GSE383 So Many Portals

On episode 383 of Geekiest Show Ever, Elisa and Melissa share tips for managing healthcare and life using their favorite apps. Check out our full show notes here https://www.geekiestshowever.com/gse383-so-many-portals/ and look for additional tips and referral links. Episode Artwork Credit: Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash. 

Do you have questions about what you heard in this episode? Please send us your feedback. You can email us: podcast at geekiestshowever dot com. Follow us on Twitter for additional tips and conversation: https://twitter.com/GeekiestShow. We’d like to hear from you, so let us know which tech topics interest you most. Elisa can be found at https://twitter.com/elisapacelli1 and Melissa can be found at https://TheMacMommy.com/

Check the Apple Security Updates page to see if your Apple gear is up to date.

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GSE382 Smarter Home Stuff

On episode 382 of Geekiest Show Ever, Melissa and Elisa discuss some new smart home tech. Melissa reviews her new gear and shares tips for how to make a tv into a digital photo frame. Do you use HomeKit for your security cameras? Check out our full show notes here https://www.geekiestshowever.com/gse382-smarter-home-stuff/ and look for additional tips and links to the products we discussed.

AirPods Pro Case with AirTag holder: 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09N3K3XNS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thermacell Mosquito Repellant Lantern: 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00194D6ZW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Otoscope: 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09NW1G7VS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Eufy Cameras: (affiliate link)

https://share.eufylife.com/v1/shopping/s/g/QG6z2Kz8Whttps://share.eufylife.com/v1/shopping/s/g/QG6z2Kz8W

Eufy Indoor Cam (affiliate link): https://share.eufylife.com/v1/shopping/s/g/bPJ2JQ1KS

Leak Detectors:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07888CVYR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Tip: You can use your big screen TV as an oversized digital photo frame! You can even allow friends and family members to contribute photos if you invite them to do so. Here’s how you can achieve it using Apple TV:

First, using the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad, create a new Shared Album. In my own library, I created an album and called it “Screensaver.” You can name it anything you want. Complete instructions are here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202786

On Apple TV, launch the Settings app then go to General. Next, select Screen Saver and choose the Type which will be called “My Photos.” Select the Shared Photo Album you’ve already created so it pulls images from this album in rotation. Next, select a Transition. I chose Origami. You can preview all the different transitions to see which you like best.

Image shows three different chargers in one hand to compare the sizes. First is the Apple 5W USB power adapter that came with older iPhones. Next is the Anker USB-C 20W charger and last is the Apple 20W power adapter that comes with HomePod mini.
Image shows three plugs connected to the surge protector power strip that hide behind the wall-mounted tv. Apple TV plug, flat screen TV plug, and HomePod mini power cable plugged into Anker’s 20W USB-C charger.

Anker USB-C 20W Charger for HomePod mini:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08H4KS2LV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

10 ft Power Strip Surge Protector: 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09G27X3GN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

TV Wall Mount: 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KXTZ3BE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Apple TV Wall Mount: 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B099Z8YZ9X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Elisa’s New iPad Case:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KLW4LCG?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Consider joining a local Macintosh Users Group near you. If you live or visit Tucson, come check out Tucson Macintosh Users Group.

Do you have questions about what you heard in this episode? Please send us your feedback. You can email us: podcast at geekiestshowever dot com. Follow us on Twitter for additional tips and conversation: https://twitter.com/GeekiestShow. We’d like to hear from you, so let us know which tech topics interest you most. Elisa can be found at https://twitter.com/elisapacelli1 and Melissa can be found at https://TheMacMommy.com/

Episode Artwork Credit: Melissa Davis

Check the Apple Security Updates page to see if your Apple gear is up to date.

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GSE381 Mr Pacelli v2

On episode 381 of Geekiest Show Ever, Elisa’s son, Shane Pacelli, joins us again for an update on education during the pandemic recovery in his area. Check out our full show notes here https://www.geekiestshowever.com/gse381-mr-pacelli-v2/ and look for additional tips and referral links.

If you can, please support Shane by purchasing supplies from his school wish list here: https://t.co/P0xZehqXhD

Do you have questions about what you heard in this episode? Please send us your feedback. You can email us: podcast at geekiestshowever dot com. Follow us on Twitter for additional tips and conversation: https://twitter.com/GeekiestShow. We’d like to hear from you, so let us know which tech topics interest you most. Elisa can be found at https://twitter.com/elisapacelli1 and Melissa can be found at https://TheMacMommy.com/

Episode Artwork Credit: Shane Pacelli and Melissa Davis

Check the Apple Security Updates page to see if your Apple gear is up to date.

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GSE380 Leaving The Death Star


On episode 380 of Geekiest Show Ever, Elisa and Melissa discuss the myriad of mobile plans they have been evaluating in order to leave the wretched Death Star. Check out their full show notes here https://www.geekiestshowever.com/gse380-leaving-the-death-star/ and look for additional tips and referral links.

Tips for trying to make the transition between carriers a little smoother:

  • Check to see if your iPhone is unlocked before beginning the process. Open Settings > General > About > scroll to the section that begins with “Wi-Fi Address” then look for Carrier Lock. If it says “No SIM restrictions” then your device is not locked to the carrier.
  • In this section you will also find your IMEI number. Long-press onto the number, release your finger, then tap “copy” and now you can paste this long number into a note or form field when requested.
  • Here is the link to AT&T for unlocking your device: https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/
  • Don’t forget to use Rakuten when switching to a new plan. Use Melissa’s referral link here: https://www.rakuten.com/r/MELISS95892?eeid=28187

Do you have questions about what you heard in this episode? Please send us your feedback. You can email us: podcast at geekiestshowever dot com. Follow us on Twitter for additional tips and conversation: https://twitter.com/GeekiestShow. We’d like to hear from you, so let us know which tech topics interest you most. Elisa can be found at https://twitter.com/elisapacelli1 and Melissa can be found at https://TheMacMommy.com/

Episode Artwork Credit: Piotr Makowski on Unsplash

Check the Apple Security Updates page to see if your Apple gear is up to date.

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GSE379 Dear Tim

On episode 379 of Geekiest Show Ever, Elisa and Melissa discuss what they would request if they wrote a letter to Tim Cook regarding features announced at WWDC22. Check out our full show notes here https://www.geekiestshowever.com/gse379-dear-tim/ 

Lack of Sharing and Group Management in Contacts

We still can not edit or manage groups in Contacts using iOS or iPadOS. Groups can only be hidden or shown. A new contact can not be assigned to an existing group. These tasks must be performed on a Mac. Even more perplexing is the lack of ability to edit groups using Safari with iCloud.com on an iPhone. Apple’s support articles instruct how to log into iCloud.com using a web browser to access the Contacts web app. Currently, the Contacts web app is absent from view when using an iPhone. If using an iPad, it must be rotated sideways in order to see the groups in the sidebar on the left. Below are some support articles from Apple regarding Contacts.

Learn how to use Contacts on iCloud.com on a tablet: https://support.apple.com/guide/icloud/aside/mm2785e13e7e/1.0/icloud/1.0 “If you want to access your contacts on iCloud.com, use a tablet or computer. You can’t use Contacts on iCloud.com on a phone.”

Create and manage groups of contacts on iCloud.com: https://support.apple.com/guide/icloud/create-and-manage-groups-mmfba73c71/1.0/icloud/1.0

View contacts on iCloud.com: https://support.apple.com/guide/icloud-ipad/view-contacts-mmfba73ffb/1.0/icloud/1.0 “Note: If you don’t see the groups list in the sidebar, try viewing your iPad in landscape orientation.”

Messages Housekeeping

Have you ever wanted to delete files and animated GIFs taking up space in your iCloud? Elisa tells us how to clear those out. Here is Apple’s support article with instructions: Free up storage space on your Mac: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206996

Do you have questions about what you heard in this episode? Please send us your feedback. You can email us: podcast at geekiestshowever dot com. Follow us on Twitter for additional tips and conversation: https://twitter.com/GeekiestShow. We’d like to hear from you, so let us know which tech topics interest you most. Elisa can be found at https://twitter.com/elisapacelli1 and Melissa can be found at https://TheMacMommy.com/

Episode Artwork Credit: Dorothe Wouters of Darkmoon_Art from Pixabay

Check the Apple Security Updates page to see if your Apple gear is up to date.

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GSE378 WWDC22 Reactions

On episode 378 of Geekiest Show Ever, Elisa and Melissa share their reactions to WWDC22. Check out our full show notes here https://www.geekiestshowever.com/gse378-wwdc22-reactions/ Episode Artwork Credit: Melissa Davis.

Check out Apple’s website for a synopsis of all they announced at the event here: https://www.apple.com/apple-events/

Melissa’s App Picks

MultiTimer: Multiple timers https://apps.apple.com/us/app/multitimer-multiple-timers/id973421278 Melissa uses this for creating custom workout timers with intervals. She looks forward to seeing what Apple can do to compete with this on watchOS9 with the new custom workout features.

MediSafe: https://www.medisafeapp.com This is the “app on steroids” Melissa recommends for users who need to manage many medications for themselves or for a family of members who need dosing management. App link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/medisafe-medication-management/id573916946

Do you have questions about what you heard in this episode? Please send us your feedback. You can email us: podcast at geekiestshowever dot com. Follow us on Twitter for additional tips and conversation: https://twitter.com/GeekiestShow. We’d like to hear from you, so let us know which tech topics interest you most. Elisa can be found at https://twitter.com/elisapacelli1 and Melissa can be found at https://TheMacMommy.com/

Episode Artwork Credit: Taras Shypka on Unsplash image modified by Melissa Davis

Check the Apple Security Updates page to see if your Apple gear is up to date.

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GSE377 Estate Planning 1010101

On episode 377 of Geekiest Show Ever, Elisa and Melissa share practical tips and experiences with estate planning. Check out our full show notes here: https://www.geekiestshowever.com/gse377-estate-planning-1010101/ Episode Artwork Credit: blended graphic by Melissa Davis based on images from Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash, Gordon Johnson and 200 Degrees from Pixabay. 

Apps that help with grieving and give guidance to families after the death of a loved one

Empathy (iOS) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/empathy-loss-companion/id1536395192

https://www.empathy.com/

Everplans (iOS) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/everplans/id1590237847

https://www.everplans.com/

Lantern https://www.lantern.co/

Cake https://www.joincake.com/

Articles

Why (and How) to Talk to Your Parents About Estate Planning

Who Gets Your Digital Assets: Heirs or Hackers?

When making a will, be specific. Sometimes it’s as simple as leaving everything to be divided equally among children. Other times you may want items to go to a specific person, such as family heirlooms. Make sure it’s all spelled out in your will.

Here is a resource we found for learning about making your own will: https://www.freewill.com/ (not an endorsement)

Do you have questions about what you heard in this episode? Please send us your feedback. You can email us: podcast at geekiestshowever dot com. Follow us on Twitter for additional tips and conversation: https://twitter.com/GeekiestShow. We’d like to hear from you, so let us know which tech topics interest you most. Elisa can be found at https://twitter.com/elisapacelli1 and Melissa can be found at https://TheMacMommy.com/

Episode Artwork Credit: Taras Shypka on Unsplash image modified by Melissa Davis

Check the Apple Security Updates page to see if your Apple gear is up to date.

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GSE376 Good Grief

On episode 376 of Geekiest Show Ever, Elisa and Melissa explore the latest update to Audio Hijack Pro, smart thermostats, sharing workouts, and grief in the digital age. Check out our full show notes here https://www.geekiestshowever.com/gse376-good-grief/  Episode Artwork Credit: Image by coombesy from Pixabay 

Topics:

• Experimenting with volume in the latest version of Audio Hijack Pro

• Pro Tip for battery keyboard users: tape a dime to the underside of your keyboard so you don’t have to hunt for it when it’s time to open the slotted battery compartment

• Send us your Apple Fitness+ workout tips! We want to make our own custom workout playlists, but have not yet figured out how. One of these days we will use Share Play to do a workout together and we’ll let you know how it went horribly wrong…you know…FOR RESEARCH purposes.

• What to consider when shopping for a “smart” thermostat and how some of them might actually be pretty dumb

• Scammers are on Facebook phishing for your grieving loved ones so be aware and keep your own account updated with a good, unique password. Update your Legacy Contacts or consider deactivating your account if you no longer use it.

Here are some helpful articles based on what we discussed in this show:

Use SharePlay with Apple Fitness+ on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV

How to Memorialize a Facebook Account: Step-By-Step

Do you have questions about what you heard in this episode? Please send us your feedback. You can email us: podcast at geekiestshowever dot com. Follow us on Twitter for additional tips and conversation: https://twitter.com/GeekiestShow. We’d like to hear from you, so let us know which tech topics interest you most. Elisa can be found at https://twitter.com/elisapacelli1 and Melissa can be found at https://TheMacMommy.com/

Episode Artwork Credit: Taras Shypka on Unsplash image modified by Melissa Davis

Check the Apple Security Updates page to see if your Apple gear is up to date.

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GSE374 Attack of the Mac

On episode 374 of Geekiest Show Ever, the M in the M1 MacBook Pro stands for Melissa. Elisa is plagued by the Spinning Beachball of Death on a 2019 iMac. So much is going on that the geeks resort to their latest TV brain bleach for further discussion. What’s in YOUR watchlist? Check out our full show notes here: https://www.geekiestshowever.com/gse374-attack-of-the-mac/ Episode Artwork Credit: Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Melissa is happy one of her favorite podcasting Mac utilities has been updated with Apple Silicon: Push Mic Control: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/push-mic-control/id1155850258?mt=12

We are currently testing out the trial version of Rogue Amoeba’s Piezo: https://rogueamoeba.com/piezo/ to see if it will be a good replacement for the beloved Ecamm’s Call Recorder. If you have and use Piezo, send us feedback on whether it meets your needs.

Do you have questions about what you heard in this episode? Please send us your feedback. You can email us: podcast at geekiestshowever dot com. Follow us on Twitter for additional tips and conversation: https://twitter.com/GeekiestShow. We’d like to hear from you, so let us know which tech topics interest you most. Elisa can be found at https://twitter.com/elisapacelli1 and Melissa can be found at https://TheMacMommy.com/

Episode Artwork Credit: Taras Shypka on Unsplash image modified by Melissa Davis

Check the Apple Security Updates page to see if your Apple gear is up to date.

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GSE373 Sharing Screens

On episode 373 of Geekiest Show Ever, two geeks share their screen sharing experiment results with pro tips for you. Elisa has some new toys to talk about and Melissa is ready in the checkout line to get hers. Tune in to find out what they’re playing with now. Check out our full show notes here https://www.geekiestshowever.com/gse373-sharing-screens/ Episode Artwork Credit: image by Taras Shypka modified by Melissa Davis

Here are some helpful articles with tutorials and visuals that show what we discussed:

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/share-your-screen-iph327b4b53c/15.0/ios/15.0

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-shareplay-to-watch-and-listen-together-iphb657eb791/15.0/ios/15.0

https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/share-screen-facetime-call-ios/

Do you have questions about what you heard in this episode? Please send us your feedback. You can email us: podcast at geekiestshowever dot com. Follow us on Twitter for additional tips and conversation: https://twitter.com/GeekiestShow. We’d like to hear from you, so let us know which tech topics interest you most. Elisa can be found at https://twitter.com/elisapacelli1 and Melissa can be found at https://TheMacMommy.com/

Episode Artwork Credit: Taras Shypka on Unsplash image modified by Melissa Davis

Check the Apple Security Updates page to see if your Apple gear is up to date.

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