It’s Thanksgiving in the U.S., so that means The Mac Observer is taking Thursday and Friday off to celebrate the holiday. We’ll be back with our regular news, analysis, tips and podcasts on Monday, November 27th. We hope everyone has a great weekend even if Thanksgiving isn’t part of your annual holiday schedule.
Apple to Host Second Annual Apple Watch Thanksgiving Challenge
This challenge is only available to Apple Watch users in the United States. May your turkeys be juicy and your waistbands stretchy.
The Miserable State of UI, HomePod Under Achieving, and Future Man - Pop.0 ep.21
We’ve had more than 30 years of mainstream GUI computer systems, and somehow user interfaces are still miserably bad. Bryan Chaffin and John Kheit also talk about Bloomberg’s report that said HomePod will focus on music even though the world is clamoring for an Apple home voice assistant. This week’s look at pop culture includes Future Man, a Hulu original they both like. (WARNING NSFW: PROFANITY & RANTS)
Frothy Rants about Encryption and Net Neutrality, Plus Apple's AR Goggles - ACM 348
A listener sparks an intense rant from Bryan and Jeff about encryption and passcode-attempt-based device wipes, and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai gets them going on Net Neutrality. They cap the show with the observation that Apple’s AR goggle project appears to be back on.
Apple Taps Sam Smith in 'Sway' Holiday Commercial for AirPods
Apple has a new holiday commercial out called Sway. The spot channels the feeling of Christmas without overtly mentioning that specific holiday, with a sound track by Sam Smith (“Palace”). It’s a subtle promotion of AirPods featuring two young dancers who meet and metaphorically fall in love. She gives him one of her AirPods, and they then dance and sway through the snow sharing the same song. The tag line is “move someone this holiday.” What do you think?
6 Must Have iPhone Apps for Holiday Travel
Holiday travel can be pretty hectic, but it’s possible to cut out at least a little of the stress. Check out these iPhone apps that can make your travels easier and your trip experience more fun.
Holiday Tech and Travel Tips - TMO Daily Observations 2017-11-22
Kelly Guimont and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to share tips for handling tech questions at holiday events, plus they have some travel apps to share, too.
![The Best Apple Black Friday Deals For This Weekend [UPDATE]](https://www.macobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/apple-black-friday-deals-wide.webp)
The Best Apple Black Friday Deals For This Weekend [UPDATE]
We’ve scoured the web to bring you the best Apple Black Friday deals from popular retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and more.
FRESHeBUDS Pro Magnetic Bluetooth Earbuds: $20.36
Check out the FRESHeBUDS Pro Magnetic Bluetooth Earbuds. They’re water and sweat resistant, and automatically pair to your phone when pulled apart so you don’t have to go through any setup. They fully charge in 90 minutes, and offer up to 10 hours of playback. You can get them for $23.95 through our deal, but coupon code BFRIDAY20 will get you another 20% off for a final price of $20.36.
Apple Buys Virtual Reality Headset Designer Vrvana
Apple just bought Vrvana, a company that specializes in virtual reality and maker of the Totem VR headset.