henryblackman

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henryblackman
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  • New UK ID app yet again fumbles tech that Apple has already perfected

    henryblackmanhenryblackman
    What a dreadfully uninformed, foolish, and biased point of view - clearly anti-government. Uk.gov is the envy of the world, with the UK having an amazingly well designed, accessible, digital presence for all of its citizens across almost all services. Uk.gov is apolitical, as most of the government outside of the USA is, not being subject to the whims of elected fools. I’d also like to point out that the USA is not leading here, although a handful of states do use the platform. 

    The government is launching a digital driving license, but is also creating a platform for a digital passport, and other digital ID that citizens hold. Documents that Apple and Google do not support. They have also NOT said the digital driving license would not be compatible with Apple and Google’s platforms either at launch or later. 

    Having being involved with Apple’s digital student ID initiatives I know that they do not make supporting their platform easy, have ridiculous requirements that are hard to meet, and charge for the privilege. The author has also missed that driving licenses are very different in the UK, they are not expected to be carried whilst driving, or available on demand to police if you are stopped, nor are they as easy to obtain as they are in the USA, so expectations are quite different. 

    As to the comments regarding the UK’s robust covid response, and Covid app. Given this was under development prior to Apple and Google’s joint development, I don’t see how this authors narrative is accurate. Where is the evidence that the UK government wanted to sell citizens data? It does not, as a matter of law, have the ability to do so. Did it want more data that the Apple/Google platform provide? Yes, and why not? The UK government, like so many others - and let’s remember who was President during the pandemic in the USA - does not exist to do anything but serve its citizens. 

    For citizens of the USA reading this, or anything else, please understand that UK politicians like politicians of other European countries, do not typically set out  to enrich themselves as a primary outcome, nor hold outrageous beliefs that they wish to impose on citizens. They are public servants, and whilst there are, unfortunately some bad eggs, generally those who benefit from exported USA political rhetoric which simply does not apply overseas. 

    So all in all, kindly bugger off, because you have no idea what you are talking about. 
    tiredskills

  • watchOS 6 should support direct-to-Apple Watch software updates

    henryblackmanhenryblackman
    ihatescreennames said:
    Soli said:
    Personally, I'd just like to be able to pair my Apple Watch with my vehicle's bluetooth.
    I happened to try this again just last week, no luck. I get the 6-digit code and can verify it on the Watch and my car but after that I get an “operation failed” notice on my car.

    I, too, would like to see this work. When I’m making a quick trip to the store, just a couple of miles away, I can use my Watch for Apple Pay and or to send a quick text if needed, etc. Being able to use it for calls and music would allow me to leave my phone at home.
    I have had luck in the past with an older Mini, but oddly not since watchOS 5.
    caladanian

  • Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell to support HomeKit Secure Video at launch, indoor & outdoor c...

    henryblackmanhenryblackman
    22july2013 said:
    This is an odd development because AppleInsider previously reported that wireless cameras were not supported by Apple HomeKit. So now they are?
    The Netatmo cameras are not wireless, they are all powered from a cable, including the doorbell. 
    cornchipwatto_cobra

  • Nokia to sell off failed health division to Withings co-founder

    henryblackmanhenryblackman
    charles1 said:
    Wow, just yesterday my doctor said I should get a BP monitor, so I looked on the Apple Store and they have the Nokia BPM+ for $129.95. It appears to be an update of the Withings BPM (no "plus") which you can find on Amazon for $99, as well as the apparently identical Nokia BPM (no plus again) at the same price. But the Nokia BPM+ is not available directly through Amazon (only through a third-party which is price-gouging at $361). Well now I'm not sure what to do. I read reviews that the Withings app sucked but Nokia updated it. Now app development is back with Withings?
    The BPM and BPM+ are two different products. The BPM 'just' the Withings product, and it's great.  Get it the best way for you, if that's what you wish - Amazon if it's better.  The BPM+ is a different model, of course it still measures your blood pressure, but it's much smaller and you can certainly travel with it.  The BPM (no plus) is quite large, and finding a drawer for it is a task.  Silly?  Perhaps, but you have to put it away, so maybe it's worth the extra.

    HealthMate, the app, is good - it really is better than when it was a Withings app.  The major update was released too early, and the complaints were warranted, however the issues have been resolved as far as I can see, and you're good to go.  It's the best HealthKit set of products IMHO.
    watto_cobra