If you rely on AT&T or Verizon for cellular data, you may be seeing improved 5G performance as the carriers take advantage of the newly available C-band radio spectrum—Julio Ojeda-Zapata shares the details. Apple discontinued the Time Capsule in 2018, and while it was never the ultimate backup solution, it provided a simple and well-supported option to many Mac users. For those seeking a modern system for network Time Machine backups, consultant Ivan Drucker takes us on an odyssey of exploration through all the available options. Along with a Mac user group and Mac blog recommendation in his LittleBITS column, Adam Engst reviews the new Focus feature in Apple’s latest operating systems, explaining why he thinks it’s overkill for most users and might be a reason you miss important notifications. The only notable Mac app release this week is Pixelmator Pro 2.3.5.
Many Mac user groups have dissolved or are a shadow of their former selves. Not so the Naples MacFriends User Group, which has embraced the Internet and attracted hundreds of members from around the world. Adam Engst shares more on that, plus recommends Howard Oakley’s work at the Eclectic Light Company blog and provides an update on iCloud delivery problems for TidBITS subscribers.
AT&T and Verizon have started using C-band wireless spectrum that will speed up their 5G cellular service and make it available to more customers. This important step in 5G’s overall evolution brings AT&T and Verizon more in line with T-Mobile, which has had an edge in available spectrum until now.
Apple’s Do Not Disturb feature has evolved into the ecosystem-wide Focus, which provides so many options and capabilities that it may be impossible to predict when notifications will work and when they won't. Adam Engst shows you how to use Focus and suggests that you stick to the basics.
Apple may have discontinued the Time Capsule, but many Mac users still need a network-based Time Machine backup. This article reviews what options exist and weighs their pros and cons.
Watchlist
Brings an updated Export for Web tool and adds the capability to space objects of different sizes evenly. ($39.99 new, free update, 434.5 MB, macOS 10.15+)
