Brothers in Tech

Have you ever wondered how Brothers in Tech would look/sound if we didn’t put in our hours or preparation for the show (cue sarcasm…)? Well, here is your chance to figure it out. Without any real topic to guide them, the Brothers use Alan’s 2-minute Google search to find some interesting home technology news to discuss, along with some home project updates. Sounds like a short show, right? Oh, ble...

The computing devices we carry in our pockets (or use on our laps) have developed to do some amazing things. However, the default opportunities provided by those devices may not be usable by all without some settings adjustments. Enhanced feature options are available on iOS and MacOS for those with hearing, vision, and touch impairments, so they are able to get the most out of their devices. Alth...

Although Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a part of our lives for quite some time…some of its capabilities have been front and center over the past few weeks as open-source AI engines are “showing off” what they can do. Should we be fascinated…or frightened? Inspired or intimidated? Excited for the future, or worried about our own existence? Well, we won’t answer all of your questions, but th...

Where has the time gone? It has been a long time since our last BiTs episode…but you don’t have to wait any longer. In the first suggestion episode of 2023, the Brothers try and one-up one another with some new products and services. Regardless of who has the better picks, we think you will find some things worth checking out. And, as a bonus…you get to hear an extra sexy voice from Alan as he tak...

Whether you are a gamer, work with a lot of windows open on your computer, or have aging eyes (which isn’t the case with either of the hosts…cough, cough), you may have an interest in expanding your computing space with an external monitor. The good news is there are a variety of types, sizes, and features in today’s monitor line-up to choose from. The bad news is there are a variety of types, siz...

To buy or not to buy…that WAS the question. Now, most computer/mobile software have changed the question to whether you should buy or subscribe. Which is the better option for you? Which will be more cost-effective over time? The Brothers discuss the pros and cons of software subscriptions and provide suggestions for the variables you should consider when making that decision. In addition, Alan he...

If you have been listening to Brothers in Tech…or happen to know us personally, you will know that we love to use technology to find efficiencies. Why spend a lot of time doing something that could be done automatically (or with little effort)? Have a task or process that you do regularly…but would like to find a way to have it occur on its own, or with minimal clicks/steps? Do you want to send a...

WARNING: Brothers in Tech are not responsible for any actions you take following our explanation of the process of backing up (aka, ripping) your DVDs. This process may be illegal, and we are not encouraging you to do it. Of course, we encourage you to listen to us tell you how to do it…but not to actually do it. In fact, we have never done this ourselves…just read about it and are passing along t...

Whether it be an upgrade/improvement to a built-in app or just a cool tool that you might want to show off to friends…there are a lot of nice features that have quietly snuck into Apple products recently that deserve more attention. Well, have no fear…the Brothers have you covered! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, we discuss some of our favorite new and upcoming features in the Apple ecosystem...

Although we rarely need a special occasion to shop for technology…it is nice to have some extra incentive. And, the discounts offered on Cyber Monday are usually a pretty good excuse to open the wallet. Now that the 2022 Cyber Monday has come and gone, the Brothers are ready to discuss the purchases that they made, and what was left behind in their shopping cart. Did the Brothers branch out from t...

It is almost the holiday season…the time for sharing. And what better way to show your loved ones you care than to share some digital files with them. Ok, that was a bit of a stretch…but file sharing is an essential process in today’s digital world. The only question is, what service should you use? Well, the Brothers are acting like true brothers in this episode, as they provide conflicting views...

Elon Musk has purchased Twitter? Wow...we all must be super excited about that! Well, not really...so maybe it is time to talk about alternatives for your twitter-like fix. Alan breaks down some of the possible alternatives for Twitter, their potential and limitations, and what to be on the lookout for if you are trying to make the switch. In addition, we get an update on MacOS 13 (Ventura) and wh...

Well, if you are a fan of the show…you will know that Alan has a real thing for back-ups. I mean…it is a borderline unhealthy relationship with backing up his files. But, for this episode, that obsession may just benefit all of us as he explains his latest step in backing up his files via a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device…and its additional use of it for a Plex server. What is a NAS? What ca...

Well, you have probably heard of a “slow news week”…and for Brothers in Tech, this was our version of that. We didn’t have a new topic to cover, so we decided to update each other on our own current tech projects. Did Alan’s computer survive its bath? Has Brian had any luck setting up Homebridge to begin using Homekit? You will have to watch/listen to find out! Plus, we bring a few nice tips/sugge...

New Apple products were announced this week, and the Brothers are here to give you the full rundown! New iPads and Apple TVs... Are they worth a purchase? Any features should you be excited about? Compatible with your current equipment? Watch/listen for the overview, and get some BiTes (Brothers in Tech Efficiencies) as a bonus! Hint, hint…one of the timely tips is to not get water close to your b...

Although we have discussed the Mac computer line-up before (see the “Mac Buying Guide” episode from May, 2022), now we actually have hands-on experience to share! Both Brothers have recently purchased/acquired new Apple laptops, and are ready to share their thoughts on likes, dislikes, and advice for those in the market. Do the Brothers agree on the deciding factors were on which machine they chos...

Have you ever thought about all the time that you spend on your computer...not actually doing work, but rather taking steps in order to be able to do work? Want to open or switch to an application?...there is a few steps you have to take for that. Want to add bullets in a document?...there are a few clicks needed for that. Want to do some simple (or not so simple) math?...a few more steps. What if...

OK, if you listened live to last week’s show, we are sorry! Audio issues sunk the BiTs episode, which is a bummer as we had a friend of the show Bill Carrigan back with us! But, that just means we will have to bring him back for another episode…And we get a chance to do another BiTs for you. So, listen in to the replacement BiTs episode for September 2022…and you will notice that since Alan is bac...

Apple just released its latest mobile operating system ( iOS 16 , for iPhone), and although it is not our recommendation for you to be the first/early adopters of any software update...the Brothers have thrown caution to the wind and installed and tested the update so that we can give you a first-hand look at the new features. From editable lock screens to editing/unsending messages, to additional...

As much as the Brothers have tried to wean themselves off paper (see previous BiT series on “Going Paperless”), we admit that there is still a need for printed documents in our personal and professional lives. So, even though it may seem like a technology that has joined the likes of fax machines, VCRs, and CD players...the printer industry is alive and kicking (and innovating), and the Brothers a...

You might be thinking...haven’t the Brothers already discussed streaming services? Yep...twice in fact. But, this is a topic that requires periodic revisiting...which is why the Brothers are discussing their current views on the current streaming services. How do the Brothers’ rankings compare? Well, obviously there is Alan’s list..and then the correct one. Watch or listen to see if you agree...an...

Have you been wondering when we might get to watch Alan make a fool of himself by wearing a headset and exploring the virtual world that he has been living in recently? Yeah, me too. Well, our wish is finally coming true! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers (well, Alan) take Facebook’s Meta Quest VR headset for a spin, and discuss the possible current and future uses for the technolo...

Well, for all of those who were really excited to hear Brian on his own last week…I am sorry, but Alan is back. But, let’s just say…he totally made up for his absence with his BiTs in this episode. I mean, how often can you listen/watch an episode and get to watch 80’s TV…save yourself some money…determine whether you are going to watch a movie or not…and know whether or not your local McDonalds i...

Well…this is either the episode you have been waiting for…or your worst nightmare. Alan is no longer with us. Well, let me rephrase that…he is still alive, just wasn’t able to join for this episode. It is all Brian. The “Brother” in Tech. So, if you are interested in trying out meal delivery services, have tried some but thinking about getting back in the game…or you just want to see whether Brian...

Although the process of bad actors attempting to scam someone has been around since the beginning of time (actually, we don’t know if that is true…but it sounds good), but the use of technology to accomplish those goals has become rampant over the past 30-40 years. From calls on your landline to see if anyone is home…to emails to suggest that the Prince of Nairobi wants to send you a lot of money…...