John Welch is the Assistant Director of Operations at the Northwest Regional Data Center at Florida State University. Over the last 30 years, he’s become an expert Mac IT administrator, using UNIX systems and the UNIX-based Mac to work with them. He’s worked for the military, major businesses and several universities such as MIT and FSU. John told me about the incredibly serendipitous events that led to each of his many IT jobs. In the second segment, we chatted about macOS server, Apple in the enterprise (Apple’s approach and strengths), and perspectives on the recent High Sierra root access security snafu in light of several other historical Mac events that he lived through. John also provided his insights about the new, amazing iMac Pro. His deep experience with Macs makes for great listening.
MacBook Pro Refresh Expectations, iPad Pro in Education - TMO Daily Observations 2018-01-15
Bryan Chaffin and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to look at what may be in store for the MacBook Pro in 2018, plus they talk about Apple’s target audience for the iPad Pro and the tablet’s place in the educational market.
This Qi Wireless Charger Looks Like a Camera Lens: $29.99
Check out the Power Lens Qi Charging Pad. It’s designed in the shape of a short-barrelled camera lens for camera enthusiasts, and delivers 10 watts of wireless charging to your iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X. We have a deal on it for $29.99.
New Apple Spot Promotes iPhone X and Portrait Lighting
Apple has a new commercial out called A New Light. It’s part of the company’s iPhone X series of commercials, and it promotes Portrait Lighting and Portrait Mode photography. It’s a 38 second spot that does a good job of demonstrating the kinds of thing you can do with Portrait Lighting on the iPhone X.
CES - Polk Intros Command Bar Sound Bar with Alexa, 4K TV Support
LAS VEGAS – Polk is giving Amazon’s Alexa a face lift—er, voice lift—with its Command Bar. The sound bar packs in an array of speakers for sound that nicely filled the large presentation space where we got our fist look, plus it includes a wireless subwoofer and, of course, integrated Alexa support. It also includes Polk Voice Adjust technology that makes it easier to hear dialog. The Command Bar packs in dual 4K HDMI 2.0b HDMI inputs, optical input for TV audio, HDMI (ARC) output, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a USB port for Fire TV, and a far field microphone array for Alexa voice control. You can pre-order one for US$299.95 starting April 1, 2018, in the United States and Canada, and in other countries later in the year.
CES 2018 Apple's Shrinking Presence, Cool Product Finds - TMO Daily Observations 2018-01-12
John F. Braun and Dave Hamilton join Jeff Gamet for their last day at CES 2018 in Las Vegas to talk about Apple’s diminishing presence at the event, plus they share some more cool products they found.
CES - DJI Osmo Mobile 2, a Handheld Video Stabilizers for Smartphones
CES – DJI, best known for drones, announced Osmo Mobile 2 this week at CES. It’s a handheld smartphone gimbal designed to stabilize your videos by keeping it level despite your movements. Or, as DJI put it, Osmo Mobile 2’s, «three-axis gimbal technology cancels out movement in three directions so your video stays steady even if your hands shake or wobble.» It has a built-in rechargeable 2600mAh battery for up to 15 hours of operation, with a charging time of 2 hours. The device is priced at US$129, and will be available exclusively for pre-order at Apple.com on January 23rd, 2018. It will be available more widely starting in early February.
CES - DynaFocals Smart Glasses Give Your Progressive Lenses Auto-focus
LAS VEGAS – The idea of moving your head to see through the different focus areas in progressive lens glasses seems pretty crappy to PH Techical Labs, so they invented Dynafocals: glasses frames that adjust the lenses for you. Dynafocals have a proximity sensor to gauge how far away whatever you’re looking at is, and can subtly move the lenses so you’re looking through the right part. They’ll be available this year for US$149 and the company includes instructions for your optometrist on making the lenses.
CES - Healbe GoBe 2, a Wearable That Tracks Caloric Intake, Calories Burned, Hydration Levels
CES – Healbe demonstrated GoBe 2, the company’s wearable it claims can track caloric intake, calories burned, and hydration levels, all non-invasively. It uses five activity and stress sensors, with all data sent securely to the GoBe 2 app for iOS or Android. The company is also developing a portal that will allow users to send data to «trusted nutritionists/wellness coaches,» though Healbe didn’t elaborate. GoBe 2 is water resistant in fresh water, but not salt water, and it works up to 48 hours on a charge. GoBe 2 is priced at US$199, with additional strap color options available at $19 each. It’s available now.
Ascape Audio Ascend-1 Truly Wireless Earbuds: $89.95
We have a deal on a pair of Ascape Audio Ascend-1 Truly Wireless Earbuds. The feature custom drivers built with 2098 graphene-enhance microfilm diaphragms. It comes with three different size tips to fit different ears, and the device runs up to 5 hours on a  charge. The charging case itself holds enough power for 6 charges.
