Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

MGG...Jeopardy Style

10 snips

Jun 2, 2025

Discover how to revive dead notifications and optimize your Dock layout for remote desktops! Learn tips for managing orphaned system extensions and using iOS's default translate app. Explore effective ways to declutter your Lock Screen and harness Shortcuts to turn your Apple TV into a stunning photo gallery. Plus, dive into tech troubleshooting, comparing Wi-Fi mesh systems, and hear a fascinating success story involving an AirTag. Wrap up with cool gadgets like the BoostHero flashlight and solar charger for cars!

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ADVICE

Force-Quit Notification Center Fix

Quit Notification Center in Activity Monitor to revive dead notifications on Macs.
This can resolve issues when app and system notification settings appear correct but notifications fail.

ADVICE

Dock Placement for Remote Desktops

Set your Mac’s Dock to opposite sides on two machines used for screen sharing.
This gives a clear visual reference, reducing mistakes when interacting remotely.

ADVICE

Set Default Translation App

In iOS 18.4 and later, set Google Translate as your default translation app in Settings.
Google Translate offers more options and is often preferred over Apple’s native Translate app.

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MGG...Jeopardy Style — Mac Geek Gab 1092 episode image

This week on Mac Geek Gab, you’ll learn how to outsmart your tech before it tries to outsmart you. Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton deliver a barrage of Quick Tips, including reviving dead notifications by force-quitting Notification Center, rethinking your Dock layout for remote desktops, and leveraging iOS’s default translate app setting. You’ll also discover how to scrub orphaned system extensions from your Mac, and how Shortcuts can turn your Apple TV into a photo gallery masterpiece. Of course, you know the drill—Don’t Get Caught skipping the smart stuff.

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Dig into iPhone VPN conflicts with CarPlay, backup reliability with Carbon Copy Cloner, and the surprising value of an AirTag in your car. You’ll learn about com.apple.asr snapshots, decluttering your Lock Screen, choosing the right Focus modes, and comparing Wi-Fi mesh systems like Eero, Deco, and Orbi. We even tackle the Nvidia SHIELD vs. Apple TV Plex showdown, then wrap it up with Cool Stuff Found like the BoostHero flashlight/jump starter, MailMaven, and a solar car battery. It’s everything your inner geek craves—and more.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1092 for Monday, June 2nd, 2025
- June 2nd: National Leave Work Early Day
- Police Code 10-92 – Subject in custody / Parking violation
- MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win an eero Outdoor 7
- WWDC Is Next Week. Got any Predictions? Also, show will be about 17 hours late!
- We’ll be doing MGG Live at Macstock on Saturday, July 12th! Join us, and use our coupon code: MACGEEKGAB50 to save $50!
Quick Tips
- 00:00:01 Brad-QT-When Notifications Cease, force-quit Notification Center in Activity Monitor
- 00:06:29 Hans-QT-Set up your Dock for your remote desktop on the opposite side for a visual reference
- 00:07:40 QT-Set a default translate app in iOS 18.4 or later
- 00:08:48 Scott-QT-1091-Use Shortcuts and ArtCast to create custom Apple TV photo galleries
- 00:10:38 Brad-QT-Remove Orphaned System Extensions with systemextensionsctl
  - systemextensionsctl list
  - systemextensionsctl gc – garbage collect orphaned system extension(s)
00:15:26 SPONSOR: Square. Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/mgg. #squarepod #ad
Don’t Get Caught
- 00:17:12 Michael-DGC-Your iPhone’s VPN Might Interfere with CarPlay
- 00:21:16 Val-DGC-An AirTag in your car might just help the police locate it if stolen!
Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
- 00:23:21 Shannon-What is com.apple.asr in Snapshots?
- 00:28:44 Hans-How do I keep my iPhone lock screen free of notifications?
- 00:34:01 What Focus modes do you use?
00:39:30 SPONSOR: Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code “mgg”, available for the first 30 purchases only.
Show Business
- 00:41:28 MGG Review-BenTsuki from USA
- 00:42:28 MGG Review-Gary-Goo-69 – Too Much Gab, Not enough geek!
- 00:44:56 MGG Review-Ed-Houston THE Best Mac/Apple product-related podcast
- 00:46:00 MGG Review-Moe Coffee
00:46:48 MGG Premium Listener Contribution Appreciation Moment
MOAR Questions Answered
- 00:50:38 Steve-Reliability of CCC Backup for a wipe and restore?
- 00:56:25 Jedd-Which Wi-Fi mesh system(s) do you suggest today?
- 01:02:46 Chris-Is the Nvidia SHIELD TV really best for Plex?
  - Infuse from Firecore for Plex on Apple TV
  - Plex Pass
Cool Stuff Found
- 01:08:37 CSF-Limitless BoostHero flashlight and jump starter
- 01:12:37 CSF-MailMaven from SmallCubed
- 01:14:48 Sunway Solar Car Battery
01:17:00 MGG 1092 Outtro
- MGG Monthly Giveaway – 1MORE Headphones
- Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
- Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
- The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
- Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
- MGG Merch is Available!
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