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.
This episode explores the swirl of rumors around Tim Cook’s potential retirement and what Apple’s succession planning might really look like. The panel then dissects reports that Apple could make billions in commissions from WeChat, separating headline hype from reality. They wrap up with a look at tighter App Store guidelines aimed at stopping copycat apps and how those changes may impact developers and users alike.
This episode starts with a public service warning about Belkin’s latest recall over potential fire hazards and how owners are getting refunds. The conversation then turns to Massimo’s major legal win against Apple over Apple Watch health-sensor patents, including the size of the judgment, the company’s broader medical business, licensing deals with other tech firms, and why aggressively protecting intellectual property is so central to their strategy.
Affinity’s move to a permanently free model sparks discussion about Canva’s strategy and Adobe’s pricing, while Pantone introduces an AI-powered color generator. The panel examines privacy concerns around Tinder scanning photo libraries and Microsoft turning to influencers for Copilot. A mix of tech news, creative-tool insights, and humor rounds out the conversation.
The second part of 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #2 features more product picks both useful and off-beat from Jeff Gamet, ”Pilot Pete” Harmon, and Chuck Joiner. (Part 2)
The second 2025 Holiday Gift Guide opens with standout recommendations ranging from a high-quality portable DAC and the Kindle Oasis to cable-management solutions, a Supergirl graphic novel, a Nespresso frother, and flexible VESA-mounted TV legs—smart gift ideas for tech fans and home-setup enthusiasts alike.
This episode tackles reports that Apple may license Google’s Gemini AI for Siri, raising questions about privacy, accuracy, and Apple’s long-term AI roadmap. The panel also celebrates the new Apple TV sci-fi hit Pluribus and other standout series, then digs into alarming reports that a sizable slice of Meta’s ad revenue comes from scams and lightly enforced “borderline” ads.
The panel debates Apple’s new iPhone Pocket accessory, from its pricing to whether it’s really meant for U.S. consumers. They also explore the sudden scarcity of the HomePod mini and whether it signals refreshed models ahead of the holidays, rounding out the discussion with predictions about Apple’s next moves.
The 2025 Holiday Gift Guide continues with a fresh round of travel tech, audio gear, clever accessories, and creative surprises. From USB-C hubs and AirPods to LEGO’s Enterprise-D and powerful drive docks, the panel shares practical picks and fun ideas for every budget.
The panel launches the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide with a wide range of practical tech recommendations, including MagSafe wallets, AirTag money clips, AI tools, travel routers, power banks, and the latest JBL Flip speakers. A fast-moving, fun discussion full of gift ideas for travelers, Apple fans, and gadget lovers.
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