Kick off 2025 with a tech-packed discussion featuring innovative audio products from CES, like the 1MORE S70 earbuds. Discover quick JavaScript tips to enhance your Google searches and learn how to manage your Photos library on external drives. The hosts tackle Wi-Fi interference, syncing issues, and practical advice for Apple Home setups. Check out cool tools like Obsidian for Markdown and Elevation Lab’s AirTag Battery Case. With humor and actionable insights, get ready to conquer your tech challenges!
The podcast introduces new iOS 18.3 features allowing users to manage iCloud mail rules directly on their devices, enhancing email management.
Listeners discuss various waterproof speaker options like Shower Power Pro and JBL Clip, highlighting practical technology for enhancing everyday routines.
The team emphasizes the importance of relocating photo libraries to external drives, promoting efficient storage management for Apple device users.
Deep dives
iOS 18.3 Enhancements for iCloud Mail
The introduction of features in iOS 18.3 allows users to manage, create, and edit iCloud mail rules directly from their devices. This step enhances user experience by providing an easier way to filter emails without needing to access iCloud.com. Although on-device mail rules would be ideal for more streamlined management, the inclusion of these features in iOS signifies progress in email management capabilities within the Apple ecosystem. Users can now expect better control over their incoming mail right from their iPhones and iPads.
CES Week Preview and Sponsorships
The podcast gears up for the events surrounding CES week by introducing sponsors that play key roles in supporting the coverage of the event. Companies like Eero, Roborock, and Private Internet Access are highlighted as essential partners that enable comprehensive reporting and video content production during CES. In addition to the main podcast, listeners are encouraged to check out the associated YouTube channel for additional CES-related content, including short videos from the show floor that won't be covered in the audio episodes. This approach reflects a commitment to providing rich and diverse content for technology enthusiasts.
Comfortable Shower Sound Solutions
Listeners share their favorite waterproof speaker options for enjoying music in the shower, emphasizing the practicality and fun of having sound while bathing. Suggestions include the Shower Power Pro by Ampere, which integrates a showerhead and a speaker, and portable options like the JBL Clip for travel use. The conversation serves to highlight the variety of speakers available that are not only functional but also enhance the shower experience. This focus on leisure technology showcases the intersection of functionality and everyday enjoyment in personal routines.
Quick Tips for iOS Volume Control
A recent update to iOS restores the always-visible volume bar on the playback widget for easier audio adjustments, although it is now nestled within the accessibility settings. Users can enable this feature to make volume adjustments simpler without relying solely on hardware buttons, which may be cumbersome in certain situations. This return of the on-screen volume indicator is a welcome change for those who prefer enhanced control, especially when multitasking or dealing with physical limitations. It reflects Apple's responsiveness to user feedback regarding functionality within the operating system.
Moving Photo Libraries to External Drives
A listener brings attention to the capacity to relocate photo libraries from internal storage to external drives, which can significantly free up space on devices with limited storage. Apple supports this option, allowing users to manage their photo collections without losing access to their images. This practice not only retains the organization of photos but also reduces strain on the device's internal resources, making it easier to handle additional applications or files. This insight encourages proactive organization strategies for managing digital photo libraries more efficiently.
Dive into the latest Mac Geek Gab where Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton kick off 2025 with a bang. From pre-CES discoveries like the 1MORE S70 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds to clever Quick Tips, you’ll find tools to supercharge your Apple experience. Learn how to search sites with a quick JavaScript snippet, move your Photos library to an external drive, and add Apple items like weather to your menu bar. Whether it’s taming Safari’s new “Hide Distracting Items” feature or syncing iCloud Photos in iOS 18, the crew has you covered with answers to your pressing tech questions.
Don’t get caught unprepared for the unexpected! Struggling with Wi-Fi interference, managing multiple Apple Homes, or dimming Safari’s display? They tackle it all, even diving into quirky fixes like disabling external monitor signals with BetterDisplay Pro. Plus, Cool Stuff Found features gems like Obsidian for Markdown and Elevation Lab’s 10-Year AirTag Battery Case. Packed with wisdom, laughs, and actionable tips, this episode is your ticket to staying geeky and in control.
