MacVoices #26005: CES Unveiled - DEFEND by Tactacam Brings Cellular Security Cameras Anywhere
MacVoices
At CES Unveiled in Las Vegas, we kicked off the event we talked to Dana Reese of , who gave us the highlights of the DEFEND a fully cellular security camera system that skips Wi-Fi and wiring for quick setup. Their app sends alerts and lets you request a photo, capture video, or jump into live view. Power is supplied by a solar panel and weather-ready battery, and offers subscription plans. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV26005.mp3 Show Notes: Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make...
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MacVoices #26004: Live! - ChatGPT Loses A Feature, Google Searches Get Less Private
MacVoices
Reactions to ChatGPT’s voice mode disappearing from the macOS app, debates about why it happened, and how it impacts their use are provided by Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea. Whether voice is the future, and if OpenAI’s “code red” priorities played a role are examined. Then, the panel also review the new “Tech Force" that is tapping talent from major tech firms for government initiatives, raising questions about goals, oversight, privacy, and long-term maintenance. The discussion wraps up with a...
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MacVoices #26003: Live! - Drone Bans, An Italian Fine, and Retaliation
MacVoices
The MacVoices Live! panel discusses reports of U.S. restrictions affecting foreign-made drones and the impact on DJI users, an Italian fine against Apple tied to app tracking prompts and privacy expectations, and talk of possible U.S. retaliation over EU tech enforcement. Along the way, the group vents Festivus-style grievances and debates privacy, evidence, and motive. Participants include Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea. MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free...
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MacVoices #26002: Talking AI and LLMs with The Long Island Macintosh Users Group (2)
MacVoices
Real-world risks and responsible use of AI kick off the second part of our conversation with . The group swaps scam stories (spoofed bank calls, W-2 phishing, ransomware) and how AI can amplify fraud. Ways to mitigate exposure in an AI-powered world include cyber insurance, privacy tradeoffs in popular AI tools, copyright/IP guardrails in image generation, and careful experimentation. This edition of MacVoices is supported by . What happens before and after the shows is uncensored, on-topic, off-topic, and always off the wall. Sign up as a MacVoices Patron and get access! Show Notes:...
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MacVoices #26001: Talking AI and LLMs with The Long Island Macintosh Users Group (1)
MacVoices
The first part of an appearance at digs into large language models, real-world AI use, and Apple’s philosophy. The conversation ranges from productivity and creativity to ethics, privacy, and deepfakes. Why experimentation, transparency, and skepticism matter as AI becomes part of everyday workflows starts with participation from the group. (1) This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Get access to the MacVoices Slack and MacVoices After Dark by joining in at . Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Introduction and context of the AI discussion [2:57] AI vs....
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MacVoices #25327: Live! - A Deep Dive Into Self-Driving Cars
MacVoices
The MacVoices Live! panel takes a deep dive into the self-driving car debate, weighing sensational media coverage against real-world safety data and personal experiences with autonomous taxis. Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, David Ginsburg, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea discuss human distraction, software transparency, police interaction with automated vehicles, and whether machines can outperform inattentive drivers in real-world situations. The Antigravity A1 is the world’s first 8K 360 drone, it’s genuinely a game-changer. You get full immersive flight...
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MacVoices #25326: The MacVoices Update - December 2025
MacVoices
The December 2025 Update shares a planned break the week of January 5 for CES in Las Vegas, explaining it’s one of the two annual conference pauses to gather interviews and content. Why you should pay extra attention to MacVoices Magazine at this time of year and s a last call to revisit the Holiday Gift Guide list and episodes is included. The Update ends with listener and viewer thanks, a Patreon tier roll-call. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] December update and New Year greeting [0:20] Planned downtime during CES week [1:20] Curated how-to magazine highlights [2:54] Final...
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MacVoices #25325: Live! - Age Verification, Social Media Disclosure, and Alan Dye’s Departure
MacVoices
A multi-topic MacVoices Live! discussion touches on the growing pains of predictive markets after disputes over Time’s Person of the Year, raising questions about gambling, rules, and manipulation. Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, David Ginsburg, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea also debates proposed age-verification requirements for online content, concerns over data retention and privacy, new calls for social-media disclosures from travelers, and what Alan Dye’s departure could mean for Apple’s interface direction. "The Antigravity A1 is the world’s...
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MacVoices #25324 - Live! - Mixed CarPlay Messages, Bending Spoons…Again
MacVoices
A wide-ranging discussion covers mixed signals from GM around CarPlay, as the automaker rejects full support while selectively adopting Apple integrations like Music and digital keys. Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Eric bolden, David Ginsburg, Web Bixby, and Jim Real also reacts to safety concerns over more recalled power banks, new Vision Pro travel features, updates to Apple’s Sports app, and the latest Bending Spoons’ acquisition, this time of Eventbrite. "The Antigravity A1 is the world’s first 8K 360 drone, it’s genuinely a game-changer. You get full...
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MacVoices #25323: Kirk McElhearn Takes Control of Apple Media Apps (2)
MacVoices
Our conversation with Kirk McElhern about looks at the steady maturation of Apple’s media apps—Music, TV, Books, and Podcasts—and why major changes are now rare. Kirk unpacks 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 complexity. (Part 2) MacVoices is supported by the 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guides. Tech and more you want to give and get....
info_outlineOur conversation with Jeff Carlson about his new Take Control of iPhone Photography from Take Control Books continues with topics that range from digital zoom to Macro Mode to low light capabilities, and what else you will learn in his book. (Part 2)
This edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices After Dark. What happens before and after the shows is uncensored, on-topic, off-topic, and always off the wall. Sign up as a MacVoices Patron and get access!
http://patreon.com/macvoices
Show Notes:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to iPhone Photography Tips
02:17 Capturing Moments with Digital Zoom
06:39 Balancing Quality and Convenience in iPhone Photography
08:33 Exploring Camera Choices and Macro Mode
11:43 Pitfalls of Using External Lens Systems
13:58 Understanding Camera Behavior in Low Light
15:46 Enhancing iPhone Photography with External Lenses
22:37 Enhancing iPhone Photography with Accessories
23:49 Availability and Pricing of iPhone Photography Book
24:55 Continuous Learning in iPhone Photography
25:18 Keeping Up with Jeff Carlson's Projects
Links:
Take Control of iPhone Photography by Jeff Carlson
Guests:
Jeff Carlson is an author, photographer, and freelance writer. Among many other projects, he publishes the Smarter Image newsletter, which explores how computational photography, AI, and machine learning are fundamentally changing the art and science of photography. He’s covered the personal technology field from Macs and PalmPilots to iPhones and mirrorless cameras, publishing in paper magazines, printed books, ebooks, and websites. He’s also the co-host of the podcasts PhotoActive and Photocombobulate, writes for Take Control, has spoken at several conferences and events. He lives in Seattle, where, yes, it is just as gray and wet and coffee-infused as you think it is.
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