O'Grady's PowerPage

Tag: CDC

  • Apple’s FineWoven iPhone 15 case draws poor reviews, criticism

    Apple’s FineWoven iPhone 15 case draws poor reviews, criticism

    Sometimes Apple gets its product absolutely right and the unit stays in amazing shape for a long time.

    Other times it’s poorly manufactured and “winds up “browning like a rotten banana,” just five months after its release, according to the Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern.

    According to Stern’s latest tech newsletter, Apple’s $59 FineWoven cases for iPhone 15 took heavy flak when they were released last September for being subpar compared to the leather Apple cases they replaced, are something that should be avoided entirely.

    From Stern’s newsletter:

    There it is, everyone. My iPhone 15 Pro Max’s FineWoven case after five months of use. The edges are peeling, the fabric is scratched up like an old CD and it’s browning like a rotten banana. I’ve been waiting for the CDC to show up at my house to declare it a biomedical concern.

    Some of you will say: “JOANNA! How gross are you?” Others—those who bought this case for $59 when it came out in September—will likely say: “Yep. Same issues here.”

    Other tech sites, such as The Verge, have complained about scratches in the fabric. Over on online retail sites, customers complain about peeling edges, scratches, and the proclivity of the FineWover case to get dirty.

    An Apple spokesman said that the company’s cases are engineered at the highest standard to protect iPhones and that the FineWoven case’s durable microtwill will protect an iPhone for years. The company has also released a support document offering advice about cleaning the FineWoven cases, albeit the document’s small print admits that “The material may look different and show wear over time as the fibers get compressed with normal use” and that “some scratches may diminish over time.”

    Despite the continued bad publicity almost six months on from the cases’ debut, Apple still appears unwilling to admit that its leather alternative material is a letdown. Still, the case remains controversial, and if you’re in the market for a new iPhone 15 case, it might behoove you to look for a better-quality product.

    Via MacRumors, The Wall Street Journal, and The Verge

  • New feature allows users to add verifiable COVID-19 vaccination information to Apple Wallet and Health via iOS 15.1

    New feature allows users to add verifiable COVID-19 vaccination information to Apple Wallet and Health via iOS 15.1

    If you’re hoping to eventually replace your easily lost COVID-19 vaccination card in your pocket with a digital version, this is definitely a step in the right direction.

    Apple has updated its Health app under iOS 15.1, allowing for verifiable COVID-19 vaccination cards to be stored within the Wallet app and easily presented when required. Users can add the card, which shows the owner’s name, vaccine type, the dates of the doses administered, the issuer, and the QR code.

    The full details of your vaccination card won’t be visible until you’ve authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.

    The vaccination card can’t be shared with other iPhone, iPod touch, or Apple Watch users, which also helps insure privacy.

    Full details can be found at the Apple support document linked below.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via support.apple.com

  • VaxYes allows users to add COVID-19 vaccination cards to Apple Wallet credentials

    VaxYes allows users to add COVID-19 vaccination cards to Apple Wallet credentials

    This could come in handy.

    The first vaccination wallet apps have begun to arrive for iOS devices, and where people have typically been scanning a photo of their COVID-19 credentials into their Photos database or Apple Notes, a new service called VaxYes from gogetdoc allows you to add it to Apple Wallet for greater convenience.

    Users will have to give them a picture of your vaccine card as well as a photo of your ID. The company uses AES-256 encryption (referred to as “military grade”) and is fully compliant with HIPAA. Gogetdoc has HIPAA-trained quality control agents and medical staff to ensure appropriate details are collected for verification of the record before issuing a digital vaccine card. Tap on “Get a Free Vaccine Passport” and follow the onscreen instructions.

    The process to get your file to the Wallet passport is said to take about 60 seconds, and is said to be speedy and convenient.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via The Mac Observer and VaxYes

  • Apple adds COVID-19 vaccination location tools to Siri, Apple Maps

    Apple adds COVID-19 vaccination location tools to Siri, Apple Maps

    Here’s hoping this comes in handy.

    Apple on Tuesday announced that the company has added COVID-19 vaccination location support into Siri as well as Apple Maps. Users in the U.S. can ask Siri or search within Apple Maps to locate a provider. Users are then told the location’s operating hours and provided with links to other important information.

    COVID-19 vaccine location information is powered by VaccineFinder. This is a free, online service that the Boston’s Children Hospital developed.  All users have to do is select COVID-19 Vaccines in the Find Nearby menu in the Search bar in Apple Maps or ask Siri “Where can I get a COVID vaccination?”

    There’s also a phone card within Apple Maps for each site, as well as the site’s operating hours, address, website link, and phone numbers. There is also a link to the provider’s website, providing users with information about available vaccines and booking appointments.

    The tool is initially being rolled out in 20,000 locations, and healthcare providers, labs, or other businesses can submit information on COVID-19 testing or vaccination locations via the Apple Business Register page. This information is then validated and could be displayed to users.

    If you’ve had a chance to try the service, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via The Mac Observer, VaccineFinder, and Apple

  • Apple begins slowly reopening retail locations throughout the U.S., requires masks, temperature checks, and social distancing

    Apple has begun slowly opening its U.S. retail locations.

    The company has implemented a series of guidelines to protect customers from the Coronavirus pandemic.

    First, Apple has begun requiring face coverings “for all of our teams and customers,” which will be provided if needed. The company will also offer temperature checks that will be conducted at the entrance as well as “posted health questions will screen for those with symptoms—like cough or fever—or who have had recent exposure to someone infected with COVID‑19.”

    Customers will also be required to follow social distancing guidelines, meaning there will be limited occupancy throughout the locations. The company will adhere to strict “one‑on‑one, personalized service at the Genius Bar and throughout the store.”

    Apple will also be expanding its store pick-up options to include curb-side pick-up and drop off. Finally, Apple will be “conducting enhanced deep cleanings that place special emphasis on all surfaces, display products, and highly trafficked areas.”

    If you have a chance to visit a newly-reopened Apple Store location in the U.S., please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via Macworld and Apple