Apple released iOS 13.5 and iPadOS 13.5 last week with COVID-19-based features like the inclusion of the Exposure Notification API co-developed with Google, an easier FaceID bypass for mask wearers, Medical ID sharing, and an option to put an end to the bouncing tiles in Group FaceTime calls. Glenn Fleishman explains why Apple’s HEIC image format is causing headaches for high school students taking Advanced Placement exams and what to do about it. Finally, Adam Engst encourages everyone who is in the habit of force-quitting iOS apps to stop because doing so hurts battery life and performance. Notable Mac app releases this week include Ulysses 19.2, Quicken 2020 5.16, Cardhop 1.3.4, and Tinderbox 8.7.
Apple has released the iOS 13.5 and iPadOS 13.5 updates with COVID-19-focused changes, including a new Exposure Notification API and fixes to help make Group FaceTime and Face ID less painful.
Apple adopted the space-saving HEIC image-package format early. That choice, coupled with a poorly coded test submission site from the College Board, caused problems for students taking Advanced Placement tests this year. Here’s how to avoid trouble.
A surprising number of people continue to force-quit iOS apps and restart or shut down their iOS devices as a matter of habit. Except when recovering from a frozen app or misbehaving device, those behaviors will reduce battery life and hurt performance. Here’s why.
Watchlist
Enhances performance when exporting long lists to PDF and improves accessibility of material sheets. ($39.99 annual subscription, free update, 20 MB)
Enhances the QuickFill feature, adds Quick Pay and Check Pay capabilities, improves print and export capabilities. ($34.99/$49.99/$74.99 annual subscription, free update)
Maintenance update for the contact manager that adds an option to filter by job title in smart groups. ($19.99 new, free update, 12.4 MB)
Note-taking assistant and information manager adds built-in COVID-tracking actions and improves link suggestions. ($249 new, free update, 36.6 MB)
