TRANSCRIPT FOR EPISODE 347
Welcome to the show I am your host Rob and this is the Today in iOS podcast - First up I want to thank ALAN for sending in the music you hear in the background. ALAN wrote:
Hi Rob,
I just made a song with GarageBand on my iPhone and I wanted you to hear it.
Regards,
Alan
SONG_Alan_150118.m4a
Thanks ALAN for the music and folks I will put the full song at the end of the episode. I also want to thank ARCADIO for sending in the Artwork for today's show. ARCADIO said the following:
Hi Rob,
Here is a picture from my recent trip to Cocoa Beach Florida . Used the WOW Fx HD APP. I used the mirror option to flip the tii logo to add as a reflection. I am from West Carrollton, OH. How about go Bengals next time along with the Flyers.
Regards,
Arcadio
ARCADIO Thanks again for sending in this artwork and folks you can see ARCADIO'S artwork in the FREE Tii App via the BONUS button for ep 347 - or at instagram.com/todayinios and also as a stand alone post in the VIP section and at Facebook.com/todayinios.
If you have some artwork and or music you have created on your iOS device that you would like to share with the audience please email it to me at today in iOS at gmail dot com and please make sure to include which app or apps you used to create said artwork and or music.
AND I am down to just two songs in my queue - so if you have some music created on an iOS device - please please please send it in.
02:20
In this segment of how wrong were we have the following quote quote “The iPad is nothing more than a large iPod Touch. It’s lacking a 16:9 screen and while the bezel has to be of a reasonable size to allow for holding the device with your hand without your thumb poking the screen all the time, it’s simply too big. Finally those few people who’ve already used it are saying that having a standard keyboard on a device that you can’t rest easily on your lap and that is intended to be used one-handed is lunacy. Just look at the curved corner keyboards Microsoft introduced with the tablet editions of Windows to see how they should have done it. All this will have come about because Apple have done the R&D and released a product that’s been instantly derided as ugly and not what people want. If I were Steve Ballmer today, I’d be splashing out on an extra skiing holiday. unquote
Mike Halsey, Windows7News.com, 28 January 2010
When Mike talks about Windows Tablets and Skiing - all I can think of is that Wide World of sports clip for the agony of defeat - where the guy goes flailing off the skii jump - Just Sayin
03:32
For Promo codes - On Ep 346 we offered up chances to win promo codes for THE APP - Slender Man Origins 3 . We will be giving those out early next week - for more info on this app go back and listen to the beginning of Ep 346.
Sorry no Promo codes this week. I need to get on the ball.
Either way - if you are an App dev - this was an opportunity wasted for your app.
A QUICK REMINDER if you are an App developer or an iBook Author email me if you want your app or iBook featured in the promo give away segment We Just need the 5 promo codes or more to give away. simply email me at today in ios @ gmail.com and please include a 60 sec or less audio review of your app or iBook - indicating you are the dev or author. Also when you send in the promo codes - please make sure to let me know when they expire.
04:23
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/05/12/
new-apple-ios-8-4-release/
iOS 8.4 beta 3 has been released to devs and public beta testers. And what is new - well support for textbooks developed using iBooks Author for the iPhone is now finally available. That means the Podcasting 101 iBook is now available for the iPhone - well at least those running beta 3 of iOS 8.4
There are tweaks to the updated / over hauled Music app - with an improved offline music mode that clearly shows which tracks are downloaded and which are stored online. There is an improved search option which scans your music and those of iTunes radio as well.
But one thing that is not seen yet - is any mention or indication of a Beats based streaming music service. There are still rumors this will launch at WWDC - but with no hint of it yet in the code base - some are starting to question those rumors.
There are still some bugs in Beta 3 which Apple states - such as:
- - Siri control doesn’t work in iTunes Radio
- - AirPlay may prove unreliable
- - Home Sharing and Genius Mixes are missing
- - iTunes Radio track skipping may cause crashes
- - Editing playlists may cause crashes
- - The new Music app can lose its place in tracks when closed
Nothing overly exciting other than Apple continues to churn out the beta updates - which is a good thing.
http://techcrunch.com/2015/05/11/apple-releases-
ios-8-4-beta-3/#.tivas2:NsDF
05:54
http://9to5mac.com/2015/05/08/apple-watch-heart-
rate-monitor-accuracy/
Thanks to Aurelian Radu in the Google+ community for the heads up on this next one. Which is an article from 9 to 5 mac titled - How Accurate is the Apple Watch heart-rate monitor?
Well the answer is very. Seems a software engineer - Brad Larson - who is also the founder of SonoPlot - extracted the raw data from his Apple Watch and overlayed it with his raw data generated by a dedicated heart-rate monitor and the results are amazing - as the two data sets are almost dead on identical. with just minor differences. The device it was compared to was the Mio Alpha and that device has been shown to be 99% accurate when compared to the gold standard of Chest strap monitors. So in other words - the heart rate monitor on the Apple watch is very very good. This was also backed up with what the folks at consumer reports found as well.
One thing to point out is right now the Apple Watch is taking samples once per 5 seconds vs the Mio Alpha which checks every 3 seconds - so it is possible via a software update for Apple to check more often if they wanted - but hey with nearly identical results - that may not be needed.
Speaking of it checking your heart rate - Apple does this with two green LED’s on the back of the Apple watch - and I have had it where a couple times after a work out - when I am all sweaty when I took off the Apple watch it was in the midst of a heart rate scan and the green LED’s remained on for a good 20 to 30 seconds after I removed the Apple Watch. Has anyone else noticed the Green LED’s staying on after they removed their Apple Watch?
As always you can call in feed back to 206-666-6364 - that is 206-moon dog or by sending an email to today in iOS at gmail dot com.
And speaking of feedback - I would love to start getting your feedback on features you would like to see added to iOS 9.0 - which will be announced in less than a month. What are your wish list features to be added or are you like me just looking for it to be all about stability and streamlining iOS. To make it more snappy and less buggy.
08:48
VOICEMAIL_Lee_Casper_thanks_recommendation
Thanks Lee for that feedback.
And We are very happy to have Casper back as a sponsor - Casper is an online retailer and manufacturer of Premium mattresses for a fraction of the price you are used to paying.
Have you ever purchased a mattress by sitting on it for just a few minutes at the store only later to regret it. That happened with us for my Oldest son's mattress. We thought we purchased a good mattress - but oh my - we learned we did not - we would lay down with him to get him to go to sleep and as we tried to get up he would hear us and feel us moving and would wake up - very very frustrating. But we were stuck with the Mattress - However With Casper you get a 100 day risk free trial period. You don't like it you get your money back and they come and pick it back up and donate it to a charity. That said - the mattress they sent is great and is definitely not going back. It is a mix of Latex foam and Memory foam. No noisy springs to wake up your kid or significant other when you get up to sneak some girl scout cookies from the pantry.
Casper did an incredible job on the engineering and feel of this mattress - the nights I record episodes - the boys go and sleep with mom - so when I am done I can sleep on his bed now and my back is not all out of whack in the morning.
But just as important as quality is Pricing and the pricing is really great. Twin Mattresses are just $500, they also have Twin XL for $600, Full for $750, Queen for $850 and then King and Cal King - for $950. That is less than half the price my Parents just paid for their King sized mattress and they can't stand their mattress. Like I said you have 100 days to return it risk free. And if you go to casper dot com slash tii and use promo code tii - you will save $50 off those prices.
This is an american made mattress with delivery right now for the US and Canada only and it is free delivery. When said mattress is delivered - it is from UPS - in a squarish box that you think no way is there a mattress in there - But you get a cool little tool to cut open the package and the mattress opens up and expands to form.
As they say You spend 1/3 of your life in bed - ok maybe more if you have Apple TV with Netflix and HBO NOW in bedroom. And for the cost of an iPad - is it not worth getting the best nights sleep possible - and that is what you will get with Casper or what your kids will get. Again to Save $50 off of the prices I mentioned go to casper dot com slash tii and use promo code t i i - all lower case on the promo code. again casper dot com / tii - promo code tii to save $50 - thanks Casper for the great mattress for my son and for sponsoring this show.
12:10
VOICEMAIL - Edgar_answer_sir_for_date_not_on_date
VOICEMAIL - Kevin_CrossMan_Answer_reminder_check_date
Hi Rob,
the mount I use is the MagicMount surface of iPhone 6 and 6+ from Scosche and it's awesome but it's in my Vette and not in an off-road vehicle. The metal plate is placed behind my Apple leather case without actually using the adhesive The case holds it fine without sticking it to the phone. For $12, it's a cheap test.
Regards,
Bob A
Hi Rob,
I had the same question as one of your recent listeners. How does one find a reputable app developer? You seemed like you had gotten burned about being approached too many times for developer references. Your answer concentrated on not trying to find someone who would code for free or who would be enticed to share in the profits. I am not a coder and have no chance of developing that skill at this point in life. I have created an application years ago on another platform, with someone who is not interested in IOS. (It is inexplicable why they don't want to develop for IOS.) I know a little about what it takes to create an application. Are there resources to locate a developer that one could remunerate at a reasonable rate and have a good chance of producing a workable product? From previous experiences, I know that there is a lot that goes into coding and producing an application. Concept origination, coding, artistic design and marketing to name just a few of the aspects of app development. I am looking for someone who can code for the IOS platform and who is not going to charge me hundreds of dollars an hour and then not produce a product. I am willing to fit into their working styles to produce a good product.
Questions for you Rob:
1. Where does one start in trying to locate an IOS developer? There are lots if developers advertising on the web but unfortunately many seem shady.
2. What do you think are the three most important questions to ask them that would help screen them?
3. What is a reasonable range of salary for a developer? This would be for an app individuals would use not an app for a corporation. Think calorie counter not integrated sales force stock tracker.
Regards,
Corrie T. M. Anderson
Hi Corrie - Thanks for the email - and sorry if my answer on the last show came across the way it did.
I have had many people approach me with a “great idea” and ask for a personal intro to a dev. Later to only find out that they wanted the dev to do all the work for free upfront.
Given that person I mentioned on the last ep does not even listen to the show - I thought it would be a good time to put that point out there. If you want an App developed your are going to pay for it -or you need to learn to develop on your own.
There is a really good book any one with an idea for an App should read first before approaching a dev - it is called App Accomplished by Carl Brown. Read that book cover to cover - taking notes and doing what Carl suggests. It will help your really vet your App before approaching a dev - as far as thinking about how many different screens and getting a good wire frame together. You will need that when approaching an App dev so they can get a better idea on how much time and effort will be needed on their side - and hence how much to charge you. Another thing the book really goes over is making sure expectations are really nailed down on both sides. It is a great read. Again that book is App Accomplished by Carl Brown.
Ok - Step 2 after reading that book is finding a dev. There are many out there - first you can do a shout out in the google+ community for tii - at todayinios dot com slash community. When you get replies from there or anywhere else you find a dev - ask for a list of someapps they developed - and then go and look at the reviews in iTunes - read the reviews in detail - if the reviews look positive - download the apps and use them to see how it looks and feels.
Remember be afraid of App reviews where the stars look like the letter C - lots of 5 and 1 star reviews usually means someone paid for the 5 stars - and the 1 star reviews are users. The Letter L is always bad - as it is all bad reviews. Look for the letter F - mostly 5 and 4 start reviews. Again read those reviews and try out their apps.
Then once you find a dev that looks to do what they say they can do - approach them with your idea and see what price they will charge. Expect at a min to be paying $10k for a simple app - and that number can rise quickly depending on the complexity you have. Is it possible to get a really simple app done on $10k - yes - but again you need to vet your devs past work. I have heard of some simple apps done in the $5 to 6k range that worked out ok - but they were very simple.
Once you start adding in social sharing and data base calls and lots of screen - well again the more complex the app the more you are going to pay. Read the book I mentioned first - it will help you really vet your app idea - and that will save the dev time and effort at least with regards to getting you an RFP completed.
As always if you are an App dev and you are for hire - please email me and make sure to also join our Google+ community.
Hi Rob
The only way I have seen to disable the annoying "cellular data is turned off" pop up messages when accessing apps, is to leave cellular data turned on for the apps in question, but turn off the main cellular data button at the top of the settings page.
Regards
Steve
Brisbane
VOICEMAIL - Anna_Pitt_KS_fdbk_option_use_cellular
20:31
https://plus.google.com/communities/105412562215997292912?cfem=1
We are now over 2,000 members in our Google+ community and growing.
Thanks to everyone that has joined and thanks for the great posts.
One new post in the G+ community that went up since the last episode came out was from Robert Spivack who wrote the following
Quote
D.I.Y. Apple Watch stand. Call me "frugal" not "cheap". Re-cycled vegetable crate corrugated box + DeWalt circle cutter + Elmer's wood glue = "Green" stand for my watch, cost < $1.00
Started as a proof of concept, ended up as a stand I actually use.
(The "secret" to DIY watch stand construction is realizing there is no electronics - just a circle cut-out and a slit to hold the Apple-supplied inductive charger and guide the cord.)
Any material - metal, wood, plastic, corrugated box, foam core boards etc. is waiting for the DIY'r with the appropriate crafting/construction skills.
Save your $30 to $50 otherwise spent on a stand for supporting devs and buying their apps :-)
Unquote
BRILLIANT!!!
Folks if you have any other DIY Apple Watch stands you have done - send in the pics and info to today in iOS dot com or do what Robert did and post a photo in the Google+ community.
And since the last episode there were also dozens and dozens of other new posts in the Tii Google+ community - which is an Android fan bois free zone and spammer free zone. Yup it is the most civil Google+ community covering iOS.
Folks Go to today in iOS dot com slash community to join in.
And thanks to all 2000+ of you already in the community and contributing.
22:21
http://www.gforgames.com/gadgets/kgi-iphone-6s-predictions-47316/
KGI’s Ming-Chi Kou is back - well he never really went anywhere - but he has some more Apple rumors - and this time it is about the next Gen iPhone.
He is first referencing it as an iPhone 6S and 6S+ so not going to the iPhone 7 i.e. new design this year according to Ming.
That said the report from KGI is that the S level upgrade will be a major upgrade. For the record - I have always said the S level upgrades are bigger than the upgrades to a new number. Especially when you look at the features and spec changes.
In this round of rumors the first one - is one we have heard before - and that is all the new iPhones will get force touch. I think that is a safe bet at this point. Not sure that one is even a rumor as much as common sense when you look at what Apple has released already this year.
Per the rumor of a 4 Inch version to join the 6 and 6+ - nope not going to happen this year according to Ming. That goes counter to a few other rumors stating there would be a 4 inch version - a 6C if you would.
The Processor will move to the A9 processor - duhhhh. That is hardly a rumor or inside knowledge - that is simply looking at the past 5+ years and drawing a line connecting the dots.
And the iPhones will get 2 GB of Ram. Again that seems like a duhhh - as it is already at that level in the lasted iPad Air. Again look at what Apple has done the last few years for the top of the line iPad and how that rolled into the next iPhone.
The Rear camera will go to 12 Mega Pixels up from the current 8 Mega Pixel camera.
There will also be a rose gold color option.
Strangely the report says that if certain yield issues are overcome - the 5.5 Inch 6S Plus might come with Sapphire glass. Of course they did preface that with if and might. So lots of wiggle room there.
There is talk about a special 6S Plus edition with the sapphire glass - rather then this being across all the 6S Plusses - Maybe that will be the rose gold version. That might make sense. A much more expensive 6S Plus Edition in Rose Gold - to go along with your Apple Watch Edition. Maybe it will have a price tag in the $2k range - i.e. double the top of the link 6S Plus price.
They also talk about changes to the structural design and housing materials to make it harder to bend. Previous rumors had hinted at 60% stronger aluminum. So again - a lot of this seems to be Ming picking and choosing what rumors to put into his report - more so then info from un-named sources.
There was also talk about more accurate Touch ID - but that is pretty vague at best.
Production ramp to start in August. Nothing shocking there. Especially as it is expected to roll out the end of September once again - and it is not like Tim Cook ever says when production started anyway. So a safe rumor to add in.
There will supposedly be an additional microphone added near the Speaker to enhance voice quality.
And the last rumor is There will also be gesture control support - but not sure if that is for both the 6S and 6S plus - or just the 6S plus. I could see that being just with the 6S plus - as it kind of has one foot in the iPhone world and the other foot in the iPad world.
So lots and lots of items to add to a future bingo card.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/05/12/
iphone-6s-11-new-features/
26:48
http://www.cultofmac.com/321945/iphone-7-concept-
features-a-home-button-built-into-the-screen/
Lets not stop at iPhone 6S and 6S + - lets move on to the iPhone 7 and a concept image - thanks to Chris in London for the heads up on this one.
To describe it - the screen extends down and around and under the touch ID sensor.
It has dual back side camera lenses.
The top and bottom bezels are basically gone. So the screen basically goes to the edges all the way around - which just a tiny sliver at the top for a speaker and camera and sensor.
It has a the similar thin and curved look of the 6 and 6 Plus.
So more an interaction of the current design than a drastic redesign.
Is it pretty - Yup - is it likely - nope. But like I said - it is pretty.
27:39
http://www.businessinsider.com/switch-from-
android-to-iphone-2015-5?op=1
I know I have a certain percentage of Android listeners. Some listen just to send me nastygrams others to troll on Twitter - but many of the Android listeners I have to believe are listening because common sense tells them to get the heck off android. And for those of you that can see there is light on this side of the fence - I have a link to an article that will make it easier for you to really see the light.
This is from Business Insider and it is titled - How to painlessly switch from Android to the iPhone.
It goes over moving Mail, Photos, videos, contacts, music and more.
Come on over the water is warm and the OS will not bite.
Link in the show notes for Ep 347 at today in iOS dot com
28:27
VOICEMAIL - Shannon_AZ_bluetooth_Volume
Hi Rob
Is there a way you can use Siri to fast forward a certain time through a song? I notice you can do this with podcasts, but I can't seem to get it to happen for music.
Regards
Steve
Brisbane
Hi Steve - Not that I am aware of - that feature seems to be a long form Audio feature for Spoken Word content - i.e. Podcasts - and not for music.
VOICEMAIL - Larry_fdbk_artwork_lock_screen
Hi Rob,
Just thought you and the Tii listeners should know. Straight Talk bumped up their LTE data from 3 to 5GB. After that they throttle you to 3G speed. Keeps getting better.
Regards,
Ian
From WV
VOICEMAIL - Tim_ATL_youtube_app_no_issue_yet
CHECK APPLE TV FOR STATUS
34:26
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1104350651/
lunatik-epik-for-apple-watch?ref=nav_search
More Kickstarter projects for the Apple Watch - this next one is the lunatik Epik for Apple Watch. Lunatik and Epik both spelled with a k at the end.
They have a goal of $100k - and are 85% of the way there with 33 days to go - so they will easily hit their goal.
What the Lunatik is is a quote ruggedly refined wearable companion unquote for your apple watch.
It is an Aluminum case or enclosure for your Apple Watch to make it a more robust device. You have a choice of the aluminum enclosure with a black silicone sports band for $100 or for $125 you can get the aluminum enclosure with the Matching aluminum link bracelet.
These are just for the 42 MM only version.
This is the same team that about 4 years ago released a watch mod for the small square iPod nano. So these guys know what they are doing.
Search for Lunatik or Epik - both with a k at the end at kickstarter dot com or look for the link in the show notes for ep 347.
35:42
http://www.bumpies.co/product/bumpies-protectors-iphone6/
Hey Rob,
On your most recent show, item 346, you read a piece about the kickstarter project Icon. I've been using a similar product called Bumpies for a few months now. A bit more understated than Icon. Just plain, hard rubber corner covers that seem to stay on, no matter what, unless you intentionally remove them. I had an installation problem with one at first. Took it off with absolutely no damage to the phone and the company sent me two (one just in case) Bumpies as a replacement, free of charge. Like Icon, it has a raised, lay on the table design. I will never go back to a full coverage case again.
Regards,
Eric in Garnet Valley, Pa.
Thanks Eric for the heads up on Bumpies - link in the show notes for the 6 and 6Plus versions. But they also have versions for the 5 / 5S and 4 / 4S.
Pricing on these are $24 and they are shipping now. What you get for $24 is 4 bumps protectors, 1 cleaning wipe, 1 alignment sleeve, 1 set of instructions and a two year bumbles replacement warranty.
And they have a nice selector tool on their site where you pick your phone and color and then the choice of color you want for the bumpies - and you can see what it will look like. I think for the gold iPhone the Black, Grey or White bumpies look best - but they have a bunch of other colors to choose from as well.
Thanks Eric for the heads up - this looks like a nice product offering.
I did send them an email asking if you can use with a glass screen protector - here is their response
Hi Rob,
Thanks for contacting us. Per your question, the answer is yes. You can still use the product if there is a glass screen protector. Actually, we even recommend it!
And we created a promo code for your listeners. It is - tii - It's only able to be used on our official Bumpies.co website, and it will offer your listeners free shipping until the end of the month of May 2015. The coupon expires after that. If there are any issues with the code, you can let us know. We cannot wait to hear your podcast. Have a great day!
regards,
Abrahom
Bumpies Customer Service Representative
Thanks Abrahom - and hey if you have some samples to send this way I would love to try out the Black or Grey versions for my iPhone 6Plus
39:35
VOICEMAIL - Anna_Pitt_ks_video_support_applewatch_sport
Hi Rob
For Father's Day, I want to email an iTunes gift card to my Dad in the UK. Being based in Australia, is it possible for me to email an iTunes gift card to someone in another country?
Regards
Steve
Brisbane
Hey Rob,
You mentioned that you aren't able to answer the phone call on the iPhone from the Apple Watch.
According to the demo videos on the Apple website you can answer your phone call on the phone from the watch by scrolling up on the digital crown and selecting 'answer on iPhone'.
I'm still waiting for my 42 mm sport, hopefully should be with me soon.
Kind regards
Mark G
Bristol, UK
Hi Mark - Yeah sadly - that does not actually work - it just kind of puts the call on hold - and then you need to go and answer on the phone still. So it is not a simple one tap answer on the phone.
With the Apple Watch It works like this.
1. You scroll on the crown
2. You tap answer on the phone.
3. You answer on the phone
That is not as simple as on the Pebble where you click answer and it answers on the phone.
Hopefully Apple Fixes this in a future update. Clearly this is something that can be fixed via software.
VOICEMAIL - JEFF_CT_SMALL_GLITCH_apple_watch_heart_rate
Hi Rob,
Is there a facebook app and a facebook messanger app out for the apple watch yet?
Regards
Kaitlyn in Pleasant Hill California
VOICEMAIL - Justin_PA_taptic_fddk_not_selling_bad_product
Hi Rob
My son is autistic and is non-verbal. Am wondering if there anyone out there that can recommend an iPad app that is good for helping with speech development for autistic kids?
Regards
Steve
Brisbane
Folks if you have a good suggestion for Steve - give us a call - 206-666-6364 - that 206 moon dog - or send a recording to text reply via email to today in iOS at gmail dot com.
VOICEMAIL - Joe_NY_Swipe_up_glances
Hey Rob,
I noticed that you talked about the music app "bug" that allowed you to control volume and sometimes playback. Although the music app (on the Apple watch) does seem to have a mild ability to interact with other apps there is a much better option that's actually very simple!
The music app glance. Slide up from the watch face app, then left or right* until you find a playback screen which works essentially like the lock screen on your iPhone. Play/pause, volume control and a display of what your listening to (as in name of episode, and name of podcast when listening to a podcast). For podcasts this even includes the skip 15sec back or forward on the podcast.
I have included a screen capture of this glance on the watch in case you wanted to add this as an example to the tii app.
I've also tried this with several apps and I have attatched a table I created with information about these, feel free to share this on the tii app if you think it's worth while.
Regards,
Dan from the UK
Thanks Joe and Dan - and folks if you want to make the glances feature even more useful for Podcast consumption - get rid of everything but the music app controls and overcast if you use overcast - so the only things in glances are the stock screen that is the first one with Airplane mode , silence, do not disturb and Ping your iPhone - which can’t be removed. And then the music control screen called Now Playing and the Overcast screen.
To do this go to Apple Watch App on your iPhone - select Glances - and then leave the Now Playing and Overcast lines - and delete everything else.
VOICEMAIL - TOSIN O APPLEWATCH REVIEW
53:42
http://www.redmondpie.com/comex-hacks-apple-
watch-to-run-web-browser-video/
Thanks to Myron Uecker for the heads up on this next one.
Which is a report that Comex - a jailbreak dev - has managed to hack the Apple watch to get a web browser on it. And he released a video to prove his prowess.
Of course I am not sure exactly what you want to be browsing on your Apple watch given the small size of the screen.
The chances of Apple adding safari to the Apple Watch any time soon are slightly less than that of a regular character in an episode of Game of Thrones not dying.
54:16
http://www.idownloadblog.com/2015/04/29/10-most-
wanted-apple-watch-jailbreak-tweaks/
Thanks to Chris in London for this next one Which is a title of 10 Most Wanted Apple Watch Jailbreak tweaks.
Surprisingly one of them is actually Browse the Web. Of course their reason for wanting it is - because we can. As in Can surf with it. Ummm yeah.
Pull the iPhone out of your pocket and surf the web. I have other things I would rather do with my Apple watch to drain the battery.
Some of the 10 items in the list that I do agree with.
Custom Watch Faces - Yes - I want back my custom Tii watch face.
Changing the default time out setting for the screen - yes - the biggest frustration with the apple watch is the rapid speed in which the screen goes to sleep.
Playing any audio from your apple watch speaker or via bluetooth headphones from the Apple Watch. Yes - The Apple Watch should be an Airplay option for an audio speaker source for your iPhone.
Native Apps for the Apple watch to help speed up the speed of the apps. I think the biggest one would be a native Podcasts app - where episodes are stored natively on the Apple Watch. Right now to get podcasts natively over - you have to create a smart play list on your computer that then syncs with your iPhone and then syncs to your Apple watch - the next time you are charging it up. UMMM Yeah - not exactly ideal. Can you say 2004 is calling and they want iPodder X back.
One thing missing from this - is being able to answer a call on the iPhone from the Apple Watch.
The sooner the jailbreakers start adding these things - the sooner Apple will get around to adding them natively.
After all one thing Jailbreaking has proven to be over the years is a great testing bed for future iOS native features.
56:44
http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-unlock-your-
apple-watch-using-your-iphone/
Thanks to all that sent in this next one - and it is a tip for those with the Apple Watch - and how to set it up to easily unlock it. There is an option - if you go to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone - then select Passcode - and then turn on Unlock with iphone. What happens is the next time you put your Apple watch on - to unlock it - you simply put your finger on touch ID and unlock your phone - and it automatically unlocks your Apple watch - until at least the next time you remove it from your wrist.
This is especially nice for those with mobility issues - where tapping in a 4 digit code on the 38 mm screen especially can be a very big chore if not downright impossible. Now just place your finger on touch ID - and it unlock both your iPhone and your apple watch.
If you have any other favorite Apple Watch tips - give us a call - 206-666-6364 - that’s 206-moon-dog or email them in to today in iOS at gmail dot com.
57:55
http://redpark.com/lightning-ethernet-cable/
Thanks to Muscled Nerd for the heads up on this next one - which is the company red park dot com - They offer cabled that are used by app devs and businesses to connect external devices to the iPhone and iPad.
They now have a new Ethernet to Lightening cable available.
Mind you - you need apps that specifically know what to do with said cable and it will run you $89.
Essentially this is for field service applications. And you must be using Apps that specifically are designed wit the RedSocket SDK.
More info at the link in the show notes for ep 347 for red park dot com
I was looking at their products and they even have a lightening to Serial cable that connected to RS-232 serial devices at baud rates up to 115.2 kbps. Very cool and nerdy.
58:54
VOICEMAIL - Justin_PA_fdbk_apple_watch_wait_and_see
Hi Rob,
I ordered the Apple Watch Sport on 28th April after a call to Apple confirmed that there is no available date for when the Device will be available to purchase in the Apple a stores.
I then made an appoint with my nearest which is 60 miles away so that I could be sure that the device is suitable for me as I have a visual impairment.
I arrived for my appointment on Saturday. The assistant strapped a watch onto my wrist and I was shown a rolling demo. I told her that I wanted to try the accessibility features but she said that they don't have a fully operational device as all in-store devices are locked down and she couldn't demonstrate the features that I was I interested in. I expressed my dissatisfaction and she said she would pass my feedback on.
I just thought you might like to share my experience with your listeners. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff but a bad experience overall.
Regards,
Stuart D
Dundee
Scotland
Hi Rob
Thanks you for all you do (how often do I hear that on the podcast?!)
I have had the Pebble Steel since last July and have loved it. I saw the original on Kickstarter and didn't think much of the plastic case. When the Steel came out I really liked the look of it.
Now along comes the Apple Watch, I like the look of the watch, but because I have actually been using the Pebble for 9 months now I know what I like about having a connected watch - notifications on your wrist. That's the main feature I like about having a "smart watch".
The Apple Watch may have many more features that will outshine the Pebble, but in all honesty I don't think I'll use the extra flashy features. Battery life is a real turn off, my Pebble Steel gets 5-6 days comfortably and I would hesitate on getting something that lasts such a short time. I can get a couple of days on my 6 Plus if I wanted to (could probably stretch it to three if I was really frugal).
Another thing I don't like about the Apple Watch is the look of it, I don't like the look of it - the case that is. It just doesn't look all that robust. I like the look and feel of the Steel over the Apple Watch. I'm a working man, not a fashion model....
I'm actually really looking forward to getting the Pebble Time OS on my Steel.
I will be waiting for the next version / revision of the Apple Watch before I consider it. I haven't completely written off the Apple Watch yet, gen 2 will be even better. I don't hate it, I just don't want it.
Regards,
Paul M
Hi Rob, thought I would drop you a line about the issue I am having with my original Kickstarter Pebble watch.
Every time I get an alert on the Pebble the screen goes crazy, almost unreadable.
Sometimes simply by pressing a button the screen will go back to the previous screen ok, but often it will stay jumbled up, see screen shot.
I went on line to see if I was alone and discovered it seems quite a common problem.
I followed the instructions on line which were to send them a screen shot along with various specific pieces of information via the support function of the IOS app (the online webpage is ok for reporting issues but there is no function for attaching a screen shot so you have to do it via the App).
I got a response quickly from Pebble saying they were now going to send me a replacement even though mine was one of the original Kickstarter ones from a couple of years ago.
I haven’t received it yet, but have had shipping tracking number given to me so know its on its way.
I think that this is superb service and have now pledged on Kickstarter for one of the new ones also.
I hope none of your listeners have the same issue, but if they do at least Pebble is a tech company who recognise that things go wrong and are willing to sort the problem out.
Regards
Anthony Vickers
London
Hi Rob
I have a friend who works for big company . He have access to Apple Watch for the last 2-3 months. Some specs for You. Battery is not a problem "all day combined" should be ok for average person for whole day. 42mm one work around 1 hour longer. He says it's noticeable but not much. If You looking for retina display, You will be disappointed. Resolutions are: 38mm is 272x340 pix, 42mm is 312x390 pix. The prototype they have had to be in the building all the time. If You get it out of the building, gps (from connected iPhone I presume since watch do not have gps) would notify Apple right away. They have final software (for the time) and build of the watch itself was almost final, but already really good. Regards,
- Peter from Chicago.
Hi Rob,
In episode 341, Mitch mentioned an issue with Bluetooth audio skipping. I wonder if he has a Pebble. His issue could be similar to the one I wrote in about in episode 340.
Lou V
VOICEMAIL - Ron_OH_fdbk_bluetooth_settings
1:06:55
In about 45 minutes I will be climbing into a casper bed if all goes well with the post production. So a big thanks again to Casper dot com for their support of Tii - and if you go to casper.com slash tii - and use promo code tii - all lower case - you will save $50 off a mattress shipped right to your door - again go to casper.com slash tii and use promo code tii.
And Before we go today I want to remind you to send in your feedback to the show - 206-666-6364 - that 206-moon-dog - or record your feedback and email it to the show at today in iOS at gmail dot com - The feedback can be a question or comment per something someone said on this episode or it can be a question or rant you have about something else. An App or product review - good or bad - as long as it is iOS related - it is welcomed. I am always looking for new Artwork to feature that you created on an iOS device - just put some Tii branding on it and send it in. And of course we are always looking for more music created on an iOS device to play on the show. This is your show and your feedback is greatly desired. And don't forget to check out our Moderated Google Plus community by going to todayinios dot com slash community.
AND I am down to just one song in my queue - so if you have some music created on an iOS device - please please please send it in.
And finally there is the Tii App which is now Free to you. Search for Tii in the iTunes App Store - it is the best way to consume the show and to get push notifications each time a new episode of Tii is released. Please go right now and download the Tii App - Did I mention it is free.
And that folks is going to do it for us today - Well Except for a bunch of more voicemail messages about listeners experiences with Apple Watch.
OUTRO
OUTRO MUSIC
HERE IS A BONUS SEGMENT This is an ARTICLE I WROTE FOR This Months PODUTAINMENT Magazine - AS it relates to podcast consumption via the Apple watch I thought I would include it as an audio segment here. THIS is NOT my best work - and very likely is my worst article to date - simply because there was not a lot of good things to say. But here goes:
Prior to the Apple Watch release there was the hope that the device would work as a nice remote on your wrist for controlling podcast playback - and thus spurring even more podcast consumption by listeners. And even the hope you could store podcasts in that 2 GB of available space for MP3 files.
And then there was the realty of the Apple Watch launch and while there were quite a few different native apps included, one sadly that was noticeably missing was an Apple Watch App for the Podcasts app. This means there is no native way for podcast listeners to chose, control and playback podcasts via their Apple Watch.
Yes Apple does allows up to 2GB of mp3 files to be stored on an apple watch for native playback when away from your iPhone. But getting a podcast into that list harkens back to 2004. You must first create a smart play list on iTunes on your computer that is sync’d to your iPhone and then you select that play list to sync to your apple watch - but it will only sync with the Apple Watch when the Apple watch is being charged up. 2004 is calling and they want iPodderX back. Yeah this is not something we are going to get many if any podcast listeners to do.
How do you consume podcasts with an Apple watch easily? Well, luckily Marco Arment with Overcast was on the ball and released Apple watch support with the launch of the Apple watch.
His implementation is clean and easy to use. First make sure you are subscribed to the podcasts you are interested in on your iPhone in the Overcast app. Then on the Apple Watch launch the overcast companion app. Next Force Touch on the screen and from there you can scan through the podcasts you are interested in - select an episode and start playing it all from the controls on the Apple watch.
With the actual “playing” happing on the iPhone. One thing that the Overcast App can not do is adjust the volume of playback - but the music app on the Apple watch can. The easiest way to get to it is via glances - swipe up to bring up glances and then at the now playing screen simple turn the digital crown to raise or lower the playback volume.
If you are a hardcore podcast listener - you can remove all the other items from your glances screen except for the Now Playing screen and then add in the Overcast screen to glances - this makes glances your own personal podcast control center. As a Podcaster make sure to mention to your Apple watch listening audience that they can now play back podcasts via the free Overcast App. Is this ideal - heck no - Native is always preferred - and this really just means right now - the Apple Watch will not be increasing Podcast playbacks.
That all said, OverCast is not the only app you can use to control podcast playback - you can actually launch an episode on the podcasts app on your iPhone - and then using the glances screen for Now Playing you can control the volume of that episode that is playing and even pause and and un-pause the episode. But you can not go through and select different podcasts.
Another app you can use is the TuneIn App - and from that App you can select different podcasts and episodes and start and stop episodes. Again with you using the Now Playing screen in glances to control volume.
Sadly Apple Watch is a major update or two away from really helping podcasting. In the mean time you can spread the word to your listeners that there are ways to use the Apple Watch to control podcasts -
just not natively - and not easily if they want to take podcasts with them on the Apple watch for a jog without their iPhone. Possible - Yes - easy - No.