Hidden macOS 26 Features, Homebrew Upgrades, and VPN Gotchas
Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
Intro
Dave Hamilton and Pilot Pete open the show, preview tips, and mention sponsors and the monthly giveaway.
You dive straight into practical macOS and workflow wins, starting with macOS 26’s new ability to record video by window and moving quickly into keeping your Homebrew setup clean, current, and fast. You learn how simple display resolution tweaks can hide the MacBook notch or eliminate it entirely, and why audio problems like AirPods mic failures often come down to overlooked system behavior. Along the way, you’re reminded to stay alert to sneaky gotchas like expiring Tailscale devices, VPNs that never fully disconnect, and cables that quietly become the weakest link. Don’t Get Caught assuming the obvious is working as expected.
Then it’s on to listener questions that hit real-world pain points: avoiding international cell charges even when using an eSIM, understanding why not all MVNOs are equal, and keeping vacation photos manageable by killing duplicates before they pile up. You dig into OS version mismatches, whether AI actually helps tech support when used correctly, and why asking AI to explain the “why” matters.
Cool Stuff Found rounds things out with tools for sleep and stress tracking, app update management, USB speed visibility, smarter System Settings navigation, notch-aware utilities, nostalgic screen savers, and shortcut mastery. It’s a fast-moving episode packed with ways to tighten your setup, reduce friction, and stay one step ahead.
Happy new year, y’all! See you in 2026! (don’t worry, that’s next week, right on schedule!)
- 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1122 for Monday, December 29th, 2025
- December 29th: Still Need To Do Day
- MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a copy of OpenIn!
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- Quick Tips
- 00:00:01 Ben-QT-macOS 26 now adds video recording by window
- 00:04:47 Pilot Pete-QT-Upgrade Your Homebrew Install!
- brew upgrade
- brew install topgrade
- brew install speedtest-cli
- 00:10:37 Michael-QT-1121-Use a different Display Resolution to hide the notch
- 00:11:39 Antony-CSF-1121–Say No To Notch to disable your MacBook’s Notch entirely
- Don’t Get Caught
- 00:12:23 Andrew-DGC-AirPods Mic Failure
- 00:18:37 Chris-DGC-Be aware Tailscale device expiration
- 00:21:02 Tom S-DGC-Your VPN might still be connected!
- 00:23:48 Pilot Pete=DGC-Really! Try Different Cables
- Sponsors
- 00:29:14 SPONSOR: Copilot Money. Your money, beautifully organized, now across every device. For a limited-time, get 26% off your first year when you sign up at https://try.copilot.money/macgeekgab. Get two months free with code ‘macgeekgab’.
- 00:30:45 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at gusto.com/MGG
- Reviews
- 00:31:58 BobCleaver-MGG Review-Thanks for the excellent info
- Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
- 00:32:56 Greg-How to avoid International Charges on Cell Phone while Traveling
- eSIMdb for finding eSIMs
- 00:39:42 Not all MVNOs are created equal
- 00:43:22 Robert-How do you manage your photos on vacation?
- 00:49:21 Todd-Any Issues with iOS 26 and Not macOS 26?
- 00:53:42 Joe-Does AI make tech support’s job easier?
- Ask the AI to teach you WHY a proposed solution is good
- 00:32:56 Greg-How to avoid International Charges on Cell Phone while Traveling
- Cool Stuff Found
- 01:01:48 Bob-CSF-AutoSleep for sleep and stress tracking
- 01:04:20 Jeepster 8675309-CSF-Updatest for keeping your Mac’s apps up-to-date
- 01:08:26 Dan-CSM-USB Connection Information puts USB speeds in your menu bar
- 01:09:40 Allison-CSM-Mind Map of System Settings
- 01:11:51 CSF-AirNotch Pro Dual
- 01:13:55 SccrHallways-CSF-Flying Toasters Screensaver is back!
- 01:16:28 DJ Mac-CSF-CheatSheet to see all your keyboard shortcuts
- 01:17:54 MGG 1122 Outtro
- MGG Monthly Giveaway
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