TidBITS

Brings back support for bootable backups on M1-based Macs running macOS 12.4 Monterey. ($49.99 new, free update, 88.2 MB, macOS 10.12+)

We’re taking a brief break from building an email issue of TidBITS next week in honor of the Memorial Day holiday in the United States, so look for the next issue in your mailbox on 6 June 2022.

Want to use the extra space on your APFS-formatted Time Machine drive to store non-backup files? Howard Oakley explains how you can make that possible by creating an APFS volume or an APFS container.Read original article

Apple will be unveiling new technologies at WWDC 2022, and while some will undoubtedly be welcome, we have additional ideas that we hope will make their way into future versions of Apple’s operating systems.

Introduces a refurbished Photos browser and adds a few handy workflow improvements. ($39.99 new, free update, 456 MB, macOS 10.15+)

Character discovery and font exploration utility is now a universal app with full native support for M1-based Macs. (€29.99 new, free update, 6.0 MB, macOS 10.10+)

After initially demanding that legacy G Suite users upgrade to the paid Google Workspace keep their custom email addresses, Google has relented and is now offering individuals and families a free option, but you only have until 27 June 2022 to claim it.Read…

Apple has pre-announced some exciting new accessibility features for its future operating systems, several of which may be highly useful for non-disabled users.

Brings additions, improvements, and bug fixes for the file transfer app. ($45 new, free update, 33.9 MB, macOS 10.15+)

Adds support for Monterey's Shortcuts app with a variety of helpful automations. ($39 new, free update, 26.6 MB, macOS 10.14+)

Patches three WebKit-related security vulnerabilities. (Free, various sizes, macOS 10.15+)

Updates the date-focused note-taking app with improved spell checking. (Free with $24.99 premium purchase option, 70.3 MB, macOS 10.12+)

If you have an old Mac gathering dust, Google may be able to return it to active use. Its free Chrome OS Flex replaces macOS and puts pep back in the Mac’s step. It’s a decent option for families who might want to set up workstations for kids or who just…

Inflation is making everything more expensive, and wireless plans are no exception. AT&T and Verizon are both hiking prices slightly in response to current economic conditions. Will T-Mobile follow or lure in disgruntled switchers?

In what may be the final release of the iOS 15/macOS 12 cycle to include more than bug fixes and security updates, Apple has updated all its operating systems with some improvements to Podcasts and Wallet, plus bug fixes and security updates.

Security patches for Big Sur and Catalina. (Free, various sizes, macOS 11 and 10.15)

Wide-ranging maintenance update with a plethora of improvements and bug fixes for the audio-recording workflow app. ($64 new, free update, 29.1 MB, macOS 10.14.4+)

Makes changes in how data is imported from the JSTOR database. ($59.99 new, free update, 101 MB, macOS 10.13+)

What better day than Friday the 13th to check that your backups are actually working by restoring some critical files?

KDE Connect has long enabled tight integration between Linux desktops and Android phones. Now it’s officially available for the iPhone and iPad.

iCloud Drive folder sharing has been around since macOS 10.15 Catalina, which makes it all the less acceptable that someone with whom the folder is shared can delete a file permanently and with only one possible—and unmentioned by Apple—option for recovery.

Brings a number of new features to the native macOS client for Gmail. (Free, 9.9 MB, macOS 10.15+)

Adds a few new features to the macOS edition of the writing app. ($49.99 annual subscription, free update, 33.1 MB, macOS 10.15+)

Maintenance release with bug fixes and refinements to existing features. ($49.99 new, free update, 22.4 MB, macOS 10.14.2+)

Adds a multitude of new Notification Center widgets for macOS 11 Big Sur and later. ($49.99 new, free update, 55.8 MB, macOS 10.12+)

After 20 years, Apple has announced the end of the iPod line with the discontinuation of the iPod touch. If you want one, you can still buy an iPod touch while supplies last.

Brings native compatibility with Safari, FaceTime, and QuickTime when using macOS 12.3 Monterey or later. ($39.99 annual subscription, free update, 29.1 MB, macOS 10.13+)

Brings faster startup time, additions to the contextual menu, and bug fixes. ($40 annual subscription, free update, 54.1 MB, macOS 10.14+)

Tired of getting unnecessary “AirTag Found Moving With You” alerts when you borrow your spouse’s keys? Here’s how you can disable those alerts, at least for a day.

Maintenance release with improvements and bug fixes for the personal finance management app. ($49.99 new, free update, 148 MB, macOS 10.12+)