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Electronic Arts’ $55 billion privatization sparks debate over the state of gaming. The panel examines EA’s financial struggles, originality fatigue, and cinematic excess in modern titles. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Guy Serle, Web Bixby, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea and Mark Fuccio explore Saudi investment motives, shareholder pressures, and what defines real playability—fun, challenge, and creativity over graphics and spectacle.  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: [0:09] Electronic Arts Goes Private [0:35] EA’s Financial Struggles and Industry Concerns [2:27] The Problem of Unoriginal Games and Sequels [3:38] Franchise Fatigue and AI’s Potential Role [5:10] Costs, Live Games, and Slower

The panel examines the controversy over “Tilly Norwood,” an AI-generated actress, and what it means for Hollywood’s future. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Guy Serle, Web Bixby, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, and Mark Fuccio debate whether artificial performers threaten human creativity, explore ethical uses of AI to augment actors, and consider the limits of synthetic art versus human expression as technology blurs artistic boundaries.  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 – Who is Tilly Norwood? [2:00] Actors React to AI Talent Representation [3:30] AI and the Future of Hollywood Production [5:00] Human Stars vs Synthetic Characters [6:20] Animation and AI Integration in Film [9:00] Creativity and the Human Element in Art [10:20] Ethical and Consensual Uses of AI in Movies [12:30] CGI, Storytell

Bad Bunny has been announced as the headliner for Apple’s Super Bowl Half Time Show, but the choice isn’t without controversy. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Guy Serle, Web Bixby, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, and Mark Fuccio share both thoughts and predictions, debate the evolution of half-time acts, and Apple’s influence.  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 MacVoices - TV+ Talk. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Bad Bunny announced as Apple’s Super Bowl halftime headliner [1:20] Panel intros and setup banter [3:42] First reactions to the halftime show choice [8:34] Predictions of possible NFL backlash [9:17] Cultural and language controversy discussion [10:22] Debate: artists performing for “visibility” instead of pay [12:40] Apple’s influence and sponsorship role [14:17]

The panel covers Anchor’s power bank recall over fire risks, debates iPhone durability and repairability, and reviews ExpressVPN’s ad-supported “EventVPN.” Chuck Joiner, Dave Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius Jim Rea, and Web Bixby also share travel safety tips for lithium-ion batteries, discuss Apple’s design shift toward easier repairs, and joke about Facebook’s new AI-powered dating feature before wrapping up with their latest Apple tech experiences and projects.  MacVoices is supported by Take Control Books: The Answers You Need Now, From Leading Experts. Start your library today. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Episode topics overview [0:33] Anchor power bank recall and lithium safety [2:46] Power bank reliability and manufacturing [4:19] Airline and aircraft lithium-battery precautions [7:31] iPhone Air bend test and titanium discussion [9:17] Everyday phone-carrying habits and new straps [11:08] Introduction to ExpressVPN’s EventVPN [13:21] Limitations and ad-suppor

The MacVoices Live! panel talks brand genericization (“AirPods” for all earbuds), a quirky AirPods Max fix, and first-week impressions of new Apple gear. Chuck Joiner, Dave Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Ben Roethig, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius Jim Rea, and Web Bixby relate stories of iPhone 17 setup, camera zoom and landscape selfie tricks, store launch crowds, cases and scratch concerns, Liquid Glass readability, Apple Watch Ultra 3, AirPods Pro 3 translation limits, and an M3 iPad Air upgrade with education-store trade-in twists. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV25252.mp3 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. Subscribe today and don't miss a thing. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:03] Newsletter plug [0:21] “AirPods” as a generic term [3:55] AirPods Max freezer fix success [6:36] New iPhone launch week check-in [11:42] Device migrations and methods [13:43] Apple Store

The panel of Chuck Joiner, Dave Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Ben Roethig, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Jim Rea, and Web Bixby share how they use technology across personal and professional projects — from AI tools like Teams Copilot and MacWhisper to collaborative Google Slides and automation. One panel member discusses managing a massive listserv and combating spam research posts, while others highlight advances in Apple silicon and side ventures like an eclectic food pursuit. The group shares evolving workflows, collaboration, and unexpected tech support moments.  This edition of MacVoices is supported by The MacVoices Slack. Available all Patrons of MacVoices. Sign up at Patreon.com/macvoices. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Introductions and panel greetings [5:22] Exploring personal tech projects and AI tools [7:09] Using Google Slides across platforms for collaboration [9:02] Teams Premium and AI transcription in corporate settings [11:35] Managing large listservs and research spam challeng

Joe Kissell wraps up our conversation about Take Control of Tahoe and Mac Basics (2nd Edition) with comments on Apple’s growing bundle of system apps, arguing choice is good but overload hurts usability, citing legacy tools like Stickies. He highlights Tahoe’s automation boosts—Shortcuts that auto-run on triggers—and new passkey import/export for cross-manager use.  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] Why Apple keeps adding apps [1:26] Choice vs. overload (humor included) [2:17] Stickies as a legacy example [4:07] Constraints reduce cognitive load [5:55] Options you can ignore (Phone, journaling) [7:22] Familiar tools vs. learning new ones [8:29] Tying back to Liquid Glass choices [9:09] Shortcuts: new auto-run triggers [11:24] Passkey import/export and managers [14:07] Where to get the books and pricing [15:36] Premium membership and big discounts

Joe Kissell takes on Apple’s latest macOS in both Take Control of Tahoe and Mac Basics (2nd Edition), exploring the challenges of updating books for the sweeping design change introduced by Liquid Glass. They examine new apps, evolving features, and Apple’s visual overhaul, debating form versus function and how users adapt to change over time. (Part 1)  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 macvoices.com/category/tv-talk. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Introduction: New Books and Apple’s Tahoe OS [1:44] Writing Challenges and Annual OS Updates [3:59] Updating Mac Basics for Tahoe [5:19] Splitting Coverage Between Tahoe and Mac Basics [6:51] Overview of Tahoe’s New Features [8:16] Covering New and Updated macOS Apps [10:56] Balancing Depth and Scope in Take Co

In Part 2 of our discussion, Joe Kissell, author of Take Control of Tahoe and Mac Basics (2nd Edition), dives into Tahoe’s practical upgrades. Joe talks about the fully customizable Control Center and menu bar, quick access to Reduce Transparency, and deeper iPhone integration including the Phone app on Mac with call screening, hold assist, and live translation. He critiques Spotlight’s overhaul while noting new “actions” and clipboard history and loos at. new system apps Apps, Games, Journal and Magnifier.  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 YouTube.com/MacVoicesTV 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: [0:00] Intro and focus on functional changes [0:51]

The MacVoices Update for 2025-09 looks back at the events of September in and around the show and discusses how MacVoices is produced and why you should check out the video version if you are an audio listener. Chuck also reviews contact preferences and delivers the monthly Support Report.  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      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iT

The MacVoices Live! panel  reacts to Spotify’s long-promised “lossless music” option, noting it trails Apple Music and Tidal, but may be “good enough” for phone/Bluetooth listeners. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencuis, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, Jeff Gamet, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Norbert Frassa compare discovery and playlist culture (Spotify vs Apple; shout-out to Pandora), look at app quirks and OS updates, and discuss reports of users selling Spotify's Wrapped data for AI. The discussion wraps up with Bending Spoons’ plan to buy Vimeo and what its Evernote/FiLMiC history could mean for creators.  Show Notes: Today’s MacVoices is supported by Insta360 and their new GO Ultra, the tiny 4K camera that goes everywhere with you. Visit store.Insta360.com and use the code  “MacVoices” for a free set of Sticky Tabs. Chapters: [0:02] Sponsor message; Spotify “lossless” finally arrives [0:35] How it compares to Apple Music and Tidal [3:11] “Good enough” for phone and Bluetooth listening [4:41]

The panel debates Xiaomi’s iPhone-inspired 17 Pro design featuring a rear display, questioning its practicality compared to foldables and Apple’s existing solutions like the Apple Watch and Dynamic Island. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencuis, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, Jeff Gamet, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Norbert Frassa examine the new iPhone Air, discussing preorders, in-store impact, battery trade-offs, and its potential similarity to the MacBook Air’s evolution.   Today’s MacVoices is supported by Insta360 and their new GO Ultra, the tiny 4K camera that goes everywhere with you. Visit store.Insta360.com and use the code  “MacVoices” for a free set of Sticky Tabs. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:16] Introduction [0:34] Xiaomi 17 Pro design and rear display [2:06] Foldable phones vs. dual displays [4:52] Historical speculation on Apple’s dual screen ideas [6:33] Always-on displays and Apple Watch comparisons [8:48] Wearables replacing rear displays [11:51] Smartphone gimmicks and design plate

The panel covers multiple tech updates, starting with another Plex data breach and the importance of password hygiene, passkeys, and MFA. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencuis, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, Jeff Gamet, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Norbert Frassa discuss FDA clearance for Apple Watch hypertension detection and its impact on health monitoring. The group reviews the latest Apple Sports app improvements, including CarPlay integration and live updates. The show wraps with analysis of TikTok’s uncertain U.S. future and broader concerns over social media algorithms.  http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV25244.mp3 Today’s MacVoices is supported by Insta360 and their new GO Ultra, the tiny 4K camera that goes everywhere with you. Visit store.Insta360.com and use the code  “MacVoices” for a free set of Sticky Tabs. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Intro and sponsor mention [0:40] Another Plex data breach and password advice [2:38] Passkeys, MFA, and password hygiene humor [3:47] FDA clears App

The MacVoices Live! panel of Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencuis, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, Jeff Gamet, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Norbert Frassa compares hardware picks and preorder adventures after Apple’s event. Hosts share iPhone 17 choices, Apple Watch and AirPods buys, cases and colors, and delivery vs. in-store pickup. A sponsor spot highlights Insta360 Go Ultra. One panel member recounts a financing snarl with Citizens and shifting to Apple Card, sparking a broader chat on carriers, trade-ins, and payment options.  Today’s MacVoices is supported by Insta360 and their new GO Ultra, the tiny 4K camera that goes everywhere with you. Visit store.Insta360.com and use the code  “MacVoices” for a free set of Sticky Tabs. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:09] Opening and travel setup [0:33] Testing the DJI Mic 2 on the road [1:27] Event follow-up and panel roll call [5:43] Who ordered what: phones, watches, AirPods [6:55] Early deliveries and pickup timing [7:51] Cases, chargers, and accessory frenzy

David Ginsburg continues the conversation on Apple in the enterprise, focusing on iPads as primary work devices, the balance between cost and usability, and how apps like Teams and Zoom perform. He compares iPads, Surfaces, and Chromebooks, noting Apple’s growing presence in education and business. The discussion also touches on BYOD challenges, iCloud’s consumer focus, and the future impact of M-series chips, AI, and Vision Pro. (Part 2)  Today’s MacVoices is supported by Insta360 and their new GO Ultra, the tiny 4K camera that goes everywhere with you. Visit store.Insta360.com and use the code  “MacVoices” for a free set of Sticky Tabs. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:08] Introduction to Apple in the Enterprise [1:13] iPads as viable primary devices for work [2:27] Office 365, Teams, and Zoom on iPads [3:10] Limitations vs. laptops and Surface comparisons [5:02] Google Pixel, Android, and Chromebook in business [7:19] Device competition in education [9:46] BYOD and employee device preferences [13:29] Personal vs

David Ginsburg breaks down how Apple fits in large organizations: growing Mac adoption, why proper MDM makes them as secure as PCs, and how Jamf, Intune, and Azure work together. He explains Apple Business Manager and zero-touch enrollment, device lifecycle/ROI, and cloud trade-offs. They compare M-series longevity to PCs, when iPads make business sense, and why web apps and Microsoft 365 shape today’s enterprise choices.  This MacVoices is supported by OpenCase. MagSafe Perfected. Use the code “macvoices” to save 10% at TheOpenCase.com Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Why revisit Apple in the enterprise now [1:07] Device choice and Mac traction at work [2:23] Security posture: “Macs just work” vs policy reality [3:37] MDM requirements: Jamf, AV, compliance tools [6:21] Mixed environments: Azure AD, 365, Teams, OneDrive [8:20] Inventory and cloud redundancy benefits [10:16] Cloud risks and new security challenges [10:32] Apple Business Manager and zero-touch enrollment [12:06] Windows Autopilot parallels [15:15]

Our discussion with Jeff Carlson about his newest release, Take Control of Your Digital Storage, continues with network-attached storage, memory cards as storage options, and the evolving challenges of digital storage. He explains practical trade-offs between direct-connect drives, NAS, and portable media, highlighting security and performance considerations. Jeff also shares his new role at CNET, where he covers mobile tech and photography, including hands-on testing of the Pixel 10 Pro XL.  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 NAS pros and cons [1:38] Synology experiences and setup challenges [3:46] Using SSDs with NAS and “sneaker-net” transfers [5:00] Ethernet speeds and NAS performance [6:19] Balancing direct-connect vs network-attached storage [7:59] Cost, drive types, and replacement concerns [9:12] Memory cards as storage an

Jeff Carlson takes on the latest information in the newly updated Take Control of Your Digital Storage. Topics include choosing SSD vs HDD and NVMe, when Thunderbolt 5 matters, APFS basics, and why cables and enclosures affect speed and reliability. They cover backup strategies, OWC DIY builds, iOS/iPadOS Files support for external drives, NAS pros/cons, and even using SD cards—when it’s smart, and when it’s not.  This MacVoices is supported by OpenCase. MagSafe Perfected. Use the code “macvoices” to save 10% at TheOpenCase.com Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Welcome and why storage knowledge matters [1:13] New edition: Take Control of Digital Storage [2:15] When storage goes wrong: errors, space, missing files [3:25] APFS, Finder free space, and modern Mac limits [5:46] SSD vs HDD; Thunderbolt 5 reality checks [7:55] NVMe terms, enclosures, and choosing wisely [9:13] Do you actually need max speed? [10:24] Photographer’s perspective on “want vs need” [12:19] Cable chaos: labeling, charging vs data rates [16:43

A major antitrust ruling leaves Google with Chrome intact but requires limited data sharing with competitors, while Apple continues to benefit from billions in Google search placement payments. The panel of Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, and Mark Fuccio debates whether remedies punish innovation, investor reactions to the news, and privacy issues around smart TVs with AI assistants. They close with lighter takes on Clippy’s unlikely return as a protest symbol. This MacVoices is supported by OpenCase. MagSafe Perfected. Use the code “macvoices” to save 10% at TheOpenCase.com Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Google avoids breakup in antitrust ruling [1:30] Chrome stays, concessions required [2:30] Apple keeps billions from Google search deal [3:50] Investor reaction and stock impact [5:10] Broader antitrust implications [7:40] DOJ and Google appeals expected [10:00] Data sharing debate: free vs. fee [14:15] DOJ concerns over GenAI and search [15:40] Copilot AI blob a

Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner dig into JustWatch data on August’s most-watched Apple TV+ series (Chief of War, Foundation, Invasion) and films (The Gorge, Killers of the Flower Moon). They compare Apple TV+ value vs. Netflix, bundles, and “background TV.” The conversation includes Apple funding riskier originals (Spike Lee/Denzel), box-office vs. streaming strategy, and a new James Corden/Ruth Jones comedy deal. Show Notes: Chapters: 0:12 – Welcome and pre-event chatter 2:24 – Most-watched Apple TV+ shows in August 5:55 – Top Apple TV+ movies and staying power 7:37 – Apple TV+ value vs. Netflix and “comfort TV” 9:50 – Bundles, real cost per hour, and usage 12:26 – Subscription management headaches 16:16 – Apple One and ecosystem math 20:35 – Apple funding originals Hollywood won’t 23:04 – Spike Lee/Denzel quotes on Apple backing 26:07 – Box-office releases vs. streaming payoff 27:46 – James Corden & Ruth Jones land Apple series 32:57 – Global/UK content and cultural reach 35:39 – Wrap-up and where to