The MacVoices Live! panel explores Meta's push to dominate AI with its new "super intelligence" team, raising privacy concerns and skepticism over its motives. WhatsApp's move to introduce ads prompts worries about user data and ad targeting is discussed, by Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Marty Jencius, along with the bizarre launch of a Trump-branded smartphone and its questionable specs and capabilities. Today's MacVoices is supported by Bzigo. Do...
Jul 01, 2025•24 min•Season 2025Ep. 25183
The June 2025 MacVoices Update looks back on a packed month of content, including The Road to MacStock and NAB wrap-ups. Some format changes to make episodes more approachable, resources like the weekly Dispatch newsletter and Flipboard magazine, and the Support Report complete this week's comments. 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....
Jun 30, 2025•9 min•Season 2025Ep. 25182
The MacVoices Live! panel takes a closer look at Amazon's Alexa+, its unusual rollout, and user experiences that raise questions about its current readiness. The panel compares AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, especially in corporate environments, highlighting their strengths and limitations. The conversation shifts to a Reuters study showing social media has overtaken traditional outlets as the leading news source in the U.S., prompting concerns over misinformation, curated content,...
Jun 27, 2025•29 min•Season 2025Ep. 25181
The panel explores Apple's innovative use of haptics in its new F1 movie trailer and how it adds to the experience (or not). They discuss the delayed rollout of personalized Siri, developer challenges with AI integration, and why Apple may have backtracked on earlier plans. A CNET survey sparks a broader conversation with Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Marty Jencius about how little weight AI features carry for smartphone buyers today, despite media...
Jun 26, 2025•22 min•Season 2025Ep. 25180
Kelly Guimont returns to The Road to Macstock Conference and Expo to talk about her session on practical, privacy-conscious home automation. Starting from zero, she will help attendees make informed choices and avoid feeling overwhelmed, with real-life examples and insights drawn from years of experience. She also shares why MacStock remains a favorite event—thanks to its community, connection, and even the karaoke. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV25179.mp3 Today's edition of MacVoices i...
Jun 25, 2025•33 min•Season 2025Ep. 25179
This MacVoices Live! discussion starts off with three essential public service announcements: a major recall of Anker PowerCore batteries, warnings about malicious unsubscribe links in emails, and serious privacy concerns surrounding Meta's AI assistant. The panel of Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Marty Jencius emphasizes the importance of staying alert to avoid real-world risks. Jim Rea then shares a developer-focused perspective on WWDC, highlight...
Jun 24, 2025•29 min•Season 2025Ep. 25178
The Road to Macstock and Macstock Conference and Expo takes us to Jill McKinley, who previews her upcoming talk on how Apple's ecosystem helped her lose weight and build a healthier lifestyle. She will explain how the Apple Watch, Fitness+, and apps like MyNetDiary and Todoist make tracking effortless, with reminders and data centralization driving consistency. In typical Jill fashion, her session will guide attendees through the full range of Apple's health tools with small, sustainable steps. ...
Jun 24, 2025•20 min•Season 2025Ep. 25177
The panel digs into the abrupt shutdown of the Arc browser and what it signals about user expectations and innovation fatigue in the browser space. Chuck Joiner, Dave Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, and Jeff Gamet explore Opera's foray into agentic AI and how it could redefine how we interact with the web. A deep dive into Getty Images' aggressive lawsuit against Stability AI sparks a broader conversation about copyright, content ownership, and AI ethics. Meta's surpris...
Jun 23, 2025•48 min•Season 2025Ep. 25176
In a first for both The Road to Macstock and Macstock Conference and Expo itself, Marty Jencius and his son Will Jencius team up for a father-son presentation on travel tech, inspired by their podcast Gear Up and Go . They share how tech frustrations while traveling sparked the idea, how two generations bring different perspectives to gear choices, and what attendees can expect from their interactive, audience-involving session. MacVoices is supported by Take Control Books : The Answers You Need...
Jun 20, 2025•30 min•Season 2025Ep. 25175
The MacVoices Live! panel discusses Apple's claims of saving users billions through App Store fraud prevention, questioning the methods and statistics behind the figures. They explore the implications for developers, consumer safety, and legal battles like Epic. Chuck Joiner, Dave Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, and Jeff Gamet also cover the new self-repair option for iPads, skepticism over third-party repairs, and Apple's acquisition of the game developer behind Sneaky...
Jun 20, 2025•32 min•Season 2025Ep. 25174
In this Road to Macstock Conference and Expo conversation we welcome longtime speaker Kirschen Seah to discuss her upcoming session, Passkeys Demystified . Kirschen explains the promise of passkeys as a more secure, user-friendly alternative to passwords, and why adoption has been slower than expected. She shares insights into how passkeys work using public key cryptography, addresses common concerns about biometric data, and outlines how password managers like Apple Keychain and 1Password integ...
Jun 19, 2025•20 min•Season 2025Ep. 25173
Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, and Web Bixby discuss the black market for stolen iPhones, focusing on how even locked devices are shipped overseas and dismantled for parts—a revelation that challenges assumptions about smartphone security. The conversation then turns to Neal Stephenson's thought-provoking ideas on coexisting with artificial intelligence, drawing parallels between AI and our relationships with animals. The panel reflects...
Jun 18, 2025•45 min•Season 2025Ep. 25172
Mike Schmitz returns to the Road to Macstock Conference and Expo to discuss his session, "Think Different: Using AI as Your Creative Copilot." He explains how he uses AI not to automate the end product, but to enhance the early stages of the creative process—particularly brainstorming and idea generation. By reframing "hallucinations" as sparks of inspiration, Mike shares how large language models help overcome creative bottlenecks, reduce friction, and support consistency without sacrificing or...
Jun 18, 2025•25 min•Season 2025Ep. 25171
Our conversation with MacPaw 's Senior Software Engineer Serhii Popov and Product Manager Pavlo Haidamak continues to explore the intersection of product development, ethical data practices, and user trust. The team shares their experience building CleanMyMac and Setapp, emphasizing the importance of transparency, responsible data handling, and thoughtful feature design—like their decision to bring back the Space Lens module after unexpected user outcry. With real-world examples, they unpack how...
Jun 17, 2025•38 min•Season 2025Ep. 25170
Senior Software Engineer Serhii Popov and Product Manager Pavlo Haidamak, both of MacPaw , offer an inside look at how CleanMyMac is built with user trust, transparency, and security at the forefront. They discuss how evolving regulations like GDPR and Apple's system restrictions have changed the way software is developed, tested, and updated. The conversation explores balancing user control with ease of use, why informed permission requests matter, and how user feedback directly shapes product ...
Jun 16, 2025•35 min•Season 2025Ep. 25169
We wrap up our NAB Show 2025 coverage with Terry Morgan and Caroline Scott of Luma Touch , who share insights on how AI is being integrated into video editing without stifling creativity. While AI offers efficiency, concerns remain about homogenized content and the loss of personal storytelling. They emphasize the importance of editorial choices that bring emotion and uniqueness, warning against over-reliance on AI-generated results. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:08 Welcome to NAB Show 2025 00:12 Imp...
Jun 16, 2025•8 min•Season 2025Ep. 25168
Conference organizer Mike Potter joins us for a special live Road to Macstock Conference and Expo update on the news at the one-month-and-counting mark. Updates include an extended hotel block, session updates, and community-focused surprises. He explains how the "hallway track" and casual meetups define the event's spirit, while new tech upgrades promise smoother production. Attendees can expect workshops, evening mixers, and the return of the Mac Geek Gab live show—all fostering connection and...
Jun 13, 2025•47 min•Season 2025Ep. 25167
In the final installment of the MacVoices Live! WWDC 2025 coverage, the panel explores Apple's latest innovations across Maps, Apple Music, live translation, and Vision Pro. Discussions include the practical benefits of pinned playlists and AutoMix, personalized navigation in Maps, and the long-awaited shared spatial experiences in Vision Pro. Chuck Joiner, Brittany Smith,Marty Jencius, Ben Roethig, Eric Bolden, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs also touch on translation through AirPods, Continuity upg...
Jun 13, 2025•38 min•Season 2025Ep. 25156
In part two of the WWDC 2025 keynote discussion, the MacVoices Live! panel dives deeper into hands-on impressions of Apple's latest OS betas and features. Highlights include the enthusiasm around call screening and hold assist, improvements to multitasking and UI unification, and Apple Watch additions like Workout Buddy and wrist flick gestures. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brittany Smith, Marty Jencius, Ben Roethig, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs also examine a new focus o...
Jun 12, 2025•36 min•Season 25165Ep. 25165
The MacVoices Live! panel took on the task of analyzing Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote, focusing on meaningful updates across iPadOS, Vision Pro, macOS, and iOS. Discussions included the new Liquid Glass interface, cross-platform consistency, and practical enhancements driven by Apple Intelligence. Panelists Chuck Joiner, David Ginsbug, Brittany Smith, Marty Jencius, Ben Roethig, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs debated the usefulness of iPad improvements, praised the Preview app's...
Jun 11, 2025•35 min•Season 2025Ep. 25164
At NAB Show 2025, Mario Ponce, Senior Specialist, Market Development for Shure showcases two innovative microphones: the MoveMic 88+, a wireless stereo condenser mic with selectable polar patterns and app-based control, and the MV7i, a dynamic mic that doubles as an audio interface with onboard DSP and dual mic capability. Both are designed for mobile creators and podcasters, offering versatility, portability, and pro-grade sound in compact form factors. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:09 Introduction ...
Jun 11, 2025•8 min•Season 2025Ep. 25163
A Georgia hospital showcases Apple technology in patient care, using iPads, iMacs, and Apple Watches to improve access, security, and communication. The panel of Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, and Web Bixby also discusses potential impacts of cuts to audiobook and e-book lending programs in U.S. libraries due to federal funding changes, highlighting concerns about access for rural communities, students, and those who rely on digital for...
Jun 10, 2025•32 min•Season 2025Ep. 25162
On The Road to Macstock Conference and Expo Allison Sheridan previews both her workshop and her session. Her main talk focuses on how everyone has something valuable to contribute, while her workshop explores the advanced capabilities of Apple Photos on the Mac. Both sessions reflect her passion for empowering others through technology and developing community. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:08 On the Road to Macstock 02:08 Celebrating Podcast Milestones 03:23 The Power of Sharing Knowledge 05:43 User...
Jun 09, 2025•26 min•Season 2025Ep. 25161
As WWDC approaches, MacVoices Live! panelists Chuck Joiner, Dave Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden and Jeff Gamet discuss Apple's surprising decision to skip John Gruber's Talk Show for the first time in a decade. They debate whether it's retaliation for past criticism, a desire for tighter message control, or a signal of reduced event value. Opinions vary on the implications for both Apple and Gruber, while speculation builds over WWDC's keynote length, AI announcements, ...
Jun 06, 2025•34 min•Season 2025Ep. 25160
Katie Fawkes and Doc Rock from Ecamm join The Road to Macstock Conference & Expo to discuss how video has become essential in both personal and professional life. They share their excitement about sponsoring and presenting at Macstock, offering hands-on demos, conversations, and practical advice. From remote church services to family memorials, they highlight how easy it is to create meaningful content with tools like Ecamm, and why video is now accessible to everyone—no tech background requ...
Jun 05, 2025•39 min•Season 2025Ep. 25159
On the NAB Show floor in Las Vegas Resilio Chief Marketing Officer Adam Kranitz introduces Resilio Active Everywhere , a powerful tool that helps creative teams move large video and media files quickly and securely. Whether working from home, in the field, or across multiple studios, Resilio ensures smooth, fast sharing without delays. It's built to handle big projects while keeping things simple, secure, and compatible with your existing setup. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV25158.mp3 ...
Jun 05, 2025•10 min•Season 2025Ep. 25158
Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, and Web Bixby evaluate a report ranking Apple Pay fifth among global payment methods, questioning its methodology and the omission of key usage metrics. They also explore Apple's upcoming $300M Formula 1 film release, noting its IMAX expansion and apparent shift in Apple's theatrical distribution policy. Conversations range from payment habits to movie production. MacVoices is supported by Insta360 and the...
Jun 04, 2025•32 min•Season 2025Ep. 25157
This Road to Macstock Conference and Expo has a familiar face: David Ginsburg has been a consistent presence at Macstock since the conference started up. Dave previews his presentation on Apple screen capture tools, highlighting apps like Snagit, Camtasia, and CleanShot X with an emphasis on practical use cases, cross-platform support, and integration with video workflows. Today's edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices Live!, our weekly live panel discussion of what is going in the Apple...
Jun 03, 2025•20 min•Season 2025Ep. 25156
At NAB Show in Las Vegas, Casper Hanney, the Founder of Ghost Kits introduces a hybrid Wi-Fi router and cellular hotspot designed for camera-to-cloud workflows. Compatible with any Wi-Fi-enabled camera or device, Ghost Kits ensures seamless cloud uploads—even in remote areas—by automatically switching networks. With flexible data plans, 6–12 hour battery life, and pre-orders now open, it's a versatile tool for modern video production. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:07 Introduction to Ghost Kits 02:26 ...
Jun 03, 2025•7 min•Season 2025Ep. 25155
The panel of Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, Mark Fuccio, and Brittany Smith discusses Audible's rollout of AI-generated audiobook narration, debating its impact on accessibility, job displacement, and listener experience. They also explore Amazon and Netflix's use of AI in advertising, increasing interruptions during streaming. A warning is issued about Meta requiring users to re-opt-out of AI data use, and the group closes with insight...
Jun 02, 2025•38 min•Season 2025Ep. 25154
