Latest Apple News, Vision Pro’s Submerged Debuts, and Zelda’s Epic New Puzzle Adventure

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

In this episode of Basic AF, Tom and Jeff cover a mix of Apple news, including minor OS updates, Apple’s immersive content plans for Vision Pro, and Submerged, Apple’s first short film for the Vision Pro. They also touch on Jeff’s new obsession—The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on the Nintendo Switch.

Here’s what you can expect:

• No Apple Ring in Sight (for Now): Jeff reacts to a report by Mark Gurman suggesting that Apple currently has no plans for a smart ring. Though it’s not official, Jeff shares his disappointment, having hoped for a wearable alternative to the Apple Watch.
• OS Updates and Battery Issues: The hosts discuss iPadOS 18.0.1 and watchOS 11.0.1, focusing on battery performance and the quirks of living with beta software. Notably, iPadOS 18 is now available again for the iPad Pro M4 after being temporarily pulled due to issues with bricking devices.
• Apple Vision Pro’s First Short Film: Tom dives into his experience with Submerged, the first short film for Apple’s Vision Pro. He describes the immersive World War II setting, where a submarine crew faces a torpedo attack, and shares his thoughts on the stunning visual details. Tom also notes how some close-up shots felt uncomfortably realistic in the Vision Pro, almost placing him in the characters’ personal space. The movement inside the sub was impressive but occasionally unsettling, with fast dolly shots that made the immersive experience intense. Despite these quirks, Tom found the film visually captivating and hints at how future VR films could push boundaries even further.
• Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom: Jeff gushes over his new favorite game on the Nintendo Switch, though he has no ability to remember the name of said game, therefore making up some other game that doesn't exist. (The Legend of Zelda: Heroes of the Kingdom? Sure, whatever you say, Jeff.) In The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the true and actual name of the game, players take on the role of Zelda instead of Link, solving puzzles and exploring vibrant environments.
• New Apple Focus Features: Jeff gives a rundown on Apple’s new “reduce interruptions” focus feature, explaining how it intelligently manages notifications to help reduce distractions.

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Contact Us

• Drop us a line at [e-mail]
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @[e-mail] on Mastodon
• Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

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Capitole

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. No Apple Ring for You! (00:01:47)

3. iPadOS 18.0.1 (00:03:26)

4. watchOS 11.0.1 (00:03:55)

5. Apple Intelligence Betas (00:05:11)

6. AppleTV+ on Amazon Prime Video (00:07:55)

7. Details on More Vision Pro Content (00:11:53)

8. Submerged Short Film (00:13:54)

9. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (00:25:40)

10. More Focus Modes: Reduce Interruptions (00:32:29)

11. Close (00:35:14)