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Apps

Should I buy Office 365 or Office 2016 Mac?

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Currently Microsoft offers five Office software options: two stand alone (Office 2016 Mac) and three subscription (Office 365) based suites. Office 365 Home, Office 365 Personal, Office 365 University, Office Home & Student and Office Home & Business make up the new Office for Mac product family.

Deciding what Microsoft Office for Mac to buy can be a little challenging. Office for Mac contains five main programs Excel, Word, Outlook, Powerpoint and OneNote. Depending on which one you purchase you may not get all of them.

Additionally the stand alone versions (Office 2016 Mac) are only for one Mac, while the subscription based services are for all your devices. Confused yet?  Don’t worry, lets take a look at all five options starting from the most popular to the least.

Office 365 Home

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  • 1-year subscription
  • For 5 PCs or Macs, 5 tablets including iPad, Android, or Windows, plus 5 phones
  • Fully installed versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and more
  • 1TB cloud storage per user for up to 5 users
  • Ongoing access to updates

Office 365 Home is by far the most popular option because you can share the programs with your entire family. In short, if you are an Apple fanatic, you can install it on 5 Macs, 5 iPads and 5 iPhones. Additionally you have access to all the programs online, so no matter where you are you can login. For example if you are using Outlook online and on your computer all your emails stay current across all devices. In addition to the basics listed above, this bundle also includes Access, Publisher, Skype and OneDrive (Also included in Personal & University Editions). To install Office 365 requires just a simple download. This is a yearly subscription service and all updates are free. ($99/ per year)

Office 365 Personal

office-365-personal-2016-for-mac

  • 1-year subscription
  • For 1 PC or Mac, 1 tablet including iPad, Android, or Windows, plus 1 phone
  • Fully installed versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and more
  • 1TB cloud storage
  • Ongoing access to updates

Office 365 Personal is the same as the Home edition however cheaper and designed for a single individual. So if you only have this in mind for yourself or maybe a gift for an Apple fan then this is for you. Again this is a yearly subscription service and all updates are free. ($69/ per year)

Office 365 University

office-365-university-2016-for-mac

  • 4-year subscription
  • For 2 PCs, Macs, or tablets including iPad, Android, or Windows, plus 2 phones
  • Fully installed versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and more
  • 1TB cloud storage
  • Ongoing access to updates

Office 365 University is for students only. The 4-year subscription is designed to last through a 4-year college degree. Unlike the Personal edition, the University edition lets you add the software to 2 Macs, 2 iPads and 2 iPhones. If you are in or going to college soon this is for you. Also a great high school graduation gift for any Mac user. ($79/4 years)

Office Home & Student 2016 for Mac

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  • For 1 Mac (Mac OS X 10.10)
  • Fully installed versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote
  • Store files in the cloud with OneDrive

Office Home & Student 2016 for Mac includes only 4 basic programs listed above and does not include Outlook, Access or Publisher. Basically this version is for someone who doesn’t want to pay a yearly subscription, has no need to access software online and most importantly does’t need Outlook for E-Mail. So if you are using another email client you could consider this, but to be honest the majority of people today are using cloud based software like the 3 most popular subscription services. Office 2016 Mac are one time purchases, you just have to do the math and figure out what option is best for you. The Office 2016 download is fast and setup is even easier. ($149 USD)

Office Home & Business 2016 for Mac

office-home-business-2016-for-mac

  • For 1 Mac (Mac OS X 10.10)
  • Fully installed versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote
  • Store files in the cloud with OneDrive

Office Home & Business 2016 for Mac is the same as the Home & Student Edition but this version includes Outlook for Mac. At this price it’s better just getting the Office 365 Personal edition, you’ll get all this and more for a fraction of the cost. We wouldn’t be surprised if this is the last stand alone edition Microsoft offers. Again, Office 2016 Mac versions are a one time purchase. ($229 USD)

Bottom Line

To recap it seems that the majority of people are realizing the benefits of the Office 365 subscriptions. To be honest, they are right, if you do the math and compare it to the Office 2016 Mac stand alone editions you get more for your money.

Maybe people purchase Office for Mac just for Outlook alone and paying $69 a year to have email you can access anywhere is cheap if you think about it, not to mention the constant access to updates, online storage and other software. When it comes down to it you really only have to make a decision on if you need the Office 365 Home or Personal edition and if you are a student the University edition is a no brainer.

Still wondering, What is Office 365? Looking for an Office for Mac preview? Need some refresher courses on all that Office 2016 Mac can do? We recommend any number of software suite help books ($20 & under), most of which are now available in digital format.

Networking

Which Apple AirPort Wi-Fi Router should I buy?

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Even if you’re a Mac fanatic you may not know that Apple offers its own networking and storage devices. Well they do and they work magically with your other Apple devices. The AirPort family of routers from Apple are designed to work with your Mac, iPhone and iPad seamlessly.

Apple’s networking line consists of the Apple AirPort Time Capsule, AirPort Extreme and Airport Express. This product line can be confusing to some because of past models or technical differences. Lets take a look at some of those highlights and why you should think Apple AirPort before anything else.

Apple AirPort Time Capsule Review

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  • 2TB-3TB hard drive that works with Time Machine in OS X to create a no-hassle backup solution
  • Also a full-featured Wi-Fi base station with the latest 802.11ac technology
  • New higher design which helps disperse your Wi-Fi signal
  • 6.6-inch height; 3.85-inch square base
  • Easy Apple Time Capsule Setup for iOS and OS X

The Apple Time Capsule is similar to the AirPort Extreme Base Station except it offers 2TB or 3TB of storage. That might seem like overkill of storage but if you are a music or video enthusiast you’d be surprised how much data those files take up. Additionally if you have a family, every family member could link the the Time Capsule for storage and sharing. The Time Capsule works great with Apple Time Machine to backup your data.

Mac and PC users can enjoy the benefits of this router on steroids. You can easily connect printers as well. The Time Capsule comes with a setup assistant to make it easy for non-technical people. The Apple website lists the Time Capsule at $299-$399 but you can save significantly by buying it from Amazon which consistently lists them from $25-$50 lower based on which model you choose. ($299-399 USD)

Tip: Buy an AirPort Express and pair it with your Time Capsule to export digital audio to your T.V.

Apple AirPort Extreme Review

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  • Ultrafast 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Reach data rates of up to 1.3 Gbps
  • Simultaneous dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi support
  • New 6.6-inch height with smaller 3.85-inch base
  • 6 antennas located at the top allows for a faster and more powerful connection
  • Easy AirPort Extreme Setup with Macs and iOS devices. Please note: This product is a Router ONLY and requires a modem to operate.

The Apple AirPort Extreme is similar to the Time Capsule except it doesn’t include hard drive space. Not having the hard drive space isn’t a big deal if you already have an external drive to pair it with. This new updated Extreme is 3x faster than any of the previous versions. In short the AirPort Extreme helps you share your network connections, a hard drive or printers.

Again perfect for a family house or even a small office. If you want to connect multiple hard drives you can buy a usb hub for under $5. Like the Time Capsule the Extreme offers 3 Gigabit Ethernet Lan Ports, 1 USB Port, 1 Gigabit Ethernet WAN Port and power. The current model is a small tower where previous versions look similar to the Apple TV or Mac Mini in size. Don’t bother buying the older model as you typically only save $10. The size and upgrades of the next generation are well worth it. ($99-199 USD)

Apple AirPort Express Review

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  • Easy Wi-Fi setup using iPhone, iPad, or Mac: Connect your DSL or cable modem to AirPort Express and create your new wireless network in just a few taps from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. If you’re using OS X Lion, use the built-in AirPort Utility on your Mac. Setup is just as fast and just as easy.
  • Simultaneous dual-band 802.11n: AirPort Express lets Wi-Fi-enabled devices connect to your network on the 2.4GHzand 5GHz wireless bands. Which means every connected device automatically uses the best band available for the fastest possible performance.
  • AirPlay takes the music from the iTunes library on your computer or iOS device and sends it wirelessly to any connected stereo or speakers in your home (audio cable sold separately). Play music on one set of speakers – or if you have more than one AirPort Express connected to speakers, play your music from iTunes on all of them at the same time.
  • Print wirelessly from any room: On the back of AirPort Express is a USB port that’s made for your printer. Just plug it in and instantly, it’s like having a printer in every room. And since AirPort Express works with Mac and PC, everyone in the house can take advantage of one centrally available printer
  • Compatibility and security: AirPort Express is compatible with devices using the 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n specifications. So no matter what Wi-Fi device you’re using, it willwork with AirPort Express. AirPort Express also features a built-in firewall to protect your network from malicious Internet attacks. 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz. Input current: 0.2 amp.

The Apple AirPort Express is similar to the Extreme version only a lot smaller and with some nice bonuses. The AirPort Express is small but can fit on the top or bottom of the Time Capsule or AirPort Extreme if needed. If you are an audio lover the you’ll love being able to use AirPlay and control the music in your house with your computer or iOS device.

Secondly the AirPort Express comes with an Analog/Optical audio jack. The audio jack allows for a 3.5mm analog cable or a 3.5mm mini-toslink to toslink optical cable. Of course sharing internet connections, hard drives and printers are all possible with this small but powerful unit. The AirPort Express is a great router option because of its size, you can hide it anywhere. The Express is similarly priced to the Extreme ($79-99 USD).

Bottom Line

So there you have it three great Apple networking devices. Picking the right one is just a matter of deciding what is most important to you. Of course many people have been know to combine these units.

When looking at these units and comparing them to other similar not Apple networking devices you have to take in account the benefits of working with the AirPort line. Most if not all of those benefits always point back to the AirPort line working seamlessly with your OSX or iOS devices. In other words controlling your networking with your Mac, iPhone or iPad. Sharing music, movies and other devices is a snap with Apple easy setup and software.

News

Apple expands Homekit support for August Smart Lock

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Apple’s line of Homekit accessories for the connected household have experienced steady growth over past months. October 13th revealed the launch of the August Smart Lock, an upgraded version of their prior Blue-tooth enabled lock released last year. The Homekit platform enables you to lock or unlock your August Smart Lock using Siri. Extended voice commands are also supported, such as commands to disable the connected lighting.

Siri in conjunction with Homekit enabled devices vastly expand the voice capabilities of your device. Many Homekit compatible products are becoming readily available, allowing for voice control of your thermostat, lighting, locks and more with voice activated status reporting.

All New Smart Lock

August’s new Smart Lock has been upgraded with a modified industrial design, featuring a magnetic face-plate, new micro-patterns to facilitate a secure grip and easy rotation of the lock. A thin, chrome visual indicator is located atop the August Smart Lock, giving an indication of whether it is locked or not.

 

 

New Homekit Devices

August will be expanding it’s Homekit compatible line with a new August Doorbell Cam, as well as an August Smart Keypad. The keypad features pass-code protection, in case of your keys or phone not being present. In addition one-time automatic timed pass-code authentication is also possible. Their Smart Keypad is low-power and both Blue-tooth and Wi-Fi enabled. The new August Doorbell cam is a Blue-tooth and Wi-Fi capable, HD video quality , one-way camera with two way audio and motion detection.

Home Automation

August combined with Apple Homekit functionality is set to bring us to new levels of home automation. Homekit’s Siri-controlled automation is a perfect match to the modern home and with devices such as those in production from August we are likely to be surprised by what is coming next.

News

iTunes reported to be unavailable

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iTunes functionality halted on Tuesday 13th and some users are still experiencing a disruptions to their iTunes usage, as reported by 9to5mac. The Apple System Status Page was recently updated, stating that tracking issues with iCloud, Apple stores and other Apple Service may ongoing for certain users. The message on the Apple System Status Page stated:

“Users are experiencing a problem with the service listed above. We are investigating and will update the status as more information becomes available.”

The disruption to service has yet to be resolved. Issues were experienced by users from the 12th, however the Apple System Status Page was not updated until the 13th. This comes as one of many recent Apple service outages, causing many disgruntled Apple fans.

iTunes Working for Most

The iTunes store is working for the vast majority of users, although certain disruptions have been reported including a non-functional Siri, non-responsive iTunes store and cloud services will not establish a connection for certain users. Even though the update was late it is likely that Apple has been attending to the problem since it originated, as service has been restored in the majority.

News

Keyboard finger sensing apparatus patent granted to Apple

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Apple Inc. was on Tuesday 13th 2015, granted a patent which was filed in 2007, by the U.S. Patent and trademark Office titled “Finger Sensing Apparatus Using Hybrid Matching and Associated Methods”.

This Apple patent details a fingerprint read integrated into a keyword, as a login method for an iMac or MacBook. This login procedure would be similar to that used by Apple iPhones, protecting data behind bio-metric encryption.

iMac Fingerprint Login on the Way?

This race to implement fingerprint technology as a login mechanism was won by Microsoft, as a week ago they unveiled products such as the Surface Pro 4 keyboard cover, which features an integrated fingerprint reader. The logon-encryption race is most likely not over, as Microsoft has already announced plans to implement retina scanning. The New Microsoft Lumias are already rumored to launch with retina scanning, according to Mashable.com.

It will be interesting to see how Microsoft implements iris scanning and how the public accepts this new security technology. With Microsoft now giving customers the option of facial, fingerprint and retina recognition, it should pose interesting to see what Apple brings to the table. This Apple patent highlights that they have, and do, hold an active interest in alternative login security measures such as bio-metrics.

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Apple Desktops and Laptops Lack Bio-Metrics

With this Apple patent being granted fans are wondering if we are soon to see any Mac based implementation of technology utilizing the design set forth by this patent. The future is unclear, as the patent uses a very old design structure, one that is not currently in use by any of Apple’s products.

The only Apple product lines that do not current feature bio-metrics are there desktops and laptops. We can only hope to see the end of passwords through intelligent implementation of bio-metrics, let’s hope that Apple brings this technology to iMacs.