Put That In Your Tinfoil Hat and Smoke It
Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
Logging Apple Home Activities and App Updates
Exploring an app that logs Apple Home activities, speculating on its functionality and usefulness despite lack of updates. Discussion on lagging updates of certain apps due to data collection, conspiracy theories, an alternative to Blinkist, and a EU-only app store alternative.
Dive deep into a treasure trove of cool stuff found, from a lightning-fast AI image generator that might make you feel like you’re living in a Wall-E world or maybe just turn you into a cat, to Karabiner-Elements for customizing your Mac’s keyboard, showcasing the infinite customization possibilities for your tech lifestyle.
That’s right, on this week’s Mac Geek Gab, Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton also explore tools for enhancing your online security with DNS over HTTPS, utility gems like Particulars for macOS system information, and the Vasco Translator V4, ensuring you’re always understood, no matter where your adventures take you. The discussion shifts to smart home management with HomeLog for HomeKit, offering insights into your HomeKit activity that will make you want to put that in your tinfoil hat and smoke it. They didn’t forget about the online shoppers, highlighting the CNET Shopping Extension for snagging the best deals and the indispensable AirBuddy app for keeping tabs on your AirPods’ battery life, all while ensuring your tech gear is always on point with the latest gadgets like the Targus Cypress backpack and HyperPack Pro with FindMy.
The episode isn’t just about discoveries; it’s packed with quick tips to enhance your digital life, from using a shared note for those midnight musings to a shortcut that extends your Apple Watch’s battery life. They tackle listener questions head-on, solving mysteries from sudden watch battery drain to podcast volume drift potentially caused by an accidental Apple Watch crown spin, and even the best practices for merging Apple iCloud services into a family plan.
This episode is a masterclass in making the most of your Apple ecosystem, spiced up with show business insights and listener contributions that underscore the community’s vibrant engagement. Remember, in the ever-evolving tech landscape, stay informed, stay ahead, and “Don’t Get Caught” unprepared.
Chapters/Timestamps/Stuff mentioned:
- 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1028 for Monday, March 11th, 2024
- March 11: National No-Code day
- Cool Stuff Found
- 00:00:01 Patrick-CSF-SDXL Lightning – FAST AI Image Generator
- We Might Live In Wall-E World or You’d Be a Cat
- 00:05:22 MyFaceIsTooBig-CSF-Particulars, a macOS System Information Utility
- Pi-Hole DNS
- 1.1.1.1
- DNS over HTTPS
- 00:11:23 TLatkins-CSF-HomeLog for HomeKit logs all HomeKit activity – MGG 1022
- Put That in Your Tinfoil Hat and Smoke It
- 00:15:02 JG-CSF-Headway (like Blinkist, and on Setapp)
- 00:17:52 DaddyJapan-CSF-Karabiner-Elements for Customizing your Mac’s Keyboard
- 00:00:01 Patrick-CSF-SDXL Lightning – FAST AI Image Generator
- Sponsors
- 00:20:27 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support.
- 00:21:55 SPONSOR: Hims is changing men’s healthcare by providing convenient, quality care, 100% online. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/MGG.
- MOAR Cool Stuff Found
- 00:23:34 PP-CSF-Vasco Translator V4
- 00:27:49 Drewski-CSF-CNET Shopping Extension for online price comparisons
- 00:31:55 Jim-CSF-1025–Twelve South AirFly Pro for sharing audio with other people
- 00:34:47 CSF-GigSky eSIM in Mexico — best eSIM here yet.
- 00:36:57 Glen-CSF-1027–AirBuddy for seeing your AirPods battery status on your Mac (also in SetApp)
- 00:41:03 A bit about the way ads and sponsorships work on the show
- 00:44:19 CSF-Targus Cypress backpack for up to 16” MBP with Find My
- 00:47:37 CSF-HyperPack Pro with FindMy
- Quick Tips
- 00:53:40 Steve-QT-Use a Shared Note instead of texting in the middle of the night
- 00:56:52 Patrick-QT-Shortcut to Control Apple Watch Display for Battery Life
- Show Business
- 01:02:43 MGG Premium Listener Contribution Appreciation Moment
- Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
- 01:05:39 Dom-Why is my watch battery suddenly running down very quickly?
- 01:10:21 Craig-1027-Podcast Volume Drift Might Be Related to Accidental Apple Watch Crown Spinning
- 01:13:42 Bronson-What is the best way to merge Apple iCloud Services into a Family Plan?
- 01:21:52 MGG 1028 Outtro
- Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
- Follow us on Mastodon
- Adam Christianson on X/Twitter
- Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
- Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
- MGG Merch is Available!
- Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
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- MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
- feedback@macgeekgab.com
- 224-888-GEEK
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- Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
- BackBeat Media Podcast Network
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