This year Samsung plans to release a smartphone with a foldable OLED display. Is this technology that Apple would use in future iPhones, and if so, how? We also discuss Apple's new videos that highlight the iPad Pro, and Jason tries to explain NBC Universal's interesting new streaming service announcement.
Jan 22, 2019•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 229
This week we officially open 2019 iPhone Rumors season, as the Wall Street Journal reports that Apple may be adding more cameras to the back of this year's high-end iPhone. Will this restore bragging rights to the members of the Max Club? Also, it was a smart-devices Christmas at the Snell house, as Jason took delivery of a smart lock and a Roomba.
Jan 14, 2019•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 228
The new year starts with a bang, as Apple misses its iPhone sales forecast and announces surprising partnerships with Samsung and other TV makers in advance of the launch of its new video service. We discuss these earth-shattering issues in detail, not to mention Jason's world-exclusive trial of a new iPad Pro keyboard.
Jan 07, 2019•2 hr 38 min•Ep. 227
As the year comes to an end, it's time for the Fifth Annual Upgradies! Myke and Jason discuss their favorites of 2018, take the input of more than a thousand Upgradians, and hand out awards in numerous categories! Only the finest will walk away with the most coveted of titles: Upgradies Winner.
Dec 31, 2018•2 hr 10 min•Ep. 226
Then it was, as Myke and Jason began their preparations for the Christmas holiday, that they were visited by three ghosts, representing the spirit of Apple past, present, and future.
Dec 24, 2018•2 hr 39 min•Ep. 225
This week we try to understand Apple's plans to build a "Netflix for magazines" inside of Apple News, Jason confesses his love for the new Apple Pencil, and we celebrate the season with a special Myke at the Movies about "Miracle on 34th Street".
Dec 17, 2018•2 hr 45 min•Ep. 224
Are Apple's recent aggressive promotional deals for iPhone an indicator that its aggressive pricing strategy isn't working, or is this all part of a larger strategy? Are the old rules giving way to a whole new set of Apple strategies? We also discuss WarnerMedia's strange streaming strategy and Jason's attempt to merge Shortcuts with ancient Web APIs.
Dec 10, 2018•2 hr 33 min•Ep. 223
John Siracusa joins Jason to discuss the future of Apple's ARM processors and how they might change the Mac, Apple Music coming to the Amazon Echo and what that might mean about the future of Apple's forthcoming TV service, whether they're using their TiVos as much as they used to, and the prospects for an Apple-built external touchscreen display.
Dec 03, 2018•2 hr 49 min•Ep. 222
Where does iOS go from here? This week Myke and Jason discuss the top 10 iPad features for iOS 13 they'd like to see. Also, Myke at the Movies returns, as Myke watches "My Neighbor Totoro" for the first time.
Nov 26, 2018•2 hr 43 min•Ep. 221
This week we follow up on our iPad Pro reviews, as Jason integrates the new iPad Pro into his writing set-up and starts using the Apple Pencil for more than just drawing doodles. Plus there's more about external keyboards, Apple's dream of Academy Awards, and a heaping dose of #askupgrade.
Nov 19, 2018•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 220
After a week with the new iPad Pro, it's time for our in-depth review of what we like and don't like about Apple's latest tablet hardware. Which size is the best? Why does Jason want to cover his Smart Keyboard Folio with stickers? Does the new Apple Pencil pass Myke's tests? And why is Jason so angry about Apple's pro apps?
Nov 12, 2018•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 219
It's review time! Hear Jason's thoughts on the new MacBook Air and Mac mini. How do they fit in to Apple's product line? Who are these machines for? Also: The iPhone XR – is it a 'budget' iPhone, or is it the right iPhone for most people?
Nov 06, 2018•2 hr 39 min•Ep. 218
Apple's New York event is in the books! Two new iPad Pros, a new Mac Mini, and the return from the dead of the MacBook Air! Jason reports in live from Apple's event in the Big Apple with first impressions about all the announcements. Plus: The winner of the latest Upgrade Draft is crowned! Will Jason reign supreme or has Myke managed a last-minute tie? All will be revealed.
Oct 30, 2018•2 hr 38 min•Ep. 217
It's time for your Upgrade hosts to go for glory and risk the agony of defeat--all in view of a studio audience in Chicago, Illinois. Jason and Myke pick what they think will happen at Apple's October 30 event in New York City. And they're joined by guest draft experts Alex Cox and Stephen Hackett, who provide instant analysis of all the picks--and harsh judgment of our hosts. In one week, we'll know who was horrendously wrong and who reigns supreme as draft champion!
Oct 23, 2018•2 hr 35 min•Ep. 216
If watch faces are the main interface of the Apple Watch, why are they so inconsistent? And why are developers suddenly showing off what faces they'd design if they had the ability? It's complicated. Also: Photoshop is coming to the iPad for real, and Apple may be offering some of its new TV shows for free.
Oct 15, 2018•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 215
What is going on with Businessweek's report that servers (including Apple's) got hacked by China? Apple, Amazon, and U.S. and UK agencies flat-out say it didn't happen. Jason uses his decades of experience in journalism to make some guesses about what might be going on. We also tackle a 9to5 Mac report with more exciting details about new iPad Pro models, which may come with their own special ticket to Dongletown. And in Upstream news, everyone's looking for the next Game of Thrones, which is re...
Oct 09, 2018•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 214
This week Jason and Myke discuss where the iPad Pro might go next, including whether it's primarily a horizontal or vertical device, and if adding a USB-C port makes sense. Then pull up a chair, because it's time for Jason to tell you the story of his summer-long battle with the IKEA supply chain: Frösönquest 2018.
Oct 01, 2018•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 213
The iPhone XS and Apple Watch Series 4 are here, and Myke and Jason offer their first impressions of all the new devices. Plus macOS Mojave arrives and Apple sets some interesting standards for its forthcoming video service.
Sep 24, 2018•2 hr 52 min•Ep. 212
What a time! iOS 12 has arrived and we're waiting for delivery of new Apple products. This week Jason and Myke discuss their favorite features of the new update, which new devices they've bought, why phone carriers ruin everything, and the fallout from Apple's decision to focus on larger and more expensive phones this time around.
Sep 17, 2018•2 hr 36 min•Ep. 211
Jason's back from Apple Park, where he watched Apple unveil a new Apple Watch and three new iPhone models. We break down the naming choices and new features, the surprises and reveals, and (perhaps most importantly) the results of the 2018 Apple iPhone Event Draft.
Sep 13, 2018•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 210
It’s time for Jason and Myke to reveal their picks for what will happen on stage at the Steve Jobs Theater next week! They draft 10 different things they expect will happen--or _not_ happen--next Wednesday. Did Myke's competitiveness serve him well, or do him harm? Is Jason convinced that the Mac won't make an appearance on stage? The winner could be crowned Upgrade Draft Champion for 2018.
Sep 03, 2018•2 hr 31 min•Ep. 209
As Apple's much-rumored fall product launches get closer, Jason and Myke consider what the future holds for Macs and iPhones. And the Summer of Fun surfs into the sunset while hanging ten off of our favorite boards--keyboards, that is.
Aug 27, 2018•2 hr 33 min•Ep. 208
Is it finally time for the iPhone to support an Apple Pencil? Myke and Jason discuss the possibilities. And then the Summer of Fun rolls on with a mega-sized #askupgrade!
Aug 20, 2018•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 207
This week Myke breaks his iPad, Jason visits the Microsoft Store and leaves with an Xbox, and we pick our favorite video games of all time.
Aug 13, 2018•2 hr 45 min•Ep. 206
It was a huge week: Apple broke a trillion dollars in market cap and Jason bought a new TV. And since money is on everyone's minds, Myke and Jason take Apple's $243B and go on a corporate shopping spree as a part of the ongoing Upgrade Summer of Fun.
Aug 06, 2018•2 hr 53 min•Ep. 205
Myke's back from his honeymoon, and the Summer of Fun continues as we discuss our dream iOS devices, YouTube's attempt to get into premium streaming, Adobe bringing Photoshop to the iPad, and the MacBook Pro performance scandal that turned out to be a minor bug.
Jul 30, 2018•2 hr 32 min•Ep. 204
Federico Viticci and Serenity Caldwell join Jason and Myke to dive deep into how we use our iPads for business as well as creative pursuits, including writing and illustration. Why did Federico transform from a Mac user into one who rarely strays from his iPad? What keyboard and stand does Jason use to write? What apps is Ren using to draw? We break it all down.
Jul 23, 2018•2 hr 47 min•Ep. 203
Guest co-host Stephen Hackett joins Jason to discuss the new MacBook Pros and what they mean for Apple's product line at large, adventures with the macOS Mojave beta, and the new Sonos AirPlay 2 update. And since this is the summer of fun, we cap it all off with a quick Mac OS X draft!
Jul 16, 2018•2 hr 34 min•Ep. 202
Myke got married, Jason’s back from his vacation, and the Summer of Fun continues with discussion of the Shortcuts app in the iOS 12 beta, potential colorful new iPhones, and AT&T’s plans to make HBO more like Netflix. Then at the very end, it’s time for the official wedding recap with Myke at the Matrimony.
Jul 10, 2018•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 201
To welcome the Summer of Fun and to celebrate hitting episode 200, Jason and Myke take a deep dive in to the history of Upgrade, and provide the Upgradians with all their knowledge on the hows, whys, and whats of podcasting.
Jul 02, 2018•2 hr 18 min•Ep. 200