Spent quite a significant amount of time replacing batteries on a lot of gadgets today. Sensors, AirTags, remotes, etc.
Luckily I managed to get a good deal on those CR2032 batteries.
Replacing Batteries
Maybe it’s time to cancel HBO Max Subscription
HBO Max has been “cracking down” on account sharing for quite sometimes now. I first got the message some months ago, even though I technically did not share my account. I do however watch HBO Max at the office, where I have an Apple TV.
I also occasionally watch HBO Max at a home office at my friend’s house which we often do work on.
In addition to that I also use my iPad and iPhone to watch some HBO Max.
Apparently HBO Max system is flagging my account as being shared.
The worst part is now I kept getting this message whenever I’m launching HBO Max app at home.
Maybe it’s time to cancel the subscription.
Toast the Coolest Cat, Eight Years to the Day.
Thank you for all the supports and lessons you’ve given me all those years. I’ll keep the flame on for you as long as I can.
I could have never been able to do what I have been doing all these years without your wisdom and understanding.
I raise the glass for you.
Wednesday April 1, 2026
Nothing is funny anymore since our timeline has been trolling us on daily basis for at least the past decade, or even longer.
Are we living in the alternate timeline???
Thanks, iOS Photos App, it is a Dog?
One amazing feature with iOS Photos App is the ability to recognize certain animals in photos. Apple claims that the image recognition was done in the device itself. Instead of in server clusters. Well, I tend to believe that was the case since sometimes I spotted hilarious result of the image recognition.
Is it a cat or is it a dog?
Not a Single Thought…
She could have been an orange cat, not a single thought existed in her head when this photo was taken.
In case you want to know, she is an indoor kind of cat.
Beats USB-A to USB-C Woven Cables
In 2023, iPhones 15 (iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max) were the first iPhones to ship with USB-C connectors in lieu of Apple’s proprietary Lighting port.
I was one of early adopters of these USB-C equipped iPhones. At that time, I already have numbers of USB-C charging cables, because I use MacBook Pro and iPad Pro. Well, USB-C has been around since 2015, 8 years before Apple had to replace Lightning connector with USB-C to comply with regulations that mandate USB-C on all devices in the European Union.
With the release of iPhones 15, Apple started selling USB-C to Lightning Adapter, designed specifically for users who want to use their existing Lightning cables with iPhone 15. This adapter is priced at 29.00 USD.
I primarily needed this adapter for CarPlay, as my car does not have Wireless CarPlay support and still equipped with USB-A ports. Anecdotally this adapter did not provide stable connection between the car, Lightning to USB-A Cable, and to the iPhone 15. I bought a second unit of this adapter and had the same result. Later on I tested numbers of third party USB-A to USB-C cables and settled with a few brands. While these cables generally provide stable connections, I sometimes have to flip the USB-C connector when it failed to make connection.
Beats-branded USB-A to USB-C cables is an Apple product, and it carries premium pricing.
- Beats USB-A to USB-C Woven Cable (1.5 m / 5 ft.) – Bolt Black $18.99
- Two-Pack Beats USB-A to USB-C Woven Cables – Bolt Black $34.99
- Beats USB-A to USB-C Woven Short Cable (20 cm / 8 in.) – Bolt Black $18.99
After a week using Beats USB-A to USB-C Woven Cable, I found that it provides stable connections. I expect that from Apple product. No issues so far.
I know people who would pay a little bit more to get premium product. This Beats USB-A to USB-C Cable might be for them.
