Libsyn Directory

MacVoices #25305: 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #5 (1)

Release Date: 12/05/2025

MacVoices #26101: Live! - Hands-On With the MacBook Neo

MacVoices

Member of the MacVoices Live! panel dive into early hands-on impressions of the new MacBook Neo, highlighting its lightweight design, surprising performance, and emphasis on fun over raw power. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, and Jeff Gamet cover real-world workflows, battery life, portability, and compatibility, along with trade-offs like screen quality and speed limitations. Find out why the Neo is a hit with panel members, regardless of their use cases. This edition of...

MacVoices #26100: Live! - ByteDance Apps, Cosmic Orange, Tim Sweeney’s Credibility, and Predictive Markets

MacVoices

The opening discussion centers on restrictions affecting ByteDance apps and what that means for users and updates. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs also explore Apple TV production strategies, industry tensions over AI policy, and the rise of “cosmic orange” as a tech trend. The panel also discusses the credibility Tim Sweeney in relation to the settlement with Google, as well as social media bans for teens and the continued expansion of predictive markets. MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw....

MacVoices #26099: Live! - Acme Weather, Duck Duck Go’s AI, More on Privacy, and Microsoft’s Stumbles

MacVoices

A new weather app from the Dark Sky team sparks mixed reactions from Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs. The panel explores its predictive modeling, interface, and subscription models and privacy tradeoffs DuckDuckGo’s AI image tool, growing concerns around data usage, surveillance, smart devices, and recent Microsoft’s AI missteps add to the discussion on trust and responsibility. MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at Show...

MacVoices #26098: Live! - Mac minis, iPods (Yes, iPods), and the New Tech Nostalgia

MacVoices

An update on the ongoing legal controversy surrounding tech leaker John Prosser kicks off this MacVoices Live!. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs look at Apple’s potential U.S. manufacturing of the Mac mini and what that could mean for production, tariffs, and supply chains. The group then dives into a wave of tech nostalgia, debating the reported resurgence of iPods and comparing it with renewed interest in film cameras, vinyl records, and other retro tech. MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw....

MacVoices #26097 - Live! - More Neo Analysis, Mac Studio Configuration Loss

MacVoices

The MacVoices panel continues their analysis of the MacBook Neo, pushing back against reviewers focused only on benchmarks rather than real-world usability. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Eric Bolden discuss the machine’s intended audience, its value as an affordable entry into the Mac ecosystem, and its potential impact in education and retail markets. The conversation also examines Apple’s decision to remove a high-end Mac Studio configuration and what it might signal about supply constraints and product...

MacVoices #26096: Live! - The Appeal of the Mac Neo

MacVoices

The newly announced Macintosh Neo has met with surprising fervor from Apple fans and critics alike. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Eric Bolden discuss the impact of the low-cost MacBook, and why some panelists ordered one (or more). The highlights include its affordability, potential uses in education, travel, and everyday computing. The group also examines early reactions, speculation about performance, color choices, and how the Neo could reshape the relationship between Macs and mid-range iPads. This...

MacVoices #26095: TV+ Talk - Hijack, Apple TV Joins Roku, and F1

MacVoices

Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner discuss the appeal of Hijack season one, Apple TV’s expanding availability through Roku, and what that signals about Apple’s evolving content strategy. They also explore Formula One’s arrival on Apple TV, including the platform’s technical presentation, the Vision Pro factor, and how Apple may be rethinking sports access to attract more viewers and broaden its entertainment reach. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:18 Introduction to TV Plus Talk 03:22 The Intrigue of Hijack Season One 04:13 Wrexham’s FA Cup Adventure 08:42 Apple TV Joins Roku 12:13...

MacVoices #26094: Dmytro Bilkun from CleanMyMac Introduces Moonlock

MacVoices

Dmytro Bilkun, Lead Product Marketing Manager for , does a re-do of a lost interview from CES, explaining , a new Mac security tool designed to simplify cybersecurity. The discussion covers its antivirus capabilities, deeper malware detection than CleanMyMac’s built-in protection, quarantine features, network traffic blocking by region, real-time monitoring, and security recommendations. Dmytro and Chuck also discuss usability, performance considerations, evolving cyber threats, and the subscription pricing model. This edition of MacVoices is sponsored by Squarespace. Go to and...

MacVoices #26093: Live! - Privacy Questions Around Security Cameras, OpenClaw Creator Joins OpenAI

MacVoices

A discussion of privacy, ethics, and technology was prompted after reports that Google recovered Nest camera footage believed to be deleted. Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, Jeff Gamet, and Web Bixby review how cloud data is actually erased, the role of backups and mirrored servers, and the difficult balance between privacy promises and aiding law enforcement. The conversation expands into broader concerns about surveillance technology, online data permanence, and how companies should handle sensitive information in critical situations. This edition of...

MacVoices #26092: Live! - Apple Music Connect, A Rivian App, and Apple Video Podcasts

MacVoices

A new Apple Music Connect as a promotional platform for artists and labels, has been announced. Rivian are launching an Apple Watch app to control vehicle functions despite rejecting CarPlay. Apple Podcasts is native video support. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, and Jim Rea discuss all of these, debating discoverability in music streaming, the logic behind Rivian’s ecosystem choices, and whether Apple’s move into video podcasts can compete with platforms like YouTube and Spotify. Today’s edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices...

More Episodes

The 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #5 Part 1 continues as the panel of David Ginsburg, Wally Cherwinski, and Chuck Joiner shares practical tech ideas for Apple users, from at USB hub and a USB-C charger to a MagSafe camera grip and a portable monitor. They also explain how to get great deals through Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store while trading stories about hubs, mice, and multi-display travel setups. (Part 1)

This MacVoices is supported by TV+Talk, our MacVoices series with Charlotte Henry that focuses on the business and content of Apple’s streaming services.
https://macvoices.com/category/tv-talk/

Show Notes:

Chapters:

[0:00] Gift Guide #5 Part 1 introduction and TV Plus Talk sponsor
[0:35] How the holiday gift guide works and where to find the master list
[2:00] Panel introductions: Dave Ginsburg and Wally Cherwinski
[2:55] Pick 1: 16-port Akasis USB 3.1 hub for power users
[4:24] Real-world hub performance with drives, cameras, and lighting
[6:00] Desk layout, power brick, and wish-list reactions
[6:11] Pick 2: Apple Certified Refurbished Store as a hardware source
[7:00] Upgrading from MacBook Air to M-series MacBook Pro at a discount
[8:26] Warranty, AppleCare, and pros and cons of buying refurbished
[9:52] Finding the Certified Refurbished link on Apple’s site
[11:43] Pick 3: Logitech MX Master 4 mouse and haptic upgrades
[15:14] Multi-device pairing, thumb button menus, and pricing
[18:34] Trackpad vs mouse debate and workplace setups
[19:11] Pick 4: MagSafe camera grip/stand with Bluetooth remote
[21:09] Using the grip as a stand, on a tripod, or with older phones
[22:38] Magnetic ring for non-MagSafe cases and travel use
[24:31] Pick 5: 15.6″ portable 1080p USB-C/HDMI monitor
[26:11] Traveling with a second screen and productivity benefits
[27:32] 1080p vs 4K for portable displays and value trade-offs
[28:17] Teasing a 4K portable monitor pick for a later round
[28:26] Closing credits, support options, and how to stay connected

Links:

Dave Ginsburg:

Powered USB 3.1 Hub, ACASIS 16 Ports USB 3.1 Hub with 10Gbps Data Speed，Aluminum Housing, USB Hub Powered with 96W Power Adapter
https://amzn.to/49Z2g5h

Logitech MX Master 4, Ergonomic Wireless Mouse with Advanced Performance Haptic Feedback, Ultra-Fast Scrolling, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth
https://amzn.to/3XCzzDS

Wally Cherwinski

Apple Refurb Store
https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished

KIWIFOTOS for iPhone Magsafe Camera Grip Magnetic Phone Handle with Bluetooth Remote & Tripod Mount Adapter
https://amzn.to/48HI6un

ESR for MagSafe Sticker, MagSafe Ring Magnet, 2 Pack Magnetic Metal Ring, Universal Wireless Charger Conversion Kit
https://amzn.to/3XDhV2W

Chuck Joiner:

Scosche PowerFlux 70W USB-C Charger Block, 3-Port Fast Charging GaN Wall Adapter with Foldable Plug
https://amzn.to/3Y8Is8e

MNN Portable Monitor 15.6inch FHD 1080P USB C HDMI Gaming Ultra-Slim IPS Display w/Smart Cover & Speakers,HDR Plug&Play, External Monitor for Laptop PC Phone Mac
https://amzn.to/49Ugy7g

Guests:

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 @daveg65@mastodon.cloud.

Support:

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Connect:

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http://macvoices.com

Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner
http://www.twitter.com/macvoices

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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/