AllYouCanTech

Apple @ Work Podcast: How Legal Hold Tackles Key Concerns in macOS Backup Solutions

### Apple @ Work: Perspectives from Gleb Budman of Backblaze

In the rapidly changing realm of technology, it is crucial for organizations, particularly those using Apple devices, to manage and secure data effectively. In a recent installment of Apple @ Work, Gleb Budman, CEO of Backblaze, provided insightful perspectives on macOS backups, the significance of data protection, and innovative offerings like Backblaze B2 and Legal Hold.

#### The Significance of macOS Backups

Budman underscored the vital importance of backups in protecting data. Given the growing dependence on digital information, having a strong backup strategy is vital for businesses to mitigate data loss stemming from hardware malfunctions, accidental deletions, or cyber threats. Backblaze presents a convenient backup solution designed specifically for macOS users, ensuring that crucial files are automatically backed up without the need for continuous manual effort.

#### Legal Hold: Safeguarding Your Business

Another important theme addressed was Legal Hold, a function that enables organizations to retain data in response to legal requests. This feature is essential for businesses needing to adhere to regulations and safeguard sensitive information during legal matters. Budman elaborated on how Backblaze’s Legal Hold feature assists organizations in preserving data integrity and accessibility, making certain they are ready for any potential legal challenges.

#### Backblaze B2 and AI Integration

The discussion also covered Backblaze B2, a cloud storage solution aimed at businesses seeking an affordable and scalable method for data storage. Budman noted the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI) within Backblaze B2, which improves data management and retrieval processes. By utilizing AI, organizations can enhance their storage solutions, facilitating easier access to and analysis of data as necessary.

#### Conclusion

As businesses increasingly adopt Apple devices, the necessity for effective data management and protection grows in significance. Solutions like those provided by Backblaze offer organizations the essential tools to protect their information, meet legal obligations, and take advantage of advanced technologies like AI for greater efficiency. For those looking to delve deeper into these solutions, the episode provides a wealth of knowledge and practical guidance.

For more insights, you can listen to the full episode

A Thorough Resource on Classic Macintosh Programming Literature for Today’s Audience

During the weekend, Daring Fireball’s John Gruber pointed to an incredible assortment of early Macintosh programming texts, curated by VintageApple.org. This assortment boasts over 150 books from as early as 1983, addressing a diverse array of subjects from AppleSoft BASIC to game programming on the Mac.

The Vintage Macintosh Programming Book Library came to fruition due to the kindness of Nick R., who generously provided his complete vintage Mac programming library for scanning and dissemination. The assortment features prominent works such as Apple’s ‘Inside Macintosh X Ref’, Steve Chernicoff’s ‘How to Write Macintosh Software’, and the 1992 version of Apple’s ‘Macintosh Human Interface Guidelines’. One particularly captivating title is Dan Shafer’s 1986 publication ‘Artificial Intelligence Programming on the Macintosh’, which offers insightful perspectives on the initial stages of AI advancement.

This endeavor functions not only as a resource for individuals who lived through the Macintosh era but also provides a window into the collaborative journey of personal computing during its early years. For those who did not witness this period, it offers a chance to comprehend the progression of software development and user experience design.

The assortment is a goldmine for both nostalgic users and new fans alike, encouraging exploration and contemplation of the early days of Macintosh programming.

WhatsApp Launches Close Friends Functionality for Status Updates

### WhatsApp Status Updates: The New Close Friends Feature on the Horizon

Although the majority of U.S. users have yet to utilize—or even encountered—WhatsApp Status Updates, Meta has recently announced that this feature is now utilized by 1.5 billion individuals daily across the globe. In the near future, WhatsApp will adopt a concept from Instagram by introducing a Close Friends feature.

If you’re not acquainted with WhatsApp Status, it functions similarly to Instagram Stories, allowing users to post images and videos that vanish after 24 hours. For the past few years, Instagram users have benefitted from a Close Friends feature, enabling them to choose certain individuals to share updates with, rather than broadcasting to their entire followers list.

As reported by WABetaInfo, Meta is gearing up to extend that same capability to the 1.5 billion daily WhatsApp Status users, who presently have the option to select from:

– **“My Contacts,”** which distributes the update to their full contact list;
– **“My Contacts Except…,”** which sends the update to all their contacts, excluding particular individuals;
– **“Only Share With…,”** which shares the update exclusively with chosen contacts.

While numerous users currently rely on the “Only Share With…” choice as an unofficial Close Friends list, they will soon have both functionalities, allowing for enhanced flexibility regarding who can view each update.

#### Here’s How It’ll Function

According to findings from WABetaInfo in the latest TestFlight version, users will have the ability to form a specific Close Friends list within the existing privacy settings menu. When posting a new Status update, users will be able to either share it with their entire contact list or confine it to the selected group of closer friends.

Similar to Instagram, these updates will be visually marked with a differently colored ring around them, indicating to these contacts that they are viewing an update shared only with a select group of friends rather than a wider audience. Furthermore, the list itself will remain private, ensuring that individuals won’t receive notifications if they are added or removed.

Have you ever made use of WhatsApp Status updates? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Experience Apple’s Quick Video Subtitling Model Straight in Your Browser

### Delving into Apple’s FastVLM: A Milestone in Visual Language Models

A few months prior, Apple introduced FastVLM, an advanced Visual Language Model (VLM) that delivers near-instantaneous high-resolution image processing functionalities. This groundbreaking technology is now available to users with Macs powered by Apple Silicon, enabling them to engage with its sophisticated features directly.

#### What Is FastVLM?

FastVLM utilizes Apple’s unique MLX framework, an open machine learning infrastructure fine-tuned for Apple Silicon. This model showcases remarkable performance figures, providing video captioning speeds up to 85 times quicker than conventional techniques while being over three times more compact than similar models.

#### Accessing FastVLM

Since its launch, Apple has broadened the reach of FastVLM. Users can now access it on sites like [Hugging Face](https://huggingface.co/collections/apple/fastvlm-68ac97b9cd5cacefdd04872e) and

AirPods Pro 3 Features Might Be Restricted at Launch, As Per Speculations

### Expected Features of AirPods Pro 3: Health Sensors and Real-Time Translation

As Apple prepares to launch the AirPods Pro 3 together with the iPhone 17 and Apple Watch Series 11, there’s a rising excitement surrounding the potential new functionalities of these eagerly awaited earbuds. Recent information indicates that while some features might not be ready for debut, major progress in health monitoring functions is forthcoming.

#### Health Sensors: Monitoring Heart Rate and Body Temperature

As per a confidential source referenced by 9to5Mac, the AirPods Pro 3 are anticipated to feature two new health sensors. The first is the heart rate monitoring capability, a feature rumored for quite a while and already seen in the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. This enhancement aligns with Apple’s ongoing mission to incorporate health tracking into its audio devices.

The second sensor is expected to have the ability to measure body temperature. This development signifies a notable shift for a product primarily focused on audio quality, as Apple continues to broaden the health-centric functions of its gadgets. The AirPods Pro 2 had already introduced elements like clinical-grade hearing aids and audio hearing assessments, showcasing a distinct trend towards health integration.

#### Real-Time Translation Feature: Postponed Launch

While the enthusiasm surrounding health sensors is evident, another expected feature—the real-time translation capability—might not be ready for the initial release of the AirPods Pro 3. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has reported that Apple is working on this feature, which would facilitate instant translation of conversations through the earbuds. Nevertheless, the anonymous informant indicates that this feature is still in the development phase and is likely to be rolled out in a future software update instead of at the September 9 event.

At present, Apple has rolled out live translation functionalities across several platforms within iOS 26, including FaceTime, but has not yet confirmed similar capabilities for AirPods. There has been an expectation that the announcement would align with the reveal of the AirPods Pro 3, however, the readiness of this feature remains in question.

#### Managing Expectations Ahead of the Launch

As Apple readies for its announcement, it is crucial for consumers to set realistic expectations regarding the features of the AirPods Pro 3. While the introduction of health sensors is encouraging, the potential deferment of the real-time translation feature underscores the challenges inherent in product development. Apple has a history of delaying features connected to Siri, indicating a careful approach to introducing new technology.

The forthcoming event on September 9 will shed light on the future of the AirPods Pro 3 and their functionalities. Whether Apple will announce the real-time translation feature and have it available in beta, or choose to wait until it is completely developed, remains uncertain. As the tech community anticipates official confirmation, excitement for the AirPods Pro 3 continues to escalate.