340 - Vision Pro New Video Playback and CES Accessories

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by guest Patrice Brend-Amour, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, and Ben Roethig. We explore the latest updates from Apple's ecosystem Our discussion starts with the Vision Pro and the release of Vision OS 2.3 beta, touching on future HomeKit integrations. We dive into gaming advancements with NVIDIA's GeForce Now for the Vision Pro and discuss video playback options,The conversation shifts to iOS updates, including the minor changes in iOS 18.2.1 and expectations for the iOS 18.3 beta. We share insights from CES, highlighting innovative products.

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Summary Topics and Links

We kick off with a discussion about the Vision Pro, as we explore the newly released Vision OS 2.3 beta. While there were not many standout features noted in the update, we tease a potentially exciting future integration with HomeKit, specifically for smart vacuum support. Marty provides insights into developer notes detailing a bug fix for HealthKit authorization issues, while Patrice humorously notes that the updates seem to be more of the same, referencing online jokes about the ongoing nature of software upgrades.

The conversation quickly shifts to gaming enhancements, particularly the anticipation surrounding NVIDIA's GeForce Now service coming to the Vision Pro. Ben passionately shares his excitement, mentioning how it will significantly broaden gaming capabilities through Safari integration. The hosts exchange thoughts on their gaming interests and how these new features may appeal differentially to each of them, highlighting the intersection of gaming and augmented reality.

As we move into the other applications available for Vision Pro, we discuss the best options for video playback, particularly focusing on Plex and the new features recently introduced to its app. The hosts analyze the competitive landscape of video players for Vision Pro, with each providing personal experiences and opinions on usability and functionality. Patrice raises valid points about claiming one specific app holds the ‘best’ title, emphasizing the variety of user needs and preferences.

Next, we turn our attention to recent updates on iOS, with the release of iOS 18.2.1, which introduces bug fixes without significant feature changes. We examine the implications of this update as well as the expectations for future iOS releases, like the upcoming iOS 18.3 beta. The discussion leads to a humorous exchange about the minor changes these updates bring, with the group relaying their own experiences and observations.

The episode pivots to highlight notable mentions from CES. The hosts marvel at new products, such as the Satachi Mac Mini Hub designed to ease the power button's accessibility—a point that ignites playful debate about whether this is necessary. Anchor's new charging solutions and Belkin's innovative accessories also garner attention, with the team weighing in on their utility and relevance in today's tech landscape.

Finally, we wrap up the episode with a look at Apple's recent strategic moves, including the expansion of its services like Apple One and the implications of its ongoing developments in AI with Apple Intelligence.

In Touch With Vision Pro this week. 

Apple Seeds Second Betas of watchOS 11.3, tvOS 18.3 and visionOS 2.3 to Developers

Apple Vision Pro to Support NVIDIA's 'GeForce NOW' Cloud Gaming Service via Safari

The best Plex video player for Apple Vision Pro just got way better

This Tim Cook habit can almost fix Vision Pro’s biggest problem 

Apple Releases iOS 18.2.1 With Bug Fixes

What to Expect From iOS 18.2.1, iOS 18.3, and iOS 18.4

Beta this week. Apple Releases Second Betas of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3

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

Apple Seeds Second Betas of watchOS 11.3, tvOS 18.3 and visionOS 2.3 to Developers

iOS 18.3 beta 2 fixes key Calculator issue introduced last fall

In Touch With Mac this week

Apple Seeds Second Beta of macOS Sequoia 15.3 to Developers

Satechi's New Mac Mini Hub Solves the Power Button Problem

Dell mocked at its own press launch for copying Apple's naming convention

Dell Copies iPhone 'Pro', 'Pro Max' Naming Strategy for New PC Lineup - MacRumors

CES

Anker Launches New USB-C Portable Battery and Wall Charger With Smart Displays, Plus More Accessory Deals

Swippitt Debuts Phone Charging Hub With Automated Battery Swapper

LG Unveils UltraFine 6K Display With Thunderbolt 5 Support

This Matter-Enabled Robot Vacuum Can Pick Up Dirty Laundry - MacRumors

CES 2025: Belkin Debuts New Chargers, Audio Products and Content Creation Tools - MacRumors

Apple One got three recent additions you might have missed, here’s what’s new

News

Apple Stepping Up Plans to Expand News App to More Countries - MacRumors

Apple Intelligence Update Will Add Clarification to Prevent Fake Headline Confusion - MacRumors

Apple Says Siri Data Has Never Been Sold or Used for Marketing - MacRumors

Apple Using Shazam to Predict 50 Breakthrough Music Artists This Year - MacRumors

Disney merges Hulu Live TV service with Fubo, new sports bundle now imminent

Announcements

Macstock 9 is next summer. It's back again for 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 

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 our Guest

Patrice Brend’amour loves to create podcasts, automations or software. She also enjoys working with diverse sets of people, leading them to success and making a tiny difference in the world. Which she does as VP of Development at a Healthcare Software provider. She can be found at https://the-patrice.com and her podcasts Foodie Flashback at https://foodieflashback.com as well as Retro Rewatch with Jeff at https://RetroRewatch.com