by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Apr 16, 2023 | Monthly Featured Vendors, News & Events
During Tom’s visit to CES, he met with RollingSquare, a Swiss company that calls themselves tech minimalists. Why? They focus on creating products that meet real-world needs, with an attention to high-end design, functionality, and premium quality. So, their products are beautiful, natural, and easy to use.
And, their offerings are truly useful. From their keyring form factor TAU® emergency power bank that charges multiple devices (Lightning, Micro USB, USB-C), to their popular inCharge® multi-function cables, their fast-charging GaN chargers, HYPHEN® 2 ear buds, NAKEY cases (for people who hate cases), and their new Edge mount kit and accessories, each product is aesthetically pleasing and functionally excellent.
Better yet, RollingSquare is offering a limited-time discount to user group members. Check out this month’s offers for full details.
RollingSquare
by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Apr 15, 2023 | News & Events
This Apple World User Group University (AWUGU) online gathering of Apple user group leaders was held at 5:00pm CDST, on April 17, 2023, via Zoom. We had 42 participants for Benefits of AUG Membership. The 85-minute video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/I8NaHQeKPzs (unlisted on YouTube).
This session opened with my welcome, plus a quick review of the meeting protocols. This was followed by a belated Artificial Intelligence presentation about AI for the Heart Human by Marie-fazia Boughenou (Hyper Pomme Paris) whose slideshow can be found in the AWUGU shared folder (see link below).
The first presentation was about ChatGPT’s view of AUG benefits by me (appleJAC User Group) showing five important advantages of membership. This was followed by individual AUG perspectives provided by George Rubin (retired NMUG President) and Eckart Goette (current NMUG President), Ann McKay and Hope Tillman (Apple Charlestown User Group), Nicholas Smith (National Capital Apple Mac Users Group), Dale Stephen (Mac-in-Awe Apple Users Group), Marty Welter (Central Wisconsin Apple User Group), Steve Welsh (The Oregon MacPioneers User Group), Bob Wood (Tucson Macintosh Users Group), Susan Jensen (The Apple Users Society of Melbourne), and others. There was also a brief discussion about succession planning and difficulties accessing the AWUGU iCloud folder (now fixed).
AUG invitations were also offered by Dale Stephen when on May 10 their two Mid-Michigan Mac clubs will host a presentation by 1Password and Janet & Charles DeVore when on Portland Macintosh Users Group of Oregon will be hosting their April 22-23 MacCamp. (more…)
by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Apr 14, 2023 | News & Events
Did you know that Apple is already carbon neutral across their corporate operations and are on the way to making all Apple products carbon neutral products by 2030? You may think that you are aware of the many innovative products that came from Apple research, but did you know that Apple invented a line of disassembly robots (first Liam, now Daisy)? And, in 2022, Apple significantly expanded its use of key recycled metals. The results? Apple now sources over two-thirds of all aluminum, nearly three-quarters of all rare earths, and more than 95 percent of all tungsten in Apple products from 100 percent recycled material.
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by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Apr 12, 2023 | News & Events
Chris Kent, former CMUG President, and Steve Welsh, founder and President of the Oregon MacPioneers User Group, and past member of Apple’s User Group Advisory Board recently shared interesting news about the Corvallis Macintosh Users Group (CMUG). The group has been around since 1984 and recently disbanded. In accord with their bylaws, the group’s remaining funds were used to benefit charity. The group decided to purchase Apple hardware that would benefit selected charitable organizations in the Corvallis area. Better yet, board members and the donation committee met with the organizations to learn what would be the most beneficial for each group. In doing so, they made a real difference in their community.
CMUG gave ARC of Benton County 2 MacBook Air laptops, 3 iPads, 2 AirPods, and one Square Register Kit. Jackson Street Youth Services received 7 MacBook Air laptops, and the Old Mill Center for Children and Families were given 18 iPads (and one of the 21″ monitors that were in CMUG’s meeting equipment)
Wow!
It is sad to see a group sunset, but, as Steve Welsh said, “this is how you do it when you are a community Apple Users Group”
(Thanks to Steve Welsh, Mouse Tracks [The Journal of the Portland Macintosh Users Group], and Chris Kent for this news tip.)
Mouse Tracks
by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Apr 11, 2023 | News & Events
AWUGU Meeting Report about AUGs and ChatGPT
by Tom Piper, Coordinator
This Apple World User Group University online gathering of Apple user group leaders was held at 5:00pm CDST, on March 20, 2023, via Zoom. We had 36 participants for “AUGs and ChatGPT” (see attached JPG image and PDF attendance list). The 85-minute video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/UF8yrq9ll68 (unlisted on YouTube).
This session opened with my welcome, plus a quick review of the meeting protocols. Doug Smith, Chair of the Apple User Group Advisory Board (AUGAB) provided backup support during the call. (more…)
by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Apr 10, 2023 | News & Events
The 6,000+ member strong LA Creative Pro community will hold their next meeting on May 24 at the Gallery Theater in Hollywood. And, the topic will be one that is in the news: AI. The group plans to, “cover most of what you need to know, examples of what you need to see, and not scare the crap out of you in the process.”
Still not sure? Stump the Gurus and the World Famous Raffle will be part of the evening’s entertainment. (more…)
by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Apr 6, 2023 | News & Events
Wondering which iPhone is best for individual member’s needs? Apple has a new service for US buyers, named Shop With a Specialist. The service is an interesting one, in that the customer can see the specialist, via a safe and secure, one-way video shopping session. The specialist can help visitors compare the latest iPhone models (including the new yellow ones), explore new features, and learn about Apple Trade In offers, carrier deals, switching to iOS, and various financing options. The specialists can also discuss add ons and accessories.
Think of it as a Genius Bar for iPhone purchases right in your browser.
Learn more
by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Apr 2, 2023 | News & Events, User Group Meeting Materials
Want to take a look at the early days of Apple User Groups? The Apple Wiki has a collection of early Apple User Group Connection videos. This month’s link offers a young Wozniak, a look at MIDI when it was a new technology, and a reminder that even in the beginning Apple was at the forefront of assistive technologies. From a discussion of new technologies to award winning student projects and more, the videos truly are a fun blast from the past.
See what the User Group Connection was doing in 1987:
Apple User Group Connection – 1987
by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Feb 19, 2023 | News & Events
If you have participated in a Macstock gathering you know why fans look forward to meeting each year. Great sessions, fun events, and wonderful company: who could ask for more?
With the pandemic, Macstock saw a few years of virtual Macstock events. The good news is that Macstock will be back again on July 22 & 2rd. The details are to be worked out, but n the meantime there is Macstock VII Launch Party scheduled for the 27th.
Be there.
Macstock VII Launch Party
Can’t be there? Check out the MacStock YouTube channel.
Macstock YouTube Channel
by Saundra (Sandy) Foderick, Editor | Feb 14, 2023 | News & Events, User Group How To, User Group Meeting Materials
Looking for a quick meeting presentation that provides new tips for real-world use of your members’ iPhones? For learning how your iPhone can recognize specific sounds, to removing duplicate photos and more, You can be sure that each member will leave your meeting with at least one technique that they will actually use.
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