331 - New Mac Minis, GM and CarPlay, You Got Mail Silenced

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by guest Kelly Guimont, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, and Ben Roethig. We discuss the Vision Pro's new Virtual Display capabilities, Belkin's affordable travel case, and Apple's retail strategy changes amidst sales slowdowns. The team reviews iOS 18.2 beta features, the excitement around M4 Mac Minis, and ongoing debates about Apple Watch functionalities. We also analyze GM's decision to phase out CarPlay and reflect on the future of streaming services, concluding with a tribute to tech icon Elwood Edwards. You Got Mail voice from AOL.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com


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In this episode of In Touch with iOS, we dive deep into the latest developments in Apple's ecosystem, guided by our host, Dave Ginsburg, alongside panelists Ben Roethig, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, and a surprise guest, Kelly Guimont. The discussion kicks off with the buzz surrounding the newly released Vision Pro’s Virtual Display features, including the recently added wide and ultra-wide options that have excited beta users. I share my first hands-on experiences with the new functionality, describing how it effectively allows the Vision Pro to function as an external display for Macs, simulating the feel of multiple 4K displays right in your workspace. The enthusiastic reactions from the team, especially those who have been actively testing the features, highlight the potential impact this will have on productivity.

As we transition to upcoming accessories, we explore Belkin's newly launched travel case for the Vision Pro. At a more accessible price point than Apple's offerings, the Belkin case has generated positive feedback for its quality and design. Marty shares personal insights on headset cases and which options he prefers for travel, suggesting practical solutions tailored to frequent travelers.

The conversation shifts gears as we touch on the recent changes in Apple’s retail strategy for the Vision Pro demo areas. In light of some reports suggesting a slowdown in sales, Apple appears to be consolidating display setups in local stores. We analyze the implications of such a shift, especially in busy urban markets versus smaller retail locations, and the overall customer engagement in-store.

Shifting our focus back to software, we discuss the features introduced with the iOS 18.2 beta, such as enhanced support for image manipulation with Genmoji and the integrations with ChatGPT. The initial impressions emerge—while amusing, these features still feel like they are in infancy, and genuine utility might take a while to be realized. We recount hilarious attempts at generating images and the peculiar outputs they yielded, underscoring the quirks of AI-driven technology.

 

The discussion spins back to hardware with news of the M4 Mac Minis hitting stores, and I share my excitement over my reservation for the M4 Pro variant. Together with insights from various team members who plan to upgrade their machines, we reflect on the remarkable performance benchmarks and versatility of these new devices. Marty enthusiastically details the specs of his new setup while also expressing the anticipation for the next level—potentially the M4 Ultra.

In light of Apple's recent shifts in trading values and end-of-life decisions surrounding older models, we also talk about ongoing debates regarding Apple Watch features and the return of key functionalities in newer models. As we explore the collaborative tension between Apple and companies like Masimo, we emphasize the urgent need for resolution so that consumers could benefit from fully functional devices.

A lively dialogue ensues about GM's controversial decision to phase out CarPlay in favor of its in-house software system. The panel fiercely debates the consumer implications of this move and stresses the importance of software integration in modern vehicles, highlighting that the prevailing consumer preference lies firmly with established ecosystems like Apple’s.

As we wrap up, I offer my thoughts on the evolving nature of streaming services and the industry's crackdown on password sharing, allowing insights into how that could shape user behaviors moving forward. The discussion ends with heartfelt nostalgia as we remember Elwood Edwards, the voice of AOL's iconic "You've Got Mail," highlighting the lasting impact of technology on our lives even as it evolves.

In Touch With Vision Pro this week. 

visionOS 2.2 Beta Adds Wide and Ultrawide Modes to Mac Virtual Display

Testing the Vision Pro With New Ultrawide Display Option in visionOS 2.2

Belkin Launches New Travel Bag for Apple Vision Pro 

Hands on with Belkin's Vision Pro strap that Apple didn't want to make

Apple Consolidating Vision Pro Demo Areas in Stores Amid Rumors of Slowing Sales and Reduced Production

Case for Vision Pro Marty recommended. https://amzn.to/3UINW8H

Beta this week. iOS 18.2 Beta 2

Apple Releases Second Betas of iOS 18.2 and More With Genmoji, Image Playground and ChatGPT Integration - MacRumors

I put Apple Image Playground to the test, and it's much better than I expected

Everything New in the iOS 18.2 Beta

Apple Seeds First Public Betas of iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2 With New Apple Intelligence Features

iOS 18.2 Lets You Track Progress of Safari Downloads on Lock Screen

iOS 18.2 Could Show How Long Your iPhone Will Take to Charge

Apple Preparing for Upcoming Siri Onscreen Awareness Feature With New iOS 18.2 API for Developers

Find My Gains Option to Share Lost Item Location With an 'Airline or Trusted Person' in iOS 18.2 

Apple Seeds watchOS 11.2 Beta to Developers [Download]

Apple Preparing to Add New Screen Savers to tvOS 18.2, Including Snoopy and More

tvOS 18.2 Beta Adds Support for 21:9 Projector Aspect Ratio

In Touch With Mac. The reviews are in all new Macs hit stores November 8, 2024 what's the consensus? Dave is picking up a Mac Mini tomorrow. 

M4 Pro Mac mini review: Remarkably small and incredibly powerful

Review: M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are probably Apple’s best Mac minis ever

Thoughts on the M4 iMac, and making peace with the death of the 27-inch model

M4/M4 Pro MacBook Pro review: Brighter, clearer, faster

macOS High Power Mode comes to MacBook Pro and Mac mini with M4 Pro                             

News

How to Fix iPhone Notes Disappearing After Accepting New iCloud Terms

Apple Adjusts Trade-In Values for Select iPad and Apple Watch Models

RIP, Apple Stickers (Kind Of)

Apple Continues Working to Get Blood Oxygen Sensing Back in U.S. Apple Watches as Next Masimo Trial Begins

GM Again Attempts to Explain Its Decision to Drop CarPlay in New EVs

Carplay Wireless Adapter mentioned https://amzn.to/3YMeerU

Max is about to tell password sharers they have to pay more 

AOL’s ‘You’ve Got Mail’ voice, Elwood Edwards, dies at age 74      you've got mail - Instant Sound Effect Button

Announcements

Macstock 8 wrapped up for 2024. But you can purchase the digital pass and still see the great talks we had including Dave talking about Apple Services and more. Content is now available! .  Click here for more information: Digital Pass | Macstock Conference & Expo with discounts on previous events. 

Our Host

Dave Ginsburg is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users and shares his wealth of knowledge of iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and related technologies. Visit the YouTube channel https://youtube.com/intouchwithios follow him on Mastadon @daveg65, and the show @intouchwithios

 

Our Regular Contributors

Jeff Gamet is a podcaster, technology blogger, artist, and author. Previously, he was The Mac Observer’s managing editor, and Smile’s TextExpander Evangelist. You can find him on Mastadon @jgamet as well as Twitter and Instagram as @jgamet  His YouTube channel https://youtube.com/jgamet

Marty Jencius, Ph.D., is a professor of counselor education at Kent State University, where he researches, writes, and trains about using technology in teaching and mental health practice. His podcasts include Vision Pro Files, The Tech Savvy Professor and Circular Firing Squad Podcast. Find him at [email protected]  https://thepodtalk.net 

Ben Roethig Former Associate Editor of GeekBeat.TV and host of the Tech Hangout and Deconstruct with Patrice  Mac user since the mid 90s. Tech support specialist. Twitter @benroethig  Website: https://roethigtech.blogspot.com

About out Guest

Kelly Guimont is a podcaster and friend of the Rebel Alliance. She appears on The Incomparable network as well as hosts I Want My M(CU) TV. you can find her on Mastodon and Instagram @verso