You may have heard about the new kid on the AI block: the engagingly conversational chatbot ChatGPT. Former Apple developer David Shayer explores just what ChatGPT is and, more importantly, what it’s not. Apple quietly released iOS 16.1.2 with better Crash Detection, and Microsoft announced that Office updates will now require macOS 11 Big Sur or later. Adam Engst rounds out the issue with a look at Apple’s forthcoming Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, which provides end-to-end encryption for more iCloud data types at the cost of eliminating Apple’s capability to recover your account if you forget all your passwords. Notable Mac app releases this week include 1Password 8.9.10, Pixelmator Pro 3.2.2, Fantastical 3.7.5, Boom 3D 1.4, EagleFiler 1.9.10, and Tinderbox 9.5.
We have two quick things to share that don’t warrant an article: an explanation of why Apple Pay-using TidBITS members may see incorrect credit card expiration dates and the news of Apple Music Sing, which fills Adam Engst with dread.
The latest version of iOS promises to improve compatibility with wireless carriers and do better at detecting crashes. But, we ask, did you need TidBITS to tell you that?
The October 2022 update to Microsoft’s Office apps was the last one for users running macOS 10.15 Catalina. Upgrade to at least macOS 11 Big Sur to continue receiving enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.
Apple has announced Advanced Data Protection, an optional switch that enables end-to-end encryption for more types of iCloud data, including iCloud Backups, iCloud Drive, Photos, Notes, Reminders, and more.
Chatbots have just progressed to the next level with OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT. Programmer David Shayer explains what’s behind ChatGPT’s curtain and ponders how we’ll deal with AI-driven chatbots that sound confident and reasonable but may be entirely wrong.
Watchlist
Brings improvements and bug fixes to the password manager. ($35.88 annual subscription new, free update, 2.9 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Adds video editing capabilities using familiar image editing tools. ($39.99 new, free update, 523 MB, macOS 11+)
Maintenance update for the calendar app with improvements and bug fixes. ($39.96 new, free update, 59.5 MB, macOS 11+)
Audio enhancement utility gains 5.1 multichannel audio support. ($49.99 new, free update, 50.4 MB, macOS 10.10.3+)
Adds support for Live Text for selecting and copying text in scanned PDFs. ($49.99 new, free update, 32.7 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Note-taking assistant introduces new brainstorming features to help you build notes more quickly. ($249 new, free update, 41.5 MB, macOS 10.13+)