MacVoices
The debate over whether Apple should acquire an AI company to stay competitive, with Perplexity as a leading candidate, is a hot topic. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Jim Rea, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs explore past acquisitions, Apple’s AI strategy, and the challenges of merging company cultures. PSAs about malware from screenshots and fake CAPTCHAs are discussed, along with the growing risks of AI litigation and the hype vs. reality of AI’s future. Today's MacVoices is supported by Bzigo. Don’t wait until the next bite—protect your home...
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The MacVoices Live! panel explores Meta’s push to dominate AI with its new “super intelligence” team, raising privacy concerns and skepticism over its motives. WhatsApp’s move to introduce ads prompts worries about user data and ad targeting is discussed, by Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Marty Jencius, along with the bizarre launch of a Trump-branded smartphone and its questionable specs and capabilities. Today's MacVoices is supported by Bzigo. Don’t wait until the next bite—protect your home with...
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The June 2025 MacVoices Update looks back on a packed month of content, including The Road to MacStock and NAB wrap-ups. Some format changes to make episodes more approachable, resources like the weekly Dispatch newsletter and Flipboard magazine, and the Support Report complete this week’s comments. Show Notes: Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: ...
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The MacVoices Live! panel takes a closer look at Amazon’s Alexa+, its unusual rollout, and user experiences that raise questions about its current readiness. The panel compares AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, especially in corporate environments, highlighting their strengths and limitations. The conversation shifts to a Reuters study showing social media has overtaken traditional outlets as the leading news source in the U.S., prompting concerns over misinformation, curated content, and the erosion of journalistic standards. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Web Bixby,...
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The panel explores Apple’s innovative use of haptics in its new F1 movie trailer and how it adds to the experience (or not). They discuss the delayed rollout of personalized Siri, developer challenges with AI integration, and why Apple may have backtracked on earlier plans. A CNET survey sparks a broader conversation with Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Marty Jencius about how little weight AI features carry for smartphone buyers today, despite media and industry hype. Today’s MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac by MacPaw, your ultimate...
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Kelly Guimont returns to The Road to to talk about her session on practical, privacy-conscious home automation. Starting from zero, she will help attendees make informed choices and avoid feeling overwhelmed, with real-life examples and insights drawn from years of experience. She also shares why MacStock remains a favorite event—thanks to its community, connection, and even the karaoke. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV25179.mp3 Today’s edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices Live!, our weekly live panel discussion of what is going in the Apple space as well as the...
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This MacVoices Live! discussion starts off with three essential public service announcements: a major recall of Anker PowerCore batteries, warnings about malicious unsubscribe links in emails, and serious privacy concerns surrounding Meta’s AI assistant. The panel of Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Marty Jencius emphasizes the importance of staying alert to avoid real-world risks. Jim Rea then shares a developer-focused perspective on WWDC, highlighting SwiftUI upgrades, AI integration in Xcode, and Apple’s new foundation models. He also...
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The Road to Macstock and takes us to Jill McKinley, who previews her upcoming talk on how Apple’s ecosystem helped her lose weight and build a healthier lifestyle. She will explain how the Apple Watch, Fitness+, and apps like MyNetDiary and Todoist make tracking effortless, with reminders and data centralization driving consistency. In typical Jill fashion, her session will guide attendees through the full range of Apple’s health tools with small, sustainable steps. This edition of MacVoices is supported by . What happens before and after the shows is uncensored, on-topic,...
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The panel digs into the abrupt shutdown of the Arc browser and what it signals about user expectations and innovation fatigue in the browser space. Chuck Joiner, Dave Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, and Jeff Gamet explore Opera’s foray into agentic AI and how it could redefine how we interact with the web. A deep dive into Getty Images’ aggressive lawsuit against Stability AI sparks a broader conversation about copyright, content ownership, and AI ethics. Meta’s surprising move to open physical retail stores invites skepticism and speculation, while a T-Mobile...
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In a first for both The Road to Macstock and itself, Marty Jencius and his son Will Jencius team up for a father-son presentation on travel tech, inspired by their podcast Gear Up and Go. They share how tech frustrations while traveling sparked the idea, how two generations bring different perspectives to gear choices, and what attendees can expect from their interactive, audience-involving session. MacVoices is supported by : The Answers You Need Now, From Leading Experts. Start your library today. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:09 Introduction to MacVoices 02:22 The Genesis of the Podcast...
info_outlineOur annual MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide series kicks off with ideas of things to give or get from David Ginsburg, Jeff Gamet, Mike T. Rose, and host Chuck Joiner. From affordable to expensive, practical to less practical, there is something for everyone…and we’re just getting started! (Part 1)
This edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices Magazine, our free magazine on Flipboard. Updated daily with the best articles on the web to help you do more with your Apple gear and adjacent tech, access MacVoices Magazine content on Flipboard, on the web, or in your favorite RSS reader.

Show Notes:
MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide 2023 on Flipboard
https://flipboard.com/@chuckjoiner/2023-macvoices-holiday-gift-guide-hrivlnr7z
Chapters:
0:00:00 The start of MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide for 2023.
0:07:01 Discovering the Beautiful Art of the Fantasy Kingdom
0:08:27 Unexpectedly Cool Gift Recommendations
0:12:35 The Durable and Practical Rothko Tech Bag
0:12:56 iPad Sizes and Compatibility
0:16:22 Apple Watch as a Safety Device
0:18:26 Sonos Move: Original vs. Move 2
0:21:09 Raspberry Pi 5: A Tinkerer's Delight
0:23:27 Consider Raspberry Pi 4 for immediate gift-giving
0:27:02 Raspberry Pi 5: Significantly faster and worth the wait
0:28:08 Raspberry Pi 4 Model B: Dual 4K HDMI Output
0:29:27 Versatile Charging Solution for Different Devices
0:31:21 Highly Recommended for Charging Various Devices
0:32:26 Aircard - Familiar Name, Indestructible Design
0:35:24 Twinkly Lights - Digital Twin of Physical Lights, HomeKit Compatible
Links:
David Ginsburg’s Picks:
Anker Power Bank, 24,000mAh Portable Charger 65W Battery Pack
https://amzn.to/47xfvWw
Sonos Move - Battery-Powered Smart Speaker
https://amzn.to/3SEyXwg
Sonos Move 2
https://amzn.to/3QKxe66
Jeff Gamet’s Picks:
The Mysteries Hardcover by Bill Watterson (Author), Bill Watterson and John Kascht (Illustrator)
https://amzn.to/3QWiemC
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2019 Quad Core 64 Bit WiFi Bluetooth (4GB)
https://amzn.to/40Az1yW
Raspberry Pi 5
https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-5/
Mike T. Rose’s Picks:
Rothco Vintage Canvas Tech Bag
https://amzn.to/47Ane6d
Rolling Square, inCharge XL, 6-in-1 Multi Charging Cable, 100W Ultra-Fast Charging Power, 6.5ft/2m, Summit Yellow
https://amzn.to/46t2cWd
Rolling Square inCharge X Portable Keychain Charger Cable, 6-in-1 Multi Charging Cable with 100W Ultra-Fast Charging Power, Lava Black
https://amzn.to/3sGS3XM
Rolling Square Aircard - Bluetooth Card Sized GPS Tracker with Business Card NFC/QR Code & Find My Network Compatibility - 2.2mm Super Thin
https://amzn.to/49yeHSZ
Chuck Joiner's Picks:
Apple Watch Series 9
https://amzn.to/3QY4bNG
Apple's Crash Detection saves another life: mine
https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/11/04/apples-crash-detection-saves-another-life-mine
Twinkly Strings App Controlled 157 Feet Smart Christmas Lights with 600 RGB LEDs and Green Wire for Indoor and Outdoor Decorative Lighting
https://amzn.to/3ueqYfc
MacVoices #20074: CES – Twinkly Takes Holiday Lights to the Next Level
https://www.macvoices.com/macvoices-20074-ces-twinkly-takes-holiday-lights-to-the-next-level/
MacVoices #23038: CES – Twinkly Introduces Tiles, New Software, and Gamer Support
https://www.macvoices.com/macvoices-23038-ces-twinkly-introduces-tiles-new-software-and-gamer-support/
Guests:
Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer’s Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @[email protected] on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet.
David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @[email protected].
Michael T. Rose began his Mac-centric career with a decade-plus stint in editorial technology at Entertainment Weekly & LIFE magazines, starting as a college intern right around when the Mac IIx was launched. After leaving the print publishing world, Mike worked as an IT lead and creative director for an NYC events and marketing agency. In 2013 he switched trains once again, and now enjoys his #dreamjob at Salesforce as a lead solution engineer. From 2006 to early 2015, Mike was a proud editor and contributor at The Unofficial Apple Web Log (TUAW), now folded into Engadget. Mike & his family live in Brooklyn, NY. You can find him on Twitter, and you can also hear him on The Aftershow with Kelly Guimont.
Support:
Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon
http://patreon.com/macvoices
Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal
Connect:
Web:
http://macvoices.com
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner
http://www.twitter.com/macvoices
Mastodon:
https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner
MacVoices Page on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/
MacVoices Group on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/
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00:00:00 The start of MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide for 2023. 00:07:00 Discovering the Beautiful Art of the Fantasy Kingdom 00:08:27 Unexpectedly Cool Gift Recommendations 00:12:35 The Durable and Practical Rothko Tech Bag 00:12:55 iPad Sizes and Compatibility 00:16:21 Apple Watch as a Safety Device 00:18:26 Sonos Move: Original vs. Move 2 00:21:09 Raspberry Pi 5: A Tinkerer's Delight 00:23:27 Consider Raspberry Pi 4 for immediate gift-giving 00:27:01 Raspberry Pi 5: Significantly faster and worth the wait 00:28:07 Raspberry Pi 4 Model B: Dual 4K HDMI Output 00:29:26 Versatile Charging Solution for Different Devices 00:31:20 Highly Recommended for Charging Various Devices 00:32:25 Aircard - Familiar Name, Indestructible Design 00:35:24 Twinkly Lights - Digital Twin of Physical Lights, HomeKit Compatible