Libsyn Directory

MacVoices #25310: 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #6 (1)

Release Date: 12/10/2025

MacVoices #26007: CES Unveiled - Govee Shows Off AI-Driven Lighting and Smart Appliances

MacVoices

At CES Unveiled 2026, Matthew Ungar, Marketing Manager for shows off the company’s newest smart lighting and home innovations. Highlights include LumaBlend Plus for richer color control, dynamic ceiling lights that mimic natural skies, an AI lighting assistant, and a nugget ice maker designed to bring restaurant-style convenience into the home. Show Notes: Links: Govee Smart Ceiling Light GoveeLife Smart Ice Maker Countertop, Portable Ice Machine with Voice Control Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this...

MacVoices #26006: CES Unveiled - Inside FeatherSnap's Camera-Equipped Birdfeeders

MacVoices

At CES Unveiled 2026 in Las Vegas, Carrie Kessenich, Director of Brand Management for talks about about their smart bird feeders that automatically captures photos and video of visiting birds. The system identifies species and delivers wildlife moments straight to your phone, turning backyard birdwatching into a modern, connected experience. Show Notes: Links: FeatherSnap Smart Birdfeeder with AI Identification and Wi-Fi Solar Powered, Captures HD Pictures and Videos Sent Directly to Your Phone Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon ...

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...

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...

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...

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:...

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....

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...

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...

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...

More Episodes

The 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:

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/