Take Control — MacVoices

Authors from the Take Control eBook series

MacVoices #26118: Jeff Carlson Takes Control of iPhone Photography (1)

Apr 13, 2026 | Take Control

Jeff Carlson discusses the second edition of Take Control of iPhone Photography, explaining how it helps users move beyond basic snapshots to more deliberate, higher-quality images. He highlights changes in Apple’s camera app, new features in recent iOS versions, and the challenges of hidden controls. The part of the conversation emphasizes understanding settings, resolutions, and techniques to fully use the iPhone’s powerful camera system. (Part 1)

MacVoices #25323: Kirk McElhearn Takes Control of Apple Media Apps (2)

Dec 26, 2025 | Take Control

A conversation with Kirk McElhern on the steady maturation of Apple’s media apps—Music, TV, Books, and Podcasts—and why major changes are now rare. They unpack Apple Music’s personalized stations and discovery, the “hits rise to the top” problem, and why many podcast pros still prefer Overcast despite Apple’s transcripts. Plus: how Apple’s services strategy nudges users toward subscriptions, and why managing your own library adds the real complexity.

MacVoices #25322: Kirk McElhearn Takes Control of Apple Media Apps (1)

Dec 24, 2025 | Take Control

Kirk McElhern returns to talk about the newest Take Control of Apple Media Apps and why Apple’s Music/TV/Podcasts/Books apps feel more “mature” than revolutionary. He breaks down the small-but-real updates, critiques the Liquid Glass interface and accessibility tradeoffs, and explains why the Mac still matters for metadata work. Plus: a practical workaround for messy personal video libraries—Plex—and thoughts on playlists, Spotify, and Apple Music personalization.

MacVoices #25313: Jeff Carlson Takes Control of Apple Watch (2)

Dec 15, 2025 | Take Control

Jeff Carlson dives deeper into watchOS 26 changes, from a redesigned Workout app and expanded customization to Workout Buddy’s friendly audio updates. He also points out new Control Center options, Smart Stack hints, Focus-based watch face switching, and Ultra 3 satellite support. The discussion reinforces how an updated guide can reveal the small features that make the watch feel more personal and useful.

MacVoices #25312: Jeff Carlson Takes Control of Apple Watch (1)

Dec 12, 2025 | Take Control

Jeff Carlson breaks down the current Apple Watch lineup and watchOS 26, focusing on when an upgrade is worthwhile. From Series and Ultra models to the latest SE, the discussion highlights health features, usability improvements, and subtle enhancements that make the watch more valuable as a daily companion.

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MacVoices #25276: In-Depth with the Developers of MailMaven and Joe Kissell (1)

Nov 4, 2025 | Interview, Take Control

Developers of MailMaven join Joe Kissel to explore a new power-user email client born from the end of Apple Mail plugins. They discuss metadata, advanced rules, keyboard-driven workflows, thoughtful UI decisions, approachable onboarding, and practical spam control using SpamSieve with server-side filtering. Part 1 of a three-part conversation.

MacVoices #25250: Joe Kissell Takes Control of Tahoe and Mac Basics (3)

Oct 1, 2025 | Take Control

Joe Kissel questions app sprawl, praises meaningful options, and spotlights Tahoe’s upgrades: Shortcuts that auto-run on triggers and new passkey import/export for password managers. He shares book pricing, Premium discounts, and why his guides deliver high signal-to-noise compared to long videos.

MacVoices #25249: Joe Kissell Takes Control of Tahoe and Mac Basics (2)

Sep 30, 2025 | Take Control

Joe Kissel explores Tahoe’s hands-on upgrades: a customizable Control Center and menu bar, easier access to Reduce Transparency, the Phone app on Mac with call screening and hold assist, and live translation. He assesses Spotlight’s redesign—actions and clipboard history included—and highlights new system apps like Apps, Games, Journal, and Magnifier.

MacVoices #25248: Joe Kissell Takes Control of Tahoe and Mac Basics (1)

Sep 29, 2025 | Take Control

Joe Kissel joins Chuck to discuss Take Control of Tahoe and the newly updated Mac Basics. They explore Apple’s sweeping design overhaul with Liquid Glass, debate its real-world impact on usability, and explain how Apple’s expanding app ecosystem demands frequent book updates. Joe shares insight into balancing depth, clarity, and adaptation to ever-changing macOS updates.

MacVoices #25240: Jeff Carlson Takes Control of Your Digital Storage (2)

Sep 18, 2025 | Take Control

Jeff Carlson returns to share insights from his updated digital storage guide, exploring NAS, SSDs, direct-connect solutions, and memory cards. He explains practical pros and cons, touches on backup strategies, and highlights security issues. Jeff also discusses his new role at CNET, where he covers mobile technology and photography, including testing the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s AI-powered zoom.

MacVoices #25239: Jeff Carlson Takes Control of Your Digital Storage

Sep 17, 2025 | Take Control

Jeff Carlson breaks down modern storage: SSD vs HDD and NVMe, when Thunderbolt 5 is worth it, APFS essentials, cable pitfalls, and smarter backup plans. Plus iOS/iPadOS support for external drives, NAS pros and cons, and why SD cards aren’t a universal fix. Practical tips to protect your data and your budget.

MacVoices #25192: Joe Kissell Takes Control of DEVONthink 4 (2)

Jul 15, 2025 | Take Control

In the second part of our conversation with Joe Kissell about Take Control of DEVONthink 4, Joe focuses on its updated inspector system, subtle interface improvements, and a powerful suite of new AI features. He discusses how large language model integration—from ChatGPT to Claude—enhances document sorting, summarizing, and research. Joe also shares concerns about AI, how DevonThink addresses them, and how the app balances automation with control.

MacVoices #25071: Joe Kissell Takes Control of Mac Basics (2)

Feb 17, 2025 | Take Control

Our conversation with Joe Kissell about his new Take Control book Mac Basics continues with comments on what versions of macOS are addressed and how Joe approached the daunting task of covering all the system features. We also talk about the importance of a basics book and shares some valuable Mac tips that you may not know.

MacVoices #25070: Joe Kissell Takes Control of Mac Basics (1)

Feb 14, 2025 | Take Control

Joe Kissell is back with a new Take Control title that is just a little different. Mac Basics. Joe starts out by discussing why this book is needed, and some of the challenges of creating a basic book on such a mature and complex topic. Starting out with the physical characteristics, then going through what the user sees first, Joe discusses how he tries to touch on everything without the details becoming burdensome. (Part 1)

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