TMO Managing Editor Jeff Butts kicks off our week reviewing 2022. His most important story is a life saver, while an iPhone feature has a lock on most interesting.
![Ken_Ray's photo](https://www.macobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Ken500x500.jpg)
Ken_Ray
Articles by Ken_Ray
Glancing Apple in 2023 and Trouble at HomeKit - TMO Daily Observations 2022-12-23
Citi and Needham analysts have thoughts on Apple’s year ahead. TMO Managing Editor Jeff Butts and Ken kick those thoughts around. Plus – Jeff updates us on trouble with HomeKit, and Apple to the rescue for some last minute shoppers.
Self Service Repair and a Year of Apple TV+ - TMO Daily Observations 2022-12-22
What do relatively recent Macs and a proposed battery rule have in common? TMO writer Nick deCourville says Apple’s Self Service Repair may be the answer. Plus, Nick and Ken look at some of their favorite Apple TV+ titles of 2022.
Much More Than Zero COVID
A report of COVID in iPhone City, news of Mac production and repair, and the end is near for Dark Sky. That’s today from the Observation Deck
Way More Than Zero COVID and Slow AirTag Info - TMO Daily Observations 2022-12-21
With the closed loop broken and zero-COVID restrictions lifted, iPhone City workers are reportedly making iPhones while suffering with COVID – sometimes by choice, sometimes as directed by management. TMO Managing Editor Jeff Butts and Ken puzzle over the issue. Then, why the slow walk on AirTag info? And why can’t we prompt them to update?
Farmers Might Hurt iPhone Production In India and Other Predictions
A minus and a plus on iPhone, a prediction and a hurdle for iPhone manufacturing, and a fine that might actually be fine for Apple.
How-To Christmas and Predicting 2023 - TMO Daily Observations 2022-12-20
If you’re giving electronics this holiday season, there are some steps you might want to take ahead of time. TMO Managing Editor Jeff Butts fills us in. Plus – Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives has a few predictions for the new year. Ken and Jeff kick them around.
A 'Set and Forget' Investment and Negative Zero COVID
Evercore’s still way positive on Apple, negative zero-COVID in China and fighting union with “union.” That’s today’s Observation Deck.
Negative Zero COVID - TMO Daily Observations 2022-12-19
The closed loop at Foxconn’s iPhone City plant in Zhengzhou is open. Most of the plant’s COVID restrictions have been lifted as China pulls a big “never mind” on its zero-COVID policies. TMO Managing Editor Jeff Butts and Ken talk that over. Plus – Will Smith, AirDrop, and Continuity are in for Mailbag Monday.
On Apple Watch Ultra in China, Apple TV+ and Butterfly Keyboards
Ultra growth for Apple Watch in China, settlement emails are out for the Butterfly effect, and a couple of Apple TV+ stories.
Disappointing and Delightful Tech - TMO Daily Observations 2022-12-16
An OfCom study on smart speaker use prompts TMO Managing Editor Jeff Butts and Ken to talk tech that disappoints and tech that delights.
Big App Store Changes On the Horizon for EU
Another downer note on iPhone sales, little worry over the EU and the App Store, and the next round of OS betas is already rolling.
Don’t Fear the App-Pocalypse - TMO Daily Observations 2022-12-15
Bloomberg says Apple is prepping iOS for third-party app stores and app side-loading in the EU as early as iOS 17. TMO writer Nick deCourville joins Ken to talk over potential pros and cons. Plus – a couple of financial analysts have early takes on the talk.
Updates of All Sorts
A day for all sorts of updates, prepping iPhone for third-party app stores, and Travelin’ Tim’s Tweetin’ his travels.
Apple Car Talk with Roberto Baldwin - TMO Daily Observations 2022-12-14
Last week, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said that Apple has way scaled back its automotive plans. Apple watchers have wondered about Apple Car for years, but what does the automotive world make of Cupertino’s plans? Tech and automotive journalist Roberto Baldwin (@strngwys on Twitter) joins Ken to do a bit of Apple Car talk.
Travelin' Tim Goes to Japan While Apple TV+ Goes to More Awards Shows
Make way for gloom, Travelin’ Tim’s travelin’ again, and awards season kicks it in gear. That’s in today’s view from the Observation Deck.
Where iPhones Are Sold and Some Christmas Carols - TMO Daily Observations 2022-12-13
CIRP says where iPhones are sold in the states may be a weak point for Apple. TMO Managing Editor Jeff Butts and Ken discuss that. Plus – talking over SNL’s very bloody parody of “A Christmas Carol” and Apple Pay.
Accentuating the Positive or Something
A couple of positive notes on Apple, producer and consumer news for Apple in India, and, to quote Billy Joel, “Where’s the Orchestra?”
Canada Takes Apple to Task and Playing the Twitter Blues - TMO Daily Observations 2022-12-12
Canadian politicians are angry about changes to AirDrop on behalf of Chinese citizens. Wait’ll they hear what’s going to happen to Canadians! Also, Twitter Blue is a thing again. TMO Managing Editor Jeff Butts joins Ken to talk it all over.
More End-to-End Encryption and Giving the Gift of Will Smith - TMO Daily Observations 2022-12-09
Dreamlight Valley resident and TMO Managing Editor Jeff Butts joins Ken today to discuss Apple’s Advanced Data Protection for iCloud. What is it, who needs it, and how does one activate it? Plus – Will Smith is promoting Apple TV+. Too soon?
Stronger iCloud Security, China Surprises, and Release Candidates
Stronger data protection from Apple, surprising news out of China, and a slew of OS release candidates. Plus, updated expectations.
Super-Apps and Dreamlight Valley - TMO Daily Observations 2022-12-08
TMO writer Nick deCourville brings us two tales of fantasy: The Disney video game Dreamlight Valley is headed to the Mac, and Microsoft is considering a super-app. One of these exposes a few levels of nerd for Ken.
Travelin' Tim Talks TSMC
From the Observation Deck, we can see Travelin’ Tim hits Arizona, pricing changes for the App Store, and new homes for HomePod mini.
Pricing Tools for Developers and Things We Didn't See Coming - TMO Daily Observations 2022-12-07
Longtime Apple podcaster Adam Christianson joins Ken to kick around the pricing tools Apple’s opening for developers. Plus – with close to 40-years combined of Apple news under their belts, Adam and Ken talk about what they did not see coming, and what they look forward to seeing.
WIN an iPhone 15 Pro Max!
Enter our epic giveaway for a chance to win the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max!