Podcast Summary: iOS Today 741: Start a New Hobby!
Podcast Information:
- Title: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
- Host/Author: TWiT
- Description: Leo Laporte brings some of the most interesting personalities in technology together to talk about the most important issues. Fun, relaxed, informative, and always entertaining, count on TWiT for the best tech podcasts in the world.
- Episode: iOS Today 741: Start a New Hobby!
- Release Date: February 27, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 741 of iOS Today, hosts Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard delve into the myriad of ways Apple devices can help users embark on new hobbies. The episode, recorded on February 18, 2025, offers an engaging discussion on various apps that facilitate the initiation and maintenance of hobbies, providing listeners with practical tools to enrich their leisure time.
Featured Hobbies and App Recommendations
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Geocaching with the Geocaching App
Rosemary introduces geocaching as an adventurous hobby that combines elements of treasure hunting with technology. She explains how the Geocaching app, available for free on the App Store, allows users to locate hidden caches worldwide.
"Geocaching is a fun way to get out and about without just necessarily going for a hike... there is a target that you are going towards with this."
— Rosemary Orchard [01:59]Key Features:
- Global Access: Over 3 million geocaches in numerous countries.
- Difficulty Levels: Users can assess the difficulty and terrain before embarking on a hunt.
- Interactive Puzzles: Solving puzzles at cache sites adds an engaging challenge.
-
Learning to Code with Brilliant
Micah discusses Brilliant, an app designed to teach coding and computer science through interactive problem-solving.
"Brilliant teaches you about thinking in code and then goes from there. It's really well done in terms of giving you metaphorical examples that help you figure out what you're trying to do."
— Micah Sargent [04:31]Highlights:
- Interactive Lessons: From basic coding concepts to advanced topics like quantum computing.
- Real-World Applications: Incorporates math and science to provide a holistic learning experience.
- Flexible Subscription: Free courses available with optional in-app purchases for advanced content.
-
Coloring as a Relaxing Hobby with Coloring Book Painting Games
Rosemary recommends Coloring Book Painting Games by Hobby Apps, emphasizing its ad-supported, free model without costly subscriptions.
"If you're looking for something that is entirely free with no subscriptions or purchases, then Coloring Book Painting Games is my recommendation."
— Rosemary Orchard [08:17]Features:
- Variety of Designs: Includes mandalas, floral patterns, and more.
- User-Friendly Interface: Compatible with Apple Pencil for precise coloring.
- Sharing Options: Allows users to share their creations or save them to their galleries.
-
Exploring the World Virtually with GeoGuessr
Rosemary introduces GeoGuessr, a geography-based game that challenges players to identify their location using Google Street Maps images.
"GeoGuessr is a fun way to see the world without having to go anywhere... it's a big family-friendly game."
— Rosemary Orchard [14:48]Key Points:
- Single and Multiplayer Modes: Offers various challenges including party modes for family fun.
- Educational Aspect: Enhances geographical knowledge and observational skills.
- Cross-Platform Availability: Accessible on iOS, iPadOS, Android, and web.
-
Learning Piano with Simply Piano
Micah highlights Simply Piano, an app tailored for individuals interested in learning to play the piano, offering a structured learning path with popular song selections.
"Simply Piano helps you learn how to play piano with little bits of progress and learning... it's one that I have in my pocket for whenever I finally spring for purchasing a keyboard."
— Micah Sargent [17:34]Features:
- Song Library: Includes a wide range of popular songs for practice.
- Interactive Learning: Calibrates with the user's keyboard for real-time feedback.
- Family Access: Subscription allows up to five family members to learn simultaneously.
-
Bird Watching with Birda
Micah introduces Birda, an Apple-produced app designed for bird enthusiasts to identify and track bird sightings.
"Birda lets you identify and keep track of birds that you find... there are 136 species of birds that one can expect in this nearby area."
— Micah Sargent [23:00]Highlights:
- Species Identification: Provides detailed information and locations of various bird species.
- AI Integration: Premium subscription offers AI-powered bird identification through photo uploads.
- Community Features: Users can share sightings and explore bird populations in different regions.
Additional App Highlights
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Apple News Subscriptions: Rosemary discusses utilizing Apple News to explore hobby-related magazines and publications, offering a centralized platform for varied interests such as boating, photography, crochet, and sewing.
"If you have an Apple News subscription, you can access a catalog of magazines and publications that cater to a wide range of hobbies."
— Rosemary Orchard [20:36] -
Broadcasts App for Radio Enthusiasts: For podcast and radio lovers, the Broadcasts app is recommended as an alternative to iHeartRadio, offering enhanced sleep timer functionalities and broader station access.
"Broadcasts allows you to subscribe to a whole bunch of various different radio stations and set sleep timers directly within the app."
— Rosemary Orchard [37:05]
Listener Feedback and Solutions
The episode also addresses listener queries, such as Reid’s concern about the discontinuation of TripCase—a travel app—and Micah’s response recommending Tripsy as an alternative for managing travel itineraries.
"Tripsy lets you add reservations via email, sync to your calendar, and even integrate with TripIt."
— Micah Sargent [31:24]
Additionally, Rosemary provides a solution for Rick’s Shortcuts request regarding setting a sleep timer for iHeartRadio by suggesting the Broadcasts app and utilizing the sleep timer within it.
"Try using Broadcasts and the sleep timer feature directly, which integrates better with shortcuts for a seamless experience."
— Rosemary Orchard [36:52]
News Update
A pertinent news segment covers Apple’s new feature allowing users to migrate purchases between Apple accounts, with certain regional exceptions.
"Apple now allows the migration of purchases between accounts, except in the EU, UK, and India. Users must ensure neither account is a child account in family sharing and that the source account has been used for purchases."
— Micah Sargent [27:00]
Rosemary adds a caveat regarding the removal of unwanted music libraries, specifically referencing issues related to the U2 album "Songs of Innocence."
"If your account has the U2 album, you'll need to contact Apple support to remove it before migrating purchases."
— Rosemary Orchard [29:09]
Shortcuts Corner
In the Shortcuts Corner, Rosemary tackles Rick’s challenge of setting a sleep timer for iHeartRadio through Shortcuts. She recommends using the Broadcasts app or leveraging the sleep timer feature directly within alternative radio apps to achieve the desired automation.
"Using Broadcasts, you can create a shortcut that plays a specific station and sets a sleep timer seamlessly."
— Rosemary Orchard [36:52]
Conclusion
Episode 741 of iOS Today serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners looking to explore new hobbies through their Apple devices. From outdoor adventures like geocaching to creative outlets like coloring and music, the hosts provide actionable app recommendations and insightful solutions to enhance users' leisure activities. The episode blends practical advice with engaging discussions, making it a valuable resource for tech enthusiasts seeking to enrich their personal interests.
Notable Quotes:
- "Geocaching is a fun way to get out and about without just necessarily going for a hike..." — Rosemary Orchard [01:59]
- "Brilliant teaches you about thinking in code and then goes from there." — Micah Sargent [04:31]
- "If you're looking for something that is entirely free with no subscriptions or purchases, then Coloring Book Painting Games is my recommendation." — Rosemary Orchard [08:17]
- "GeoGuessr is a fun way to see the world without having to go anywhere." — Rosemary Orchard [14:48]
- "Simply Piano helps you learn how to play piano with little bits of progress and learning." — Micah Sargent [17:34]
- "Birda lets you identify and keep track of birds that you find." — Micah Sargent [23:00]
- "Apple now allows the migration of purchases between accounts, except in the EU, UK, and India." — Micah Sargent [27:00]
- "Using Broadcasts, you can create a shortcut that plays a specific station and sets a sleep timer seamlessly." — Rosemary Orchard [36:52]
Connect with the Hosts:
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Rosemary Orchard: Visit rosemaryorchard.com for links to her apps, books, podcasts, and social media. Engage with her on the Club Discord server for live interactions.
-
Micah Sargent: Follow Micah at Chihuahua Coffee and connect with him across various social media platforms.
Join Club TWiT: Gain access to ad-free shows, exclusive content, and a vibrant community on the Club Discord server for just $7 a month with a two-week free trial. Visit TWiT Club to join today.
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key discussions and insights from Episode 741 of iOS Today, offering listeners and interested individuals a valuable resource to explore new hobbies through recommended apps and expert advice.