For many years, I kept a notebook and pen nearby to jot down reminders, plan my day, and organize projects. There was no system to it other than that I’d add the date to the page when I sat down to start my day. The key to the process was that I only had...
Learn to Code, Vol. 2
Having built a couple of iOS apps myself and with two kids studying computer science in college, I get asked a lot about how to learn to code. There’s no substitute for coming up with something you want to build or a problem you want to solve and figuring out the details as...
Eero WiFi Routers Add HomeKit Support
Amazon’s Eero routers are the first out of the gate with HomeKit support, which promises to provide greater security to your Internet-connected HomeKit devices.
The update, which appeared today via an update to Eero’s iOS app, walks users through the setup process of adding their Eero gateway to the Home app. Along the way, the Eero app explains that enabling HomeKit support allows Eero to firewall off each HomeKit device, so they only communicate with approved devices and services.
Users can set the level of security for each of their HomeKit devices from inside the Eero app’s setup process by choosing ‘More Options’ from HomeKit Accessory Security screen. Alternatively, security settings can be modified from Apple’s Home app. The three security levels available include:
- Restrict to Home, which only allows connections to your home hub, which the setting warns may block firmware updates or other services.
- Automatic, which allows connections to manufacturer-approved services and devices
- No Restriction, which allows connections to any service or device
I don’t currently use an Eero router as my main WiFi router, but I have a spare one, so I gave the setup process a try. The instructions for setting up HomeKit support were clear and easy to follow as you’d expect given Eero’s reputation for simplifying home networking. I wasn’t able to find the Eero router in the Home app initially, but as a reader pointed out, it’s near the bottom of the Home app’s settings that appear when you tap the house icon from the Home tab. I hope more router makers add this to their products soon. The promise of being able to limit access to more sensitive HomeKit devices like cameras and alarm systems is certainly an enticing one.
Eero’s updated app is available on the App Store as a free download.
AppStories, Episode 151 – Apple’s Blending of Apps and Services→
This week on AppStories, we explore how Apple is increasingly blending services with its apps, where the mix has worked, where it hasn’t, and where we expect the trend will lead next.
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AppStories Episode 151 - Apple’s Blending of Apps and Services
43:00
First Look: RTRO by Moment Vintage Video Camera App
RTRO by Moment is a brand new vintage video camera app for iOS from the makers of my favorite add-on camera lenses for the iPhone and the excellent Moment Pro Camera app.
The app is a new direction for Moment. The company’s Pro Camera app, combined with its add-on lenses for the iPhone, push the boundaries of what’s possible with the iPhone’s camera. Packed with settings and customizations, the Pro Camera app can create stunning photos and video in the hands of a skilled photographer.
In contrast, RTRO is a video-only camera app focused first and foremost on making fun, short videos for sharing that use filters crafted by photographers to create unique retro looks. It’s those filters, which Moment calls ‘looks,’ paired with a simple, approachable interface that make the app work. It’s easy to get started, fun to use, and the videos the app creates have a unique vibe that makes even the most mundane video more interesting for viewers.
Apple’s Blending of Apps and Services
AppStories Episode 151 - Apple’s Blending of Apps and Services
43:00
This week, Federico and John explore how Apple is increasingly blending services with its apps, where the mix has worked, where it hasn’t, and where they expect the trend will lead next.
Omni Task Creator
As I detailed in this week’s episode of AppStories, I’ve been doing some research on and playing around with OmniFocus again. It’s been a few years since I last used The Omni Group’s popular task manager, and I’m enjoying the process of learning the app from scratch and seeing what its fervent community of...
Signing PDFs Without Opening Them
I’m a big fan of the Markup tools that Apple added to Quick Look on iOS and the Mac. On iOS tapping on a PDF in the Files app opens a preview of the file. For there, the easiest route is to tap the Markup icon in the toolbar to sign with your finger...
Q&A
Question: Do you know any iOS podcast players that would allow me to create bookmarks at different points of an episode? (Jay, @verycoolhacker)
The only app I’m aware of that did this was Instacast, but unfortunately, it has been removed from the App Store. I have a copy that I downloaded ages ago, and...









