MacVoices

The talk of the Apple community

MacVoices #26108: Kicking off The Road to Macstock with Mike Potter 03/30/2026

MacVoices #26108: Kicking off The Road to Macstock with Mike Potter The Road to kicks off with organizer Mike Potter, previewing the biggest event yet as the conference marks its 10th in-person year. He outlines new additions including Ecamm’s Creator Camp, a Saturday troubleshooting super session, and another upcoming surprise announcement. The conversation also covers expanded 90-minute sessions, community interaction, pricing, lodging, and why this year’s gathering in Crystal Lake promises more learning and connection than ever. 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 Road to MacStock kickoff [0:26] Why the annual preview series matters [2:13] Big-picture updates for MacStock’s 10th in-person event [3:51] Dates and expansion to a fourth day [4:17] Ecamm Creator Camp announcement and hands-on focus [6:48] Marty Jencius’ troubleshooting super session [8:16] Tease of an additional April 1 announcement [10:11] Weekend structure and expanded session format [11:35] Presenter lineup and returning favorites [13:29] Why longer sessions work at MacStock [17:27] Community interaction and the hallway track [18:58] The annual T-shirt discussion [21:40] Ticket pricing, early bird details, and what’s included [25:59] Venue, hotel, and lodging information [29:14] Registration timing and room block reminder [31:08] Contact information and social media presence [33:03] Final recap and invitation to attend Guests: Michael Potter is the Executive Producer of , and the organizer of the annual. Mike's love-affair for all things Apple began in his Junior High's Library playing Lemonade Stand on a pair of brand new Apple ][+ computers. His penchant for Apple gear continued to be nurtured by the public school system when, in High School, he was hired as a lab supervisor to help run the Apple ][e lab for his fellow students and their Print Shop needs. Then, further still, in college he often opted to help a friend with her Computer Graphics coursework instead of focusing on his own studies, but only because it helped get him closer to the Mac-lab. Links: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40666705

MacVoices #26107: Three Shows, 20 Years Each. A Podcasting Conversation with Ken Ray and Mike Potter 03/27/2026

MacVoices #26107: Three Shows, 20 Years Each. A Podcasting Conversation with Ken Ray and Mike Potter Ken Ray, Mike Potter, and Chuck Joiner mark 20 years of podcasting by reflecting on how their shows began, how the medium evolved, and why they still love doing it. They share stories of improvised early gear, changing formats, audience connection, discoverability, and the friendships built along the way. The conversation also explores what defines a podcast, the value of audio, and why putting yourself out there still matters. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Introduction to a 20-year podcasting conversation [0:38] Ken Ray on his radio roots and daily Apple news [5:15] Ken’s experiments and the staying power of audio [6:05] Mike Potter on Coffeehouse To Go and early podcasting [9:14] Transitioning to Mac-focused podcasting and listener help [11:59] Chuck’s path from user groups to broader interviews [15:55] Looking back at technology changes over two decades [18:13] Early gear, workarounds, and makeshift production setups [21:46] How podcast production tools have evolved [26:28] Audio versus video and what each brings [30:07] What counts as a podcast and why audio still matters [35:47] Discoverability, niche audiences, and putting content out there [39:14] Retirement, hiatuses, and reasons to keep going [48:50] Friendships and unexpected opportunities from podcasting [51:05] Advice they would give their younger podcasting selves [57:05] Having fun, avoiding pressure, and staying authentic [59:38] Final thoughts and where to find each show Guests: Since May of 2005, Ken Ray has eaten, slept, and breathed Apple news and news related to Apple news in order to produce a daily Apple news show. and he does just that with , with content that includes most stories directly related to Apple, many stories indirectly related to Apple that stand a chance of affecting Apple's business or its users, and tangentially related stories that are funny. A slightly skewed, sometimes cynical, obsessive look at Apple news, five-days-a-week. There are you can contact him. Michael Potter is the Executive Producer of , and the organizer of the annual. Mike's love-affair for all things Apple began in his Junior High's Library playing Lemonade Stand on a pair of brand new Apple ][+ computers. His penchant for Apple gear continued to be nurtured by the public school system when, in High School, he was hired as a lab supervisor to help run the Apple ][e lab for his fellow students and their Print Shop needs. Then, further still, in college he often opted to help a friend with her Computer Graphics coursework instead of focusing on his own studies, but only because it helped get him closer to the Mac-lab. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40645150

MacVoices #26106: Live! - Canva’s New AI Tool and Who It Is For 03/26/2026

MacVoices #26106: Live! - Canva’s New AI Tool and Who It Is For Canva’s new Magic Layers AI tool converts flat images into editable layers, simplifying design tasks like removing or modifying elements. The panel ofC huck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, and Jeff Gamet recognize the benefits of expanding creative access to non-designers and speeding workflows, but express concern around misuse, including watermark removal. The discussion contrasts individual creativity gains with enterprise challenges around security, compliance, and controlled AI adoption. This edition of MacVoices is sponsored by Squarespace. Go to and click "enter an offer code" under the pricing and put in the code "macvoices" to receive a 10% discount. Squarespace: Everything you need to create an exceptional website. This MacVoices is supported by HelloFresh, America's #1 Meal Kit. Go to to Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Introduction to Canva AI discussion [0:08] Overview of Magic Layers tool [1:09] Editing possibilities and workflow improvements [1:29] Concerns about watermark removal and misuse [3:17] Accessibility benefits for non-designers [4:07] Creative opportunities and learning curve [5:31] Integration with Affinity and other tools [6:12] Comparison to Apple photo subject extraction [7:32] Enterprise concerns about AI control and security [11:56] Creativity vs corporate oversight perspectives [13:40] AI governance and oversight committees [16:52] Information security risks and global threats [18:31] Role of management vs IT in AI strategy Links: Canva’s new AI tool will break your design process (in a good way) 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40631790

MacVoices #26105: TV+ Talk - Kid’s Programming Undervalued, More Awards, and F1’s First Race Success 03/24/2026

MacVoices #26105: TV+ Talk - Kid’s Programming Undervalued, More Awards, and F1’s First Race Success Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner discuss why Apple TV+ still feels undervalued despite an expanding slate of films, kids programming, awards recognition, and sports success. They highlight Outcome, My Brother the Minotaur, Slow Horses, and F1, examine how awards signal depth across genres, and explore how live sports, global stars, and the Sports app are helping broaden Apple TV’s reach. Show Notes: Chapters: 0:00 Introduction and Apple TV+ as an overlooked platform 1:04 Why Apple TV+ still feels undervalued in streaming 4:25 Apple TV+ star power and the film Outcome 8:32 Why kids and family programming deserve more attention 11:19 Awards season recognition for films and series 14:08 Tech, Hollywood, and AI’s growing influence 17:27 Range of nominations as a sign of platform quality 19:23 F1’s first race success on Apple TV+ 21:31 Vision Pro and immersive F1 viewing possibilities 22:53 Motorsports strategy and the Drive to Survive deal 26:07 Global sports impact of superstar players on MLS 31:27 Friday Night Baseball returns and sports expansion 32:36 Revisiting the Apple Sports app 35:20 What’s next to watch and preview of Shrinking Links: Apple Original Films unveils trailer for “Outcome” Apple TV announces “My Brother the Minotaur,” an all-new kids and family adventure series premiering globally Friday, April 24 Apple’s acclaimed feature “F1” scores Best Sound at the 98th Annual Academy Awards Apple TV's ‘Slow Horses' Nominated For Two Royal Television Programme Awards Apple TV scores its first F1 victory over ESPN viewership The LA Effect: Ohtani, Son, and the New Wave of Asian Sponsorship in US Sports Guests: Charlotte Henry is a media junkie, covering how Apple is not just a revolutionary tech firm, but a revolutionary media firm. She is based in London, writes and broadcasts for various outlets, and is the author of , an examination of fake news. You can find her on her , her podcast, in her newsletter on , and on , , and . Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40612680

MacVoices #26104: Live! - Apple’s Wise AI Play, Trifolds, Perplexity’s Computer, Claude x 2 03/24/2026

MacVoices #26104: Live! - Apple’s Wise AI Play, Trifolds, Perplexity’s Computer, Claude x 2 Apple’s measured AI strategy is the topic of a compelling article by Horace Dediu, arguing that restraint and flexibility may prove smarter than heavy investment. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, and Jeff Gamet discuss the conclusions before moving on to improvements in voice assistant reliability, the collapse of Samsung’s tri-fold phone, and Apple’s cautious stance on foldables. The conversation wraps up with AI hardware experiments, increased Claude access, and new private workspace tools that signal a shift toward more personalized computing environments from both new and legacy players. This edition of MacVoices is sponsored by Squarespace. Go to and click "enter an offer code" under the pricing and put in the code "macvoices" to receive a 10% discount. Squarespace: Everything you need to create an exceptional website. This MacVoices is supported by HelloFresh, America's #1 Meal Kit. Go to to Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Show Notes: Chapters: 0:00 Apple’s AI strategy and industry perspective 1:59 Long-term approach vs AI hype 7:00 Voice assistant improvements and real-world use 11:29 Samsung trifold cancellation and market reaction 13:25 Foldables, durability, and pricing concerns 15:54 Why Apple is cautious on foldables 21:15 Perplexity’s AI computer concept 25:08 Claude usage expansion and user experience 26:18 AI reliability and comparison of tools 27:53 WordPress private workspace concept 29:10 Future of personal AI environments Links: The most brilliant move in corporate history? Samsung discontinues its Galaxy Z TriFold after just three months Perplexity’s Personal Computer is a Mac mini running an AI OS Anthropic is doubling Claude's usage limits during off-peak hours for the next two weeks WordPress debuts a private workspace that runs in your browser via a new service, my.WordPress.net 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40607545

MacVoices #26103: Live! - AirPods Pro Max, Neo Tear-Down, and MotionVFX Acquired 03/23/2026

MacVoices #26103: Live! - AirPods Pro Max, Neo Tear-Down, and MotionVFX Acquired A surprise refresh of the AirPods Pro Max headphones sparks debate over features, pricing, and real-world usefulness compared to smaller alternatives. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, and Jeff Gamet also discuss the results of a teardown of the MacBook Neot hat highlights improved repairability and growing community experimentation. The group also explores Apple’s support of older devices for security and compatibility, and a strategic acquisition aimed at strengthening video editing tools and expanding creative ecosystems. This edition of MacVoices is sponsored by Squarespace. Go to and click "enter an offer code" under the pricing and put in the code "macvoices" to receive a 10% discount. Squarespace: Everything you need to create an exceptional website. This MacVoices is supported by HelloFresh, America's #1 Meal Kit. Go to to Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Show Notes: Chapters: 0:00 AirPods Max refresh and initial reactions 1:54 Feature comparisons and buying decisions 6:20 Apple product update strategies 9:39 Neo teardown and modding discussion 12:13 Community response and education market potential 17:47 Updates for older iPhones and security implications 19:58 Apple’s long-term support and motivations 22:49 Motion VFX acquisition and Final Cut impact 24:02 Video editing ecosystem and competitive positioning 27:51 Business strategy and future implications Links: Apple unveils AirPods Max 2 with H2 chip, upgraded noise canceling, and more iFixit tears down the new MacBook Neo, likes (most of) what it sees Apple releases new operating system updates for older iPhones and iPads Apple acquires MotionVFX, maker of popular Final Cut Pro plugins and more 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40595810

MacVoices #26102: Live! - Switching AI Models, SetApp’s New Option, and Internet Information Sites Sold 03/20/2026

MacVoices #26102: Live! - Switching AI Models, SetApp’s New Option, and Internet Information Sites Sold The panel explores how users are moving data between AI platforms like Claude and ChatGPT to improve personalization and workflow efficiency. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Eric Bolden examine evolving subscription options from Setapp, including à la carte pricing, react to the billion-dollar sale of internet tools like Speedtest and DownDetector, and close with real-world example of how hacked apps are being used in modern cyber warfare and psychological operations. 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 . Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 AI model switching and data migration between platforms 04:53 Setapp introduces new subscription and pricing options 10:14 Sale of Speedtest and DownDetector and implications 19:36 Hacked apps and their role in modern cyber warfare 22:52 Wrap-up and panel sign-offs Links: Setapp now lets users buy or subscribe to selected apps individually  Anthropic's Claude can now absorb your past conversations with other AI chatbots Downdetector and Speedtest have been sold for over $1 billion Hacked Prayer App Sends “Surrender” Messages to Iranians Amid Israeli Strikes 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . Mark Fuccio is actively involved in high tech startup companies, both as a principle at piqsure.com, or as a marketing advisor through his consulting practice Tactics Sells High Tech, Inc. Mark was a proud investor in Microsoft from the mid-1990's selling in mid 2000, and hopes one day that MSFT will be again an attractive investment. You can contact Mark through , or on . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40559145

MacVoices #26101: Live! - Hands-On With the MacBook Neo 03/19/2026

MacVoices #26101: Live! - Hands-On With the MacBook Neo 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 is supported by The MacVoices Slack. Available all Patrons of MacVoices. Sign up at . Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Introduction and show setup [0:42] Panel introductions and light banter [6:06] Introducing the MacBook Neo discussion [6:39] First impressions and “fun factor” [7:40] Keyboard, design, and usability [8:22] Comparing past Macs and portability [9:49] Workflow flexibility and limitations [11:24] Performance and A18 processor discussion [12:49] Weight, travel use, and expectations [13:08] Real-world workday testing [14:21] External displays and classroom use [15:48] Color options and personalization [17:50] Target audience and “fun” positioning [19:26] Community feedback and early reactions [20:54] Wrap-up and support information Links: 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40546940

MacVoices #26100: Live! - ByteDance Apps, Cosmic Orange, Tim Sweeney’s Credibility, and Predictive Markets 03/18/2026

MacVoices #26100: Live! - ByteDance Apps, Cosmic Orange, Tim Sweeney’s Credibility, and Predictive Markets 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. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at Show Notes: Chapters: 0:00 Introduction and topic overview 0:08 ByteDance app restrictions and implications 3:20 Apple TV and Silo production strategy 6:42 Industry concerns over AI policy decisions 9:44 Cosmic orange trend and iPhone design influence 10:54 CleanMyMac sponsor message 12:37 Tim Sweeney controversy and credibility debate 16:40 Social media age restrictions and global policy 20:39 Predictive markets and campus betting concerns 27:12 Wrap-up and closing remarks Links: Apple US Reportedly Blocking Downloads of ByteDance-Owned Apps Silo gets exciting update ahead of season 3’s release Industry group representing Apple voices concern to Pentagon over Anthropic ban Cosmic Orange is the new black, as competitors copy the color Tim Sweeney signed away his right to criticize Google’s app store until 2032 Indonesia announces a social media ban for anyone under 16 ‘Is This Insider Information?’ The Prediction Market Bets Driving a Campus Frenzy Guests: Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40526780

MacVoices #26099: Live! - Acme Weather, Duck Duck Go’s AI, More on Privacy, and Microsoft’s Stumbles 03/17/2026

MacVoices #26099: Live! - Acme Weather, Duck Duck Go’s AI, More on Privacy, and Microsoft’s Stumbles 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 Notes: Chapters: 0:00 Introduction and topic overview 0:08 Acme Weather app first impressions 2:28 Weather prediction models and accuracy discussion 3:27 Subscription models and privacy implications 4:51 Interface critiques and app comparisons 8:47 DuckDuckGo AI image editing tool 10:31 CleanMyMac sponsor message 10:58 Data privacy and legal evidence concerns 12:02 AI music generation with Gemini 12:53 Smart glasses, detection apps, and surveillance awareness 18:56 Microsoft AI controversies and Copilot issue 21:30 Wrap-up and panel sign-offs Links: New ‘Acme Weather’ app from Dark Sky creators wants to fix weather apps’ biggest problem DuckDuckGo rolls out AI-powered image editing on Duck.ai Police are finding suspects based on their online searches as courts weigh privacy concerns 'This is very serious': Judge threatens AI glasses wearers with contempt during Mark Zuckerberg's testimony This App Will Detect People Wearing Smart Glasses Near You Mark Zuckerberg testifies in social media addiction trial that Meta just wants Instagram to be 'useful' Microsoft says bug causes Copilot to summarize confidential emails Microsoft deletes blog telling users to train AI on pirated Harry Potter books Guests: Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40516580

MacVoices #26098: Live! - Mac minis, iPods (Yes, iPods), and the New Tech Nostalgia 03/16/2026

MacVoices #26098: Live! - Mac minis, iPods (Yes, iPods), and the New Tech Nostalgia 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. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at Show Notes: Chapters: 0:00 – Apple news preview: Mac minis, iPods, and tech nostalgia 0:11 – Sponsor message: CleanMyMac 0:22 – John Prosser legal issues and Apple’s demands 2:12 – Panel reactions to the Prosser situation 2:23 – Apple reportedly moving Mac mini production to the U.S. 3:38 – Debate over what U.S. Mac mini production implies 6:47 – Manufacturing details and Apple’s infrastructure investments 8:03 – Tariffs, assembly, and supply chain considerations 10:40 – Chips, Taiwan manufacturing, and geopolitical concerns 14:15 – Sponsor message: CleanMyMac and Space Lens 16:03 – Reports of Gen Z rediscovering the iPod 19:33 – Personal memories and experiences with iPods 21:15 – Streaming vs. dedicated music players 23:56 – Is the iPod comeback real or just nostalgia? 27:23 – Could modern devices replace the iPod experience? 29:17 – Retro photography and film camera revival 32:20 – Polaroid-style cameras and analog appeal 35:17 – CRT monitors and other retro tech memories 36:03 – Show wrap-up and contact information Links: Leaker's legal troubles haven't ended, as he makes more videos  Apple will start making Mac minis in the US Young adults turn to iPods and vintage tech over iPhones Guests: Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40502985

MacVoices #26097 - Live! - More Neo Analysis, Mac Studio Configuration Loss 03/14/2026

MacVoices #26097 - Live! - More Neo Analysis, Mac Studio Configuration Loss 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 strategy. This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by the MacVoices Dispatch, our weekly newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on any and all MacVoices-related information. today and don't miss a thing. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 MacBook Neo analysis and Mac Studio configuration loss 00:11 Introduction and newsletter mention 00:28 Performance claims about the MacBook Neo 02:36 Real-world expectations versus benchmark tests 03:57 Reviewer reactions and performance discussion 05:41 Why Apple emphasizes price over specs 08:02 Entry point into the Apple ecosystem 09:52 Comparing the Neo to Chromebooks and iPads 12:52 Retail and education market potential 14:10 Market positioning and intended audience 17:54 Finding use cases for the MacBook Neo 20:43 Apple Silicon and broader market implications 23:56 Future impact on Apple’s PC market share 25:41 Mac Studio configuration disappears 27:04 Possible RAM supply constraints 28:58 Predictions for Mac Studio’s return Links: The MacBook Neo Outperforms These M-Series MacBooks MacBook Neo designer Molly Anderson is among the new faces added to Apple's leadership page MacBook Neo will warn you if you plug a display into the wrong USB-C port Apple's 512GB Mac Studio vanishes, a quiet acknowledgment of the RAM shortage 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . Mark Fuccio is actively involved in high tech startup companies, both as a principle at piqsure.com, or as a marketing advisor through his consulting practice Tactics Sells High Tech, Inc. Mark was a proud investor in Microsoft from the mid-1990's selling in mid 2000, and hopes one day that MSFT will be again an attractive investment. You can contact Mark through , or on . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40458305

MacVoices #26096: Live! - The Appeal of the Mac Neo 03/12/2026

MacVoices #26096: Live! - The Appeal of the Mac Neo 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 edition of MacVoices is sponsored by Squarespace. Go to and click "enter an offer code" under the pricing and put in the code "macvoices" to receive a 10% discount. Squarespace: Everything you need to create an exceptional website. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Evaluating the appeal of the Macintosh Neo 00:08 Sponsor message: Squarespace 00:27 Panel introductions and setup 05:04 The surprise announcement of the Macintosh Neo 05:47 Who ordered a Neo and why 07:04 Education and affordability potential 08:03 Replacing iPads with a Neo 12:37 Eric’s perspective and Vision Pro use case 15:04 Early demand and availability discussion 17:47 Price, colors, and appeal of the Neo 20:32 Broader market implications for Apple 22:23 Popular color choices and buying trends 24:58 Color design and Apple’s product strategy Links: MacBook Neo Availability Continues to Tighten Ahead of Launch 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . Mark Fuccio is actively involved in high tech startup companies, both as a principle at piqsure.com, or as a marketing advisor through his consulting practice Tactics Sells High Tech, Inc. Mark was a proud investor in Microsoft from the mid-1990's selling in mid 2000, and hopes one day that MSFT will be again an attractive investment. You can contact Mark through , or on . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40416910

MacVoices #26095: TV+ Talk - Hijack, Apple TV Joins Roku, and F1 03/11/2026

MacVoices #26094: Dmytro Bilkun from CleanMyMac Introduces Moonlock 03/10/2026

MacVoices #26094: Dmytro Bilkun from CleanMyMac Introduces Moonlock 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 click "enter an offer code" under the pricing and put in the code "macvoices" to receive a 10% discount. Squarespace: Everything you need to create an exceptional website. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Moonlock and the return of the lost CES interview 01:50 What Moonlock is and MacPaw’s cybersecurity mission 03:26 Unified design with the CleanMyMac ecosystem 05:20 Security recommendations and system protection module 07:09 Security Advisor and user education 08:22 Network Inspector and blocking risky connections 10:15 Malware scanning architecture and deeper detection 12:31 Interface overview and user guidance features 14:41 Blocking regional network connections explained 17:25 Tracking blocked connections and network monitoring 19:02 Quarantine handling of suspicious files 20:56 Real-time monitoring and scanning options 25:24 Quiet protection vs intrusive antivirus alerts 26:19 Performance impact and optimization 29:34 Malware database updates and threat research 31:22 The cybersecurity arms race and evolving threats 33:41 Pricing and subscription model 36:38 Educating users about online threats 37:21 Final thoughts and where to learn more Links: Guests: Dmytro Bilkun, Lead Product Marketing Manager for . Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40390650

MacVoices #26093: Live! - Privacy Questions Around Security Cameras, OpenClaw Creator Joins OpenAI 03/09/2026

MacVoices #26093: Live! - Privacy Questions Around Security Cameras, OpenClaw Creator Joins OpenAI 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 is sponsored by Squarespace. Go to and click "enter an offer code" under the pricing and put in the code "macvoices" to receive a 10% discount. Squarespace: Everything you need to create an exceptional website. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to surveillance and AI topics 00:24 Recovered Nest camera footage raises privacy questions 01:08 How deleted video was reportedly recovered 02:05 Ethical concerns about surveillance cameras 02:22 Corporate dilemma: privacy vs public safety 03:13 Questions about data retention policies 04:25 How cloud storage distributes and retains data 05:31 Monetization and retention of surveillance footage 06:22 Guest departure and show housekeeping 07:23 How “deleted” cloud data actually works 08:36 Backups, mirrored servers, and forensic recovery 09:59 Internal decision-making around recovered data 11:08 Subscription models and video retention limits 12:45 Law enforcement implications and future requests 13:41 Encryption and control of stored video 15:52 The permanence of data on the internet 17:09 Lessons about sharing data online 18:32 Sponsor message and website strategy discussion 20:10 OpenClaw creator joins OpenAI 21:10 Impact on the AI development race 23:01 Limits and risks of current AI tools 24:25 Security concerns with AI assistants 25:44 The early stage of modern AI development 27:14 Why OpenAI may be the safer home for the project 28:52 AI interacting directly with operating systems 30:05 The road toward intelligent digital assistants 31:40 Closing reflections on technology ethics and change Links: Google recovers "deleted" Nest video in high-profile abduction case Peter Steinberger joins OpenAI 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40373830

MacVoices #26092: Live! - Apple Music Connect, A Rivian App, and Apple Video Podcasts 03/06/2026

MacVoices #26092: Live! - Apple Music Connect, A Rivian App, and Apple Video Podcasts 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 Live!, our weekly live panel discussion of what is going in the Apple space as well as the larger tech world, and how it is impacting you. Join us live at at 8 PM Eastern 5 PM Pacific, or whatever time that is wherever you are and participate in the chat, or catch the edited and segmented versions of the show on the regular MacVoices channels and feeds. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Episode introduction and topics overview 00:06 Welcome and live panel setup 01:22 Panel introductions and opening conversation 03:16 Owl encounter story and lighthearted banter 05:04 Apple Music Connect returns as a promotional tool 06:22 Discoverability challenges in music streaming 08:01 Social media vs promotional tools for artists 09:58 Why earlier Apple music promotion efforts failed 11:06 Apple’s strengths in promotion vs social platforms 12:32 Rivian launches Apple Watch vehicle control app 13:43 Rivian’s refusal to adopt CarPlay debated 15:25 Third-party attempts to add CarPlay to Rivian 16:56 Cars as platforms vs phones as peripherals 19:34 Ecosystem conflicts in automotive tech 20:20 Apple Podcasts adds video support 21:20 Early impressions of video podcast playback 22:25 Creator questions about editing and distribution 25:18 Workflows for audio vs video podcast production 28:11 Impact on competing podcast apps 29:18 Spotify vs Apple approaches to video podcasts 30:34 Is YouTube still the dominant video platform? 34:15 Early video podcast history and experimentation 35:59 Bandwidth and storage implications for video podcasts Links: Apple Music Connect Launches as Promotional Resource for Labels and Distributors Rivian rolls out an Apple Watch app with vehicle controls and digital key support Apple is getting video in podcasts (at last) Guests: Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40345170

MacVoices #26091: Live! - RAM Shortages and Neo Premonitions 03/05/2026

MacVoices #26091: Live! - RAM Shortages and Neo Premonitions With one day of Apple announcements left, the MacVoices panel tackles rising RAM and storage prices and what shortages could mean for upcoming devices. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea debate whether Apple’s bigger base configs are simply planned far in advance, a response to component pricing, or a signal of hardware requirements for upcoming AI features like an improved Siri. Attention then shifts to the rumored “Neo” MacBook, its likely education focus, and whether Apple’s new displays risk becoming niche due to strict compatibility limits. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV26091.mp3 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 . Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Opening and sponsor message 00:35 RAM and storage shortages, pricing pressure 01:24 Is Apple getting ahead of inflation? 01:47 Product pipeline timing vs component leverage 02:35 Base specs as AI/Siri requirements signal 03:08 Apple margins on memory and supply resilience 04:34 What’s left in announcement week? 05:50 “Neo” expectations and possible in-store focus 06:45 Neo accessories and color speculation 08:10 What people want from a small MacBook 09:56 Education market and Chromebook replacement angle 10:45 New Studio Display/XDR compatibility limits 11:22 Refresh-rate requirements and OS minimums 12:19 “It’s a monitor”—why the requirements feel odd 13:30 Impact on PC users and product niche concerns 14:14 Long-term worries: minimum today, maximum later 16:02 Keeping monitors for years vs forced upgrades 17:34 Daisy-chaining and monitor feature discussion 19:16 Desk gear tangent and high-end setups 20:34 Microsoft Discord “microslop” filter story 23:56 Wrap-up and where to find the panel Links: Microsoft banned this word from its Discord server. It’s now a viral phenomenon—people are using it any way they can 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40332930

MacVoices #26090: Live! - New XDR Display, M4 iPad Air, iPhone 17e 03/04/2026

MacVoices #26090: Live! - New XDR Display, M4 iPad Air, iPhone 17e The MacVoices Live! panel continues to examine Apple’s latest hardware news. This time,Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea examine the refreshed Studio XDR display, an M4 iPad Air update, and the iPhone 17e. The crew debates whether premium displays justify their cost, why “pro” products struggle with mainstream perception, and how the iPad Air fits real workflows. They also praise the 17e’s value, especially MagSafe and higher base storage, and speculate that rising base specs may be preparing for a smarter Siri. 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, or in your favorite RSS reader. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Opening and topics preview 00:11 Support message and transition to announcements 00:35 New Studio XDR: specs and the “monitor market” question 01:36 Price vs. value: who should buy an XDR? 02:42 Alternatives and real-world studio display satisfaction 03:36 Stands, VESA mounts, and Apple pricing quirks 04:28 “Gorgeous, but…” comparing to other high-end displays 04:55 Pro reference monitors vs. consumer expectations 06:16 Apple stepping back from the pro display space 06:38 Mac Pro vs. Mac Studio: is the tower era over? 09:41 “Studio” devices as the new pro lineup 10:06 Laptops as pro machines and Thunderbolt expandability 11:12 TV pricing collapse and why specialty stores quit TVs 14:46 M4 iPad Air announcement: what changed and why 15:00 Press reactions and positioning vs. iPad Pro 16:08 Real-world cost build-up with keyboards/cellular 17:25 iPad Air use cases: consumption, value, and longevity 20:13 iPhone 17e: why coverage is surprisingly positive 22:19 17 vs. 17e: display/camera tradeoffs, MagSafe returns 23:44 Storage bump and expected sales impact 25:59 Who the 17e is for—and who’s waiting for the Fold 30:10 A “modem phone” use case and privacy hopes 31:32 iPad Pro in daily workflow: Notes + iCloud 33:18 “Base specs” theory: preparing for the next Siri 35:28 Timing, memory pressure, and avoiding future backlash 37:14 Wrap-up and credits Links: Apple announces Studio Display XDR with 120Hz refresh rate, mini-LED, more Apple Unveils iPad Air With M4 Chip, Increased RAM, Wi-Fi 7, and More Apple officially announces iPhone 17e with MagSafe, 256GB storage, more 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40316755

MacVoices #26089: Live! - New M5 Macs At All Levels 03/04/2026

MacVoices #26089: Live! - New M5 Macs At All Levels Shortly after the announcement, the MacVoices Live! panel examines Apple’s new M5 Mac lineup, including refreshed MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea compare upgrade paths from older machines, debate configuration choices and pricing, and consider real-world use cases such as portability, battery life, and education markets. The group also speculates about expansion possibilities for other Macs. This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by the MacVoices Dispatch, our weekly newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on any and all MacVoices-related information. today and don't miss a thing. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and show opening 00:08 Welcome and panel introductions 04:21 Apple’s week of announcements and M5 MacBook Pro reveal 05:32 Fusion architecture and high-end configuration pricing 06:58 Reactions to the refreshed MacBook Air 07:43 Panelists discuss potential upgrade plans 10:40 Pricing considerations and configuration debates 12:22 Use cases: portability, durability, and battery life 15:37 Comparing new models with existing Macs 18:40 Evaluating upgrade needs vs. current performance 20:38 Rumors of a low-cost “Neo” MacBook 22:13 Education market possibilities for cheaper Macs 23:33 Notch discussion and real-world display experience 24:32 Touchscreen Macs: useful or unnecessary? 25:03 Workflow preferences and external display use 26:27 Potential buyers and color options speculation 27:48 Chip discussion: A-series vs. M-series possibilities Links: Apple Unveils MacBook Pro Featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max Chips With New Fusion Architecture Apple Announces MacBook Air With M5 Chip 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40312745

MacVoices #26088: Live! - The End of Rosetta, App Store Pressure Increasing 03/03/2026

MacVoices #26088: Live! - The End of Rosetta, App Store Pressure Increasing This MacVoices Live! discussion centers on Apple’s planned removal of Rosetta support in macOS 26.4 and the implications for Intel-based applications still running under Apple Silicon. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, and Jeff Gamet explore how many apps may still quietly depend on Rosetta, tools for identifying them, and why Apple is phasing out x86 components. The conversation shifts to legal questions surrounding pressure on Apple to remove an ICE-monitoring app from the App Store from a surprising source. MacVoices is supported by the new MacVoices Discord, a benefit exclusively for MacVoices Patrons. Sign up, get access, and join the conversations at Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Rosetta Deprecation Announcement 00:27 Why Rosetta Is Going Away 01:20 Preparing for Legacy App Loss 05:04 Steam and Gaming Concerns 06:24 Checking Apps for Intel Dependencies 11:03 Utilities and Migration Surprises 13:25 Tools to Identify Rosetta Apps 15:11 Government Pressure on App Store Decisions 16:38 Legal and Free Speech Implications 20:59 App Store Policy Double Standards Links: macOS Tahoe 26.4 Displays Warnings for Apps That Won't Work After Rosetta 2 Support Ends Trump officials sued for pressuring Apple to remove an ICE monitoring app from the App Store 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40304220

MacVoices #26087: Live! - iOS Adoption: Truth, Fiction, and Misdirection 03/02/2026

MacVoices #26087: Live! - iOS Adoption: Truth, Fiction, and Misdirection Apple has debunked media reports claiming low adoption of iOS 26. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, and Jeff Gamet discuss the assertion that the data was skewed by Apple’s privacy-driven device misreporting. They review how official numbers show strong uptake among eligible devices and debate whether criticisms of the new interface are overblown. While some UI concerns are acknowledged, the group agrees the release offers meaningful improvements and is far from the failure some headlines suggested. 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 iOS adoption controversy introduced 0:28 Claims of low adoption challenged 2:04 Telemetry and agent string misreporting 3:50 Evaluating Apple’s official adoption numbers 5:13 Privacy-driven device obfuscation explained 6:30 Clickbait and misinterpreted analytics reports 7:57 Debate over “liquid glass” interface complaints 9:03 Objective UI usability concerns raised 12:03 Design philosophy and Apple’s UI direction 13:18 System Settings and long-term interface frustrations 15:49 Improvements and benefits in iOS 26 18:35 Broader reflections on Apple UI evolution 19:12 Overall assessment: not a disaster, but debated Links: Apple Reveals How Many iPhones Are Running iOS 26 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40286950

MacVoices #26086: Live! - Apple Experience Speculation 02/27/2026

MacVoices #26086: Live! - Apple Experience Speculation Apple’s upcoming “experience” announcements take center stage in a discussion by Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, and Jeff Gamet, Possible products like an entry-level MacBook with an A18 chip, iPhone 17e, and updated MacBook Pros are all on the table as possible press release and/or video releases. The group discusses timing, education market positioning, and whether smaller launches signal a shift in Apple’s event strategy. MacVoices is supported by Hello Fresh. Go to to gett 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and show kickoff 02:01 Apple event vs. “experience” speculation begins 05:06 Time zones, rumors, and possible product lineup 08:36 Debate on Apple’s launch strategy and messaging 12:59 Entry-level and student-focused product theory 14:35 Counterpoint: possibility of M5 MacBook Pros 17:25 Education market and Chromebook alternatives 19:26 Audience feedback and topic suggestion initiative Links: Apple Announces Special Event in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40256200

MacVoices #26085: TV+ Talk - Tehran Tragedy, MLS Access Changes, and Apple’s Sports Expansion 02/26/2026

MacVoices #26085: TV+ Talk - Tehran Tragedy, MLS Access Changes, and Apple’s Sports Expansion Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner discuss major Apple TV news, starting with the tragic death of Tehran co-creator Dana Idan. They then discuss MLS Season Pass returning with improved access, including the implications of reduced paywall friction and recap viewer options. Finally, Apple’s sports distribution deal via EverPass and award wins tied to the F1 film highlight the evolution and excellence of the streaming services’s options. Hijack stands out as a specific example, with character depth bringing a different dimension to a familiar genre. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:22 Show setup and Apple TV’s busy news cycle 00:55 Tehran co-creator death and production context 05:40 MLS returns and season/timing discussion 07:09 Messi vs. Son, coverage notes, and commentary quirks 08:08 Dropping the extra MLS paywall and accessibility debate 10:16 Messi’s deal and “piece of the action” question 13:30 Apple TV match recaps and highlights experience 16:04 Deal changes, growth expectations, and subscription fatigue 21:15 Youth soccer growth and the “round ball” future 23:25 EverPass distribution deal and Apple’s live-sports strategy 26:27 Broadcast TV surrender and the new streaming reality 30:29 F1 sound-team awards and prestige momentum 35:13 Hijack season talk and what makes it work 39:59 Wrap-up and where to follow Links: Tragedy as Tehran Co-Creator Found Dead EverPass in Apple TV distribution deal F1: The Movie' sound team get a weekend of awards Apple’s “The Studio” and “Mr. Scorsese” score at the 78th Annual Directors Guild Awards Guests: Charlotte Henry is a media junkie, covering how Apple is not just a revolutionary tech firm, but a revolutionary media firm. She is based in London, writes and broadcasts for various outlets, and is the author of , an examination of fake news. You can find her on her , her podcast, in her newsletter on , and on , , and . Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40247965

MacVoices #26084: MacVoices Update 2026-02 02/26/2026

MacVoices #26083: Live! - Zuck’s Delusions, Lyrics, Age Verification, and A Congrats on 11 02/25/2026

MacVoices #26083: Live! - Zuck’s Delusions, Lyrics, Age Verification, and A Congrats on 11 The MacVoices Live! panel critiques Mark Zuckerberg's blame of Apple for his issues, debate whether music lyrics should be locked behind YouTube Premium, and examines how different generations consume music. David Ginsburg, Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Jeff Gamet, Mark Fuccio, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs also discuss Discord’s proposed age verification and privacy risks, and their reversal after user protests. The discussion wraps with congratulations to Apple World Today’s anniversary and commentary on Xfinity internet frustrations and broadband access realities. MacVoices is supported by Squarespace. Check out to save 10% oﬀ your first purchase of a website or domain using offer code MACVOICES. MacVoices is supported by Hello Fresh. Go to to gett 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Meta criticism and platform responsibility debate 00:39 YouTube music lyrics and premium subscription discussion 09:11 Generational music habits and platform usage differences 12:48 Discord age verification proposal and backlash 15:46 Data privacy concerns and verification security risks 23:15 Congratulations on Apple World Today anniversary 25:26 Xfinity internet reliability and broadband alternatives Links: Mark Zuckerberg continues to blame Apple for Meta's problems YouTube Music lyrics now require a Premium subscription Discord will soon require face scans or ID for all users, or restrict access Discord backtracks on controversial age verification rollout…kind of - 9to5Mac If you have any choice besides Xfinity for Internet, take it Happy Birthday to Apple World today (We’ve Turned 11) Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40228035

MacVoices #26082: Live! - CarPlay, Apple Device Harmony, Random Chat App Removal, and a Scam Ad Bill 02/24/2026

MacVoices #26082: Live! - CarPlay, Apple Device Harmony, Random Chat App Removal, and a Scam Ad Bill Unusual Apple and tech topics fill this episode, including CarPlay integration on personal watercraft, highlighting both navigation potential and safety concerns. David Ginsburg, Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Jeff Gamet, Mark Fuccio, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs examine how Apple Watch and connected devices can aid criminal investigations, and review features that create seamless interaction across Apple devices. The conversation also explores Apple’s removal of anonymous chat apps and a proposed U.S. bill targeting scam ads on social platforms. MacVoices is supported by Squarespace. Check out to save 10% oﬀ your first purchase of a website or domain using offer code MACVOICES. MacVoices is supported by Hello Fresh. Go to to gett 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Overview of topics: CarPlay, Apple ecosystem, chat apps, scam ads 01:17 CarPlay integration on personal watercraft 04:56 Wearables and smart devices aiding investigations 08:24 Apple device harmony and ecosystem features 13:27 Apple’s removal of anonymous chat apps 22:44 Proposed legislation targeting scam ads on social media Links: Sea-Doo thinks you want CarPlay on a jet ski Apple Watch data pins down abduction time of NBC News anchor's mother 15 features to make your Apple devices work in perfect harmony Random or anonymous chat apps no longer welcome on the App Store Exclusive: US Senators unveil bill to prevent scam ads on social media platforms Guests: Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . Mark Fuccio is actively involved in high tech startup companies, both as a principle at piqsure.com, or as a marketing advisor through his consulting practice Tactics Sells High Tech, Inc. Mark was a proud investor in Microsoft from the mid-1990's selling in mid 2000, and hopes one day that MSFT will be again an attractive investment. You can contact Mark through , or on . 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40220695

MacVoices #26081: Live! - The Many AI Angles of The Super Bowl; Apple Sport App and Golf 02/23/2026

MacVoices #26081: Live! - The Many AI Angles of The Super Bowl; Apple Sport App and Golf How AI intersected with the Super Bowl, from ads packed with generative effects to concerns about creative authenticity and actor likeness rights was discussed by David Ginsburg, Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Jeff Gamet, Mark Fuccio, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs. Also part of the conversation were the ads for AI services themselves. The panel also evaluated Apple’s Sports app for real-time score tracking and discuss shifting broadcast models as major sports move behind streaming paywalls, raising questions about accessibility, media fragmentation, and the growing digital divide in sports entertainment. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV26081.mp3 MacVoices is supported by Squarespace. Check out to save 10% oﬀ your first purchase of a website or domain using offer code MACVOICES. MacVoices is supported by Hello Fresh. Go to to gett 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 AI angles and sports tech overview 04:16 Using Apple Sports app and Dynamic Island tracking 08:21 Super Bowl viewing options and streaming access debate 18:57 Halftime show production and alternate online broadcasts 30:16 AI-heavy Super Bowl commercials and generative media trends 32:55 Sustainability, creativity, and risks of AI in advertising Links: Apple Sports Now Supports Golf and More How Super Bowl streaming stopped being free Guests: Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . Mark Fuccio is actively involved in high tech startup companies, both as a principle at piqsure.com, or as a marketing advisor through his consulting practice Tactics Sells High Tech, Inc. Mark was a proud investor in Microsoft from the mid-1990's selling in mid 2000, and hopes one day that MSFT will be again an attractive investment. You can contact Mark through , or on . 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40205590

MacVoices #26080: Live! - Encouraging Encryption, Secure Signal Messaging, and 8K TVs 02/20/2026

MacVoices #26080: Live! - Encouraging Encryption, Secure Signal Messaging, and 8K TVs The panel starts out by discussing a major deal for Apple TV and what it could mean for their content ambitions. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Mark Fuccio, and Norbert Frassa debate encryption initiatives, comparing Signal and Messages security, including open source, metadata, and device safety considerations. The session wraps with commentary on the apparent abandonment of about 8K TVs due to cost, lack of content, and limited real-world viewing benefits. This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by the MacVoices Dispatch, our weekly newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on any and all MacVoices-related information. today and don't miss a thing. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and show context 12:00 Discussion of Hollywood trends and feel-good films 24:00 Messaging security debate: Signal vs. iMessage 36:00 Rise of decentralized social platforms 48:00 Weekly tech coverage across related shows 54:00 Wrap-up and social media presence Links: Apple TV may have found its Game of Thrones Electronic Frontier Foundation wants tech companies like Apple to ‘Encrypt It Already’ Everybody Has Something To Hide by Guy Kawasaki The TV industry finally concedes that the future may not be in 8K Comcast keeps losing customers despite price guarantee and unlimited data 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . Norbert Frassa is a technology “man about town”. Follow him on and see what he’s up to. Mark Fuccio is actively involved in high tech startup companies, both as a principle at piqsure.com, or as a marketing advisor through his consulting practice Tactics Sells High Tech, Inc. Mark was a proud investor in Microsoft from the mid-1990's selling in mid 2000, and hopes one day that MSFT will be again an attractive investment. You can contact Mark through , or on . 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40179960

MacVoices #26079: Live! - Changes To Buying A Mac; Volvo, Kia, and CarPlay 02/19/2026

MacVoices #26079: Live! - Changes To Buying A Mac; Volvo, Kia, and CarPlay Apple’s new Mac purchasing flow that starts with a base model and adds options is debated by the MacVoices Live! panel, weighing flexibility against harder price comparisons for businesses and planners. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Mark Fuccio, and Norbert Frassa discuss supply chains, memory pricing, and reseller impacts. The conversation then shifts to automotive news, praising Volvo’s continued CarPlay support and exploring Kia/Hyundai’s planned CarPlay Ultra adoption and broader implications for in-car software. MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at . MacVoices is supported by Incogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Get 60% off an annual plan at and use code “chuck" at checkout. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:45 Changes to Mac online purchasing model 03:41 Comparisons with iPhone-style configuration flow 06:38 Business and enterprise purchasing considerations 09:45 Longevity, upgrades, and marketing language in configs 13:22 Supplier sourcing and RAM pricing discussion 18:22 Direct sales vs reseller impacts and user behavior 23:32 Sponsor break: app removal and system cleanup 26:55 Volvo’s continued CarPlay support 27:30 Hyundai/Kia plans for CarPlay Ultra 33:21 Adoption rates and success of CarPlay Ultra 38:09 Tesla, CarPlay rumors, and third-party dashboard solutions Links: Another automaker vows to continue offering CarPlay CarPlay Ultra coming to at least one new car later this year, per report Apple revamps how you buy a Mac online, removes preconfigured options 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 , , and , but prefers . Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on , by email at embolden@mac.com, on at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, , and as co-host on podcast. 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 . He also recently opened a Mastodon account at . Norbert Frassa is a technology “man about town”. Follow him on and see what he’s up to. Mark Fuccio is actively involved in high tech startup companies, both as a principle at piqsure.com, or as a marketing advisor through his consulting practice Tactics Sells High Tech, Inc. Mark was a proud investor in Microsoft from the mid-1990's selling in mid 2000, and hopes one day that MSFT will be again an attractive investment. You can contact Mark through , or on . 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 and , jeffgamet on ., @jgamet@mastodon.social on , and on his . David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast 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 and find and follow him on Twitter and on at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. 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 and . Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the , and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of 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 and via on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with Connect: Web: Twitter: Mastodon: Facebook: MacVoices Page on Facebook: MacVoices Group on Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Subscribe: Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: Video: /episode/index/show/maclevelten/id/40169040

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