Libsyn Directory

MacVoices #25215: Live! - Microsoft’s AI Push, China-Based Support, An iPhone 17 Sighting

Release Date: 08/14/2025

MacVoices #25231: The Macstock IX Digital Pass with Mike Potter

MacVoices

Mike Potter returns to unveil the , three days of workshops and sessions in upgraded quality thanks to new gear and live switching. The talks are available as streams on the Macstock site, along with with slides and bonus moments. Those who were there in person already have access; others can purchase the pass to learn at their own pace. The discussion includes pricing, session counts, a downloadable schedule, and a tease for MacStock X in July 2026. Today’s edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices Live!, our weekly live panel discussion of what is going in the Apple space as...

MacVoices #25230: Live! - Intel Investment Debate and Bluesky’s Mississippi Exit

MacVoices

The panel examines the U.S. government’s $8.9 billion investment in Intel, debating whether it strengthens national security or sets a risky precedent for government ownership in private companies. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Ben Roethig, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea discuss Intel’s challenges, the role of the CHIPS Act, and political optics. The session also examined Bluesky’s withdrawal from Mississippi over strict age-verification laws, and the implications for other states and services. Today’s MacVoices is supported...

MacVoices #25229: Live! - Gemini and Siri, The FTC’s Encryption Demands, Y Combinator and Epic

MacVoices

The MacVoices Live! panel debate reports that Apple may tap Google’s Gemini for Siri, weighing multi-model AI, privacy, and sandboxed partnerships. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Ben Roethig, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea review the FTC’s warning not to weaken encryption at governments’ request, then examine Y Combinator’s brief backing Epic against App Store fees. The discussion wraps up with claims that Meta inflated ad outcomes and evaded Apple’s tracking rules, and the often uncomfortable trade-offs of still using...

MacVoices #25228: Live! - xAI Sues Apple and Apple Watch Secrets Stolen

MacVoices

Elon Musk’s xAI launches a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI over app chart favoritism, sparking debate on App Store algorithms and competition. The panel digs into whether Grok is being unfairly excluded and how rankings work. Then, Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Ben Roethig, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea turn to alleged Apple Watch trade secret theft linked to Oppo, raising questions about corporate espionage and its impact. Today’s MacVoices is supported by Insta360 and their new GO Ultra, the tiny 4K camera that...

MacVoices #25227: TV+ Talk - Son Heung-min Sells Shirts as Apple TV+ Prices Rise

MacVoices

Chuck and Charlotte explore the soaring success of soccer in the U.S. through Apple’s MLS deal, highlighted by Son Heung-min’s arrival and his record jersey sales. They examine the blockbuster run of Apple’s F1 movie, questions around Apple’s MLB streaming future, and the latest Apple TV+ price hike. Wrapping up, they preview fall programming including The Morning Show and Slow Horses, underscoring TV+’s growing library and value. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV25227.mp3 Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Soccer’s rise in the U.S. and Apple’s MLS deal [1:27] Son Heung-min’s...

MacVoices #25226: MacVoices Update - 2025-08

MacVoices

The August 2025 update highlights progress on the show’s blog with new podcast recommendations, a busy month of live and After Dark sessions, and anticipation for Apple’s September 9. Chuck also shares gratitude in the monthly Support Report and encourages listener feedback. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] August 2025 update introduction [1:00] Recommended podcast picks on the blog [1:24] Busy August of live shows and After Dark sessions [2:32] Preview of Apple’s September 9 event and live panel coverage [2:50] Updates on new projects in progress [2:50] Monthly Support Report and...

MacVoices #25225: Live! - Adobe’s PDF AI, Dia Browser Costs, and A Foldable Phone Test

MacVoices

Adobe has opened a new door on their AI strategy, unveiling a new AI service for PDFs. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, and Norbert Frassa weigh its usefulness against privacy risks and academic research tools. They discuss the Dia browser’s pricey subscription model, compare trends in $20–$25 monthly services, and question long-term sustainability. Finally, just for fun, the panel has thoughts on a foldable phone durability test and how it compares to probable real world use. Today’s MacVoices...

MacVoices #25224: Live! - Mixing Music, Filtering Searches, Choosing AI Models, Alexa Plus Woes

MacVoices

A wide-ranging MacVoices Live! panel discussion covers Apple’s upcoming AutoMix feature in Music, Spotify’s more granular playlist controls, and how DJs and party hosts might use transitions. The group debates Google’s new “preferred sources” search option and its risks of echo chambers, along with OpenAI’s return of model-selection in ChatGPT. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius. Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, and Norbert Frassa close with Amazon’s rocky Alexa Plus rollout and how Apple’s slower approach to voice...

MacVoices #25223: Live! - Blood Oxygen Tracking Back On Apple Watch, Apple Card Satisfaction Slips

MacVoices

Apple Watch users regain blood oxygen tracking via iPhone processing, while panelists debate its impact on Apple’s legal fight with Massimo. Security warnings about Plex servers and ESR power banks serve as public service announcements. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, and Web Bixby then turn their attention to Apple Card’s slip in customer satisfaction rankings and what may be driving the change, from savings account rates to loyalty points. Today’s MacVoices is supported by Insta360 and their new GO Ultra, the tiny 4K camera that goes...

MacVoices #25222: Live! - A Falling iPhone, A Telescope Data Center, $1 ChatGPT, AOL Ends Dial-Up

MacVoices

An iPhone survives a 2,600-foot fall, sparking debate on durability and user habits between Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, and Jeff Gamet. A Texas startup launches a telescope-hosting data center, enabling astronomers to control gear remotely under pristine skies. Meanwhile, OpenAI stirs controversy by offering ChatGPT Enterprise to government workers for just $1, and AOL finally ends its dial-up service, marking the close of a digital era. Today’s MacVoices is supported by Insta360 and their new GO...

More Episodes

The panel debates Microsoft’s pushy AI search in Edge, privacy concerns over Copilot Memory, and compares AI tools like Perplexity and ChatGPT for search relevance. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Web Bixby, Guy Serle, Jim Rea, and Jeff Gamet question Microsoft’s past use of China-based engineers for U.S. military support, review a possible iPhone 17 sighting, and discuss Apple’s testing secrecy.

Today's MacVoices is supported by TV+ Talk, our MacVoices series with Charlotte Henry focused on Apple TV+. From shows and other content to the business side there’s always something to learn about apple’s streaming service. Find it at the Categories listings on the web site or go directly to macvoices.com/category/tv-talk.

Show Notes:

Chapters:

[0:38] Microsoft’s AI Browser and Pushy Search Prompts
[3:33] Perplexity vs. ChatGPT Search Quality
[6:06] Copilot Memory and Personalization Privacy Concerns
[8:00] Different AI Tools for Different Needs
[11:00] Microsoft’s China-Based Military Support Controversy
[13:22] AI Search Engine Recommendations Document
[15:26] Alleged iPhone 17 Sighting in San Francisco
[18:48] Public Testing vs. Secrecy in Apple Prototypes
[22:32] Could Apple Leak Prototypes on Purpose?
[24:50] Closing Roundtable and Podcast Plugs

Links:

Microsoft trials Copilot Mode in Edge
https://www.engadget.com/ai/microsoft-trials-copilot-mode-in-edge-201851903.html

Copilot doesn't just remember, it also understands you
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/for-individuals/do-more-with-ai/general-ai/ai-that-doesnt-just-remember-it-gets-you?form=MA13KP

Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature is now blocked by Brave and AdGuard
https://www.theverge.com/news/713676/brave-adguard-windows-recall-block-microsoft

Microsoft to stop using engineers in China for tech support of US military, Hegseth orders review
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/microsoft-stop-using-engineers-china-tech-support-us-military-hegseth-orders-2025-07-18/

iPhone 17 development device spotted in the wild
https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/07/28/iphone-17-development-device-spotted-in-the-wild

Guests:

Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky.

Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @[email protected].

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].

Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,’ including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC).

Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He’s been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @[email protected] on Mastodon.

Guy Serle, best known for being one of the co-hosts of the MyMac Podcast, sincerely apologizes for anything he has done or caused to have happened while in possession of dangerous podcasting equipment. He should know better but being a blonde from Florida means he's probably incapable of understanding the damage he has wrought. Guy is also the author of the novel, The Maltese Cube. You can follow his exploits on Twitter, catch him on Mac to the Future on Facebook, at @[email protected], and find everything at VertShark.com.

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