Podcast Summary: iOS Today 730 – Taking Your Devices On the Road and Offline
Podcast Information:
- Title: iOS Today 730: Taking Your Devices On the Road and Offline
- Host/Author: TWiT (Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard)
- Release Date: December 5, 2024
- Description: In this episode, Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard delve into strategies for effectively managing and utilizing Apple devices when internet connectivity is unavailable. From offline maps to satellite connectivity, the hosts provide comprehensive tips to ensure your devices remain functional and your user experience stays seamless, even off the grid.
1. Introduction
The episode kicks off with Micah Sargent setting the stage for an informative session on handling Apple devices without internet access.
Micah Sargent [02:39]: "This is iOS Today, the show where we talk all things iOS, iPadOS, TVOS, WatchOS, VisionOS, and future OSes that Apple might have in store."
Rosemary Orchard joins Micah, expressing her excitement for the episode.
Rosemary Orchard [03:24]: "Name is Micah Sargent and I am Rosemary Orchard. And as always, very excited to be here with this episode for everybody."
2. Preparing for Offline Use
a. Offline Maps (iOS 17 Feature)
Micah introduces the utility of offline maps, a feature available in iOS 17 and later versions, which allows users to navigate without an active internet connection.
Micah Sargent [08:33]: "Now, when it comes to taking these trips, especially if you're going overseas or if you are again entering an area that you think might have trouble with connectivity, there's a great tip that Rosemary you've brought up before and it's something that you use."
Rosemary elaborates on the effectiveness of offline maps, especially in areas with limited cellular service.
Rosemary Orchard [10:16]: "Having offline maps, if you're going somewhere is great. And also if you're going to be taking something like, oh, I don't know, the Tube in London... it's quite nice to be able to just be like, oh, right, yes. So I know that when I get to Baker Street, I want to go to X."
She recommends downloading maps before embarking on long journeys to avoid unexpected connectivity issues and to conserve device battery life.
Rosemary Orchard [16:40]: "Download a map before making a long journey is definitely my recommendation. If you're going to visit a city, why not download the map just to save yourself some battery life and data on your device as well?"
b. External Storage Recommendations
Rosemary advocates for using external solid-state drives (SSDs) to store media offline, ensuring entertainment is accessible without relying on internet downloads.
Rosemary Orchard [04:41]: "...hard drives are getting smaller and smaller. This right here is a SanDisk 4 terabyte SSD. Okay. And it fits in the palm of my hand."
She emphasizes the durability and convenience of SSDs over traditional hard drives, highlighting their compatibility with modern iPhones via USB-C.
Rosemary Orchard [04:41]: "I'd recommend solid state discs over hard drives just because less moving parts means less things to break. And this can literally fit in your pocket to take with you."
3. Managing Media Offline
a. TV and Music Apps
The hosts discuss how Apple’s TV and Music apps facilitate offline media consumption. Rosemary demonstrates downloading specific shows and music tracks for offline use.
Rosemary Orchard [18:19]: "In the TV app, I've got Ted Lasso open here and I have a little download button towards the top, right? So if I tap on download, then it gives me all three seasons of Ted Lasso here."
She advises on choosing appropriate video resolutions to balance storage space and viewing quality.
Rosemary Orchard [18:19]: "If you're planning on watching it on a device, especially one with a smaller screen, then do... maybe download a lower resolution one."
Similarly, in the Music app, users can download entire playlists or individual tracks to ensure continuous access without internet.
Rosemary Orchard [18:19]: "In Apple Music... you can download individual tracks and have those offline, which... you do not want to be in a signal dead spot on like a really lonely stretch of road, just going, oh, okay, and now I'm out of music."
4. Satellite Connectivity
Micah introduces the concept of satellite connectivity, a feature in modern iPhones designed for situations where traditional cellular service is unavailable.
Micah Sargent [23:39]: "Modern smartphones, an iPhone being one of them, are able to make use of satellite connectivity. This was a feature that first came about as a means of emergency access."
Rosemary expands on its practical applications, such as sending critical messages in emergencies and integrating with features like crash detection.
Rosemary Orchard [26:36]: "The intention of the messages via satellite is very much more of a 'I'm sending a message to let him know that I'm like, the hike is going fine and it's all good.'"
She underscores the importance of familiarizing oneself with this feature before needing it in an emergency.
Rosemary Orchard [26:36]: "Try it beforehand and then go use it."
5. Using Safari's Reading List Offline
The hosts demonstrate how to utilize Safari's Reading List to save web pages for offline access, ensuring uninterrupted reading experiences.
Micah Sargent [15:45]: "You can use the reading list to keep that in place... it's going to save it there. And by default, you can read the webpage later even if you're offline."
Rosemary shares additional use cases, such as troubleshooting tech issues without internet access by saving helpful web pages in advance.
Rosemary Orchard [15:45]: "I add these pages to my reading list before I go to their house... it's a good spot to just be able to come back to."
She highlights the importance of enabling the "Save Offline" option in Safari settings.
Micah Sargent [15:45]: "There's a simple setting called 'automatically save offline,' and mine is toggled on."
6. Listener Feedback
a. Rhonda’s Inquiry on Video Access
Rhonda, a paid subscriber, seeks assistance with accessing the video version of the iOS Today podcast.
Rhonda's Feedback: "Can you please provide clear direction on how to access the video version of iOS today? I am a paid subscriber..."
Micah responds by guiding Rhonda through accessing the video content via Club TWiT, offering detailed instructions and assuring personalized support if issues persist.
Micah Sargent [27:47]: "Rhonda, you are able to access this via the podcasts app and I have some good news for you. I created three videos... you can check out the video that we'll link in the show notes..."
He encourages further communication to resolve any ongoing issues.
Micah Sargent [27:47]: "So Rhonda, if you check out the video that we'll link in the show notes... let us know if after following that video you're still having trouble..."
7. Shortcuts Corner
a. Adam’s Reminder App Issue
Adam reaches out with a problem regarding the iOS Reminders app: the inability to reschedule overdue tasks without altering their designated times.
Adam's Request: "My biggest frustration with the iOS reminder app... is missing the option to reschedule all overdue tasks."
Rosemary addresses the issue by walking through a custom Shortcut solution that preserves the original time of day when rescheduling overdue reminders.
Rosemary Orchard [33:28]: "What I need to do is I need to put together a little date action... set it for Friday at 6pm despite the fact that six minutes is six right now."
She demonstrates the step-by-step creation of a Shortcut that adjusts only the date, maintaining the original time, thus effectively resolving Adam’s problem.
b. Scott’s Positive Feedback
Scott provides feedback on a previous Shortcut solution, praising its effectiveness.
Scott's Feedback: "The schedule shortcut works perfectly. It works so well that my wife told me to stop adding my schedule so many times."
Rosemary recaps Scott’s initial request from episode 728, appreciating his success with the provided solution.
Rosemary Orchard [38:14]: "In episode 728, Scott wrote in asking for help with guessing the schedule out of the app that his work uses... I'm really glad to hear that it works."
8. Conclusion
Micah and Rosemary wrap up the episode by inviting listeners to share their own tips and highlighting ways to access additional content through Club TWiT. They provide information on how to follow them online for more insights and updates.
Micah Sargent [38:47]: "If you are looking to get in touch with us to ask your shortcuts corner requests, email us at iostoday@twit.tv..."
Rosemary shares her online presence details, encouraging listeners to connect and engage further.
Rosemary Orchard [40:15]: "The best place to go is rosemaryosha.com which has got links to apps, books, this podcast, and of course all the social media sites."
Micah concludes by thanking the audience and promoting upcoming episodes.
Micah Sargent [40:51]: "Thank you so much for tuning in today to this episode of iOS Today. We will catch you again next week for another episode."
Key Takeaways:
- Preparation is Crucial: Before traveling or entering areas with limited connectivity, users should download necessary maps, media, and important web pages for offline use.
- Utilize External Storage: Portable SSDs are recommended for storing extensive media libraries, ensuring availability without internet access.
- Leverage Built-in Features: Features like offline maps, the Reading List in Safari, and the ability to download media in TV and Music apps enhance offline usability.
- Explore New Connectivity Options: Satellite connectivity on modern iPhones offers a safety net in emergencies, providing an alternative means to send critical messages.
- Customize with Shortcuts: The Shortcuts app can be tailored to solve specific user issues, such as rescheduling reminders without altering their original times.
This episode equips Apple device users with practical strategies to maintain productivity and entertainment seamlessly, even when offline.