• Meeting Intro and report with Harry
• "Organizing Photos on iPhone" with Ron Sharp
• Q & A with the "A" Team based on questions emailed prior to meeting
Location:
by ZOOM on-line
MAGIC Minutes for December, 2023
No meeting was held in December.
If you have questions you would like answered at our January 2024 meeting, please send them in advance to our MAGIC email.
MAGIC Musings
Greetings, MAGIC Members and Happy New Year. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season with friends and family. And let's hope that 2024 will be a good year for all. The MAGIC board met in mid-December to plan out our meetings through June and how we will conduct them. We will continue to meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. via Zoom. This Zoom technology allowed us to stay together as an organization through the pandemic, and it seems to be popular with you because no travel is required to a meeting place. We will continue to offer short presentations from our experts and take your questions. Last year, we asked you to submit your questions in advance via email, but our experts now believe they can also handle most questions you raise at the meetings. So….please feel free to send questions in advance to the MAGIC email. or have them ready to ask on the meeting day. Either way is now just fine.
Here is the schedule of presentations at our meetings through June:
January 17
Organizing photos on iPhones by Ron Sharp
February 21
Passwords by Robert Elphick
March 20
Using dictation by Gary McIntyre
April 17
Using Finder and Launch Pad by Ron Sharp
May 15
Q&A session with our experts
June 19
Making short videos in iMovie with Robert Elphick
I want alert you to a couple things that will happen at our upcoming meeting on Jan. 17. Our bylaws stipulate that we will hold an annual business meeting early each year at which any member may speak and bring forward any comments and requests regarding our organization. We will do this before we do the presentation and Q&A that afternoon. Please think over any suggestions you have for improvements you'd like to see at MAGIC. That day we will also pay tribute to our longtime board member Penny Holland, who is retiring from the board this month after serving for eight years. Penny has done so much good work for our group and we want to thank her profusely!
See you on Jan. 17 at 4 p.m.
2024 Board of directors
For 2024, Penny Holland is stepping down after many years of wonderful service. Ron Sharp will return as Vice President and Wendy Shimada will return as Secretary. There is a vacancy for a Director-at-Large ... any one interested in applying should contact us at the MAGIC email.
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 iOS 17.2.1 with mystery bug fixes
by Jason Cross, macworld
Apple just dropped an unexpected iOS update with almost no word about what's in it. iOS 17.2.1 has the following release notes:
This update provides important bug fixes and is recommended for all users.
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222
If you're hoping that the security support page has more information, you'll be disappointed. While iOS 17.2.1 is listed there (along with Safari 17.2.1 and iOS 16.7.4), there's no actual security content described. “This update has no published CVE entries" is all you'll find. There's a single screen-sharing fix in macOS 14.2.1, also released today, but not shared by any of the other OS updates.
Whatever the fix is, it seemingly impacts older iPhones as well. For iPhones that run iOS 16 but can't run iOS 17 (iPhone 8 and iPhone X), Apple released iOS 16.7.4 today as well. Those release notes state that the update “fixes an issue where built-in Apple apps that have been deleted may not install."
To update to iOS 17.2.1, go the the Settings app, then General and Software Update, and follow the prompts.
Apple released updates to all of its operating systems earlier this week and if you haven't yet updated your device, you should do it before the weekend's up. It's not just the new Journal app for iPhone or the Weather widgets in Sonoma—all seven updates are filled with critical security updates that will make your devices safer. Here's everything Apple patched this week:
System: iOS and iPadOS
Version: 17.2
Security patches: 11
Notable fixes: Find My (An app may be able to read sensitive location information); Siri
(An attacker with physical access may be able to use Siri to access sensitive user data)
System: iOS and iPadOS
Version: 16.7.3
Security patches: 8
Notable fixes: WebKit (Processing web content may disclose sensitive information. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited against versions of iOS before iOS 16.7.1.)
System: macOS Sonoma
Version: 14.2
Security patches: 22
Notable fixes: Kernel (An app may be able to break out of its sandbox); WebKit (Processing web content may lead to arbitrary code execution)
System: macOS Ventura
Version: 13.6.3
Security patches: 12
Notable fixes: TCC (An app may be able to access protected user data); Vim (Opening a maliciously crafted file may lead to unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution)
System: macOS Monterey
Version: 12.7.2
Security patches: 10
Notable fixes: CoreServices (A user may be able to cause unexpected app termination or arbitrary code execution); ImageIO (Processing an image may lead to arbitrary code execution)
System: tvOS
Version: 17.2
Security patches: 7
Notable fixes: WebKit (Processing web content may lead to arbitrary code execution; Processing an image may lead to a denial-of-service)
System: watchOS
Version: 10.2
Security fixes: 8
Notable fixes: Accounts (An app may be able to access sensitive user data); ExtensionKit (An app may be able to access sensitive user data)
Additionally, Apple also patched Safari for macOS Monterey and Ventura with two WebKit fixes that were previously fixed in Sonoma in late November, bringing the grand total to 80 patches across all of its devices. Granted, many of them overlap, but you still need to update each device to protect against them all.
To update your iPhone or iPad, head over to the Settings app, select General, and then Software Update.
To update your Ventura or Sonoma Mac, launch the System Settings app, click General, and then Software Update.
Apple releases speedy update to macOS 14.2 with bug and security fixes
by Michael Simon, macworld
Just a week after macOS 14.2 arrived, Apple has released macOS 14.2.1 with unspecified bug fixes and a single security update. The update is available for all machines running macOS Sonoma.
It's uncommon for Apple to release an update so soon after the last one, especially one with no known issues addressed. Apple's release notes merely state that the update contains “important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users." According to Apple's security releases site, macOS 14.2.1 contains a single security release that is not known to have been exploited in the wild:
WindowServer
Impact: A user who shares their screen may unintentionally share the incorrect content
Description: A session rendering issue was addressed with improved session tracking.
CVE-2023-42940: Craig Hockenberry
Additionally, Apple has released Safari 17.2.1 for macOS Monterey and Ventura, though that doesn't include any security fixes, per Apple's release notes. Like macOS 14.2.1 it's unknown what that update fixes.
To update to macOS 14.2.1, head over to System Settings, then click General and Software Update.
You can now diagnose iPhone and Mac problems without going to an Apple Store
by Michael Simon, macworld
Apple has made its Diagnostic suites available to all users as part of its Self Service Repair program
Unless you have an obvious problem with your Apple device like a cracked screen, it can be hard to tell if an issue your device is having is something that needs repairing or something software-related that just needs a reinstall. Short of trial-and-error, such an issue requires heading down to the Apple Store for a Genius to diagnose the problem.
Now you can save yourself a trip. Apple announced this week that its Diagnostic troubleshooting suites are available for iPhone and Mac as part of its Self Service Repair program. Apple explains that the tool is “intended for users with the knowledge and expertise to repair Apple devices," and “will give customers the same ability as Apple Authorized Service Providers and Independent Repair Providers to test devices for optimal part functionality and performance, as well as identify which parts may need repair."
Along with the new tool (which requires iOS 17 or macOS Sonoma 14.1 and later), Apple also announced that all iPhone 15 models and M2 Macs are now able to be self-repaired. The tools are available in the U.S. and will expand to Europe in 2024.
To use the new tool, you'll need to put your iPhone or Mac into diagnostics mode and then enter its serial number to check which Diagnostic suites are available for your device.
WIZARD SEZ: This article is only for geeks but it might be worth knowing that the geeks have a new way of diagnosing any problems that you have.
6 ways to get the most out of macOS Sonoma on your new Mac
by Roman Loyola, macworld
Got a new Mac for the holidays? Congratulations! If it's replacing an older Mac with an older operating system, you now have a new machine running macOS Sonoma, the latest version of macOS.
While the look, feel, and general interface of macOS are the same from generation to generation, each version introduces new features. If you've been using an older version, you may not know about the things that Sonoma introduces. If you're new to Sonoma, welcome! Let's get you started right by showing you some of the things you can do with Sonoma that you couldn't do before. This will help you get the most out of your Mac, and best of all, they're all pretty easy to learn.
Why a Wi-Fi 7 router should be on your 2024 shopping list
by Ed Hardy, cultofmac
Anyone shopping for a wireless router should get one that supports Wi-Fi 7. This new version will finally go mainstream this year, and you don't want to miss out. Getting a Wi-Fi 7 router now makes sense if you want to have the fastest and most reliable internet connection possible, now and in the forseeable future.
Unlike most of its predecessors, the primary goal for Wi-Fi 7 isn't more speed. Instead, it's more about reliability. That said, a speed improvement is expected.
Here's what we have to look forward to.
Wi-Fi is nearly ubiquitous but also unreliable
Wi-Fi debuted back in the 1990s with data transfers topping out at 2 Mbps. It might have faded into history except Apple built the wireless tech into the iBook in 1999.
The current version, Wi-Fi 6E, can go up to 2.4 Gbps. But that's under ideal conditions. In reality, it's subject to interference that slows down transfers.
No one wants their streaming video to keep pausing, or their downloads to creep along. But interference is also causing problems for the development of new types of mobile devices, like the upcoming Apple Vision Pro headset. AR headsets won't be a success if they are burdened with wires, so high-speed, reliable Wi-Fi is critical.
Better, stronger, faster
Wi-Fi 7 (also known as IEEE 802.11be) will bring improvements to reliability and speed. Earlier versions used the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Version 6E expanded to the 6 GHz band, and Wi-Fi 7 will make better use of the new band.
Macs, iPhones, iPads, etc., that support the new standard will offer multi-link operations. This means they'll be simultaneously connected to a Wi-Fi 7 router over all three bands. If one of the three runs into interference, the computer and router can automatically switch to another that isn't experiencing the problem.
Alternatively, MLO means data can simultaneously flow over both the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands for much faster transfers.
Speaking of improvements to performance, Wi-Fi 7 increases the maximum channel width from 160 MHz to 320 MHz, potentially doubling the speed of data transfers. And it also has “puncturing," in which it can build a wide channel around devices that are using small parts of the available spectrum.
“The benefit for a typical Wi-Fi 7 laptop is a potential maximum data rate of almost 5.8 Gbps. This is 2.4X faster than the 2.4 Gbps possible with Wi-Fi 6/6E and could easily enable high quality 8K video streaming or reduce a massive 15 GB file download to roughly 25 seconds," said Intel.
You can already get a Wi-Fi 7 router
The Wi-Fi Alliance trade group is responsible for developing and certifying the new standard, and says the next version “will be available before the end of Q1 2024."
But many companies are going ahead and releasing Wi-Fi 7 routers already. You can buy one today and expect a software upgrade to the final standard once it's certified. (Check to make sure the device-maker commits to the update).
You don't have to do this immediately, though, because your MacBook, iPhone and iPad don't support the new standard. But there won't be a long wait — iPhone 16 is expected to adopt the latest wireless tech this autumn. Apple laptops and tablets introduced in 2024 probably will as well.
That said, your next router should be a Wi-Fi 7 router, whether you buy it next week or next year. You'll miss out on the sweet new improvements if it doesn't.
Start 2024 off with a clean inbox with these 12 Apple Mail tips
by Thomas Armbrüster, macworld
12 Apple Mail tips you absolutely need to know on your Mac.
While you may not use it as much as you used to, email still has a valuable role in digital communications. Maybe you spend more time using text messages, direct messaging, or even FaceTime, so it's even more important than ever to get the most out of Apple's Mail app. Here are some tips for Mail in macOS to help you manage your email.
Use your iPhone to find and change passwords that hackers stole … (If you use iCloud Keychain for passwords)
by Ed Hardy, cultofmac
If hackers steal the passwords you use to log into websites, your Apple device can warn you and help you change them.
We're coming to the end of the year, and that's a good opportunity to do something you've probably been procrastinating about: Replace your website passwords that hackers stole because of some company's lax security. Fortunately, your Apple devices make it easy to find out which of your passwords leaked so you can change them.
Odds are you're either on holiday or it's a slow work day. Take this as an excuse to fix a potentially serious problem now.
iCloud Keychain helps you deal with too many passwords
If you're like me, you probably use unique passwords to log in to hundreds of websites and apps. I have so many I can't conveniently count them - I stopped at 100 and was still near the top of the list.
Apple makes it easy to store and use your passwords with iCloud Keychain. With it, your Apple device (iPhone, Mac, etc.) remembers passwords for you, and automatically inserts them into websites and apps. All you have to do is verify your identity with Face ID or Touch ID.
This makes it easy for you to use strong passwords and change them periodically, because you never need to remember them. Your computer remembers for you.
But if you don't ever change passwords, you're opening yourself up to a criminal using your password to, say, buy a bunch of products on Amazon. Or simply empty your bank accounts.
How to find and change passwords compromised by data breaches
Go to the Passwords section of Settings, see the Security Recommendations, then tap Change Password on Website.
Beyond simply storing them, your Apple device also will warn you if passwords in your iCloud Keychain have been compromised by a data leak. It's easy to find which ones need to be updated.
This feature is available on iPhone, iPad and Mac. (I'm using iPhone for my example.) And you must be using iCloud Keychain, but that's something Apple urges you to turn on whenever you set up a new device.
Go to Settings > Passwords. You'll need to go through Face ID or Touch ID to open this section, of course.
Then look for the Security Recommendations section. Next to this is probably a number. This is how many security problems Keychain has found in your password list. You'll note I have 184 - I need to take my own advice and update some passwords.
Tap on Security Recommendations to open a list of websites and applications for which your passwords have problems. You are told why for each one, with “this password has appeared in a data leak" being the most common reason.
You have the option to tap on each website for a more detailed description of the security problems. This might include a scolding on reusing passwords.
For each password, you are given the option to Change Password on Website.
An example of changing a Google password via iCloud Keychain
To give you an example of how easy this is, I'll change the password for one of my Google accounts when going through Passwords in Settings.
While looking at the list of Security Recommendations, I hit Change Password on Website, which opens the Google sign-on screen. I have to sign in to the Google account before I can change the password, obviously. There's no problem because iCloud Keychain has the user name and current password stored.
Google wants me to go through two-factor authentication so it texts me a code. After I supply this, the screen to enter a new password opens.
The Safari browser is smart enough to figure out that I want to create a new password and automatically suggests a strong one.
Keychain then asks if I should store the new password. I tell it to do so.
And that's it. The process is very similar with other sites. Or you could just take the iCloud Keychain as a warning and switch over to your favorite web browser, go to the website, and update the password there.
Change passwords the easy way: You'll be glad you did
I get it - changing passwords is kind of a hassle. I'm the guy with 184 security warnings, after all. But it's worth it.
Any day you discover someone has used one of your leaked passwords to steal money from you is a bad day. Changing your passwords goes a long way toward preventing that.
How to save money by dumping unwanted App Store subscriptions
by Ed Hardy, cultofmac
We're almost to a new year, and it's a fine time to clear out some of the mistakes of the past. That includes no longer paying for apps or services you don't use anymore. Luckily, it's easy — if you know how to cancel subscriptions on iPhone.
Here's how to find everything you've signed up for through the App Store, see what it's costing you, and cancel it if you've lost interest. Or perhaps save a bit of money by changing how often you're billed.
App Store subscriptions can pile up
There's nothing wrong with subscriptions. You pay a streaming service each month in exchange for watching its films and TV shows. The same goes for subscriptions to apps. Devs get an ongoing income that lets them keep improving the software, and you get apps that steadily add features and/or work better.
But it's easy to forget about a subscription and keep paying for something you aren't using. (Without new Star Trek episodes, it's easy to forget about Paramount+, for example.)
Here's how to find out all the subscriptions you have through the App Store. And how to cancel subscriptions on iPhone for any you don't want anymore.
If you're ready to cancel unwanted subscriptions, it's best to do it now. The beginning of a new year is the right time to consider whether you're really getting your money's worth from Netflix or Seventeen magazine. Maybe it's time to give it a rest.
How to contact emergency services via satellite with iPhone 14 and iPhone 15
by Ed Hardy, cultofmac
Your iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 can save your neck by sending out an SOS for help over a satellite connection.
If you recently got a new iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 as a gift, it's time to test one of its best abilities: Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite service. This allows users of these iOS handsets to exchange messages with emergency services while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
Getting a 2022 or 2023 iPhone in contact with a satellite isn't complicated. But it's something users should know before they need it.
Here's how the process goes.
Never be out of touch with iPhone satellite SOS
Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite service is for hikers, climbers, hunters, boaters and anyone traveling through remote areas. It has been credited with speeding the rescues of people stranded in the far reaches of Alaska and the Canadian wilderness.
It gives iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users emergency access to help. And it has to be a real emergency — forgetting to record football game doesn't qualify.
The satellite connection service will not activate when you can get a cellular connection. If you have bars, you should call or text for emergency help — use 911 or your local equivalent.
Get started with Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite service
If you can't connect to cellular networks to call for help, step into a clearing to use Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite service
If you're lost, stranded or injured in a location so remote there's no other way to get help, start by going to an open area. Your handset can communicate with a satellite, but just barely. Trees and buildings interfere with the signal.
Squeeze the iPhone so that the power and volume up buttons are pressed at the same time. This opens a screen that, among other options, includes Emergency Call. Swipe to the right.
In the United States, an attempt to call 911 with no cell service will bring up the option to use satellite SOS.
It's not a phone call
You'll need to answer a series of questions about the nature of your emergency.
The iPhone 14 isn't a true satellite phone so you can't make an emergency voice call with a satellite in orbit. The iOS handset can only exchange messages… slowly.
The process is difficult enough that you're not put into direct contact with emergency services. Instead, your iPhone will ask you a series of questions to determine what kind of help you need. Do you need a paramedic to be airlifted into the wilderness or simply a tow truck?
The information will go to centers staffed by Apple-trained specialists who call for help on your behalf. It's these people that you will be exchanging text messages with, not police, hospital, park rangers, etc.
Now find a satellite
You'll be shown clear instructions on how to find a satellite.
Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite service helps users find a satellite.
You'll be shown clear instructions on how to find a satellite.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Once you've entered the details of your emergency, it's time to send them via satellite.
Satellite phones traditionally require bulky external antennas, something the iPhone obviously does not have. Apple compensated by showing users where they need to point the handset in order to make a connection with the satellite in low-Earth orbit.
In my test of the system, my iPhone located a satellite in only a few seconds. On-screen prompts told me where to point the handset to make a connection, and then kept me pointed in exactly the right direction.
Only when the connection is made will your first text message go out. And you must keep the iPhone pointed at the satellite all through this process. Don't worry, the app shows you where to point.
Test it for yourself
If you're planning to head out to the back of beyond, I highly recommend you do a test of the service yourself. It's not the sort of thing you want to figure out while you're 15 miles into the desert and nursing a broken leg.
Just open the Settings app and go to Emergency SOS, scroll down to the Emergency SOS via Satellite section and tap on Try Demo. It'll simulate the process so you
Who can use Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite service
Any of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models can connect to a satellite for emergency communication. The feature is not limited to the Pro versions.
The service debuted in autumn 2022 in the United States and Canada, then became available in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Ireland in December. And it came to Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal in March 2023, followed by Australia and New Zealand two months later.
The need for call centers staffed by Apple-trained specialists to handle communication between iPhone users and emergency services is why Emergency SOS via satellite isn't already available everywhere on earth. Apple needs to set up these centers and hire a staff for every country where the service will be available.
Siri can now help users access and log their Health app data
from Apple
watchOS 10.2, iOS 17.2, and iPadOS 17.2 are available today, allowing Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, iPhone, and iPad1 users to conveniently access and log their Health app data using Siri.
With the all-new S9 SiP, Apple's most powerful watch chip yet, Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 can now process Siri requests on device. On-device processing — also available on iPhone and iPad — means users' Health app data never leaves their device to complete a Siri request, helping protect user privacy.
Siri can answer requests related to over 20 Health app data types stored on Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad.
“Siri…"
<
“How does my Move ring look today?"
“Did I close my Exercise ring?"
“What's my step count?"
“How far have I walked this week?"
“How far did I bike yesterday?"
“What's my heart rate?"
“What's my blood oxygen?"
“How much did I sleep last night?"
“How much have I slept this week?"
“What's my blood glucose level?"2
“What was my blood pressure yesterday?"
Users can also ask Siri to log:
“Siri…"
“I took my 8 a.m. medications."
“Log that I took my multivitamin."
“I weigh 167 pounds."
“My period started today."
“Log that I have spotting today."
“My blood sugar is 122."
“Record my blood pressure as 118 over 76."
“Log my body temperature as 98.3 degrees."
Read about more ways to access and log Health app data with Siri throughout the user guides for Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, iPhone, and iPad.
Siri requests related to Health app data are now available in English (United States) and Mandarin Chinese (China mainland), with more languages to follow.
Available on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), and iPad (8th generation and later).
Requires a third-party monitor connected to the Health app.
Users must set up a medications list in the Health app to log this data.
How to set up Apple Watch and tips for getting the most out of it
by Charlie Sorrel, cultofmac
How do you set up a new Apple Watch? Whether you got the Series 9 with its brighter screen and advanced sensors or leapt for the rugged and improved Apple Watch Ultra 2 model, you might be wondering how to get started After all, the Watch is unlike any other Apple device, both in its dependence on an iPhone and in the way it works.
The good thing is, Apple has made it really, really easy to get things up and running. Let's take a look.
The Apple AirTag is arguably among the company's most useful product releases in recent years. Once you set up an AirTag, it gives you powerful options for locating it (and whatever you attach it to). Put one of Apple's tracking tags on an item like a keychain or luggage, and you can easily track its location from your iPhone, Mac or iPad.
Since AirTag's launch, numerous reports have detailed how the tracking tag helped owners find lost items. If you recently acquired an AirTag, here's how you can set it up the right way and use it properly.
The fitness trainer asked me, "What kind of a squat are you accustomed to doing?"
I said, "Diddly."
My grandson made the mistake of telling me I was being overdramatic so l just changed the WiFi password. We'll see who's overdramatic in about 5 minutes.
Malware Examples
by Ron Sharp and Robert Elphick, MAGIC *
Scam to look like a Google email, mentions "Windows." - DO NOT CLICK!
Delete iCloud warnings emailed to you. You will only be notified of full Apple Cloud storage when you access your iCloud settings.
Bogus renewal from a an unknown person DO NOT CALL!
The from address gives away that this is NOT from WhidbeTel DO NOT CLICK!
Internet Crime
Any one bothered by internet criminal activity should report it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at this web page. This includes phishing, malware, spoofing, any demand for money.
I was checking my iPad Settings one morning, specifically the Privacy and Security settings. I do this once in a while just to keep safe and know my settings haven't changed. I clicked on "App Privacy Report" and was shocked at what I found. There is an App Network Activity section and a Website Network Activity section. It says; These apps have contacted domains in the past 7 days, and These websites contacted domains when you visited them within an app in the past 7 days.
Many apps are listed but fortunately most have less than a dozen domains contacted. Some apps, like the New York Times app, were different. I use the New York Times news app and it showed that app contacted 105 domains in the past 7 days. Whaaaat? So I contacted the NYT and asked about it and they just suggested I change my iPad security settings. Well there is no way to limit or alter these particular settings that I have found. I decided to remove the NYT app and now I just go to the NYT website.
But of course in the Website Network Activity it shows the NYT website contacting 72 domains in just two days. You can click on the app or website listed and it shows the domains that were contacted. There were a number of them for Google websites such as googlesyndication and googleanalytics and googletagmanager. Also listed is FaceBook. It says below each entry; This domain may be following you across multiple apps and websites to combine your activity into a profile. Whaaat? I don't even have a FaceBook account.
Apple apps are included in these lists, and I'm sure some of this activity is relevant for the app or website to function and respond appropriately to clicks on page links. But contacting Google and FaceBook is unnecessary and, as you can tell, annoys me.
The Apple News app showed 29 domains contacted. Comparatively, and more appropriately, only 2 of the domains listed were other than an Apple domain.
I try to limit my apps to only ones I find exceptional and that I use more than just occasionally. I also prefer to stick with Apple apps if they offer similar choices. For instance I use Apple Maps rather than Google Maps and I prefer using the Apple weather app, or at least limit to only one other choice.
There may be other settings that could be more secure, like turning locations services off, but then many apps would be useless, like Maps and Weather and shopping in general.
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.
