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#1630: Apple Books changes in iOS 16, simplified USB branding, recovering a lost Google Workspace account

Apple overhauled the Books app in iOS 16 to be more compact, but at the expense of clarity. Josh Centers explores how Books has changed and explains how to take advantage of its new customization options. The complexity of USB standards released by the USB Implementers Forum has become a running gag, but that may be changing. Glenn Fleishman explains how the USB-IF is simplifying and streamlining its product labels. Finally, consultant Ivan Drucker joins us this week with the tale of how he overcame numerous obstacles to recover a client’s Google Workspace account. Notable Mac app releases this week include Techtool Pro 16.0.2, Zoom 5.12, and Default Folder X 5.7.

Glenn Fleishman 29 comments

USB Simplifies Branding but Reintroduces Active Cables

The group that creates USB standards listened to feedback and has released a reduced set of logos that make it easier to figure out the capabilities of your ports, peripherals, and cables. But changes to USB4 also mean the return of active cables to provide maximum throughput for a new 80 Gbps data rate over distances beyond 0.8 meters.

Ivan Drucker 10 comments

Recovering Google Workspace: A Detective Story

Google announced that it would require payment for legacy G Suite accounts earlier this year before relenting in May, albeit with a short deadline. One of consultant Ivan Drucker’s clients nearly lost her long-standing G Suite email address—and all stored email—due to not knowing who had set up the account many years ago. With the application of lots of electronic elbow grease and a dose of luck, he was able to recover her account.

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