Brendon Bigley, a MacStories contributor and co-host of MPC, joins John Voorhees, MacStories editor, to dive into the latest tech trends. They reminisce about past Apple predictions while exploring gaming's evolution at Apple and share insights on their personal tech purchases. The duo hilariously debates favorite iPhone models and the allure of the gold iPhone, while discussing the transformative potential of Apple's gaming strategy. Plus, they highlight the importance of community support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through gaming.
The podcast introduces new hosts Brendan Bigley and John Voorhees, who express excitement about continuing the legacy while adding fresh energy to the show.
Brendan and John discuss Apple's recent transparency regarding device specifications, especially RAM, reflecting a significant change in their communication with the tech community.
The episode critiques the revival of Flappy Bird without its original creator, raising ethical concerns about nostalgia exploitation in the gaming industry.
Deep dives
Introduction of New Hosts
The episode marks a transition in the podcast as Brendan Bigley and John discuss the departure of longtime hosts Mike and Steven, playfully framing their change as a replacement rather than farewell. The pair express excitement about this new chapter while acknowledging the legacy and contributions of their predecessors. Brendan humorously refers to himself as a 'usurper king,' while both he and John seem optimistic about continuing to uphold the podcast’s traditions. They view this as an opportunity to infuse fresh energy into the show while honoring what has come before.
Apple's RAM Disclosure
The discussion shifts to Apple's recent approach toward openly communicating technical specifications, like RAM, for their devices, particularly the iPhone. Brendan and John reference a previous prediction made by Mike about Apple announcing the RAM for new iPhones during a keynote, which actually came to fruition during a recent event. They note that the speculative attitude from the past has changed, with Apple now acknowledging the importance of RAM, especially in the context of powering advanced features like Apple Intelligence. This change represents a significant shift in Apple's communication to its community, showcasing a willingness to engage in technical discussions that were previously avoided.
Flappy Bird's Controversial Return
The episode also dives into the return of the iconic game Flappy Bird and the controversy surrounding its developer, Dong Nguyen. After disappearing from the market due to harassment, the game resurfaced under a different branding, but without its original creator's involvement, sparking discussions of trademark legality and ethical considerations. Brendan and John emphasize the sad turn of events, expressing disappointment that the new iteration may capitalize on nostalgia without honoring the game's creator. They reflect on their personal experiences with the original Flappy Bird and the game's addictive nature, setting the tone for a critique of the current development industry.
Relay's Fundraising for St. Jude
The hosts highlight Relay's ongoing commitment to raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Scheduled events include a 12-hour live podcast featuring various hosts, where listeners are encouraged to donate. The discussion reveals the significance of St. Jude as a facility providing not only medical care but educational support for kids undergoing treatments, ensuring they do not fall behind academically. By promoting this initiative, the hosts aim to leverage their platform for a worthy cause, fostering community involvement and support.
Reflections on Apple's Gaming Future
In a thought-provoking segment, the hosts explore the future of gaming at Apple, discussing initiatives needed to elevate its standing within the industry. They visualize a world where Apple invests in quality indie and AAA game development, learning from successes at companies like Netflix with their gaming portfolio. The conversation raises questions about Apple's institutional views on gaming, highlighting the need for a cultural shift to treat games as a legitimate and valuable art form rather than just software. Ultimately, the hosts advocate for a double approach: enhancing desktop gaming through solid third-party support while cultivating a richer landscape for mobile gaming that respects and nurtures creativity.
This week, a new Connected lineup thanks the previous hosts for their service, then moves on to discuss their latest tech purchases and iOS 18. Somehow, they also fix gaming at Apple.
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