In this episode of FMEO.TV, Mike shows how to add a little extra security to your cloud-based files using utilities built into your Mac.

Running Time: 14m 29s

UPDATED to include up to macOS Monterey!

In this episode of FMEO.TV, Mike shows how to build Mavericks USB boot media using OS X’s built-in createinstallmedia command.

Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur & Monterey UPDATE: Great news! This command works just as well for versions of OS X and macOS up through Monterey! Simply substitute the correct file name in the Terminal command below and away you go!

Note the slight change with 10.13 – 10.15, 11.0 & 12.0. The –applicationpath switch has been deprecated (no longer needed).

Show Notes

The Terminal Command Required (May be Copied & Pasted):
sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Mavericks.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Mavericks.app --nointeraction

Here’s an example of the same command for OS X 10.11 El Capitan:
sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ El\ Capitan.app --nointeraction

Here’s the command for macOS 10.12 Sierra:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app

Here’s the command for macOS 10.13 High Sierra:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled

Here’s the command for macOS 10.14 Mojave:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled

Here’s the command for macOS 10.15 Catalina: (16GB Flash Drive or larger required)
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Catalina.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled

Here’s the command for macOS 11.0 Big Sur: (16GB Flash Drive or larger required)
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Big\ Sur.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled

UPDATED! And here’s the command for macOS 12.0 Monterey: (16GB Flash Drive or larger required)
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Monterey.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled

Links
> OS X Mavericks
> DiskMaker X
> Carbon Copy Cloner
> Looney Tunes 8GB Flash Drives

Running Time: 15m 01s

In this episode of FMEO.TV, Mike and Barry explore the practical (and not so practical) ways Apple users can take advantage of the world of home automation.

Show Notes

> X10
> Nest Thermostat
> NEWS: Nest Acquired by Google
> Nest Protect
> Belkin WeMo Switch
> Belkin WeMo Motion
> Belkin WeMo Light Switch
> IFTTT (If This Then That)
> IZON
> Dropcam
> Netatmo Urban Weather Station
> Philips hue
> DoorBot
> Lockitron

Running Time: 28m 22s

In this episode of FMEO.TV, Mike and Barry offer up some Last Minute Gift ideas for the Apple lover in your life.

In this, our final Gift Guide segment, Barry shares some of his favorite iOS games to give this year and Mike suggests a truly last minute gift that ANY Apple fanatic should love.

iOS Gift Suggestions

> Apple Gift Cards
> Pixelmator for OS X
> iTunes Books
> Cockpit Confidential by Patrick Smith (iBookstore Link)
> Quell Memento (App Store Link)
> Super Squares (App Store Link)
> Plants vs Zombies (App Store Link)
> Atari’s Greatest Hits (App Store Link)
> M.U.L.E. (App Store Link)
> iCade by ION Audio
> Words With Friends (App Store Link)
> Dots: A Game About Connecting (App Store Link)

Download the SD Video here!

Running Time: 16m 35s

In this episode of FMEO.TV, Mike and Barry offer up some Last Minute Gift ideas for the Apple lover in your life. This time, Barry suggests a few of his favorite gift ideas for the iPhone user and Mike shares his new favorite tablet case.

iOS Gift Suggestions

> olloclip Telephoto + Circular Polarizing iPhone Lens
> Speck Products CandyShell Grip for iPhone 5/5s
> Complete Protection Kit by booq
> Chicago Blackhawks 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Champions Case by ThinShield
> GelaSkins custom iPhone and Tablet skins
> The Ridge by Devicewear (avail. for multiple devices)
> Detour 360 by Devicewear (avail. for multiple devices)

Download the SD Video here!

Running Time: 14m 33s

In this episode of FMEO.TV, Mike and Barry offer up some Last Minute Gift ideas for the Apple lover in your life. This time, Barry shares some gift ideas for keeping your gadgets powered on the go as well as a few desktop accessories for the Mac.

Power and Desktop Gift Suggestions

> POWERLITE by Macally
> HyperJuice Plug
> PlugBug Charger by Twelve South
> BookBook for MacBook Air/Pro
> Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop by Microsoft
> Microsoft Arc Wireless Mouse
> Apple Magic Mouse
> Apple Wireless Keyboard
> Logitech Solar Keyboard K750 for Mac
> Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard K811
> Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad mini.

Download the SD Video here!

Running Time: 16m 15s

In this episode of FMEO.TV, Mike and Barry offer up some Last Minute Gift ideas for the Apple lover in your life. This time out, Barry shares some Audio Gear gift ideas.

Audio Gift Suggestions

> JAMBOX by Jawbone
> URCHIN by BOOM Movement
> Logitech UE 350
> Jawbone ERA
> KidzControl Volume Limit Headphones by Kidz Gear

Download the SD Video here!

Running Time: 13m 39s

Hello and Thank You for being a member of FMEO Plus!

(Important news about your Bonus Subscription for 2014 is below)

FMEO Plus Update

Wow, I’m sorry it’s taken this long to get a newsletter out to everyone.

Since our last newsletter, we’ve released NINE new episodes of FMEO TV as well as another interview from Macworld with Ken Case of The Omni Group.  (And I’ve been trying to do a better job of increasing the frequency of FMEO TV episodes.)

Simply click through to the FMEO Plus section of our site to see them all — don’t forget to login to watch. (http://go.fmeoplus.com/1d701XE)

Upcoming Holiday Episodes

Just last week Barry, Brian and I shot a series of Holiday Gift Guide segments that will be released to EVERYONE beginning this week.

Standard Definition versions of the gift guide shows will go into the regular FMEO feed, while HD versions will go to FMEO Plus members.

More episodes exclusive to FMEO Plus members are on the way!

In Other News:

The FMEO Plus Q&A section I added to our site seems to be a bit of a bust.

That’s okay! It was an experiment to see if folks would find it useful or not.

I’m toying with the idea of rolling out the Q&A section to everyone, but restricting the ability to answer questions to those who are members of FMEO Plus.

OR take it down altogether.

But I’ll let you choose.  It’s YOUR site, please let me know what you think!  (https://www.formaceyesonly.com/questions)

In addition, I’d really like your input for what you would find useful to you as a member of FMEO Plus.  Especially show content.

YOU have the ability to help drive the direction we take in 2014, so please feel free to speak your mind.

FMEO and FMEO PLUS UPDATES ARE POSTED TO THE For Mac Eyes Only GOOGLE PLUS COMMUNITY REGULARLY.

If you don’t follow me there already, you’ll find the community here:

https://plus.google.com/communities/107631477168880326206

A 2014 Bonus Subscription to Existing Members

2014 FMEO Plus Subscription Renewals to All! (well, all who’ve already subscribed)

Last week I began canceling automatic monthly payments that are being made via PayPal.

BUT that’s not because I don’t want you as a member!! Far from it!

In fact, I appreciate your taking a chance on FMEO Plus this year so much that for everyone who was a FMEO Plus Member as of December 1st 2013, I’m going to automatically extend your subscription through the end of 2014 at no additional charge.

So if you see your FMEO Plus monthly subscription payments cancelled, Don’t Panic!  Enjoy a year of FMEO Plus in 2014 on me instead.

(If your subscription hasn’t been cancelled yet, go ahead and cancel it yourself if you’d like.  You’ll still be a member in good standing in 2014…)

THANKS SO MUCH TO EVERYONE for your support throughout 2013!

Anything Else?

In terms of new episodes, I’d really like to create some Q&A episodes to help fulfill the original mission of the videos containing more “educational” content, but I need your help!

To make FMEO Plus what YOU want it to be, I need your feedback, so please send your suggestions for what you’d like to see and I’ll try to make them happen.

Until Next Time

Thanks as always to Gary, Eric, Barry and Brian for their commitments to the show — I couldn’t do it without them!

Remember, I’m always here for any questions, so please feel free to write any time.

Enjoy and Thanks Again for all your support!

Mike

In this episode of FMEO.TV, Mike and Brian conclude their series of segments on maintaining your Mac. In part five, Mike presents 4 simple tasks every Mac user can do to keep their Mac running smoothly.

Show Notes

> Time Machine
> Carbon Copy Cloner
> SuperDuper!
> Hazel
> Drive Genius 3

Running Time: 7m 02s

In this episode of FMEO.TV, Mike and Brian continue a series of segments on maintaining your Mac. In part four, Mike answers Brian’s questions about backing up to the cloud from your Mac including privacy and securing your data.

Show Notes

> CrashPlan
> Carbonite
> Dropbox
> Evernote

Running Time: 7m 17s

In this episode of FMEO.TV, Mike and Brian continue a series of segments on maintaining your Mac. In part three, they give an overview of Time Machine backups, when you might want to use a drive clone, as well as the importance of maintaining offsite backups for your critical data.

Show Notes

> Time Machine
> Carbon Copy Cloner
> SuperDuper!

Running Time: 9m 21s

In this episode of FMEO.TV, Mike and Brian continue a series of segments on maintaining your Mac. In this short segment, they discuss S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and whether it should be part of Brian’s daily maintenance routine.

Show Notes

> What is S.M.A.R.T.?
> SMARTReporter
> Drive Genius
> DiskWarrior

Running Time: 4m 25s

In this episode of FMEO.TV, Mike and Brian continue a series of segments on maintaining your Mac. In part two, they examine when it might be a good idea to run an AntiVirus app on your Mac as well as some general safe practices for keeping your Mac protected from malware and other nasties–whether you run an AntiVirus app or not.

Show Notes

> Parallels Desktop 9
> VMware Fusion 6
> MacUpdate
> Download.com
> Mac App Store

Running Time: 10m 49s

In this episode of FMEO.TV, Mike and Brian begin a series of segments on maintaining your Mac. In part one, they take a look at some of the basic disk and system maintenance tasks Brian regularly performs on his Mac. Are they necessary or is he just “spinning his wheels”? And, if they are necessary, how often should you be running these utilities?

Show Notes

> Habit RPG (FMEO Plus episode 008)
> Resetting the SMC
> About NVRAM & PRAM
> Cocktail
> MacCleanse 4
> OnyX
> DiskWarrior 4
> Drive Genius 3
> OS X Recovery
> S.M.A.R.T.

Running Time: 20m 16s

In this episode of FMEO TV, Mike and Brian share three ways to save voicemail stored on your iPhone.

Show Notes

> 3.5mm Male to Male Stereo Audio Cable via Amazon.com or Monoprice.com
> Griffin Technologies iMic
> Audacity
> PhoneView
> Google Voice
> How To: Set up Google Voice Lite

Running Time: 17m 33s

Barry’s Show Notes

The Omni Group has a suite of Mac and iOS products including OmniFocus, OmniGraffle, OmniPlan and others.

The interview was recorded at Macworld 2013, but delayed for various reasons: all mine, not Mike’s! However, I had some time on a recent flight to edit the interview and due to Ken’s insight, I thought it would still be a great listen, especially as there’s a bit of a lull prior to the announcements this fall from Apple.

In our talk, Ken discusses OmniFocus 2, app design, the Apple App Store, the iPad Mini and several products planned.

Please note that this was recorded in the Macworld media room and there is some background noise, especially at the beginning.

Interestingly, The Omni Group has put OmniFocus 2 on temporary hold due to design changes. I included several links below to the company and blog; including one specific to their reason for putting OmniFocus 2 on hold.

Thank you for your patience and I hope you find this interesting!

-Barry

LINKS

> The Omni Group Blog
> OmniFocus 2 Test Going Quiet
> OmniFocus (link to the OmniFocus)

Twitter feeds
> Ken Case’s Twitter feed
> The Omni Group’s Twitter feed
> Omni Group Sync Server Status Twitter feed (great for alerts on system status)

Play Now

or Download the show here!

Running Time: 33:30

In this episode, the fourth in a series on traveling with your Apple gear, Mike and Barry discuss some apps to load up on your iOS device before heading out on your next trip.

Show Notes

> TripIt
> Awareness
> White Noise
> Dark Sky
> Road Trip Weather
> Waze
> iOS Reminders

Running Time: 20m 52s

In this episode of FMEO.TV, the third in a series on traveling with your Apple gear, Mike and Barry discuss some accessories you might want to consider packing the next time you travel with your iOS device.

Show Notes

> Mophie Juice Pack Helium
> Twelve South’s PlugBug Charger
> HyperJuice Micro & HyperJuice Plug
> MiFi by Verizon (also available through other carriers)
> ZAGGkeys FLEX Keyboard
> Apple Lightning to VGA adapter
> Apple 30 pin to Lightning adapter
> Apple Lightning to USB cable
> Apple Micro USB to Lightning adapter

Running Time: 15m 12s

Hello and Thank You for being a member of FMEO Plus!

If you no longer wish to receive these occasional emails from me, there’ll be no hard feelings, just reply to this message and let me know!

FMEO Plus Update

New episodes!  Since our last newsletter, we’ve released two new episodes of FMEO TV including:

Episode 7: The Traveling Mac: Mac Apps

The second in a series on traveling with your Apple gear, where Barry and I discuss handy Mac Apps to use while traveling with your Mac.

In the coming weeks we’ll be releasing at least two more episodes in this series, this time with a focus on traveling with your iOS devices.

https://www.formaceyesonly.com/2013/05/27/fmeo-tv-the-traveling-mac-mac-apps/

Then this week, yesterday in fact, we released…

Episode 8: A Look at HabitRPG

I have to admit, I’d never heard of this web app, but I was definitely intrigued to learn more after Brian told me about it in an email, so I invited him down to the studio to give us a tour of this interesting new way to help stay on top of everyday tasks.  HabitRPG literally makes a game of it! Be sure to check this one out.

https://www.formaceyesonly.com/2013/06/23/fmeo-tv-a-look-at-habitrpg/

More episodes are on the way!

Also New:

I’ve added an exclusive FMEO Plus Q&A section to our site.

Launched June 8th, FMEO Plus community members can participate in the new FMEO Plus Q&A section where we offer user-to-user interaction on all topics Apple. Vote Answers (and Questions!) up or down, click to select the best answers, and even earn reputation points!

And this new feature was added automatically to all FMEO Plus member accounts.  Just visit our home page at formaceyesonly.com and click “FMEO Plus Q&A” in the menus or from the sidebar (be sure to log in first!) and ask a question or provide an answer (when questions appear)!

The more everyone uses it, the more useful it’ll become, so if you’re a FMEO Plus member, please give this new feature a try and let me know what you think!

https://www.formaceyesonly.com/questions

Anything Else?

In terms of new episodes, I have plans to roll out some quick Q&A episodes — these will be similar, I suppose, to the old Quick Tips episodes, but these will focus of topics of importance to YOU.

As far as the website is concerned, I’m constantly tweaking the FMEO Plus section of our site. Just this weekend, in fact, I’ve finally got a feature working that I was having a bit of trouble with: Non-members and Members alike will now see a description of each episode or article without needing to log in first.

We’ll also soon be posting the most recent FMEO Plus content on the home page as well as (Yes!!) get an RSS feed working for Plus members so you can be alerted whenever something new is posted. Like the post descriptions, the RSS feed has also been giving me some grief, but I’ll get it working! (err, eventually)

Creating Your Account

I’m keeping the special sign up page for existing contributors open just a little bit longer.

The new expiration date will be June 30th just to give anyone who missed their chance to create their free account a few more days to get signed up.  (Remember: this special sign up link is only for folks who’ve previously contributed to the show.)

All the information for doing so can be found in the last newsletter. If you missed that newsletter, or need the instructions again, drop me a note and I’ll help you get started.

Until Next Time

Thanks to Gary, Eric, and Barry for all their support, and to our new FMEO TV co-host, Brian Henson who made his first appearance in the HabitRPG episode released this week!

Remember, I’m always here for any questions, so please feel free to write any time.

Enjoy and Thanks Again for all your support!

Mike

In this episode, Mike is joined by Brian to take an in-depth look at HabitRPG, an online task manager and habit building program that turns accomplishing your life’s goals into a role playing game.

Show Notes

> HabitRPG
> HabitRPG for Android (Google Play Link)

Running Time: 31m 39s

In this episode of FMEO.TV, the second in a series on traveling with your Apple gear, Mike and Barry discuss handy Mac Apps to use while traveling with your Mac.

Show Notes

Barry’s Traveling Mac Apps
> Dropbox – keeping files in sync among all your devices on the road
> Evernote – for itineraries, hotel and airline reservations
Since recording this episode, Evernote has added a feature to add reminders to notes within your account!
> iPhoto & Aperture – offloading photos and video while traveling. Quickly cataloging and keywording images each night.
> OmniFocus or OS X’s Reminders – quick notes
> iTravel Alarm Clock – screen saver alarm clock and sleep assistant (white noise)

Running Time: 7m 11s

Hello and Thank You for being a member of FMEO Plus!

I know this email has been a long time coming — and I’m incredibly sorry for the “radio silence” experienced on the show’s feed the past few weeks — but, we are definitely moving forward behind the scenes at FMEO HQ and there are some exciting changes coming that I really hope will get things back on track again!

It’s never fun when a podcast channel goes quiet like ours has, but I want to assure all of you that For Mac Eyes Only is still alive and we’ll be getting regular show content into your hands again very soon.

By the way, this email contains important info for setting up your FMEO Plus account, but if you no longer wish to receive these occasional emails from me, there’ll be no hard feelings, just reply to this message and let me know!

FMEO Plus has Launched!

Originally intended only to provide “extras” to FMEO Plus members, FMEO Plus is getting a slight rebranding, if you will, as the “educational branch of our Mac programming”.

The idea, however, remains the same: video, audio, PDFs, and so forth, but the primary focus will be on educational content for Mac users of all levels. (Maybe we’ll throw some pure “extras” in there as well. You never know!)

And this content will be exclusive to FMEO Plus members.

With that in mind, Barry and I shot some footage a few weeks back and the first fruits of our labors have been released to FMEO Plus members today (it’s uploading as I write this), so please be sure to follow the steps below to set up your FMEO Plus account so you can begin accessing this new content.

In the coming weeks and months additional segments in our Traveling Apple series will be released, Eric and I are planning a segment or two on Apple’s Motion and Final Cut Pro X, I’m working to schedule some studio time with a fellow FMEO Plus member from Wisconsin, and I’ll be creating a few listener Q&A segments as well.

In other words, I hope to have a little something for everyone in FMEO Plus … even if everything isn’t for everyone.

Or, something like that.

Creating Your Account

I’ve created a special sign up page for folks who’ve contributed to the show in some way — whether through a donation or otherwise — or maybe I just like you.  You’ll never know…. One thing you can be sure of, though, is that if you’re getting this email from me, this link is for you!

This special sign up page will provide you 365 days of access to FMEO Plus content from the point you create your account — regardless of when you first contributed.

Even if you’re a monthly subscriber, you’ll gain 365 days access to FMEO Plus from the point you create your account.

This “bonus” time is the least I can do to thank you for being an early adopter of FMEO Plus, and to offer you credit for the months when no “Plus” content was forth-coming.

To create your new FMEO Plus account, please visit:
{link expired}

Once there, fill out your name, email, create a username and password, and then click the button that reads “Create Account and Complete Your Purchase”.

Again, as long as you use the link above, the “purchase” is free and you will NOT be charged.

What if I already have an account?

Some of you getting this email may already have an account.  If so, I’ve already given you access to FMEO Plus so you should be good to go. However, if you’re having difficulties accessing your account, please let me know and I’ll get things working again for you.

Are there any restrictions on this FMEO Plus sign up page?

Well, only two really:

1) Please do not share this sign up link. The link is intended ONLY for folks who’ve previously contributed to the show. Unfortunately, the link will have to be shut down if there’s any abuse.

2) The link will expire automatically on June 16th, 2013 (or I’ll expire it earlier if everyone I send this to gets their account set up).  That will give you slightly over a month to create your account.  If by some chance you miss the sign-up window, please contact me and I’ll manually set up an account for you.

I’d Like to Thank the Academy…

I owe a TON to Gary, Eric, and Barry for all their ongoing support throughout the years, and their willingness to step forward and help wherever and however they can means the world to me.

That For Mac Eyes Only “the podcast” will continue to move forward, and that FMEO Plus content has now been released, is a huge testament to these three individuals and I can’t thank them enough.

If you get a chance, please send them a letter of thanks yourself.  They deserve it!

Until Next Time

Remember, I’m always here for any questions, so please feel free to write any time.

Enjoy and Thanks Again for all your support!

Mike

In this episode of FMEO.TV, the first in a series on traveling with your Apple gear, Mike and Barry share important accessories to have with you when traveling with your Mac.

Show Notes

What’s in Barry’s Bag?
> Twelve South’s PlugBug Charger
> MiFi by Verizon (also available through other carriers)
> Cocoon Grid-It!
> Apple USB to Ethernet adapter
> Apple Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter
> Tripp-Lite Ultra-Mini USB Hub
> Ethernet Cables at Monoprice

Mike’s Suggestions
> Portable Hard Drive – Western Digital, Toshiba, or Seagate
> AmazonBasics Universal Travel Case
> Lexar Memory Card Reader (available from several vendors)
> USB FlexLight or Make Your Own!

Running Time: 15m 40s

Links to Know:
> Chef Sleeve
> Cutting Board with iPad Stand

Play Now

or Download the show here!

Running Time: 5:14

EarPods in Case

This is my review of Apple’s EarPods (w/ remote & Mic). These new in-ear headphones from Apple normally retail for $29, but I purchased them using a special $7 off promotion, which translated to a discount of just over 24%!

Sure, some might think $29 is a lot for a pair of earbuds, but even without the discount, I think of the higher price of Apple’s headphones this way: it’s only 6 Starbucks big-fancy-drinks-worth of hardware; they’ll last longer than a Starbucks drink; … and they come with far fewer calories!  (And that’s definitely a “win-win” all around.)

In the end, Apple’s new earbuds are just that: earbuds. However, being the Apple Fan-girl I am, you know I’ve found lots to like about them, so rather than focus on the in-depth acoustical and technical properties of these ‘buds — and they sound great! — I’m going to break my review down to a simple list of what I, an end-user, liked (and disliked) about them, and why I believe you’ll like them too.

What I Liked

The Box: I love how the cord wraps around in a little groove. I’ve owned a lot of “regular” apple earbuds throughout the years, but just to get the packaging of these new EarPods was absolutely worth the cost if you ask me.

They fit – even in small ears!

The Form Factor: The EarPods new shape allows them to sit very nicely within the ear. When wearing regular earbuds of any type, I find myself using silicon covers by Yurbuds to keep any of them — Apple or otherwise — in my little ears. These pods don’t require that!

Knowing Which Bud is Which: You can actually read the “left” and “right” symbols right on the EarPods. With other earbuds, it’s almost always printed on the handle — in grey! — so it’s harder to see. And that’s especially true if you have older eyes like I do!

The Slim Remote: The EarPods’ remote is about 2 inches long and visible between your ear and your shoulder while wearing the EarPods. This remote allows you to pause phone messages, answer and end calls, and switch to the next track by “pinching” the space in the middle. The + and – buttons on either end of the remote raise and lower the volume. The microphone can also be found on the remote, although to prevent damage it’s not exposed as it was on Apple’s previous model.

EarPods Remote Up Close

What I Didn’t Like

Older Devices Need Not Apply: A newer iDevice such as an iPod Touch (2nd gen+), iPod nano (4th gen+), iPhone (3GS+), or iPad (all) is required to use the remote and I was unable to use even the most basic functionality of the remote when I plugged the EarPods into my iPod Shuffle or iPod classic. “Dumb” older iPods like mine simply won’t work with the controls of the new remote, although some newer model iPods will work with many of the remote’s feature with the appropriate software update installed.

Interestingly, I’ve seen reports that the new EarPods’ remote will, in fact, work with other manufacturer’s smart phones. One person wrote in Apple’s forums that, “Yes the EarPods work with other smartphones and audio devices. I have been using EarPods with my HTC Wildfire S. As for the audio control it works for it too.”

Of course without Apple’s official blessing, you’d have to take any information like that with a grain (or block!) of salt. I say, if you’re planning to use Apple’s new buds with any device other than those officially supported, it’d be a good idea to borrow a pair from a friend before plunking down 6 Starbucks “fancy drinks” worth of cash only to find out they won’t work with your device.

What’s in the Box?

Apple EarPods with Remote & Mic
Storage / Travel Case