MacVoices

Joe Kissel introduces Take Control Premium , a new membership program offering 50% discounts on all Take Control books for a year. He explains the challenges of online sales, taxes, and the reasoning behind replacing traditional sales with this model. The discussion covers pricing, customer psychology, and the value of quality tech information in a world of quick but often unreliable online answer...

The MacVoices Live! panel  reflects on the G4 Cube's design legacy, discusses Apple's approach to AI privacy, and reviews ChatGPT's new meeting transcription feature, which outpaces Microsoft Copilot in downloads. Chuck Joiner , David Ginsburg , Brian Flanigan-Arthurs , Web Bixby , Mary Jencius , and Eric Bolden debate the value of on-device AI versus cloud services, examine DuckDuckGo's AI image...

The MacVoices Live! panel discusses Apple's lawsuit against a leaker over alleged iOS 26 leaks and the broader implications for media control, trade secrets, and leaker culture. Chuck Joiner ,  David Ginsburg ,  Brian Flanigan-Arthurs ,  Web Bixby , Marty Jencius , and Eric Bolden examine the UK government's retreat from demanding access to iCloud encryption and what that means for global privacy...

The panel dives into the controversy over an app used to track ICE agents, debating First Amendment rights, privacy, and potential misuse. Chuck Joiner ,  Brian Flanigan-Arthurs ,  Ben Roethig ,  Marty Jencius ,  Eric Bolden ,  Jim Rea ,  Jeff Gamet ,  Mark Fuccio ,  David Ginsburg , and  Web Bixby also explore TikTok's possible Americanized version, Jack Dorsey's new Bluetooth messaging app, and...

This July MacVoices Update recaps a MacStock-filled month, including highlights from the live panel and thoughts on tech insights gained at the event. Renewed blogging efforts featuring podcast recommendations and previews are kicking off this month, as well as a more regular cadence for upcoming shows. He also spotlights MacVoices Magazine and delivers the Support Report to thank Patreon supporte...

The panel discusses Apple's quiet debut on Threads, debates the value and future of social media platforms, and explores Vision Pro's emerging "InSpace" community as a new kind of digital gathering space. Chuck Joiner ,  Brian Flanigan-Arthurs ,  Ben Roethig ,  Marty Jencius ,  Eric Bolden ,  Jim Rea ,  Jeff Gamet ,  Mark Fuccio ,  David Ginsburg , and  Web Bixby also tackle the controversy around...

In Part 2 of the live panel from Macstock Conference 2025 , the group dives deeper into Apple user culture, changes in technology habits, and the importance of in-person tech events. With a mix of thoughtful commentary and good-natured banter, Marty Jencius ,  Brittany Smith ,  Jeff Gamet ,  Chuck Joiner ,  David Ginsburg ,  Brian Flanigan-Arthurs ,  Norbert Frassa , and Eric Bolden highlight the...

In a MacVoices Live! panel from Macstock Conference 202 5 the group explores curiosity, learning, and creativity through technology. Marty Jencius ,  Brittany Smith ,  Jeff Gamet ,  Chuck Joiner ,  David Ginsburg ,  Brian Flanigan-Arthurs ,  Norbert Frassa , and Eric Bolden share personal motivations, how AI impacts their work and lives, and why continuous learning remains essential. The discussio...

Rachel Schmitz shares the origin and evolution of The Intentional Family podcast, born out of the 2020 lockdown to support overwhelmed families. At MacStock 2025, she discusses her renewed inspiration to continue podcasting, her approach to social media, and plans to foster deeper connections through live streams and newsletters—all rooted in authenticity and purpose.  This edition of MacVoices is...

Apple announces a new Chief Operating Officer as Jeff Williams prepares to retire, while Meta continues poaching AI talent from Cupertino, including key team lead Ruoming Pang. Chuck Joiner ,  Brian Flanigan-Arthurs ,  Ben Roethig ,  Marty Jencius ,  Eric Bolden ,  Jim Rea ,  Jeff Gamet ,  Mark Fuccio ,  David Ginsburg , and  Web Bixby discuss Apple's executive transitions, Meta's strategy to buil...

During a break at Macstock Conference and Expo, we had a chance to chat with Blair Mah and his daughter Jasmine about their first-time Macstock experiences. They highlight the diversity of attendees and presentation topics, the strong sense of community, and the high educational value of the sessions. From in-depth technical talks to practical tips, both found the event enriching and inspiring, an...

Belkin's abrupt shutdown of Wemo smart plugs has left users frustrated and reconsidering future smart home purchases. The MacVoices Live! panel of David Ginsburg , Mike Potter , Jim Rea , Marty Jencius , Eric Bolden , Chuck Joiner , Jeff Gamet , and Web Bixby discuss the broader issue of trusting closed platforms, the limitations of HomeKit, and the need for open-source solutions like Matter and T...

Apple's Vision Pro strategy gains momentum with acquisitions aimed at improving avatars and AI reliability. A new $500M rare earth recycling partnership with MP Materials signals Apple's commitment to U.S.-based sustainable supply chains. The FTC's "click-to-cancel" rule reversal sparks debate, and the panel of David Ginsburg , Mike Potter , Jim Rea , Marty Jencius , Eric Bolden , Chuck Joiner , J...

The MacStock 9 celebration continues as attendees and organizers reflect on the weekend's warmth, community, and standout moments. Mike Potter shares emotional feedback from first-time guests, praises volunteers, and announces dates for MacStock 10. With jokes, stories, and ideas for the future, David Ginsburg , Mike Potter , Jim Rea , Marty Jencius , Eric Bolden , Chuck Joiner , Jeff Gamet , Mike...

A MacVoices Live! panel of attendees celebrates MacStock 9, sharing personal highlights, favorite sessions, and the lasting connections formed during the conference. David Ginsburg , Mike Potter , Jim Rea , Marty Jencius , Eric Bolden , Chuck Joiner , Jeff Gamet , Mike Schmitz , and Web Bixby share tech insights, Vision Pro demos along with moments of clarity and community bonding that left attend...

The MacVoices Live! panel discusses Meta's controversial AI photo upload feature and growing privacy concerns, Microsoft's AI diagnostic tool that outperforms doctors, and the retirement of Windows' infamous blue screen of death. Chuck Joiner , David Ginsburg , Brian Flanigan-Arthurs , Eric Bolden , Marty Jencius , Jeff Gamet , Web Bixby , and Jim Rea debate the tradeoffs between utility and priva...

In the second part of our conversation with Joe Kissell about Take Control of DEVONthink 4 ,  Joe focuses on its updated inspector system, subtle interface improvements, and a powerful suite of new AI features. He discusses how large language model integration—from ChatGPT to Claude—enhances document sorting, summarizing, and research. Joe also shares concerns about AI, how DevonThink addresses th...

Joe Kissell returns to introduce  Take Control of DEVONthink 4 , a deep guide to the powerful information management tool. He outlines new features like versioning, audit-proof databases, and enhanced PDF navigation, while also explaining the app's new hybrid licensing model. The discussion highlights DEVONthink's versatility for everything from paperless offices to academic research. (Part 1) Tod...

The panel discusses Apple's move to allow third-party AirDrop alternatives, raising questions about security and EU regulations. Concerns over webcam hacking and AI's disturbing behavior in simulations follow, along with a look at Meta and Oakley's AI smart glasses. Chuck Joiner , David Ginsburg , Web Bixby , Eric Bolden , Marty Jencius , Jim Rea , and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs share personal AI tool...

New AI offerings spark discussion as Ring adds video action summaries to their doorbells, Cloudflare monetizes bot access for AI training, and WhatsApp introduces AI message recaps. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea  debate privacy, trust, and the future of content control, with added commentary on Apple Sports' Wim...

This MacVoices Live! episode unpacks Apple's decision to drop FireWire support in macOS Tahoe, raising questions about how long legacy technologies should be supported and at what cost. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg , Brian Flanigan-Arthurs , Eric Bolden , Marty Jencius , Jeff Gamet , Web Bixby , and Jim Rea debate whether practical considerations or corporate minimalism are driving such moves. The...

The Road to Macstock Conference and Expo wraps up in a conversation with  Jeff Gamet where he previews his Macstock session on improving online privacy and security in practical, accessible terms. He shares some strategies to reduce tracking, protect against identity theft, and safely browse and shop online—without overwhelming jargon. Topics Jeff will address include on-device safety, ad tracking...

Charlotte Henry  and  Chuck Joiner explore Apple's evolving theatrical strategy through the success of the Brad Pitt-led F1 , questioning what it means for future releases and awards ambitions. They also highlight the overlooked Apple TV+ thriller Prime Target , discuss the platform's ongoing discovery challenges, preview upcoming titles like Foundation S3 and Chief of War, and debate the growing...

This MacVoices Live! discussion opens with public service announcements about expanded Anker power bank recalls and Microsoft Authenticator password support—critical updates for user safety and data integrity. The penel honors the late Tim Robertson, a pioneering voice in the Apple community and early podcaster. Then, Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg , Brian Flanigan-Arthurs , Eric Bolden , Marty Jenc...

The debate over whether Apple should acquire an AI company to stay competitive, with Perplexity as a leading candidate, is a hot topic. Chuck Joiner , David Ginsburg , Web Bixby , Eric Bolden , Marty Jencius , Jim Rea , and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs explore past acquisitions, Apple's AI strategy, and the challenges of merging company cultures. PSAs about malware from screenshots and fake CAPTCHAs are...