MacVoices

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 o...

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, an...

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 Patre...

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...

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 Rea l also reacts to safety concerns over more recalled power banks, new Vision Pro travel features, updates...

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 s...

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 jus...

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 ext...

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 celeb...

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 supporte...

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 pi...

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...

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 s...

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...

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 gro...

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 U...

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 heal...

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/MV2...

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 s...

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...

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-sensit...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 th...