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 ...
Dec 31, 2025•7 min•Season 2025Ep. 25326
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 departur...
Dec 30, 2025•42 min•Season 2025Ep. 25325
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 Antigravit...
Dec 29, 2025•38 min•Season 2025Ep. 25324
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 ...
Dec 27, 2025•27 min•Season 2025Ep. 25233
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 be...
Dec 24, 2025•24 min•Season 2025Ep. 25322
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 o...
Dec 23, 2025•42 min•Season 2025Ep. 25321
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 groun...
Dec 22, 2025•37 min•Season 2025Ep. 25320
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...
Dec 19, 2025•29 min•Season 2025Ep. 25319
The second part of our final 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide delivers a mix of low-tech problem solvers and smart power picks. Kelly Guimont, Jim Rea, Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Kirk McElhearn select an interior windshield cleaner, a MagSafe ring mount for comfortable caseless use at home, and suction-based phone chargers/stands to keep devices charged and easy to find. The picks also include a USB-C rechargeable numeric pad, experience gifts like concert tickets, a rechargeable...
Dec 19, 2025•42 min•Season 2025Ep. 25318
Kelly Guimont, Jim Rea, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Kirk McElhearn and Chuck Joiner wrap up the 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guides wraps up with "best of the rest" episodes, packed with practical picks and plenty of laughs. Highlights include keyboard travel cases, socks, portable power options, dictation software, a motorized TV mount, a light, and compact multi-port chargers. (Part 1) MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never before with the Antigravity A1. You ha...
Dec 18, 2025•42 min•Season 2025Ep. 25317
Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner wrap up 2025 with a look at Apple TV's momentum, awards recognition, and strategy. They preview upcoming releases like F1 and returning series Hijack and Tehran, debate sports rights and bundles, and share favorite picks including Slow Horses , Prime Target , The Morning Show season 4, the finale of Mythic Quest , and Foundation —arguing 2025 may be the service's strongest year yet. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Year-end wrap and what's ahead 01:03 F1 release and H...
Dec 17, 2025•39 min•Season 2025Ep. 25316
The 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide continues with Brittany Smith, Mike Potter, and Chuck Joiner making the picks. They include an affordable Bluetooth blood pressure monitor that syncs to Health, a whimsical LEGO gingerbread Star Wars piece, and a double recommendation of an Audible subscription and a book that covers Apple from a different angle. An app pick, a feline-oriented calendar, and a push to learn large language models responsibly finishes off this guide. (Part 2) MacVoices is suppo...
Dec 16, 2025•38 min•Season 2025Ep. 25315
The 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Gide #7 kicks off with Brittany Smith, Mike Potter, and Chuck Joiner sharing practical and fun picks. Highlights include a fandom-themed backpack, a powerful multi-port charger, compact multi-purpose cables, an iPhone mini alternative, an AI-powered webcam, and a tool for repurposing old Macs. (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 ev...
Dec 16, 2025•34 min•Season 2025Ep. 25314
Jeff Carlson dives deeper into watchOS 26 changes as we continue our discussion about Take Control of Apple Watch, Sixth Edition . From a redesigned Workout app and expanded customization to Workout Buddy's friendly audio updates, Jeff covers some of the most interesting and important updates. He also points out new Control Center options, Smart Stack hints, Focus-based watch face switching, and Ultra 3 satellite support. (Part 2) MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground ...
Dec 15, 2025•31 min•Season 2025Ep. 25313
Thinking of giving or getting an Apple Watch for the holidays? You need to hear Jeff Carlson discuss the new edition of Take Control of Apple Watch, Sixth Edition . Jeff talks about the latest Apple Watch lineup and watchOS 26 and deciding when an upgrade makes sense. He compares Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE models, emphasizing real-world differences, longevity, and value. Evolving health features, everyday usability improvements, and subtle interface enhancements all go factor in that ...
Dec 12, 2025•31 min•Season 2025Ep. 25312
The panel of Bart Busschots, Kirschen Seah, Mike Burke, and Chuck Joiner continues the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide #6 with practical and geeky picks, from safety bands and emergency "holding it together" kits to premium luggage, tech pouches, and blazing-fast SSDs. They also highlight an in-flight audio device and the ultimate LEGO gift for Star Trek fans. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV25311.mp3 MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my co...
Dec 11, 2025•46 min•Season 2025Ep. 25311
The 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #6 kicks off with a lively mix of community banter and practical tech recommendations by Bart Busschots, Kirschen Seah, Mike Burke, and Chuck Joiner. Picks include a rechargeable wallet tracker, travel-friendly guided tour apps, sustainable coffee gear, foldable keyboards, a compact control surface, a powerful dictation tool, and pro-level video-switching software, each reflecting the interests of the panel members. (Part 1) MacVoices is supported by CleanMy...
Dec 10, 2025•39 min•Season 2025Ep. 25310
The MacVoices Live! panel touches on Microsoft's warning about a risky experimental AI agent in Windows, raising concerns about big tech pushing features before security is understood. Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, and David Ginsburg debate age-verification proposals from Roblox and Pornhub, explore Coinbase's new prediction market, and react to a massive WhatsApp data breach affecting billions of phone numbers. MacVoices is supported by In...
Dec 10, 2025•37 min•Season 2025Ep. 25309
This discussion dives into the debate over affordable computing for students and families, comparing Chromebooks, iPads, and the possibility of a new low-cost Mac from Apple. Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, and David Ginsburg compare performance, device lifespan, security, and management tools, asking how Apple can compete in price-sensitive school markets without sacrificing the user experience that defines its hardware. MacVoices is support...
Dec 09, 2025•37 min•Season 2025Ep. 25308
The increase in Apple-themed impersonation scams, CNN's withdrawal from Apple News and shifting news-subscription models, and new CarPlay widget capabilities in iOS 26 are discussed by Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, and David Ginsburg. They share personal experiences with phishing, explore the evolving media landscape, and consider how AI assistants and in-car widgets may shape future driving and information habits. MacVoices is supported by...
Dec 08, 2025•36 min•Season 2025Ep. 25307
In the second part of the fifth installment of the 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide, David Ginsburg, Wally Cherwinski, and Chuck Joiner highlights a 4K portable monitor and stand, AirPods safety straps, compression and neoprene travel socks, rechargeable motion-sensor lighting, a compact USB microphone, and smart-home hardware buttons. Practical travel gear, audio upgrades, and smart lighting tools round out the list of gift picks. (Part 2) MacVoices is supported by Take Control Books : The Ans...
Dec 07, 2025•34 min•Season 2025Ep. 25306
The 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #5 Part 1 continues as the panel of David Ginsburg, Wally Cherwinski, and Chuck Joiner shares practical tech ideas for Apple users, from at USB hub and a USB-C charger to a MagSafe camera grip and a portable monitor. They also explain how to get great deals through Apple's Certified Refurbished Store while trading stories about hubs, mice, and multi-display travel setups. (Part 1) This MacVoices is supported by TV+Talk, our MacVoices series with Charlotte He...
Dec 05, 2025•30 min•Season 2025Ep. 25305
Our conversation with Dan Jaenicke, Director of B2B Strategy for MacPaw , starts out with how CleanMyMac for Business is evolving to serve SMB and enterprise customers. Dan discusses patch and policy management, security and compliance challenges, fast deployment with tools like Jamf, preserving a friendly Mac-native interface, and how customer feedback and a new Mac admin survey are shaping the future of the product. This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by the MacVoices Dispatch, our wee...
Dec 04, 2025•39 min•Season 2025Ep. 25304
The news of AI voice cloning by Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey met with a mixture of weighing legacy, ownership rights, estates, and the risk of deepfake fraud using celebrities and even podcasters. Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Dave Ginsburg, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea debate legal guardrails, fair use, and how cheap tools empower scams. Later, the discussion shifts to reports that London thieves prefer stealing iPhones over Androi...
Dec 04, 2025•29 min•Season 2025Ep. 25303
The MacVoices Live! panel breaks down Apple's study on EU DMA impacts and why App Store pricing hasn't shifted as expected. Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, David Ginsburg, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea also explore reports that Tesla may add CarPlay, and what that means for Rivian, GM, and the EV market. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV25302.mp3 This edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices Magazine , our free magazine on Flipboar...
Dec 03, 2025•22 min•Season 2025Ep. 25302
Chuck Joiner and Charlotte Henry look at a report that stated that Apple TV now has the highest average IMDb scores among streamers, validating its "quality over quantity" strategy.. They look at whether that is adequate to grow the service, and the "visibility" of Apple TV. The conversation includes Apple's shifting live-sports presence, from MLB's new rights deals to Apple's costly early exit from MLS, and how future sports experiences with Vision Pro and evolving streaming "wars" will affect ...
Dec 02, 2025•39 min
Chuck delivers the November 2025 update, highlighting ongoing Holiday Gift Guides, extra episodes in the feed, and an upcoming discussion on AI with a user group. He explains the push for shorter, more focused shows and promotes the MacVoices Flipboard magazines and how-to content, as well as the monthly Support Report. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] November Update Introduction [0:38] Holiday Gift Guides Overview [1:47] Flipboard Magazine Benefits [2:50] Increased Content in the Feeds [3:17] AI D...
Nov 30, 2025•9 min•Season 2025Ep. 25300
The 2025 Holiday Gift Guide #4 continues in Part 2 with Norbert Frassa, Rosemary Orchard, Mike Schmitz, and Chuck Joiner sharing standout tech picks. Highlights include gear for iPhone photography, an overhead camera, an automation pick, protective AirPods cases, audio gear, and an AI-focused book recommendation. In the Take Control Books Black Friday sale, you can save 25% on all full-price titles. Or, save 50% on all ebooks, including upgrades, for a full year with a Take Control Premium membe...
Nov 29, 2025•35 min•Season 2025Ep. 25299
This 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #4 features Norbert Frassa, Rosemary Orchard, Mike Schmitz, and Chuck Joiner sharing thoughtful tech gift ideas that range from a projection alarm clock, device decor, sleep tech, open-ear headsets, and much more. (Part 1) In the Take Control Books Black Friday sale, you can save 25% on all full-price titles. Or, save 50% on all ebooks, including upgrades, for a full year with a Take Control Premium membership for $14.99. Plus, if your order total including...
Nov 28, 2025•31 min•Season 2025Ep. 25298
The 2025 Holiday Gift Guide #3 continues in Part 2 with standout picks from Jill McKinley, Joe Kissell, Brett Terpstra, and Chuck Joiner that include cold-weather car gear, compact wireless microphones, iPhone phone cases, powerful charging gear, organization tools, speakers, and a timely tech-culture book. (Part 2) In the Take Control Books Black Friday sale, you can save 25% on all full-price titles. Or, save 50% on all ebooks, including upgrades, for a full year with a Take Control Premium me...
Nov 27, 2025•34 min•Season 2025Ep. 25297
