Apple Watch users get different challenges every month to earn badges. My challenge this month is to burn at least 50,400 Calories in 31 Days. That equals to average of 1625.81 Calories a day; as recorded by the Apple Watch.
January 2019 Challenge
Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto on Mazda3
I received an email on Monday, November 19, 2018 from our local Mazda Dealer that Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto available as a dealer-installed update.
One short phone call later, the installation as scheduled for Wednesday, November 21, 2018. As mentioned in the email, the dealer pricing was $399.95 plus tax. I assumed that the pricing includes the $199 for the parts and software, and the labor cost.
I dropped off my 2014 Mazda3 early in the morning and was given a loaner 2018 Mazda3. I was hoping that the loaner Mazda3 would have CarPlay installed, but it did not. I was told that November 21, 2018 was the first day the dealer starts providing the upgrade.
Around 3:00 pm, I received a notification that my car was ready. I left for the dealer to pickup my car. After signing the paperwork and making the payment for the installation, I finally got into my Mazda3.
I connected my iPhone to the newly upgraded 2.1-amp USB port and turned the car on. There it is, Apple CarPlay in my Mazda3.
One thing I noticed is that I also have the latest version of Mazda Infotainment system. According to Mazda, the latest version available for the OS was version 59; my Mazda3 had OS version 55.
After the CarPlay installation, the car now has OS version 70.
I only had Apple CarPlay in my Mazda3 for 2 days. The $399.95 + tax seems a bit high according tony colleagues. To me it is a worthy upgrade.
Mazda models compatible with Apple CarPlay™ and Android™ Auto upgrade:
- 2014-2018 Mazda3
- 2016-2018 Mazda6
- 2016-2019 Mazda MX-5
- 2017-2019 Mazda MX-5 RF
- 2016-2019 Mazda CX-3
- 2016-2018 Mazda CX-5
- 2016-2018 Mazda CX-9
The retrofit includes installing new software and 2.1-amp USB ports.
2018 iPad Pro On Screen Keyboard
When Apple released iOS 12.1 Update on October 29, 2018, it also restored the keyboard layout where the “Numeric Key” and the “Emoji/Language Key” were in place of each other.
Now it looks like the 2018 iPad Pro, we have only the 11-inch model, still has the two keys swapped.
Mazda Retrofit for Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto is now available.
Mazda has announced the availability of Apple CarPlay™ and Android™ Auto retrofit on select models.
- 2014-2018 Mazda3
- 2016-2018 Mazda6
- 2016-2019 Mazda MX-5
- 2017-2019 Mazda MX-5 RF
- 2016-2019 Mazda CX-3
- 2016-2018 Mazda CX-5
- 2016-2018 Mazda CX-9
The retrofit includes installing new software and 2.1-amp USB ports. The retrofit costs 399.95 USD + Tax in the United States.
Apple Pencil 2 and iPad Pro Smart Folio
We’ve received the iPad Pro Smart Folio and Apple Pencil 2, the former last week and the latter today. The iPad Pro is still being shipped at this time.
Live from Brooklyn, it’s Apple Special Event
Apple is set to hold a Special Event, Live from Brooklyn, New York on Tuesday, October 30, 2018.
Now, prepare your Credit Card and yourself to buy whatever Apple is announcing today.
Buy an iPad or two along with some other accessories. Oh and some new Macs too.
Apple Prepares for iPhone XR Pre-orders
