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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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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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....
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Kirk McElhern discusses the latest edition of , covering what’s new—and what isn’t—in Music, TV, Podcasts, and Books. He critiques the “Liquid Glass” look, notes small updates like AutoMix and pinned items, and argues the apps have reached maturity. The conversation includes accessibility issues, managing personal video libraries, and why Spotify’s appeal isn’t just playlists. (Part 1) MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never before with the Antigravity A1. You have to see the results to believe them. Find out everything you need to...
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A wide-ranging discussion examines the implications of leadership changes and talent loss within Apple’s AI organization following delays to promised Siri features. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, and Jim Rea debate whether Apple’s struggles reflect internal turmoil, unrealistic timelines, or a deliberate partnering with external AI options. Privacy, on-device capabilities, and regulatory pressure all factor into a candid assessment of Apple’s AI strategy and credibility. MacVoices is...
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In response to the inevitable shower of deals and special offers on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond, Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, and Jim Rea share some of their holiday acquisitions and why the made them. The panel also covers “fake” discounts, deal fatigue, and why loyal customers often miss out while still celebrating the fun of finding genuinely useful gear. MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never before with the Antigravity A1. You have to...
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In the final segment of the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, Kelly Guimont, Jim Rea, Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Kirk McElhearn out with bigger comfort and productivity picks: a portable lamp with battery power, a TSA-friendly Leatherman, along with a charging station, a long-running text utility, and a travel accessory for cramped flights. (Part 3) This edition of MacVoices is supported by , 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 , on the web,...
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The second part of our final 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide delivers a mix of low-tech problem solvers and smart power picks. Kelly Guimont, Jim Rea, Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Kirk McElhearn select an interior windshield cleaner, a MagSafe ring mount for comfortable caseless use at home, and suction-based phone chargers/stands to keep devices charged and easy to find. The picks also include a USB-C rechargeable numeric pad, experience gifts like concert tickets, a rechargeable electric candle lighter, and a fun gaming recommendation. (Part 2) This edition of MacVoices...
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Kelly Guimont, Jim Rea, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Kirk McElhearn and Chuck Joiner wrap up the 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guides wraps up with “best of the rest” episodes, packed with practical picks and plenty of laughs. Highlights include keyboard travel cases, socks, portable power options, dictation software, a motorized TV mount, a light, and compact multi-port chargers. (Part 1) MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never before with the Antigravity A1. You have to see the results to believe them. Find out everything you need to know to get...
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Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner wrap up 2025 with a look at Apple TV’s momentum, awards recognition, and strategy. They preview upcoming releases like F1 and returning series Hijack and Tehran, debate sports rights and bundles, and share favorite picks including Slow Horses, Prime Target, The Morning Show season 4, the finale of Mythic Quest, and Foundation—arguing 2025 may be the service’s strongest year yet. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Year-end wrap and what’s ahead 01:03 F1 release and Hijack season return 01:53 AFI “best shows” list and Apple TV’s strategy 06:01...
info_outlineThe 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #6 kicks off with a lively mix of community banter and practical tech recommendations by Bart Busschots, Kirschen Seah, Mike Burke, and Chuck Joiner. Picks include a rechargeable wallet tracker, travel-friendly guided tour apps, sustainable coffee gear, foldable keyboards, a compact control surface, a powerful dictation tool, and pro-level video-switching software, each reflecting the interests of the panel members. (Part 1)
MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at clnmy.com/MACVOICES.
Show Notes:
Chapters:
[0:00] Gift Guide introduction
[0:32] Panel welcome and format overview
[1:55] Meeting the guests and holiday camaraderie
[4:42] First pick: Chipolo rechargeable wallet card
[7:40] Second pick: GuideAlong offline narrated travel tours
[11:27] Third pick: OXO Quick Brew coffee device
[18:26] Fourth pick: ProtoArc foldable Bluetooth keyboard
[21:05] Sponsor message: CleanMyMac holiday edition
[23:00] Fifth pick: Stream Deck Neo compact controller
[25:55] Sixth pick: MacWhisper dictation and transcription
[30:20] Seventh pick: Thule bike rack engineering
[34:20] Eighth pick: Switcher Studio iPad-based video switching
[38:39] Closing and support information
Links:
Kirschen Seah
Chipolo CARD - Rechargeable wallet tracker card, Bluetooth tracker, item locator, passport finder compatible with Apple Find My or Find Hub
https://amzn.to/44YRvMT
Elgato Stream Deck Neo – 8 Customizable Keys, 2 Touch Points
https://amzn.to/4oLtNuN
RoadID Apple Watch ID
https://www.roadid.com/products/apple-sidekick-stainless-sport-id
Optional IDProfile
https://idprofile.com
AirFly SE from 12South
https://amzn.to/44PutrL
Mike Burke:
GuideAlong
http://guidealong.com
MacWhisper Pro
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/whisper-transcription/id1668083311
“The Holding It Together” Bundle
Gaffers Tape (2" x 30 Yards) Strong Hold, Easy to Rip, Residue-Free Professional Grade Floor Tape for Electrical Cords, Matte Finish Non Reflective, Weather Resistant
https://amzn.to/48N5Xc1
BongoTies Original Bongo Ties A5-01 - 10 Pack ~ Professional cable ties made of natural rubber and bamboo
https://amzn.to/44hxLUA
Paracord Planet 550lb Paracord – 7 Strand Type III Tactical Parachute Cord
https://amzn.to/3XMKbjA
SOOOEC 100 Pack Reusable Zip Ties Assorted Sizes 6+8+10+12 Inch
https://amzn.to/3XK5l1U
Peak Design Tech Pouch
https://amzn.to/3KB1Ho4
Bart Busschots:
OXO Brew Rapid Brewer - Portable Coffee Maker
https://amzn.to/3MssIKQ
OXO Good Grips Silicone Reusable Bags – 4 Piece Lunch Set
https://amzn.to/48Q72A2
Thule EuroWay G2 920 Bike Rack for car
https://amzn.to/4aAUxKT
Peak Design Roller Pro Carry-On
https://amzn.to/3MybICR
Lego Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D
https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/star-trek-u-s-s-enterprise-ncc-1701-d-10356
Brick Popper - World's Fastest Separator Tool - Efficient Remover for Kids and Adults
https://amzn.to/4ac82Rj
Chuck Joiner:
ProtoArc Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard, XK01 Folding Wireless Portable Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, Full-Size Travel Keyboards for iPad Tablet Smartphone Laptop
https://amzn.to/4oMWgjU
Switcher Studio
https://www.switcherstudio.com
OWC 2TB Express 1M2 40Gb/s Portable NVMe SSD USB4 (Thunderbolt Compatible/USB-C) Ultra Fast External SSD Drive
https://amzn.to/4aFqFNv
Lexar 2TB ES5 Magnetic External SSD, Up to 2000MB/s, Compatible w/MagSafe
https://amzn.to/3XKz1Mo
Guests:
Mike Burke is a corporate technical trainer and automation enthusiast who specializes in creating structured systems that blend productivity techniques with practical technology solutions. Drawing on his background as a former high school science teacher, Mike brings a methodical, educational approach to complex technical concepts.
Through his blog and YouTube channel, he shares insights on macOS automation technologies including Keyboard Maestro, AppleScript, and shell scripting. Mike is passionate about the concept of “digital mise en place” — creating thoughtfully organized digital environments that eliminate friction and support creative work.
When not exploring new automation techniques, Mike can be found documenting his family’s quest to visit all U.S. National Parks. His web site is TheMikeBurke.com.
By day, Bart Busschots is a Linux sysadmin, cyber security expert, and Perl programmer, as well a keen amateur photographer when ever he gets the time. Bart hosts and produces the Let's Talk podcast series - a monthly Apple show that takes a big-picture look at the last month in Apple news, and a monthly photography show focusing on the art and craft of photography. Every second week Bart is the guest for the Chit Chat Across the Pond segment on Allison Sheridan's NosillaCast. You can get links to everything Bart gets up including a link to his photography and his personal blog.
Kirschen Seah’s background is Computer Sciences with interests in Software Engineering, User Experience, and Mac OS X / iPhone OS development. She started programming with BASIC in 1978 on an Apple ][ and have over 30 years of experience in the field.
Kirschen worked on OPENSTEP (precursor to Mac OS X Cocoa) graphical prototyping applications initially when she joined Rockwell Collins (now Collins Aerospace) in 1999, and was a Senior Principal Systems Engineer in the Flight Management Systems department focussed on the user interface for pilot interaction. Prior to joining Rockwell Collins Kirschen worked at Acuity (formerly ichat) developing interactive user interfaces for live chat customer service agents.
Now retired, there’s now more time to share technical insights on her blog, develop useful scripts (Python, shell), and write Shortcuts. Kirschen is really motivated to share her experience to help fellow software practitioners develop better skills – be that in good design, implementation, or computer science fundamentals. Find her at FreeRangeCoder.com.
Support:
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Connect:
Web:
http://macvoices.com
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner
http://www.twitter.com/macvoices
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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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