MAGIC Newsletter - April 2020

MAGIC Moments

Before upgrading to Catalina

A number of members are unsure about the big changes to the new Mac operating system MacOS 10.15 known as Catalina, In order to help you we have put an article in the December newsletter designed to tell you what to do before you upgrade. Read all of it carefully before upgrading.

Classes

The following classes are scheduled for 2020. They may be cancelled if the Covid-19 restrictions remain in place.

Pages and Numbers classes - July 28, 29 and 30. Details Soon.

Covid-19

Stay Safe
and have some fun!

Note: This Software Update section of the newsletter lists the most relevant Apple updates. Not all updates are listed for all products. Additionally, I'll add other pertinent updates on occasion.

Apple releases macOS Catalina 10.15.4 with iCloud Drive folder sharing, Apple Music time-synced lyrics, more

Following the launch of iOS 13.4 and watchOS 6.2, Apple today has released macOS Catalina 10.15.4. This update includes several improvements and bug fixes across the system, in addition to the iCloud Drive folder sharing, Apple Music time-synced lyrics, and more.

The Music app on macOS Catalina 10.15.4 now offers the same time-synced lyrics feature that came to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac last year. This feature allows you to follow along with a song in real-time. In prior versions of macOS, you could access plaintext lyrics, but this time-synced feature takes things to the next level.

Today's update also allows users to share folders on the iCloud Drive, something that was previously available in earlier beta versions of macOS Catalina and iOS 13, but Apple has removed it from the final release for some unknown reason.

Users can update to the latest version through System Preferences on a Mac. Check out the full release notes for macOS Catalina 10.15.4 below:

macOS Catalina 10.15.4 introduces iCloud Drive folder sharing, Screen Time communications limits, Apple Music time-synced lyrics view, and more. The update also improves the stability, reliability, and security of your Mac.

Finder

iCloud Drive folder sharing from Finder
Controls to limit access only to people you explicitly invite or grant access to anyone with the folder link
Permissions to choose who can make changes and upload files and who can only view and download files

Screen Time

Communication limits for controlling who your children can communicate with and be contacted by throughout the day and during downtime
Playback control of music videos for your children

Music

Time-synced lyrics view for Apple Music, including the ability to jump to your favorite part of a song by clicking a line in lyrics view

Safari

Option to import Chrome passwords into your iCloud Keychain for easy AutoFill of your passwords in Safari and across all your devices
Controls for duplicating a tab and for closing all tabs to the right of the current tab
HDR playback support on compatible computers for Netflix content

App Store with Apple Arcade

Universal Purchase support enables the use of a singular purchase of a participating app across iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV
Recently played Arcade games appear in the Arcade tab so you can continue playing on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV

Pro Display XDR

Customized reference modes that you can tailor to specific workflow needs by selecting from several color gamut, white point, luminance, and transfer function options

Accessibility

Head pointer preference for moving a cursor on the screen based on the precise movements of your head

This update also includes bug fixes and other improvements.

High Dynamic Range output to HDR10-compatible third-party displays and TVs connected with DisplayPort or HDMI
OAuth authentication support with Outlook.com accounts for improved security
CalDav migration support when upgrading to iCloud reminders on a secondary device
Resolves an issue where text copied between apps may appear invisible when Dark Mode is active
Fixes an issue in Safari where a CAPTCHA tile may display incorrectly
Resolves an issue where Reminders may send notifications for completed reminders
Fixes an issue with screen brightness for the LG UltraFine 5K display after waking from sleep

Some features may not be available for all regions, or on all Apple devices. For more detailed information about this update, please visit: support.apple.com/kb/HT210642.

Apple updates iWork, iMovie for iOS apps with trackpad and mouse support for iPad

After updating its iWork suite of apps for Mac, Apple on Tuesday pushed out refreshed versions of iWork and iMovie for iOS that take advantage of iPad's new support for trackpad and mouse cursor control.

Apple's iWork suite — Pages, Numbers and Keynote — nets a number of enhancements with today's update, but owners of current iPads running iPadOS 13.4 will ostensibly benefit the most from new trackpad and mouse support.

All three apps gain iCloud Drive folder sharing for fast and easy collaboration on group projects, a hold-and-drag gesture for selecting multiple objects, drop cap insertion, and an option to include comments in prints and PDF exports. Numbers and Keynote also see the addition of offline editing tools that allow users to edit shared documents and automatically upload those changes once reconnected to the internet.

The iWork suite is free to download from the App Store, with Pages coming in at 526MB, Numbers at 511.6MB and Keynote at 612.3MB.

Apple on Tuesday also issued a batch update for its iWork suite of apps for Mac, delivering support for iCloud Drive folder sharing.

The latest iteration of Apple's consumer video making software incorporates iPadOS 13.4's new trackpad- and mouse-based cursor control. In addition to bluetooth devices and keyboard cases from Logitech and Brydge, the update enables future integration with Apple's forthcoming Magic Keyboard.

With today's release, users can tap into keyboard shortcuts to toggle between five inspector modes — Action, Speed adjustments, Volume, Titles and Filters — when a clip is selected. Shortcuts can also be assigned to rotate video 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise, Apple said in release notes supplied with iMovie.

Other improvements include a "Download All" button in the soundtracks list that, when tapped, downloads all bundled soundtracks at once. The app also gains support for PNG, GIF, TIFF and BMP files, which can be inserted directly into a movie's timeline.

Today's update comes with the usual unnamed performance and stability improvements.

watchOS 6.2 now available for Apple Watch, bringing ECG app to three new countries

In addition to iOS 13.4 and iPadOS 13.4, Apple is also releasing watchOS 6.2 to the public today. The update brings in-app purchase support to Apple Watch apps, ECG features to more countries, and more. Read on for the full details.

Apple says that watchOS 6.2 finally brings support for in-app purchases to Apple Watch applications. This means you can make in-app purchases directly from your Apple Watch, which is excellent news for the growing number of completely independent Apple Watch apps.

watchOS 6.2 also brings the ECG app to three new countries: Chile, New Zealand, and Turkey. Irregular heart rhythm notifications are also now available in those three countries.

The ECG application allows users to take an electrocardiogram, measuring the electrical pulses of your heart. Irregular heart rate notifications do not require an active ECG to be taken. The watch will analyze heart rate readings continuously in the background and trigger an alert if something seems off.

Finally, Apple says watchOS 6.2 includes a bug fix that could affect music playback when switching from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth connectivity.

To update your Apple Watch to watchOS 6.2, you can open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and tap General then Software Update. You can also update directly from your Apple Watch by opening the Settings app and tapping General then Software Update.

Apple is also releasing watchOS 5.3.6 today for people using an Apple Watch with an iPhone not capable of running iOS 13.

How to disinfect your Mac, iPhone, mouse, trackpad, keyboard and cases

Apple has a long support page of links and tips, dedicated to keeping your devices clean and shiny. But what about keeping them germ-free? Even if you only ever use your iMac's keyboard at home, you probably transferred plenty of unwanted organisms onto it before you started washing your hands properly.

As for your iPhone, it's probably dirtier than a music-festival toilet. And your AirPods, which you keep touching with your dirty hands all day long? I feel nauseated just thinking about it.

So, how do you keep all this stuff sanitary? It's easy, even if your local store has run out of disinfectant wipes due to panic buying induced by fears about the COVID-19 virus.

All Apple's cleaning advice pretty much amounts to "use a damp cloth and wipe it down." That's not going to cut it against the COVID-19 virus. There are two practical ways to rid yourself of this virus. One is rubbing it with soap and water. The soap — like it does with all oils — breaks down the virus's lipid layer, exposing it to certain death. The other is to use alcohol-based sanitizers.

Apple announces new MacBook Air with scissor switch keyboard, $999 price point

Apple has announced a new MacBook Air with a Magic Keyboard and a new $999 price point for all customers, and a discounted $899 price for the education market.

The MacBook Air now replaces the butterfly keyboard with a Magic Keyboard similar to what Apple debuted in the 16-inch MacBook Pro. The internal specs have also been given a boost.

Apple has also doubled the base storage, so the MacBook Air now starts at 256 GB. You can spec the machine up to 2 TB. Exclusively for education, Apple is offering a 128 GB MacBook Air configuration that is priced at $799.

The new MacBook Air features the latest 10th-generation Intel CPUs, up to 1.2GHz quad core i7.

You can order the new MacBook Air starting today. Apple says the machine will be available in Apple retail stores starting next week, although of course most stores are shut due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Apple iWork Mac apps updated to support iCloud Drive folder sharing

Apple updated their Pages, Numbers, and Keynote apps on Mac to support a new iCloud Drive feature for sharing folders. When an iWork document is stored in a shared folder, they will now function as shared documents without any further action.

The feature comes on the heels of Apple releasing iOS 13.4 and macOS 10.15.4, which added the iCloud Drive folder sharing feature.

All documents within the shared iCloud Drive folder are accessible to any user added to the folder. With this new feature, documents from the iWork suite will not only be accessible by users, but editable too, with all the features of collaborated documents.

Apple's iCloud Drive shared folders was a long awaited feature that has shown up in multiple iOS betas before finally being released.

Other updates to the iWork apps include new templates, drop caps, document backgrounds, new shapes, and new export options. Numbers specifically gained increased maximum columns and rows.

Also mentioned in the release notes is a new ability to edit shared documents offline, then populating the document when returning online.

Apple Launches COVID-19 Screening Tool

Apple has launched a COVID-19 Screening Tool in the form of a Web site and a free iOS app. The tool, built in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control, aims to offer reliable information about COVID-19 and help anyone who suspects they may be infected check their symptoms and learn what actions to take.

The site and app are nearly identical, although the app is available only in the US, presumably to avoid stepping on the toes of health agencies in other countries. Their most prominent feature is the COVID-19 screening tool, which asks questions about your symptoms, behavior, and overall health. Apple makes it clear your answers will not be shared with Apple or any outside parties, though the app does save past results for later reference.

Josh tried the screening tool and found that it errs on the side of caution. He noted a sore throat as his only symptom (probably from seasonal allergies and dirty work outside) with no other risk factors, and the app suggested that he self-isolate for seven days with his own room and bathroom, if possible. Having a cough as the only symptom resulted in a similar recommendation. Adding in additional risk factors eventually gets you to the point where the tool recommends you see your doctor, your work's occupational health provider, or your long-term care facility's care team.

Apart from the screening tool, the site and app focus on providing vetted information:

The COVID-19 app has one additional feature, which is a COVID-19 News option. Tapping it takes you to the special Apple News section about COVID-19.

None of the app's information is new or unusual—it's the same drum that the CDC has been beating for some time now. That's not bad, however. Although there is plenty of clear and reliable information about this global pandemic available on the Internet, people who get their "news" from social media, lack basic Internet research skills, or don't follow reputable media outlets are at risk for falling prey to dangerous misinformation. If a tool from Apple can help those people stay safe and support public health efforts, all the better for everyone.

It does seem as though the app—or a future version of it—could be more ambitious than a simple decision tree and basic FAQ. If any company could develop a tool that would help users navigate a coronavirus-infected world more safely while maintaining individual privacy, it would be Apple.

How to share iCloud folders on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

We've been waiting for iCloud folder sharing since Apple announced it back in June of 2019. With iOS 13.4 and macOS Catalina 10.15.4, the feature has finally arrived. Now you can invite several other people to a single iCloud folder, where they can access or add files. You can give people permission to make changes to the folder (adding, changing, or deleting files) or give them view-only permission.

Apple is planning an 'aggressive' shift from Intel to ARM processors, oft-correct analyst claims

If you just bought a new MacBook Air with a 10th-gen Intel processor, it might soon be a collector's item. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is rarely wrong with his Apple predictions, says Apple is planning a major transition to ARM processors in 2021, marking the end of a near-20-year partnership with Intel.

In an analyst note obtained by 9to5Mac, Kuo says Apple will adopt an "aggressive processor-replacement strategy" with numerous models targeted for Apple's own ARM processors in 2021. He had previously predicted that the first ARM Mac would arrive in the fourth quarter of this year, but the effects of the coronavirus could push back those plans.

While Kuo doesn't name any specific Mac models, most people expect the transition to begin with Apple's consumer models, namely the MacBook Air, the Mac mini, and the iMac, before moving on to the MacBook Pro and iMac Pro. However, when Apple transitioned from PowerPC to Intel, the 15-inch MacBook Pro led the way, with the new 13-inch MacBook replacing the iBook before it could receive a new chip.

In speed tests, Apple A-Series chips in the iPhone and iPad perform better than Intel's newest Mac processors, but that doesn't take software optimizing into account. We've yet to see how a custom Apple chip will run applications on macOS or how much work would be required to port apps from x86 to ARM architecture. If Apple's Catalyst project is any indication, however, the transition could be a bumpy one.

Kuo explains the move to custom ARM processors would be cost-effective for Apple, with an estimated savings of 40 percent to 60 percent. However, Kuo also notes that costs could rise elsewhere due to other components. For example, Kuo says Apple will shift to faster USB4 controllers, which are currently integrated into Intel's processors.

Apple would see a significant boost in sales due to the switch, Kuo predicts, with annual Mac shipments rising by 50 percent to 30 million a year.

Apple Card privacy policy updated with new data sharing, iOS 13.4 brings more detail to Wallet app

In addition to its new software updates today, Apple has also updated the Apple Card privacy policy. As first reported by TechCrunch, the new privacy policy allows additional anonymized data to be shared with Goldman Sachs.

According to the report, Apple believes that it will be able to "expand the kind of user that might be able to secure credit" by sharing a "richer, but still anonymized credit assignment model with Goldman Sachs." This new data sharing is opt-out.

TechCrunch also explains that there is a new interface for sharing data when you aren't initially approved for an Apple Card on an opt-in basis:

There is also a beefed up fallback method to share more personal data on an opt-in basis with Goldman Sachs if you do not at first get approved. Things like purchase history of Apple products, when you created your Apple ID and how much you spend with Apple.

This has always existed and you may have seen it if the default modeling rejected your Apple Card application — it has a few more data points now but it is still very clearly opt-in with a large share button.

As we reported earlier this month, Apple is also adding new detail to Services transactions in the Wallet app in iOS 13.4. This allows you to see the specifics of purchases, such as App Store details and more.

The new policy will appear when users update to iOS 13.4. Here is the full text of what's being added to the Apple Card privacy policy today:

"You may be eligible for certain Apple Card programs provided by Goldman Sachs based on the information provided as part of your application. Apple may know whether you receive the invitation to participate and whether you accept or decline the invitation, and may share that information with Goldman Sachs to effectuate the program. Apple will not know additional details about your participation in the program.

Apple may use information about your account with Apple, such as the fact that you have Apple Card, for internal research and analytics purposes, such as financial forecasting. Apple may also use information about your relationship with Apple, such as what Apple products you have purchased, how long you have had your Apple ID, and how often you transact with Apple, to improve Apple Card by helping to identify Apple metrics that may assist Goldman Sachs in improving credit decisioning. No personally identifiable information about your relationship with Apple will be shared with Goldman Sachs to identify the relevant Apple metrics.

You can opt out of this use or your Apple relationship information by emailing our privacy team at dpo@apple.com with the subject line "Apple Relationship Data and Apple Card." Applicants and cardholders may be able to choose to share the identified metrics with Goldman Sachs for re-evaluation of their offer of credit or to increase their credit line. Apple may share information about your relationship with Apple with our service providers, who are obligated to handle the information consistent with this notice and Apple instructions, are required to use reasonable security measures to protect any personal information received, and must delete the personal information as soon as they have completed the services."

Apple unveils new iPad Pro with backlit Magic Keyboard case, available to order today

In addition to a new MacBook Air, Apple today has also unveiled a new iPad Pro. The new iPad Pro is powered by the A12Z processor and features a new camera setup on the back. Apple has also unveiled a new Magic Keyboard with trackpad for iPad Pro. The new iPad Pro models are available to order today — with double the base storage as the 2018 models — and the Magic Keyboard will be available in May.

The new A12Z Bionic chip in the iPad Pro offers the "highest performance ever in an iPad." There's an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, alongside Apple's Neural Engine. You'll also get 10-hours of battery life and LTE that's up to 60% faster .

Apple describes the new Magic Keyboard as having a "floating design with smooth angle adjustment." It attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro and features "unique cantilevered hinges" that allow it to adjust up to 130 degrees. The keyboard uses Apple's scissor switch mechanism and is backlit as well.

Apple today also introduced the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro. With a floating design with smooth angle adjustment, a backlit keyboard and trackpad, the Magic Keyboard delivers the best typing experience ever on iPad. The Magic Keyboard will be available for purchase in May. iPadOS 13.4, which will be released on March 24, includes full trackpad support for the first time. Apple says that it hasn't simply copied the trackpad experience from macOS, but rather completely "reimagined" it for iPad:

With iPadOS 13.4, Apple brings trackpad support to iPad, giving customers an all-new way to interact with their iPad. Rather than copying the experience from macOS, trackpad support has been completely reimagined for iPad.

The new iPad Pro Magic Keyboard case also features a USB-C port on its hinge. Apple says the Magic Keyboard features "USB-C pass through charging, keeping the USB-C port on iPad Pro free for accessories including external drives and displays." Apple also notes that there is an "updated Smart Keyboard Folio" without a trackpad as well.

Apple says it will update its iWork suite of productivity apps to take "full advantage of the trackpad and open up a whole new way to work with documents on iPad." There will also be new templates in Pages and Keynote.

The Not-So-Obvious Way to Bold & Italicize Text on Your iPhone

On a computer, you have keyboard shortcuts like cmd+b, cmd+i and cmd+u to bold, italicize, or underline text. But how exactly do you this on your iPhone?

Easy! Double-tap a word to highlight it and drag the indicators to select multiple words if you want. Then, a menu will pop up. Tap "BIU" here, then select from one of the four options: Bold, Italic, Underline, or Strikethrough.

Depending on the app, you may not see this option in the popup menu right away. If you don't, tap on the right of the popup to reveal the "BIU" option. If you still don't see it, formatting is likely not available in that particular app. Some apps, like Messages, simply don't support it.

If you want to undo the formatting, highlight the text again, select BIU again, then tap the formatting style again to toggle it off.

How to Use Night Mode Camera on iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11

The Night Mode camera on iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11, and iPhone 11 Pro Max is one of the more interesting new features of the new iPhone models, and ones that iPhone photographers will surely enjoy and appreciate.

Using Night Mode camera on iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro is somewhat unique, so read on to learn how to use Night Mode camera mode on the new iPhone cameras.

Night Mode actually turns itself on automatically when the lighting conditions are dark enough.

Just taking a photo in a dark setting will automatically enable Night Mode on the iPhone camera when you snap a photo.

In other words, you can't directly enable Night Mode on the iPhone camera except by taking the iPhone into a dim setting or to dark location. The iPhone actually senses the change in surrounding light, and then enables Night Mode in camera when the appropriate lighting is detected.

An easy way to try this out yourself is to simply step outside at night and open the iPhone camera. Night Mode will automatically activate and turn itself on. Then snap a picture, and you'll see how the feature works.

You can use Night Mode camera in either horizontal or vertical orientation, similar to portrait mode or any of the other cool iPhone photography features available to the devices camera.

How to change Apple Watch Move goal and Exercise goal

Need to adjust the calories or exercise minutes it takes to close your Activity rings for a rest day or sick day? Follow along for how to change your Apple watch Move goal and Exercise goal.

The Activity rings on Apple Watch are made up of Stand, Exercise, and Move goals and closing them each day requires hitting certain metrics. While Apple allows users to change the Move goal at any time, the Stand and Exercise goals aren't able to be changed. However, there are a couple of options to adjust how you close your Exercise goal on rest days or times when you can't get a normal workout in.

We'll look first at changing your Move goal, then how to approach "changing" your Exercise goal.

A majority of Apple Watch users would likely agree there should be some official way to get through rest or sick days without having to miss out on Activity achievements. While there isn't a rest/sick day feature for now, there is a way to change the way you close your Exercise ring on days you might be sick or need to rest even though Apple doesn't allow users to change the 30 minute Excercise goal.

Like the Exercise goal, there isn't a way to change the Stand goal on Apple Watch, it's permanently set at earning stand credit in 12 out of every 24 hours.

It is possible to earn stand credit with lots of arm movement while remaining sitting. You'll have to decide if that's an approach you're okay using.

I was visiting my son and daughter-in-law last night when I asked if I could borrow a newspaper. "This is the 21st century, old man," he said. "We don't waste money on newspapers. Here, you can borrow my iPad."

Malware Examples

Regrettably there are evil people praying on our fears about coronavirus covid-19.

Options when you're limiting contact- FaceTime *

In light of the Coronavirus, we are all making fewer trips...anywhere. So for options, don't forget about FaceTime. FaceTime, as you probably know, is Apple's video calling application. I haven't used it much because I've always felt it not only unnecessary, but unflattering. Close ups of peoples faces while making casual conversation is not very glamorous, talking about my own video image in particular. It is very useful though, if you have things to show or describe. And, of course you can get a little thoughtful about it and make the view a bit better by making sure the lighting is okay and the background is not disturbing.

However, if you set your computer, or iPhone or iPad, up to show the room you're in you could actually relax into a comfortable chair and chat as if in a normal living room setting. That does away with the abnormal close up face image.

Now on to the specifics of using the app. It's not difficult really. Just locate the app in the Applications folder and open it. (Don't forget to take the piece of tape off the video camera that you put there after reading some paranoid inducing article.) Then you just type in a name, email address, or phone number. You have the option of choosing to video chat or chat with audio only by selecting one of the buttons on the bottom of the call list.

You would use a persons phone number if you are trying to reach them on their iPhone. If they will be responding on an iPad or Mac computer then you should use an email address. If the person you want to contact does not use Apple products then FaceTime won't connect. But to include non Apple users there are alternatives. One option is an app called Google Duo that you can get for your iPhone or iPad to use with Android users. Other alternatives include using Skype or Jitsi Meet. You can also use Skype with Alexa but audio only. With Jitsi Meet, I've read it uses encryption but it's not end to end encryption like FaceTime. Which, I assume, means that at some point the signal looses encryption before its final destination.

To use FaceTime you can also simply find the person you want to chat with in your "Contacts" application and click the FaceTime button on the contact card if it's available.

To get a bit creative with FaceTime, you can use it to give your presentation or your Yoga class. Up to 32 people can join one FaceTime call. In fact, talk show host Steven Colbert broadcast his show recently to the studio via FaceTime.

Getting computer help in coronavirus land *

What do you do if you need computer help when you shouldn't be leaving your house, or inviting others in? That's a good question. If you do venture out, some computer repair stores are open on shortened hours. But if you'd rather not venture out you can contact most the usual sources you've been using, but the help you get will be via phone or email help, or via screen sharing. With screen sharing, a remote tech can control your computer to check it out or run anti-virus apps, etc. If your problem cannot be solved remotely, then you can take your computer to a brick and mortar store, or send it out via a scheduled UPS pickup, or simply purchase a new Mac online, ie. from Apple, and get it delivered.

A few of the mentors listed on the MAGIC website will be able to help you remotely, myself included. Or talk to a MAGIC mentor, you may be able to drop off a computer for repair.

MAGIC, the Macintosh Appreciation Group of Island County, serves people who use Macintosh computers, software and peripherals. Our goal is to share information and get answers to questions to make us more productive with our use of technology. Our monthly meetings give us a chance to discuss computer problems and share ideas with other Mac users, feature speakers on specific topics, and to keep apprised of Apple news.

Newsletter

April 2020

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