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?

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.

Apple USB-C to Lightning Adapter

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
Beats USB-A to USB-C Cables

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.

Flashback: Brothers

Sometimes I wonder if I’d ever figure out how my phone knows what photos to show.

Featured photo of the day was taken in November 17, 2016 using iPhone 7 Plus.

I’m a bit teary because one of the subject in the photo is no longer with us.

They were brothers, even though they were not even the same species. Who says cats and dogs can’t get along?

Apple Watch Sans Blood Oxygen App

I was aware that I would be losing “Blood Oxygen” App on the replacement Apple Watch Series 7 I received couple of days ago.

I paired it late last night, (or was it early this morning?) and received the confirmation.

The Blood Oxygen app is no longer available.
Learn more in the Health app on your iPhone.

Luckily I still have an Apple Watch Ultra that still has the Blood Oxygen feature.

So Said the Box

At first, I thought I bought a new iPhone mini a few years ago, but no, I bought a refurbished one.

Well actually it was an iPhone assigned to one of my colleagues who preferred a smaller phone.

This post is all about “Clicks”

I just received “Clicks” keyboard case for iPhone today.

iPhone 15 Pro Max with “Clicks” Keyboard Case in “London Sky” color

I backed the project some months and months ago and opted for the “London Sky” color for iPhone 15 Pro Max.

I did not have any phones with “full” physical keyboard before. I used other people’s Blackberry phones or something similar. It is a bit weird to hide physical keyboard on touch-screen phones.

Well, I might post a follow up or two about this keyboard case if i could overcome the urge to procrastinate.

P.S. This post is written using said keyboard case, and in no way an endorsement of the product. I paid for this keyboard case.

This is how I CarPlay with iPhone 15 Pro Max

If you need USB-C to USB-A cable to use CarPlay and iPhone 15., make sure it is a data cable.

There are some USB-C to USB-A cables that is designed for one way charging, which will not work for CarPlay.

I prefer thin and braided USB-C to USB-A cables.

UGREEN USB-C to USB-A cable for CarPlay with iPhone 15

Now I want Wireless CarPlay.