Using AI Chat Bots

from John C

These notes are what I added to my talk on ChatGPT for the OLLI class:

Quite often people will begin to think of an AI chat bot as their friend and confidant. This can lead you into relying on AI for your every day life decisions. It is best to think of AI as an assistant for finding answers and not for giving you personal or financial advice. Even the answers that AI provides need to be vetted for accuracy. Do no make the mistake thinking that all responses are real and true. With AI, you need to constantly question its “authority.” It would be good practice to give more than one AI chat bot with the same prompt and compare results. ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity are good choices to work with. Grok, Gemini, Meta, CoPilot, Kimi and DeepSeek are not (my opinion). The website you.com is good starting point for tinkering with different AI models all in one place (20+ models). Many AI chat bots have apps that run locally on your Mac, iPhone, and iPad. When accessing any chat bot, be sure to not select one that clearly states something like “based on …”. Those bots are created by independent developers whose agenda might be to scrape as much information about you as possible to either manipulate you or to sell to marketers. Only use AI chat bots that are provided exclusively by the prime developer, like openai.com (ChatGPT), anthropic.com (Claude), and perplexity.ai (perplexity).

Perplexity is the most reliable AI for research and fact-based queries, but not the top choice for creative or generative tasks where ChatGPT and Claude tend to lead.

AI often gives responses that reinforce our existing beliefs, and that’s because it learns how we think and what we like and what we don’t like.

In a nutshell:

🟢 ChatGPT — Best all-rounder. Ideal for coding, creative projects, image generation (DALL·E), and voice interaction. The most feature-rich ecosystem.

🟣 Claude — Best for nuanced, thoughtful conversation, long document analysis, and safety-conscious use cases. Tends to feel the most natural and human in tone.

🔵 Perplexity — Best for research and fact-finding. If you need accurate, cited, real-time answers to specific questions, it's the most trustworthy tool for that job.

The "best" AI really depends on your use case — many power users actually use all three for different tasks.

Prompt Engineering

from John C

What is prompt engineering?

Prompt engineering for AI involves crafting effective prompts or input queries to elicit desired responses from AI models. It’s about formulating questions or statements in a way that guides the model to generate the desired output. This can involve adjusting the wording, providing context, or using specific formatting to achieve the intended results. Effective prompt engineering is crucial for getting accurate and relevant responses from AI systems.

What would be an excellent AI prompt for users of AI?

An excellent general-purpose AI prompt for users—especially those new to generative AI—should be clear, specific, and guide the model toward useful output. Here’s a strong example:

“Act as a knowledgeable assistant. I want to [achieve a goal]. Provide clear, step-by-step guidance, include examples if helpful, and ask follow-up questions to refine your answer if needed.”

This structure works well because it:

  • Defines the AI’s role

  • States a goal

  • Asks for clear and practical help

  • Leaves room for interaction

Don’t be afraid to use simple prompts, like “What is a good product for repairing a hole in the imitation leather of an office chair?” Or, “How can I extend the life of plastic patio furniture?”

Tips for Using Your Mac

from John C

Stationery Pad Templates

To avoid accidentally changing a master template file, you can automate the duplication process using the Stationery Pad setting. Locate your file in Finder, right-click it, choose "get info," and enable the "stationery pad" option. Now, whenever you double-click that file, your Mac will automatically create and open a copy instead of the original, leaving the master file untouched.

Urgent Reminders

The Reminders app now allows you to create urgent reminders that are much harder to ignore. When creating a reminder, tap the info button and enable "urgent". This automatically switches on the date and time settings; when that specific time is reached, an alarm will trigger on your connected iPhone, similar to a morning alarm, which you must either snooze or turn off.

Supercharged Text Replacement

If you find yourself typing the same emails or phrases over and over, the built-in Text Replacement feature is a huge timesaver. You can use this for full email templates, including placeholders for names. Simply copy your text, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacements, and press the plus button. In the "replace" field, type a shortcut (like "//invoice"), and in the "with" field, paste your full email. Now, whenever you type that shortcut and press the space bar, the entire passage is inserted automatically.

Source: https://youtu.be/oJVbxKwAVds

iPhone Tips

From Jim H

Tech blogger Kim Komando posted the following...Jim

TL;DR (THE SHORT VERSION)

  • Your iPhone’s Significant Locations secretly logs every place you visit, with dates, times and duration.

  • Android’s Google Maps Timeline does the same thing.

  • Here’s exactly how to find them, see what they know and shut them off.

📖 Read time: 2 minutes

OK, pick up your iPhone right now. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations & Routes. Enter your passcode.

See that number under Summary? Prepare to be shocked.

That’s how many locations your phone has secretly logged. Every place you go. When you arrived. How long you stayed. Your doctor’s office. Your friend’s apartment. The hotel in Vegas. That place you told nobody about.

It’s turned on by default. Apple never asked. And it’s been running since the day you set up your phone. Nice, right?

📍 Your phone’s diary you never wrote

Apple calls it Significant Locations. It tracks places you visit frequently to “improve Maps, Calendar and Photos.” Sounds harmless. But think about what that data reveals: your daily routine, where your kids go to school, your therapist’s office, how often you visit someone and for how long.

Apple says this data is encrypted and stays on your device. On your device means anyone who knows your passcode can see it. A jealous partner or a nosy coworker. Law enforcement in some states doesn’t need a warrant to legally compel you to unlock it with Face ID. Then it’s all right there.

🪝 Android fans, you’re not off the hook

Google Maps has a feature called Timeline that does the same thing, except even more detailed. Routes, time stamps, how you got there. Google changed the default to off in 2024, but if you’ve had an Android for years, you probably turned it on and forgot. Your history could go back years and years.

Even if you turned off Timeline, Google may still save location data through Web & App Activity. Searching for a restaurant? Location saved. Getting directions? Saved.

🔒 Check it and shut it down

  • iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations & Routes. Tap Clear History, then toggle Significant Locations & Routes OFF.

  • Android: Open Google Maps > tap your profile picture > Your timeline > tap the three dots > Location & privacy settings. Select Delete all Timeline data, then toggle Timeline OFF. Next, go to myactivity.google.com and turn off Web & App Activity or set it to auto-delete every three months.

While you’re at it, revoke location access for any app that doesn’t absolutely need it. That weather app? Approximate is fine. Your flashlight app? It needs your location like a fish needs a bicycle.

Your phone knows more about where you’ve been than your best friend, your spouse or your mother. And it’s sitting there waiting for someone to look.

You could say your phone really knows all your secrets. Location, location, location. 

🗣️ TEXT THIS STAT: Your iPhone has been secretly logging every place you go since the day you turned it on. It’s called Significant Locations, it’s buried six menus deep, and it’s turned on by default. Go check yours right now. GetKim.com

Turn Your Old Android or iPhone into a Free Security Camera

From Jim H

Got an Old Android or iPhone Sitting in a Drawer? Turn It Into a Free Security Camera in Just 3 Steps: https://flip.it/WB0Wcj

More iPhone Tips from Jim H

These tips might be of interest...Jim

https://readbetterbuck.org/iphone-features-v3

If you are getting rid of your Iphone, tech blogger Kim Kopmando has a tip for your consideration...Jim

 

Getting Rid of Your iPhone? Read this First

⚡ TL;DR (Key Takeaways)

  • A factory reset doesn’t erase your data. It erases the map TO your data. Everything else is still on the chip. 

  • 56% of used routers and 35% of secondhand phones still had recoverable personal data after being “wiped.” 

  • The real fix takes two minutes: Encrypt first, double wipe, then cut the cloud connection from your account settings.

📖 Read time: 2 minutes

I used to tell people a factory reset was enough. Handing your old phone to your kid or passing a router to your sister? A reset is fine. You trust those people, and the risk is basically zero.

But selling it online? Donating it to a stranger? Trading it in at a carrier store? That’s a different story. 

Today’s data recovery tools make a basic factory reset about as protective as a screen door on a submarine.

🛠️ How it works

A factory reset doesn’t delete your data. It deletes the table of contents. Everything is still there. Your Wi-Fi passwords. Your saved logins. Your photos. All of it, invisible to you but completely readable with a $20 tool and a YouTube tutorial.

A security company bought 18 used routers off the secondhand market. Over 56% still had Wi-Fi credentials, VPN logins and encryption keys sitting there. A study of secondhand phones? 35% had recoverable texts, emails and passwords after a factory reset. At DEF CON (the world’s biggest hacking conference), a researcher found that 50% of smart home devices bought secondhand hadn’t even been reset. People unplugged them and dropped them at Goodwill. 

The average American home has 21 connected devices. That’s 21 little filing cabinets full of your life heading to a shelf somewhere.

🔑 Do this

Here’s the real checklist.

1. Encrypt first, then reset. This is the move that makes everything else pointless to recover.

  • iPhone: Your data is encrypted by default, but you need to do this right. Sign out of iCloud first: Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out. Then go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. This destroys the encryption key. Anything left on the chip? Scrambled gibberish.

  • Android: Go to Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Enhanced data protection > then toggle on Encrypt backup data (if it’s not already encrypted). Then Settings > System > Reset > Factory Data Reset. The order matters. Encrypt first, then reset. If you reset without encrypting, your data is still sitting there in plain text.

2. The double wipe. Reset it using the steps above. Then set it up again with a fake name, junk email and a guest Wi-Fi network. Fill it with garbage. Then reset it again using the same steps. This forces the chip to overwrite your real data. Free. Easy. Wildly effective.

3. Cut the cloud connection. Go into your Apple, Google, Amazon or any other account’s security settings, find the list of connected devices and remove the one you’re getting rid of. Do this for every account tied to that device. If you skip this step, your old gadget still has a backstage pass to your stuff.

4. For routers and cameras you can’t properly wipe? Don’t donate them. A drill bit through the circuit board takes three seconds and is the only reset that’s 100% guaranteed. Then recycle the remains. 

📊 Post this stat: 56% of used routers sold online contain the Wi-Fi passwords, VPN logins and encryption keys of their previous owners. A “factory reset” doesn’t erase your data. It erases the map to your data. Everything else is still on the chip. GetKim.com

Watch Out for Corona and DarkSword iPhone Hacks

Here is an article discussing a potential hack on the iPhone....Jim

A major hacking tool has leaked online, putting millions of iPhones at risk. Here’s what you need to know.: Here’s what we know, and what you need to know, about Coruna and DarkSword, two advanced iPhone hacking tools discovered by security researchers. DarkSword has now leaked online. Read More

iPhone Hacks

from Jim H

Here is yet another article discussing possible hacks on iPhones. As my iPhone is quite old it can't get current protection updates, so, one of these days, I'll get hacked....Jim

Apple made strides with iOS 26 security, but leaked hacking tools still leave millions exposed to spyware attacks: Leaked hacking tools threaten the security of millions of older iPhones. Cybersecurity experts weigh in. Read More

Apple Watch

from Jim H

If you have an Apple watch, the following might be useful...Jim


I wear an Apple Watch every day and this is the one feature I turned off to save my battery: https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/smartwatches/i-wear-an-apple-watch-every-day-and-this-is-the-one-feature-i-turned-off-to-save-my-battery?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=topic/technology

More from Jim H:

If you thought your Apple watch was just to tell time, well, huh! Take a read on this article. I don't have an Apple watch, so I'll wait to hear your comments?....☺️...Don't have a Rivian either? 

Well, wait 'no mo'! Let the money flow!...😋....Jim

Rivian owners will soon be able to access vehicle controls using their Apple Watch: Rivian is launching a companion app that pairs with Apple Watch in the coming week. Read More

More about the Rivian app: Check out this article from USA TODAY: Rivian adds Apple Watch integration to all of its EVshttps://www.usatoday.com/story/cars/technology/2026/02/20/rivian-apple-watch-software-update/88775868007/

Browser Warnings

From Jim H

Tech blogger Kim Komando posted the following, which might be of help...Jim
⚠️ Turn on browser warnings: These alerts warn you if you’re on a phony banking site or about to download something sketchy. In Chrome, open Settings > Privacy and security > Safe Browsing and turn on Enhanced protection. On iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Safari and turn on Fraudulent Website Warning. For more safety, try out Webroot.* It blocks 99% of threats.

More Security Update Info

Apple rolls out first 'background security' update for iPhones, iPads, and Macs to fix Safari bug: Apple's first-ever "background security improvement" fixes a vulnerability in its Safari browser running its latest software. Read More

Apple AI in the News

From Jim H:

This blog about Apple and AI may be more than you want to know, but I'm passing it on in case you

might want to read it. I don't use Siri, so this doesn't matter to me. I find that a Google search does

just fine, and it does use AI, but I don't know which one or which version....Jim

Thoughtful, detailed coverage of everything Apple for over 30 years

Apple Turns to Google’s Gemini to Power Siri and Apple Intelligence

In a remarkably understated joint announcement, Apple and Google said:

Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google’s Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year.

After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google’s Al technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users. Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, while maintaining Apple’s industry-leading privacy standards.

Foundation models are the core AI systems on which other features are built. It’s important to realize that Gemini is a family of large language, image, video, and companion models optimized for different tasks and scenarios. Even within Google products, the models users interact with vary widely: those in the Gemini Web interface and app are significantly more capable than those that power the AI Overviews at the top of Google Search. The AI Overviews feature likely uses a fast, lightweight Gemini variant optimized for speed, cost, and summarization, which would help explain why its answers are often much worse than those from the Gemini app.

Apple is likely downplaying this announcement because it’s embarrassing that it has so far failed to deliver AI models that match the quality and capabilities of those from Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic in real-world use. At least now Apple is moving forward with a technology stack that may enable the company to deliver a less stupid more personalized Siri and other Apple Intelligence features in updates to iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 Tahoe. It remains to be seen how these improvements will extend to devices with less processing power, such as the Apple Watch, HomePod, and Apple TV, since routing queries through Private Cloud Compute would introduce noticeable lag.

Why Google?

Although Apple Intelligence features bolted-on connectivity to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Apple’s Craig Federighi told TechCrunch at the 2024 launch, “We’re looking forward to doing integrations with other models, including Google Gemini, for instance, in the future.”

It’s not surprising that Apple ultimately chose Google for a deeper partnership. While OpenAI and Anthropic models had long been considered the best, Google’s late 2025 release of the well-received Gemini 3 demonstrated the search giant could also be fully competitive in AI. The Verge even just published an article titled “Gemini is winning.”

Compared with OpenAI and Anthropic, Google is a more stable corporate partner for Apple, in part because of the long-standing deal that makes Google Search the default in Safari. Google is also a profitable company with multiple businesses, while OpenAI and Anthropic continue to burn billions in venture capital. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg suggested Apple would pay roughly $1 billion for access to Gemini—accounting aside, it’s a pittance compared to the $20 billion Google pays Apple for preferential search positioning.

However, the deal isn’t exclusive. M.G. Siegler wrote that Apple isn’t replacing the current ChatGPT partnership. That’s sensible; even if Siri’s ChatGPT integration is nowhere near as satisfying as using ChatGPT directly, users react poorly to chatbots changing their personalities and capabilities. And Apple undoubtedly wants to keep its options open in case things change again.

I certainly hope Apple never even considered Meta’s Llama, trained in part on the cesspool of social media, or xAI’s Grok deepfake porn generator. Not that Apple or Google get a bye here, since they allow Grok to remain in the App Store and Google Play even though it has been widely documented as being used to generate guideline-violating content.

Despite this deal, I’m sure Apple will continue developing its own foundation models. When the iPhone launched in 2007, Apple Maps relied on mapping data and technology from Google Maps, which lasted until iOS 6 in 2012, when Apple launched Apple Maps with its own data. That may have been too early—the launch was rocky, to say the least (see “Examining Maps in the Wake of Tim Cook’s Apology,” 28 September 2012), but now Apple Maps is comparable or even preferable to Google Maps. Apple hates being beholden to other companies and will undoubtedly be looking to switch back to its own technology in the future.

Just think, a while back we had never heard of AI, and what it can do. Now, it's in the news quite often.

Apple has a big interest in AI, as explained in the following article. That last blurb might refer to

improving hearing aids, which could be of help to many people....Jim

Apple buys Israeli startup Q.ai as the AI race heats up: Q.ai is an Israeli startup specializing in imaging and machine learning, particularly technologies that enable devices to interpret whispered speech and enhance audio in noisy environments. Read More

Hidden iPhone Features and Hacks

From Jim H

This hidden iPhone feature lets you play your music and videos through a Mac — here’s how to do it https://flip.it/R15qZv

More hidden iPhone features

These are some cool iPhone features that are hidden in plain sight and remain unused by many peoplehttps://flip.it/kaM.5F

Another iPhone Tip

I just read the following iPhone tip by tech blogger Kim Komando, and it worked! Pretty slick! Give it a try if you have an iPhone....Jim

⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Digging through menus on your phone? Stop that already. On iPhone, swipe down from the middle of the Home Screen to open Spotlight Search and type what you’re looking for. You can find settings, apps, web results or photos using natural language. Newer Androids have this, too. Tap the search baron the Home Screen. Bravo.

More Phone Tips

From Jim H

Here is an article on 19 things your iPhone can do! Sheesh! I thought my iPhone was just for making phone calls!...🤨...Jim

Source: Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World 19 Things 

You Didn’t Know Your iPhone Could Do https://share.google/pnegV3fDCzFZrO8xi

Another iPhone Hidden Feature

from Frank C

Any one want a magnifying loupe to inspect a screen shot??

This web site talks about how to do it and more!!

https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/apple-buried-these-iphone-features-in-settings-and-theyre-genuinely-useful-clone

iPhone Hacks

If you have an iPhone, maybe some of these 'hacks' might be of interest...Jim H

Source: Lifewire iPhone App Hacks Worth Learning https://share.google/xee81VhEZ2HrDI1gl

AI in the News

from Jim H

Another area where AI is coming into our life is malware -- the hackers use it! Tech blogger Kim Komando

posted the following, and how to check to see if it's infected your computer. For some time I haven't been running an antivirus program, which probably isn't a smart idea. Right now I'm running ChromeOS Flex

on an older laptop that couldn't upgrade to Windows 11. I like ChromeOS very much, and it is highly

resistant to viruses. A Google search will tell you why.

Kim recommends using the antivirus program "Webroots", which I've not tried....Jim 

Kim's Comments

Your computer’s dragging. Pop-ups are breeding like rabbits. Your home page changed, and you didn’t do it. Programs you’ve never seen before run in the background.

Congrats. You’ve got malware. 

Hackers are using AI to pump out 560,000 brand-new malware variants every single day. Your free antivirus? It has no idea what hit you.

🤖 AI broke antivirus, completely

Malware attacks shot up 131% over the last year. Thanks, AI.

Cybercriminals type prompts into ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude, and boom, malware in seconds. They deploy it before your antivirus even knows it exists. Oh, it gets better. 

The first AI malware that thinks for itself is out: PromptFlux and PromptSteal. These nasty things rewrite their code every few minutes while they’re attacking you. Some 80% of phishing attacks use AI. Sleep tight!

💰 Malware comes with a help desk

Viruses are sold on the dark web like you’d buy Netflix. $4,500 gets you 1,000 malware installs. Monthly subscriptions run $100 to $1,000, with customer support, regular updates and a loyalty program. 

These marketplaces have product descriptions, reviews and, yes, sales.

🍎 ‘Macs don’t get viruses’

Mac malware jumped 50% this year, targeting users through fake downloads. That “I’m safe because Apple” attitude? Hackers love it. Makes their job easier.

Why you? Credit cards saved in Safari. Banking apps. Maybe a crypto wallet. You’re not paranoid, you’re profitable.

🚨 Think you’re clean? Let’s find out.

Windows:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Click the Processes tab. Spot anything weird eating CPU or memory? Problem.

  3. Browser redirecting you places you didn’t ask to go? Bigger problem.

Mac:

  1. Open Activity Monitor (Command + Space, type “Activity Monitor”).

  2. Check for processes using high CPU you didn’t launch.

  3. Go to System Settings > General > Login Items.

  4. See something you didn’t add? Get rid of it.

🚩 Red flags: Sluggish performance. Pop-ups. Home page hijacked. PC or Mac running hot. Security software turned off. Programs you never installed.

💊 The fix 

I constantly evaluate my recommendations for you. I test, I compare, I switch when something better comes along. In 2026? Webroot is the best. It’s what I use.

I like free, but free antivirus (Microsoft Defender, built-in Mac protection and the others) only catches 60%-80% of threats. That means 20%-40% of malware waltzes right past it. Paid antivirus with real-time cloud protection? That stops 95%-99%. I like those odds better.

Here’s my other beef. Most antivirus programs are resource hogs. Norton, Bitdefender, Trend Micro, McAfee, etc. gobble up 2-4 GB of RAM. Webroot? Uses 1/6th the memory. Scans 6x faster. Stops modern threats on PCs and Macs with real-time protection. 

✅ Right now, I’ve arranged for you to get 75% off Webroot Essentials. You’re not going to find a better price anywhere else. I made sure of that. By the way, if you buy, I get no kickbacks or residuals. 

More AI News from Jim

Well, Amazon certainly supports AI, as the following article explains. The amount of $ being 'thrown' at

AI amazes me! A billion $ here and a billion $ there, and pretty soon you're talking real money!...☺️...

Hmmm? a thought. Since Zee and I are frequent shoppers at Amazon, does that mean we're a

supporter of Ai as well?...🤔... Jim

Amazon is reportedly in talks to invest $50B in OpenAI: If a deal materializes, it would mean Amazon is backing competing startups in the race for AI supremacy. Read More

AirTag

From Jim H

If you're still traveling, and perhaps flying, the following blurb will be of interest...Jim

Baggage claim upgrade: Airlines are asking for your AirTag location. Apple says 36 carriers use Share Item Location, temporarily piping your bag’s dot on the map into a system used across 2,800 airports. The result? Truly lost bags dropped 90%, and recoveries ran 26% faster. It’s only a matter of time until the airlines make this an upsell. Btw, AirTags are 10% off right now.

Another article that might be of interest...Jim

TODAY'S FEATURED STORY

New Apple AirTag Brings Improved Tracking, Works From Your Apple Watch

The new accessory costs the same as the first-gen and is compatible with existing accessories.

Read More

Apple Announcements

From Jim H

Thoughtful, detailed coverage of everything Apple for over 30 years from TidBits

2 March 2026

#1793: New iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air, 1Password price increase, troubleshooting old hardware, reading like an LLM

This week, we cover Apple’s latest hardware announcements: the iPhone 17e adds MagSafe and doubles base storage to 256 GB for $599, while the iPad Air gains improved performance from the M4 chip and 12 GB of RAM. With 1Password raising prices, Adam Engst compares it with Apple’s free Passwords app and explains why he’s sticking with 1Password—though you may decide differently. Suman Chakrabarti’s experience reviving a 2017 Brother printer offers practical advice for anyone helping others resurrect donated or legacy hardware: use the simplest connection type available when the device was new. Adam wraps up the issue with an exploration of how it can be helpful to think of reading as training your internal large language model rather than filling a database, offering a freeing perspective on why we consume information. Finally, we link to Adam’s conversation with John Gruber about iOS 26 interface quirks on The Talk Show. Notable Mac app releases this week include DEVONthink 4.2.1, Quicken Classic 8.5, ScreenFloat 2.3.5, and Tinderbox 11.6.

New iPhone 17e Adds MagSafe to Apple’s Budget iPhone

Why You Should Use Time Machine

From Frank C

If you are not using Time Machine, and you are viewing/editing the PMUG iCloud Drive documents, you should start doing it now! Why? See the following.

I was on my iPad and I wanted to add something to PMUG Programs.numbers that is stored on the PMUG iCloud Drive. When my MacBook Pro needed to be wiped and reloaded, I downloaded a copy of that file to my iPad. When I looked at “Recent” documents on the iPad using the Files App, I saw two “PMUG Programs.numbers”. One was the older version I put on my iPad, the other was the one that was on the PMUG iCloud Drive. I deleted the older one on my iPad, and to my horror and consternation, they both disappeared!!!

The issue is that iCloud Drive documents ARE NOT BACKED UP ANYWHERE and the drive documents are linked to your iPad/iPhone is you download it!!! I called Mr. Carter immediately and explained what happened and that was when I learned that first hard lesson. Lesson two came when he said it might be on my Time Machine Backup… Thank goodness he was right. I restored the file and all is well!!

The lesson?? USE TIME MACHINE to make sure iCloud Drive files you access are backed up!!!

Frank

Siri Upgrade

From Jim H

Source: Macworld Siri will reportedly evolve into a full-fledged chatbot this fall https://share.google/jR8qJ3RsaUWVRfxgA

More on the Siri Upgrade

It looks like Apple is boosting Siri to handle your requests better by adopting AI further into Siri. Take a read on the following. As far as my personal interest is concerned? Meh!....Jim

 Gemini-Powered Siri Reportedly Set to Arrive on iPhones Next Month.

Apple's long-overdue Siri features will be powered by Gemini, and they'll arrive in the second half of February, Bloomberg reports.
Apple announced an AI partnership with Google earlier this month, and the first results of the collaboration will become available through an updated Siri next month, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports.
Apple has had a tough time with Siri over the past few years. The personalized Siri it promised at WWDC 2024, giving the assistant the ability to tap into a user’s personal data or take actions across apps autonomously, has been long overdue. Following delays, the company vowed to release those new features this year.
To live up to that promise, Apple desperately needed Google’s Gemini models, Gurman says. The company’s software leadership had admitted last year that the delays were due to struggles with Siri’s underlying architecture.
All of that is in the past now. We’ll get to see demos of Gemini-powered Siri as early as the second half of February, Gurman says. Apple may not hold a special event for it, but instead show off the new Siri capabilities at a controlled media briefing in New York.
Interestingly, shortly after the AI partnership announcement, Google launched Personal Intelligence for the Gemini app. It gives the chatbot the ability to tap into a user’s Gmail, YouTube, Search, and Photos history and deliver more personalized responses. A slightly more limited version of Personal Intelligence, able to draw only from Gmail and Photos history, rolled out to AI Mode in Search last week.
It would not be surprising if Apple demos a version of Gemini’s Personal Intelligence on Siri in its rumored February announcement.
The timeline, on the other hand, aligns with a previous Bloomberg report that suggested Apple was targeting iOS 26.4 for the launch of Siri’s delayed features. Gurman now says the beta version of the software is expected to come out in late February, while the stable version is expected to arrive in March or April.

Upgrading to a New Mac? How?

from John C

Upgrading to a new Mac? How?

I’ve often been asked to help people move their files from one computer to another. It’s pretty simple for me, since I’m a Mac enthusiast, but it seems like many people struggle with the terminology. Just the words “Migration Assistance” can be a stumbling block. They often don’t realize what the Finder can do. They might get stuck using the Mail app or not understand the basics of Pages. Once they get the hang of using one app, they can’t seem to accept that there are other ways to do the same thing that could save them time and make things easier.

Following a list of instructions can be overwhelming if they see more than three steps and each step has unfamiliar words.

I know how that feels, because I was the same way when I was a kid trying to follow a cake recipe. I wanted the cake, but I had no idea what “baking powder” was. I thought if I knew all about herbs and spices, I could make anything taste better. But I never got around to learning what I was interested in.

Is there a better way to learn? Is it even possible to teach something technical and complex in a way that makes the student eager to experiment?

When I was learning how to write shell scripts for a computer, I first discovered that there were 120 commands to choose from for a task. For the most part, I only needed a few of them. Of course, if I learned all the commands, I might have found some that would have simplified the task. Nowadays, Python is the preferred scripting language, and it has thousands of useful tools and commands for anything you can think of. Enter AI. Now things get easier, right? Because the AI knows everything about Python and dozens of other languages and can instantly put together code that may or may not work. The trick is in creating a prompt for the AI that gives clear instructions on what to use, what it’s for, and how the end result should behave. Simply put, the AI needs a complete plan to work with.

And that’s the key to teaching anyone anything. First, create an outline. Then, fill in the details. And keep it simple, explaining every new term along the way.

Apple AI Pin

From Jim

Well, would you wear AI in a pin that you fastened to your clothes? Take a read on the following...Jim
Hardware rivalry: Apple & OpenAI vie for AI gadgets.
The race to release an AI device that people actually like is heating up: Apple may be working on an AI accessory that could come out as early as 2027, The Information reported this week, two days after OpenAI shared an update on its own highly anticipated hardware.
According to The Information: Apple’s gizmo will be an AI pin that you can attach to your clothes, equipped with cameras and microphones for observing your surroundings. The company is aiming to make it roughly the size of an AirTag (1 ¼ inches across).
It’s still in the “early stages” of development.
Hurry up? Apple was already labeled a slow adopter of AI when it pulled a GTA VI last spring and delayed the launch of its new AI-powered Siri until sometime this year (with help from Google Gemini). Now, the iPhone maker may be trying to expedite its rumored wearable to compete directly with OpenAI, which has been teasing a lamp for its genie for months now.
Tight race
OpenAI is “on track” to share the first look of its AI hardware in the second half of this year, a company executive said this week. Don’t assume it’ll be uglier than whatever Apple comes up with: OpenAI is building its device with the former Apple design head Jony Ive.
Details are largely under wraps, but:
OpenAI’s device is in the prototype phase and could hit the market by the end of 2027, Ive said in November.
It’s rumored to be screenless, roughly smartphone-sized, and possibly wearable. Some alleged leaks and reports from Asian publications suggest it could be earbuds.
Do you like eggs? Because some of Apple’s good ones are getting poached. Several dozen Apple engineers have defected to OpenAI in recent months, making Apple execs worry that OpenAI could become “a threat to its underlying business,” Bloomberg reported this week.—ML

From John C

I heard about a possible new product coming out of Apple - the PIN.

Here’s a brief on what the news is saying about it:

Rumors of a new Apple PIN.

The proposed Apple Pin is a wearable AI device currently in early development, designed to be a context-aware assistant that lives on a user's clothing. Unlike existing wearables, this device is intended to understand the real-world environment surrounding the user rather than just relying on input provided through a screen.

Physical Design and Hardware

Form Factor: The device is described as a flat, circular disc made of thin aluminum and glass, roughly the size of a "slightly thicker AirTag".

Interface: It features a single physical button on the edge, which likely handles multiple tasks such as triggering the assistant, muting microphones, or capturing data without requiring a wake phrase.

Sensors and Audio: The pin includes two front-facing cameras—one standard lens for detail and one wide-angle lens for environmental context. It also houses three microphones for audio capture and a built-in speaker for discrete responses.

Charging: Early prototypes suggest a rear charging system similar to that used for the Apple Watch.

Core Functionality and Use Cases

The Apple Pin aims to leverage Apple Intelligence to provide proactive suggestions and real- time information based on what it sees and hears.

Contextual Awareness: The dual-camera system allows the device to recognize objects, understand scenes, and identify parts during repairs or ingredients while cooking.

Productivity and Translation: With its triple-microphone array, the pin could summarize meetings, transcribe conversations, or translate speech in real-time.

Navigation and Safety: It can pull directions on the fly and act as a precision finding beacon using Apple’s U1 or U2 Ultra-Wideband (UWB) chips.

Accessibility: The device could offer "scene descriptions" and "object alerts" to assist users with visual impairments.

Technical Foundation and Integration

The product relies heavily on Apple's existing hardware and software ecosystem:

Custom Silicon: The pin would utilize Apple's efficient neural engines optimized for low-power, on-device AI inference.

Apple Intelligence: It is built around a system of on-device models for tasks like summarization, with heavier requests routed through private cloud compute.

Ecosystem Integration: A "non-negotiable" aspect of the project is tight integration with iPhone and iCloud.

Development Timeline and Challenges

Apple is reportedly targeting a launch window around 2027, though the project remains in early stages and could be delayed or cancelled if it fails to meet internal standards. Significant hurdles include: Apple is reportedly targeting a launch window around 2027, though the project remains in early stages and could be delayed or cancelled if it fails to meet internal standards. Significant hurdles include:

Battery and Thermals: Packing cameras and neural processing into a coin-sized chassis creates risks for heat buildup and rapid battery drain.

Privacy: Because the device features visible cameras, Apple will need to implement obvious capture indicators and extremely strong privacy controls to ensure social acceptability.

iOS26.2.1 Update

From Jim H

An update is available for the iPhone. More info below...Jim

Why your iPhone wants you to update to iOS 26.2.1.

iPhone users likely received a recent notification about the latest update: iOS 26.2.1.
Available on eligible devices immediately, iOS 26.2.1 provides "support for AirTag (2nd generation) along with bug fixes," according to Apple Support. The new update is necessary to connect a device with Apple's new AirTag2.


As seen in the iPhone Settings app, the Apple iOS 26.2.1 update "provides support for AirTag (2nd generation) along with bug fixes."

Apple introduced AirTag2 on Jan. 26. Powered by Apple's Find My app, AirTags allow users to keep track of their items by placing the small, round tracker in luggage, cars, bags and other personal items. AirTag was first launched in 2021.


What is AirTag2?
AirTag2 includes the same computer chip in the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch 11. This new chip allows users to find items up to 50% farther away than the original AirTag, according to an Apple news release. It also has a 50% louder chirp.

AirTag2 is available for purchase on the Apple website, in Apple Stores and through the Apple Store mobile app. The new AirTag costs $29 for one or $99 for a pack of four.
What were the big updates for iOS 26?

Apple launched iOS 26 in September 2025, in conjunction with the launch of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone Air, three new Apple Watch models and the AirPods Pro 3. Perhaps the most noticeable feature of the new update is Liquid Glass, a new user interface design that features clear, more fluid elements.

iOS 26 also includes several new Apple Intelligence features, including Live Translation, which allows users to translate text messages, phone calls and FaceTime calls. Live Translation can also be used with the AirPods Pro 3, allowing a wearer to translate audio in real time.

The software update also includes more intuitive Apple Maps, passport storage in the Apple Wallet mobile app, and new call and text features, like Hold Assist, which allows users to keep their line with a live agent on hold.

iPhone Scam Alert

From Jim H

Tech blogger Kim Komando posted the following. It hasn't happened to me, as yet. But be aware.

I never do anything related to a phone call or email asking for something. If, say, it has to do with

your bank, just call the bank directly -- don't go through something else...Jim


📱 Don't fall for this text: Millions of iPhones are getting fake Apple Pay alerts claiming someone just charged $143 to your account. Call this number immediately, it says. Don't. It's a phishing scam. The caller from Apple will ask you to download remote access software, and then your real money disappears. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) and delete.

Brand New Hack! Be Aware!

from Frank C

My wife and I just got the email below from our long time friend in Canada. My wife responded to this since she checked the email and it was real. Then she got another one asking for help getting a gift card for a friend in the hospital…

Two things raised red flags for us: 

1) they wanted a gift card and

2) they wanted it now.

So, we called our friend and found out she did not send them. So, it seems someone (or something: AI) hacked her email and was sending emails on her behalf asking for money from all her contacts!!

So, this is a new hack actually sending emails from your friends email. I have been getting fake emails from Bobbie for several years but clicking on the email it was sent from showed it was not her. Now they are actually using the email address to send!!

Frank
Begin forwarded message:

From: xxxxx@shaw.ca>
Date: February 6, 2026 at 4:42:39 PM MST
Subject: catch up,,,

Hope you are doing well ?

I need a little help from you if you are not busy please.

Thanks

Xxxxxxxxxx

Audio Books

From Jim H

If you use audiobooks, the following website might be helpful...Jim

The Secret You Need to Know About Audiobooks

From the editor: if you are a library card-holder, consider their audiobook collection. Prescott Public Library: https://catalog.yln.info/?browseCategory=yln_new

Here's a tip on audio books that might be useful. I use Libby often to get ebooks from our library,

but not audio books. I've not used 'Hoopla' as yet......Jim

Audiobooks: $0 vs. $15/month

Don’t pay for Audible. Your library card gives you unlimited audiobooks.

Libby (free, iOS/Android): Links to your library card and gives you instant access to thousands of audiobooks and ebooks. I listened to seven books last year without paying a cent. Btw, if you don’t have a library card, Libby will get you one when you install the app.

Hoopla (free, iOS/Android): Same deal, different catalog. No holds, no waiting. Borrow instantly.

Cancel that $14.95 monthly Audible subscription. That’s about $180 back in your pocket this year.