In Eureka Park at CES 2026, Prolo Ring showed off a smart ring that replaces many mouse and keyboard functions using touch gestures. Dr. Joey Cheng demonstrated how Prolo Ring supports cursor control, navigation, media playback, and custom macros through multiple gesture modes. Compatible across platforms via Bluetooth HID, it requires no drivers and can control multiple devices.
The MacVoices Live! panel looks at Apple’s decision to partner with Google’s Gemini models as part of its upcoming AI strategy, considering privacy, control, and execution timelines among the factors. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Norbert Frassa, Marty Jencius, and Jim Rea debate whether this move strengthens Apple Intelligence while preserving on-device and private cloud safeguards, and contrast it with Microsoft’s all-in Copilot approach, which lacks an off switch and gives users no choices.
From Las Vegas and CES 2026, Swapnil Vats, Product and Business Head for Luna Ring covers the feature set of their smart health ring that is designed to work alongside Apple Watch or on its own. The titanium Luna Ring tracks biometrics like heart rate, sleep, stress, and workouts, then adds context through voice-logged lifestyle inputs such as caffeine, meals, and anxiety. AI-driven analysis then delivers personalized wellness insights without subscription fees.
The January 2026 MacVoices Update recaps a busy start to the year, including attending and releasing interviews from CES and necessary schedule adjustments.. Chuck touches on the why’s and how’s of who was interviewed, referencing a MacVoices Blog post He also explains changes to Patreon subscriptions driven by Apple’s new system and how it does and doesn’t affect patrons, and delivers the monthly Support Report.
Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner return after a holiday break to discuss Chuck’s CES impressions, evolving TV hardware, and the viewing experience around Apple TV. They discuss smart TV interfaces, discoverability challenges, and why software now matters as much (if not more) as display quality. They look at both upcoming and canceled Apple TV shows, and pick some favorites among both new and returning series.
The panel digs into GM’s contradictory approach to CarPlay, allowing selective Apple features while rejecting full integration. Other topics include Vision Pro travel updates, safety warnings over recalled power banks, Apple Sports expanding into golf, and Bending Spoons’ acquisition of Eventbrite, with a deeper look at fees, data, and platform 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.
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.
A frank panel discussion explores Apple’s AI leadership shakeup, delayed Siri features, and whether the company can balance privacy, innovation, and external partnerships in a rapidly accelerating AI landscape.
The panel swaps stories from Black Friday and Cyber Monday, highlighting smart tech buys, overlooked gems, and a few near-misses. Beyond the shopping lists, the conversation takes a thoughtful turn—calling out deal fatigue, questionable discounts, and the frustration loyal customers feel when promos favor newcomers—while still enjoying the thrill of finding gear that truly earns its place.
The final Holiday Gift Guide segment wraps the year with standout practical picks: a portable Philips Hue Go smart lamp, TSA-friendly multi-tools (including an everyday-carry barrette), an Anker MagGo 3-in-1 charging station to reduce cable clutter, and Type It For Me 7 for fast text expansion. Travel gets attention too with a compact airplane phone mount for comfortable movie watching on cramped flights.
The second part of our final 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide delivers a mix of low-tech problem solvers and smart power picks. Kelly Guimont, Jim Rea, Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Kirk McElhearn select an interior windshield cleaner, a MagSafe ring mount for comfortable caseless use at home, and suction-based phone chargers/stands to keep devices charged and easy to find. The picks also include a USB-C rechargeable numeric pad, experience gifts like concert tickets, a rechargeable electric candle lighter, and a fun gaming recommendation. (Part 2)
Kelly Guimont, Jim Rea, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Kirk McElhearn and Chuck Joiner wrap up the 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guides wraps up with “best of the rest” episodes, packed with practical picks and plenty of laughs. Highlights include keyboard travel cases, socks, portable power options, dictation software, a motorized TV mount, a light, and compact multi-port chargers. (Part 1)
Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner close out 2025 by assessing Apple TV’s year—awards recognition, strategy, and the ongoing marketing puzzle. They preview upcoming releases like F1, Hijack, and Tehran, debate sports and bundling, and share standout favorites including Slow Horses, Prime Target, The Morning Show, Mythic Quest, and Foundation.
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