemical elements.
• Froggipedia: A $3.99 iPad/iPhone app that provides a digital alternative to traditional frog dissection, teaching the amphibian life cycle through interactive experiences.
• Lab O Bundle: A collection of science apps including Beaker, Space, Chemist, and more.

Shortcuts Corner

• VPN App Notification Shortcut: A listener seeks a way to create a notification/automation that reminds him to close work-related apps before launching NordVPN to avoid false security alerts.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at [email protected].

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

Pass the time productively! Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard explore apps that can help listeners start and maintain new hobbies. From geocaching to coloring apps, learning piano to birding, they showcase versatile options for various interests.

• Geocaching - Rosemary showcases this app that helps users find hidden caches around the world, offering a purpose-driven outdoor activity with puzzles and challenges.
• Brilliant - Mikah demonstrates this learning app that teaches coding and computer science through interactive puzzles, also offering courses on math, data analysis, and more.
• Coloring Book Painting Games - A free, ad-supported coloring app recommended by Rosemary as an alternative to subscription-based options, featuring thousands of designs and Apple Pencil support.
• Imprint - Mikah highlights this app that distills complex concepts and books into bite-sized summaries, featuring daily reads on topics like Andrew Huberman's morning routine.
• GeoGuessr - A geography game that drops players into Google Street View locations around the world, challenging them to figure out where they are with single and multiplayer options.
• Simply Piano - An app that helps users learn piano through progressive lessons, featuring popular songs and keyboard calibration.
• Apple News+ - Rosemary reminds viewers about hobby-related magazines available through Apple News+, including titles for crochet, photography, and other interests.
• Birda - A birding app recommended by Mikah that helps users identify and track bird sightings, featuring a free version and AI identification with a subscription.

News

• Apple Account Purchase Migration - Apple has introduced the ability to migrate purchases from one Apple account to another, with some limitations including regional restrictions and requirements that accounts can't be child accounts.

Feedback

• Trip Planning Apps - In response to a listener named Reid asking about alternatives to the soon-to-be-discontinued Tripcase app, Mikah recommends Tripsy as a great option for tracking travel information with various subscription tiers.

Shortcuts Corner

• Timer Controls for Audio Apps - Rosemary addresses Rick's question about creating a shortcut to open iHeartRadio and set a sleep timer.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at [email protected].

Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today

Want access to the ad-free video 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.

Hello there iOS Today watchers, we've got a bit of news for you about the show. From now on, we're going to be releasing all episodes of iOS Today as audio-only in these public feeds. So, that's right, you can easily access all episodes, audio-only, in your favorite podcast app.

Now, don't worry if you are all about watching videos like this one, we've still got you covered...it's just via Club TWiT. This change is part of our plan to, of course, grow and enhance our club.

If you haven't joined yet, now is a great time to hop on board. It's just $7 a month. Just head over to https://twit.tv/clubtwit to sign up. And, of course, your support means the world to us!

So if you want video, head over to https://twit.tv/clubtwit for the iOS Today video, otherwise audio will continue to be available to you.

Thanks!