This week, Adam Engst reviews a HomeKit-compatible window shade from SmartWings, finding it a functional and cost-effective solution. Adam also announces his upcoming NMUG presentation on modern backup strategies, and we invite you to weigh in on our Do You Use It? poll asking about VPN usage in light of concerning Chinese ownership revelations. Finally, we report on the debut of Apple’s CarPlay Ultra in Aston Martin vehicles and assess why individual ChatGPT usage isn’t the environmental concern some have suggested. Notable Mac app releases this week include Default Folder X 6.1.6, HoudahGeo 7.0.4, Microsoft Office for Mac 16.97, Neo Network Utility 1.1.4, and Ulysses 38.1.
Join Adam Engst for a free online presentation about creating an effective modern backup strategy at the Naples MacFriends User Group meeting on 21 May 2025.
This week’s Do You Use It? poll asks if you use a VPN, what you use it for, what type of VPN you use, and which one you prefer.
Nearly three years after its initial announcement, Apple has finally launched CarPlay Ultra—a deeply integrated, next-generation version of CarPlay—with ultra-luxury automaker Aston Martin. Despite claims of broad industry interest, only Hyundai Motor Group brands have committed so far.
Adam Engst reviews the SmartWings Hazel shade and finds it a worthy addition to his HomeKit setup, despite minor issues with motor noise.
Watchlist
Introduces a new Focus Filter feature that swaps favorites and default folders after switching macOS Focus modes. ($39.95 new, free update, 21.1 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Major update to the geotagging app brings support for adding location data to video. ($39 new, $24 upgrade, 39.7 MB, macOS 12.4+)
Brings improvements to Outlook and updates to email notifications for PowerPoint and Word. ($149.99 new for one-time purchase, $99.99/$69.99 annual subscription options, free update, macOS 12+)
Improves output text field behavior and performance for the network discovery, testing, and monitoring tool. (Free, 4.9 MB, macOS 13+)
Brings library customization and new group icons to the writing app. ($5.99/$39.99 monthly/yearly subscription, free update, 41.5 MB, macOS 13+)
