Could passwords finally be on the way out? Apple, Google, and Microsoft have taken another step in that direction by promising expanded support for the FIDO Alliance’s passwordless login technology over the course of the coming year. Do you ever get AirTag tracking alerts when you borrow your spouse’s keys? Josh Centers shows you how you can disable them—at least for a day, despite Apple’s claim that it’s possible to do so indefinitely. Josh also explains how Apple uses two technologies—fast charge and Optimized Battery Charging—to improve battery life and lifespan. Finally, Adam Engst shares how he helped an acquaintance whose email account was hacked to spread a scam—read on to learn how to respond if you’re targeted. Notable Mac app releases this week include 1Password 8.0, Firefox 100, Hazel 5.1.2, Camo Studio 1.6.4, TextExpander 7.2, and Moneydance 2022.3.
Apple, Google, and Microsoft have committed to expanding support for the FIDO Alliance’s passwordless login technology over the course of the coming year. With luck, we’ll see it in the next versions of Apple’s operating systems.
Tired of getting unnecessary “AirTag Found Moving With You” alerts when you borrow your spouse’s keys? Here’s how you can disable those alerts, at least for a day.
Computer hardware engineers are clever, but even they can’t bypass the physical limitations of battery chemistry. Or can they? Apple has implemented some clever workarounds to maximize battery life and lifespan.
After receiving three separate scam solicitations from acquaintances whose email accounts had been taken over by scammers, Adam Engst explains how the scam works and what you can do to protect yourself and help others who have been hacked.
Watchlist
Major new release for the password manager brings a modernized design, Quick Access floating panel, and Universal Autofill feature. ($35.88 annual subscription, free update, 2.9 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Adds support for YouTube HDR video for Mac users plus a few other minor improvements. (Free, 121 MB, macOS 10.12+)
Brings improvements and bug fixes to the file automation and cleanup utility. ($42 new, free update, 20.9 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Brings native compatibility with Safari, FaceTime, and QuickTime when using macOS 12.3 Monterey or later. ($39.99 annual subscription, free update, 29.1 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Brings faster startup time, additions to the contextual menu, and bug fixes. ($40 annual subscription, free update, 54.1 MB, macOS 10.14+)
Maintenance release with improvements and bug fixes for the personal finance management app. ($49.99 new, free update, 148 MB, macOS 10.12+)
