

MacVoices
Chuck Joiner
The talk of the Apple Community
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Aug 15, 2025 • 45min
MacVoices #25216: Live! - Healthcare Digitization, AI Direction, and a 3-Billion iPhone Milestone
The panel discusses Dropbox ending its password service, Sengled smart bulb Alexa support being pulled, and Apple joining other tech giants to digitize healthcare records. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, and Mark Fuccio debate interoperability challenges, Apple’s evolving AI strategy and privacy trade-offs, celebrate 3 billion iPhones sold, and examine Apple’s lawsuit against Apple Cinemas for trademark concerns after its San Francisco expansion. Take Control Books brings you this edition of MacVoices. Get the answers you need now from leading experts. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Introductions and Panel Banter [3:55] Public Service Announcements: Dropbox Passwords, Sengled Alexa Support [9:12] Apple Joins Push to Digitize Healthcare Records [22:15] Apple’s AI Strategy and “Answers” Team Discussion [33:27] 3 Billion iPhones Sold: Milestone Reflections [38:49] Apple Lawsuit Against Apple Cinemas Expansion Links: Users left scrambling for a plan B as Dropbox drops Dropbox Passwords https://www.theregister.com/2025/07/30/dropbox_drops_dropbox_passwords/ Amazon yanks Sengled’s Alexa skill after a series of service outages https://www.pcworld.com/article/2864586/amazon-yanks-sengleds-alexa-skill-after-a-series-of-service-outages.html Apple and others back government plan to digitize healthcare https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/07/30/apple-and-others-back-government-plan-to-digitize-healthcare XKCD https://xkcd.com/927/ Apple now looking to rival ChatGPT with a new in-house 'Answers' team: report https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/03/apple-rivaling-chatgpt-with-new-internal-team-report/ Tim Cook holds company-wide meeting to address Apple’s AI woes https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/01/tim-cook-holds-company-wide-meeting-to-address-apples-ai-woes/ Tim Cook: Apple just sold its three-billionth iPhone https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/31/tim-cook-apple-just-sold-its-three-billionth-iphone/ Apple Files Lawsuit Against Owners of Apple Cinemas for Attempting to Capitalize on Its Name https://www.mactrast.com/2025/08/apple-files-lawsuit-against-owners-of-apple-cinemas-for-attempting-to-capitalize-on-its-name/ Guests: Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky. Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Mark Fuccio is actively involved in high tech startup companies, both as a principle at piqsure.com, or as a marketing advisor through his consulting practice Tactics Sells High Tech, Inc. Mark was a proud investor in Microsoft from the mid-1990's selling in mid 2000, and hopes one day that MSFT will be again an attractive investment. You can contact Mark through Twitter, LinkedIn, or on Mastodon. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,’ including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He’s been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Aug 14, 2025 • 37min
MacVoices #25215: Live! - Microsoft’s AI Push, China-Based Support, An iPhone 17 Sighting
The panel debates Microsoft’s pushy AI search in Edge, privacy concerns over Copilot Memory, and compares AI tools like Perplexity and ChatGPT for search relevance. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Web Bixby, Guy Serle, Jim Rea, and Jeff Gamet question Microsoft’s past use of China-based engineers for U.S. military support, review a possible iPhone 17 sighting, and discuss Apple’s testing secrecy. Today's MacVoices is supported by TV+ Talk, our MacVoices series with Charlotte Henry focused on Apple TV+. From shows and other content to the business side there’s always something to learn about apple’s streaming service. Find it at the Categories listings on the web site or go directly to macvoices.com/category/tv-talk. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:38] Microsoft’s AI Browser and Pushy Search Prompts [3:33] Perplexity vs. ChatGPT Search Quality [6:06] Copilot Memory and Personalization Privacy Concerns [8:00] Different AI Tools for Different Needs [11:00] Microsoft’s China-Based Military Support Controversy [13:22] AI Search Engine Recommendations Document [15:26] Alleged iPhone 17 Sighting in San Francisco [18:48] Public Testing vs. Secrecy in Apple Prototypes [22:32] Could Apple Leak Prototypes on Purpose? [24:50] Closing Roundtable and Podcast Plugs Links: Microsoft trials Copilot Mode in Edge https://www.engadget.com/ai/microsoft-trials-copilot-mode-in-edge-201851903.html Copilot doesn't just remember, it also understands you https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/for-individuals/do-more-with-ai/general-ai/ai-that-doesnt-just-remember-it-gets-you?form=MA13KP Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature is now blocked by Brave and AdGuard https://www.theverge.com/news/713676/brave-adguard-windows-recall-block-microsoft Microsoft to stop using engineers in China for tech support of US military, Hegseth orders review https://www.reuters.com/world/us/microsoft-stop-using-engineers-china-tech-support-us-military-hegseth-orders-2025-07-18/ iPhone 17 development device spotted in the wild https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/07/28/iphone-17-development-device-spotted-in-the-wild Guests: Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer’s Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @jgamet@mastodon.social on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,’ including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He’s been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon. Guy Serle, best known for being one of the co-hosts of the MyMac Podcast, sincerely apologizes for anything he has done or caused to have happened while in possession of dangerous podcasting equipment. He should know better but being a blonde from Florida means he's probably incapable of understanding the damage he has wrought. Guy is also the author of the novel, The Maltese Cube. You can follow his exploits on Twitter, catch him on Mac to the Future on Facebook, at @Macparrot@mastodon.social, and find everything at VertShark.com. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Aug 14, 2025 • 39min
MacVoices #25214: Behind The Scenes at ScreenCastsONLINE with Lee Garrett
Lee Garrett, now at the helm of ScreenCastsONLINE, shares how he went from loyal viewer to taking over from founder Don McAllister. He talks about balancing the service with his IT career, evolving content without losing its hallmark quality, and deciding when to focus on macOS/iOS updates versus app tutorials. Lee also explains their expansion on YouTube, the meticulous editing process, and his vision for future tiered courses — all while staying true to SCO’s core values. Today’s MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac and the new Cloud Cleanup feature. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use the code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at clnmy.com/MACVOICES. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:32 – Transition of ownership from Don McAllister to Lee Garrett 02:45 – Lee’s background and motivation to take over 05:08 – Balancing two careers 06:03 – Evolving content without losing tradition 08:22 – Expanding YouTube content and engagement 12:41 – How topics and apps are chosen 16:51 – Prioritizing OS updates 21:23 – Maintaining quality standards 26:57 – Future aspirations for the platform 30:03 – Creativity in app tutorials 34:08 – Hooking viewers early in videos 35:39 – Commitment to community and service 36:59 – Closing remarks Links: ScreenCastsONLINE On YouTube Guests: Lee Garrett is the Owner and Presenter at ScreenCastsONLINE. Lee has worked in the IT industry for over 20 years, working his way up from being a technician in a school, through to managing multi-million pound Transformation projects in the UK. He joined ScreenCastsONLINE as a presenter in 2017, sharing his knowledge of Apple software that he uses to get his work done and in February 2024, took over the reins from Don McAllister as the owner, heading up a talented team, dedicated to bringing quality tutorials to you each week. In addition to this, Lee has worked as a Productivity Coach, delivering workshops in how to improve your efficiency whilst maintaining a healthy work/life balance, and Lee tries to apply some of these teachings into his ScreenCastsONLINE videos. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Aug 13, 2025 • 31min
MacVoices #25213: Live! - Apple’s AI Talent Drain, Sonos’ New CEO, and the Tea App Breach
The panel discusses Apple’s AI talent losses amid a rumored shift to third-party models, Meta’s aggressive recruitment, and speculation on Apple’s long-term AI strategy. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Web Bixby, Guy Serle, Jim Rea, and Jeff Gamet cover Sonos appointing Tom Conrad as CEO, Google’s new AI search experiment, a significant SharePoint security breach, and controversy over the women-only Tea app following a massive data exposure and class action lawsuit. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV25213.mp3 Today’s MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac and the new Cloud Cleanup feature. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use the code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at clnmy.com/MACVOICES. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Introduction and Apple AI researcher departure to Meta [2:28] Apple’s AI strategy shift and market perception [5:08] Practical vs. flashy AI implementations at Apple [7:51] Perspectives on Meta’s aggressive AI hiring [9:40] Interpreting Apple’s AI direction and talent movement [12:15] Sonos appoints Tom Conrad as CEO [15:47] Google’s new AI search product discussion [18:18] SharePoint hack impacts U.S. nuclear agency [19:23] The Tea app controversy and data exposure [27:50] Social shaming and safe spaces online [29:59] Closing remarks and support information Links: Apple just lost another AI researcher as it weighs shift to third-party models https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/29/apple-just-lost-another-ai-researcher-as-it-weighs-shift-to-third-party-models/ Sonos gets to keeps its CEO, as a treat https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/sonos-gets-to-keeps-its-ceo-as-a-treat-164559137.html Google Might Have Made an AI Search Product I Actually Like https://lifehacker.com/tech/google-ai-search-web-guide US nuclear weapons agency breached using Microsoft SharePoint hack https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/us-nuclear-weapons-agency-breached-using-microsoft-sharepoint-hack-120027770.html The Microsoft SharePoint breach was massive. The response has been minimal https://www.fastcompany.com/91373183/microsoft-sharepoint-breach-response-minimal Microsoft trials Copilot Mode in Edge https://www.engadget.com/ai/microsoft-trials-copilot-mode-in-edge-201851903.html The Viral 'Tea' App Just Had a Second Data Breach, and It's Even Worse https://lifehacker.com/tech/the-viral-tea-app-just-had-another-data-breach Guests: Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer’s Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @jgamet@mastodon.social on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,’ including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He’s been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon. Guy Serle, best known for being one of the co-hosts of the MyMac Podcast, sincerely apologizes for anything he has done or caused to have happened while in possession of dangerous podcasting equipment. He should know better but being a blonde from Florida means he's probably incapable of understanding the damage he has wrought. Guy is also the author of the novel, The Maltese Cube. You can follow his exploits on Twitter, catch him on Mac to the Future on Facebook, at @Macparrot@mastodon.social, and find everything at VertShark.com. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Aug 11, 2025 • 45min
MacVoices #25212: Live! - F1 Movie Success, Apple’s New Messaging Hub, and CEO Comparisons
The panel explores three major Apple-related stories: the company’s F1 movie crossing the $500M global box office mark, the debut of Apple’s “In the Loop” section designed to centralize short-form updates and control its public messaging, and an in-depth comparison of Tim Cook’s leadership style with Steve Jobs’ legacy. Along the way, Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Web Bixby, Guy Serle, Jim Rea, and Jeff Gamet discuss how Apple’s strategy has shifted toward services and entertainment, the continuing importance of the iPhone, and the challenges of distributing official news. The conversation also touches on iCloud scam warnings, movie theater experiences, and what might define Cook’s place in Apple history. Today’s MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac and the new Cloud Cleanup feature. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use the code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at clnmy.com/MACVOICES. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Panel introductions and mic talk [5:20] PSA: iCloud storage scam warnings [8:38] Apple’s F1 movie surpasses $500M [11:40] IMAX re-release and movie-going habits [17:32] Apple launches “In the Loop” content hub [19:30] Accessibility, RSS, and content distribution issues [26:36] Comparing Tim Cook’s and Steve Jobs’ leadership [32:05] Apple’s diversification beyond hardware [39:13] The iPhone’s continuing central role [41:19] Measuring leadership success and legacy [43:40] Closing remarks and support acknowledgements Links: That Message About Cloud Storage Could Be a Scam https://lifehacker.com/tech/cloud-storage-message-scams Apple's F1 movie crosses $500 million at global box office https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/27/apple-f1-movie-global-box-office-five-hundred-million/ Apple solves its social media fragmentation problem with 'In the Loop’ https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/24/apple-in-the-loop-newsroom/ AppleCare+ vs AppleCare One: Warranty services compared https://forums.appleinsider.com/discussion/241113/applecare-vs-applecare-one-warranty-services-compared Tim Cook isn't going to get fired, and Steve Jobs isn't rolling over in his grave https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/07/04/tim-cook-isnt-going-to-get-fired-and-steve-jobs-isnt-rolling-over-in-his-grave Guests: Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer’s Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @jgamet@mastodon.social on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,’ including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He’s been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon. Guy Serle, best known for being one of the co-hosts of the MyMac Podcast, sincerely apologizes for anything he has done or caused to have happened while in possession of dangerous podcasting equipment. He should know better but being a blonde from Florida means he's probably incapable of understanding the damage he has wrought. Guy is also the author of the novel, The Maltese Cube. You can follow his exploits on Twitter, catch him on Mac to the Future on Facebook, at @Macparrot@mastodon.social, and find everything at VertShark.com. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Aug 9, 2025 • 32min
MacVoices #25211: MacPaw's Cloud Cleanup Organizes iCloud, Google Drive, and OneDrive
Roman Kaplun and Oleksandr “Sasha” Kravchuk from MacPaw unveil Cloud Cleanup, a new CleanMyMac feature designed to help users manage and optimize cloud storage across iCloud, Google Drive, and OneDrive. Using native macOS APIs, it ensures privacy by never accessing login credentials directly and working entirely on-device. Cloud Cleanup can unsync local files to free up Mac space or delete unnecessary items from the cloud to reduce storage costs. It integrates CleanMyMac’s familiar tools like Space Lens, offers user control before deletions, and plans to add Dropbox and additional connection options in future updates, with user feedback guiding development. This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by the MacVoices Dispatch, our weekly newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on any and all MacVoices-related information. Subscribe today and don't miss a thing. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:35] MacPaw team introduction [1:30] Cloud Cleanup overview [3:01] Security and privacy approach [4:46] Supported cloud services [8:11] Main use cases and benefits [10:57] Comparison to CleanMyMac functions [13:08] Privacy safeguards [13:25] Development background [18:34] UX design challenges [18:43] Dropbox support discussion [22:26] Integration into CleanMyMac [24:35] Additional connection methods [27:14] How to learn more and give feedback [29:37] Connecting with the MacPaw team Links: Guests: Oleksandr “Sasha” Kravchuk has been working in product and graphic design for 20 years. In that time, he’s helped train dozens of designers to implement data-driven approaches to user experience construction. A Design Director at MacPaw, his work on CleanMyMac has received multiple design and UX accolades, including the recent visual revamp, which earned two Webby Award nominations for Best User Experience and Best Practices. Find him on LinkedIn. Roman Kaplun is a Senior Engineering Manager at MacPaw, responsible for overseeing all engineering and product development for CleanMyMac. For over fifteen years, Roman has led global engineering teams across industries, including investment banking, payment processing, and B2B SaaS, with a primary focus on delivering customer value and building robust technology solutions. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Aug 7, 2025 • 37min
MacVoices #25210: TV+ Talk - Prime Target, F1 Rights, and the Sports Focus of Apple TV+
The UK is on the agenda as Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner review Prime Target on Apple TV+, discussing its clichés, stellar production quality, and how UK-based shows carry a distinct tone. They explore Apple’s reported bid for Formula One rights, possible links to the F1 film, and its broader sports strategy. Other topics include MLS signings, upcoming Apple TV+ releases, and Charlotte’s new book, Streaming Wars. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Intro: Prime Target and TV+ Topics [1:17] First Impressions of Prime Target [3:17] Clichés and Cultural Perspectives [6:05] Production Quality and Visual Style [9:30] Apple TV+ Marketing Challenges [10:43] UK-Based Apple TV+ Show Vibes [13:54] Apple’s Interest in Formula One Rights [17:57] Drive to Survive and F1 Popularity [18:49] ESPN Steps Aside for Apple [20:54] Impact of F1 Film and Streaming Strategy [23:03] Apple’s Long Game in Sports [25:15] MLS Season and Hyun Min Son’s Move [27:44] Star Power and Market Impact [28:33] Relocation Banter and LA Living [29:51] Upcoming Apple TV+ Shows [32:17] Steady Flow of Summer Releases [33:42] Jason Momoa at Black Sabbath’s Final Concert [34:52] Where to Find the Hosts Online [35:08] Charlotte’s Book Streaming Wars Release Info Guests: Charlotte Henry is a media junkie, covering how Apple is not just a revolutionary tech firm, but a revolutionary media firm. She is based in London, writes and broadcasts for various outlets, and is the author of Not Buying It, an examination of fake news. You can find her on her The Addition blog, her podcast, in her The Addition newsletter on substack, and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Aug 6, 2025 • 29min
MacVoices #25209: AI Sound Effects and the Case for Digital Detox
Adobe Firefly’s AI-generated sound effects, how artificial audio tools might change the way we tell stories, and the widespread implications are debated by Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Web Bixby, Mary Jencius, and Eric Bolden. The conversation shifts to a more philosophical debate about authenticity—should media reflect real experiences or be enhanced for impact? Next, attention turns to the rise in smartphone addiction among young people. The panel examines digital detox summer camps, classroom policies, and the role of parents and educators in teaching responsible device use. They also reflect on the post-pandemic social challenges and how attention spans have shifted in a screen-saturated world. Wrapping up, the group addresses the recent Microsoft SharePoint hack, offering both a security expert’s and end-user’s take on its seriousness and implications for businesses and Mac users alike. This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Get access to the MacVoices Slack and MacVoices After Dark by joining in at Patreon.com/macvoices. Show Notes: Chapters: [00:00] Introduction: AI Sound Effects and Digital Detox [00:27] Exploring Adobe Firefly’s AI Sound Generation [01:30] Authentic Audio vs. Enhanced Reality [03:33] MTV, Lip-Syncing, and Video Expectations [04:08] Vision Pro: Realism vs. Representation [06:30] The Challenge of Smartphone Addiction in Kids [09:36] Strategies for Addressing Device Dependency [11:48] Teaching Responsible Technology Use [13:04] Post-Pandemic Student Behavior and Tech Habits [15:15] Classroom Approaches to Phone Separation [15:51] Parenting, Screens, and Early Device Exposure [17:01] Technology vs. Rules: Teaching vs. Restricting [18:52] Attention Spans and the Decline of Long-Form Media [19:10] Microsoft SharePoint Hack Discussion [21:37] Enterprise Security: Sensationalism vs. Real Risk [23:33] Final Thoughts and Sign-Off Links: Adobe Firefly can now generate sound effects from your audio cues https://www.engadget.com/ai/adobe-firefly-can-now-generate-sound-effects-from-your-audio-cues-130008172.html This ‘Digital Detox’ Summer Camp May be Able to Cure Your Kid’s Smartphone Addiction https://www.mactrast.com/2025/07/this-digital-detox-summer-camp-may-be-able-to-cure-your-kids-smartphone-addiction/ How One Principal Got Kids to Pay Attention in Class https://www.edweek.org/technology/how-one-principal-got-kids-to-pay-attention-in-class/2025/07 Microsoft SharePoint hacks a major problem for corporate networks https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/07/21/microsoft-sharepoint-hacks-a-major-problem-for-corporate-networks-not-mac-hardware Guests: Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky. Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,’ including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Aug 5, 2025 • 47min
MacVoices #25208: Joe Kissell Introduces Take Control Premium
Joe Kissel introduces Take Control Premium, a new membership program offering 50% discounts on all Take Control books for a year. He explains the challenges of online sales, taxes, and the reasoning behind replacing traditional sales with this model. The discussion covers pricing, customer psychology, and the value of quality tech information in a world of quick but often unreliable online answers. Today’s edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices Live!, our weekly live panel discussion of what is going in the Apple space as well as the larger tech world, and how it is impacting you. Join us live at YouTube.com/MacVoicesTV at 8 PM Eastern 5 PM Pacific, or whatever time that is wherever you are, and participate in the chat, or catch the edited and segmented versions of the show on the regular MacVoices channels and feeds. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Welcome 01:21 – What Is Take Control Premium? 04:27 – Why a Membership Model? (Amazon Prime Inspiration) 07:00 – Tax Complexities and Why They Use Paddle 10:30 – Workarounds for Selling the Membership 13:06 – How to Buy and Apply the Discount 16:22 – Discount Tradeoffs and Removed Features 22:20 – Sales Psychology and Customer Behavior 26:18 – Not a Subscription: Why That Matters 30:14 – Future Member Perks and Community Value 36:41 – Can This Business Model Survive? 42:32 – Ebook Pricing Pressures and Perceptions 44:14 – Where to Learn More and Final Thoughts Links: Take Control Premium Guests: Joe Kissell is the publisher of Take Control ebooks, as well as the author of over 60 books on a wide variety of tech topics. Keep up with him if you can on his personal site, JoeKissell.com, and on Twitter. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Aug 4, 2025 • 36min
MacVoices #25207: Live! - G4 Cube Legacy, ChatGPT Tops Copilot, AI Image Filtering
The MacVoices Live! panel reflects on the G4 Cube’s design legacy, discusses Apple’s approach to AI privacy, and reviews ChatGPT’s new meeting transcription feature, which outpaces Microsoft Copilot in downloads. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Web Bixby, Mary Jencius, and Eric Bolden debate the value of on-device AI versus cloud services, examine DuckDuckGo’s AI image filter, and weigh the benefits and risks of AI-generated media in an era of deepfakes and data privacy concerns. MacVoices is supported by Take Control Books: The Answers You Need Now, From Leading Experts. Start your library today. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:12 Introduction to Mac Voices 01:48 Apple's AI and Privacy Concerns 05:33 G4 Cube: A Design Retrospective 14:00 ChatGPT's New Features and Implications 22:01 Comparing ChatGPT and Copilot 25:12 DuckDuckGo's AI Image Filtering 32:50 The Future of AI in Media Creation Links: 25 years later, Apple’s most infamous Mac can teach some valuable lessons https://www.macworld.com/article/2850603/6-lessons-apple-power-mac-g4-cube-25th-anniversary.html ChatGPT Plus Gets Record Mode on Mac for Meeting Transcription https://www.macrumors.com/2025/07/17/chatgpt-plus-gets-record-mode-macos/ ChatGPT has 10 times as many downloads as Microsoft's Copilot https://qz.com/chatgpt-beats-microsofts-copilot-downloads DuckDuckGo now allows you to filter out AI images in search results https://www.engadget.com/ai/duckduckgo-now-allows-you-to-filter-out-ai-images-in-search-results-144326213.html Guests: Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky. Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,’ including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss