Kiruba's Amazing Information

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I argued Apple should make its own power bank for iPhone, iPad, AirPods and Mac users, since third-party options were not endorsed by Apple and had compatibility problems. I have rewritten it with what Apple actually released and how to choose a power bank for Apple devices today.

Battery life on the road is a common worry for anyone carrying several Apple devices. Plenty of third-party power banks existed, but Apple did not recommend them and compatibility varied. I thought Apple should launch its own.

Did Apple make a power bank?

Yes, in part. In July 2021 Apple released the MagSafe Battery Pack, which attached magnetically to the back of MagSafe iPhones. It was discontinued in 2023 when iPhones moved to USB-C. In 2025 Apple introduced a MagSafe Battery designed for the thin iPhone Air. Apple has not made a general-purpose power bank for iPads and Macs.

What should you look for in a power bank for Apple devices?

• USB-C Power Delivery: for fast charging iPhones, iPads and MacBooks.
• Enough output: 20 W for phones, 30 W or more for iPads and small laptops, higher for MacBook Pros.
• Capacity: 10,000 mAh covers a phone or two; 20,000 mAh or more for laptops.
• MagSafe or Qi2: for cable-free magnetic charging of recent iPhones.
• Safety certification from a reputable brand.

Are third-party power banks safe for iPhones?

Reputable ones are. Standards like USB-C Power Delivery and Qi2 mean chargers from well-known brands work reliably with Apple devices. Avoid unbranded, very cheap power banks, which may lack proper protection circuits.

What about flying with power banks?

Power banks must go in cabin baggage, not checked luggage, and airlines limit capacity. Many allow up to 100 Wh without approval; check your airline's current rules before travelling, as some have tightened use of power banks on board.

How do you look after a power bank?

Store it partly charged, avoid leaving it in a hot car, and replace it if it swells or gets unusually warm. Lithium batteries age, so a power bank several years old may hold much less than its label says.

Is Apple's own option worth it?

Its advantage is tight integration and design. For most users, a good third-party USB-C power bank offers more capacity for less money and charges every device you carry.

Keep reading

• Apple's Move to USB-C: The End of the USB 2.0 Port
• Recording Calls on iPhone: How It Works Now
• Mac Says Service Battery? What It Means and What to Do

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I complained that iPhone, unlike many Android phones, had no built-in call recording, and third-party apps were unreliable. Apple has since added it. I have rewritten this into a guide to recording calls on an iPhone, and the legal points to keep in mind. This is general information, not legal advice.

For years, call recording was an Android advantage. On iPhone, users relied on third-party apps that often used conference-call workarounds and were fiddly to use. My 2021 wish for a built-in option has now been answered.

Can iPhones record calls now?

Yes. Starting with iOS 18.1, released in October 2024, the Phone app can record calls on supported iPhones in supported regions. During a call, you tap the record button. Everyone on the call hears an announcement that it is being recorded. Recordings are saved in the Notes app, and on devices with Apple Intelligence, transcripts and summaries can be generated.

How do you record a call?

• Update to a recent version of iOS.
• During a call, tap the record button at the top of the screen.
• Stop recording from the same button, or end the call.
• Find the recording and transcript in the Notes app.

If you do not see the button, check that the feature is available in your country and language.

Is it legal to record calls in India?

The law on recording private phone calls is not a single simple rule, and courts have treated recordings differently depending on context, including privacy and consent. The safest practice is to tell the other person you are recording, which the iPhone's announcement does automatically. For recordings you may use in a dispute, get legal advice.

Are third-party recording apps still needed?

Less often. They may help on older iPhones or in regions without the built-in feature, but check their privacy policies carefully, since your calls pass through their services.

What are good uses for call recording?

Recording customer support calls to keep a record of promises, interviews with consent, and calls where you need accurate notes. Store recordings securely and delete them when no longer needed.

Keep reading

• Power Banks for Apple Devices: What Apple Made, What to Buy
• Why iPhone and iPad Need a Clear Cache Option
• Apple should enable Passcode lock for Apps in iOS

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I compared Google Sheets with Excel on OneDrive for online collaboration, having used Excel offline for my business and Sheets for sharing. I have rewritten it into a current comparison for small teams.

I used Excel offline for business work for years, but preferred Google Sheets for sharing and collaborating online. My original comparison covered basics like sign-in, storage and simple formulas. Both tools have changed, and the choice now depends on how your team works.

What do you need to use each?

Google Sheets needs a free Google account and stores files in Google Drive, which shares 15 GB of free storage with Gmail and Photos. Excel for the web needs a free Microsoft account and stores files in OneDrive, which offers 5 GB free. Paid plans raise both limits, and Microsoft 365 adds the full desktop Excel app.

Which is better for real-time collaboration?

Both support several people editing at once, comments, and version history. Google Sheets has long been smoother for live collaboration in a browser. Excel for the web has closed much of the gap, and co-authoring works well when everyone uses current versions.

Which handles complex work better?

• Excel: larger datasets, advanced functions, Power Query, pivot tables and macros, especially in the desktop app.
• Google Sheets: simpler interface, easy sharing, strong integration with Google Forms and Apps Script automation.

How do they handle each other's files?

Google Sheets can open and export Excel files, and Excel can open exported Sheets files. Simple spreadsheets convert cleanly; macros, some formulas and advanced formatting may not. Pick one as the home for each file to avoid version confusion.

Which should a small business choose?

If your accountant and partners use Excel, or you need advanced analysis, use Excel with OneDrive. If you mainly share simple sheets, collect data through forms or work in a browser, Google Sheets is quicker and cheaper. Many businesses use both for different jobs.

What about AI features?

Both now include AI assistants on paid plans, Copilot in Excel and Gemini in Sheets, for writing formulas and summarising data. Try them on a copy of your data first, and check the results.

Keep reading

• Restricting Browser Access on Shared Windows PCs
• Why iPhone and iPad Need a Clear Cache Option
• Evaluating an Enterprise Platform Before You Commit

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I wanted to restrict the browser on a Windows laptop used by staff, so only authorised people could open it, but found "EXE locker" apps broke the browser. I have rewritten it into a guide to controlling what staff can do on shared Windows PCs using Windows' own tools.

I used a Windows laptop in my business and wanted the browser to open only for employees who authenticated. The third-party "EXE locker" tools I tried would lock the browser's program file, which simply made the browser hang. There are better ways, built into Windows.

Why do app locker tools often fail with browsers?

Browsers run several processes and update themselves frequently, replacing their program files. Tools that lock a single executable file clash with that, causing freezes or breaking updates. They also often ask for broad system access, which is a security risk in itself.

What does Windows offer instead?

• Separate user accounts: give each person their own standard (non-administrator) account with a password or PIN. Browser history, logins and access stay separate.
• Kiosk mode (assigned access): lock an account so it can run only one app, such as a single browser for a counter PC.
• Microsoft Family Safety: for small setups, restricts apps and websites per account.
• Group Policy or Intune: on Windows Pro and business editions, controls which apps each user can run.

Which approach suits a small business?

Separate standard accounts cover most needs: each employee signs in, and nobody sees another's browser data. Use kiosk mode for a PC that should only ever run one app. Business editions of Windows with Intune suit larger teams.

How do you keep shared PCs secure?

Keep Windows and the browser updated, use a password manager rather than saved passwords on shared accounts, and never give staff administrator rights they do not need. Sign out at the end of each shift.

How do you set up a standard account?

In Settings, go to Accounts, then Other users, and add an account for each employee. Leave the account type as Standard user. Each person then signs in with their own password or PIN, and cannot install software or change system settings without an administrator.

Should you still use third-party lockers?

Only well-known, reputable tools, and only after trying the built-in options. Built-in controls are more reliable and do not need extra software with deep system access.

Keep reading

• Google Sheets vs Excel Online for Small Teams
• RBI Mis-Selling Rules: What Bank Customers Can Now Demand
• Apple should enable Passcode lock for Apps in iOS

Updated September 2026: in June 2021, hours after Apple launched Dolby Atmos in Apple Music, users in other countries posted that it was working while Indian subscribers with the latest software could not get it. I have rewritten it into an explainer on why features often reach India later, and how to check.

At WWDC in June 2021, Apple announced Dolby Atmos across its music catalogue. Within hours, users worldwide were sharing screenshots. Indian users, with the same subscription and software, found nothing. Most accepted a global rollout takes time, but the lack of any word on timing was frustrating.

Why do features arrive later in some countries?

• Licensing: music, video and content deals are often negotiated country by country.
• Regulation: health, payment and safety features may need local approval.
• Language support: features that depend on speech or text may wait for local languages.
• Staged rollouts: companies switch features on gradually to catch problems.

How can you check whether a feature is available in India?

Apple publishes a feature availability page listing which features work in which countries and regions. Google, Samsung and others have similar pages. Check these before buying a device or subscription for a specific feature.

Is there anything you can do while waiting?

Usually not. Changing your region or account country can break purchases and subscriptions and is against many services' terms. Resetting settings or reinstalling apps, as many of us tried in 2021, will not help if the feature has not been enabled for your country.

Which features have been slow to reach India?

Historically, some Apple health features, some Apple Pay and payment features, and certain AI and language-dependent features have arrived in India later than elsewhere, or not yet at all. Payment services in India often work differently because of UPI, which changes what global companies launch.

Did Dolby Atmos eventually reach Apple Music in India?

Apple expanded spatial audio availability after the initial launch. Check the feature availability page and the Music settings on your device for the current status, rather than relying on posts from the launch week.

Should delays change what you buy?

If you are buying for a specific feature, yes: check availability first. If you are buying for the overall product, delays matter less, since many features arrive in later updates.

Keep reading

• Apple Watch 2021 Predictions vs What Apple Shipped
• Right to Repair India: What You're Owed
• UPI Surcharge On Your Bill: How To Push Back

Updated September 2026: in May 2021 I predicted an Apple Watch Series 7 with a completely modern redesign, exclusive features for a top model, and pricing changes. I have rewritten it to compare those predictions with what Apple shipped.

The Apple Watch had kept the same basic design since launch, so in 2021 I expected a full redesign, features reserved for the top-end Series 7, and Apple using the Watch SE to widen its pricing. Leaks that year pointed to a flat-edged design.

What did the Series 7 actually bring?

A larger display with thinner borders, a tougher front crystal, faster charging and a QWERTY keyboard option on screen. The body kept its rounded shape; the rumoured flat-edge design did not arrive. My redesign prediction was wrong, though the display change was the most visible update in years.

Did the top model get exclusive features?

Not in 2021. But in 2022 Apple introduced the Apple Watch Ultra, a larger, tougher model with longer battery life, an extra Action button and features for divers and runners. That was the premium, exclusive tier I expected, one year later and as a separate line.

What happened to pricing?

Apple kept a three-tier range: SE as the entry model, the Series in the middle, and Ultra at the top. That structure matches what I expected the SE to start.

When did the redesign finally come?

The Series 10 in 2024 was noticeably thinner with a larger, wide-angle display. It was an evolution rather than a new shape, but the biggest design change since the original.

Which health features arrived after 2021?

Temperature sensing on the Series 8, Crash Detection, sleep apnoea notifications and, on newer models, hypertension notifications where approved. Availability depends on country, so check which features are enabled in India before buying for a specific one.

What does this say about Apple rumours?

• Design leaks are sometimes wrong, as the flat-edge rumour was.
• Features often arrive a year or two later than predicted.
• New tiers can appear instead of changes to existing ones.

Which Apple Watch should you buy now?

SE for essentials, the current Series for full health features, Ultra for outdoor sports and battery life. A discounted previous model is often the best value.

Keep reading

• Why Features Reach India Later, and How to Check
• Tips and suggestions to improve Apple Watch Battery Life
• How Long Should an iPhone Last? Signs to Replace It

Updated September 2026: in 2021, with my MacBook Pro's battery swelling, I removed screws to let air in, reset the SMC and reseated the battery connector, but the "Service Battery" warning kept appearing. I have rewritten it into a guide to what that warning means and what to do, with safety first.

I tried several things. I removed screws above the swollen section, reset the System Management Controller, and reconnected the battery to the board. None of it helped. The Service Battery indicator kept appearing, and my research into whether it was safe to keep using the laptop raised serious warnings.

What does "Service Recommended" or "Service Battery" mean?

macOS shows a battery condition in System Settings or the battery menu. "Service Recommended" means the battery is holding significantly less charge than when new or is not working normally. It does not always mean the battery is dangerous, but combined with swelling, it does.

Can resets fix a failing battery?

No. Resetting the SMC on Intel Macs can fix power management glitches, such as a battery not charging correctly, but it cannot restore a worn or swollen battery. The chemistry has changed, and only replacement fixes it.

What should you not do with a swollen battery?

• Do not remove screws or press on it to make space, as I did.
• Do not keep charging it.
• Do not puncture or try to flatten it.
• Do not leave it in a hot place.

How do you check battery health on a Mac?

Hold the Option key and click the battery icon to see the condition, or open System Information and look under Power for the cycle count and condition. Apple silicon Macs also show battery health in System Settings, under Battery.

What should you do next?

Back up, stop using the laptop, and take it to an authorised service provider or experienced repair shop for replacement. For older models, ask about reputable replacement batteries and a warranty on the work.

How do you look after a new battery?

Keep macOS updated, avoid heat, and on Apple silicon Macs leave Optimised Battery Charging switched on. These reduce wear and help the new battery last.

Keep reading

• Power Banks for Apple Devices: What Apple Made, What to Buy
• MacBook Battery Management Needs a Smarter Fix
• How Long Should an iPhone Last? Signs to Replace It

Updated September 2026: the original 2021 post listed features an enterprise platform should have after an upgrade, such as modular design, paying only for the modules you need, and easy integration. I have expanded it into a guide to evaluating an enterprise platform before you commit.

Businesses usually upgrade enterprise applications because day-to-day operations or client demands have outgrown the old system. Many upgrades still disappoint: the new platform fails to meet business objectives or struggles with future integrations. Choosing well at the start avoids most of that.

What should an enterprise platform offer?

• Modularity: add or remove modules, such as finance, procurement or HR, without rebuilding.
• Pay for what you use: licences only for the modules and users you need.
• Open integration: standard APIs to connect with banks, tax portals, CRM and other systems.
• Configurability: business rules changed through settings rather than custom code.
• Reporting: built-in reports and the ability to export data for analysis.

Why does modularity matter?

Because businesses change. A modular platform lets you start with core finance and add more later, spreading cost and risk. It also makes replacing one part possible without replacing everything.

How do you check integration claims?

Ask vendors for documented APIs and reference customers who integrated similar systems. Run a small proof of concept for the most important integration before signing. "It integrates with anything" is a sales phrase; a working demonstration is evidence.

What about future upgrades?

Heavy customisation makes upgrades expensive. Prefer platforms where most of your needs are met by configuration, and keep custom code to a minimum. Ask how often the vendor releases updates and what it takes to adopt them.

Cloud or on-premise?

Most new enterprise platforms are sold as cloud services, with the vendor handling hosting and updates. That lowers upfront cost and keeps you on current versions, but it means regular updates you must test and adopt. On-premise gives more control at the cost of running the infrastructure yourself. For most small and mid-sized businesses, cloud is now the practical default.

How do you measure success after the upgrade?

Against the objectives set before the project: faster month-end close, fewer manual steps, better reporting. Measure them a few months after go-live, and fix gaps while the implementation team is still close to the work.

Keep reading

• Google Sheets vs Excel Online for Small Teams
• MacBook Battery Management Needs a Smarter Fix
• Right to Repair India: What You're Owed