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Adam Engst 10 comments

Apple Operating Systems Jump to 26?

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that Apple will switch its operating system version numbering scheme from the current mess to identifying them by years. It’s about time.

Adam Engst 3 comments

AppBITS: Jettison Solves macOS Disk Ejection Annoyances

Are you constantly fighting with macOS over your external disks, either forgetting to eject them before unplugging their cables or being unable to eject them due to some unidentified open file? St. Clair Software’s Jettison may be the solution.

Adam Engst 24 comments

Do You Use It? VPN Use Is Widespread

The results of our poll about how you use VPNs reveal widespread VPN usage, with most respondents using VPNs for security, privacy, and bypassing access restrictions.

Adam Engst 24 comments

AFP Support Disappearing: Another Nail in the Time Capsule Coffin

Enterprise release notes for the recent macOS 15.5 update reveal that Apple plans to remove AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) entirely in a future version of macOS. Howard Oakley explains how this impacts Time Capsule backups and network shares, while Adam Engst offers practical alternatives for Time Capsule users.

Adam Engst 36 comments

From iPhone to AI: Why Jony Ive’s OpenAI Deal Signals a Power Shift

Former Apple design chief Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have announced a partnership to create AI devices valued at $6.5 billion in stock. The collaboration highlights Apple’s ongoing struggles with AI, potentially signaling a shift in who will define our technological future.

Adam Engst 4 comments

From Animals to AI: Neal Stephenson on Coexisting with Non-Human Intelligences

Science fiction author Neal Stephenson offers a fresh perspective on AI by pointing out that we have long figured out how to coexist with non-human intelligences: animals.

Adam Engst 9 comments

Upcoming NMUG Presentation on Building a Modern Backup Strategy

Join Adam Engst for a free online presentation about creating an effective modern backup strategy at the Naples MacFriends User Group meeting on 21 May 2025.

Adam Engst 1 comment

SmartWings HomeKit Shades: Affordable Automation Done Right

Adam Engst reviews the SmartWings Hazel shade and finds it a worthy addition to his HomeKit setup, despite minor issues with motor noise.

Adam Engst 16 comments

CarPlay Ultra Debuts with Aston Martin, but Broader Support Remains Elusive

Nearly three years after its initial announcement, Apple has finally launched CarPlay Ultra—a deeply integrated, next-generation version of CarPlay—with ultra-luxury automaker Aston Martin. Despite claims of broad industry interest, only Hyundai Motor Group brands have committed so far.

Adam Engst 22 comments

Why Using ChatGPT Is Not Bad for the Environment

A detailed analysis demonstrates that individual ChatGPT use has minimal environmental impact compared to other everyday activities.

Adam Engst 104 comments

Do You Use It? VPNs

This week’s Do You Use It? poll asks if you use a VPN, what you use it for, what type of VPN you use, and which one you prefer.

Adam Engst 18 comments

Apple Releases iOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, and Other x.5 OS Updates

Apple’s latest operating system updates deliver security fixes, Screen Time notifications for parents, and a few minor improvements and bug fixes.

Adam Engst 54 comments

Apple Should Align Its Corporate Behavior with Its Stated Values

Despite Apple positioning itself as a force for good, the company’s App Store policies and grudging compliance with court orders reveal a company prioritizing profits over developer partnerships. Now is the time for Apple to realign the less attractive aspects of its corporate behavior with its values of excellence and care.

Adam Engst 2 comments

WhatsApp Receives $170 Million Judgment Against Israeli Spyware Company NSO Group

After years of litigation, WhatsApp has won a nearly $170 million judgment against the Israeli company NSO Group, maker of the Pegasus spyware. The ruling follows Apple’s quiet abandonment of a similar lawsuit in late 2024.

Adam Engst 13 comments

iPhone 16 Users Report Bluetooth Issues with the Toyota RAV4

Considering an iPhone 16? Toyota RAV4 owners beware: Bluetooth compatibility issues may force you to rely on CarPlay rather than using simple wireless connections for audio and phone calls.