Old Mac Gang

Marty, Bob, Chris and Peter talk about the methods they use for remembering and removing subscription services on their Apple devices

If you want to cancel a subscription from Apple

https://support.apple.com/en-us/118428 

6 Services to Help You Cancel Your Subscriptions

https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2022/subscription-cancel-services.html

How to find and cancel your unused subscriptions

https://www.engadget.com/apps/how-to-find-and-cancel-your-unused-subscriptions-130036314.html

Track and Manage Subscriptions With These 8 Apps

https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/saving-and-budgeting/articles/track-and-manage-subscriptions-with-these-apps 

Top 5 Personal Subscriptions Management Apps 2025 + How to Choose | Zluri

https://www.zluri.com/blog/if-managing-your-personal-subscriptions-are-a-pain-try-these-apps 

Sludge Theory

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sludge_theory

Richard H. Thaler on sludge (video) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky68sLibi6g

InfoClick

https://nisus.com/InfoClick/ 

Macstockconferenceandexpo.com

“PODTALK50” for a 50$ discount

ThePodTalk.Net

The Old Mac Gang talks about their favorite pieces of advice from the Apple Tips app.

The Tips App features:

• Quick Tips: Bite-sized guidance for using built-in apps (like Messages, Safari, Photos), navigating the OS, or customizing settings.

• Themed Collections: Tips grouped into themes, like iPhone Essentials, What’s New in iOS/macOS, iCloud Basics, or Privacy and Security.

• A Search Function: You can search for specific topics (e.g., “Screenshot,” “Widgets,” or “Stage Manager”).

• Notifications: Occasionally, it’ll suggest checking out new tips after software updates.

• Visual Aids: Tips often include images, step-by-step instructions, or animations to make things easy to follow.

Question 1 - The Tips App

"What is a favorite tip that you have recently discovered using the Tips app?"

Chris: Apple Notes (2007, 2012, 2015, and 2025) - Tips with links for every level of user. (Tips > Notes User Guide > Welcome) (Tips iOS 8 2014, Mojave 10.14 2018)

Peter: Celebrate Earth Day & User Manuals

Bob:

Control Center for brightness and volume,

CMD-Shift-5 to pick from types of screenshots

Copy-Paste between devices (Knew this one but love it)

CMD T to add a tab

Marty: Cmd-Shift-3,Cmd-Sft-4 and Cmd-Sft-5 for screen capture on macOS

Question 2 - other places to find tips

"What is a favorite place, other than the Tips App, where you have discovered worthwhile tips? And perhaps one favorite tip you found there?"

Chris: iPhone Life https://www.iphonelife.com/ (website, tips, guides, workshops, memberships)

Peter: tipster Gary Rosenzweig’s MacMost (website/YouTube channel/more); 

Gary:

At last night’s Tucson MUG, I learned how to active my sleeping iPhone; Because iPhone has Face ID, to activate with the swipe up-from-bottom, if your phone has FaceID, she needs to see your face.

https://tmug.com/

Recently, I found an Ocala Mac Users Group member Phil who is educating me as I learn Google Contacts &  Gmail. 

https://publish.obsidian.md/omug23/Home

Different kind of tip: ChatGPT & Perplexity are my new Go-to for How-to answers to all my questions. Try it … a whole new world of joy

Bob: 

Podcasts such as MGG, Mac Break Weekly, Mac Power users, etc

Dan’s Tutorials https://danstutorials.com

At MUG meetings

Through our MUG maillists/forums

Marty: ScreenCastsOnline.com  

Links

Use the Tips app on iPhone (from iPhone User Guide)

https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/iphone/iph3afc3b3fc/ios

A short preview of a full ScreenCastsOnline video tutorial, providing an overview of the Tips app’s features. (YouTube)

https://youtu.be/HnIJ_hHTqjc?si=MBFLk2iX9qAahNvr

Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard explore the often-overlooked Tips app on Apple devices, highlighting its usefulness. (YouTube)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NPmfcwV9mY

MacMost (Tipster Gary Rosenzweig)

https://macmost.com/

Mac Geek Gab Podcast

https://www.macgeekgab.com/

ScreenCastsOnline

https://www.screencastsonline.com/

Announcements

Macstock 9 is here for 3 Days on July 11, 12, and 13th, 2025. We have an exclusive coupon code use PODTALK50 at checkout and save $50.

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ThePodTalk.net

The Old Mac Gang departs from the app/topic episodic style to a round robin questioning process where we each bring a question that everyone has to answer.

Marty’s Question 

"If you were limited to using only one Apple device that you own, what would it be?"

Chris’s Question 

Given the increasing complexity of Apple technology every year, how do we keep our computing experiences simple and productive, while at the same time appreciating the incremental improvements to Apple’s hardware and software?

Gary’s Question 

‘Tools’ we use during the day that are helpful as well as enjoyable?

Bob’s Question

“Desert Island Apple Gear. Presuming no Internet connection or Apple iSeaplane”

The Old Mac Gang chat about the parts of Apple Intelligence that they use and enjoy.

Apple - Apple Intelligence

https://www.apple.com/apple-intelligence

Apple Embraces Al on Pricey iPhones. Other Devices Will Have Al Too

https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2024/apple-announces-ai.html 

How to get Apple Intelligence

https://support.apple.com/en-us/121115

iPhone 16 Bible for Seniors: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide with Tips, Tricks, and Apple Intelligence for iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max

https://www.amazon.com/iPhone-Bible-Seniors-Step-Step/dp/B0DRJT3YMN 

iOS 18.3 NEW Visual Intelligence Features: Finally Good?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0C5wLMOnQ 

ThePodTalk.Net

Gary, Marty, Bob, Peter, and Chris talk about home automation and how and why not they have taken the leap into automation.

16 Smart Home Assistant Devices For Senior Safety

https://www.housecallpro.com/resources/marketing/smart-home-senior-safety/

The Best Smart Home Devices to Help Aging in Place

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/smart-home-for-seniors/

Smart Home Technology for Older Adults

https://agetechcollaborative.org/insights/smart-home-tech-for-older-adults/

How a Smart Home Can Help You or a Loved One Age in Place Right Now

https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2024/smart-home-age-in-place.html

AT&T Picturephone from 1964: https://ourplnt.com/picturephone-first-transcontinental-video-call 

If This Then That

https://ifttt.com/

Macstock 9

Macstockconferenceandexpo.com

ThePodTalk.Net

Marty, Gary, Bob Peter, and Chris speak about how we access news and the usefulness of news readers.

Apple News +

https://www.apple.com/apple-news/

Associated Press
https://apnews.com/

Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/ 

Feedly 

https://feedly.com/

Feedbin

https://feedbin.com/

Fiery Feeds

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fiery-feeds-rss-reader/id1158763303 

NetNewsWire

https://netnewswire.com/ 

Reddit

https://www.reddit.com/

MacStock 2025

https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/

ThePodTalk.Net

Marty, Gary, Peter and Chris speak about the Apple Health app and the days release of new hardware. 

See more of yourself in Health.

https://www.apple.com/health/ 

Use the Health app on your iPhone or iPad

https://support.apple.com/en-us/104997

iPhone Tips for Seniors How to Use the Health App - Youtube video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKve2P1bAMc

How to correctly use The Health App | Apple's Most Underrated App! - Youtube video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lnIYoAy_ag

How to use Apple's Medication Reminders Feature For Your Loved One

https://www.joingivers.com/learn/apple-medication-reminders-feature

One of Peter’s “extra” reminders apps, similar to medication reminders, good for other health reminders; one-time $4.99 and available through SetApp

https://www.dueapp.com/

Another of Peter’s faves, a streak-tracking app; one-time $5.99

https://streaksapp.com/

ThePodTalk.net

The Old Mac Gang, Gary, Bob, Peter, Chris, and Marty talk about their use of health wearables.

Wearable Technology for Seniors

https://www.seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/wearable-technology-for-seniors/ 

How Wearable Technology is Transforming the Lives of Seniors

https://www.patientone.health/how-wearable-technology-is-transforming-the-lives-of-seniors/ 

How Wearable Technology Enhances Health and Independence for Seniors

https://openmedscience.com/how-wearable-technology-enhances-health-and-independence-for-seniors/

Wearable Technology for Seniors: The Top Benefits

https://www.terrabellaseniorliving.com/senior-living-blog/wearable-technology-for-seniors-the-top-benefits/ 

Oura Ring

https://ouraring.com/

ThePodTalk.Net

The Old Mac Gang; Gary, Bob, Chris, Peter and Marty, chat about the new iPhone 16e and Amazon’s decision to stop allowing you to download books you’ve purchased. 

Sites

Amazon is removing the download capability for Kindle books on 2/26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMoCzeGnIss 

Apple 16e announcement

https://www.apple.com/iphone-16e/

Comparing 16e to SE3 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U4BLr8HDCM Best Cellphones for seniors - Senior Living
https://www.seniorliving.org/cell-phone/best/ 

Best Cell Phones for Older Adults

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cell-phones-for-older-adults/    

ThePodTalk.Net

Gary, Marty, Peter, Bob, and Chris talk about how and why to implement Apple Legacy settings, so your Apple ID access can be left for your loved ones.  

SitesPlanning Death Has Gone Digital: Inside the Apps That Prepare You for Loss

https://observer.com/2021/07/planning-death-has-gone-digital-inside-the-apps-that-prepare-you-for-loss/ LIFE FILE: DIGITAL ESTATE PLANNING

https://deathwithdignity.org/resources/life-file-digital-estate-planning/

How to add a Legacy Contact for your Apple Account

https://support.apple.com/en-us/102631 

How to set up an Apple ID Legacy Contact on your iPhone.

https://www.thefinalstep.co.uk/bytesizebulletins/how-to-set-up-apple-id-legacy-contact-on-your-iphone 

Apple ID Legacy Contact Feature: Setup & What You Need To Know

https://www.simplymac.com/apple-id/legacy-iphone 

Don't Leave Your iCloud Digital Life Behind: Set Up a Legacy Contact today!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW-PNf01__g

How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple Account

https://support.apple.com/en-us/102431

Apple Now Lets You Move Digital Purchases From One Apple Account to Another

https://www.macrumors.com/2025/02/11/apple-migrate-purchases-apple-account/ 

Sorry, It’s your problem now. Because I’m Dead
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRS8WBND?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title 

ThePodTalk.Net

Marty, Peter, Chris and Gary shared their experiences and ideas around when is it a good time to upgrade your Apple device OS

Updates your Apple software

https://support.apple.com/guide/personal-safety/update-your-apple-software-ips4930e3486/web 

Update your iPhone or iPad

https://support.apple.com/en-us/118575

Update your MacOS
https://support.apple.com/en-us/108382 

If you want to cancel a subscription from Apple
https://support.apple.com/en-us/118428 

Should I update my iPhone to the latest version of iOS?

https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/guides/should-i-update-my-iphone-to-the-latest-version-of-ios/ 

The Importance of Updating Your Apple Devices

https://blogs.chapman.edu/information-systems/2023/03/01/the-importance-of-updating-your-apple-devices/ 

ThePodTalk.Net

Marty, Gary, Peter, and Chris speak about their favorite map applications and in what situations they use them.

SitesGoogle Maps vs. Apple Maps: Which navigation app is best?

https://www.tomsguide.com/news/google-maps-vs-apple-maps

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps vs. Waze: The Best Navigation Apps for 2025

https://www.pcmag.com/picks/apple-maps-vs-google-maps-vs-waze-the-best-navigation-apps-for-your-phone 

4 Things Apple Maps Does Better Than Google Maps

https://www.wired.com/story/things-apple-maps-does-better-than-google-maps/ 

Apple Maps Is Better Than Google Mapshttps://www.motor1.com/features/705391/apple-maps-vs-google-maps/ 

Apple Mapshttps://www.apple.com/maps/ 

Google Maps

https://www.google.com/maps/

Waze

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/waze-navigation-live-traffic/id323229106

AllTrails

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alltrails-hike-bike-run/id405075943

Strava

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/strava-run-bike-hike/id426826309

Atlas Obscura

https://www.atlasobscura.com/

Gaia GPS

https://www.gaiagps.com/

Chris, Gary, Peter, and Marty have a conversation about different apps they have used for weather information.

Apple Weather

https://support.apple.com/guide/weather-mac/view-weather-conditions-apdw93f0ea3e/mac

National Forecast

https://www.weather.gov/

AccWeather

https://www.accuweather.com/

Weather Underground

https://www.wunderground.com/ 

iStat Menu Weather

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/istat-menus-7/id6499559693?mt=12 

Forecast Bar

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/forecast-bar-weather-radar/id982710545?mt=12

Carrot Weather

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/carrot-weather-alerts-radar/id961390574?platform=iphone

https://www.meetcarrot.com/weather/

Tropical Tidbits

https://www.tropicaltidbits.com/

ThePodTalk.Net

Gary, Peter, Chris, and Bob, the OMGs, talk about Safety Features on Apple devices and how they can help seasoned-aged users.

Apple Support on Apple Safety Features

https://support.apple.com/safety-features 

These Apple Features can save your life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1h59-7Z-no

7 iPhone Safety Features You Should Start Using 

https://www.howtogeek.com/iphone-safety-features-you-should-start-using/ 

Using Check In for Messages

⁠https://support.apple.com/guide/personal-safety/use-check-in-for-messages-ips56b5bc469/web ⁠

⁠ThePodTalk.net⁠

The Old Mac Gang - Marty, Peter, Bob, Chris and Gary - explore the uses of the Reminders app

Resources for Reminders

Apple Support on Reminders app

https://support.apple.com/en-us/102484 

Gear Patrol Reminders How to

https://www.gearpatrol.com/tech/iphone-reminders-app-tips/

New on Reminders in iOS 18: Here's everything new in Reminders for iOS 18

https://9to5mac.com/reminders-in-ios-18-all-the-new-features-coming-this-fall/

iOS 18 Calendar & Reminders: What's New and How to Use Them

https://danstutorials.com/tutorials/tutor-for-iphone/lessons/new-in-ios-18/topics/ios-18-calendar-reminders-whats-new-and-how-to-use-them/ 

How to make a grocery list in reminders

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/make-a-grocery-list-iph80ba26e1f/ios 

SNL Voice assistant spoof

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvT_gqs5ETk

Marty, Chris, Gary and Bob comment on their most-used and favorite apps we relied on for the year.

Resources

The Best Apps for Older Adults in 2024

https://www.seniorliving.org/cell-phone/apps/

The Best Apps for Seniors in 2025

https://www.theseniorlist.com/cell-phones/best/apps/

Best Apps for Seniors in 2024

https://blakeford.com/best-apps-for-seniors-in-2024/

Older Adults Embrace Tech but Are Skeptical of Al

https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/technology/internet-media-devices/2024-technology-trends-older-adults/

Five trends that matter for older adults and caregivers in 2024 and beyond

https://www.ageinplacetech.com/blog/five-trends-matter-older-adults-and-caregivers-2024-and-beyond 

Best Apps for Seniors in 2024: Fun, Health, and Convenience

https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/best-apps-for-seniors 

35 Best Apps for Seniors

https://50plus-today.com/best-apps-for-seniors/

ThePodtalk.Net

The Old Mac Gang covers tips for keeping your identity and possessions safe from online thieves.

Protect Your Devices & Accounts Against Scammers

https://www.cisa.gov/shop-safely-holiday-season 

Phishing Attack Prevention: How to Identify & Avoid Phishing Scams

https://www.occ.gov/topics/consumers-and-communities/consumer-protection/fraud-resources/phishing-attack-prevention.html

What To Do if You Were Scammed

https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed 

Wrong Number scam - GoFor Lunch (start at 6:00)

⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK5VBFpqJLw&t=1s⁠

ThePodTalk.net

Marty, Gary, Chris, Bob, and Peter speak about the Perplexity.ai app and other AI resources.

Perplexity.ai

Perplexity Al's YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@perplexity-ai

Collaboration & Focus with Perplexity Spaces (YouTube)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISw74fp-rqE

Perplexity Pages (YouTube)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qGa0oTY120

The PodTalk.Net

David Ginsburg of In Touch With iOS joins this episode with Marty, Peter, and Chris, to speak about his experience with Mac User Groups in helping others troubleshoot and forming community.

Apple User Groups website

https://www.apple.com/usergroups/

MUG websites

NORTHEAST OHIO APPLE CORPS

https://www.neoac.org/

TUCSON MACINTOSH USERS GROUP

https://tmug.com/

Suburban Chicago Apple Users

https://myscau.org/

APPLE CIDER MACINTOSH USER GROUP

https://www.applecider.org/

Prescott Macintosh USER GROUP

https://www.pmug.us/

Apple Users Northwest / Portland Macintosh Users Group

https://pmug.org/ 

Naples Macfriends User Group

https://naplesmug.com/

The Apple Corps of Dallas (est 1978)

http://acd.us/ 

Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam

https://www.google.com/books/edition/Bowling_Alone_Revised_and_Updated/C7cCEAAAQBAJ

Join or Die, a film about Robert Putnam's ideas

https://www.joinordiefilm.com/

In Touch with iOS

YouTube.com/@OldMacGang

Marty Jencius is joined by Peter Petto, Bob Wood, Gary Sherck, and Chris Wesselman as they talk about tech troubleshooting services provided by Apple.

Support services mentioned on the episode

- Apple support community (https://discussions.apple.com/welcome)