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Episode: iOS Today 734: Magic with Messages

Release Date: January 9, 2025

Hosts: Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Magic with Messages is an insightful episode of iOS Today hosted by Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard. Recorded on January 7, 2025, the episode delves deep into the multifaceted features of Apple’s Messages app across various Apple operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. The hosts aim to empower listeners with tips and tricks to maximize their messaging experience on Apple devices.

1. Introduction to Messages App Enhancements

Micah and Rosemary kick off the conversation by highlighting the evolution of the Messages app. They emphasize how Apple has continuously integrated features to compete with third-party messaging platforms like WhatsApp, aiming to offer comprehensive functionality within the native app.

Micah Sargent [02:10]: "Over time, Apple has added more and more features to Messages to align it with some of the third-party options available."

Rosemary adds that the Messages app isn't just limited to iMessage but encompasses a broader range of communication tools, making it a central hub for Apple users.

2. Navigating the Messages Interface

The duo provides a detailed walkthrough of the Messages app interface, pointing out various elements such as:

• Pinned Conversations: Users can pin up to nine conversations for quick access.

• Contact Information: Tapping on a contact’s picture reveals options like location sharing, read receipts, and notification settings.

Rosemary Orchard [02:35]: "You can pin messages by tapping and holding on any conversation, which is quite handy for keeping important chats front and center."

• FaceTime Integration: A FaceTime button allows users to initiate video calls directly from the Messages app.

• Attachments and Media: The plus icon unveils options like Photos, Stickers, Apple Cash, Audio Messages, and more, enabling rich media sharing.

3. Advanced Messaging Features

Edit and Undo Send

One of the standout features discussed is the ability to edit or unsend messages, providing users with flexibility and control over their communication.

Rosemary Orchard [07:56]: "If you tap and hold on a recently sent message, you can edit it or undo the send, which is incredibly useful for correcting mistakes or retracting unintended messages."

Scheduled Messages

Scheduling messages is another powerful tool that allows users to compose messages in advance and send them at a specified time, ensuring timely communication without manual intervention.

Rosemary Orchard [10:00]: "You can schedule a message to be sent later by tapping the plus button and selecting the 'Send Later' option, adjusting the date and time as needed."

Micah Sargent [11:15]: "I use reminders in conjunction with scheduled messages to ensure I don't miss important conversations, especially across different time zones."

Location Sharing and Check In

Location sharing features, such as sharing real-time locations or checking in at specific destinations, enhance safety and connectivity among users.

Rosemary Orchard [15:00]: "The Check In feature allows you to notify someone when you've arrived at a destination or if you haven't reached your destination within a certain timeframe."

Micah Sargent [17:13]: "Unlike Find My, Check In offers a battery-efficient way to share your location only when necessary, providing peace of mind without constant tracking."

4. Managing Audio Messages and Transcriptions

The hosts explore the benefits of audio messages and the newly introduced transcription feature, which converts audio to text for easier access and readability.

Micah Sargent [23:03]: "Transcriptions are a game-changer for audio messages, allowing me to quickly read through messages without the need to listen, especially in environments where audio playback isn't feasible."

Rosemary Orchard [23:45]: "You can also use the microphone button to send text transcriptions directly, offering versatility in how you communicate."

5. Screen Sharing and Remote Assistance

A highlight of the episode is the discussion on the screen sharing feature integrated with FaceTime, enabling users to offer remote assistance and collaborate seamlessly.

Micah Sargent [24:10]: "Screen sharing allows you to guide someone through their device settings by visually pointing out what needs to be done, making technical support more efficient."

Rosemary Orchard [26:15]: "You can request control of another device, which is incredibly useful for helping family members troubleshoot issues without being physically present."

6. Customizing Messages through Settings

Micah and Rosemary delve into the Messages settings, uncovering various customization options that enhance user experience and privacy.

Rosemary Orchard [27:52]: "In Settings > Messages, you can control everything from read receipts to filtering unknown senders, ensuring your messaging environment is tailored to your preferences."

Micah Sargent [30:27]: "Filtering unknown senders helps reduce spam by segregating messages from unknown contacts, though it’s important to monitor this occasionally for important messages like two-factor authentication codes."

7. Shortcuts Corner: Automating Alarms

In the Shortcuts Corner segment, Micah and Rosemary address a listener’s request about automating alarm settings using the Shortcuts app. Rosemary provides a step-by-step solution to create a shortcut that manages multiple alarms based on arrival and departure from work.

Andrew’s Request [34:24]: "I’m trying to create automation shortcuts to turn my alarms labeled 'Break' on when I arrive at work and off when I leave."

Rosemary Orchard [34:50]: "By using the 'Find Alarms' action with a filter for labels containing 'Break' and integrating it with location-based triggers, you can effectively manage your alarms without manual intervention."

Micah commends Rosemary’s comprehensive response, highlighting the practicality and customization possible with Shortcuts.

Micah Sargent [39:57]: "Rosemary has effectively addressed the logic needed to automate these alarms, making the process straightforward for users like Andrew."

8. Final Tips and Community Engagement

Before concluding, Rosemary shares additional tips on using the Messages app, such as utilizing the subject field for organizing conversations and managing message retention settings to control storage.

Rosemary Orchard [27:52]: "Don’t forget to explore the Settings app where you can customize message retention, block contacts, and adjust how content from Messages appears in search."

Micah encourages listeners to engage with the iOS Today community through surveys and social media, fostering a collaborative environment for continuous improvement of the show.

Conclusion

Episode 734 of iOS Today, titled "Magic with Messages," serves as a comprehensive guide to mastering the Messages app on Apple devices. Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard effectively navigate through advanced features, practical tips, and automation techniques, ensuring listeners are well-equipped to enhance their messaging experience. Whether it's scheduling messages, managing audio transcriptions, or leveraging screen sharing for remote assistance, this episode offers valuable insights for both casual users and tech enthusiasts.

For more tips and detailed discussions, be sure to listen to the full episode of iOS Today on TWiT.tv.