Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

From Power Failures to Plex: Tech Tips Galore

Feb 17, 2025

This discussion is filled with tech tips to enhance your Apple experience. Learn how to customize camera lens settings on your iPhone Pro for stunning shots. Discover how to keep your network alive during power outages with a UPS. Hear about migrating purchases between Apple IDs and don’t miss the quick shortcuts to make your workflow smoother. Tips for traveling with tech, troubleshooting email issues, and navigating hotel streaming constraints are covered. Plus, explore the intriguing world of Plex for personal media management!

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ADVICE

Unlock Activation Locked Devices

Request Activation Lock removal online if needed.
Provide the device serial number and purchase proof for faster processing.

ADVICE

Travel with Apple TV

Bring your Apple TV and a travel router for predictable streaming on trips.
DJ Mack avoids hotel streaming hassles with this setup.

ADVICE

AirTag Battery Safety

Use lithium batteries cautiously as they pose a fire hazard.
Consider alkaline batteries for AirTag cases for safer travel.

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From Power Failures to Plex: Tech Tips Galore – Mac Geek Gab 1077 episode image

This week’s Mac Geek Gab is packed with smart strategies to optimize your Apple gear and tech setup. Want to control which iPhone Pro lenses your camera uses? Dive into Fusion Camera settings. Keep your network alive longer by putting your router on a dedicated UPS. Apple Silicon’s insane battery life keeps you going, while a quick double-tap in Apple Mail lets you switch views like a pro. Got a travel routine? Packing a universal remote and an Apple TV can make your trips way smoother. Plus, Apple finally lets you migrate purchases to a new Apple ID—because it’s about time.

Security and efficiency take center stage as Dave, Pete, and Adam explore Apple’s Activation Lock Request site, a free alternative to Keyboard Maestro, and a clever fix to stop your sister’s email from vanishing into the void. Find out why AA AirTag cases might not be the battery solution you’re looking for, and don’t get caught without AppleCare—check all your covered devices in one place. Whether it’s SharePlay, Plex Pass discounts, or leveling up your keyboard shortcuts, this episode is packed with smart, surprising, and satisfying solutions.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1077 for Monday, February 17th, 2025
- February 17th: Analog to Digital TV Day
- Police Code 10-77 – Estimated Time of Arrival, Directing Traffic at a Fire
- MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a copy of CCC Backup from Bombich Software!
Quick Tips
- 00:00:01 RandyWalker-Go into Settings > Camera > Fusion Camera to control which lenses your iPhone Pro uses
- 00:03:09 Keeping your router and network gear on a separate UPS to keep them running longer
- 00:05:27 Doctor Lee-Use Accessibility to Trigger iPad Shortcuts with Keyboard
- 00:08:36 The benefits of Apple Silicon battery life
00:12:53 SPONSOR: Coda, the one Doc to rule them all. Bring your text and tables together! Sign up at Coda.io/mgg for FREE.
MOAR Quick Tips
- 00:14:09 Darrin-QT-Double Tap Apple Mail Categories QUICKLY solves Category -v- List View!
- 00:16:56 Bob-QT-1074-Put Feet on your Dock to keep it cool
- 00:18:11 Steve-Apple now allows purchases to be migrated to a new Apple ID
About migrating Apple Account purchases between accounts
- 00:29:54 PorthosJon-QT-Apple’s Activation Lock Request web site
- 00:32:26 DJ MAC-QT-Bring an Apple TV with you when you travel
  - Beryl AX
  - SoundSource
Don’t Get Caught
- 00:39:30 Andy-DGC-CSF-Elevation Labs AirTag Cases with AA Batts – Alkaline -v- Lithium
00:42:44 SPONSOR: Indochino. For all your 2025 plans, look your best in INDOCHINO. Visit Indochino.com and use code MGG to get 20% off any purchase of $499 or more.
Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
- 00:44:07 MACE-Why is all my sister’s mail being deleted?
- 00:49:05 Rob-How to see all your Apple Care device coverage Account.Apple.Com -> Support.Apple.Com
- 00:57:10 Matthew-Keep a small, cheap universal remote in your travel bag
- 00:58:27 Steve-What’s the actual resolution of a 5K Display?
01:04:35 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support.
Cool Stuff Found
- 01:05:52 Mark M-CSF-Keyboard Cowboy – a free alternative to Keyboard Maestro/Better Touch Tool
- 01:06:46 P2-CSF-Plex Pass Discounts Now
- 01:10:30 Chris-CSF-Outsmarted, a remote and interactive board game
  - JackBox Games
- 01:14:37 Using SharePlay…Gotta Try it!
- 01:16:42 RandyWalker-DeskPad for sharing a smaller screen
01:20:03 MGG 1077 Outtro
- MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a copy of CCC Backup from Bombich Software!
- Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
- Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
- The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
- Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
- MGG Merch is Available!
- Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
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- This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
- MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
- feedback@macgeekgab.com
- 224-888-GEEK
- Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
- BackBeat Media Podcast Network