Old Prius, New Tricks : CarPlay FTW

When my 18-year-old daughter finally got her driver’s license, she inherited the family workhorse: our 2005 Prius. It’s the kind of car that runs forever, sips gas like a hummingbird, and—unfortunately—thinks the height of in-car tech is a CD player and an AUX port.

Now, I’m a big fan of keeping your eyes on the road and your hands off your phone, especially for new drivers. But like most teenagers today, my daughter’s entire life is on her iPhone—her music, her GPS, her friends (via text, of course). The problem? The Prius had none of the tech that would make that connection easy—or safe.

That’s when I discovered a game-changing $50 gadget on Amazon: a wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto touch screen that sticks right on your dashboard, plugs into the cigarette lighter, and gives your old car a full digital makeover. There’s a bunch of them on Amazon so pick one.

No console surgery. No complicated wiring. No $800 aftermarket head unit installs.

Just peel, stick, plug, and play.

What It Does (And Why It’s Awesome)

This little 7-inch IPS screen now sits right on her dashboard and syncs wirelessly with her iPhone. As soon as she starts the car, the screen lights up and brings up wireless Apple CarPlay—just like in a new Tesla or BMW.

She can ask Siri to play her playlist, send a text, or start navigation. No need to fumble with her phone. No risky glances at tiny screens. And she loves that she can listen to Spotify or YouTube Music, take calls, and ask for directions—all while driving safely.

The voice control is surprisingly responsive. She asked Siri where the nearest boba shop was, and within seconds, directions popped up and the turn-by-turn voice started guiding her there.

It’s basically taken the worry out of her solo drives—for both of us.

But Wait, There’s More

The unit comes with a backup camera that connects to the reverse light. It’s a small, optional add-on, but for someone backing out of tight high school parking lots, it’s a huge win. When she puts the car in reverse, the camera feed pops up on the screen instantly.

There’s even wireless screen mirroring, so she can (while parked!) watch videos or mirror Google Maps from her phone. And the GPS is fast and accurate with no lag, displaying large, vivid maps that make navigation easy for anyone—not just teens.

Why It Matters

This gadget isn’t just about adding bells and whistles. It’s about upgrading old cars with real safety and convenience. For under $50, I gave my daughter a modern dashboard experience that rivals most new cars—and more importantly, I gave her a safer way to drive.

She’s now got hands-free calling, real-time maps, and a voice assistant—without ever touching her phone. And I’ve got peace of mind.

If you’ve got an older car (and a new driver), this is easily the best $50 upgrade you’ll ever make.

Your Guide to GenAI Tools

The GenAI wave is everywhere, and if you’re like most folks trying to get things done smarter and faster, you’ve probably asked yourself: Which AI tool should I use? Should I go straight to the source like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Grok? Or should I use an app that uses those tools—like Perplexity, Claude, or Cursor?

Here’s the short answer: It depends on what you’re doing. But let’s break it down so you’re not stuck testing every shiny chatbot out there.

First, What’s the Difference?

ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok—these are the “foundation models.” Think of them as the engines.

Perplexity, Claude, Cursor, etc.—these are more like cars built using those engines, but with specific dashboards, tools, and goals.

So should you pick the engine, or the full car?

Features: What Can They Do?

  • ChatGPT is the most flexible and polished general assistant out there. With GPT-4o, it handles reasoning, writing, code, math, and even vision (with images). It’s great at summarizing, tutoring, debugging, planning—you name it.

  • Gemini (by Google) is strongest when paired with your Google Workspace—think Gmail, Docs, Sheets. The integration is slick. It’s getting better at code and writing, but still not as nuanced in longer or more abstract responses.

  • Grok (X’s AI by Elon’s team) is tightly integrated with Twitter (X). If you live in that ecosystem, it gives snappy, quick responses and a fun attitude. But it’s not for in-depth tasks or structured workflows.

  • Perplexity is a smart assistant with built-in web access and citations. It’s ideal for research and quick facts. You ask something, and it gives answers with sources. Great for fact-checking or diving into topics.

  • Claude (from Anthropic) has a more “aligned” tone—gentler, more careful, often better at long-form writing and maintaining context. It also handles larger file inputs than ChatGPT, which is great for analyzing docs or books.

  • Cursor is purpose-built for developers. It’s a coding assistant IDE—think Copilot but with chat and memory. If you’re building apps, writing scripts, or navigating large codebases, Cursor is a powerful sidekick.

Cost & Convenience

Tool Cost Notes
ChatGPT $20/month GPT-4o, vision, voice, web, file upload, fast updates
Gemini $20/month Bundled with Google One storage plan
Perplexity $20/month (Pro) Includes GPT-4, Claude 3, useful even in free mode
Claude Free & paid tiers Claude 3 Opus is gated behind paid plan
Grok $16/month Part of X Premium+; best for Twitter power users
Cursor Free & $20–$40 tiers Paid plan unlocks full coding assistant features

Accuracy and Use Cases

Use Case Best Tools
Daily Research / General Use Perplexity, ChatGPT
Writing and Content Claude, ChatGPT
Coding Cursor, ChatGPT
Google Integrations Gemini
X Posts and Summaries Grok
Academic or Legal (with sources) Perplexity

Phones vs. Desktop Experience

Tool Mobile Experience Desktop Experience
ChatGPT Excellent app with voice and vision input Full-featured, fast, best for all-purpose tasks
Gemini Strong on Android, limited on iOS Great for Google Workspace users
Perplexity Good mobile web app Web-first, ideal for research
Claude Works via browser, no app yet Great for long-form writing and large file inputs
Grok Embedded in X app Focused on real-time info from Twitter
Cursor Not available Desktop-only coding IDE

Final Thoughts

Don’t overthink it. Start with ChatGPT if you want an all-rounder. Use Perplexity for source-backed research. Try Claude when you want a more thoughtful writing companion. If you’re coding, don’t waste time—get Cursor.

In the end, the best GenAI tool isn’t the one with the fanciest name or biggest model. It’s the one that gets out of your way and helps you do the thing—faster, better, and with fewer headaches.

Try a few. Stick to what works. That’s the real intelligence.

Apple Notes Just Leveled Up — On Your Wrist

For all the obsession we have with downloading the next great productivity app, sometimes the best tool is already sitting on your device. Quiet. Reliable. Always there when you need it. I’m talking, of course, about Apple Notes.

Yes, that Apple Notes—the default yellow-and-white app we’ve all opened at least once to jot down a grocery item or scribble a stray thought. But dig a little deeper and you’ll realize that Apple Notes is one of the most powerful (and criminally underused) productivity tools in the entire Apple ecosystem.

Think about it: it’s built into every device you own—iPhone, iPad, Mac, and now, with watchOS 26, even your Apple Watch. It syncs instantly via iCloud. It’s fast. It’s simple. And it doesn’t nag you with popups, ads, or endless configuration screens.

Over the years, Apple has quietly added features that make Notes a mini powerhouse.

You can:

  • Create checklists and todos for work or groceries

  • Add rich media like images, scanned documents, and even audio

  • Collaborate and share notes in real-time with family or teammates

  • Lock personal notes behind FaceID

  • Organize everything with folders and tags

  • Use Quick Note on iPad or Mac to instantly capture ideas while working

I’ve used it to track everything from weekend packing lists to a running log of startup ideas to journal entries I never intended to share. I keep a shared grocery list with my wife, a shared “Movies To Watch” list with my daughters, and a packing template I duplicate for every trip. It’s not glamorous, but it works. And the best part? It never breaks.

Now, with watchOS 26, Apple’s bringing Notes to the wrist—and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Here’s what you can do on the Apple Watch:

  1. Create a new note instantly: Stuck in traffic with a million-dollar idea? Walking the dog and suddenly remember what you were supposed to do tomorrow? Just raise your wrist, tap Notes, and dictate a thought. Done.

  2. View existing notes: That grocery list your spouse updated while you were out? It’s right there, on your wrist. No need to pull out your phone or juggle a cart and a screen.

This may sound small, but it’s not. The magic of productivity is in reducing friction. Every extra step between you and your idea increases the chances you’ll forget or delay it. With Apple Notes now on the Watch, capturing a thought is literally a flick of the wrist away.

And yes, it’s still just Notes—no complicated interface, no learning curve, no subscription. Just the stuff you need, when you need it.

So if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem and haven’t been taking full advantage of Apple Notes, it’s time. Stop chasing the next flashy notes app. Open the one you already have. Organize a few folders. Start small. Use it for everything. And let your devices quietly do the work of remembering, tracking, and syncing—while you get on with doing.

Apple Notes just got a promotion. It’s not just where you jot things down.

It’s your new command center.

iPadOS 26: The iPad Finally Earns Its Mac Wings

When Apple announced iPadOS 26 on June 9, 2025, it billed it as “the biggest iPadOS release ever.” After hands‑on time with the beta—and reading what the likes of The Verge, TechRadar, and Wired are saying—I’m convinced: this is the update that’ll let me carry just my iPad instead of my MacBook Air.

Windows everywhere. On the iPad as well as an external display.

A Windowing System That Works

At the heart of this transformation is the brand‑new windowing system. Gone are the limits of Split View or Slide Over (if you even know what they are 🤷🏽‍♂️ )—now apps open in freely resizable, draggable windows, complete with familiar traffic‑light window controls. The Verge, after just a few hours, declared that using multiple apps “feels like a Mac,” and TechRadar called the windowing system “the coolest feature” of the update. That’s the kind of productivity boost I’ve been waiting years for.

Exposé is the icing on the cake—spread out all your open windows to pick the one you want, just like on macOS. And yes, we have a menu bar—swipe from the top or move your cursor, and there it is: your app’s commands neatly arranged and instantly accessible.

Exposé - show all your running apps at once

Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence

Visually, iPadOS 26 sports a sleek new Liquid Glass design—translucent, dynamic, and expressive—across everything from the Lock Screen to Control Center. It feels fresh without sacrificing familiarity, modern without losing simplicity.

Smarter too: Apple Intelligence now powers live translation in Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls, and enhances creative tools—think Genmoji, Image Playground, and Shortcuts that intelligently summarize text or draft images.

Live translation on a FaceTime call

Pro-Level Files, Preview and Background Tasks

The Files app has been overhauled with resizable columns, collapsible folders, colored icons, and dockable folders—finally giving file management on iPad the polish it deserves. Preview has come over from Mac, with PDF editing, AutoFill, and Apple Pencil markup built right in.

Need to export video, transcode audio or run a build? Background Tasks now let these run in the background with Live Activity progress, so your iPad stays responsive as it powers through.

iPad Files app looks like the Finder on macOS

Journal app for iPad

Another iPhone only app now makes it way to the iPad - the Journal app. This looks extremely promising and I think I would probably use it more on the iPad than an iPhone for journaling my daily activities. The seamless sharing between an iPhone and iPad means that all my activities and photos are now available on the iPad as well for mining journal ideas.

Journal App on the iPad

Reviews Say: Yes, You Can Ditch Your MacBook Air

The reviews don’t mince words: The Verge asks “Hang on, did the iPad just become a computer?” and says multitasking now “makes sense in a way it never has before.”

Wired even proclaimed “The iPad is a full‑on computer now,” calling iPadOS 26 a “tipping point.” That’s the kind of bold leap I’ve been waiting to see.

It’s true there are still some quirks in this early beta—bugs with external displays and a few touch‑mode limitations—but with the public beta due next month and full launch in the fall, I’m already daydreaming of my #iPadOnly workflow.

A menu bar ? On an iPad ? Wonder of wonders..

Bottom line:

iPadOS 26 isn’t just an incremental update—it’s the moment when the iPad stopped pretending and really started behaving like a laptop. With Mac‑style windowing, Liquid Glass design, smarter AI tools, pro‑grade file handling and more, I’m officially ready to leave my MacBook Air behind.

See you in the public beta.

All images provided by Apple.

Apple's unique approach to incorporating AI

So this happened.

Who would have thought Craig & Joz would show up on Tom’s Guide & TechRadar podcast ? This confirms that John Gruber was snubbed emphatically.

They both handled the direct questions from Mark & Lance - Why did Siri not get the features that they announced last year ? What happened to the Apple Chatbot ? Will there be one ?

I like the in depth direct questions and also the straight answers from Craig with Joz making sure that he didn’t give too much away.

I think I am more reassured about Apple’s AI strategy now. They are the only ones that can do this comprehensively on their platform. And they don’t need a chatbot.

Capture Life Through Your Eyes—Literally!

Ever wished you could record life's spontaneous moments exactly as you see them, hands-free and without the fuss of pulling out a phone or camera? Well, tech lovers, your wish is now an affordable reality. Say hello to eyeglass cameras—the nifty $50 tech gadget you didn’t know you needed!

At first glance, these eyeglass cameras look like regular glasses with plain lenses. But hidden in the frame, right between the lenses, is a tiny camera lens capable of capturing crisp HD photos and full 1080p video with audio. Powered by a discreet lithium-ion battery tucked into the right temple, these glasses offer 60-90 minutes of recording time before needing a quick recharge via a standard micro-USB cable. A microSD card slot lets you store hours of footage effortlessly. Just press one button to snap photos, or hold another button to shoot continuous video—simplicity at its best.

Why would you want one of these, you ask? 

Imagine this: You're watching your child hit their first home run or perform flawlessly at their dance recital. No fumbling with smartphones; just press a button discreetly on your glasses and preserve that proud parental moment exactly as your eyes witnessed it. Moms and dads can capture those precious baby milestones hands-free—first steps, playful giggles, and adorable mischief included.

Kids themselves will find eyeglass cameras fantastic for creating their own adventures and mini-movies. Whether it's a thrilling bike ride, skateboarding tricks, or exploring nature trails, young creators will love capturing and sharing their perspective with family and friends.

Planning a family road trip or sightseeing adventure? 

Eyeglass cameras provide a unique first-person viewpoint of your journey. Whether you're marveling at scenic vistas on Route 66, exploring hidden gems around California, or visiting breathtaking national parks, you'll record experiences exactly as you lived them, creating unforgettable travel memories without missing a beat.

And here’s a personal favorite use—these glasses are perfect for anyone tackling DIY repairs or learning new skills. I use mine to record my flight lessons, capturing each step of my progress as I refine my piloting skills. Watching the videos later helps me see exactly what I'm doing right (and wrong), significantly enhancing my learning experience.

Eyeglass cameras offer a practical, affordable way for everyone—kids, parents, adventure enthusiasts, and hobbyists alike—to effortlessly capture life’s best moments exactly as they happen. Simple, stylish, and surprisingly affordable at just $50, they’re the perfect blend of tech and everyday convenience.

Go ahead, give them a try, and let your glasses do the filming!

Tiny Trackers: Fun Ways to Use Apple AirTags

If you’re like me, you’ve spent a few too many mornings frantically patting your pockets, checking under couch cushions, and whispering not-so-sweet nothings to your missing keys. Good news: Apple’s little invention called the AirTag is here to save our sanity — and maybe even our vacations.

What’s an AirTag?

Picture a sleek button about the size of a quarter. You pop one onto anything you don’t want to lose — your keys, your wallet, your dog’s collar — and voilà: you can track it right from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If you’re on Android, there’s even a special app to help you play along, although it’s a little more basic.

AirTags work by tapping into the massive network of iPhones, iPads, and Macs already out in the world. If your AirTag goes missing, it quietly pings any nearby Apple device — securely and privately — and updates its location for you to find. Think of it like having millions of undercover detectives helping you find your stuff without even knowing they’re on the case.

Obvious Uses (Still Brilliant):

  • Keys: Clip an AirTag to your keychain. Never be late because your keys “grew legs” again.

  • Luggage: Toss one inside your suitcase when traveling. It’s a special kind of magic to know your bag made it to Paris — even if the airline hasn’t told you yet.

  • Pets: Attach one to your dog’s collar. It won’t replace a proper GPS tracker for long hikes in the wilderness, but for backyard escape artists, it’s pure gold.

  • Wallets and Purses: Slip one into your wallet or sew it into your favorite tote bag’s lining. (Bonus: thieves have no idea you’re tracking them.)

Creative and Quirky Uses (Where It Gets Fun):

  • Cars and Motorcycles: Hide an AirTag in your glove box or under a seat. If your ride ever vanishes, you might just beat the cops to it. (Yes, some folks have actually recovered stolen cars this way.)

  • Bicycles: Stick one under the seat or in a reflector. In a city where bikes sometimes develop a sudden love for new owners, this is a smart move.

  • Backpacks: Especially useful for students (and adults who still lose their bags like students).

  • Kids at Disneyland: Clip one onto a belt loop, backpack, or even tuck it into a shoe. No need to helicopter-parent at every turn — you’ll know if they wander off to hug Mickey without permission.

  • Musical Instruments: Guitar cases, drum bags, even expensive microphones — they’re all prime candidates for AirTag protection if you gig around town.

  • TV Remotes: If you’re tired of digging between sofa cushions like a miner in search of gold, this one’s for you.

  • Expensive Jackets: Some people sew AirTags into the lining of their favorite coats — because let’s face it, that stylish winter jacket is basically a second mortgage.

A Few Tips:

  • Battery Life: AirTags use a tiny coin battery (CR2032) that usually lasts about a year. When it’s low, your iPhone lets you know.

  • Privacy Matters: If someone else’s AirTag is traveling with you (say, tucked into your bag without your knowledge), your iPhone will alert you. Apple designed AirTags with privacy in mind — a rare but important point.

  • Accessories Galore: There’s an entire cottage industry of AirTag holders, keychains, clips, and mounts. Some are practical; some are just ridiculously pretty.

Bottom Line:

For $29 (or a 4-pack for $99), AirTags are like tiny insurance policies for your stuff. Whether you’re a chronic key-loser, a frequent flyer, a parent, or just someone who likes gadgets that actually solve problems, these little trackers are worth every penny.

Next time you’re tearing up your house looking for your car keys or wondering if your bike is still where you parked it — just AirTag it.

Future you will thank you.

The Mac Mini becomes Nano

The Mac Mini has been my favorite Mac from the time it was announced. I was actually in the audience when Steve announced it way back in Jan 2005. Its almost 20 years old..

And today Apple announced a new form factor for the Mini.. a much smaller form factor and I am disappointed they didn’t call it the Nano !

The new Mac Mini 2024 - quite a handful !

They even have a cool funny video of the Mac Nano… errrr Mini introducing itself.

The size is perfect for any setup and I guarantee for the price, it will be their fastest selling desktop ever.

The new Mac Mini 2024 is smaller than an iPhone 16 Pro Max !

GenAI - Heard the hype, but how do I use it?

It’s been a couple of years since OpenAI lobbed a bombshell on the internet in the form of ChatGPT, the first seemingly smart tool that claimed being a Artificial Intelligence (AI) software chatbot. The technology it used, LLM ( Large Language Models) quickly made it into mainstream media and on talk shows.

So what does it all mean? How do I use it everyday ? Will it replace my job? Will my kids stop doing homework and use ChatGPT to write their essays?

Well, Chris Moos, the amazing producer at my local TV station, KGEM-TV, put together a new show called Digital Dialogues to help answer those questions and more. He put together a panel of local Monrovia residents, including me and we had a great time discussing all things AI, ChatGPT and the like.
Here are the first 2 episodes. Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed being a part of them.

Introduction to AI & ChatGPT

Deep Diving on ChatGPT

Remembering Steve

All we can do is make this world better than what he built…

Think different.

Apple is becoming a healthcare company...

Until recently, you used your watch to tell the time and maybe if you were a nerd, you got the Casio calculator watch. But today, I cannot live without my Apple Watch. Quite literally. And as I get older my life will increasingly depend on it.

Because Apple has transformed a device wrapped around your wrist from just being able to tell the time to a medical accessory that is your lifeline. Again literally.

Their approach remains simple: bringing cutting-edge healthcare directly to users. Turning gadgets you own into powerful wellness tools.

Let’s dig into how Apple is doing this.

AirPods: More Than Just Music

When Apple introduced the AirPods, I thought, "Cool, wireless earbuds." But now, the AirPods Pro 2 are doing way more than playing my favorite playlists. They’re quietly transforming hearing aids.

Apple has rolled out a software-based hearing aid feature for the AirPods Pro 2. Imagine a clinical-grade hearing aid without the hefty price tag or the need for specialized equipment.

Hearing loss can begin as early as your 40s, often without you realizing it. Conversations become harder to follow in noisy places, or you may notice yourself constantly increasing the volume on your TV or phone. 

I’ll be the first to admit it. Getting a hearing aid is intimidating. They're expensive, require medical appointments, and can carry a stigma. That’s where the AirPods Pro 2 steps in—no medical appointment, no giant price tag, no stigma. 

Hearing your grandkids clearly or catching every word of a movie, the AirPods Pro 2 makes it easy and affordable to get the help you need.

Sleep Apnea? There's a Watch for That

Let’s talk about sleep apnea—it’s one of those things that can sneak up on you and mess with your life. 

You’ve probably heard horror stories about snoring, I’ll tell you another. My friend’s spouse actually had to move into another room because his snoring was awful! And what’s behind most snoring? Sleep apnea.

But it’s not just about snoring. Even mild cases of sleep apnea can leave you feeling exhausted throughout the day. You wake up tired, hit that afternoon slump hard, and by evening, you’re just not yourself.

Until now, figuring out if you had sleep apnea meant going to a hospital or sleep clinic for an overnight study. And let's be honest, how many of us are signing up for that? Between the cost and the time it takes—sleeping in a strange bed hooked up to machines—it’s no wonder most people just avoid it.

But Apple changed the game with the Apple Watch. The watch is a mini sleep lab on your wrist. It monitors your breathing disturbances during sleep, and over time, it can notify you if there are signs of sleep apnea. 

No bickering, no hefty bills. With this feature, you get sleep-study-like insights right at home, every night, with almost zero effort.

Health for All, Literally

So, my cousin—who’s in his 50s—refuses to admit he needs reading glasses. Classic. But I’ve caught him squinting at his phone more than once. This is where the iPhone’s accessibility features come in clutch, especially for anyone over 50 who is still in denial.

Take Display & Text Size—you can make text bigger, bolder, and even turn your iPhone into a magnifying glass (seriously, it’s called Magnifier).

Then there’s VoiceOver, which reads everything on the screen out loud. On the audio side, Live Listen is a game-changer. You place your phone next to the person you can’t hear (probably your spouse), wear your AirPods, and there—you’ve got front-row seats to the conversation. My uncle uses it all the time, and now he hears everything (for better or worse).

And subtle features like the Haptic Feedback are lifesavers. The Apple Watch will even tap your wrist when you get a notification, so you’re never out of the loop.

The best part about all of this? You can continue feeling younger.

Apple’s "Intelligent Guardian" Approach

Recall in the Bond movies how Q is always giving Bond those slick gadgets before he even knows he needs them? That’s Apple for you, working behind the scenes to keep you safe.

Take the Apple Watch, for instance. Without having to ask, it’s monitoring your heart rate, checking your blood oxygen, and now—detecting sleep apnea. 

And just like Q, Apple’s focus is on prevention and protection. You may not think you need all these health insights right now, but when that irregular heartbeat notification pops up, you’ll be glad your watch was paying attention.

Fall detection takes this a step forward. If your iPhone or Apple Watch detects a hard fall, it taps your wrist, sounds an alert, and gives you the option to call emergency services. If you’re immobile and you don’t respond, your watch doesn’t wait around––it automatically calls 911 for you.

Privacy First

One thing that many see as a bottleneck for tech in healthcare is privacy. And that’s understandable. One big tech company knowing about your diseases, won’t make you exactly comfortable. 

That’s why Apple stands out with how it emphasizes privacy. Apple devices encrypt health information in a way that only you (and whoever you choose to share it with) have access.

I believe Apple, unlike certain other companies, is keeping itself out of the data business. Its approach to healthcare is tech-first, and not data-first. This is going to be a major reason for its continued success in democratizing healthcare. 

It’s Just the Beginning

Apple’s journey in health is just finding its feet. They have exercised caution while moving forward with rigorous scientific validation. Their new products like the Apple Vision Pro could very well be transformational for medical students in the way they learn surgeries and in-clinical operations. 

It makes you wonder: Could Apple’s greatest product actually be its commitment to health? I think we’re beginning to see the answer unfold right in front of us. And it’s only going to get better from here, for all of us.

iOS 18: Get ready for AI

Apple’s iOS 18 will be finally here on Monday Sep 16 2024, and it's packed with a slew of new features that promise to make your daily interactions with your iPhone even more seamless and productive. With improvements in everything from Siri to the Photos app, iOS 18 focuses on personalized and intuitive experiences.

We break down the key additions and how they’ll likely impact your daily use of your device.

1. Apple Intelligence and Writing Tools

The introduction of Apple's intelligence-driven Writing Tools might be one of the most impactful features for users who frequently work with text on their devices. Whether you're composing emails, messages, or social media posts, you now have access to enhanced writing assistance.

The Rewrite function allows you to create multiple versions of your text while preserving your original tone. This feature is perfect for users who need to send both formal emails and casual messages, providing flexibility to quickly switch writing styles like "professional," "friendly," or "concise." It’s like having an editor in your pocket.

Apple Intelligence Writing Tools

Proofread offers real-time grammar fixes and language refinements, a significant upgrade for anyone tired of third-party grammar apps. Meanwhile, Summarize is designed to help you quickly digest lengthy content by generating high-quality summaries of documents, articles, or even text conversations.

Daily impact: Think of these tools as the ultimate productivity hack. Whether you’re drafting quick messages or writing long-form documents, these features will help improve both the quality and efficiency of your writing.

2. Siri’s Enhanced Capabilities

Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, has taken a significant leap in iOS 18, adding a range of intuitive, context-aware features. Perhaps one of the most exciting updates is Personal Context Understanding. Siri can now access a vast range of data, like emails, calendar events, and messages, to answer more personalized questions. For example, you can now ask Siri, “What was the movie Jamie recommended last week?” and Siri will sift through your messages to find the answer.

Siri’s ability to perform in-app actions is also vastly improved. For instance, if you’re editing a photo, you can ask Siri to "Make this photo warmer," and Siri will adjust the settings for you, minimizing the need to fiddle with sliders and menus. Siri can even handle multi-app tasks, such as adding edited photos directly into a note or email.

Daily impact: Siri’s contextual understanding makes interacting with your phone hands-free more efficient and useful. From helping you find critical information in messages to performing complex multi-app tasks, this enhanced Siri will be your personal assistant on a whole new level.

3. Image Playground: A New Level of Creativity

iOS 18 introduces Image Playground, a fun and interactive platform where users can create and remix images using Apple’s machine learning technologies. Whether you’re creating photos based on a text description or remixing existing images, this app is designed to be a creative playground.

Apple Intelligence: Image Playgrounds

You can also incorporate friends and family into your images by selecting people from your photo library. The AI will place them into unique environments—think of placing your best friend on the moon or your sibling in a fantasy world. Additionally, Image Playground’s Quick Previews feature lets you rapidly cycle through visual concepts, allowing you to experiment with different image styles and choose the one that suits your needs.

Daily impact: For casual users, this is a fun and easy way to spice up social media posts. For creative professionals, the ability to generate conceptual images and visualize ideas quickly will be a game-changer, saving time and sparking new ideas.

4. Revamped Photos App

Apple has completely overhauled the Photos app, making it smarter and more customizable. New Collections automatically organize your photos by theme, making it easier to relive memories or find specific events. These collections also include a new Groups in People & Pets feature, allowing you to organize and view photos of you and your loved ones together.

The Clean Up Tool is another highly requested feature, allowing users to remove distracting elements from their photos. Imagine you took the perfect shot, but an unwanted object ruined it—this tool lets you erase that distraction without the need for third-party apps.

Daily impact: With the new tools in Photos, organizing, editing, and finding photos becomes significantly easier. Whether you’re a frequent traveler looking to curate collections of your adventures or a casual user wanting to clean up shots on the go, these features will streamline your photo management process.

5. New Control Center Customization

iOS 18 brings the most customizable Control Center ever, allowing users to rearrange controls based on personal preference. You can now group controls by categories such as Home, Media Playback, or Connectivity, and even resize them for easier access.

Apple Intelligence: All the Accessibility features in Control Center

The Controls Gallery now supports third-party apps, so you can add widgets and shortcuts from non-Apple apps directly into Control Center. Additionally, on devices equipped with an Action Button, users can assign specific Control Center actions to this physical button for quick access to key features.

Daily impact: This customization will be a boon for power users who want quicker access to frequently used controls and apps. Whether you’re controlling your smart home or media playback, the ability to tailor the Control Center to your needs is a great time-saver.

6. Messages Experience and Smart Reply

In iOS 18, Apple has enhanced the Messages app with new tools like Smart Reply. This feature predicts responses based on the context of the conversation, making it faster and easier to send replies without typing out full sentences.

Apple Intelligence: Send Later feature in Messages

You’ll also see Summaries of message threads before opening them, which allows you to quickly understand the context without needing to read the entire conversation. Additionally, new Text Effects and Text Formatting options let you add dynamic animations like "Explode" or apply formatting like bold and italic to make your messages pop.

Daily impact: These improvements make daily messaging more fun and efficient. Whether you’re sending quick responses in group chats or emphasizing a point in one-on-one conversations, these tools help you communicate more effectively.

7. Enhanced Privacy and Security

Apple has doubled down on privacy in iOS 18, offering new tools like Improved Contacts Preferences, which allows you to control what contact information you share with specific apps. A redesigned Privacy & Security section also gives you an overview of how much data apps are accessing, making it easier to adjust permissions.

Another standout is Locked Apps, which hides app data from searches and notifications, ensuring that private information remains private even when you hand your phone to someone else.

Daily impact: For privacy-conscious users, these features offer more transparency and control over personal data, ensuring that your information is protected on your terms.

8. AirPods and Audio Improvements

If you're an AirPods user, you'll love the improvements coming in iOS 18. New Voice Isolation technology enhances call quality in noisy environments by isolating your voice and minimizing background noise. This is especially useful in bustling settings like coffee shops or public transport.

AirPods Pro now can be used as medical hearing aids

For gamers and music lovers, Personalized Spatial Audio for Gaming creates an immersive sound experience, perfect for getting lost in your favorite game or playlist.

Daily impact: These features will transform how you experience calls and media on your AirPods, offering clearer audio and a more immersive listening experience.

9. Revamped Mail App

The Mail app gets a smart overhaul in iOS 18. Priority Messages highlight the most important emails at the top of your inbox, ensuring you never miss a critical message. A new Preview Summaries feature shows key information before you open an email, making it easy to see what’s important at a glance.

Smart Reply extends to emails as well, automatically generating responses based on the content of the email you’re replying to. With these tools, responding to emails becomes faster and less of a chore.

Daily impact: These features save you time by streamlining the email process, ensuring that you always stay on top of your inbox with minimal effort.

Conclusion

iOS 18 marks a significant step forward in Apple's ongoing mission to deliver a more intelligent, user-friendly experience. From the revamped Photos app and more intuitive Siri to advanced writing tools and privacy-focused features, iOS 18 is designed to make your iPhone not just a device but an indispensable tool for daily life. Whether you’re a power user or someone who just wants to get through the day more efficiently, iOS 18 has something for everyone.

This update might not overhaul the look of your device, but it enhances nearly every core experience, making interactions smoother, more personalized, and more secure. Prepare to dive into a world where your iPhone understands your needs better than ever.

Smart Sprinklers: Saving Water and Keeping Your Lawn Lush

As summer stretches into October, lawns and gardens everywhere start to suffer under the relentless heat. Whether you're dragging out the garden hose every evening or relying on an outdated sprinkler system, maintaining that green, pristine look can feel like an endless battle.

Sprinkler systems, though increasingly affordable, often guzzle water—especially if you have large grassy areas in your yard. Sure, we all know the eco-friendly choice is to ditch the lawns and switch to drought-tolerant landscapes that mimic Southern California's natural flora. But let’s face it: lush, green lawns are still a favorite, even with cities like Monrovia offering incentives to go water-wise.

If you’re committed to keeping your lawn without wasting water, it’s time to level up with smart sprinklers.

What Makes Sprinklers "Smart"?

Smart sprinkler systems, like the popular Rachio Smart Controller, do more than just follow a watering schedule. These systems are Wi-Fi-connected and sync with real-time weather data to adjust watering based on actual conditions. They monitor everything from seasonal changes to rainfall forecasts, tweaking watering times automatically so you don’t have to worry about over or under-watering. Plus, they take into account factors like soil type, yard slope, and local water restrictions—optimizing water use while keeping your lawn healthy.

Total Control, Even When You’re Not Home

The convenience doesn’t stop there. Smart sprinkler systems can be integrated with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home, so you can control your sprinklers with simple voice commands. Whether you’re relaxing on the couch or halfway around the world, you can turn your sprinklers on or off by just asking Alexa or Siri.

One of the standout features is weather-based adjustment. Your smart sprinklers won’t just water when it’s scheduled—they’ll skip a cycle if rain is in the forecast or pause during downpours. No more watching your neighbor’s sprinklers run while rain floods the street because they forgot to turn them off. And let’s be real—manually adjusting traditional sprinkler systems can be a pain, often leading to procrastination.

The Environmental and Financial Perks

Not only do smart sprinklers save you time and hassle, they can also save you money. By adjusting for weather and preventing over-watering, they reduce your water bill significantly. Our city of Monrovia even offers rebates—up to $120—for installing weather-based sprinkler controllers. That means you’ll start seeing savings as soon as you make the purchase.

Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller

I installed the Rachio system a few years ago, and it’s been a game-changer. I get the peace of mind that comes with knowing I’m conserving water, while also enjoying the convenience of automation and voice control. Plus, the city rebate helped offset the initial cost.

Ready to Upgrade?

If you're looking to maintain a healthy lawn without wasting water, it’s time to consider a smart sprinkler system. With rebates available and the convenience of automatic, weather-based adjustments, it’s a no-brainer for anyone serious about both sustainability and a beautiful lawn.

For more information about Monrovia’s water conservation rebates visit their website.


Keep Your Cuppa Warm with Ember

There's nothing quite like starting your morning with a steaming cup of chai, rich with spices and robust English breakfast tea. Picture this: you're on your backyard porch, savoring each sip, surrounded by birdsong. But then, reality hits, and you have to dive into your morning emails and messages. After 45 minutes of intense digital correspondence, you reach for your cup, only to find it cold and unpalatable. Ugh.

For years, my daily routine included reheating my forgotten cup of chai in the microwave—a hassle, to say the least. That was until I discovered the game-changing Ember mug, a sleek solution designed to keep your drink perfectly warm for hours.

Ember: The Mug That Redefines Warmth

Ember isn’t just any mug; it’s the epitome of smart drinkware. With a built-in heating element, it keeps your beverage warm for up to 4-5 hours. This means my chai stays hot and enjoyable until lunchtime, transforming my mornings.

Ember Mug v1

The Ember mug stands out with its superior build quality. Made from a special ceramic material with an aquaphobic coating, it’s incredibly easy to clean—just a quick rinse, and it’s spotless. No residue, no fuss. Plus, it comes with a sleek charging base, ensuring your mug is always ready for action.

Smart Temperature Control

One of Ember's coolest features is its temperature control via a mobile app. Pair the app to your mug using Bluetooth, and you can monitor and adjust your drink’s temperature to your preference. It’s an effortless way to ensure your drink is always at the perfect warmth.

Worth the Investment?

You might wonder if all this technology is necessary for a mug. Isn’t it easier to just reheat your drink in the microwave? Sure, that's practical. But once you experience the consistent warmth Ember offers, you’ll see the difference. It’s a significant quality-of-life improvement, turning each sip into a small pleasure. After a few days, using any other mug feels like a step backward.

More Than Just a Mug

Ember’s lineup includes a smaller cup, a tall tumbler, and a travel mug. I personally use the 10 oz regular mug and the 12 oz travel mug. Both have revolutionized my hot drink routine. The regular mug, after five years of daily use, still looks brand new. The travel mug, a Christmas gift from last year, keeps my green tea perfectly warm throughout the day. These mugs are built to last and truly enhance your drinking experience.

Ember Travel Mug

Ember Travel Mug

Final Thoughts

Whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, an Ember mug is a fantastic addition to any hot beverage lover’s life. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Get yours today, or add it to your next gift list—you won’t be disappointed, and soon, your whole family will want one too.

Indian Innovators - Manoj Deshmukh

At some point in everyone’s career, we have looked on with envy at someone who is clearly enjoying their job because they really love it. You review your own daily grind and feel, what if I quit my job in a few months and start building that Etsy shop for selling anime-themed products? Admit it, you have thought along those lines more often than you would care to admit.

Today, my guest on the Indian Innovators podcast is Manoj Deshmukh. He is a software engineer and my classmate from PICT. A few years ago he quit his highly successful software executive job and got serious about his hobby - making custom fountain pens. Since then he has had amazing success, as fountain-pen lovers all over the world have found his website and have been ordering pens from him, so much so that his current backlog for pen delivery is about 2 years. Yes, that’s right - if you order a pen from his website today, he can only deliver it to you about 2 years from now.

The cliché “follow your passion” is absolutely brought alive by Manoj. He makes each pen by hand, making one pen a day. He researches ink delivery mechanisms, designs his own, and experiments with new wood and acrylic materials. His finished products are quite stunning and very comfortable to write with.

Watch our interview and find out how he finally gave up his day job and turned to make his hobby his daily addiction. You can order his pens at fosforpens.com

Manoj Deshmukh - Artisanal fountain-pen maker

Indian Innovators - Anil Lamba

As a young entrepreneur starting my first company back in 1993 at the age of 24 in India, I had a really severe shortcoming in my skill set. I had no idea how to manage the money we were earning from selling BBS subscriptions for my startup, JabberWocky BBS.

My partner, my younger brother was still in school, and I had just graduated from computer engineering college myself. The only thing that I learned in college that was of any use, was hacking Linux. And that skill was acquired on my own without any help from the college staff or syllabus.

In the approximately six years or so (a story for another post😀) I spent in engineering school, they tried to teach us everything from Thermodynamics and Strength of Materials to Compiler Construction and Linear Circuits. But the one subject that no one taught us was finance.

Even today, none of the engineering syllabi offer a course on financial basics, like reading a balance sheet, raising corporate capital, and forming a company?

Luckily for me, one day in 1995, I saw an ad in the local newspaper on a Financial Basics class taught by another young entrepreneur named Anil Lamba. I signed up for the course, and over the next ten weeks, every Saturday was spent learning how to be a financially literate entrepreneur. That course changed my life and put me on the path of financial freedom. I was able to navigate the deliberately complex world of corporate finance and manage the entirely crucial world of personal finance.

Today, my guest is Anil Lamba himself. We have kept in touch through all these years, and I have watched his training program grow to a successful enterprise at Lamcon Schools. He is the author of many best-selling financial books (all of which I own). His first book “Romancing the Balance Sheet” is required reading for anyone who even thinks of starting their own company.

Watch our conversation, and hopefully, it will reaffirm your own financial literacy or get you on the path to it. I cannot emphasize how important this is for everyone.

Indian Innovators - Anil Lamba, Financial Literacy Educator

Indian Innovators - Maria Partapurwala

My guest today is Maria Partapurwala. She was my classmate in elementary school back in Pune, India. After graduating from college and setting up a family with two daughters, she ventured into the field of Yoga.

Her dedication to her craft and to her students is inspiring and highly motivating. I feel that there is too much desire to be a technically perfect yogi or yogini. Rather than that, Maria goes for empathetic yoga teaching, where students appreciate the finer points of yogic exercise and meditation and improve the overall quality of life rather than just the flexibility of their bodies.

Watch and listen to her inspiring story and how she turned a debilitating back injury into a successful yoga school - teaching hundreds of students every day to manage their health better through exercise and fitness rather than medicine and drugs.

PaperCircuit - Indian Innovators with Maria Partapurwala, Yoga Center Founder

Indian Innovators - Vivek Mundkur

Welcome to the PaperCircuit podcast series - Indian Innovators.

My first guest is Vivek Mundkur. I have known him since about 1993 when I first started getting interested in hang-gliding. I was an aero-modeler until then and my aero-modeling guide, Capt. Bhole mentioned that I should meet up with Col. Vivek Mundkur and try out hang-gliding. That was a life-changing moment for me.

I got to know Vivek really well as I learned to hang-glide and later built my own hang-glider with him. We flew it one afternoon in 1995 at the hill behind his Kudje farmhouse. I also learned sailing, wind-surfing, and the art of jugaad (tinkering) from him over the course of many years in the 90s.

View and listen to our chat and see first-hand why he is such an inspiration to everyone…

Vivek Mundkur -pioneer of hang-gliding in India

PaperCircuit Podcast - Indian Innovators

Today is the launch of my PaperCircuit podcast - Indian Innovators. I have been meaning to launch a podcast, ever since the first podcast showed up on my iPod almost 16 years ago. That was the This Week In Tech podcast by Leo Laporte.

During the last few months of COVID, I finally buckled down and put together a plan to interview some amazing Indian creators, mentors, and motivators that I have known throughout my life. These are people I have known first-hand and have caused deep impressions on me and shaped my life so far.

I plan to do these interviews as a limited series of 12 episodes - interviewing a dozen interesting people that have influenced and befriended me. The podcast will be available on my YouTube channel and also on Apple Podcasts. Hope you enjoy the series.