Stop the fireworks!

“Apple’s new video reactions are making therapy incredibly awkward,” is the title of a funny Reddit thread about how animated hearts and fireworks on video calls aren’t helping during serious telehealth appointments.

“I’m a psychiatrist and it happened to me this week when someone was telling me about their divorce,” said one commenter. “It was horrible.”

New in macOS Sonoma, these “reactions” are animated effects on video calls that trigger when, for example, you hold up two thumbs (which prompts virtual fireworks). The feature works in FaceTime and various other videoconferencing software — and is on by default.

So, if you are mortified when you hold up two fingers to indicate the number two — and balloons start bubbling up everywhere — you might want to turn it off.

However, the way to switch off these webcam reactions isn’t obvious. The setting isn’t in FaceTime, Zoom, Skype or Google Meet — it’s in the Mac’s menu bar. Here’s how to do it.

Also in today’s newsletter:

• Lego will turn any fan-built model into an official product if enough folks up-vote it — and a really cool model of an Apple retail store is on the docket.

• New videos offer a behind-the-scenes peek at how Apple rigorously tests products for resistance to water and dust. Plus, there’s a great explanation of why Apple is often accused of making unrepairable products. (It’s because of repairability versus durability.)

• This is a great story: A single AirPod was used to track down an alleged hit-and-run driver.

• It’s an open-box deal, but you can save a whopping $155 on a Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad 10.

• What’s the most-anticipated show coming to Apple TV+ this summer, according to Cult of Mac readers? See yesterday’s poll results below.

• I really like this setup — especially the screen-spanning wallpaper.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

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^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

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One more thing ...

Today’s poll

Results from yesterday’s poll: What new Apple TV+ shows are you most looking forward to?

Best reader comments

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