Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

If you’re itching to try iPadOS 26, or just curious how far AI has crept into everyday life, this episode is for you. Tom and Jeff share how well (or not) AI played doctor, deliver a first look at the iPadOS 26 developer beta, and break down how to beta test like a pro (without nuking your device). You’ll get honest impressions of the new floating windows, updated UI, Preview on iPad, the surprise...

We’re in between WWDC and the Public Betas, and it’s the perfect time for a summer vibe check! Tom and Jeff break down what they’re reading, watching, listening to, and playing with this summer. Books, newsletters, podcasts, the new Reply All Time and Top Songs playlists in Apple Music, and more. Additionally, Tom gets nerdy with Claude, Readwise, and MCP, while Jeff plans to dabble in sketching a...

Tom and Jeff dive into three fun segments: Tom’s updated Mac recommendations for students, Jeff's update on his Forever Notes system using Apple Notes, and how both hosts are using health tracking apps to better understand their stress and recovery. Tom unpacks how Athlytic and Apple Watch are helping him recognize stress and reduce habitual tension, while Jeff shares how Gentler Streak has h...

Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby are joined by returning guest Joe Moyer for a comprehensive breakdown of Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote: Exploration of the new "Liquid Glass" design language unifying all Apple platforms New Apple Intelligence features Analysis of simplified version numbering (everything is now version 26) iPadOS 26's new windowing system and advanced features iOS 26...

Riley Hill returns to the show to join Jeff and Tom for a preview of WWDC 2025. What's coming from Apple? What kind of AI company should Apple be? And is there less hype than normal for this year's event? The guys also throw around some thoughts on the big announcement that Jony Ive and OpenAI are working on a new type of AI-centered device. It doesn't sound like it's a phone o...

Tom’s queued up an AI podcast app experiment, and Jeff’s wondering if it’s really worth the $85 price tag. This week, the guys dive into Snipd’s AI-powered podcast magic, how it pairs with Readwise for smart highlights and spaced repetition, and Tom’s sneaky new trick for “listening” to podcasts while he sleeps.  Plus, they talk about the Siri lawsuit that might earn you a few bucks, Apple’s App S...

It’s easy to lose track of subscriptions, and Tom and Jeff are feeling it too. In this episode, they unpack the apps, services, and streaming platforms they’re paying for — the good, the bad, and the ones they forgot they even had. They swap stories about accidental renewals (looking at you, $250 “oops”), spotlight useful apps, and talk through a few tricks for managing subscriptions smarter. It’s...

We sit down with writer and user researcher Leah Reich to explore the complex relationship between technology and the humans who use it. Leah shares insights from her newsletter and writing career before diving into the evolving landscape of user research in tech companies, including her time at Slack, Spotify, and Meta/Instagram. We discuss the delicate balance between serving user needs and busi...

In this episode: Apple announces WWDC will be June 9-13 Jeff is experimenting with Gentler Streak and having a bit of nostalgia with Notebook Artillery A subtle AirPods Pro experience The boys continue to argue over AI Ethan Mollick highlights study that finds legit benefits of AI at work Links from the show: Mac - Lumon Terminal Pro ‘Severance’ editor was all-in on Apple hardware, but not Final C...

Apple has updated the iPad Air, iPad, MacBook Air, and Mac Studio. The new Apple Immersive Metallica experience is phenomenal; is it a turning point for Apple's immersive content? And what in the world is going on at Apple with Siri?  Links from the show: iPad Air iPad MacBook Air Mac Studio Apple Immersive Metallica Something Is Rotten in the State of Cupertino Apple’s (AAPL) Siri Chief Call...

There’s a new iPhone 16 family member, new betas, a new Apple News+ feature, and Jeff has a new thing going in Apple Notes using the Forever*Notes framework.  Links from the show: iPhone 16e Apple News+ Food Brace yourself for Deep Water Solo. The next episode of Adventure. Highland Pro Forever*Notes Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message! Support the show Contact Us Drop us a line at feedbac...

Jeff and Tom are joined by Bill McLean for a great discussion on third-party calendar app subscriptions, extending the capabilities of Apple Notes with Forever Notes, and a round-up of AI tools that Bill uses. Where to find more from Bill McLean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BillMcLean Web: https://www.williambmclean.com Threads: https://www.threads.net/@williambmclean Links from the show: Ab...

There's not a lot of tech in this one, but there's a ton of nerdy goodness as Jeff and Tom are joined by the fabulous cast of the Dungeons in the Attic podcast! Where to find Dungeons in the Attic: Website Podcast Instagram Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message! Support the show Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and rey...

The boys are joined by Benjamin Jancewicz and Joe Moyer for a fun discussion on Apple TV+. Looking for something to watch? Benjamin, Joe, and Jeff have plenty of recommendations. In fact, so many they wouldn't fit here, so we've posted them on our website: https://www.basicafshow.com/apple-tv-with-benjamin-jancewicz-and-joe-moyer/ Where to find Benjamin: BenJancewicz.com (icons on bottom...

In this episode of Basic AF, hosts Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby welcome back guest Adam Jones to discuss the latest features of Apple Intelligence.  Topics include: • Privacy Concerns • Integration of ChatGPT • Evolving Role of Siri • Genmojis • Image Playground • Summaries in Messages and Mail • Audio Recording and Transcription in Notes • Visual Intelligence Features of iPhone 16 Series • Ove...

In this special holiday episode of Basic AF , Jeff Battersby and Tom Anderson share their favorite picks from 2024, blending tech, books, music, and apps. The duo kicks off with lighthearted banter about recording struggles, holiday vibes, and their signature cranky humor before diving into their curated favorites. Jeff highlights the Beetle X31 SSD, a sleek and reliable portable storage device, a...

In our 50th episode, Chris Freitag returns to explore the world of iPhone 16 Pro photography. We discuss the new Camera Control features and usability in real-world scenarios, and how Apple’s new Photographic Styles tools can elevate your mobile photography. The conversation also covers the latest December OS updates, Apple’s acquisition of Pixelmator and its impact on creative workflows, and a cl...

In this episode of Basic AF , hosts Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby welcome back Gannon Nordberg for a jam-packed conversation. Mark Gurman says Apple is working on a more conversational Siri, similar to ChatGPT's Voice mode, plus there are new critical OS updates. Gear up for the holidays with Gannon’s top travel tech tips, including must-have gadgets like the Anker Nano charger, Twelve Sout...

Join Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby in this episode as they unpack Apple’s latest announcements, with a nostalgic nod to an internet legend. Highlights include: Farewell, Elwood “You’ve Got Mail!” Edwards The voice that welcomed us to the internet in the ’90s, Elwood Edwards, has passed. Tom and Jeff share memories of the AOL era. New M4 iMacs: Fresh Colors and Powerful Specs Apple’s M4 iMac arri...

Ever wondered if journaling could make a difference in your life? This week’s guest, Joe Moyer, believes it can. Joe shares his personal journey with journaling and practical advice on how to build a habit—even if you only have five minutes a day. We cover gratitude journaling, the benefits of recording daily thoughts, and how to avoid the “perfect journal” trap. He also provides tips for those wh...

In this episode of Basic AF, Tom and Jeff cover a mix of Apple news, including minor OS updates, Apple’s immersive content plans for Vision Pro, and Submerged, Apple’s first short film for the Vision Pro. They also touch on Jeff’s new obsession— The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on the Nintendo Switch.  Here’s what you can expect: No Apple Ring in Sight (for Now): Jeff reacts to a report by Ma...

In this episode: Jeff’s new iPhone case and Apple Watch band Tom's first impressions of his iPhone 16 Pro Max The new Camera Control button  What to do with the Action button Tom's having fun with the new Photographic Styles A quick-hit on our thoughts so far on the new operating systems Links from the show: The Action Button Threads Post Stephen Robles - Master Your iPhone 16 Action But...

It's the Apple Glowtime event recap! Jeff and Tom are joined by Joe Moyer from 24Letters.net to recap all of the announcements at Apple's recent annual iPhone event. Is it a September to remember? Join us as we breakdown the new AirPods and hearing related features for AirPods Pro 2, the Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 in Satin Black. The new iPhone 16 looks excellent, and the iPhone 1...

Jeff and Tom have a delightful conversation with Marc Palmer, developer of the Shareshot app! We learn how Marc got started with computers and developing software, other apps he's made and works on, the story behind the creation of Shareshot, and the challenges faced today by developers with regards to pricing strategies. To wrap things up, we have a quick roundtable discussion on the upcomin...

Jeff and Tom discuss new apps and a return to an old writing companion, as well as update their experience with iPad screen covers. NotchNook: Making the most of your Mac's notch, even if it doesn't have one! Shareshot: An easy way to share screenshots with style. Fantastic utility! Tom revisits his note-taking journey and explains why Craft is again becoming his go-to app despite Bear&a...