How Well Do You Sleep? Apple's New Beddit Sleep Monitor Helps You Track Your Zzz's

Smaller, lighter and more powerful version of the Beddit Sleep Monitor v3.5

Apple started selling a new version of the Beddit sleep monitor that the company acquired in 2017, this past week after receiving FCC clearance for the product. The new model version 3.5 retails for the same price of $149.95 and resembles the prior model but is smaller and lighter and still at 2 mm thin. The sleep monitor consists of a flexible sensor strip that you place under the sheet on top of the mattress to track sleep-related data when you lie down for sleep.

Data collected by the Beddit sleep monitor includes:

sleep time and efficiency
heart rate
respiration
temperature
movement
snoring
room temperature
room humidity

A user of the monitor can view data through the new Beddit 3.5 app or by using the Health app on an iPhone or iPad. The app syncs with HealthKit. The new version is compatible with iPhone 5s or later with iOS 12 or later as well as all Apple Watch models with watchOS 4.3 or later. It is conceivable that Apple might introduce these features directly into the next Apple Watch model as the smartwatch becomes increasingly a useful device for health and fitness monitoring.

AT&T Becomes 1st U.S. Carrier to Support iPhone XS and XR eSIM technology

AT&T Changes Mind, Providing Owners of iPhone XS and XR models eSIM Support with Access to 2 Phone Numbers on 1 Device

Image via Apple showing Apple's Dual SIM with eSIM solution

As America’s second largest wireless carrier, AT&T’s decision to support Apple’s eSIM technology features, is important to note. To access this feature, devices need to be compatible with the latest iOS 12.1.1 firmware. Both Verizon and T-Mobile are expected to also integrate dual-SIM support for iPhone XS and XR by the end of the year. Verizon has released information on its website.

Both the iPhone XS and XR depend upon eSIM technology to have two provisioned numbers active simultaneously. Since Apple is not able to market its eSIM in China, Apple engineered a new solution with a dual-SIM system that allows users to install two cards on one tray. iOS 12.1.1 delivers eSIM support includes Rogers and Fido in Canada, carriers 3, Orange, Swisscom, Sunrise, Telenor and Telia in select European countries and many networks in Asia.

Introduced this past September, dual-SIM technology allows the iPhone user to have two phone numbers and two subscription plans on a single device. This helps iPhone users save significantly on roaming charges during international travel as well as maintain separate business and personal lines.

Apple Releases 4 Software Updates This Week - iOS 12.1.1, watchOS 5.1.2, tvOS 12.1.1 and macOS Mojave 10.14.2

It’s been a busy week for software updates as Apple rolled out four new updates to its operating systems for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, iMac, Mac, MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Here’s Part 1 of our coverage.

In Part 1, we explore iOS 12.1.1 updates and watchOS 5.1.2 updates.

iOS 12.1.1 Updates: Expanded eSIM Support, Redesigned FaceTime With Live Photos, Haptic Touch for Notifications on iPhone XR and More

The latest iteration to iOS 12 released on Wednesday Dec 5, is a minor update, building upon the changes introduced in iOS 12.1.

With iOS 12.1.1, you can take a Live Photo while on a FaceTime call so you can capture your favorite moments. To do so, you will need to have the "FaceTime Live Photos" setting toggled on, which can be accessed by going to Settings > FaceTime > FaceTime Live Photos. FaceTime also has a redesigned bottom bar for quick access buttons for muting a call and flipping the camera. Sliding up on the bottom bar brings up additional options with conversation participants, eliminating the prior tapping required for a secondary menu with these features.

Apple has now expanded eSIM support on the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR to additional carriers across Europe in iOS 12.1.1, such as Swisscom in Switzerland, Orange in Spain and Three in Sweden and Denmark. AT&T has also offered support for this feature.

The iPhone XR now has support for Haptic Touch with notifications via the new update, expanding notifications on the Lock screen through a long press to see additional content.

For iPhone users who also have an Apple Watch Series 4 model, the new iOS 12.1.1 update offers support for the the ECG feature via the watchOS 5.1.2 update to detect your heart rhythm. The new software update also addresses several bug issues such as visual voicemail not downloading for some users, or Face ID not working temporarily and several security updates.

How to Install: The iOS 12.1.1 update is available on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update. As with all iOS updates, iOS 12.1.1 is free to download.

watchOS 5.1.2 Updates: ECG Functionality, Irregular Rhythm Notification, New Complications and Control Center Toggle for Walkie Talkie Feature

Apple’s highly anticipated ECG functionality is now available through watchOS 5.1.2 and the Apple Watch Series 4, helping the watch user to know if he or she has an abnormal heart rhythm that indicates atrial fibrillation, a sign of a serious heart condition.

There is also an irregular heart rhythm notification through watchOS 5.1.2 that is available on all Apple Watch models (Series 1 and up) that can run watchOS 5.

In addition, the new watchOS 5.1.2 update brings new complications for Apple Watch Series 4. These complications include Mail, Messages, Home, Maps, Apple News, Find My Friends, Phone, and Remote, that can now be assigned to the available complication slots on the Infograph watch face.

There’s also a new toggle in Control Center for turning the Walkie-Talkie feature on and off. Additional features in watchOS 5.1.2 include direct access to supported movie tickets, coupons and rewards cards in Wallet when tapped to a contactless reader and receiving notifications and animated celebrations when you achieve daily maximum points in a day during an Activity competition. Read our prior coverage on watchOS 5.

How to Install:
You can install the update on to an Apple Watch by using the iPhone's Watch app. Select My Watch > General > Software Update, and then enter the iPhone or Apple Watch passcode (if required) to start the installation. As with all watchOS updates, watchOS 5.1.2 is free to download.