No, NameDrop in iOS 17 Isn’t a Privacy Concern. Here’s How to Use It

One of the prominent new features in iOS 17.1 and watchOS 10.1 is NameDrop, which makes it easy to exchange contact information with someone merely by putting your iPhone or Apple Watch next to theirs. When you do that, you can share your contact card and receive theirs, or just receive theirs—nothing happens unless [...]

By |2023-12-18T14:15:57-04:00March 15th, 2024|iOS Tips|Comments Off on No, NameDrop in iOS 17 Isn’t a Privacy Concern. Here’s How to Use It

The “Hey” Part of “Hey Siri” Is Now Optional

If you use Siri, particularly on a HomePod, you’re probably accustomed to saying “Hey Siri” as the trigger phrase before your requests. In Apple’s new operating systems for 2023, you can now choose to invoke Siri using the traditional “Hey Siri” or just “Siri” (at least in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US). [...]

By |2023-12-18T13:52:06-04:00March 5th, 2024|iOS Tips, Mac Tips|Comments Off on The “Hey” Part of “Hey Siri” Is Now Optional

With Storms Increasing, Protect Your Tech Gear from Damaging Power Fluctuations

It has been a tough year for extreme weather events. While the connection between weather and technology may seem tenuous, heat waves, high winds, and lightning strikes can play havoc with all sorts of powered and networked electronic devices. Anything that causes power fluctuations—spikes, surges, sags, brownouts, and blackouts—can hurt your tech gear. Protecting [...]

By |2023-09-13T16:35:19-04:00February 16th, 2024|iOS Tips, Mac Tips|Comments Off on With Storms Increasing, Protect Your Tech Gear from Damaging Power Fluctuations

What Should You Do about an Authentication Code You DIDN’T Request?

We strongly encourage using two-factor authentication (2FA) or two-step verification (2SV) with online accounts whenever possible. The details vary slightly, but with either one, after you enter your password, you must enter an authentication code to complete the login. Although it’s always best to get such codes from an authentication app like 1Password (which [...]

By |2023-09-13T16:33:32-04:00February 2nd, 2024|iOS Tips|Comments Off on What Should You Do about an Authentication Code You DIDN’T Request?

Beware Executive Imposter Scams Aimed at New Employees

We’re hearing about new hires who receive an email or text from someone claiming to be the CEO of their new company, asking the employee to carry out some small task like sharing personal information, purchasing a gift card for a client, or wiring funds to another business. The new employee, eager to make [...]

By |2023-09-13T16:39:13-04:00January 23rd, 2024|iOS Tips, Mac Tips|Comments Off on Beware Executive Imposter Scams Aimed at New Employees

When Should You Upgrade to macOS 14 Sonoma, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17?

September is upon us, so Apple will soon start releasing major upgrades for all its operating systems. Note that we say “start.” Apple will undoubtedly release iOS 17 and watchOS 10 alongside new iPhone and Apple Watch models in mid-September. The company hasn’t said when it will release iPadOS 17, although it’s likely to [...]

By |2023-09-13T16:26:02-04:00January 19th, 2024|iOS Tips, Mac Tips|Comments Off on When Should You Upgrade to macOS 14 Sonoma, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17?

Things You Need to Know Before Moving to a New iPhone

Are you among the millions of people planning to get a new iPhone 15? It’s exciting, we know, but don’t move too fast when getting started with your new iPhone, or you might cause yourself headaches. Instead, follow these instructions when you’re ready to transfer your data—and, for many people, much of your digital [...]

By |2023-09-13T16:23:59-04:00January 5th, 2024|iOS Tips|Comments Off on Things You Need to Know Before Moving to a New iPhone

Look Up Apple Device Details in Mactracker

It’s difficult for even those who work with Apple devices daily to remember all the details. What processors were available with the 2020 iMac? What resolutions did the Apple Thunderbolt Display support? What are the differences between the fifth and sixth generations of the iPad mini? To find the answers to these and many [...]

By |2023-08-04T11:24:32-04:00December 26th, 2023|iOS Tips, Mac Tips|Comments Off on Look Up Apple Device Details in Mactracker

How to Protect Your Child’s Hearing from Too-Loud Headphone Audio

Loud sounds are harmful to everyone, and many parents worry that their children are at risk for hearing loss due to too-loud headphone audio from iPhones and iPads. To lower the likelihood of this happening, Apple provides a Reduce Loud Sounds option in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety for both iOS [...]

By |2023-08-04T11:22:03-04:00December 12th, 2023|iOS Tips|Comments Off on How to Protect Your Child’s Hearing from Too-Loud Headphone Audio

Legitimately Worried That You’re Being Targeted Online? Try Lockdown Mode

Most people fall into one of two extremes when it comes to device security. Many believe they’re not interesting enough to be targeted by online attackers and thus don’t take sensible precautions, like making sure every website account is protected with a strong, unique password. (Most attacks these days are bots, so whether you’re [...]

By |2023-08-04T11:35:22-04:00December 8th, 2023|iOS Tips, Mac Tips|Comments Off on Legitimately Worried That You’re Being Targeted Online? Try Lockdown Mode
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