Day: May 19, 2015

Seagate Backup Plus Fast: a good external drive for Mac users?

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

As a MacBook Pro with Retina Display owner, disk space is at a premium. My MacBook features 256GB of SSD flash storage, which isn't exactly tiny in most use cases, but is downright microscopic when it comes to editing video and audio.

My video files are extra large due to the fact that I shoot in 4K the majority of the time. In fact, simply gathering the footage for this video review was somewhere in the neighborhood of 25GB, and that's not even an in-depth video like an iPad review or an Apple Watch review.

With this in mind, it became apparently clear that I was going to need an external storage solution. But I also needed something that was fast enough to adequately handle the throughput required by 4K video.

After lots of research, I ended up purchasing the Seagate Backup Plus Fast drive. It's a 4TB RAID 0 drive, so it's fairly fast. A couple of weeks into my purchase, I've accumulated several hours of hands-on experience with this drive. Does it live up to my expectations?

Automatic debuts new vehicle adapter and developer SDK

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Automatic, the makers of the adapter that allows cars to talk to smartphones, debuted new hardware and third-party app support on Tuesday. The new hardware comes in the form of a second-gen Automatic adapter that supports real-time data, and third-party app support in the form of a new SDK.

More specifically, the new adapter supports dual Bluetooth data streams: one to the Automatic mobile app and one to a third-party app. This allows both apps to receive data from the adapter simultaneously over an encrypted Bluetooth connection. It also features built-in GPS, and MFi certification.

How security technology and data protection are implemented within Apple Watch

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

In the refreshed iOS Security Guide, Apple has for the first time detailed security technologies pertaining to the Apple Watch.

As it turns out, the wrist-worn device borrows the many security features and technology built for iOS, including hardware-encrypted storage and data protection, keychain access control, protection of wireless data exchange with its paired iPhone and much more.

How to fix a “referencing media on the camera” error in Final Cut Pro X

Jeff Benjamin ∙ May 19, 2015

Every now and then, you may run into an issue with Final Cut Pro X where a file doesn't successfully import. Due to this, the media that you're working with in your project is still referencing the location where the file originally was (i.e. SD Card, Camera HDD, etc.).

When this happens, and you try to share/export a project, you'll receive an error message that says "This item cannot be shared while it is still referencing media on the camera."

To fix this problem, you'll need to reimport your footage from the original source using the File menu. It's fairly straightforward, but it's not exactly obvious as to what you should do when you first encounter this issue. Inside, we'll show you the error message and the quick fix in our brief video tutorial.

PCalc for Apple Watch released with Glance, Send to iPhone, tip calc, RPN support and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 19, 2015

Thanks to independent iOS and Mac developer James Thomson, you can now wear PCalc on your $400+ Apple Watch. The award-winning $9.99 calculator app for the iPhone and iPad was updated today with WatchKit support.

The app is very nicely done and feels native. It puts the full calculator with RPN Support on your wrist, along with a Glance to see the result of your most recent calculations from your watch face, a tip calculator and other goodies.

Google and Twitter team up to provide Tweets in mobile search results

Cody Lee ∙ May 19, 2015

Google and Twitter announced on Tuesday that they are partnering up to bring Tweets to Google Search on mobile devices. The move means that now, anytime you perform a search using the Google app (iOS or Android) or mobile browser, you'll see real-time content from Twitter in your results.

The search results are triggered by “Twitter” keyword searches, and include both hashtags and accounts. So you can either search for feedback on the new #TaylorSwift album or #MadMenFinale, or you can track down NASA's Twitter account, and view their recent Tweets without leaving Google.

First Apple Watch software update launches with performance improvements for Siri, fitness tracking, apps and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 11, 2025

Following its April 2015 launch, the first software update for the Apple Watch is now available for download through the companion Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Release notes for Apple Watch OS 1.0.1 cite several performance improvements related to Siri, third-party apps, activity tracking and more.

In addition, the software update delivers display support for new emoji characters and more than half a dozen new languages.

Let’s Talk iOS 082: Worst case scenario

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated February 1, 2018

Episode 82: The Steve Jobs movie teaser trailer, new iPhone specs rumors hint to a big upgrade, Watch OS security, upcoming Apple Watch software features, Siri shortcomings, and Apple Watch cases.

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Tim Cook tells employees Apple Watch will be available in stores in June

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

During Tim Cook's visit to China last week, the CEO held a meeting at Apple's headquarters in the country to give employees an update on recent happenings. Citing sources with knowledge of the assembly, 9to5Mac provides an overview of everything that was talked about, and there are some rather interesting tidbits.

For starters, Cook told attendees that "the Watch could not be going better," and that "Apple is working really hard on making more." He also seemingly confirmed reports that the company has solved some of its supply chain issues, promising that Apple stores will begin carrying Watch inventory sometime next month.

TomTom renews Apple Maps agreement

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated August 4, 2016

TomTom, an Apple Maps data provider, announced Tuesday renewing its partnership with the iPhone maker “for maps and related information.”

“TomTom has renewed and extended its global agreement with Apple for maps and related information,” wrote the Amsterdam-based company in a short notice on its website. “No further details of the agreement will be provided,” they added.

Helius 2 adds a fresh coat of paint to the Lock screen music controls

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Helius 2 is the follow-up to the popular tweak that redesigned iOS Lock screen media controls. In a nice gesture to owners of the original, developers s1ris and Phillip Tennen have rewritten the tweak from scratch and are providing it as a free upgrade to previous owners of Helius.

In case you've forgotten, or in case you've never used the original version, Helius is a tweak that takes your default media controls on the Lock screen, and provides them with a fresh coat of paint. Have a look at our video walkthrough for more information on how this tweak works.

How to access Apple Watch diagnostic port

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 9, 2020

Contrary to some reports, shipping Apple Watch units do feature a hidden diagnostic port inside the groove of the bottom strap connector slot. It looks a lot like Lightning I/O, bit it's not Lightning.

Featuring a six-dot brass contact, it's believed to be aimed at service technicians for diagnostics purposes, while potentially providing direct access to the Watch OS and demo software installation on demo units in Apple Stores.

This tutorial explains how you can access the 6-pin port using just a sewing needle. Before we get to it, keep in mind that doing so could impact the water resistance of your Apple Watch and might void your warranty.