Apple’s Home app is a fantastic way to monitor, manage, and interact with your HomeKit environment, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only way. Controller for HomeKit 6.0 is now available with a host of new features that make it easy to further control your HomeKit environment.

more…

The post Controller for HomeKit 6.0 introduces advanced HomeKit notifications appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Apple at Work is bought to you by Jamf: Get complete management and security solutions for your organization that are enterprise secure, consumer simple, and protect personal privacy with Jamf. Plus you’ll get same-day support for the latest Apple OS upgrades, Today, over 62,000 organizations trust Jamf to manage and secure over 27 million devices.

Apple recently released macOS Ventura to all eligible Macs. Typically, home users rush to upgrade to the latest release in order to enjoy the latest features of a new operating system. That’s understandable as well – Apple has a long beta cycle for new versions of macOS with a developer and public betas. At this point, the new operating system is stable. The problem is that not every other developer or accessory manufacturer is ready, though. So it’s quite common for enterprise customers to use the delay major update feature to give themselves 90 days before it becomes available. One organization announced on the macOS Ventura release date that they were ready to go. SAP’s IT staff didn’t block macOS Ventura, so I chatted with Harald Monihart from SAP about their process.

more…

The post Apple @ Work: How SAP was ready for macOS Ventura on day one appeared first on 9to5Mac.

With iPadOS 16, which was released in October to the public, Apple introduced a number of new features to the Files app – which lets users manage their files just like on a computer. The update brings even more advanced options such as the ability to change file extensions, view folder sizes, and more. Read on as we detail how to take advantage of the new Files app in iPadOS 16.

more…

The post How to take advantage of the new Files app features in iPadOS 16 appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Among a number of other changes, iOS 16.2 also includes some nice changes to the built-in Stocks app on iPhone and iPad. The update brings new sorting options for your different watchlists in the Stocks app, which are also reflected in updated widgets for your iPhone and iPad home screen.

more…

The post iOS 16.2 brings new watchlist options to the Stocks app and home screen widgets appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.

Sponsored by Paperlike: Check out Paperlike 2.1, the iPad screen protector featuring improved visual clarity and same papery feel and stroke resistance from Paperlike 2. 

more…

The post 9to5Mac Daily: November 11, 2022 – Apple search, AirDrop changes appeared first on 9to5Mac.

It’s officially Christmas decoration season, and if you’re looking for a smart plug so your Christmas lights can be controlled from your iPhone, iPad Apple Watch, or from Siri (even remotely), the  is a great option. It’s easy to set up and works with HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant as well. The plug itself is designed with a sleek, compact design and has an LED indicator light that will let you know when it’s powered on. You can also use customize the schedule in the Home app so it automatically turns on at different times of the day. Let’s look at the Meross Outdoor Plug with HomeKit.

more…

The post HomeKit Weekly: Meross Smart Dimmer Plug is the perfect way to control outdoor Christmas lights appeared first on 9to5Mac.

If you can believe it, it is Friday once again and we’re dishing up all of today’s best Apple price cuts. Heading into the weekend, we have three enticing offers headlined by the first chance to save on Apple’s just-released 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro at $120 off. Then go check out the rare offer on HomePod mini in all five colors at $80, as well as the best price of the year on Apple’s official MagSafe Battery Pack. Hit the jump for all that and more in the latest 9to5Toys Lunch Break.

more…

The post Friday’s best deals: 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro first discount at $120 off, HomePod mini $80, more appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Benjamin gives some hands-on impressions with the new Apple TV 4K. Hey Siri changes are rumored, and iOS 16.2 beta includes a whole new user interface with Custom Accessibility Mode. Plus, Zac got a Trail Loop for his Apple Watch Ultra, and takes a look at the status quo of streaming live sports.

Sponsored by Paperlike: Check out Paperlike 2.1 the iPad screen protector featuring improved visual clarity and same papery feel and stroke resistance from Paperlike 2.

Sponsored by BetterHelp: As a listener, you’ll get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at BetterHelp.com/MacHappyHour.

Sponsored by Ladder: Go to Ladder.com/HappyHour today to see if you’re instantly approved.

Sponsored by Abode: The Abode HomeKit bundle includes everything you need to build your home security setup with 7 different HomeKit products discounted $300 to $499 for a limited time. Enter a chance to win an iPhone 14 here.

more…

The post 9to5Mac Happy Hour 407: New Apple TV hands-on, sports streaming, iOS 16.2 beta appeared first on 9to5Mac.

Amidst the layoffs, verification changes, notable executive departures, a fleeting ads business, and the undeniable dumpster fire that is Twitter right now, many users are seeking alternative platforms, and rightfully so. If you’re looking to do the same, you’re probably wondering: Can anything really replace Twitter?

While Twitter has numerous advantages, some of its best aspects can also be found elsewhere. I did some digging and found several compelling alternatives to the social network. Here were some of the best.

more…

The post Thinking about leaving Twitter? Here are the best alternatives appeared first on 9to5Mac.