Hope you’re having a fantastic day so far. I’m up early (as usual), have my coffee in hand and the house is already decorated for the holidays. So far, so good.
This has been an incredible past few months if you’re into technology. The gadgets just keep coming, which has meant no rest for me, but I also understand it’s a tricky time for spending and upgrades due to the pandemic.
So, I’m here trying to be mindful of the situation but also give you the info you need to navigate all of this new tech coming out for the holidays.
Let’s get started, shall we?
Yes, you should definitely read the words above in the voice of Jan. Apple has just been absolutely full speed ahead with their release schedule. In the past few months, they’ve launched new Apple Watches, new iPads, four new iPhones, a subscription bundle, and new laptops with their own chips inside.
And, they’re not even finished! By the end of the year, we’re scheduled to see a new Fitness App from them as well. I’m tired just thinking of it all.
** As of this week, the iPhone 12 Mini and Max are now available**. That makes four new iPhone 12 models to choose from. The Mini is perfect if you just want a small and simple iPhone packed with the latest features. The iPhone 12 is the best overall phone for most people. It has the best combination of size and features. Go 12 Pro, which is the same size as the 12, if you want an upgraded camera experience with a zoom lens. Finally, go 12 Pro Max if you want the absolute biggest and best iPhone available today, with even more zoom capabilities and low light performance. Just be warned, it’s big.
Personally, I think I’m going with the iPhone 12 Pro this year. Last year I had the Max and I’m really enjoying being able to maneuver my phone with one hand and not having it weigh down my pocket.
Also this week, Apple unveiled new computers with their own chip inside, called the M1. This replaces the Intel processor that is usually inside. There are three new computers with the chips: a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and a Mac Mini. The laptops apparently have better speeds and battery life, plus they’re fanless so silence is golden!
I don’t necessarily think you need to run out and upgrade right now, but I wouldn’t be hesitant to buy these new models at all. Apple has proven it’s hardware and software synergies in the iPad and iPhone for years now. It’s likely going to be a winning combo in laptops, too.
The new laptops start at $899 with education pricing.
Finally, Apple’s HomePod Mini is going on sale Monday. After spending just about an hour with the speaker, I already decided it will be the top-selling gift of the holiday season. What’s not to love? It’s a tiny smart speaker with slick iPhone integration and the price is right at $99.
If people were going to the mall to shop these things would be stacked up in a pyramid outside the Apple store and people would be gobbling them up. The sound quality is quite remarkable considering the device is just about 3 inches tall. Plus, the audio fills the entire room, whether you’re playing content at low or high volumes.
I haven’t liked a speaker this much since I first got Sonos many years ago. But the HomePod Mini is much cheaper than those speakers and you can group them together for whole-house audio for a fraction of the price.
Curious about what else I recommend for the holidays? I’m keeping a list of my recommendations here.
Unlimited free storage. Yep, the one thing that has set Google Photos apart from every other cloud photo provider out there is going away.
Google says it is nixing unlimited free storage as of June 1, 2021. Here’s the deal. Anything you upload until then in “high quality” will remain stored free of charge (presumably forever)
But after June 1, 2021, anything you upload, even in “high quality” will still count against a 15-gigabyte quota. Google says most people will still be able to upload pictures for free for about 3 years even after the changeover, but that all depends on your photo taking habits and especially how many videos you take, which will gobble up storage fast.
This changes everything. For years, I’ve recommended Google Photos because you can upload your photos for free and keep them there without thinking about storage. Soon, that will no longer be the case, which has me reconsidering alternatives like Apple’s iCloud, Amazon Photos, Microsoft OneDrive and more.
Two things to do right now:
First, check to see if you have any large videos in unsupported formats taking up your storage by visiting this page. You can delete these items, or download them and reupload in a new format that is supported by Google Photos and won’t count against your storage quota.
Second, check this page to see Google’s personalized estimate of how long you will be able to go before paying for storage.
Personally, I pay $10 a month for 2 terabytes of Google storage, so this won’t affect me as much but now I’m all about making that 2 terabytes last as long as possible.
It took me a while to reach this conclusion, but I have decided the Samsung S20 FE is the best overall Android phone for most people this year. Yes, Note 20 Ultra is still my overall favorite, but that phone is big and expensive and has a lot of things not everyone needs.
The S20 FE is generally selling for about $599 and includes nearly all of the cutting edge features you need. It also comes in a bunch of fun colors and the camera is very capable. If you’re looking to upgrade your Android phone, this could be your next handset.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is a fun new offering from Nintendo. It involves a real toy car plus race tracks that you build in your home. But the neat thing is, it all comes to life on the Switch screen using augmented reality.
My kids loved it. Good luck finding it in stock.
Seriously, since my goal is to help you out, check websites like NowInStock.net, BrickSeek, Popcart, BuyVia and zoolert.
r̶o̶a̶d̶
ZoomIf you know anything about me, you know I absolutely LOVE magic. In fact, way before my RichOnTech days, I went by the name “The Amazing Rich-O” for a bit as a kid.
Anyway, that’s all to say I was super excited to meet up with magician Trigg Watson, who has made the best of the pandemic and lack of live shows. He converted his loft into a virtual magic studio and does fun, interactive shows on Zoom.
In my podcast, I talk about the tech stuff I think you should know about plus I answer the questions you send me! In this week’s show:
Hands-on with HomePod Mini, iPhone 12 Mini and Max; Apple's M1 chip; macOS Big Sur arrives; AirPlay 2 comes to Roku devices; Instagram's redesign; hands-on with PS5 and the new Xbox.
Listeners ask about the best mesh networking systems, what internet speed to get, whether to repair or replace an aging laptop, deleting a Facebook account and where to get pet insurance.
Listen here: https://bit.ly/RichOnTechPodcast
Yep, Instagram has a major redesign. They’ve put a new “shopping” tab right where you used to check your likes and comments. So convenient for millions of guaranteed mis-taps.
If you still have a Slingbox, it will stop working on November 9, 2022.
Ring is recalling doorbells, but it’s only an issue if you put the wrong screw in the bottom of yours.
Gotta give the kid credit. I wouldn’t have thought of this.
As always, please hit the heart on your way out so I know you enjoyed this newsletter. You can find it at the top or the bottom of the email.
Also, if you’re not following me on Instagram, now is a good time.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Rich
