Tips and techniques #16
Tips and Techniques #16 – November 2020
Lots going on in the Apple world recently:
IOS 14 arrived for iPads and iPhones – further discussion
iPhone 12 arrived in four models
MacOS 11/Big Sur is released
New Apple chip “M1” replacing Intel chips in future Macs. Similar chip found in new IOS devices
IOS 14 – continuing the conversation since so much has changed. IOS 14 has had a couple of updates as expected with a large update to remedy some earlier performance issues. This is a major change to appearance and features. Top changes include:
Widgets – redesigned and include Weather, Clock, Calendar, News, Maps, Fitness, Photos, Reminders, Stocks, Music, TV, Tips, Notes, Shortcuts, Battery, Screen Time, Files, Podcasts, and Siri Suggestions.
App Library – The App Library is a new space at the end of your Home Screen pages that automatically organizes all of your apps into one simple, easy‑to‑navigate view.
Compact UI – incoming calls can appear as a small banner now, Siri is more compact and improves what she can do, Picture-in-Picture, etc.
Improved searching – context sensitive to offer suggestions as you type, the most relevant results are shown right away.
Maps – cycling routes, electric car routes with charge locations, city guides, and more.
And much more, so go to this link
https://www.apple.com/ios/ios-14/features/ for more items and detailed descriptions.
Take this update if you have not done so yet as it also includes security updates.
iPhone 12 is the latest for Apple and includes the long awaited 5G capability. The camera in the Pro and Pro Max models has significant camera improvements with more capabilities in low light, and focus improvements. It comes with a cable but does not include a charger anymore. The phone comes in several sizes, better screen resolution and even new colors and includes wireless charging with MagSafe device, but you’ll have to buy a compatible charger as it needs 20w to provide maximum charging capability.
https://www.apple.com/iphone-12/
5G services has been in the news, and it’s here and faster, but it will take time to come into its potential with the IOT. 5G services comes in three levels of service depending on where you are located. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices (IOT). The new wireless technology is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users. Higher performance and improved efficiency empower new user experiences and connects new industries.
Big Sur is a big change as it bring IOS and MacOS closer together in appearance and capability. From what I read, I suggest that you wait to upgrade a few more weeks until it’s had a couple of updates as it has caused some early problems for some users in loading and playing nice with some older applications.
Rather than me rehashing all the new features, which are extensive, see this link as they are many to see. Safari has also received new updates in features and security.
https://www.apple.com/macos/big-sur/features/
As most of you know, Apple is bringing out a line of laptops and desktop computers utilizing the new M1 chip. Big Sur greatly improves security and for the operating systems and for Safari. Apple’s new MacBook Pros and AirBooks are releasing late 2020 and early 2021 are reported to have much improved battery life and processing speeds. Apple will continue to support the Intel based machines for several more years. Now Apple has control of the software, processors and hardware so that the computers will lead the industry for a while.
Shortcuts – as mentioned in an earlier edition, these are small applets perform a specific task in IOS. If it’s not on your Home Screen, swipe down and start typing to search for it. Once opened, Shortcuts has a large gallery available that you can download for free. You can create your own or download what you like from the Gallery. Friends can share them. These applets let you get a quick weather report, estimate time to drive somewhere, activate something on home automation (turn on lights as you drive home or set AC) and so on. It takes some work to create new ones but the Gallery has many, and they can be modified to suit personal needs. See the link below or search in YouTube for the many videos discussing what they are and how to build them.
https://support.apple.com/guide/shortcuts/welcome/ios
– is a software-as-a-service that supports team collaboration and workflow management. This is a comprehensive Project Management App. Users create projects, assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and communicate directly within the app. It uses a Kanban style of workflow and has an integrated calendar to offer a view of upcoming work. Kanban is a visual way to plot out projects and workflows using columns and cards. Often used with Scrum or Agile management, it helps teams see progress and spot blocks to progress. It aims to manage work by balancing demands with available capacity, and by improving the handling of system-level bottlenecks.
Asana is a publicly traded company founded in 2008 and has over $140M in revenue which should help new users feel safe that it is a substantial company that will be around in the future. (ASAN – NYSE).
The company has a free version that includes many features for small teams (up to 15) so you can try it out before you make a commitment. The next level is about $120 annually and includes more features an improved administration. Lending to its popularity is the ability to interface with many other applications such as SalesForce, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Gmail, and many others.
Evernote 10
The conversation continues on this major update with many on-line commentors praising or condemning the change. I get it, change is hard, especially when it’s major. Some will accept it and move on. Some folks are fault finders and threaten to leave but not before maligning a program with a couple of hundred million users. Yes, it’s a bit frustrating as some features seem to have disappeared. Some have and will be brought back, some are just in a different place. The goal was to have a unified base across all platforms as mentioned previously. The Note editor was improved, but it was never expected to compete with formal word processors. One new feature that OneNote had but Evernote did not was, to embed a video in a Note and be able to play it. Cheers for Evernote. This is major for many people. An “unintentional” improvement was the ability to use Apple’s Scribble and use an Apple Pencil on iPad Pros to write notes. Two key features are still solid, and that is the powerful WebClipper on your browser and Scannable on IOS devices. Hang in Evernote users (I’ve been one since 2008), things will get better. Ian Small, the CEO gives some background to what’s going on.
Thoughts for today:
– If you are not swimming upstream, then you are going backwards, unknown
– Inspire someone today.
Next time: looking more deeply at Getting Things Done, Roam Research and another recipe. As always, let me know if you have a suggestion for a topic.
Covering Topics in: Evernote, Project Managers, Task Managers,
Calendars, GTD®, IOS devices and more