Transform your living space into a smart, organized haven with apps that help you tackle everything from junk mail to home inventory management. Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard explore practical solutions for maintaining your home, keeping track of important documents, and staying on top of household tasks.

• PaperKarma - Combat annoying junk mail with this clever app that automatically sends opt-out requests to companies on your behalf.
• Devonthink To Go - Rosemary's favorite solution for organizing all your appliance manuals and home documents as searchable PDFs. Never lose another warranty or instruction manual again, with powerful search capabilities and the ability to link directly to specific pages in reminders.
• When Did I...? - Simple tracking app for home maintenance tasks like replacing fire alarm batteries or water filters. Just tap when you complete a task and easily see how long it's been since your last maintenance check. Available for $4.99.
• Sweepy - Gamified cleaning and chore management app that helps families stay on top of household tasks. Set up rooms, assign recurring tasks, and share responsibilities across family members to reduce the mental load.
• Under My Roof - Comprehensive home inventory app perfect for insurance documentation. Scan barcodes, add photos and receipts, track serial numbers, and even set maintenance reminders for appliances and valuable items.

News

• iPhone Event Date - German carrier documents suggest Apple will announce new iPhones on Tuesday, September 9th, with pre-orders likely starting September 12th and availability on September 19th.
• AppleCare One Launch - Apple's new insurance plan covers up to three devices for $19.99/month, with additional devices at $5.99 each. Includes theft and loss protection for iPad and Apple Watch, plus the ability to add devices up to four years old.

Feedback

• Viewer Success with Wipr 2 - Andrew R. shares how the Safari content blocker transformed his browsing experience on ad-heavy websites like the Smithsonian, making previously unreadable pages clean and functional.

App Caps

• Mikah's Pick: Landrop - Cross-platform file sharing solution that works like AirDrop between different operating systems. Transfer files, photos, and folders between iPhone, Mac, Windows, and Android devices over your local network.
• Rosemary's Pick: ASUS ZenScreen - Ultra-portable 15.6-inch monitor perfect for travel, complete with a protective case that doubles as a stand. Pairs perfectly with a compact tripod for the ideal mobile workspace setup.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

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Custom keyboards take center stage as Mikah and Rosemary explore the surprisingly small but mighty world of third-party iOS keyboards, from snippet management to AI-powered writing assistance, plus listener feedback on AirPods cleaning and some delightful app picks.

• Snippety keyboard ($29.99) - Rosemary demonstrates this powerful snippet management keyboard with collections, search functionality, rich formatting options, and advanced features like JavaScript snippets with placeholders and multi-select menus
• Bitmoji keyboard (free) - Mikah showcases this fun cartoon avatar keyboard that creates personalized messages and can include friends who also use Bitmoji, though he notes the unsettling 3D redesign
• Microsoft SwiftKey AI keyboard - Rosemary highlights its reliability during iOS beta issues, easy-to-spot emoji button, built-in paste functionality, GIF search, and translator feature, plus Copilot AI integration for enterprise users
• Grammarly AI Writing keyboard - Overview of grammar and writing improvement features, tone suggestions, vocabulary enhancements, and rewriting capabilities for professional communication

Feedback

• AirPods cleaning kit question from Gregg - Detailed explanation of the Belkin AirPods cleaning kit, featuring distilled water and micellar water that breaks down oils and earwax using micelles that attract fats and dirt

App Caps

• Rosemary's pick: PopSocket MagSafe Stand ($40) - New MagSafe PopSocket that doubles as a phone stand with swappable decorative tops, though she warns against overly symmetrical patterns that make you obsess over alignment
• Mikah's pick: Pet Libro water fountain - Smart pet fountain with inductive charging base, built-in scale for tracking water consumption, alternating 15-minute cycles (perfect for anxious dogs), Wi-Fi connectivity, and foreign object detection

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv.

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Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into Safari extensions that can improve how you browse the web on iOS and iPadOS. From blocking annoying ads and cookie prompts to creating custom search shortcuts and saving articles for later reading, these browser add-ons turn Safari into a swiss army knife of functionality.

• Wipr - A simple, effective ad blocker that works silently in the background without multiple extension instances cluttering your Safari menu, making it ideal for less tech-savvy users like elderly relatives
• Keyword Search - Creates custom search shortcuts using semicolons and keywords to search specific websites directly from the address bar, perfect for frequently searched sites like Apple Support or AP Stylebook
• GoodLinks - Save articles for offline reading later with support for paywall login credentials, allowing you to build a personal reading library that syncs across devices
• Browser Note - Add digital sticky notes to specific web pages that appear whenever you revisit them, perfect for remembering discount codes, login preferences, or shopping reminders
• Hush Nag Blocker - Specifically targets and removes cookie consent banners and privacy prompts without using third-party dependencies or tracking user behavior
• Printer Friendly for Safari - Edit web pages before printing by removing unwanted sections like headers, footers, and ads to save ink and paper while creating cleaner printouts
• Share Tabs for Safari - Export lists of open browser tabs with titles and URLs for easy sharing with others, eliminating the need to manually copy multiple links
• URL Linker for Safari - Format shared links in specific styles like markdown or plain text with customizable formatting options

News

• Apple News Plus Emoji Game - New puzzle game available to News Plus subscribers where players decode emoji combinations to fill in word blanks, joining existing games like Crossword and Quartiles

Shortcuts Corner

• Podcast Reminder Shortcut - Kevin's request for creating Apple Reminders from podcast episodes gets solved with a shortcut that captures both episode titles and URLs, with built-in artwork display when URLs are properly formatted

App Caps

• Endel - AI-powered soundscape app that adapts background music based on time and location, featuring new ADHD-focused modes including Solfeggio tones, 8D audio, and binaural beats for improved focus
• Lock your Notes on iPhone - Built-in iOS feature allowing users to lock specific notes with Face ID or passcode protection, perfect for sensitive information like payment details or secret gift ideas

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv.

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This episode explores the comprehensive Screen Time system in iOS, covering everything from basic usage tracking to advanced restrictions and parental controls. The hosts also tackle a unique automation challenge involving motorcycles and garage doors, while sharing their latest app and gadget discoveries.

• Screen Time Overview - Introduction to iOS's built-in digital wellness system that tracks usage across all Apple devices and syncs settings when enabled
• Screen Distance Feature - New safety feature that alerts users when holding their iPhone or iPad too close to their face, helping prevent eye strain and myopia
• App and Website Activity - Detailed tracking system that provides weekly reports and insights about screen usage patterns across all connected devices
• Downtime Scheduling - Feature that restricts device access to only approved apps and phone calls during specified hours, perfect for sleep schedules
• App Limits - Granular controls allowing users to set daily time limits for specific apps or entire categories like games or social media
• Always Allowed Apps - Designated apps that remain accessible even during downtime, including emergency contacts and essential utilities
• Communication Controls - Settings that manage who can contact the user during screen time restrictions and downtime periods
• Communication Safety - Apple's new feature that automatically detects and warns about potentially inappropriate images before they're viewed
• Content and Privacy Restrictions - Comprehensive parental controls covering app installations, purchases, web content, and various iOS features

Feedback

• Motorcycle Garage Door Automation - Mike seeks help creating a shortcut to automatically open his garage door when arriving home on his motorcycle

App Caps

• DailyArt App - Mikah recommends an award-winning app that showcases a different piece of artwork each day with detailed historical context and artist information
• 8BitDo Micro Controller - Rosemary features a tiny Bluetooth game controller that works with multiple devices and can be reprogrammed for various uses, including Procreate shortcuts

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv.

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Social media chaos got you jumping between apps like a caffeinated squirrel? Mikah and Rosemary explore the fragmented world of post-Twitter social media and reveal the apps that can help you reclaim your sanity and streamline your online presence. The hosts also reflect on how X/Twitter's changes scattered users across platforms, creating fatigue and missed connections.

• Ivory for Mastodon - Tapbots' premium Mastodon client offers customizable navigation, multiple account support, and elegant design for $14.99-24.99/year, depending on platform coverage
• Tapestry by Iconfactory - Unifies social media feeds, RSS blogs, and podcasts into one timeline supporting Mastodon, Tumblr, YouTube, Blue Sky, and Reddit for $1.99/month or $79.99 lifetime
• Croissant by Innoveghtive - Cleverly named tool lets you post to multiple social networks simultaneously (Mastodon, Threads, Bluesky) with alt-text support for $2.99/month or $59.99 lifetime
• Buffer for business users - Professional scheduling platform supports Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, and more with calendar view and automation integrations

News

• Four new games launching August 7th - Play-Doh World (creative open-world), Worms Across Worlds (strategic combat), Let's Go MightyCat (tower defense), and Everybody Shogi (board game variant)
• Apple Arcade pricing reminder - $6.99/month standalone or included in Apple One bundles starting at $19.95

Shortcuts Corner

• Jack's nonprofit photography challenge - Needs to sort 300+ mixed portrait/landscape photos and videos from iPhone events for marketing purposes

App Caps

• Mikah's pick: Knots 3D ($5.99) - Comprehensive knot-tying reference with 3D animations across categories like scouting, climbing, boating, and military applications
• Rosemary's pick: Capsule medication tracker - Her team's newly released app for tracking medications with scheduling, notifications, and family sharing for $12.99/year (launching price)

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv.

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Mikah and Rosemary visit the world of iPad accessories that can truly transform your tablet experience, from the game-changing Magic Keyboard to creative stands and essential styli that unlock your iPad's full potential!

Magic Keyboard & Physical Keyboards

• Apple Magic Keyboard - Premium keyboard case adds trackpad, extra USB-C charging port, and robust protection while transforming typing workflows
• Budget alternatives - Logitech Keys-to-Go and other Bluetooth keyboards offer function keys and media controls at lower price points
• Travel benefits - Bluetooth keyboards with media keys provide convenient remote control for video streaming and presentations

Customization & Protection

• Vinyl wraps - Slickwraps and dbrand offer protective skins in textures like carbon fiber, marble, leather effects, and retro designs
• Practical benefits - Wraps add grip, protection, and personalization while helping identify devices in groups

Apple Pencil Ecosystem

• Apple Pencil Pro - Latest model features squeeze gestures for tool palettes, barrel roll rotation, haptic feedback, hover detection, and Find My support
• Model comparison - Pro vs 2nd generation vs USB-C vs 1st generation, with varying features and price points

Stand Solutions

• Satechi aluminum desktop stand - Heavy-duty stand with cable management, dual orientation support, and flexible positioning from flat to upright
• Satechi hub stand - Premium desktop solution combining stand with 4K HDMI out, USB-A & USB-C ports, SD readers, and audio jack
• Twelve South HoverBar Duo - Versatile system with clamp and desktop bases, Apple Pencil storage, and robust articulating arm

Specialty Accessories

• Satechi Bluetooth remote - Compact media controller supporting PowerPoint, Keynote, streaming apps, and presentation software
• iPad cushion/pillow - UGREEN's washable lap cushion with multiple viewing angles, storage pockets, and ergonomic positioning

Shortcuts Corner

• Van's question - How to discover full folder paths in Save File shortcuts after creation, since interface only shows last selected location
• Mr. Met's inspiration - Wanted shortcut to open Safari's new tab page instead of getting distracted by previous tabs

App Cap

• Adobe Project Indigo - Beta computational photography app using multiple exposures for enhanced dynamic range and noise reduction
• PopSocket MagSafe Grips - Magnetic phone grips with easy attachment/removal and swappable tops

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv.

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Spring cleaning in the summer? Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard roll up their sleeves to tackle both physical and digital device maintenance, sharing expert tips for getting your Apple gear spotless inside and out.

• Physical iPhone cleaning - Apple's official recommendations for safe disinfecting using 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes and Clorox wipes, while avoiding bleach and hydrogen peroxide that can damage device coatings
• Specialized cleaning tools - iFixit's Precision Cleaning Kit featuring tiny brushes, foam-tipped swabs, and contact cleaner for getting into speaker grills and ports
• Digital decluttering - MacPaw's app CleanMyPhone uses AI to find duplicate photos, similar shots, and organize camera rolls while supporting Ukrainian developers
• Mass app deletion strategy - Using Apple Configurator to quickly remove unused apps in bulk, with Rosemary demonstrating how she went from 827 apps to a more manageable number
• AirPods deep cleaning - Apple's specific instructions for cleaning earwax buildup using micellar water and distilled water to break down waxes without damaging the mesh speakers
• Case and accessory maintenance - Importance of removing iPhone cases regularly to clean both the device and case interior, plus organizing charging cables in labeled mesh bags
• Cable management and recycling - Tips for checking cable condition, proper storage solutions, and donating old chargers to homeless shelters for those still using older devices

News

• Control Center transparency - Apple reduced the transparency to minimize distractions while maintaining the glass aesthetic
• Safari interface tweaks - Tab bar repositioned to the bottom for better usability after user feedback
• App Store accessibility section - New feature allowing developers to specify supported accessibility features on product pages
• Enhanced Wallet tracking - Siri can now scan emails for package tracking from any merchant, not just Apple Pay purchases
• Call transcription updates - Feature renamed to "save call transcripts" with clearer notifications that all participants will be informed before recording begins

Feedback

• VoiceOver PDF accessibility - Johnny, a blind user, seeks alternatives to Adobe Acrobat for filling PDF forms, highlighting ongoing accessibility issues with major software companies and poorly designed PDF forms

Shortcuts Corner

• HomeKit automation limitations - Bjorn's question about combining multiple triggers (window open/close) into single automations reveals fundamental HomeKit restrictions that require separate automations for each trigger

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv.

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Leo & Mikah help you with your homework.

• Back to school: Noteshelf, Microsoft Math Solver, WolframAlpha, Babbel - Language Learning, Desmos Graphing Calculator, Cozi Family Organizer, PhotoStudy
• News: Flexibits introduces a new subscription: Fantastical Premium for Families. Google Maps returns to Apple Watch and joins CarPlay Dashboard. Apple releases the watchOS 7 Public Beta. Setapp comes to iOS. The MTA asks Apple to improve Face ID unlock with face coverings.
• Listener feedback: Rotation lock on iOS, nerds vs. geeks vs. dorks, and accidental touches on Apple Watch.
• Mikah's App Cap: Thwip
• Leo's App Cap: Microsoft Family Safety

Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today.

You can contribute to iOS Today by leaving us a voicemail at 757-504-iPad (757-504-4723) or sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

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