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2024-09-23 MUGOO iMeeting - New season starts!

Started by AdminMan, July 07, 2024, 02:06:58 PM

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AdminMan

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

Date: Monday Sept 23, 2024
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 - DuckDuckGo and Alternative Browsers                   with Graham Fawcett        7:40 -  8:10

3 - September 9th Apple "Glowtime" Event:
     What's New With iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods     with David Rhynas             8:10 - 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

DavidR

#1
0 - Group chin-wag during log on                           
The early arrivers discussed some of their recent travel experiences.  John spent three weeks in Iceland, focusing on the West Fjords and the Snæfellnes Peninsula.  David went on an Adventure Canada expedition cruise to Atlantic Canada, which included Newfoundland, Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island, the Magdalen Islands and St. Pierre.  Peter and Ferris each recently returned from Australia and were still feeling the effects of jet lag.  Graham enjoyed extensive cycling trips this summer in the Ottawa area.  Stephen is currently planning an RV trip to Newfoundland for next Spring.
                                                                         
1 - News and Views - Members' new tech arrivals
Peter mentioned that he had recently acquired a 24-inch iMac https://www.apple.com/ca/imac/, which he has found to be "lightning fast" and a significant improvement over his previous 2015 computer.

For the Iceland trip, John and his wife purchased AirPods Pro 2.  He shared his positive experiences using these with QuietVox https://www.quietvox.com and an AirFly transmitter https://www.twelvesouth.com/products/airfly so they could wirelessly follow what their tour guide was saying.  They could also use the AirPods AirFly setup on the plane. 

Laurence and his wife have upgraded their Bell mobile two-year service plans to swap in the new iPhone 16 Pro models, and the monthly charge is less than what they were previously paying.  Graham did a similar move with Bell but instead swapped in iPhone 15 Pro models, with a discount of essentially two phones for the price of one.

2 - DuckDuckGo and Alternative Browsers - with Graham Fawcett
A number of us have been using DuckDuckGo the search engine, on both macOS and iOS,  because it is way better than Google in terms of privacy, including its ability to perform searches without tracking.  Remember if a service is "free" then "you" are the product that is being sold.  Charles mentioned how to set DDD as the default search engine in Safari.

Graham provided an overview of DuckDuckGo the browser app that not only allows private searching but also blocks trackers.  The app was designed for Mac desktops and is similar to the search engine interface.  He compared the features of DuckDuckGo and Safari to outline their differences; DDD is more transparent about what it blocks.  Other browser apps were also mentioned.

Graham then explored the advertising and analytics on the CBC News site, way more than most of us had realized.  DDD has a unique flame feature for clearing data and all agreed on the satisfaction of using the fire feature to clear analytics.  The conversation also touched on Apple's business relationship with Google and the potential for an antitrust suit against Google.

You can view Graham's presentation deck at https://mugoo.com/bigfiles/2024-09-23_DuckDuckGo_App.pdf.

Graham indicated he would try using DuckDuckGo browser app for the next month and report back.  He invited others to consider giving this a try as well.

3 - September 9th Apple "Glowtime" Event: What's New With iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods - with David Rhynas
David provided an overview of products introduced at Apple's September 9th "Glowtime" event, including the new lineup of iPhone 16 devices, Apple Watch and AirPods.  You can view David's presentation deck and remarks at https://mugoo.com/bigfiles/2024-09-23_Apple_Glowtime.pdf.

During the discussion it came up that iPhone 16 and 16 Pro still have a physical SIM card, unlike what has happened south of the border.  A physical SIM is often more convenient for international travel. 

Lynda shared her experience proving a heart attack to medical professionals using her Apple Watch.  Graham clarified the ECG feature detects arrhythmia, not heart attacks.  Lynda also discussed managing cholesterol levels and medication allergies.

AirPods Pro 2nd Generation were introduced in September 2022; there is now a new firmware release that supports the enhanced features.  David discussed a new capability, a clinical hearing test and an FDA approved over-the-counter hearing aid, offering an affordable alternative to traditional hearing aids.  The group discussed the potential for insurance coverage in Canada, with uncertainty about government approval.  Steve mentioned using the Mimi app to track his hearing https://mimi.io/mimi-hearing-test-app , while John suggested coverage could depend on private insurers.