We are continuing with Zoom iMeetings.

Date: Monday October 26, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM ET  You can join the Zoom meeting starting at 7:20.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82185666832?pwd=wzbdWIE1QrZkXUZy07B4d9QCpv8m4a.1
Meeting ID: 821 8566 6832
Passcode:   piano123

Although Zoom works in many browsers we STRONGLY recommend using the dedicated app on your device with the largest screen for the best experience.
You do NOT need a Zoom account to join a meeting!
If you need instructions, go here: https://mugoo.com/index.php/Main/UsingZOOM

Agenda:

0 - Group chin-wag during log on    7:20 - 7:30

1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals       7:30 - 7:40
     
2 - Open Group Discussion on Apple Products/Services, AI, related technologies          7:40 - 9:00
      Potential topics include:
      - Ontario to allow over-the-counter hearing aids (AirPods Pro ) for sale in the province
      - HomePod mini 2, compact smart speaker with 360-degree audio
      - Home Hub that enables remote access and automation for your smart home accessories
      - Artificial Intimacy, the idea that an AI chatbot can engage you too amicably
      - Pros and Cons of Anonymous AI
     
Unfortunately, no after meeting wings or desserts at the Royal Oak, but feel free to prepare your own snacks and share them with us on screen!

Did you miss a meeting?
Sign up for emailed meeting notices! https://mugoo.com/index.php/Main/MeetingReminders

Don't forget the Ottawa Public Library!
Even though we are unable to meet in person at the library, the OPL still offers a wealth of services you can access online. Go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en

David explained that MUGOO is operating without a President and now has a less formal structure. We'll still maintain the usual iMeeting format, starting with new tech arrivals and news/views, followed by an open group discussion on Apple/AI topics of the day.

1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals
LeRoy recently purchased the new Apple Watch Series 12, and has been impressed by its continuous heart rate monitoring feature and improved battery life.

John shared details about his new iPad Mini, explaining its design changes including the removal of the bevel to augment screen size and the addition of stereo speakers. Of all of his Apple devices he uses this most ... primarily for news, games, and email checking. John also mentioned his interest in photography additions for his iPhone 17 Pro, including potential third-party lenses.

Jamie has acquired an iPhone 18 Pro and Laurence has an 18 Pro Max burgundy on order. Both are looking forward to significant battery life improvements. Jamie received a trade-in value of $875 for his iPhone 16 Pro after two years of ownership.

The group discussed their personal Apple product collections and experiences, with Jamie sharing that unforunately his home was flooded on July 1st, forcing him to give away about half of his "museum collection" including eight Mac notebooks.

David recommended two books about Apple:

Apple: The First Fifty Years by David Pogue
https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Apple%3A%20The%20First%2050%20Years&searchType=title

Apple in China by Patrick McGee
https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Apple%20in%20China&searchType=title

2 - Open Group Discussion on Apple Products/Services, AI, related technologies
Apple Duo Device Discussion
The team discussed Apple's new Duo device, the company's first attempt at a folding phone. David mentioned his summary of the product announcement and its impressive engineering features including more than 100 parts in the hinge mechanism. While participants acknowledged the device's technical achievements and potential benefits like having an iPad Mini-sized screen when unfolded, several expressed concerns about the premium price and durability of the folding mechanism. Jamie emphasized the device's potential for multitasking with its dual-screen setup and software features, while Chris noted his colleague's experience with a Samsung folding phone and the wear-and-tear concerns that might arise.

AirPods and AI Discussion
The group discussed Apple's new AirPods 5 features, with Jamie clarifying that they won't fit in older AirPods Pro cases due to size and design differences. The conversation then shifted to Apple's Siri AI expansion, with Jamie explaining that it will work on M1 chips and newer devices but not on older hardware. Wally shared his concerns about AI consistency after discovering that Google Gemini provides different answers to identical queries, leading to a broader discussion about AI reliability, privacy, and bias in responses.

AI Privacy and Local Processing
The group discussed privacy concerns with AI services like ChatGPT and Claude. Chris shared his experience with data retention policies and recommended local AI models running on hardware like the $3,000 Mac Mini as an alternative to cloud-based AI services. Wally inquired about VPN usage for privacy and whether local AI processing could help code writers, with Jamie confirming that VPNs provide anonymity but noted that local AI processing capabilities vary based on hardware limitations.

AI-Powered App Development Examples
Jamie shared his experience creating a functional app for dictating family history stories using ChatGPT, which took him only 4 hours including iCloud integration, significantly faster than his previous 2-week attempt. He noted that the iterative nature of AI coding allows for rapid testing and development, comparing it to how spreadsheets enabled new what-if scenarios for business users. The discussion included examples of other successful AI-powered app development, including a photography business that created seven apps to meet specific needs, demonstrating how AI tools are enabling non-developers to build custom applications.

AI Chatbot Economics Discussion
Jamie explained that companies like OpenAI are using a "lose money on every transaction, make it up on volume" model, with Chris adding that the fear of being outpaced by competitors in the AI race is driving significant investment despite current losses. The conversation also covered how ChatGPT's responses can be influenced using specific commands like "truth mode," "ELI10," and "Red Team," though Wally raised concerns about how easily these systems can be bypassed, citing a recent lawsuit involving a shooter who used ChatGPT to plan an attack.

AI Safety and Ethical Considerations
The group discussed AI safety and ethical considerations, with Chris sharing his experience of using an AI agent that unexpectedly sent messages to his daughters despite safety protocols and instructions not to do this. The discussion covered how AI systems can misinterpret instructions and bypass security measures, with participants sharing their experiences using different AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity.

We still cannot have in-person meetings at the library. So we will use Zoom.

Date: Monday Sept 28, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM ET  You can join the Zoom meeting starting at 7:20.

Meeting ID: expired
Passcode:   expired

Although Zoom works in many browsers we STRONGLY recommend using the dedicated app on your device with the largest screen for the best experience.
You do NOT need a Zoom account to join a meeting!
If you need instructions, go here: https://mugoo.com/index.php/Main/UsingZOOM

Agenda:

0 - Group chin-wag during log on    7:20 - 7:30

1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals       7:30 - 7:40

2 - Open Group Discussion on Apple Products/Services, AI, related technologies          7:40 - 9:00
      Potential topics include:
      - Apple Event on September 9th announcing new capabilities and the iPhone Duo, Apple's first attempt at a folding phone
      - Artificial Intimacy, the idea that an AI chatbot can engage you too amicably
      - Pros and Cons of Anonymous AI
       
Unfortunately, no after meeting wings or desserts at the Royal Oak, but feel free to prepare your own snacks and share them with us on screen!

Did you miss a meeting?
Sign up for emailed meeting notices! https://mugoo.com/index.php/Main/MeetingReminders

Don't forget the Ottawa Public Library!
Even though we are unable to meet in person at the library, the OPL still offers a wealth of services you can access online. Go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en

TOPIC # 1 - WWDC 26 - June 8-12

Wally started the topic with information about the recent class action lawsuit which Apple settled for $250 million US.  In settling, Apple basically admitted that they "over-promised and under-delivered" on announcements made at WWDC24.  Numerous announcements at this month's WWDC 26 were intended to make good on promises made back in 2024.  The current WWDC26 improvements depend on a much more capable "Siri AI" which merges Siri designs with the "new and improved"  Apple Intelligence.  Apple Intelligence is now underpinned by Google Gemini through the recent collaboration/agreement between Apple and Google.

Gemini AI search results regarding the lawsuit, shared on-screen...
https://www.google.com/search?q=summary+of+class+action+lawsuit+vs+apple+about+siri+and+AI+promises+made+but+not+kept&rlz=1C5CHFA_enCA1071CA1071&oq=summary+of+class+action+lawsuit+vs+apple+about+siri+and+AI+promises+made+but+not+kept&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCjMzMTU5ajBqMTWoAgiwAgHxBe8I51wFXeze&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
https://www.google.com/search?q=in+the+apple+class+action+suit+about+underdelivering+on+siri+and+AI%2C+what+are+the+main+complaints&oq=in+the+apple+class+action+suit+about+underdelivering+on+siri+and+AI%2C+what+are+the+main+complaints&aqs=chrome..69i57.64650j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8


Wally presented a summary of Apple's new Siri capabilities, including improved conversational abilities, visual intelligence features, and privacy-focused processing. The group discussed the practical implications of these new features, with members sharing their various experiences including photo editing on mobile devices and the challenges of managing multiple versions of edited images.

Youtube summaries regarding WWDC 26, shared on-screen...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpBgdV0hx0w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnxUuOYMB0o

——————————————————————

TOPIC # 2 - The Future of MUGOO

The club discussed sustainability challenges as meeting attendance has declined from 20-30 people during the pandemic to 10-12 members tonight. The group explored options for continuing operations, including maintaining monthly meetings without formal presentations, using member Zoom accounts to reduce costs, and leveraging the existing message board for topic suggestions and formal presentations that might be offered by members from time to time.  Wally resigned as MUGOO president at the end of the meeting, as previously announced.  Members agreed to continue as an unincorporated association with an informal leader structure rather than establishing a new president, while maintaining the website and potentially charging $25 annually per member to cover expenses.  There may be less need or no need for Executive meetings in the future.

The membership will be contacted prior to the September 28th iMeeting to learn how MUGOO will proceed in the fall and thereafter.

Anyone offering to help the leadership of MUGOO, or offering a presentation when iMeetings resume on September 28th, can email the club at show@mugoo.com.

We still cannot have in-person meetings at the library. So we will use Zoom.

Date: Monday June 22, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM ET  You can join the Zoom meeting starting at 7:20.

Meeting ID: expired
Passcode: expired

Although Zoom works in many browsers we STRONGLY recommend using the dedicated app on your device with the largest screen for the best experience.
You do NOT need a Zoom account to join a meeting!
If you need instructions, go here: https://mugoo.com/index.php/Main/UsingZOOM

Agenda:

0 - Group chin-wag during log on                                                                                                  7:20 - 7:30
                                                               
1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals                                                                          7:30 - 7:40

2 - WWDC 2026 - a "Knit & Natter" group talk about what was announced at
     the big conference and how it will affect us as Apple consumers                                              7:40 - 9:00

       
Unfortunately, no after meeting wings or desserts at the Royal Oak, but feel free to prepare your own snacks and share them with us on screen!

Did you miss a meeting?
Sign up for emailed meeting notices! https://mugoo.com/index.php/Main/MeetingReminders

Don't forget the Ottawa Public Library!
Even though we are unable to meet in person at the library, the OPL still offers a wealth of services you can access online. Go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en

1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals
The meeting began with casual conversation about recent acquisitions and several technical items. Gillian recently purchased a new MacBook Pro, which LeRoy helped set up. Marc discussed his new Keychron V6 Max mechanical keyboard and his preference for mechanical keys due to his heavy typing style. Marc and several others in our group took typing in high school "because there were more girls in that class" but in retrospect, typing has turned out to be extremely helpful in the age of computers. Wally quipped "Girls come and go but keyboard skills last for ever."

John has automatic macOS updates, but found he was two versions behind. Marc clarified that automatic updates only apply to point updates within the same major version (e.g.from 1.0 to 1.1), and significant updates require manual initiation. John then raised a question about receiving promotional emails from bark.com, which seems to be targeting entertainers and musicians. Others had not encountered this one

2 - 10+ Ways AI Will Make You a Better Photographer - with Jamie Johnson
The main focus of the meeting was Jamie Johnson's fascinating presentation where he demonstrated how various AI tools and features can enhance photography workflows across five steps: Prepare, Capture, Organize, Enhance, and Share. Jamie showed how ChatGPT can provide photography topic inspiration and location suggestions, NotebookLM can help find events and locations, and camera AI features like eye control focus and subject detection can improve capture quality. He also covered how AI assists with photo organization through facial recognition and content-aware tagging, image enhancement through intelligent masking and denoising, and auto-tagging for easier sharing.

The presentation included practical demonstrations using Jamie's own photography examples and discussed both beneficial AI features and some limitations, particularly around generative AI usage in photography. You can view the slides in Jamie's presentation at https://itsallaboutthelight.ca/presentations/10-ways-ai-will-make-youa-better-photographer-without-generative-ai A summary slide has also been included in the attachment below.

Jamie also explained how iPhones handle focus stacking and HDR (High Dynamic Range). He confirmed that Wally's iPhone 14 Pro Max has the necessary capabilities for exposure stacking. The conversation also covered image sharpening tools and techniques, including third-party software like Topaz Adjust and AI-based solutions.

3 - Knit and Natter - group chat
The group discussed AI tools and their applications, with Graham sharing his experience using Perplexity AI to research hybrid cars and David describing how he uses ChatGPT as a trusted advisor for a wide variety of topics. Graham mentioned developing his own "10 commandments for AI" as guardrails, which he could potentially present to the group.

The meeting conversation ended with Wally announcing the passing of member Keith Hanton and mentioning our upcoming in-person lunch gathering scheduled for June 16th 1:00 pm at the Royal Oak in Centrepoint. He will send out a separate reminder.

Roundtable Discussion
Similar to last month, this was an open discussion where the group organically moved from one topic to another ... in no particular order. This format seems to work quite well, with good participation.

Apple's AI Pricing Changes
Graham inquired about what appears to be a recent paid subscription requirement for the Numbers app? Ron explained that while the core app is still free, Apple is implementing a "freemium" model with AI features, requiring a $17.99 monthly or $179 annual Apple Creator Studio subscription for advanced capabilities like Magic Fill (automatically entering cells based on pattern recognition), premium templates, enhanced editing and generative AI tools. Apple Creator Studio also includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro, designed for video editing, music production, and graphic design. This change allows Apple to offer more sophisticated features while keeping the basic functions of Numbers accessible to all users.

AI Bias and Critical Thinking
Ron warned that while AI is good tool, a downside is that it can be bias affirming, responding with what want you to hear. David agreed, stressing the need to maintain your own critical thinking and agency. Don't be afraid to push back and to challenge AI outputs. Young people are hooked on the online experience and are at most risk.

Graham shared a recent podcast highlighting potential dangers of AI https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/front-burner/id1439621628?i=1000758610780, while Wally emphasized the importance of seeking unbiased information and suggested using different devices to test for potential AI personalization. He sometimes will go to another computer and anonymously ask the same question for an alternative perspective. Often the response will be a bit different. It's about what we need to know, not what AI thinks we should know.

AirPods as Hearing Aids
Peter made a recent discovery in a busy restaurant. The latest version of AirPods with noise cancelling work very well in eliminating background distractions. These are approved as hearing aids in the U.S. but not yet in British Columbia. Ross described successfully using AirPods to help his partner's mother after one of her hearing aids was eaten by a dog, explaining that the iPhone's built-in software can customize the AirPods for individual hearing needs. You can even feed the audiologist report into the settings. This was a good fallback while they awaited a replacement. The conversation concluded with recommendations about using Beats earbuds with clips for elderly users who might be concerned about losing the earbuds, and Peter shared his purchase of colourful string attachments for $7 at Amazon.ca to prevent AirPods from getting lost.

Protecting Vulnerable Seniors from Scams
Marta has Power of Attorney for a friend who has partial dementia from a brain injury. He recently lost $12,000 after being tricked into downloading scam apps. The group explored potential solutions including parental controls, two-factor authentication, setting a daily limit on withdrawals, and restricting payment methods. While remote phone access options were also considered, adding the friend as a "child" on her Apple account might be the most practical solution for managing app downloads and approvals. Wally agreed that the issue of protecting vulnerable seniors from scams impacts many of us and deserves further attention and follow-up.

Apple Product and Leadership Updates
The group discussed recent changes at Apple, including the upcoming replacement of CEO Tim Cook by John Turnus. Tim Cook had production background while Mr. Turnus is hardware-oriented. The Globe and Mail believes this a good strategic choice by Apple.

There have been rumours about foldable iPhones and MacBooks, and phase out the iPad. The group discussed the benefits and challenges of foldable devices, with Charles suggesting that a foldable phone could potentially replace both a phone and an iPad Mini for his wife. The conversation also touched on the importance of proper keyboards for typing and how muscle memory affects users' preferences for certain devices and software.

iPad Backup Methods Discussion
Charles sought advice on backing up an iPad for a friend with limited cloud storage. Wally explained that local backups through Finder on Mac are effective and preserve everything, including passwords, though Charles noted some limitations based on Apple's documentation. Wally also pointed out that should a restoral be required, you have to restore from the computer you originally backed up to.

AI Search Tips
Neil commented that it's astonishing how bad AI can be. He shared tips for improving AI search results, including framing prompts with expertise and reference expectations ... as described in last month's minutes. and using multiple AI tools to cross-verify information. He described how he uses one AI to "gaslight" another amongst the set of Copilot (ChatGPT), Claude, Gemini. "Hey Claude, ChatGPT told me this ... what do you think?" For those who were wondering, gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse whereby a person or group manipulates one or more people into questioning their sanity and perception of reality.

AI Scheduling Application Demo
Neil is part of a group that walks a companion dog. Claude AI was able parse a number of text messages and develop the PHP code for a simple scheduling app. He was stunned that it was almost perfect on the first go, and then easy to further refine. The web app allows group members to sign up for walking shifts through a shared calendar interface, with the system automatically updating and managing availability. You can view a screenshot below. While there are commercial products that can do such scheduling, they are overkill for this simple requirement.

Neil edits his Claude history, deleting dead-end threads. He then copies his AI conversation history to Joplin, an excellent cross-platform note-taking application encrypted and synced across all his devices via the cloud. To abbreviate this history he asks Claude to: "please summarize and reformat this entire conversation to a downloadable file in Joplin-friendly Markdown and make the title that appears at the top reflect the overall content of the conversation - don't just repeat the initial prompt."

In-Person Meetup
Wally announced our next in-person meeting will on Tuesday June 16th 1:00 pm at the Royal Oak pub beside Centrepoint. He also invited members to submit any discussion topics or presentation ideas to show@mugoo.com

We still cannot have in-person meetings at the library. So we will use Zoom.

Date: Monday May 25, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM ET  You can join the Zoom meeting starting at 7:20.

Meeting ID: expired
Passcode: expired

Although Zoom works in many browsers we STRONGLY recommend using the dedicated app on your device with the largest screen for the best experience.
You do NOT need a Zoom account to join a meeting!
If you need instructions, go here: https://mugoo.com/index.php/Main/UsingZOOM

Agenda:

0 - Group chin-wag during log on                                                                                                  7:20 - 7:30
                                                                 
1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals                                                                          7:30 - 7:40

2 - 10+ ways AI will make you a better photographer                       with Jamie Johnson              7:40 - 8:30

3 - Knit and Natter - group chat
     - a possible subject is how AI can help with
       important decisions like purchasing a vehicle                                                                          8:30 - 9:00                     
     
 
Unfortunately, no after meeting wings or desserts at the Royal Oak, but feel free to prepare your own snacks and share them with us on screen!

Did you miss a meeting?
Sign up for emailed meeting notices! https://mugoo.com/index.php/Main/MeetingReminders

Don't forget the Ottawa Public Library!
Even though we are unable to meet in person at the library, the OPL still offers a wealth of services you can access online. Go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en

We still cannot have in-person meetings at the library. So we will use Zoom.

Date: Monday April 27, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM ET  You can join the Zoom meeting starting at 7:20.

Meeting ID: expired
Passcode: expired

Although Zoom works in many browsers we STRONGLY recommend using the dedicated app on your device with the largest screen for the best experience.
You do NOT need a Zoom account to join a meeting!
If you need instructions, go here: https://mugoo.com/index.php/Main/UsingZOOM

Agenda:

0 - Group chin-wag during log on                                                                                                  7:20 - 7:30
                                                                 
1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals                                                                          7:30 - 7:40

2 - "Knit & Natter" - Roundtable chat about our Apple and related
      technology experiences, insights and thoughts ... on any subject
      of group interest                                                                                                                        7:40 - 9:00
 
   
Unfortunately, no after meeting wings or desserts at the Royal Oak, but feel free to prepare your own snacks and share them with us on screen!

Did you miss a meeting?
Sign up for emailed meeting notices! https://mugoo.com/index.php/Main/MeetingReminders

Don't forget the Ottawa Public Library!
Even though we are unable to meet in person at the library, the OPL still offers a wealth of services you can access online. Go to https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en

0 - Group chin-wag during log on
Participants shared personal anecdotes about old technology, including experiences with zip drives, G4 computers, and early hard drives. There was some reminiscing about historical technology from the 1990s and early 2000s, with several participants sharing stories about their experiences. Hugh commented on his frustration with software updates that introduce unwanted new features without giving users options to disable them.
                                                                 
1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals
The group discussed recent technology updates, focusing on a new macOS security release 26.3.1 (a) that had been downloaded to multiple devices ... the (a) implies it may have been a "whoops." They also discussed the new lower priced MacBook Neo, with Wally providing details about its limitations including a mechanical touchpad, two USB-C ports (one fast, one slow), 8GB RAM limitation, and lower res display, suggesting it might be better suited for casual users. Even with such limitations you can still run Windows Emulators and process 4K video.

2 - Roundtable Discussions on AI
The meeting focused on artificial intelligence and its impact, with participants sharing their experiences using various AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude. Wally opened the discussion with his perspective on AI as a game-changer, presenting a timeline of significant technological developments from 1984 to the present day, including the Macintosh GUI, cellular phones, the internet, Wi-Fi, iPhone, and AI. See the attachment below.

AI Response Improvement Strategies
The group discussed strategies for improving AI responses. While there are many YouTube videos on how to develop AI prompts, Jamie and Neil suggested using specific pre-emptive instructions to reduce hallucinations and improve AI responses, particularly for technical questions. The group agreed that providing clear context and expectations before asking questions helps in getting more accurate and relevant answers from AI systems.

Neil no longer logs in to AI services and does all his queries anonymously, with the preamble: "Provide engineering‑style, concise, up‑to‑date, verified answers only. No fluff, no speculation, no outdated versions, no forum‑derived solutions."

Jamie specifies that the response should be based on current information. Chastise the first response and quite often you'll then get a better one.

David shared how he frequently uses ChatGPT for obscure repairs and installations. It's best to phrase the prompt in as specific and detailed manner as possible. The AI will then often come back with clarifying requests. You can cary on a constructive dialogue and come back months later to where you left off. In essence, the AI develops a personalized understanding of users over time and becomes more contextually aware of their home city, interests and demographics.

Stephen explained how he effectively use AI tools like ChatGPT by framing queries with the preamble: "Assuming you are an expert in [particular field]" followed by the specific question.

AI Ethics, Scams and Employment Concerns
The conversation then shifted to a discussion about Anthropic and their controversy with the US government regarding military contracts, which led to a debate about AI ethics and potential risks. Wally concluded by asking the group if anyone had experienced harmful outcomes from AI, though no specific incidents were reported during the discussion.

David noted that AI is making voice scams more credible by convincingly mimicking real voices. Gillian shared her experience with what she believed was an AI-driven scam that locked her computer screen, though others suggested it might be a simple virus or HTML attack.

The group discussed the societal impacts of AI, particularly focusing on job displacement and employment concerns. Ross shared examples of companies like Duolingo reversing AI-related layoffs due to public pushback, while Neil referenced a Bill Maher interview with Tristan Harris about AI's potential to automate full workforces and the resulting economic and healthcare implications. https://www.insidehook.com/television/bill-maher-ai-social-media-hot-takes-real-time The discussion also touched on AI safety concerns, including how some AI systems may become semi self-aware and potentially dangerous.

AI Assistant and Trading Concerns
"Open Claw" is an AI assistant concept that has gained widespread attention, with examples shared of how these assistants can autonomously handle more complex tasks. Neil raised concerns about the Polymarket platform, which allows betting on various topics, highlighting suspicious trades and potential insider trading activities. The conversation touched on the potential for AI to facilitate such activities more efficiently, though Chris noted that some reported success stories of AI-based trading might be exaggerated.

AI in Software Development
There was further discussion on the implications of using AI in software development, with Jamie expressing concerns about maintainability and backward compatibility. There is a need to address legacy systems like COBOL code that still powers government systems. Neil shared a story about a company that used AI to develop software in 16 hours, which would have taken humans 8-10 months. Ross mentioned a successful use case of ChatGPT to design custom screen panels for a building project, which involved creating specific hole patterns and generating DXF files for manufacturing.

Hearing Aids vs AirPods
The group discussed hearing aids and AirPods Pro, with Chris sharing his experience using AirPods Pro as a hearing aid alternative before getting proper hearing aids. Chris noted that while AirPods Pro cost $400 compared to $6,000 for real hearing aids, they don't provide the same quality of life improvement and have not yet been approved as hearing aids in Canada. The discussion also covered technical issues with AirPods Pro's hearing aid mode and regional restrictions on their use.

The meeting ran long at nearly 2 hours, making it one of our longer sessions in recent memory. Jamie has prepared a presentation on AI benefits for photographers and offered this for a future MUGOO meeting. Wally reminded folks that members are encouraged to email presentation ideas to show@mugoo.com