As 2020 continues to be even more 2020 every day, it's nice to find something entertaining that lets you escape from the real world, even if for only a short while. If you are an Audible subscriber (or if you sign up for a free trial), there is a great title called Have a Nice Day by Billy Crystal. It was released two years ago, but I just learned about it from my wife this week, and given that it stars Kevin Kline playing the U.S. President, it could not be more timely. This is a stage production that lasts less than two hours and was recorded especially for Audible, so it is like an old-time radio drama, complete with live foley special effects. The actors involved are top-notch, including Billy Crystal, Kevin Kline, Annette Benning, Darrell Hammond, Rachel Dratch, Christopher Jackson (who played George Washington in Hamilton), and many more, with the amazing voice of Dick Cavett as the narrator. I listened to this on my iPhone and AirPods, and loved every minute of this funny and heartwarming play. And now, the news of note from the past week:
- If you own a device in the iPhone 12 family and you have heard unexpected noise in one of the dozens of Made for iPhone hearing devices such as a hearing aid, Apple says that you should upgrade to iOS 14.2.1, which came out yesterday. That update also fixes some bugs with MMS text messages and the lock screen on the iPhone 12 mini.
- If you are looking for an iPad stylus but the Apple Pencil is too expensive, Ed Hardy of Cult of Mac reviews the $70 Zagg Pro Stylus, which has a fine-point active tip for writing, but then you can flip it over and use a larger capacitive tip for swiping. And it has magnets so it can attach to the top of an iPad (without charging). Interesting product.
- Josh Ginter of The Sweet Setup recommends iOS 14 home screen widgets.
- Chris Gonzales of The Sweet Setup reviews the Satechi USB-C Wireless Charging Dock for Airpods, a small tray that plugs into the side of an iPad Pro or laptop in which you place your AirPods in a case to charge them. Only $30 on Amazon.
- John Gruber of Daring Fireball wrote a very positive review of the HomePod Mini. In fact, I've seen nothing but good reviews about this product. If you are looking for a good $100 gift for an iPhone user, this could be the one.
- iMore has announced the winners of its Best of 2020 Awards. Lots of great products on that list.
- This is the first time I remember hearing about an app that is available only with a prescription. Malcolm Owen of AppleInsider reports that the FDA has approved an Apple Watch app called NightWare that helps reduce PTSD nightmares by vibrating to wake you up if it senses that you might be having a nightmare.
- When Apple purchased the right to Peanuts for Apple TV+, many folks were upset that it would no longer be possible to watch the classic Thanksgiving and Christmas specials on free over-the-air TV. As Benjamin Mayo of 9to5Mac reports, Apple decided this week to also air the specials for free on PBS so that even more kids can watch them. You're a good man, Tim Cook.
- And finally, kudos to U.S. Fifth Circuit Judge Jennifer Elrod, Judge Charles Eskridge of the Southern District of Texas, and the others who created and performed this Hamilton-inspired song that describes oral argument in the age of COVID-19, We'll Be Back. Bravo! Bravo!
