We’re pleased to welcome our latest long-term sponsor, MinuteHound, which provides a zero-contact biometric time and attendance tracking solution. Apple has released the first round of bug-fix updates with iOS 14.0.1, iPadOS 14.0.1, watchOS 7.0.1, and tvOS 14.0.1, along with surprise updates to macOS 10.15.7 Catalina and Security Update 2020-005 for 10.14 Mojave and 10.13 High Sierra. Don’t install the Mojave security update yet, however, because it’s causing numerous problems. Separately, third-generation Apple TV users also received an update, and unfortunately, it too is generating user complaints. For those who have updated to iOS 14, we dive into two key features: Back Tap shortcuts and the capability to set default email and Web clients. Finally, we bid farewell to TidBITS reader, contributor, and friend Oliver Habicht, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer at age 53. Notable Mac app releases this week include Security Update 2020-005 (Mojave and High Sierra); Pages 10.2, Numbers 10.2, and Keynote 10.2; Zoom 5.3; SoundSource 5.0.5; Fantastical 3.2; TunnelBear 4.0; NetNewsWire 5.1; and Final Cut Pro X 10.4.10, Compressor 4.4.8, and Motion.
We’d like to welcome as our latest long-term sponsor MinuteHound, a company that provides a zero-contact biometric time and attendance tracking solution.
Apple has released macOS 10.15.7 Catalina, iOS 14.0.1, iPadOS 14.0.1, watchOS 7.0.1, and tvOS 14.0.1 to address minor bugs.
Deep in the Accessibility settings of iOS 14 is a new feature called Back Tap that lets you assign a variety of system and accessibility actions—and anything you build in the Shortcuts app—to a double or triple tap on the back of your iPhone.
For the first time since the introduction of the iPhone, iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 let you choose the apps that serve as your default email client and Web browser. “Take Control of iOS 14 and iPadOS 14” author Josh Centers shows you how.
If you’re having problems with your third-generation Apple TV, you’re not alone. Apple TV Software Update 7.6 seems to have some issues. You may be able to downgrade, but regardless, be sure to tell Apple of your woes.
Of all the people whose deaths we’ve memorialized in TidBITS, no one was as close to us as Oliver Habicht. His name probably isn’t familiar to most, but he has written for TidBITS, commented on articles, and helped with software and hardware testing. He even played a key role for Take Control Books for several years. But most importantly, he was our best friend.
Watchlist
Patches security vulnerabilities in Apple’s last two operating systems. (Free, various sizes)
Brings a variety of new, editable shapes that can be added to documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. (Free, various sizes)
Maintenance update for the videoconferencing app with a variety of improvements and bug fixes. (Free, 22.6 MB)
Wide-ranging maintenance release for the audio control utility. ($39 new, free update, 14.0 MB)
Calendar app adds options to search only title, location, or attendees. ($39.99 new, free update, 23.1 MB)
VPN private Internet browsing app now requires macOS 10.12 Sierra or later. (Free with subscription options for unlimited data, 28.4 MB)
Brings a variety of improvements and new features to the revived RSS reader. (Free, 6.3 MB)
Addresses an issue in which XAVC media from the Sony PXW-FX9 camera was not recognized by all three apps. ($299.99/$49.99/$49.99 new, free updates)
