Apple quietly added a 2TB storage option for iCloud subscribers, doubling the previous high end tier. The company quietly added the new level this week, leading to speculation that the company’s September 7th media really will include a new iPhone with 256GB storage.
Jeff Gamet
Jeff Gamet is the Mac Observer’s Managing Editor, and co-host of the Apple Context Machine podcast. He is the author of “The Designer’s Guide to Mac OS X” from Peachpit Press, and writes for several design-related publications. Jeff has presented at events such as Macworld Expo, the RSA Conference, and the Mac Computer Expo. In all his spare time, he also hosts TMO’s Daily Observations podcast, co-hosts The iOS Show podcast, and makes guest appearances on several other shows, too. Jeff dreams in HD.
Articles by Jeff Gamet
TMO Daily Observations 2016-08-30: Apple's EU Tax Bill, September 7 Media Event
The European Union says Ireland’s tax laws aren’t legal, so Apple owes an extra €13 billion in back taxes. Bryan Chaffin joins Jeff Gamet to look at the ruling, how it impacts Apple, Ireland’s response, and more. They also offer up their quick predictions for Apple’s September 7th Media Event.
EU Says Apple Owes €13B in Back Taxes, and the Fight is On
The European Union says Apple owes €13 billion (about US$14.5 billion) in back taxes because Ireland gave the iPhone and Mac maker illegal and unfair tax advantages. Apple and Ireland have both condemned the ruling maintaining they acted within the country’s laws, and are planning to appeal the ruling.
Fitbit Aims at Apple Watch Crowd with Charge 2, Flex 2 Fitness Trackers
Fitbit is aiming to draw in potential Apple Watch buyers with its just announced Charge 2 and Flex 2 fitness trackers. Now Fitbit users can track their cardio fitness level, link to their smartphone GPS, swap wrist bands, and more.
Apple Media Event Officially Set for Sept 7
Apple has been expected to host a special media event on Wednesday, September 7th, and now it’s confirmed because invitations are arriving in the media’s in boxes. The company isn’t saying what it’ll announce, but the smart money is on new iPhones.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-08-29: Apple Watch 2 Battery, Microsoft's Smart Surface Pro 4 Ad
New photos show what looks like the battery for the Apple Watch 2, and it seems to support John Martellaro’s premise that the next model won’t be any thinner. Today John and Bryan Chaffin join Jeff Gamet for a little gloating at Bryan’s expense because he’s been championing a thinner Apple Watch 2. They also look at Microsoft’s latest Surface Pro 4 ad and dive into why slamming the MacBook Air was a smart move.
Bigger Apple Watch 2 Battery Doesn't Mean Longer Life
The Apple Watch 2 may pack a bigger battery, assuming a new photo is legit. If so, that could mean longer battery life for Apple’s second generation smartwatch, but it could be powering new features instead.
Philips Adds Motion Sensor to its Smart Home Lineup
Philips is adding a motion sensor to its Hue smart bulb product line that’ll turn on your lights when you walk into a room. The Hue Motion Sensor runs on two AAA batteries so you can place it anywhere that works for you, can pair with specific light control scenes for day and night, has adjustable sensitivity, and is smart enough to leave the lights off when it’s still light out. The Hue Motion Sensor will be available in October for US$39.95.
WhatsApp's New Privacy Policy is a Big Trust Killer
When Facebook bought WhatsApp in 2014, the WhatsApp team promised nothing would change for its users. Fast forward to today where WhatsApp changed its privacy policy to start sharing some information with Facebook. That feels like a betrayal to at least some users, and at a minimum it sure sounds like Facebook—the company with a reputation for playing fast and loose with our privacy—is about to have a link into our WhatsApp data.
How to Opt Out of WhatsApp's Facebook Data Sharing
WhatsApp changed its privacy policy so it can share information with Facebook. The idea is that by sharing some information about you, Facebook can display more relevant ads. If that doesn’t sound like anything you’re interested in, don’t dispair because WhatsApp lets you opt out. Read on to learn how.
Get Your 80s Synth on with the Stranger Things Soundtrack on Apple Music
Now that we’ve all had enough time to watch all of Stranger Things on Netflix it’s safe to check out the soundtrack on Apple Music without worrying about spoilers. Stranger Things Volume 1 includes is loaded the show’s decidedly 80s synth tracks from Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein like the show’s theme, Eleven’s theme, and the creepy The Upside Down. The playlist has 36 tracks, and there’s a volume 2 for when you’re ready for even more Stranger Things music. And if you haven’t seen the series yet, clear your schedule now and start watching.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-08-26: Interview with Fling's Dave Hamilton
This week TMO’s Daily Observations turns to the musical side of the Apple community. Today Dave Hamilton from Fling and Mac Geek Gab joins Jeff Gamet to talk about his musical life outside of the podcasting world, recording and producing Fling’s Bovine Abduction, the tools he uses for recording and mixing, and more.
How to Enable Apple Watch Screenshots in watchOS 3
Want to snap screenshots in watchOS 3 on your Apple Watch? The feature is disabled by default, but it’s pretty easy to turn on. Follow along with TMO’s video Quick Tip to learn how.
Apple Patches Critical Zero-Day Data Security Exploit in iOS 9.3.5 Update
Apple released iOS 9.3.5 on Thursday to address a big security flaw that could expose iPhone and iPad user’s personal data. The threat could be used to exploit information from email, contacts, text messages, phone calls, and more—and it looks like NSO Group has been doing just that so governments can spy on journalists and people they classify as dissidents.
Apple Music Festival Starts Sept 18 with Elton John
It’s time to dance because Apple just announced its 10th annual Apple Music Festival lineup. The free concert series runs September 18th through September 30th ath London’s Roundhouse, and will feature Elton John, Alicia Keys, Michael Bublé, and more.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-08-25: Interview with Ruby Calling's Jean MacDonald
This week TMO’s Daily Observations turns to the musical side of the Apple community. Today Jean MacDonald from Ruby Calling and App Camp for Girls joins Jeff Gamet to share how she became a musician, how music inspired App Camp for Girls, and more.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-08-24: Interview with Andrew Tokuda, aka Digital Droo
This week TMO’s Daily Observations turns to the musical side of the Apple community. Today Andrew Tokuda, also known as Digital Droo joins Jeff Gamet to talk about creating his own music, working with MacAddict, and his own musical past, and his most popular song.
Capture 4K Video and Pics without the High Resolution Price Tag
High resolution cameras for capturing your active lifestyle don’t have to cost a small fortune, and that’s exactly what Pyle’s new High Speed 4K Action Camera proves. Their compact camera shoots HD video at 120 fms, snaps high resolution photos, includes a 4X zoom, and can be remote controlled with the included remote or from your iPhone. It also comes with mount clips and a waterproof case, and is available in blue, black, or grey. You can pick up the camera today for US$79.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-08-23: Interview with Victor Cajiao
This week TMO’s Daily Observations turns to the musical side of the Apple community. Today jazz musician and podcaster Victor Cajiao joins Jeff Gamet to talk about his new album with Joe Christina, Surrender, his experience producing and mastering the album, working with musical legends, and more.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-08-22: Interview with Airplane Mode's Dave Wiskus
This week TMO’s Daily Observations turns to the musical side of the Apple community. Today Airplane Mode’s Dave Wiskus joins Jeff Gamet to talk about the band, his musical journey, and finding success as an indie band.
Is it Worth it to Switch to AT&T's New Plans? Maybe
AT&T is doing away with its Mobile Share Value plans and introducing Mobile Share Advantage this weekend. The new plans do away with data overage fees in favor of throttling your connection when you use too much, and may save you money. But don’t rush out and change your contract without checking to see if you really are getting a deal because not everyone wins with AT&T’s new pricing.
TMO Daily Observations 2016-08-19: FCC's Anti-robocall Plans, Moving from Evernote to OneNote
The FCC wants to stop spam robocalls, and now it has a strike force to help make that happen. Dave Hamilton and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to examine the FCC’s plan and share their thoughts on trying to stop unsolicited marketing calls. They also take a first look at Microsoft’s new Evernote to OneNote importer for the Mac.
Apple, Google, FCC Team up to Stop Spam Robocalls
The Federal Communications Commission is ready to crack down on robocalls, and Apple, Google, and AT&T are on board with the plan. The FCC’s new Robocall Strike Force aims to reduce the number of spam robocalls and unsolicited calls, and it looks like at least 30 companies are ready to join in and help.
Microsoft Releases OneNote Evernote Importer for Mac
When Evernote changed its free service this month to support only two devices, Microsoft OneNote suddenly looked like a great alternative. The problem was getting all of your Evernote content moved into OneNote, at least for Mac users. Microsoft fixed that problem with its new Evernote to OneNote importer for OS X, which is free, just like OneNote. You get access to all of your notes on all of your devices—Macs, iPads, iPhones, and even Apple Watch—without paying for an annual subscription. You can download the Evernote importer at Microsoft’s OneNote website.