Maccast Members 2017.01.03 - Favorite things of 2016

Homebridge

OK, cheating on this one a little since it came out at the end of 2015
But, it really has started to become more central to my TV viewing in 2016
The Siri remote has become more useful as Apple has added more command and more “Channels” have become integrated
I’m learning to like the new TV app, though it has a way to go.
- I’ll elaborate on the next Maccast, but basically it’s the class bad UI in an Apple Media app
- Also the lack of support for important Apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video’s absence from the platform
It’s finally beginning to be something I’ll game on regularly
- Minecraft
- Sketch Party TV, with the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil
- Asphalt 8
- Just started playing Gods of Rome (fighting game)
The Nimbus Steel Series controller is still incredible.

I’m amazed at how useful the simple little Spigen style ring really is.
I get more comments about this than any other case or accessory I’ve ever used with my iPhone
Still think it looks like a bathtub drain plug pull stuck to the back of the iPhone
Ring that attaches using a gel like pad. Holds strong, but can be removed and re-applied
- I have it stuck to the back of my Apple leather case. It comes off without leaving residue, but will discolor the leather.
Let’s you slip your finger though so you can loosely grip the iPhone without concern that you’ll drop it (extends your reach)
Also acts as a kickstand
Comes with a clip to hook it to your car’s dashboard too.
Spigen sells it for USD $24.99 which is outrageous. Can find it on Amazon for USD $14.99, and maybe even lower elsewhere.

Easy to forget that this iPhone was launched in March of 2016
This was a brilliant move by Apple.
The iPhone “slide” in sales may have been a landslide without the iPhone SE
An “entry” level device that also had large appeal to existing users who didn’t like the “gigantiPhone” trend.
I see SEs all over the place and I think it brought many more new customers to Apple’s ecosystem
- That means more products and services sold in the future.
Not sure that enough people have given this device the credit it deserves.

My interview with Brian Roemmele
I found Brian because of his awesome PayFinders app
After talking with him I began to really understand what a future of computing without screens, or at least without screens as we know them today, might look like.
If you’re interested in the future of voice first interface, voice commerce, AR and VR then you should follow Brian’s twitter and Medium posts

Similar to my growing love of the Apple TV
I have become dependent on Apple Music for my non-podcast audio entertainment
Apple has done a great job, in my opinion, of figuring out what I like and making recommendations
My favorite new feature this year has by far been the For You, “My Favorites Mix” (Wednesdays) and the “My New Music Mix” (Fridays)
Also the daily Playlist recommendations, though some have begun to get repetitive.
I also like playlists by genre.
I am actually discovering new music and artists via these playlists and because it’s Apple Music once I have I can explore the artists and their full albums.
I’m really convinced that one of the keys was me making the active effort to “love” the tracks I discovered that I liked.

Another little product that ha be come part of my daily routine
This one is a little more utilitarian and out of necessity
I will say it’s more “good” than great, but at USD $22 bucks the Anker Sound Sync Drive let’s be continue to use my iPhone 7 with the AUX jack in my car
It provides a Bluetooth audio interface
For me it’s been 95 percent reliable and the sound is good. Not really any dropouts and only the occasional issue
The one area it falls a bit flat is as a handsfree mic for taking Phone calls
My final pick though solves that beautifully

Could be the best thing of the year.
AirPods sound way better then I thought they would. An audiophile will likely think their crap, but for the “rest of us” the sound is very good.
Yes, they are expensive, but like a lot of fine things you’re paying for the finer details
The charging case and pairing with iOS devices is a truly magical experience.
- You’ll get obsessed with flicking open the case lid to get the charging panel to appear
- That is sometimes flaky for me I’ll admit.
Some have reported battery issues, but my experience has been great.
I’ve paired them with all my iOS devices, my Mac, and Apple TV.
- No issue switching sources, which is trouble I’ve had with my other bluetooth headphones.
Removing one to pause, again magical.
Siri controls can be a hassle, especially the double-tap to activate (no UI). The Apple Watch really takes care of this and it’s not a HUGE deal if you have to pull out your phone.
I have had a couple of occasions of misplacing them (case and all), but not issues losing them from my ears. I have dropped them while removing from the case.

Hope for more focus on the OS, bigger features all around and ones that are not just for the newest devices.
More updates to Mac hardware
- New Intel Processors announced at CES this week should make that happen
- I expect new iMacs and updates to the Macbooks and MacBook Pros.
- Not sure about the Mac mini, Mac Pro, or Macbook Air.
BIG push to make Siri more intelligent and pro-active. Needs to be able to do a lot more without having to fall back on “I found this for you on the web”
- Siri could be an AMAZING voice first interface, it’s time to make that happen.
Over all “more” stuff. Apple was a little boring in 2016, it’s time to bring back the excitement.