Macvoices Audio

An evaluation of the performance of major Apple product categories over the past year is reviewed by the panel of Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Web Bixby, Jeff Gamet, Mark Fuccio and Jim Rea, drawing on market data to assess claims of category leadership across iPhone, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Mac. The panel examines the impact of Apple silicon on Mac sales, contrasts Ford's renewed support for CarPlay with GM's strategy, and recognize a validation of this and past discussions from a noted Apple commentator.  The Antigravity A1 is the world's first 8K 360 drone, it's genuinely a game-changer. You get full immersive flight with the goggles, insanely intuitive controls, and endless creative freedom in editing.If you're thinking about buying a drone, make it this one. Check out the link in our show notes and get a free landing pad with your order! https://www.antigravity.tech/drone/antigravity-a1/buy?utm_term=macvoices Take your personal data back with Incogni! Get

At CES Unveiled, HOVERAir  showed off the Aqua, a first-of-its-kind self-flying action camera designed for use on land and water. Morgan Alexander outlined its waterproof design, 4K video, sub-250g weight, and unique snorkel mode that records above and below the surface.  Show Notes: Chapters: Links: HOVERAir on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4pHsFIU Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscr

From CES Unveiled in Las Vegas, T Banks, Product Manager for Shure, introduces the new MV88 microphone designed for iPhone and USB-C devices. Featuring a dual-capsule design to deliver adjustable stereo sound, app-controlled gain, auto-leveling, and real-time noise reduction the MV88 help creators capture clean audio anywhere.  Show Notes: Links: Shure Mics on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qi2AkQ Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:  

Spotify's music catalog was recently "appropriated" by an unauthorized party. Was it theft or preservation? The conversation explores copyright, artist rights, and the idea of music as both art and information. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea also look at libraries, global access, licensing models, and how digital archives and video games should be preserved for future generations.  MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at http://clnmy.com/MACVOICES. MacVoices is supported by Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/MACVOICES to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using offer code MACVOICES. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 – Spotify controversy sets the stage 01:10 – Is streaming theft or digital archiving? 02:45 – Artist rights vs. public access 04:30 – Music as art or as information 06:20 – How libraries justify broad acces

At CES Unveiled 2026, Matthew Ungar, Marketing Manager for Govee shows off the company's newest smart lighting and home innovations. Highlights include LumaBlend Plus for richer color control, dynamic ceiling lights that mimic natural skies, an AI lighting assistant, and a nugget ice maker designed to bring restaurant-style convenience into the home.  Show Notes: Links: Govee Smart Ceiling Light https://amzn.to/3NkYiLa GoveeLife Smart Ice Maker Countertop, Portable Ice Machine with Voice Control https://amzn.to/49StR7E Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Fac

At CES Unveiled 2026 in Las Vegas, Carrie Kessenich, Director of Brand Management for FeatherSnap talks about about their smart bird feeders that automatically captures photos and video of visiting birds. The system identifies species and delivers wildlife moments straight to your phone, turning backyard birdwatching into a modern, connected experience.  Show Notes: Links: FeatherSnap Smart Birdfeeder with AI Identification and Wi-Fi Solar Powered, Captures HD Pictures and Videos Sent Directly to Your Phone https://amzn.to/3NrOcYI Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices

At CES Unveiled in Las Vegas, we kicked off the event we talked to Dana Reese of Tactacam, who gave us the highlights of the DEFEND a fully cellular security camera system that skips Wi-Fi and wiring for quick setup. Their app sends alerts and lets you request a photo, capture video, or jump into live view. Power is supplied by a solar panel and weather-ready battery, and offers subscription plans.  http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV26005.mp3 Show Notes: Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      Lin

Reactions to ChatGPT's voice mode disappearing from the macOS app, debates about why it happened, and how it impacts their use are provided by Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea. Whether voice is the future, and if OpenAI's "code red" priorities played a role are examined. Then, the panel also review the new "Tech Force" that is tapping talent from major tech firms for government initiatives, raising questions about goals, oversight, privacy, and long-term maintenance. The discussion wraps up with a Pennsylvania court ruling allowing police access to certain Google search data without a warrant. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV26004.mp3 MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at http://clnmy.com/MACVOICES. MacVoices is supported by Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/MACVOICES to save 10% off your first purchase of a web

The MacVoices Live! panel discusses reports of U.S. restrictions affecting foreign-made drones and the impact on DJI users, an Italian fine against Apple tied to app tracking prompts and privacy expectations, and talk of possible U.S. retaliation over EU tech enforcement. Along the way, the group vents Festivus-style grievances and debates privacy, evidence, and motive. Participants include Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea. MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at http://clnmy.com/MACVOICES. MacVoices is supported by Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/MACVOICES to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using offer code MACVOICES. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Opening: drones, Italian fine, retaliation 00:50 Festive panel intros and holiday banter 07:12 Drone news: U.S. restrictions and DJI concerns 10:44 FCC

Real-world risks and responsible use of AI kick off the second part of our conversation with The Long Island Macintosh Users Group. The group swaps scam stories (spoofed bank calls, W-2 phishing, ransomware) and how AI can amplify fraud. Ways to mitigate exposure in an AI-powered world include cyber insurance, privacy tradeoffs in popular AI tools, copyright/IP guardrails in image generation, and careful experimentation.  This edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices After Dark. What happens before and after the shows is uncensored, on-topic, off-topic, and always off the wall. Sign up as a MacVoices Patron and get access! http://patreon.com/macvoices Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Scams refresher: don't click, verify directly [2:18] Why scams work: volume, pressure, and "sensibility" [3:44] Spoofed bank calls and how to break the script [5:49] Small businesses as targets; cyber insurance gap [7:12] Photo scanning business: liability vs. cyber coverage [11:35] W-2 breach fallout; IRS PINs and identity th

The first part of an appearance at The Long Island Macintosh Users Group digs into large language models, real-world AI use, and Apple's philosophy. The conversation ranges from productivity and creativity to ethics, privacy, and deepfakes. Why experimentation, transparency, and skepticism matter as AI becomes part of everyday workflows starts with participation from the group. (1)  This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Get access to the MacVoices Slack and MacVoices After Dark by joining in at Patreon.com/macvoices. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Introduction and context of the AI discussion [2:57] AI vs. large language models explained [6:01] Privacy, trust, and corporate AI policies [7:38] Personal rules and verification when using AI [9:09] Apple's AI strategy and user perception [14:48] Using AI in audio, transcripts, and show prep [16:09] Disclosure, AI constructs, and ethical concerns [24:03] Training models and personalized AI responses [27:52] Prompt engineering and ag

The MacVoices Live! panel takes a deep dive into the self-driving car debate, weighing sensational media coverage against real-world safety data and personal experiences with autonomous taxis. Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, David Ginsburg, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea discuss human distraction, software transparency, police interaction with automated vehicles, and whether machines can outperform inattentive drivers in real-world situations.  The Antigravity A1 is the world's first 8K 360 drone, it's genuinely a game-changer. You get full immersive flight with the goggles, insanely intuitive controls, and endless creative freedom in editing.If you're thinking about buying a drone, make it this one. Check out the link in our show notes and get a free landing pad with your order! https://www.antigravity.tech/drone/antigravity-a1/buy?utm_term=macvoices Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Media coverage and self-driving incidents [1:11] Comparing autonomous driving to human drivers [2:20] T

The December 2025 Update shares a planned break the week of January 5 for  CES in Las Vegas, explaining it's one of the two annual conference pauses to gather interviews and content. Why you should pay extra attention to MacVoices Magazine at this time of year and s a last call to revisit the Holiday Gift Guide list and episodes is included. The Update ends with listener and viewer thanks, a Patreon tier roll-call.  Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] December update and New Year greeting [0:20] Planned downtime during CES week [1:20] Curated how-to magazine highlights [2:54] Final reminder: Holiday Gift Guide list and episodes [3:49] Gratitude to the audience and community [4:35] Support report and Patreon acknowledgments [5:59] Looking ahead to 2026 and ways to support Links: 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide Master List 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Gide on Flipboard: Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal

A multi-topic MacVoices Live! discussion touches on the growing pains of predictive markets after disputes over Time's Person of the Year, raising questions about gambling, rules, and manipulation. Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, David Ginsburg, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea also debates proposed age-verification requirements for online content, concerns over data retention and privacy, new calls for social-media disclosures from travelers, and what Alan Dye's departure could mean for Apple's interface direction.  "The Antigravity A1 is the world's first 8K 360 drone, it's genuinely a game-changer. You get full immersive flight with the goggles, insanely intuitive controls, and endless creative freedom in editing.If you're thinking about buying a drone, make it this one. Check out the link in our show notes and get a free landing pad with your order!" https://www.antigravity.tech/drone/antigravity-a1/buy?utm_term=macvoices Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Predictive markets and AI con

A wide-ranging discussion covers mixed signals from GM around CarPlay, as the automaker rejects full support while selectively adopting Apple integrations like Music and digital keys. Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Eric bolden, David Ginsburg, Web Bixby, and Jim Real also reacts to safety concerns over more recalled power banks, new Vision Pro travel features, updates to Apple's Sports app, and the latest Bending Spoons' acquisition, this time of Eventbrite.  "The Antigravity A1 is the world's first 8K 360 drone, it's genuinely a game-changer. You get full immersive flight with the goggles, insanely intuitive controls, and endless creative freedom in editing.If you're thinking about buying a drone, make it this one. Check out the link in our show notes and get a free landing pad with your order!" https://www.antigravity.tech/drone/antigravity-a1/buy?utm_term=macvoices Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Mixed messages around CarPlay and recent headlines 01:20 Live show return and panel introdu

Our conversation with Kirk McElhern about Take Control of Apple Media Apps looks at the steady maturation of Apple's media apps—Music, TV, Books, and Podcasts—and why major changes are now rare. Kirk unpacks Apple Music's personalized stations and discovery, the "hits rise to the top" problem, and why many podcast pros still prefer Overcast despite Apple's transcripts. Plus: how Apple's services strategy nudges users toward subscriptions, and why managing your own library adds complexity. (Part 2)  MacVoices is supported by the 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guides. Tech and more you want to give and get. Find out what the panels recommend at MacVoices.com/HolidayGiftGuide. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Personal radio vs "played-to-death" tracks [1:14] Mixes: Essentials, Discovery, personal stations, Friends [2:06] Genius: how recommendations evolved [3:34] Weighting, hits, and eclectic listening problems [5:20] Creating a radio station from an album/song [6:31] Podcast app satisfaction and why Overcast wins [10

Kirk McElhern discusses the latest edition of Take Control of Apple Media Apps, covering what's new—and what isn't—in Music, TV, Podcasts, and Books. He critiques the "Liquid Glass" look, notes small updates like AutoMix and pinned items, and argues the apps have reached maturity. The conversation includes accessibility issues, managing personal video libraries, and why Spotify's appeal isn't just playlists. (Part 1)  MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never before with the Antigravity A1. You have to see the results to believe them. Find out everything you need to know to get off the ground with Antigravity A1 — the world's first 8K 360 drone. https://www.antigravity.tech/drone/antigravity-a1/buy?utm_term=macvoices Show Notes: Chapters: 0:00 – Why this edition matters; introducing the updated book 2:46 – What's new: AutoMix, lyric tools, pinning, folders, widgets 4:04 – Consistency across Mac/iPhone/iPad and where the Mac differs 6:39 – "Maturity" vs innovation; why major

A wide-ranging discussion examines the implications of leadership changes and talent loss within Apple's AI organization following delays to promised Siri features. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, and Jim Rea debate whether Apple's struggles reflect internal turmoil, unrealistic timelines, or a deliberate partnering with external AI options. Privacy, on-device capabilities, and regulatory pressure all factor into a candid assessment of Apple's AI strategy and credibility.  MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never before with the Antigravity A1. You have to see the results to believe them. Find out everything you need to know to get off the ground with Antigravity A1 — the world's first 8K 360 drone. https://www.antigravity.tech/drone/antigravity-a1/buy?utm_term=macvoices Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 – Apple AI leadership changes and antitrust context 01:29 – Interpreting the AI "retirement" and internal disruptio

In response to the inevitable shower of deals and special offers on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond, Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, and Jim Rea share some of their holiday acquisitions and why the made them. The panel also covers "fake" discounts, deal fatigue, and why loyal customers often miss out while still celebrating the fun of finding genuinely useful gear.  MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never before with the Antigravity A1. You have to see the results to believe them. Find out everything you need to know to get off the ground with Antigravity A1 — the world's first 8K 360 drone. https://www.antigravity.tech/drone/antigravity-a1/buy?utm_term=macvoices Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Black Friday/Cyber Monday kickoff and sponsor message [1:11] Panel introductions and holiday check-in [7:05] Big tech buys: lights, Stream Decks, docks, cameras [9:34] Software deals and productivity tools [12:38] Ch

In the final segment of the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, Kelly Guimont, Jim Rea, Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Kirk McElhearn out with bigger comfort and productivity picks: a portable lamp with battery power, a TSA-friendly Leatherman, along with a charging station, a long-running text utility, and a travel accessory for cramped flights. (Part 3)  This edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices Magazine, 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 Flipboard, on the web, or in your favorite RSS reader. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Part 3 intro and "last one" setup [1:17] Philips Hue Go portable smart lamp (battery + programmable) [3:43] Leatherman Style P3: bladeless, purse-friendly multi-tool [5:40] "EDC" barrette tool: everyday carry hair clip that opens packages [9:50] Panelist sign-offs and where to find them [10:10] Anker MagGo 3-in-1 charging station for phone