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.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82993105590?pwd=G4xbeNtdNeR1D0CIbm8Ybwf2ndq2AN.1
Meeting ID:  829 9310 5590
Passcode:      390439

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!

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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

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