appleJAC Users Group

Meeting Agenda-May 2020

Matias Wireless Keyboard: Magic Touch

a review by Tom Piper

The history of the modern computer keyboard begins with the first practical typewriter, patented by Christopher Latham Sholes in 1868. We’ve come a long way from typewriter, teletype and keypunch machines, but the QWERTY keyboard continues to be the most reliable and accurate input device for computers today.

My new favorite such device is the Matias Wireless Keyboard that has replaced my aging short Apple Bluetooth keyboard. Taking design cues from Apple’s iconic aluminum keyboards, the device fills a few gaps that Apple chose not to pursue. Mine is Space Gray (to match my 16” MacBook Pro), but it is also available in Silver, Gold and Rose Gold.

This wireless keyboard brought back the numeric keypad, which I missed on my prior keyboard, which is nice on the wireless unit. Like an Apple keyboard, the function keys let me control screen brightness, volume, iTunes, and more. There’s even an Fn key that lets me momentarily change the function keys back to their traditional duties, when I need them.

Another feature that I had not previously considered is that the Matias Wireless Keyboard pairs with up to four Bluetooth devices, which includes my 16” MacBook Pro, 27” iMac, 12.9” iPad Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max (could also include an Android device too, like my Amazon HD tablet). With a simple touch on one of the four convenient keys, I now easily switch between these devices, and the keyboard adjusts its layout to match each of them.

Matias spared no expense to make this the best Bluetooth keyboard possible. It now includes a much bigger 1,600 mAh rechargeable battery. That is five to twelve times bigger than what can be found inside most other wireless keyboards. This means that it is big enough to last a full year on a single charge. Unlike others, this keyboard stays on all the time, so one touch immediately brings my Mac (or other device) back to life. No waiting to reconnect or switch between technology tools.

In addition to this, it is really nice to have a lighted keyboard that can be switched on/off with its own button (the degree of brightness is also controllable in combination with the plus or minus key). There is a separate battery for brightness which last for weeks, depending on amount of use. Did I mention the integrated numeric keyboard which now replaces my separate keypad from NewerTech (also made by Matias). Its so nice to have convenient access to the number, home, page, end and other keys.

Another notable difference is the key “touch” while typing. At first, the Matias keys seemed “loose” by comparison to Apple’s built-in keyboard on my MacBook Pro. Then, I realized that the travel distance is almost twice as much on the Matias keyboard, which also makes them more audible while typing. I tend to be a heavy-handed typer, so the feedback is now very satisfying. And, while this keyboard’s Space Gray color is more silver than my MacBook Pro’s space gray, the difference is not bothersome (in fact, I like the keyboard’s color better).

All in all, this keyboard is a wonderful addition to my office and workaday environment. It has made typing to all four of my daily-access devices so very easy and convenient. I believe this new tool has improved my productivity and technology input enjoyment.

For more information about the Matias Wireless Keyboard, go to https://matias.ca/aluminum/wireless/ where it can also be purchased for only $139.00 (USD). Without backlighting, it is available for $99.00 (USD). This is one of many fine, quality products from Matias, all available on their website at https://matias.store. These are products we can rely on!!!

 

Meeting Agenda - April & May

Due to concerns for our vulnerable population's potential exposure to COVID-19, the aJ Board decided to CANCEL the April 7 and May 5 regular meetings at Kennedy Hall, and postpone the PREVIEW topic to the July 7 face-to-face meeting (assuming we can resume regular gatherings by then). We're not sure about the June 2 picnic meeting yet.

We invited questions that you would have otherwise asked during our Q&A session, which were to be sent to me ([email protected]). Since no questions were submitted, no answers are provided here.

In addition, George Kopp has prepared a 45-minute presentation on Apple Photos for a “Virtual” meeting so you can continue to learn more about your Macs during these stay-at-home times. This video covers most of the tools available in Photos. In order to view the video, click on this link: https://youtu.be/wwwxmhFuixg. Feel free to submit questions to [email protected], or directly to George ([email protected]), if you have any.

Obviously, the future of our gatherings will continue to remain flexible until this pandemic passes. We have discussed some alternative meeting options in the interim. 

To save money, be sure to check the vendor discount offers (great new offers and more) on website Special Vendor Offers (Members Only) and enter the password "ugmemberdeals". There are many new terrific opportunities.

 

Amiron Wireless Copper: Incredible Sound

a review by Tom Piper

Back in the 1880’s, the first headphones (or at least their early ancestors) were used by telephone operators. It was a single earpiece that rested on the user’s shoulder and weighed over 10 pounds! In 1910, Nathaniel Baldwin began manufacturing the first modern headphones which he crafted in his kitchen and sold them all to the U.S. Navy. 27 years later, the DT-48’s from Beyerdynamic became the first dynamic headphones to hit the market. Dynamic headphones are still the most popular type on the market, but there have been many advances over the past 80+ years.

The Amiron Wireless Copper headphone set from Beyerdynamic is one of the most advanced consumer cans on the market today. My home has always been considered the ideal place to experience my music, but also want it to go wherever I want without cables while enjoying the best sound quality. These high-end Tesla Bluetooth headphones with sound personalization (closed) include:

• Circumaural headphones with optimum sound quality
• Elegant copper elements: decorative rings made of solid copper
• MOSAYC sound personalization thanks to beyerdynamic MIY app
• Touchpad control and more than 30 hours battery life 
• Quality craftsmanship made in Germany

Setup of these new headphones was a simple and straight-forward pairing with my iPhone 11 Pro Max. Our sense of hearing is unique and changes over the course of our lives as evidenced by the hearing aids I’ve worn for the past ten years. So, I also took advantage of the included unique MOSAYC sound personalization by the Mimi Defined controls of the MIY app which compensates exactly this development and adjusts itself precisely to my hearing ability. The six-minute diagnostic process was like an abbreviated session at my audiologist as it took me through a series of tonal and volume tests to register my sound thresholds. This customized the headphones to my personal needs.

While listening to my favorite music, I really like the intuitive controls on the right side of these headphones. In addition to the USB-C charging port, 3.5mm audio jack, microphone port and LED-lighted on/off button, there are also additional operational controls on the side panel. Media playback can be stopped/started by a double-tap on this panel, a forward/backward finger stroke will move to the next/prior track (stroke and hold will fast forward/rewind), and a up/down finger stroke will increase/decrease volume. I can contact Siri with a 2-second hold, or make/take a phone call with a double tap on the center of the panel (a single tap during a call will toggle with a second caller). Very easy, simple and convenient controls.

Now, every room comes alive with the mind-blowing wealth of detail thanks to this set’s legendary Tesla technology. They immerse me in spacious and realistic sounds produced by the Amiron Wireless with deep and precise basses, equally full natural mids, and silky-clear highs. Whether listening to classical, legacy, modern, or new age music, my experience was enjoyable and fulfilling (much more than a set of earbuds).

Not only is the sound wonderful, but my experience has also been esthetically pleasing. The delicate voice coils composing the heart of the headphones were the inspiration for selecting copper to be a visible design feature. As stated on their website, Copper is versatile, remarkable, and vibrant. For centuries, it has exemplified innovation and to this day continues to be admired for its beauty and its inimitable play of color. The copper look of this exquisite metal is enriched by the headphone’s dark, technical appearance and the soft headband made of Alcantara. In addition to legendary sound, the pinnacle of visual perfection is achieved featuring elegance that attracts attention.

The Amiron Wireless headphones initially seem heavier than other headphones I’ve used, but at just over 14 oz, these over-the-ear devices are really quite comfortable with quality padded cups and secure fit. This is also thanks to decades of experience in Beyerdynamic’s design of headphones for musicians, sound engineers and audiophile music enthusiasts which ensure perfect wearing comfort with masterfully balanced contact pressure and an uncompromisingly perfect fit.

As for technical specifications, a single charge of the headphone battery will last more than 30 hours. The frequency response is 5-40,000 Hz with nominal sound pressure level of 100 dB. The Bluetooth profiles supported include HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP, and GAVDP, while the Codecs include aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, AAC, and SBC. A 48” audio cable in also included so I can hardwire to my 16” MacBook Pro (I love to listen to the Ventures while working on my laptop). This also allows for connection to any music player with a 3.5” port, like older iPods. All in all, this a great headphone!

For more information about the Amiron Wireless Copper headphones, go to https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/amiron-wireless-copper.html, where they can be purchased for $699.00 (USD). Free shipping for this product applies in the cart. Beyerdynamic is a robust company of high quality consumer and professional products including microphone systems, speakers, headphones and headsets located in New York, with headquarters in Germany. With almost 100 years of experience in audio and headset products, they are characterized by the company’s desire to innovate and continuously develop technology. I strongly recommend this and any of their products.

 

Eve Energy: Remote Appliance Control

a review by Tom Piper

Home automation has become all the rage for many of us, and there is a wide variety of controllers available. Early to the market were remote-control light bulbs and outlet inserts, many of which were simply on/off switches for lamps and such. There is now an amazing appliance switch that does much more.

The Eve Energy is a smart plug and power meter that inserts into any outlet so that I can switch appliances on and off from anywhere. Not only that, it also tells me how much power they’re using, and allows  them to come to life on their own. This can be done with a simple tap, Siri voice command, or a press of the onboard button. And activate the child lock to prevent unwanted operation.

Setup of the unit actually took about 5 minutes. Simply using my iPhone to scan the included QR code set me up immediately after plugging the unit into a wall socket. The heater fan I plugged into it is now voice-controlled by. Siri, or controlled by an icon in my Home app, or manually turned on/off with a lighted button on the front. I can also set a timer or schedule for autonomous control through my Eve app.

My home hub (AppleTV and HomePod) keeps me connected to my home whether I’m  strolling around the block, or exploring the world. I can use this device to set schedules for lights, humidifiers, fans, and other vital devices. My appliances can now respond to occupancy by communicating with other Eve devices about where I am, such as using my Eve motion sensor.

As for energy, my curiosity, sense of economy, and need for conservation are good reasons to monitor power consumption and projected cost are aplenty. Eve Energy gives me the information needed to meet these needs. In the Eve app, I can see that the heater is using 708 watts of energy (the unit can handle up to 1,800 watts) with a projected cost per year, and a graph showing when and how it was used.

Because I already have a number of HomeKit accessories, they all work in concert with this device. I can create a “scene” in which my Eve Energy switches the appliance on/off based on occupancy, or time of day, or motion, or many other programmable factors. It doesn’t matter where I am at any time since my Apple TV (and HomePod) makes all this possible. It’s easy to set scenes quickly using Siri, my Control Center, or Apple Watch. 

I can engage accessories using the Home app on my iPhone, iPads, or iPod touch. Not only that, but I can see concise records, gain insights, and enjoy full control of my connected home, all with the free Eve app. And, all data is end-to-end encrypted and stored on my iPhone or iPad. It is comforting to know that, equipped with Bluetooth low energy technology, Eve accessories ensure reliable operation independently of bridges.

More information about the Eve Energy unit is available at https://www.evehome.com/en-us/eve-energy. The regular purchase price is $39.95 (USD), and a 25% discount is available if you are an Apple user group member. Like all Eve devices, this is a dependable, high-quality, durable product at a reasonable price that will bring you great satisfaction, just as it has for me!

 

Eve Water Guard: Great Leak Protection

a review by Tom Piper

Have you (or anyone you know) come home from a trip to find your floor flooded due to a washer malfunction, or a leaky water heater, or faulty pipe? Water damage can be extensive to flooring, carpet, electronics, storage and so much more. It negatively affects our quality of life, results in expensive repair bills, and is something that happens very frequently. If only you had some early way of knowing that your floor just got wet . . . now there is!

The Eve Water Guard is a simple device that detects water leaks and alerts me the moment they occur both visually and audibly, using an app on my iPhone 11 Pro Max. As stated on the Eve website, according to industry statistics, about one in 50 insured homes has a property damage claim caused by water damage or freezing each year. The causes are innumerable, with many leaks going undetected for long periods. They can range from burst pipes, a leaky dishwater outlet, a loose connection under the sink, a broken washing machine, a downpour that floods the basement to an overflowing bathtub – and practically anything else in between. 

When water leaks out, I need to act swiftly to prevent worse damage. Eve Water Guard will alert me immediately with its loud 100 dB siren and bright red flashing warning light. It will also notify me by iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Since I also have several home hubs (an Apple TV and HomePod), I also get notifications when I’m away from home. This innovative device monitors large areas of any room thanks to its supplied 6.5 ft sensing cable that serves as a full-length sensor (if more length is needed, I can extend it up to an incredible 490 ft). Thus, every part of my room is monitored, leaving nowhere for water to leak out or pool undetected.

My Eve Water Guard is located in the basement, with the sensor cable running under my water heater and softener, which is directly under my clothes washer on the floor above. I also plan to place another unit under our kitchen sink since the dishwasher is right next to it. Installation took less than 10 minutes with simple instructions to link the device to my network via my iPhone. The control icon now appears in my Home app, and notifies me that it is ready (after running an initial water test). It is very comforting to have this protection.

Another advantage is that the Eve app reminds me at regular intervals to check that Eve Water Guard is working correctly by using a soft alarm that’s gentle on the ears. And, if the siren is triggered, I can mute Eve Water Guard via my iPhone, even if I’m away from home, because of my home hub.

Because I already have a number of HomeKit accessories, in case of an alarm, they all work in concert with this device. I can create a “scene” in which my Eve Energy (see separate review) switches off my washing machine to stop even more water flooding out. I can also use AirPlay 2 to sound an additional alarm another part of my multi-story condo. It doesn’t matter where I am at any time since my Apple TV (and HomePod) makes all this possible. It’s easy to set scenes quickly using Siri, my Control Center, or Apple Watch. 

I can engage accessories using the Home app on my iPhone, iPads, or iPod touch. Not only that, but I can see concise records, gain insights, and enjoy full control of my connected home, all with the free Eve app. And, all data is end-to-end encrypted and stored on my iPhone or iPad. It is comforting to know that, equipped with Bluetooth low energy technology, Eve accessories ensure reliable operation independently of bridges. In every case, setup is quick and easy, and energy consumption is minimal.

More information about the Eve Water Guard is available at https://www.evehome.com/en-us/eve-water-guard. The regular purchase price is $79.95 (USD), and a 25% discount is available if you are an Apple user group member. Like all Eve devices, this is a dependable, high-quality, durable product at a reasonable price that will bring you great satisfaction, just as it has for me!