Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Are you ready for a trip down memory lane? We kick things off with a discussion on the resurgence of USENET, exploring why it's making a comeback and how it has evolved over the years. Join us as we unravel the history and significance of this online forum, shedding light on its enduring relevance in the digital age. We'll also give you the latest news from around the Apple world, includ...

How often do you find yourself wishing for a better way to manage your work and productivity, and mental well-being? Well, we've got you covered! Embrace the wonders of the Session app, a fantastic tool that not only keeps a diary of your work but also provides you with a meaningful insight into your daily productivity. Get ready to revolutionize the way you schedule your activities and quant...

Are you prepared for the upcoming academic year? Having the right tech tools at your disposal can make all the difference in your productivity and success. This episode is packed with insights into the maze of back-to-school tech choices, dissecting the pros and cons of various educational tech options We begin by dissecting educational tech options, ranging from iMacs and Mac minis, to the MacBoo...

Are you prepared to conquer the chaos of daily tasks? Today, we're thrilled to be joined by our old friend and tech aficionado, Adam Olson. Adam brings an arsenal of efficiency-boosting tips and tricks, from using iOS features like the double-tap open command to managing complex automation collections.  Our conversation takes a detour into the world of app integration and preferences, discuss...

Ready to unravel the tapestry of tech? As the drama with Twitter continues, Meta smells blood in the water and releases its new Threads service, which has taken off like a SpaceX rocket. We've used it, and have some thoughts on its current state, and what's to come. Shifting gears, we shine the spotlight on Apple as we anticipate the public beta season. There are new features in macOS, i...

What if AI could replace your creativity? Discover the implications of artificial intelligence in education and creative fields as we sit down with graphic artist Benjamin Jancewicz and Dr. Devon Taylor, Ed. D., from Shenandoah University. Listen in as they share their insights into using AI in academia, supporting students, and preparing them for the workforce. Explore the potential dangers of AI...

In this episode: Did our wishes come true? (Only Tom’s!) MacBook Air 15”, updated Mac Studio, Mac Pro with Apple Silicon iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, macOS Sonoma, tvOS Apple Vision Pro  Links from the show: 15” MacBook Air Mac Studio Mac Pro Apple Vision Pro First Impressions of Vision Pro and VisionOS Vision Pro: I just tried Apple’s first spatial computer, and here’s what I think Apple Vision...

In this episode: Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad Reviews Our WWDC Wishlist  All Mac and No Play - new boygenius album Links from the show: Final Cut Pro for iPad Logic Pro for iPad Six Colors: Hands on with Final Cut Pro for iPad Christopher Lawley: Final Cut Pro for the iPad Review: WOW! Stephen Robles: Final Cut for iPad is Missing 2 BIG Features Henny Tha Bizness: Logic Pro for iPad - My I...

In this episode: We have more stickers and magnets to giveaway Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro coming to iPad iCloud.com apps comparison against Google & Microsoft  Picking the best apps for your use cases New segment: All Mac and No Play Tom’s Cortex Sidekick Notepad Links from the show: Final Cut Pro for iPad Logic Pro for iPad Sign in and use iCloud.com Use iCloud.com to restore and recover iCl...

In this episode: We’re doing a giveaway Dreary Siri Multi-display disappointments System Settings AirPlay anomalies MacBook keyboard shine Links from the show: Report Details Turmoil Behind Apple's AI Efforts, 'Siri X,' and Headset Voice Controls Connect one or more external displays with your Mac Customize your Mac with System Settings Use AirPlay to stream audio How to clean your...

The great Kirk McElhearn joins us for an in-depth discussion on Apple Music Classical. Kirk is a long time tech writer, having contributed to Macworld, and TidBits, he’s written documentation for several applications you’ve probably used as well as several titles in the TakeControl series of books. In this episode Kirk ups our game and musical vocabulary re: Apple Music Classical as well as cracki...

In this episode: Jeff returns to discuss his California adventure Ease of setting up new devices in a cloud-based world New podcast artwork! WWDC announced and what we might see Recap the recent Apple OS updates We conduct a discussion on Apple Music Classical…does it hit the right notes? Links from the show: BackBlaze Cloud Backup Set up Find My on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac Apple Anno...

In this episode: Jeff’s stuff gets stolen and Gannon Nordberg sits in Yellow iPhone 14 New iPhone cases and Apple Watch Bands Apple Maps expands city experience to Boston How to set up Find My on your devices 18 Tips & Tricks for iOS/iPadOS, Mac, and Apple Watch! Links from the show: iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus in Yellow Launches Today, Apple Store Pickup Now Available Apple launches fresh sp...

Are your passwords actually keeping you safe? In this episode, Tom and Jeff dig into the recent LastPass breaches, explain why it's time to move on from LastPass, and walk through the password tools and habits that will actually protect you — no tech degree required. We break down the real differences between iCloud Keychain and 1Password, explain why passphrases beat complicated passwords ev...

In this episode: Apple security updates you should install Thoughts on the rumored MacBook Air 15”  Gannon’s Apple products and his wild keyboard What we like about Apple Fitness+ Saving money with Apple One Apple Pay, Apple Card, and Apple Cash Is AppleCare worth it? Guest - Gannon Nordberg Gannon is a Google Certified Educator, Apple Teacher, and a Canvas Advocate who aims to create polished and...

In this episode: Jeff has not one, but two (!!) new Watch bands New 🔥 wallpapers from Basic Apple Guy Apple’s folding something though the “experts” don’t agree just what Apps we’ve bought and don’t use, and why we bought them Apps we are using (list and links below) Links from the show: Basic Apple Guy: M2 Wallpapers Kuo: Apple to Release Foldable iPad with Carbon Fiber Kickstand in 2024 Apple W...

Overview It’s the debut episode of Basic AF: a mostly tech podcast, with Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby! In this episode: - The HomePod is back! - New Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro  - New MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and Max - After a not-so-great experience with the original Apple Watch, Jeff goes Ultra, but does it stick? Links from the show: - New HomePod - New Mac mini - New MacBook Pro - Introducin...

Hi there! It’s a new year and you’re invited to check out our new show, Basic AF. It’s a (mostly) tech talk show where we’ll get together every couple of weeks to spill trash, talk, tech, and tea (though Tom says no politics). Plus games, plenty of Apple banter, or whatever else comes into our heads. Check out the trailer and subscribe or follow in your favorite podcast app. The first show is comi...