As my faithful readers know 😉 , I really like the Apple Watch. I wrote in September about getting the wrist detection working again, and it’s been great since then…with one exception. Without wrist detection enabled, you can’t use Apple Pay (it won’t let you store cards without wrist detection enabled). When I turned wrist detection off, before that fix with OS 2, my Apple Pay configuration went away; that’s the way it works. This doesn’t sound so bad, but then when wrist detection was back, I couldn’t add cards to Apple Pay. They would be stuck being “activated.”

I did a fair bit of Googling on it, and it appeared to be an issue with some bit of iPhone storage not getting completely cleared out with card removal. Supposedly a restore of the phone fixed things for many folks.  However, I didn’t want to go to the trouble to do that, so I just ignored that one missing feature.  After December’s Watch and iOS updates, I decided to try again and lo and behold, it worked! I loaded up some cards and went Christmas shopping on Friday. Woohoo! I’m a happy camper.

Since the Paris terrorist attack and then the San Bernardino shootings (which now are confirmed to be an internationally inspired terrorist attack by a US lifetime resident and citizen) there has been much discussion among talking heads on screen and in print about needing to be able to eavesdrop on all communications. Many pundits, candidates, and congressmen have jumped all over this bandwagon, calling for more surveillance and calling for means to access any encrypted communication. Many of these same advocates for eavesdropping are ardent supporters of the 2nd Amendment, but forget about the rights for the people to communicate, assemble, and be protected from unreasonable searches and seizures (1st and 4th Amendments). However, putting aside the legal issues and politics that are wrapped up in the issue, this is technically a very bad idea.

First, let’s consider encryption alone, without considering some sort of backdoor or key escrow. Encrypted communication has been with us as long as there has been writing, and really, it’s been with us as long as there has been spoken language. Fundamentally, it’s communication that can’t be deciphered due to some sort of obfuscation. This can manifest itself as something intelligible only to the communicating parties such as a jumble of letters or symbols, or some common words (spoken or written) to which is ascribed a common, secret meaning known only to the communicating parties. The common thread here is that there is some shared knowledge that can be used by the communicating parties to extract the hidden meaning, either a shared secret or knowledge of the location of a message. Cryptography is an old art, dating back several thousand years (see also this article for more history). There are a myriad of non-digital ways to hide information, and a quick overview of the Wikipedia article on Steganography can be quite illuminating to the uninitiated, although computers have opened up many new avenues for the practices. Classic encryption took the form of a shared secret (a word, phrase, words on pages of a book, etc.) that could be used to encrypt and decrypt the coded message. Innovative ways of doing this, and in particular changing the shared key, made such messages very secure. In the digital world, this is called symmetric key cryptography.

Widespread use of computers has created many types of communications where information needs to be shared, but also protected, and this brought about the rise of public key cryptography (a pair of algorithmically related keys) and digital signatures as a means of solving the shared secret conundrum. A fundamental point that you should take away, however, is that in the digital world, encryption, whether with a shared secret or a public keys, it boils down to algorithms implemented in computer code. This is embedded in tools you use every day on your computer. Whenever you see a “lock” or other security symbol in the URL display of your browser, you are seeing the results of these algorithms implementing public key encryption. There are many algorithms for cryptography throughout cyberspace that are in the public domain and can be used by anyone. A quick trip to Google will show you this. Likewise, many derivative works exist that are not cataloged. Herein lies the first lesson. The US does not “own” cryptography, or algorithms, and there are many freely available algorithms and code implementations of those algorithms that are beyond the reach of US laws. Efforts to constrain or to weaken encryption will not affect those who want to hide their communications. Just as toolkits are available for the propagation of computer malware (another interesting story!), toolkits for encryption are available and will remain available regardless of legislation. To paraphrase a saying of supporters of 2nd Amendment rights, “when encryption is outlawed, only outlaws will have encryption.”

We have seen this week a revelation that Juniper Networks found at least one “backdoor” in their router/firewall operating system, that had been there since at least 2012. What was the source of this intrusion? Probably nation-state hackers. Who?  Good question. Why? Putting such code in network appliances gives, as the article says, the ability for the owner of the exploit to access resources behind the firewall, the ultimate target. So, how are these thoughts connected? If there is a backdoor in a network appliance, it can allow someone to bypass controls. The fact that this exploit went unnoticed for years speaks to the difficulty of checking for such intrusions. Likewise, if there was a backdoor engineered into an encryption system, as is promulgated on various fronts today, it would be vulnerable to misuse and unauthorized access.  This would impact the security and privacy of legitimate users who are using the encryption system. Would it improve security? I think not, as those who are really concerned about eavesdropping on their conversations will take additional measures, such as using internationally sourced tools (or tools written by a trusted colleague), or by simply obfuscating the messages that are carried by the communication system.  We have a backdoor to access the communications path, but we can’t see anything (at least prospectively) other than innocuous communication (remember steganography?). The value of a backdoor in encryption systems in preventing terrorist attacks is thus minimal, and the breakdown in the privacy of communications for others is significant.

Conversely, focusing not on the content, but rather the patterns of communication (the so-called metadata) or observing other external phenomena does have value. If someone is communicating with known terrorists or in places frequented by such individuals, that can and should raise a red flag. Then, traditional methods of surveillance can then be employed, including bypassing the encryption challenge by placing “taps” (malware) on a suspect’s devices and thus viewing the decrypted messages. That still leaves the challenge of obfuscated messages, but it is more useful. Much can be learned by observations of patterns and metadata. A classic example is determining the likelihood of imminent military action by observing the number of evening pizza deliveries to the Pentagon.

In summary, encryption has been with us since the beginning of communication. Computers are tools used in encrypting messages, but have not changed the fact that those planning activities where they want secret communications have many channels available to them. Sophisticated actors will layer protections on their communications, and simple backdoors to our personal devices or encryption tools will not pierce that veil. If backdoors are in place, we run the very significant risk that those backdoors will be used by actors other than the intended “official” users, and we have thus compromised the security of all and gained little or none in return.

I’ve been a happy Apple Watch user since I got mine on June 1st. While there were limitations in the apps, the promise of exciting functionality was there. It quickly became indispensable. I found texting to be a killer app, and I used the fitness tracker daily. I found a tide table app that’s perfect for helping with coastal fishing and boating. However, three weeks ago, the wrist detection process stopped working. I tried all the  “home remedies” I could Google up, to no avail. I wiped and reloaded, I stood on my head while putting it on my wrist–not really, but you get the idea. I had to turn off wrist detection as one thing it did was stop workout tracking when it locked after 15 seconds. Turning off wrist detection also turned off Apple Pay (not that I’ve used it more than twice, to buy coffee at McDonald’s). I thought about sending it in for replacement (the hive mind was split between software errors and sensor errors) but decided to wait for the OS 2 update, betting that it was a software error (or a deep config setting that the wipe did not update). So, after a nearly 2 week delay in the release of the OS, it was available today, and I’m pleased to say wrist detection is working perfectly again.

Now I’m looking forward to OS 2 apps!

I wrote here in July that I’d installed a Nest Protect and was very pleased with it, and ordered another. The second one works just fine, and replaced the other legacy detector in the house, but I did have some configuration problems getting it to work.  I could not get the second one to talk to the first. This gave me an opportunity to contact the excellent (English speaking!) tech support group at Nest. I got a quick and comprehensive answer to my problem (essentially, I had to do a “reset” on the second Protect to cleanly restart the configuration process). The two systems are communicating fine, and both are working as designed.  The downstairs unit continues to carry the load, as its location next to the kitchen means that it picks up smoke from broiling and frying.  We continue to appreciate the polite “heads up” feature. I also like the “path light” feature; we use it differently on the two systems, with it set as an “always on” nightlight upstairs, but only as a “walk by” feature on the downstairs unit.

Today, I added in a Nest Thermostat to the mix.  Installation was simple (I did check the configuration before I ordered the unit). Configuration took 15-20 minutes as you connect it to the network, it downloads a couple of software updates, and then go thru system configuration and testing. The house has three HVAC systems, and the one I replaced was the only unit without a digital thermostat. I could have gotten a digital thermostat for much less, and a programmable one for perhaps half the cost of the Nest.  However, my experiences with programmable thermostats are that most of the time they don’t get programmed, and the idea of the “self programming” Nest is intriguing.  How well will it work with other units controlled by dumb thermostats?  Is it going to be worth replacing one or more of the others? I don’t know, but it was a good place to start. The room that it’s in is the main room in the house, and it’s challenging from a thermal perspective. It has large windows facing due west, and it picks up a lot of solar gain.  Good in the winter, less so in the cooling season. So, this will be a continuing saga. Stay tuned!

We needed a new smoke detector. I was tired of having to unplug the current one every time we fried fish 😉 so I thought I’d shop around some and see what features are there. I also wanted to see how these “connected” detectors worked so that you could get an alert if not home. Kidde has an interesting device that listens for the sound of standard detectors and then can communicate with you remotely. I then looked at the Nest Protect (2nd generation, and now $30 cheaper than before they had to disable the “Nest Wave”), and it had some nice features and was the same price as the Kidde device. One appealing feature was that in addition to remote notification, it had the “I’m going to alarm, is this really a problem?” mode (they call it the burned popcorn feature). Also sounded like “frying fish” mode!

So, I ordered a Nest Protect (wired) and set it up. Then cooked Cajun Mackerel, yummy! Sure enough, while cooking the 2nd filet (the stove is less than 10 feet from the detector), the Nest Protect says in a nice voice, “I’m going to alarm, and it will be loud. Do you want to silence?” I did, and it quieted down. It keeps a log of events, it tests itself, it interfaces with and alerts your phone, it can be a nightlight, and it’s very friendly. If there is more than one on your network, it tells you the location of the problem in clear language, with all broadcasting (so say the docs). OK, sure, it generates data and sends it to the mothership to make the magic happen. But if I want the conveniences of technology that’s a price I pay.

I like it so much I ordered a second one to replace the other detector in the house. I’ll follow up with more info as I get the next one online.

Much ink (metaphorical and physical) has been spilled with regards to Apple’s first wearable device. I won’t attempt to write a comprehensive article, as those are best found in the various trade journals where folks are focused on such endeavors. My contribution here is just my “n=1” sample of myself.

I ordered my Watch (the 42mm Sport model with a black band) on April 10th, so where around mid-morning. Since orders went live at 3am EDT, I knew I’d be well back in the queue, and sure enough, my ship date said “June.” That was OK, though, as I was inspecting my eyelids at 3am and didn’t want to try to get in the first tranche of shipments. I was thrilled, then, to get the notice on May 29th that my Watch was on the move! I got one of the most interesting UPS tracking displays I’d ever seen, as I watched it move from China to the US on its way to Chapel Hill.

  
It arrived around mid-day on Monday June 1st, and I was eager to give it a try. Alas I had meetings for most of the afternoon. I did carve out a few minutes to unbox the Watch and begin the setup process, so I could play when I got off my WebEx’s. The box was heavy and odd-shaped for a watch (long) but I remembered reading about this and the way they came with the band flat. I pulled out, skipped the setup documentation, and fumbled for the power button. As there are only two choices, it was a short search. Voila! An Apple, the symbol of a booting iDevice! I went thru the setup screens, told it to load all the apps matching those that I had on my iPhone, and it worked for a while while I did the same. It occurred to me that the battery charge might be low, but it wasn’t complaining and I didn’t see at first how to find the charge level.

When my calls were done, it was playtime! So I started pushing, twisting and poking. I’d read that the interface was not intuitive but it seemed logical to me. I tried apps, set watch faces, and started to make it mine. Ok, I did cheat. I couldn’t figure out how to find the battery charge. Google. Oh, doh! Glances, and a swipe thru the options. Ok, I couldn’t figure out how to change the world clock time on a clock face. Google. Oh, doh! Just select the widget and then spin the crown wheel to select. Overall, things really did work the way I expected. 

It’s now been about 30 hours since I got the Watch. What do I think? Very cool. Feels good on my arm. I’ve not worn a watch in years, but it’s light and unobtrusive. Battery life? I’ve been playing with it a lot today, and it’s been over 14 hours since I took it off the charger. Battery indicator says 52%, so that’s not an issue. What can you do with it? It does tell time very effectively! It lights up the face when you raise your arm to look. It alerts for text messages, and the voice recognition for reply is better than expected. I’ve made a phone call, ignored a call, and sent several texts. I’ve read a lot of email previews. The Gmail app works nicely with the alerts and has a lot of flexibility , and you can archive messages and remove them from your inbox. Apple’s mail app works well, too, but the way Gmail segments your mailbox lets me control which messages appear on the Watch better. The biggest shortcoming I’ve seen so far is the inability to respond to email, even with a canned phrase. I understand the design decision but I hope this gets updated to add reply functionality. I’ve not tried the exercise app yet, but will do so. MotionX GPS has a nice app that I know I’ll use. I like the timers and stopwatches. The activity monitor will encourage movement and fitness. The weather apps are handy. I’ve added my credit cards for Apple Pay but have not had a chance to use it yet. My phone is a 5S so I’d not been able to participate in Apple Pay and I’m looking forward to it. I like the news alerts from the NYTimes and others. The presentation remote control apps for Keynote and PowerPoint will be useful; I have a projector dongle for my phone, and it’s handy to have a remote to drive the presentation from the phone. 

The bottom line there is a lot you can do with the Watch. I’m eagerly looking forward to new apps and software updates as the ecosystem matures.