Multizone | All our technotes
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iCloud Passwords lets you securely fill passwords from iCloud Keychain when signing in to websites using Firefox. Any new passwords you create in Firefox are saved to your iCloud Keychain so that they are also available across your Apple devices. The extension can also generate verification codes, which you can set up by right-clicking on a QR code.
TL:DR – The Apple Passwords capability and app was introduced in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and visionOS 2. A Chrome browser extension followed and now theres a Firefox add-on.
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Q: Which Apple MacBook should I buy in December 2024?
A: At least a 16GB MacBook Air (13-inch, M3, 2024). There are lots of 8GB machines around but they won't do for development work or other heavy workloads. The pick of the bunch is at Amazon UK
TL:DR – £1,129 gets you an Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip from Amazon UK! This is an amazing specification although more storage would be useful. It has a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID; Space Grey
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Overview of Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and its functionality
Android Debug Bridge, commonly known as ADB, is a command-line tool that provides developers and advanced users with a means to communicate with Android devices. It serves as a versatile interface to execute commands, transfer data, and access hidden system features. Whether you're deploying applications or debugging errors, ADB is an essential tool in the Android ecosystem.
TL:DR – ADB has been around for many years and is a very stable tool with a lot of funcitonality. Screenshots are easy to do and thats just the start.
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Read more: How to Take Screenshots with Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
Overview of Android Auto and its functionality
Android Auto connects your smartphone to your car's infotainment system, offering a simplified, distraction-free interface for navigation, communication, and entertainment. By projecting essential apps onto your car's display, it ensures drivers can access what they need without compromising safety.
Why taking screenshots with Android Auto is useful
Capturing screenshots in Android Auto is crucial for developers, testers, and designers. Screenshots help document app interfaces, debug issues, and share designs or workflows with teams. Whether for refining an application or creating tutorials, taking screenshots streamlines many processes.
TL:DR – The taking of a screenshot of the infotainment screen is harder than an ordinary screenshot. To me it is a two person operation because passengers should do this as its too distracting for drivers!
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You can export a copy of content in your Google Account to back it up or use it with a service outside of Google.
This is quite the arduous task. See the above comic from XKCD for why!
TL:DR – I need to organise my Photo Libraries. First step is to get them all into one place, locally. This is a work in progress
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With Boot Camp, from Apple, you've been able to install Windows directly on your Intel-based Mac. Some people prefer this option for raw power but it is no longer available on Mac computers with Apple silicon. Virtual machines have been around for a long time and are very useful to me for keeping old operating systems around 'just in case' - and virtualisation is readily available for Mac computers with Apple silicon so how well could Windows work on a new Mac that doesn't support Boot Camp.
TL:DR – Windows 11 (Arm) works really really well with VMware Fusion. Quite hard to set up and activate, but worth it.
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Finder lets you discover advanced functionality naturally. But sometimes you need a cheat sheet. Theres always something new to learn.
TL:DR – These are my favourite advanced Finder moves. I'll add to the list as I remember more.
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The Pros and Cons of Receiving Money Anonymously Online
Weighing up the pros and cons of receiving money anonymously online? Is privacy is worth the trade-offs? What are the hidden risks?
TL:DR – The purpose of this article is to take a balanced look at the pros and cons of receiving money anonymously online. It will explore both the positive aspects, such as enhanced privacy, and the risks, such as fraud and legal complications, providing a clear perspective on what you might gain—and lose—from this practice.
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Read more: Pros and Cons of Receiving Money Anonymously Online
My iPhone 15 Pro camera lenses are protected by these little Spigen lens protectors. I like their cases and screen protectors and these. But after a year they are scratched and look hard to remove. What next?
TL:DR – Swab with Isopropyl Alcohol, then use a flat edge plastic tool to gently pry them off - a guitar plectrum is ideal if you dont have a suitable tool. Clean and replace with new.
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Read more: How do you remove a Spigen camera lens screen protector
In addition to the WatchOS functionality that the Series 5, I'd really like to have the Blood Oxygen and Sleep Apnoea notifications. And I'd like a really long lasting battery. Working through the list based on this criteria theres only one watch that matches, and that is the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Im not bothered about the double tap gesture support but I do want the sleep apnoea detection feature. That one feature aside the original Apple Watch Ultra is the pick of the bunch with real bargains from Apple (eligible for AppleCare) and elsewhere (Cex and Amazon).
TL:DR – The Glowtime event didnt make it easier to choose a new watch for me, it made it harder. My choice in the end might be a surprise because it was a surprise to me. I bought a second hand 'Grade A' Apple Watch Ultra 2 from CeX. It cost £555 with no strap but boxed with a USB-C watch cable and a two year guarantee, (less any vouchers from previous trade in's of which I have a few). I will likely keep it for the two years it is guaranteed for then look again and see if what are better technology improvements emerge after Glowtime. The Ultra 2 has exactly the same technology as the Ultra 2 relaunched at Glowtime. The original Ultra is a real a contender too at £589 new in box with a strap and eligible for AppleCare direct from Apple via the Apple Certified refurbished store. It has an identical case just a few software and technology differences inside. Heres the Cheapest new Apple Watch Ultra 2 I could find on Amazon UK. (22 Sep)
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Read more: Should I upgrade to the all-new Apple Watch Series 10 or the Ultra 2?
Apple’s relentless launch cycle demanded the Glowtime event. It launched iPhone 16/Pro, new/updated AirPods, new Watch Series 10 and updated Ultra 2 including Hermès. Tim and Craig literally invited us to share the glow. But how much innovation did we really see?
TL:DR – Apple's latest lineup offers a few incremental upgrades wrapped in their famed reality distortion field of new materials and buzzwords, with slightly better cameras, thinner borders, more USB-C and some mildly useful software tweaks.
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In a market where tech enthusiasts continuously seek high-performance devices, Apple Certified Refurbished products offer a compelling alternative to buying new at your local Apple Computer Store. With Apple’s extensive refurbishment process, consumers can access top-tier Apple products such as refurbished MacBook Pro computers, and other refurbished mac models at significantly reduced prices without sacrificing quality or warranty. Exploring these deals directly online from Apple rather than from a physical Apple Computer Store presents an opportunity to enjoy the latest technology with confidence in the product’s performance and longevity at a reduced price compared to retail.
TL:DR – While Apple Certified Refurbished offers competitive pricing and warranties, comparing prices on platforms like Amazon and CeX can sometimes reveal lower prices for new, used or third-party refurbished products, although likely without the same warranties. Sometimes, Apple Computer Stores have open box or old stock bargains too so keep an eye on them too.
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Read more: Uncover Apple Certified Refurbished Bargains Direct from Apple
- Why the Apple Macbook Pro M2 is a Hidden Gem
- Choosing Between UK Network Railcard vs Senior Railcard
- End of line for Twitter/X
- Transcribing an audio file on a mac using AI in 2024
- Nokia 9500 Communicate What?
- BBEdit - A powerful text and code editor for Mac computers
- yEd - A free Graph Editor
- Microsoft 'Link to Windows' - improved in 2024 - it actually works now
- Verify your Play Console developer account now
- Save £500 on the latest MacBook Pro!
- Object to your data being used for AI at Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Threads
- Pixel 8a for £281, vs 7a and 6a
