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UOFMTIGER'S DEN

My favorite music streaming services

3/17/2023

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​If you follow my blog, you may know that I used Qobuz and Apple Music as my streaming services of choice for a year or so.   That changed a while back and I want to discuss why I use Apple Music along with Amazon Music rather than Qobuz these days.

Apple Music

Apple Music has been the mainstay since it was introduced in 2015 after they purchased Beats.   The are plenty of reasons I use this service,  but the main reason is that I am heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem which means I get the following advantages from Apple:

  1. HomePods - we have three HomePods and they work best with Siri and Apple Music.  Also, as a second feature it can be used with Apple Music to AirPlay Audio to other AirPlay 2 devices… play music in Den, Patio, etc.
  2. Carplay - Siri in the Jeep with great integration.
  3. Apple Watch - so cool to be able to control what my iPhone is playing or the Apple Watch is playing with just the watch.   Of course, Siri is ideal for this implementation.  
  4. Amazon Dot - I have a few of these and they work with Apple Music.
  5. AppleTV -  my receiver will switch to stereo for two channel audio and to Atmos for multichannel with Apple Music when a track is supported.  It is really nice to have the lyrics available, too.
  6. iPhone/iPad - Hi Res audio with bit rate switching on the fly with an Apple Music via USB connector.  
  7. Music Matching - I had my music backed up to iTunes Match at one point and now the albums are available on Apple Music.  Very nice feature when you own something Apple doesn’t have available.

Obviously, the main downside is the Mac app which has a lack of bit rate switching on the fly… but I use the iPad in its place these days.  
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Amazon Music

The main reason I pay for this is to be able to stream hi res audio to my Wiim Minis from the Amazon app without having a computer or server in the loop.  It also allows Alexa to control what music is playing, as well as adding functions like skip, pause, etc.   The price is the other upside, which is currently 8.99 a month.  It also has an AppleTV app if I decided to ever leave Apple Music (full Siri control might push me that direction).

Let’s compare it to Qobuz.  The monthly price for Qobuz is $12.99 ( cheaper if you want to pay for a year at a time, but I prefer having flexibility to change services).  That’s currently $4 more per month than Amazon ( obviously, if you read this article down the road, prices could change). Secondly, no voice control with Alexa or Siri.  We use that feature quite a bit, so this is another negative.  

You can’t stream hi res from the app.   There are workarounds like Roon, Audirvana, and LMS, however they require you to run a computer or server and often cost money (LMS is free, but doesn’t look as good as Roon or sound as good as Audirvana, in my opinion).  Not ideal to need another computer and app in the mix anyway (I may write an article about my opinion on this aspect down the road).  

Also, DLNA, which is what I used with LMS and Audirvana, was less reliable than Amazon Casting with jitters and other issues being more prevalent.  Also, it took longer to connect and play on some of my receivers for some reason.  The head of Roon discusses in great depth why he doesn't support DLNA, which is more harsh than my statements, but to say it is just less reliable and speedy when compared to Amazon Casting is just fact in my experience.  I should mention that Amazon Casting supports up to 24/192, while Chromecast Casting (at least in my experience) is limited to 24/96.  

For DLNA and LMS (Logitech Media Server) I was using an old iMac to run the server and I would always be annoyed when we had an electric outage and I would have to spend time restarting the old computer just to stream music. 

If I listened to most music from a computer, I may have kept Qobuz, but when the post-COVID world opened up, I spent less and less time in my home office.  I have a similar, just as useful setup with my iPads and since it doesn’t have to use the computer processor, I get a bit extra processing reserved for the task at hand when using my Mac Mini.  Also, Qobuz has no Spatial Audio/Atmos or an AppleTV App.   I know some don't care about Dolby Atmos, but then again, I have to think that most critics just haven't heard it in decent setup with a decent mix.

I am not saying my needs and preferences are universal.  If you spend most of your music listening time in front of a computer and/or want to use third party software in the mix, Qobuz is hard to beat.  In that respect, its only competitor is Tidal and I preferred Qobuz when I compared them. 

Honestly, the main reason I had Qobuz was hi res audio.  Now both Amazon and Apple provide that, so the need for Qobuz was removed.  ​

Wrap Up

I guess I should also mention Spotify, but I only use it for podcast and get by with the freemium service.   The combination of Apple Music and Amazon Music are simply idea for my lifestyle now.  If Apple added Hi Res streaming to Airplay, I could probably just get by with Apple, so I mainly pay for Amazon just to be able to stream from the phone in hi res when I don't want to physically connect my phone or iPad to a DAC.   If it was much more expensive, I might drop it, but it sure comes in handy at night with my bedside setup or when I want to stream a hi res album to my main setup.
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The OG HomePod is Fixed!!!!

2/17/2023

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This is just a quick update to my prior posts regarding my first original HomePod.   It developed a ticking sound that never went away.  I called Apple and all they wanted to do was give me a small discount on buying another original HomePod.  Well, I am happy I didn't throw it away, because I stumbled onto someone that could actually fix it!

Below is a "do it yourself" video showing some of his work.  He charged $80 (+shipping) to replace the diode and the subwoofer.
One of the reasons I went this route was because I wanted the ability to use as stereo pair with my second OG HomePod.  Unfortunately, for their current use, I didn't like the fact that I could not control the balance because the one next to my favorite spot in the living room just drowned out the speaker that was farther away.  Not sure how users are getting around this.   

Now I just have them paired via Airplay 2, so they are no longer stereo.  Not really a big deal for their current implementation, but if I want to move them to a bedroom in the future, I could use them rather than setting up a receiver with speakers.  Actually, this is something I am currently thinking about with updates we plan to make down the road.  Right now, I have full size speakers in the bedroom that we like, but the setup takes up a ton of space. Mounting these next to a wall mounted TV would be pretty awesome and would definitely get a lot more use than my current speakers.

Anyway, if you want someone to fix an old HomePod, Nic got mine fixed and back in my hands inside a week.
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The HomePod is Back Baby

2/3/2023

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Well, now that Apple has come out with a new HomePod, I decided to get one of my OG HomePods fixed.   As a result, I thought I would discuss the HomePod, in general, what I think about the new HomePod, and why I got my broken HomePod fixed rather than buying one of the new HomePods.
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A little info about HomePod and why you may or may not want one


The HomePod has always been a very controversial product for Apple.  Below are a list of complaints from the start...and none of them have been addressed with the New HomePod (as of this article):

1,  Only works with Apple devices
2.  Doesn't natively support most other music services (Amazon, Spotify, etc)
3.  No Bluetooth
4.  No inputs like HDMI
5. No usable screen
6. Siri sucks

With all of these limitations, why would anyone want a HomePod?  I can only answer this for myself, but here are a few of the reasons I bought the OG HomePod:

1.  I mainly use Apple devices, like the iPhone, so this isn't much of a limitation
2.  I use Apple Music
3.  I use Airplay which is more robust than Bluetooth
4.  For my current use, this fits on the wall between my kitchen and Den.  Don't need HDMI or other inputs for this use case. 
5.  I don't need a screen in this location
6.  It works fine for music and controlling my Hue Lights.  I agree that it could be a lot better, but it works for my general needs.  I also have an Amazon Dot nearby for more thorough voice assistant use cases.
7.  The most important feature for us is sound quality.  It sounds amazing and we mainly use it for music, so that is the most important feature for us.
8.  With Airplay2, it can also send audio to my Denon Receiver (even turning it on and playing).  It can also control my AppleTV.  Sending it audio, playing and pausing, etc.  I also use it to start audio in my Sunroom, where I have an AirPort Express that got the Airplay 2 update.  
9.  I should also mention the footprint.  Sure, you can find big speakers that can compete on sound quality, but being able to make it sound this good with such a small footprint is a game changer.
10.  360 dispersion.  This was a major selling point for us.  It can now feed multiple rooms without a trade off in sound. 

So do you like the new version?

Yes, I am happy they are bringing it back.  As I mentioned, my original OG broke and Apple did nothing to help.  They said they could only replace it with a very slight discount.  We bought a HomePod mini for the spot thinking it could be a cheaper replacement.   No, it sounded awful trying to fill these larger rooms (it is now on the nightstand).  Despite this being the most unreliable tech product I have used in years, I bought another one before they were completely gone.  I also got Apple Care, which expires in a couple months.  I figured that I would get enough use out of it in two years to make it worth its $300 price tag (which is where they had it priced at the time).   Even if it broke again, I would want another HomePod for the spot.   I am glad they have a new one coming to market that would be able to replace it.

Any Plans to buy one?

When I was reading about this new HomePod, I saw that it could not be stereo paired with the OG.  That pretty much meant I would not be getting one because I don't really have a need for a full sized HomePod in another room (at least for now).  That being said, I stumbled onto a post saying that my broken OG might be able to be repaired!   I was stunned since I figured that if Appel couldn't fix it, no one could.  Anyway, for around $120 (including shipping both ways), it was worth a try.  I had to have a diode replaced and a new subwoofer.   It is on its way back home now, so I will post my feeling when I get it back. 

For $120, it is cheaper than buying new and has the added benefit of being able to be paired with my current HomePod.  I am looking forward to seeing how much better it sounds as a stereo pair.

The new one has a faster chip, which is great, but I just don't see much better results when doing anything with my HomePod mini vs the OG.   I think we are talking about maybe a second quicker which is irrelevant for the way I use the device.  

The new one also has sensors for humidity and temperature, which aren't anything I care about.  I have the feature on my mini and never use it.  

As for sound quality, I have only seen two blind reviews and they both preferred the OG.   Not saying the new one sounds awful, but from what the videos below are explaining, the two tweeters that they removed has an affect on the sound.  I am sure I would be happy with it, but might as well keep the old ones until Apple adds something new that I need.


The Wrap Up

To wrap up, I am happy Apple decided to get back in this market.  I am hoping they fixed some of the issues that made the product fail for so many people.  I doubt it is going to be a runaway success with the limitations I mentioned, but maybe they will open it up a bit more over time.  

As for my opinion of the device, it checks a ton of boxes for our specific needs. It isn't a product for everyone and Apple has designed it for a specific market, so I have never been surprised that the product isn't a huge seller.   I had a rambling Youtube video on it when the OG hit the market that pretty much applies here, as well.
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Resolutions and stuff

1/1/2023

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For me, 2022 had some good and bad moments. It was also the year that things opened up…for good and bad.   Lets’ hope 2023 has more highs and less lows for everyone.   

Some of my goals for this year are below:


  1. Lose weight- I probably say this every year, but working at home over the last couple years left me sitting in front of my computer more often than when I went to the office.  It was a side affect of my computer timing out and saying I was unavailable whenever I took a short break.  With more days spent at the office, my movement numbers are naturally up, but more needs to be done as we go into 2023.  More dog walks, less DoorDash, etc.
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   2. Learn more about the programs and apps I have purchased, but have barely used.  There is Final Cut, Pixelmator Pro, and other apps that I actually own, but have barely touched.
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3.  Try to spend more quality time with wife…. More movies together, more dinners at the table, more home cooking together, and more coffee outside on the weekends. 
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4.  Swim more - we spent less time in the pool last year and I guess the hours have gone down steadily over the past few years.  I am going to make an effort to swim every night for at least 30 minutes when pool gets opened and weather permits.
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5.  Try to take more photos with my main camera.   The iPhone is great, but I need to rediscover some of the fun I had taking pics of birds, bugs and many other things.   Seems like the COVID home life actually had me taking more pics of my pets and wife, which is good, but I need to venture outside a bit more often.
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6.  More YouTube videos - I always have trouble fitting this in, but I would like to increase the frequency a bit more this year.
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7.   Just less laziness- never leaving the house has lead to some bad habits and my main goal is just doing more stuff rather than passively watching YouTube and other entertainment.  
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8.  Appreciate what I have -  Rather than always seeking out that next best thing, I also want to rediscover things I own.  For example, using my KitchenAide Mixer to make dough for homemade pizza or listening to music more on days I work from home.
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9.  For work, I want to enhance my Excel skills this year.  While I use the program daily, I know there is more to learn and I want to really dig deeper this year.  My wife just starting digging into Excel (using Youtube) and already knows things I never learned.
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10.  Pay off bills - I am on track to do that to some extent this coming year.  I just need to be sure I don’t dig any new holes if I can avoid it.  Obviously, some of that could be beyond my control, but I will reassess how things went next year at this time.
Overall, 2023 is just a year that I want to get out and do more stuff, even if that is just my own backyard.   While I love working from home, it also became an excuse to just lay around the house.   As a result, I developed some bad habits and I need to replace those habits with much better habits.  

​I hope everyone has a more fulfilling and happy 2023!
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iPad with External Monitor

11/29/2022

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I posted a new video on Youtube regarding the new iPad OS16 (beta) update that allows external monitors to be used with the iPad.

I have 3 main sections..
1.  This shows how I use it on the go.
2.  This shows my desktop setup 
3.  How I use it for Apple Music and get lossless/hi res audio out while still using a display.
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Top Ten Tech 2022

11/28/2022

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As in past years(2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011), I am putting together a new list of my top tech.  The list contains my favorite things from the last year, even if they were available in prior years.  By "tech" I am basically including any new toys, apps, etc... that I find cool and/or useful and currently own or owned in the last year.

Note:  I may get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page.  Also, I get some products for free to review from Amazon (though, I do have to pay taxes on them).

​My Favorite Tech of the Year

Apple Watch Ultra - This is a more rugged Apple Watch with a much better battery.   The screen is larger, sharper, and very bright.   It has an extra hard button that can be assigned different functionality.   While it is still basically an Apple Watch, it just feels, looks and performs better.  For me, it was the most exciting Apple product since the release of the M1 Mini. Below is a quick video about my impressions.

Almost my favorite tech - Best Streamer

Wiim Mini - This was a close second on my list.  This is the first time I could have gone with a co-winner since I started making these lists.  This is a very affordable hi res streamer that fills a void in the market.  It can send out a 24/192 signal over digital optical and works with DLNA.   I use it with Amazon Music Ultra HD and it will stream over the air and I can control it with Alexa.  It also works with most of the other music services and supports Airplay 2 and Bluetooth.

For the Digital Music Fan

SMSL Sanskrit DAC  - This was a great addition to the headphone setup I have on my nightstand.  It has a very small footprint and gives me an LED read out of the signal it is receiving (44.1, 48, 96, 192).  You can select different filters with its remote, too.  However, the main upside it that it could take a USB signal or Digital Optical signal.  That allowed me to use it with my Wiim Mini and my iPhone/iPad and get a hi res signal when needed.  Oh yeah, the sound is great, too.  Below is a review of Amazon Ultra HD, but it also shows the DAC.

For the Apple Sheep 

Apple 14 Pro Max - I updated from my Apple 12 Pro Max this year.  The 48MP raw photo files was the main reason.  I also like the dynamic island and always on display.  Hard to believe how much phone cameras for both video and photos have advanced over the years.  I remember when I was shooting with a Canon DSLR 20D that had 8.2 megapixels!  
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For the person that has everything 

Bejoan toilet seat - Okay, I never thought I would be one to mention a bidet on here, but it is a nice addition to the household.  It has it all, heated seat, water spray that has a couple different options, options to adjust seat and water spray temperature, a blow dryer, etc,.   It does require an outlet nearby and the thing beeps when you sit down and get up (which is quite annoying), but It is too cool not to make this list.
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For those with allergies 

Enerzen O-888 Ozone Generator 20,000 mg/h - Air Purifier Sterilizer Odor - These can be a bit dangerous, so read instructions carefully if you get one.  However, if you have a musty space, this thing can make it smell fresh again.  We had a leak in our water heater in the garage and the room had a musty smell.  We ran this out there for 4 hours and the air was fresh again.   I have also used it in my bedroom since I have allergies and this kills a lot of the contagions.
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For those that prefer clean pools

Dolphin Proteus DX4 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner​  - My old pool cleaner was worn out, so I wanted to get something that addressed some of the issues I had with my old cleaner.  The old one had a bag and it was disgusting when you had to pull it out and clean it and getting it back on was also an issue.  It also didn’t want to clean my pool walls even though that worked initially for a couple months.  Anyway, this answered both of those issues.  It uses a basket that is easy to remove and clean.  It has zero issues cleaning the walls.  It is a one button push operation and I have never seen my pool so clean!
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For those that want to double their fun

Portable Monitor, QQH 15.6" Portable Travel Monitor for Laptop 1080P FHD IPS Second Screen, Gaming Monitor, USB C HDMI External Monitor Display for Computer Phone PC MAC PS4 Switch, Foldable Kickstand  -   At home, this monitor is mainly paired with a tiny Nuc style computer and acts as a digital photo frame for showing my photos or for showing Album art when I am using it with the WiiM Mini PC app in the bedroom.  However, it is also great for when I need to take my show on the road.  I can connect it up to an iPad (see below for more) with one cable or Laptop and get an extra display.  It also folds down, so it takes up very little space in my bag.  
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For the recent iPad converts (it requires M1 or M2 chips)

iPad Extended Monitor Support with Stage Manager - Apple have finally made the iPad compatible with larger displays.  Before this update (still in Beta, but should be out at the end of November), the iPad could output a signal to a display, but it was the shape of the iPad screen.  Now it can support even ultra-wide screens and with Stage Manager you can pop back and forth between apps.  It also allows me to share my Mac Mini's keyboard and mouse thanks to Universal Control.   If I only used an iPad and did not have desktop computers, this would have been my "tech of the year".  Its a game changer for those that want to use an iPad for everything.

For the sweaty bo-hunks

DeLonghi PAC AN125HPEKC (my unit is no longer for sell, but is was the same brand, but model #PACAN120EW) - This is a strange one since I bought my particular model several years ago for my sunroom, but never used it all that much. However, it was a godsend this summer when my air conditioning went out.  It took over a month to get the part for my broken Air conditioning unit, but this unit kept my main living space cool and comfortable.  It could also be moved around if needed, though we just suffered when we got ready for work in the back of the house.  We slept on the sectional in our living room for a month and it all worked out.  It would not have been nearly as "fun" without this unit.  I would recommend picking up something similar for such an event.  I can't imagine what we would have done if we did not have a unit like this available. 
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The Wrap Up

This year was rather light on new tech.  I think it's because we got out of the house more---both for work and for going places again.   The Apple Watch and Phone are more representative of my current lifestyle than packing in more home tech.   In the past two years, I guess I got most of the things I wanted for around the house.  You should check out the links to prior years if that is your main interest.   

As I mentioned last year, I had to update my pool liner early this year and that burnt through a lot of money.  The things on my wishlist consist of a wide angle Tamron lens for my Sony A7 R4, some larger SSD storage drives, Apple Pencil 2 (been using a knock off with less features), and a Loupedeck Live.  Also, the Wiim Pro is coming out soon (tried to hold up this post for it, but it isn't out, so maybe it will be on my list for 2023).  I also would love to get an automatic projection screen for watching movies, but it isn't too bad getting up and pulling it down, but it would be more consistent with setting up for movies with a one button operation.  

As you can see, I have some wishlist items for 2023, but the fun part is when something new comes out that gives you the excitement that I had for (especially) the first two items on this list.  Have a great 2023!

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Apple Watch Ultra - My Take

11/17/2022

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Below is an off the cuff video about the Ultra.  It has some cool apps in the middle of the video if you want to skip past my thoughts.

I usually don't have a lot of time for videos, so I have adopted this off the cuff style to get my thoughts out.   I wish I had the time to script and pay closer attention to the time limits...I usually have to cut to get down to 15 minutes, but I expect to do more videos like this, so we will see how it goes.    
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The Answers Part II

10/8/2022

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A little over a year ago, I did a fun little post called " The Answers" which I pulled questions from the Robb Report.  I thought it might be interesting, especially for me when looking back over the years, a new list of some of their more recent questions.  Of course, they often tailor their questions around the person they are interviewing, so I had to pick and choose from different articles.

As I mentioned, I don't often write about myself, in fact I have been accused of not having a life because the site is so focused on tech and some of my other hobbies.  However, that being said, it still may not be a life that would impress others, but I am happy, which is all that matters when it's all said and done.

First thing you do in the morning?

The first thing I do in the morning is let the dogs out.  Then, I usually get their food ready and make myself and the wife and espresso to start the day.  
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What, apart from time, would make the biggest difference in your life?

I would imagine for most it would be to have a lot more money.  Heck, if I had millions, my life would be much different, not that I am complaining.

What in your wardrobe do you wear most often?

Adidas Men's Advantage Sneaker
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What do you crave at the end of the day?

No traffic on my way back home to my wife and pets.
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Are you wearing a watch and how many do you own?

I have a few watches... Seiko, Omega (a couple), and a few others, but no interest in collecting them since I mainly wear an Apple Watch these days.

Recently, I got and Apple Watch Ultra (reviewed here) that I have on my wrist.  I have been wearing the Apple Watch 4 daily since I first got it, but this is version 8, so I thought it was time for a change.  The Clockology watch faces look even better here than they do on the 4.
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What song is currently in your head?

Alice In Chains - No Excuses (live).   We play their MTV Unplugged album around he quite a bit.  We listen to a lot of music styles, but this one is stuck in my head at the moment.  Really sad that so many of the influencers from the Seattle music scene are no longer with us.

If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?

Playing guitar.  I did make an attempt at this once, but the tips of my fingers starting bothering me, so I took a break.  Never went back, but would like to find the time.
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What is the most recent thing you added to your collection?

Of course, the watch I mentioned above, but I also bought the new iPhone 14 Pro Max that I am still waiting for.  I just could not resist that 48 Megapixel sensor.   The main feature I usually update for is the camera and this was a big leap over my 12 Pro Max.   Much better in low light, too.

What is always in your hand luggage?

I haven't travelled lately, but that would be contacts and glasses along with cables and stuff.  

What is the car you are most attached to?

I assume they are referring to one I have owned.  I have mainly had Jeeps and BMWs my adult life. Of the BMWs, I loved the original Convertible135i.  They only made it for a few years, but it was cool to drive around in something no one in Memphis had at the time.  I had to get mine from Atlanta, so they just weren't available in Memphis.  It also got more postive comments than any car I have owned.  The thing had some pickup, the engine purred, and the top would come down in a matter of a few seconds.   It was my answer to the continuing expansion of the 3 series that got me in the BMW to begin with.  I will say that the hard top 3 series convertible looked sleeker, but the 135i's homage (at least that was my opinion) to the 2002 really stole my heart.
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What was the last live performance you saw?

Gershwin with Marcus Roberts Trio.
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What have you done recently for the first time?

Less than a year ago, I married the woman of my dreams.  Considering my age, no one saw that coming. 
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Where do you do your best work?

No doubt that is working from my home office.   We recently started going back to the office after working from home for 2 years and I realized I am much more productive at home.  I won't complain about the number of distractions and the long hike to get water or go to the rest room, but working at home is just more productive.  Just the commute alone means I don't work as many hours.  I guess getting out of the house is better for me, but I definitely get more done at home.  I also miss my bigger monitor (34 inch ultra wide) and standing desk when working away from home!
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Do you binge on TV?

I recently watched every show of the Yellowstone series, so yes you could put me in that category!

​What do you do that’s still analog?

I mentioned playing vinyl records last year and I still do that, however, just unwinding with a drink in the backyard and enjoying the view, birds singing, and getting fresh air is my favorite "analog" activity.
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What is your most treasure possession?

Definitely all of the photos I have in my possession, including those I have taken and those given to me.  

​Recently, I won the World Photography Day 2002 Animal category on Flickr and they are sending me a metal copy of the winning photo.  I know I will cherish it for being the first photo I have ever entered into a contest and for also being my first win.  The fact that it is of my 14 year old sweetheart Allie will only make me treasure It more.
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What music makes you smile?

Really too many to list, but one that always puts a smile on my face is "Songs for Swinging' Lovers!" by Frank Sinatra.    Also, I can just throw on any album by The Beach Boys or Ella Fitzgerald.  

Where do you find calm?

For me, getting lost in music has always been the best medicine.  
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MY APPLE WATCH ULTRA REVIEW

10/7/2022

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"It's too BIG", "It's Ugly", etc... I am sure many of you have seen these type of reviews already.  The main thing I am hearing is that this watch is not for everyone.  Anyway, here is my take on the watch and my viewpoint on some of the other reviews I have seen.
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The Design

With any design, the engineer has to first determine the purpose for the thing they are building.  In this case, Apple made the decision from the outset that this would be their rugged watch that could get you through more than a day of battery life.  However, part of that decision making also gave them cues about how it would look.  

First off, the size will mean this watch may not work for some people.  Apple makes a small watch that wouldn't work for me, so this isn't just some issue that they created with the Ultra.   The fact is they make watches for everyone, even if one of the particular watches in their lineup may not work for you.   

This watch is definitely bigger.  I personally see this as a benefit.  Bigger screen equals a watch that is easier to see.  This is especially helpful with watch faces that have numerous complications. 
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Of course, the more rugged design meant a sapphire crystal flat screen.  The edges on the titanium casing protrude past the screen, to save it from bumping the screen directly.  I have an Apple Watch 4 and have banged something against that screen more times that I can remember.  The extra protection is good.   

The one thing that most of the tech reviewers that handled the Ultra in Apple Park complained about was the extra layer of titanium to protect the larger crown.  Some thought it was ugly, but Apple isn't the first to implement such a design.  Panerai (and probably others) have had that as a feature for a long time.  It is practical for a rugged watch, so it goes along with the rest of the design choices.
Picture

It isn't round

Somehow, this complaint is still out there.  Personally, I would like to see a round design, but it doesn't make ergonomic sense with a "watch" that is also meant to show text.  This is essentially a small computer on your wrist and no one uses round computer displays because they aren't ideal for text.  Sure, Apple could still do it and use the square inside the circle for text, but it isn't like this is the first non-round watch.  Many people approve of the classic Cartier Tank design.  Like the Cartier, the Apple Watch is easy to recognize because they went with this non-round display.  It is a practical design that also makes the watch instantly recognizable.  

Functions

Like the prior Apple Watches, the integration with the iPhone is unparalleled.  This gives the watch the ability to do all kinds of things.  Below are just a few ways I use it in no particular order:

1. Siri - I know she has seen some bashing over the years, but the implementation is the watch makes it easy to do just about anything.  Launching apps, setting reminders, sending texts, turning on and off Hue lights, etc.. 
2.  Music control - iPhone, HomePod, Airplay 2 devices, etc. 
3. Remote app for controlling the Apple TV 
4. Activity rings and stand up reminder
5. Seeing weather
6. Reading email
7.  Listening to podcasts on the AW speaker
8.  Controlling the shutter on the iPhone camera
9.  Reading headlines on apps like Flipboard 
10.  Using voice to record memos for Drafts


Even beyond that is getting notifications.  I have security cameras and it will send me a snapshot when it sees motion. Getting messages from my credit card company which can give me instant feedback if my credit card is getting unauthorized use.  It is no different from your phone in the fact that it makes it easier to just see when things happen.  You can then decide wether it needs to be acted on immediately or not.  Of course, I only allow certain apps to send me notifications, so I am mainly seeing the most important stuff on my wrist.

Safety and Cellular

The safety features on the Apple Watch can save lives.  Sure, I fast forward through the fist hand accounts in most of their keynotes, but it is just a fact.  Things like fall detention can be so important.  It could mean the difference between life and death and I am sure those still breathing due to these features would not be without the Apple Watch again.  They have added Crash detection and SOS features to the new watch, so even more lives will be saved.  

The Ultra adds a new alarm/siren that can be heard from 600 feet away.   There is also backtracking, waypoints, etc. so you don't get lost.  The screen is bright enough to be used as a flashlight in a pinch. 

Of course, having cellular is not only a safety feature, but means you can also get emergency calls if you are out on a run and something happens back at the house.  I personally have not turned on that feature, though I have had it as an option on my Apple Watch 4 and now the Ultra.  However, it is there if my lifestyle changes.

My own likes

First off, the biggest upgrade to the watch is the battery.  No it doesn't get 4 years of battery life like my Timex or charge via motion like my automatic Omega.   Instead, it is computer on the wrist that now gets 2 days of battery life.  

I also like the Always on Display combined with this bigger, brighter watch face.   I can run different clock faces depending on what I am doing.  For example, I was at a Symphony over the weekend and chose night mode, which illuminated the red, low power face.  When I have music playing, I keep it on a modular face that will show the song name.  When I am at work, I use one of my many Clockology faces.  I have been messing around with a few of them with orange and orange accents, but even with my orange watch band, other face colors still look fine with it.   As far as the band, I like it, but I am looking to get a silver metal band for more dressy moments.  It also works fine with my Apple Watch 4 bands.  However, this isn't my first watch with an orange band, so I just like the look of it. 

My own dislikes

There is one feature I have wanted since Apple Watch 1 and it still hasn't been implemented by Apple.  The feature is playing media audio over the speakers.   Yes, the AW speakers have been horrendous over the years, but this watch improves that dramatically (at least compared with my Apple Watch 4 on phone calls).  It is good enough for when I am out by the grill or taking pups out to the yard.   I did find a Podcast app that will do this, but I want the watch speakers as an output option.  Yeah, I know I can send this to bluetooth and airplay devices or play it over the phone, but when I just want my watch on, like when I am pulling weeds or something, I would rather have the AW speakers as the output.  No reason not to allow it.  There is at least one app already doing it!!

To Wrap Up

This watch is more expensive than the normal Apple Watch.  However, the bigger battery, at least for me, makes that price easier to swallow.  Bigger batteries mean longer life and I am one to hold onto an Apple Watch for a while.  My Apple Watch 4 was already having battery life issues, so I have no doubt this watch could give me a year or two longer than my last watch.   On top of that, it just looks better to my eye.  Of course, keep in mind that I am a Jeep guy, so a more rugged look and design speak to me. (woof, woof).   Of course, I didn't mention the action button, but it comes in handy and is easy to change from one thing to another.  Currently, I have it launching a shortcut for my Home app, so I can control lighting around the house. 

All in all, for me, it has been one of the more exiting tech products I have used in a while, so I am going to keep it.

Upsides
All of the Appley stuff
Bigger brighter screen
improved Bluetooth
better speakers 
more rugged design 
action button

Downsides
Price (though, I was expecting it to cost more)
should work without the need of an iPhone
too big for some 
needs option to send "now playing" audio to watch speakers

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To Upgrade or Not - iPhone 14 Pro Max

9/11/2022

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So we are back to another iPhone release.. hard to believe how much faster things are moving now that I am not being forced into my cave all the time.  Apple released a bunch of new products, so I have to rationalize an update to myself if I wish to get something new.

Photography Updates

The new 48 megapixel upgrade is obviously the biggie for anyone that uses their iPhone for photography as much as I have in the past couple of years.   Sure, I could definitely make more use of my Sony A7 RIII, but the beauty of the iPhone is that it is in your pocket all the time.  Also, being a newly wed means more photos of my beautiful wife along with the pups and cats that are always a subject that has me pulling out my phone.  As a side note, shooting with an iPhone is just less off putting that shooting with a regular camera.  Something about a big camera brings out some apprehension in most people.  
Of course, Apple made other changes to the cameras to give you much better low light performance and those changes have doubled up since both the 13 and 14 had major improvements in this area.  All in all, given the number of photos I take with the iPhone, I think that alone is enough to justify an upgrade.

There are also new video features that have been added since the 13, but the big on this year is better stabilization.  If you have chased around critters while recording, you know this is a great feature!  It should also be nice for nature/action video.   There are more changes, but this is the one I think I will use the most for video.

Screen

While the screens are both great, the 14 Pro Max also has a 120Hz refresh rate.  I know some people that upgraded last year just to get this feature.  Of course, Apple also trimmed down the boarders of the iPhone and switched the notch to a pill sized cut out (more about this below).   The display is also a lot brighter...1600 nits compared to 1200.  This means it should be easier to read in the sun.

Performance

Apple is constantly pushing for better performance and efficiency.  While I have no complaints in the area with the 12, these are the kind of things that effect everyday use that may save a second here and there and become a big time saver over a couple years of use.

Some new software features

The pill shape that replaced the notch now has something called "Dynamic Island" that turns a negative into a positive.   If you have not seen this for yourself, you will be shocked at the ingenuity.  Sometimes Apple hits a home run and this appears to be the case with this feature.  There is also SOS and crash detection that add even more safety features.  

The Wrap Up

I was still on the fence with this model since a new telescopic lens and USB-C port additions are already being rumored for next year.  Life is too short, so I will just deal with that issue down the road (I am financing this for 3 years so it costs next to nothing, but that also means I could have to pay it off if I want to trade it in next year...oh well, sorry future me.).  

Of course, this is a short list of the many new features that have spanned the past 2 years.  I am sure I will post my thoughts when I have the phone in hand.  It will be a while since I just ordered it, but hopefully it should be here before I do my yearly top ten tech list.
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    About me:

    Dog loving, Big Green Egg worshiping, Tech enthusiast, residing in Memphis, TN.  Home of the Tigers, Grizzlies, Elvis, Al Green, Stax, Hi Records, Ardent Studios, Beale Street, Peabody Ducks, etc..  I have also added the Jeep Wrangler to the list of things I am enthusiastic about.

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