bobolicious

... is this a good reminder to wipe a device (if possible) prior to servicing, and perhaps yet another argument for right to repair and user replaceable macOS storage drives ...?

OutdoorAppDeveloper said:

As a user, you should not get too excited about the privacy and security features. Thus far those features have done far more to restrict what you are allowed to do with your devices than they have to actually protect your security. The fact that there are companies that will crack an iPhone security for a price is a good indication that this is more theater than actual user data security. The fact that a cop can grab your iphone and unlock it using your unwilling face is another good example of poor user security. Then there is the story that Apple used facial recognition to get the victim of identity theft arrested. Pardon me while I remain a bit skeptical of Apple's true motives.

...and do all roads still lead to iCloud...?

Eric_WVGG said:

uktechie said:

I’ve been buying second hand Airport Express devices to use for Airplay 2. They work really well and can work as an extra WiFi hotspot too to extend the WiFi range around a big house. 

I've been doing the same, but tbh really looking forward to retiring it.

Unlike modern mesh wifi, when you extend with an Airport Express, the wifi throughput gets cut drastically (I believe as much as by half, but don't quote me on that). I've got my Express wifi turned off and am just using Ethernet. In the era of Chromecasts and Amazon Fire sticks, it feels just ridiculous to be using this block for simply pumping audio.

And when I start playback, there seems to be a delay of a couple seconds while it's handshaking or whatever… maybe it's the nature of the protocol (someone with a Homepod could probably inform us), but it sure seems like a symptom of 10+ year-old hardware. (on the other hand, the Belkin thing doesn't have Ethernet, so maybe it won't connect more quickly at all?)

Finally, it'a just weird to advise people to go on eBay and look for discontinued hardware as the best solution to enabling a nice home stereo system… this Belkin thing is long overdue, glad to see it hitting the market.

I as well have got 4 AEs rigged up to various analogue audiophile setups and really like them when it all works. I use one as a dedicated range extender, along with a 2nd guest network. One trick I understand for speed is to use the last Airport/Time Capsule as the main hub, and make sure the first connection is 5GHz. Non 5GHz has longer range at slower speed for less critical applications, however if the first connection I understand that can slow things down. I then use Apple Remote from iPhone to play lossless throughout my space. One downside has been intermittent connectivity which I can only resolve some times by rebooting. It seems to relate to the remote app. So many iOS updates it is easy to understand. The other benefits include analogue audio for vintage gear and the potential for enet and usb. I keep hoping Apple will bring this back along ATMOS support for less proprietary audio connections. It does seem to carry regular Dolby having used it with an older analogue Rx which decoded from Apple TV 4K. I had little desire to replace my Klipsch with a HomePod to get the fuller WiFi decoding... Has it all become needlessly complex and hyper dependent on ephemeral software support ?  It seems every time I turn on my Apple TV I have a wait for some new bug fix. I'd be upset too if I had just bought a HomePod and found out it had been discontinued. My vintage amps and speakers just keep on working...

Given what I understand of human nature is this potentially problematic...?

iqatedo said:

I've used Apple computers through every processor migration - now, at last, their own silicon. I'll be employing my Intel-based system until necessary software migration is complete, it will be interesting to see how well non-native programs perform. Anyone here unable to move over due to software constraints?

I would have preferred a Mojave 'rosetta' transition if it could have offered emulation support for 32 bit legacy apps...  I too have shifted from 'early adopter enthusiast' pre 2011 to need based 'last post' given Apple's shift to more onerous annual macOS cycles vs what seemed release on merit for the customer... I'm consciously still holding @ High Sierra which mostly 'just works', lets me focus on the tasks at hand rather than workflow reinvention and saves fiddling with 'onboard' storage and the proprietary T2 grab bag... Let the flames begin...