Brendon Bigley, co-host of the Next Portable Console podcast and a writer on gaming and tech, joins the conversation to discuss the revival of handheld gaming and the upcoming Control Ultimate Edition for Mac. They explore the competitive landscape of social media, sharing insights on Blue Sky and tools like Croissant for cross-posting. Lighthearted anecdotes about email frustrations and task management tools lead to discussions on writing strategies and essential podcasting gear, all wrapped in a nostalgic appreciation for gaming’s evolution.
The NPC podcast emerged from a longstanding passion for handheld gaming, particularly emphasized during the pandemic, highlighting the hosts' shared enthusiasm.
Apple's upcoming release of Control Ultimate Edition for Mac indicates a strategic push in gaming, raising expectations for future high-quality titles on this platform.
Blue Sky is gaining traction as an alternative social media platform, characterized by its user-focused framework and innovative potential for personalized algorithms.
Deep dives
The Genesis of NPC Podcast
The conversation reveals the origins of the NPC podcast, highlighting the eagerness to cover video games in a dedicated format that started with a long-standing interest dating back to 2018 or 2019. The pandemic provided both a pause and a renewed urgency for such a project as the hosts had the perfect opportunity to delve into the explosion of handheld gaming devices. The unique angle of discussing portable consoles sets NPC apart, filling a niche in the podcasting landscape that had been overlooked. The hosts' shared enthusiasm for handhelds forms an engaging foundation for their discussions, underscoring their authentic passion for the subject.
Apple's Gaming Prospects
Recent announcements around Apple's focus on gaming are examined, particularly the upcoming release of Control Ultimate Edition for Mac, which is set to debut in early 2025. The significance of this game lies in its production using Apple's Metal and other gaming APIs, hinting at potential financial backing from Apple to attract major titles. There are mixed feelings about the sporadic nature of such noteworthy game releases on the Mac, suggesting a more systemic issue if this pattern continues. Nevertheless, expectations are high that Apple's evolving technologies, especially in incorporating USB-C, will eventually enhance the gaming experience on its devices.
The Rise of Blue Sky
Blue Sky is discussed as a growing alternative in the social media landscape, particularly in the wake of dissatisfaction with other platforms. Users have found the app relatively easy to set up and engaging, even though it currently lacks some functionalities that users desire. The conversation touches on the differences in structure compared to Mastodon and Threads, specifically highlighting Blue Sky's user-focused framework. Additionally, Blue Sky’s potential for innovative user-generated algorithms and feeds is seen as a promising feature, setting it apart in attracting diverse audiences.
RSS and Content Curation
The importance of RSS as a vital tool for content discovery is emphasized, with discussions centered around the preference for Readwise Reader over other options. This choice stems from Readwise's effective text parsing and usability, even if it comes with its own set of limitations. The way Readwise handles article transcriptions and read-later features is specifically praised for how it facilitates research and content consumption. The ongoing competition with other platforms like Matter showcases the versatility and necessity of RSS in curating and consuming diverse information.
Podcasting Equipment and Strategies
The hosts share insights into their podcasting equipment and strategies, revealing a thoughtful approach to audio quality and functionality. Notably, the use of Audio Hijack for recording and Ableton Live for editing illustrates a unique intersection of professional and creative tools tailored to their workflows. They advocate for using familiar technology to streamline processes, noting how even microphones commonly deemed subpar can produce excellent results with the right techniques. This conversation highlights the blend of personal preference, technology, and adaptability in successful podcast production.
This week, John is joined by his NPC: Next Portable Console co-host Brendon Bigley for a conversation about Control Ultimate Edition coming to the Mac, Bluesky, a friendly interrogation about the apps and gear Brendon uses, and more.
