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

Date: Monday September 22, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM ET  You can join the Zoom meeting starting at 7:20.

Join Zoom Meeting
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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 - Making  AI work for you
     - Asking it good questions, and lots more                                      with Leroy Lees                   7:40 - 8:30

3 - Apple's September 9th event                                                          group chat                          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

1 - News and views
The group discussed Gander Social, a new Canadian social media platform similar to Facebook but with a focus on posts and videos, which is currently in beta testing and set to launch in the fall with Arlene Dickinson's support. There was a brief discussion about old computer equipment, specifically Iomega Zip drives, and their technological advancements over time.

2 - Roundtable discussions:
 A - WWDC 2025 - WorldWide Developers Conference
 B - AI - Artificial Intelligence

Wally showed ...

- a Mac Rumours summary of WWDC 2025 with follow-up links
https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/wwdc/#:~:text=At%20the%20WWDC%202025%20keynote,a%20Mac%20than%20ever%20before.

- a 10-minute YouTube video from The Verge showing highlights of WWDC 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjr4iFzlLjo

- Two video segments from YouTuber Marques Brownlee about Apple's AI position and the new Spotlight incorporating some features of Raycast app  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E3tv_3D95g
AI segment ... 0:00  to 0:54
Spotlight segment ... 9:26 to 10:57


2A - WWDC and Apple OS Features Overview

Apple WWDC 2025 Key Updates ...
Wally presented a summary of Apple's WWDC 2025 announcements, highlighting significant updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and other Apple platforms. He noted that the iPad is becoming more Mac-like, with new features like multiple overlapping windows and a cursor, making it a more compelling laptop alternative. Wally also discussed the new Spotlight search capabilities in macOS, which now offers more advanced productivity features similar to third-party tools like Raycast. The group discussed the timeline for the new OS releases, with developer betas available now, public betas in July, and official releases expected in September or October.

CarPlay Features and Limitations ...
The group discussed the limitations and features of CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra, noting that CarPlay Ultra, available in select models like Alfa Romeo, integrates manufacturer specifications into a unified interface, though only a few manufacturers are currently participating. John shared that CarPlay and Audi features cannot coexist, forcing a choice between the two.

Other ...
Graham mentioned the upcoming availability of Notes on the Apple Watch, which surprised him, and Stephen expressed enthusiasm for the Preview app's versatility on both Mac and iPad, highlighting its use as a default PDF viewer.


2B - AI Search Tools: Benefits and Concerns
The group discussed their experiences with ChatGPT and AI-powered search responses. Wally and LeRoy shared positive experiences using AI for technical questions and problem-solving, noting significant improvements in the quality and accuracy of responses over recent months. They emphasized the convenience of AI for quick answers, though Wally expressed some concerns about potential negative impacts.

The group discussed ChatGPT and Apple's writing tools for improving emails. Stephen shared his experience using ChatGPT to rewrite emails in a friendlier tone, highlighting its ability to transform text quickly and efficiently. The conversation touched on the potential of AI in creating business plans and the need to experiment with these tools to prepare for future advancements.

Perplexity Search Engine Review ...
Laurence discussed Perplexity, a search engine that provides detailed and referenced answers to specific questions. He praised its ability to offer accurate information with references, continuity in searches, and the option to follow up without repeating the entire search. Laurence discussed Perplexity's honesty in acknowledging uncertainties. He mentioned that it is available for free at a basic level, with a paid pro version, and is accessible on various platforms.

ChatGPT Accuracy and Follow-Ups ...
John shared his experience with ChatGPT, noting that while it provided a thorough but incorrect answer to a broad question, it acknowledged its mistake when asked follow-up questions. Neil discussed his experiences with ChatGPT, highlighting both its useful responses to questions and its inaccuracies

AI Search Engine Reliability Concerns ...
Neil expressed concerns about the accuracy of AI-generated search results, while Laurence recommended using Perplexity as an alternative search engine that provides source citations and explains uncertainty in its results. The discussion concluded with participants agreeing to experiment with different AI search tools over the summer, though some expressed skepticism about relying on AI for important information.

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

Date: Monday June 23, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM ET  You can join the Zoom meeting starting at 7:20.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/expired

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   Roundtable group discussions ...                                                                                                7:40 - 9:00
     A - What's new from Apple's  WWDC held June 9-13
     B - Your experiences with ChatGPT and any other
          Artificial Intelligence sources                                                                                                                             


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
Wally welcomed Ram to his first meeting and discussed our MUGOO organizational structure. Charles joined the meeting while recovering from knee surgery and shared his experience with physiotherapy, which led to a casual conversation about joint replacements and recovery experiences.

1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals
Charles highly recommended the MeteoBlue weather app https://www.meteoblue.com This was developed at University of Basel, Switzerlandand. It combines over 40 weather models and uses proprietary artificial intelligence to generate weather forecasts. You can access it using a Safari window or an iPhone app.

Peter shared information about an app called id.me that allows users to store their driver's license and passport securely on their phone. The information is encrypted and stored locally on your device, not in the cloud. Bioscan and GPS home location are used during the setup for additional security.

2 - How I Cook My Spam - with Gillian Villeneuve and Neil Herber                             
Gillian has been a long-time member of National Capital Freenet, a Canadian nonprofit internet service provider that offers affordable email and Internet services https://www.ncf.ca/en/ She demonstrated the use of Zimbra, highlighting its Yellow Mail feature which allows her to preview incoming emails before they are allowed through to her email client. Gillian explained how she uses the program to identify suspicious emails by examining IP addresses and website links, and showed how to manage and delete unwanted emails through the system's filtering and sorting capabilities. You can view Gillian's presentation deck in the attachment below.

Neil then went on to provide a detailed walkthrough of the Freenet platform and its features. He further demonstrated NCF's Yellow Mail service, explaining how it acts as a pre-filter for Zimbra email with the additional option of creating disposable email addresses. He showed how to create and manage aliases, including the process of getting approval for custom addresses. Participants discussed the service's spam filtering capabilities, with Neil demonstrating how even self-forwarded spam emails were correctly identified.

NCF is especially good for "throw away" email accounts and well worth the annual $12. Such disposable addresses will continue working as long as you need them.

The group then discussed email storage and management, with Charles sharing his experience in archiving important emails, though he noted a limitation where locally managed mailboxes were not always visible across different computers. Neil explained the differences between POP3 and IMAP protocols and provided guidance on managing large email archives, including saving emails as text files and using indexing software for searching.

3 - De-Confusing the Universal Serial Bus (USB) - with Wally Kuzmicz
Wally explained the different types of ports on Mac computers, focusing on USB and Thunderbolt. He clarified the differences between USB-A, USB-C, and Thunderbolt ports, as well as the various USB speeds. Wally then discussed how to connect displays, Thunderbolt devices, and USB devices to Macs, emphasizing the priority of using Thunderbolt ports for displays and high-speed devices. He advised checking the tech specs on Apple's website to confirm port types and capabilities. Wally also recommended using https://mactracker.ca to identify port types on older Mac models.

Wally then shared a short tutorial video from https://macmost.com/how-to-use-the-ports-on-your-mac-correctly.html?awt_a=2P.a&awt_l=v2z4tn&awt_m=J77NMh7_bh8I.a&nlclx, pausing along the way for certain clarifications. You can view Wally's port and cable images in the attachment below.

Neil shared an interesting finding about the asymmetry in USB-C cables, which can affect functionality when plugged in upside down. Charles raised concerns about the lack of labeling on cables, and Wally clarified that unmarked cables on modern Macs are likely Thunderbolt, while marked ones are USB-C. The group discussed the importance of investing in well-marked, high-quality cables to avoid confusion.

The meeting ended with Wally's announcement about our upcoming MUGOO annual lunch on June 17th 1:00 pm at the Royal Oak, across from Nepean Centrepointe Library.

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

Date: Monday May 26, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM ET  You can join the Zoom meeting starting at 7:20.

https://us02web.zoom.us/expired

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 - How I Cook My Spam                                                  with Gillian Villeneuve                            7:40 - 8:20                                 

3 - De-Confusing the Universal Serial Bus (USB)              with Wally Kuzmicz                                 8:20 - 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
Stephen mentioned that he had to leave early and inquired about the possibility of recording the meeting for later reference. David and Wally suggested that they could send a written transcript of the meeting and the AI Companion summary instead of a video recording. In addition to the meeting minutes on the MUGOO website, this option is available for other members as well.

1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals
Keith recently purchased a Mac Studio (M4 max) earlier than planned due to the pending Trump tariffs turmoil. The Studio has the same footprint as the old Mac mini but is double the height. Thunderbolt 5 has the same connector as USB-C but is much faster, 80 Gbyte per second bidirectional, and great for video rendition projects. Keith also mentioned that he still uses a Caldigit RAID purchased in 2010.

2 - Passkeys vs Passwords - Which is right for you? - with David Rhynas
David discussed the evolution of online authentication, emphasizing the need for stronger security measures due to the increasing sophistication of phishing attacks. He introduced the concept of passkeys, a password-free alternative developed by Apple, Google, Microsoft, and others, which provide better protection against phishing and website breaches.

Since it is still early days, David recommended starting to experiment with passkeys for specific accounts and otherwise continue using password managers for password generation and security. He also mentioned the possibility of using a physical security key as a second form of authentication, but warned about the importance of having a backup in a different location to avoid permanent loss of access to an account. You can view David's presentation deck and commentary at https://mugoo.com/bigfiles/2025-04-28_Passkeys_vs_Passwords.pdf

3 - Apple Intelligence and other AI options
Wally expressed his concerns about the potential misuse of AI technology, citing an app that could help users cheat in job interviews. He also discussed his experiences with ChatGPT and the need to verify its accuracy by cross-checking with other reliable sources. Laurence shared his positive experience with the app Perplexity, which provides accurate and well-sourced answers to technical questions. David confirmed that ChatGPT can refine its responses in real-time and also mentioned that Siri now offers the option to check with ChatGPT.
   
Participants discussed the use of AI in various contexts, including healthcare and social media. They expressed concerns about the potential for misuse of personal data and the accuracy of AI-generated summaries. We also touched on the challenges of understanding sarcasm and humor in AI responses.
   
Laurence shared his unease about the potential for AI to manipulate history and reality through video and text generation. Ross discussed the use of AI in creating video and visual imagery, and the challenges of discerning what is real and what is not. David highlighted the issue of ads masquerading as news articles, and the difficulty of distinguishing between real and fake content. Participants agreed to explore these topics further in future discussions.

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

Date: Monday April 28, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM ET  You can join the Zoom meeting starting at 7:20.

https://us02web.zoom.us/expired

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 - Passkeys vs Passwords - Which is right for you?                with David Rhynas                          7:40 - 8:20

3 - Apple Intelligence and other AI options                             group discussion                            8:20 - 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
Ross shared a recent unfortunate experience of breaking his foot after falling into a telephone service pit (!) while walking in the woods. He will be another week in the "boot." It appears there may be some compensation from the phone company.
                                                                       
1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals
Marc mentioned his recent upgrade to an Anker 200-watt Gallium nitride charger, which can charge two laptops at full power or six devices simultaneously https://www.anker.com/products/a2683-anker-prime-charger-200w-6-ports-gan?variant=43856909074582 He replaced several chargers with just this one. It's secure, very compact, and supports both Power Delivery 3 and USB C. It also works well as a travel charger.

Keith discussed his upgrade to Carbon Copy Cloner version 7, which now allows for separate backups of both his iPhone and Mac. It can essentially do everything that Time Machine does, but with more features and flexibility https://bombich.com

In our meeting, we reminisced about the history of MUGOO, which dates back to 1986. We discussed the early days, including bi-monthly newsletters, the transition from Postscript to True Type fonts, and the introduction of Quark and Pagemaker. Prior to the Centrepoint Library meeting venue, we used to gather at the Sir Robert Borden Cafeteria and prior to that at Up and Running on Churchill, then at the Merivale store. Marc has the original 1987 letters of incorporation and will mail these to Wally. NCMC/MUGOO is one of the oldest continually running Apple User Groups (Sydney Australia has had theirs since 1984). Some of our current members have been part of MUGOO since its inception.

To complete our walk down Memory Lane, you can view the April 1995 NCMC Update issue edited by LeRoy Lees and Steve Lawrenson ... 30 years ago! https://mugoo.com/bigfiles/2025_03_24_NCMC_Update_April_1995.pdf

2 - "Slo-Mo" - with Laurence Head
Laurence had logged into Zoom using a Safari window and was initially unable to share his screen. There may be some browser settings that would rectify this, but in the end it was easier to log out of the Safari window and use the Zoom app. Laurence was then able to share his screen successfully, allowing the group to view his desktop.

Laurence presented a series of slow-motion videos captured on various iPhone models, demonstrating the evolution of this feature since the iPhone 6. He explained that Apple's slow-motion video typically includes one second of normal speed at the beginning and end, with the middle portion slowed down. He showcased different examples, including water droplets creating bubbles and a wasp on a chair cushion, highlighting how slow-motion can reveal interesting details in nature. He also discussed the technical improvements in frame rates and resolution across iPhone generations, noting that the latest models offer 4K Dolby Vision at 120 frames per second. Recognize that such stunning high res videos require significant storage space, roughly 1 GB per minute.
   
Laurence also showed us other iPhone slo-mo examples, including a dog barking, waterfalls in Iceland, and pouring a carbonated soda drink. The group discussed the creative possibilities and limitations of slow-motion photography, including its impact on perceived scale and distance.

3 - Photomyne "No-Mo" frustration when you digitize photos - with Laurence Head
Laurence then presented the Photomyne photo scanner app https://photomyne.com/get-photomyne which he discovered through an Instagram ad. This was last presented at MUGOO by LeRoy in March 2017. For reference, that presentation deck has been included below. The app allows users to quickly digitize analog photographs using their smartphone camera, saving time compared to traditional scanning methods. It can capture multiple photos in a single shot, automatically crop and enhance them, and allows users to add metadata like dates, locations, and people's names. It's great for scanning old album pages and works best if the plastic overaly is first peeled back. Laurence mentioned that the app cost him $79 Canadian for two years of use which includes cloud backup. With a tripod, it's possible to process 400 images in an hour. LeRoy mentioned his recent experience of accessing old photos through the app, even after his membership had expired.
   
Laurence also shared a colourized and sharpened version of an old black and white photograph featuring his grandmother (Nana) and her mother in Toronto from the 1930s. He explained how he used Google Lens to identify the location and discussed the app's colourization process.

Lawrence mentioned his preferred method for digitizing slides using a mirrorless camera setup, which he finds effective despite being initially fiddly to set up. Ross suggested photographing slides on a light table using an iPhone, which Lawrence agreed to try. The group discussed other challenges with digitizing old photographs, including dealing with glare and dust.

Keith inquired about what to do with unused Kodak Carousel slide trays, and the group suggested selling them on Kijiji or eBay.

Gillian wrapped up the meeting, thanking Lawrence for his presentation and postponing the discussion on AI to a future meeting.

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

Date: Monday March 24, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM ET  You can join the Zoom meeting starting at 7:20.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/expired
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 - "Slo-Mo"  &  "No-Mo" ...
     -  using Slo-Mo video on the iPhone
     -  No-Mo frustration when you digitize photo
        albums using Photomyne                                                   with Laurence Head                      7:40 - 8:15

3-  Apple Intelligence and other AI options                               group discussion                           8:15 - 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
Wally shared his excitement about the upcoming installation of fibre optic internet in his rural area, which would significantly improve his internet speed. Graham raised a concern about his Apple CarPlay not connecting after recent iOS upgrades, but others like Martin and LeRoy reported no issues. Ross guided Graham to the settings on his iPhone to locate and adjust CarPlay options. Gillian also faced a similar problem with her Dodge Grand Caravan not recognizing her iPhone. The team suggested restarting the device as a potential solution. Additionally, Wally and Graham suggested the need for software updates to the vehicle, which typically can only be done by authorized dealers.

1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals
Graham mentioned his recent purchases of an iPad mini (Apple Silicon A17 Pro chip), Mac mini, and Apple Studio Display. The conversation then shifted to the availability of hearing aid features in AirPods Pro 2, with Graham expressing frustration about approval delays in Canada. Ross suggested that audiologists may be resisting over-the-counter non-prescription hearing aid technology due to potential business impacts. After the meeting, Graham provided a formal update from CASLPO (College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario). They are generally ok with it and pointed back to the provincial regulator. You can view a recent communication at https://caslpo.com/sites/default/uploads/files/PA_EN_nonprescribed_hearing_aids.pdf

The group also briefly touched on Apple's recent announcement of a $500 billion (!) investment in the United States over the next four years. It will focus on artificial intelligence, server farms, silicon engineering, and 20,000 new jobs across the country.

2 - Safari on iOS Get the most from your mobile browser - with David Rhynas
     Moderated viewing of Screencasts Online video by Lee Garret
David shared a video tutorial on how to effectively use Safari on iOS devices. We all know how to do a basic search, but there is much more capability here.  The tutorial covered various features and settings, including long pressing on icons for additional controls, utilizing the reader view for better content consumption, and the built-in translation feature. The presenter also shared a way to adjust font size and page colors in the reader view. Participants were encouraged to try out these features during the meeting, with questions and comments along the way. You can view a list of the topics covered in the first attachment below. For copyright reasons we cannot make the video a part of our permanent meeting record.

3 - February Apple Product Announcements - Group Discussion
David introduced a brief discussion about Apple's recent product announcement of the iPhone 16e, a less expensive version of the iPhone 16 with some trade-offs in features, particularly in camera capabilities. It uses the new C1, Apple's in-house developed cellular modem. There had been expectation that a new model of the iPhone SE, the current lowest cost version, would be announced. It appears now that the 16e is replacing the SE and there is some controversy that Apple is no longer attempting to compete in the lower priced phone market. You can view the product release video at https://www.apple.com/ca/iphone-16e/. A chart comparison of the 16 Pro, 16 and 16e is in the second attachment below.
   
The group also discussed other recent Apple product announcements and rumors, including the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds and potential updates to iPads and MacBooks. The meeting concluded with members sharing a few personal experiences and discussing the format of this evening's presentation, which was well-received.