Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

Time To Get Past 300 Baud – Mac Geek Gab 1075

Feb 4, 2025

Discover how to keep your smart home running smoothly even when the internet goes down! The hosts share essential tips on local control with Home Assistant and managing DNS settings. Learn about AirPods features, battery management for MacBooks, and clever uses for AirTags. Enjoy quick tips for managing Finder tabs and hear amusing parenting tales intertwined with tech challenges. Plus, don’t miss out on travel battery management hacks and a fun giveaway announcement!

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ADVICE

Faster iOS Login

From the lock screen, tap Face ID if it appears before the numeric keypad.
This immediately brings up the keypad, saving microseconds.

ADVICE

Managing Finder Tabs

Manage Finder tabs by pressing Shift-Command-Backslash to see all tabs.
Typing a letter filters tabs starting with that letter.

ADVICE

Updating AirPods Firmware

Update AirPods firmware by ensuring they're connected and in their case.
Plug the case in, wait 30 minutes, then reconnect to your device.

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Time To Get Past 300 Baud – Mac Geek Gab 1075 episode image

Are you tired of your smart home devices failing when your internet goes down? Don’t get caught unprepared!

In this episode of Mac Geek Gab, Pete, Adam, and Dave dive into the world of home automation and network stability. They discuss strategies for keeping your smart home running smoothly, even when your internet connection fails. From setting up local control with Home Assistant to configuring DNS settings, you’ll learn valuable tips to maintain your smart home’s functionality.

The episode also covers a range of other tech topics. Learn about updating AirPods firmware, managing battery life on MacBooks, and the ins and outs of AirTags. Plus, discover a Cool Stuff Found with the Remote app for controlling your Mac from your iPhone, and get a Quick Tip on using keyboard shortcuts in Finder tabs.

Don’t Get Caught without these essential tech insights and more. Tune in to Mac Geek Gab episode 1075 and arm yourself with the knowledge to keep your smart home running smoothly, no matter what challenges arise.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1075 for Tuesday, February 4th, 2025
- February 4th: National Stuffed Mushroom Day (also Facebook’s Birthday and National Hemp Day… coincidence? You decide!)
- Police Code 10-75 – Severe weather statement
- MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a copy of CCC Backup!
Quick Tips
- 00:00:01 Bern-QT-Save Micro-Seconds on your iOS LogIn
- 00:03:01 Brian-QT-Display Finder Tabs with SHIFT + ⌘ + \ then type a letter for a bonus tip!
- 00:06:45 Craig-QT-Apple’s Official Instructions to Update AirPods Firmware
- 00:09:00 Bern-QT-Conversation Awareness Airpods Pro – Cool Use Case!
- 00:15:00 Alex-QT-Export Notes to RTFd by dragging in the exactly right way
- 00:18:00 Allison-1074-M3 MacBook Pro’s always-plugged-in battery ranges between 80%-76%
Sponsors and Podcasts
- 00:19:22 SPONSOR: Factor. Save time with Factor’s fresh, never-frozen meals, ready to heat and eat in just 2 minutes! Head to FactorMeals.com/MGG50OFF with code MGG50OFF to get 50% off your first box.
- 00:20:55 PODCAST: Unmute Presents connects blind and sight-impaired individuals through engaging podcasts and live discussions. Together, they share knowledge, answer questions, and build a stronger community.
Don’t Get Caught
- 00:22:05 Muneesh-DGC-AirPods Pro in the Shower – NOT recommended!
Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
- 00:28:27 Joe-Q-independent Cellular Watch Plans Available?
  - US-Mobile Standalone Plan for Apple Watch
- 00:31:15 Using Parental Controls on your Child’s iPhone
- 00:38:28 David-Car issues with AirTag followers and wireless CarPlay
  - CarLinKit 5.0 Adapter
- 00:43:32 Mace-Q-Need to Reset an Airtag With a Dead Battery?
  - Replacement AirTAG CR2032 Batteries
  - Purdy Neat Things Crew Bag
- 00:55:19 Wilco-Q-IoT stability when Internet Connection is down
  - HomeAssistant
Cool Stuff Found
- 01:07:26 CSF-Vietnam: The War That Changed America Series on Apple TV+
  - Mythic Quest Season 4 is out…and Side Quest is coming in March
- 01:10:21 CSFR-Remote for Mac’s peer-to-peer mode works as requested!
More Questions!
- 01:12:35 How do I print when on a connection-limited Wi-Fi network?
- 01:15:22 Is AirPrint Peer-to-Peer?
01:18:31 MGG 1075 Outtro
- MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a copy of Carbon Copy Cloner!
- Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
- Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
- The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
- Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
- MGG Merch is Available!
- Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
- Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
- This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
- MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
- feedback@macgeekgab.com
- 224-888-GEEK
- The Mac Geek Gab iPhone app
- Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
- BackBeat Media Podcast Network