iOS 761: Screen Time Controls - Downtime, Communication Safety, & more

iOS Today (Audio)

This episode explores the comprehensive Screen Time system in iOS, covering everything from basic usage tracking to advanced restrictions and parental controls. The hosts also tackle a unique automation challenge involving motorcycles and garage doors, while sharing their latest app and gadget discoveries.

• Screen Time Overview - Introduction to iOS's built-in digital wellness system that tracks usage across all Apple devices and syncs settings when enabled
• Screen Distance Feature - New safety feature that alerts users when holding their iPhone or iPad too close to their face, helping prevent eye strain and myopia
• App and Website Activity - Detailed tracking system that provides weekly reports and insights about screen usage patterns across all connected devices
• Downtime Scheduling - Feature that restricts device access to only approved apps and phone calls during specified hours, perfect for sleep schedules
• App Limits - Granular controls allowing users to set daily time limits for specific apps or entire categories like games or social media
• Always Allowed Apps - Designated apps that remain accessible even during downtime, including emergency contacts and essential utilities
• Communication Controls - Settings that manage who can contact the user during screen time restrictions and downtime periods
• Communication Safety - Apple's new feature that automatically detects and warns about potentially inappropriate images before they're viewed
• Content and Privacy Restrictions - Comprehensive parental controls covering app installations, purchases, web content, and various iOS features

Feedback

• Motorcycle Garage Door Automation - Mike seeks help creating a shortcut to automatically open his garage door when arriving home on his motorcycle

App Caps

• DailyArt App - Mikah recommends an award-winning app that showcases a different piece of artwork each day with detailed historical context and artist information
• 8BitDo Micro Controller - Rosemary features a tiny Bluetooth game controller that works with multiple devices and can be reprogrammed for various uses, including Procreate shortcuts

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

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