O'Grady's PowerPage

Tag: messages

  • Home app to help manage HomePod software updates

    It looks like you’ll use Apple’s Home app to update your HomePod once it arrives.

    Developer Guilherme Rambo dug into Apple’s iOS code and found the HomePod software update mechanism. Along with alerting you to new software updates, the Home app will also let you enable automatic software updates, much like Apple TV.

    While this is a little bit unexpected, it also fits into Apple’s history of sometimes building in Frankenstein-esque functionality into its apps, much like the way iTunes grew to become a central hub for media and devices.

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  • Apple releases macOS High Sierra 10.13.3 update

    macOS High Sierra 10.13.3 just hit the streets and it could come in handy.

    The update, a 2.17 download via the App Store (and its associated “Update” tab), offers the following fixes and changes:

    – The macOS High Sierra 10.13.3 Update improves the stability and security of your Mac and is recommended for all users.

    – Addresses an issue that could cause Messages conversations to temporarily be listed out of order.

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  • iOS 11 “Messages in iCloud” feature touted, release date unknown

    This may be another case of having to wait a little bit for an iOS 11 feature that was shown in a demo but not released as of yet.

    Apple’s “Messages is iCloud” feature, which was touted at the 2017 Worldwide Developers Conference event, was removed during the beta cycle and will return at some undisclosed point in the future.

    The “Messages in iCloud” feature synchronized a user’s Messages “stack” between devices seamlessly. With the feature set implemented, deleting a message on one logged-in device would strike it from all, plus only the newest messages would be stored on-device with the rest held in iCloud and loaded only when needed.

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  • Apple releases iOS 11 developer beta 8

    Apple’s getting closer to releasing iOS 11 and has let is eighth developer beta for the mobile operating system out the door.

    The most notable changes in the new beta include back-end enhancements and an improved voice for Siri as well as Apple Pay and Photos services enhancements.

    The company has apparently also included a Do Not Disturb While Driving feature since the second beta.

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  • Apple Pay ties in with National Park Foundation fundraiser for first half of July, offers activity badges in return for donations

    For the first half of July, Apple has announced a new Apple Pay promotion wherein users can raise funds for the National Parks Foundation.

    From July 1 through 15, Apple is donating $1 to the National Park Foundation for every purchase made with Apple Pay at any Apple Store, on apple.com or through the Apple Store app in the US

    Apple CEO Tim Cook offered the following explanation for the program:

    America’s national parks are an inspiration to us at Apple, and we know they are as important to many of our customers as they are to us. Our goal is to leave the world better than we found it, so this July we’re making it easier for anyone to help preserve the beauty of our natural, cultural and historical treasures.

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