337 - Watch For an Apple Rosie the Robot Vacuum

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by guests Mike Potter, Chuck Joiner, and Marty Jencius. We discuss the newly released Vision OS 2.3 Beta 1. We also dive into the beta releases of iOS and iPadOS 18.3, including the intriguing integration of Chat GPT into Siri, and tackle the varying user reception of AI features like Genmoji. The discussion extends to the evolving capabilities of AirTags in tracking lost baggage, and the implications of recent Apple Mail updates. We reflect on Apple Maps' adoption in light of new features and explore the impact of AirPods following their eight-year anniversary, along with updates in Apple TV Plus programming.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Summary

First on the agenda is the newly released Vision OS 2.3 Beta 1. We explore the lack of significant updates in this beta, with some initial snooping revealing nothing groundbreaking. However, we note an intriguing patent publication from Apple regarding design enhancements and features for the Vision Pro, including patents for patented light seals and cushions. As we speculate about the future of Vision OS, there's much excitement around the potential for an affordable next-generation headset expected by 2026.

We then shift gears to the beta releases of iOS and iPadOS 18.3, just shortly after the rollout of 18.2. The discussion touches on the latest features and improvements, including the incorporation of Chat GPT integration into Siri, which offers fascinating potential even as we consider user sentiment toward AI functionality. Our conversation reveals a varied reception to features like Genmoji, showcasing generational differences in engagement with AI technology.

Additionally, we reflect on recent advancements in the Apple ecosystem, including the increasingly integrated capabilities of AirTags, especially concerning airlines adopting tracking features for lost baggage. A noteworthy accessory for AirTags, the Time Capsule, promises ten years of battery life, highlighting user concerns about battery longevity.

Our dynamic panel contrasts user experiences with Apple Mail updates in iOS 18.2, revealing varied preferences and the impact of Gmail-inspired features. We also address the importance of Apple maintaining accessibility in their backups, especially after recent announcements regarding iCloud backup changes for older devices.

Another major topic is Apple Maps, now supporting Look Around on the web, which stimulates a broader conversation about user adoption of Apple's mapping services compared to Google Maps. We speculate about the future developments of AI functionalities, notably OpenAI's new initiative allowing voice interaction via a dedicated phone line, underscoring an effort to make AI more accessible.

To wrap up, we discuss the success and impact of the AirPods after eight years since their launch, reflecting on their evolution and market reception. We also cover some current events in Apple TV Plus programming, particularly the announcement of a second season for the series "Bad Monkey."

Topics and Links

In Touch With Vision Pro this week. 

visionOS 2.3 beta 1 now available, plus tvOS 18.3, watchOS 11.3 

Apple is already working on visionOS 3.0 and visionOS 2.4

Today Apple won 36 patents covering Vision Pro, Embedded Optical Sensors in a Micro-led Display for a MacBook & more

Vision Pro’s Immersive Video getting big 2025 updates with new Blackmagic camera and DaVinci Resolve

Apple Likely to Make Vision Pro Lineup More Affordable in Two Ways

Beta this week. 

Apple Releases First Betas of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3

Apple Seeds First Public Betas of iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3

Chuck shares link https://www.heygen.com/

 

iOS 18.3: New features, release date, and more

Here is Everything New for the Apple TV in the tvOS 18.3 Update So Far

18.2

iOS 18.2: Everything You Can Do With ChatGPT Integration

Most iPhone Users Uninterested in Apple Intelligence, Survey Suggests

iOS 18.2 gives Apple Mail its biggest redesign ever, here’s everything new PSA turn off contact photos How can I remove icons from my iPhone mail list?

Airtag Topics

AirTag’s worst feature gets fixed forever by this new add-on accessory

https://amzn.to/41HdlDP

AirTag 2 Expected to Launch Next Year With 'Considerable' Upgrade to Item Tracking

AirTag just got a new feature in iOS 18.2, here’s how to use it

AirTag 2 to be far more useful, thanks to major improvement in one key area

United, Delta, and Air Canada Will Begin Supporting Find My for Lost Luggage This Week

In Touch With Mac this week

Apple Seeds First Betas of macOS Sequoia 15.3 and More to Developers

PSA: macOS Sequoia 15.2 Breaks SuperDuper Bootable Backups but there is more macOS 15.2 Sequoia backup bug(s) affecting Time Machine, CCC, and more

News

Apple Released the Original AirPods Eight Years Ago Today

PSA:  iCloud Backups No Longer Available for iPhones and iPads Running iOS 8 or Earlier

Apple Maps on the Web Gains 'Look Around' Support

You can now call ChatGPT using your phone line

Bad Monkey season 2 is coming to Apple TV+

Apple Arcade’s top 2024 games hint at surprisingly thriving service 

Announcements

Macstock 9 is next summer, It’s back again with 3 Days on July 11, 12, and 13th, 2025. Newsletter link here: https://mailchi.mp/0c81790aa2a8/macstock8-10132503?e=eb0c7039b1

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 

About our Guests

Chuck Joiner is the host of MacVoices and hosts video podcasts with influential members of the Apple community. Make sure to visit macvoices.com and subscribe to his podcast. You can follow him on Twitter @chuckjoiner and join his MacVoices Facebook group.

Mike Potter is the organizer of Macstock Conference: and the host of the For Mac Eyes Only Podcast. You can reach him on Mastodon: https://tooting.ninja/@formaceyesonly https://tooting.ninja/@macstockexpo