Why I’m Writing
I enjoy reading and writing about tech and often get sent questions, about product recommendations, upgrades and workflows. These posts are an attempt to share things I’m into, my opinions on tech, and tech media coverage that I find valuable. Feel free to send me a suggestion if there’s topic you’d like my thoughts on.
As always when making a purchase take some time to source multiple opinions and come to your own conclusions about what will work best for your unique situation and setup.
Thanks for reading!
This Week In Apple
Software Updates
- The latest version of iOS and iPadOS is 16.5.1. Learn how to update the software on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- The latest version of macOS is 13.4.1. Learn how to update the software on your Mac and how to allow important background updates.
- The latest version of tvOS is 16.5. Learn how to update the software on your Apple TV.
- The latest version of watchOS is 9.5.2. Learn how to update the software on your Apple Watch.
I am currently running the following updates on the following devices and have not experienced any major issues.
iOS 16.5.1 on iPhone 14 Pro
iPadOS on iPad Pro 11 1st Generation (WiFi + Cellular)
macOS 13.4.1 on MacBook Pro 18,2
watchOS is 9.5.2 on Watch 6,4 (44mm GPS + Cellular)
Regarding tvOS I currently do not own an Apple TV.
For iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Apple TV, it is generally best to run the latest updates to protect your most personal devices. See Verge: I am once again asking you to update your Apple devices The zero days start coming, and they don’t stop coming
A note for power iPads users it is usually fine to run the latest update, unless you are using professional apps that may not yet be compatible with the latest iPadOS release. This is rare occurrence on iPad. I can’t think of an iPad app that isn’t compatible at the time of this writing. Be sure to check with any software developers whose tools you use for work on iPad. Example could include Procreate, Pixelmator, Adobe Mobile Apps, and Affinity Apps.
Shifting to the macOS 13.4.1 update.
A note for Cubase 11 users I did have to run the eLicenser Control Center and rescan my Vienna Key (eLicenser USB Key) for the program to launch properly. Prior to rescanning my Vienna Key (eLicenser USB Key) via the eLicenser Control Center, Cubase 11 would not launch due to a missing license.
For more into on eLicenser Control Center and Steinberg Software troubleshooting see eLicenser Control Center – License Management – Details & Downloads
A general note on software updates for mac based audio and creative professionals if you are in the middle of a project and especially if you are at a critical point in that project, delivering assets and files under deadline. It is best to hold on system updates until after the project is completed. At the very least test the update on a secondary mac if you feel so inclined to have all your machines running the latest software. Typically macOS security updates are ok to run, but in the midst of the chaos of a demanding project, you’re probably better off waiting till you have some time to update with care.
Always backup your mac before running any OS update. There are multiple options. A two pronged system works best, using both Time Machine and a Bootable Clone.
Time Machine is solid and built into the OS.
How to clone a Hard Drive or a Solid State Drive on a Mac
Plugin
NUGEN Audio LM-Correct
A new addition to the ever expanding plugin folder. A powerful tool to render, “loudness-compliant audio in your day-to-day loudness workflow, saving you time and preventing costly mistakes.” Not something I use everyday, but helpful to have on hand when needed in a pinch.
Article
AI Is a Lot of Work
A bombshell of an article published this week, that deserves more attention and discussion. Your shiny new AI tools have a dark side and currently involve a lot of humans to make them work. A fascinating read and excellent coverage by the talented Josh Dizeza. You can listen to Josh talk about his findings on The Vergecast. Ground breaking coverage. Lifting the veil on the human foundations of AI.
Read more on humans training AI models;
mturk.com Amazon’s crowdsourced automation systems.
Rolling Stone
Time
Review
Building on my my thoughts from last week. Sherri L. Smith’s review for laptopmag.com provides a great overview of the MacBook Air 15 and its strengths and weaknesses. Overall, I still think that it is the best Mac for most people for most things as I wrote last week. See 24th Week Of 2023.
The M2 MacBook Air 15 exists for users upgrading from any Intel MacBook Air from before 2018 or MacBook Pro from before 2017 if they wish to have macOS Sonoma compatibility this fall. And don’t need the power of a “Pro” machine for professional video, audio or graphics projects.
Also, a great option for users looking to purchase their first Mac.
For more info on purchasing your first mac see: The Verge: Which device to buy
In general doubling your current specs is the best way to start your upgrade journey.
| Recommend Spec For Most People |
|---|
| Mac: MacBook Air 15 |
| CPU: M2 Ultra 8-core, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine |
| SSD: 1 TB |
| RAM: 16 GB |
To save some cash consider an Apple Certified Refurbished M1 or M2 based MacBook Air 13 if you don’t need the latest and greatest and are looking for a lighter more portable design.
My only major gripes with all of the M1 and M2 MacBook Air’s is the limited external display support to just one external monitor up to 6k resolution and the low capacity base storage spec of 256 GB which no one should buy.
Product
The era of spacial computing is upon us. This time next year units should start shipping to consumers around the world. Are you planning to be an early adopter? I think I’ll hold out for the 2nd or 3rd generation of the product. But the future is exciting. For audio creators and musicians alike and I think Vision Pro will usher in an era of exciting Spacial Audio opportunities and creative endeavors.
Learn about visionOS .
Vision Pro SDK released this week Developer tools to create spatial experiences for Apple Vision Pro now available.
Podcast
Upgrade 464: Godzilla Is Always There
A new show for me, valuable insights provided by Jason Snell and Myke Hurley. Check it out if you’re looking to listen to some fun Apple coverage. Especially if you are looking for more coverage on Vision Pro.
If you enjoyed the post and found it to be useful. Entirely optional, and appreciated. Thanks for your support!
Written on iPad Pro using Drafts Pro in Markdown.