MacVoices

The MacVoices Live! holiday party rolls on as the panel discusses Apple's recent test flight data loss and whether it is a significant event given that the data was 10 years old. Shifting focus, Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Ben Roethig, Jim Rea, and Brittany Smith discuss the termination of Adobe’s deal with Figma and their fine for difficult-to-cancel subscription policies. That leads to comparisons and frustration with other companies that engage in the same practices.  This edition of MacVoices is supported by the MacVoices Holiday Gift Guides. Holiday conversations and great gear picks by our panelists. Check them out: http://MacVoices.com/HolidayGiftGuides Show Notes: Chapters: 0:02:02 Archiving old software and the accessibility of vintage apps 0:06:22 Concerns about online privacy and data vulnerability 0:08:23 The sensitivity of data and the potential consequences 0:09:22 Beeper Controversy: Privacy Concerns and Speculation 0:10:46 Speculation about software preservation and developer choices 0:13:04 Perspectives on software preservation and personal experiences 0:14:31 Apple's stock market success and Adobe's failed Figma deal 0:17:32 Tech Krampus Strikes Again 0:19:07 Uncertain Future for Figma after Failed Acquisition 0:21:51 The Breakup Fee: Immediate Payment Upon Deal Disclosure 0:22:14 Adobe's $6 Billion Cash and Stock Options Impact 0:23:22 Size Comparison: Canva vs Figma 0:23:55 Canva's Expansion Raises Questions about Figma's Future 0:25:23 Adobe's Difficult Subscription Model 0:26:35 Congress should address companies abusing customer power 0:29:23 Xfinity data breach exposes customer information Links: Apple TestFlight servers from 2012 to 2015 leak, containing terabytes of data  https://www.eurogamer.net/apple-testflight-servers-from-2012-to-2015-leak-containing-terabytes-of-data Apple Hits Record High While Big Tech Stocks Rally  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-13/apple-climbs-to-hit-fresh-all-time-high-as-tech-rally-extends Adobe's Figma buy isn't going to happen, and will cost Adobe $1 billion  https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/12/18/adobes-figma-deal-isnt-going-to-happen-and-will-cost-adobe-1-billion?utm_medium=rss Adobe faces big fines from FTC over difficult subscription cancellation  https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/12/14/adobe-faces-big-fines-from-ftc-over-difficult-subscription-cancellation Xfinity data breach revealed: Names, contact info, security Q&As, and more at risk  https://9to5mac.com/2023/12/19/xfinity-data-breach-hack/ Guests: 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 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. Ben Roethig has been in the Apple Ecosystem since the System 7 Days. He is the a former Associate Editor with Geek Beat, Co-Founder of The Tech Hangout and Deconstruct and currently shares his thoughts on RoethigTech. Contact him on  Twitter and Mastodon. Brittany Smith is a trained cognitive neuroscientist who provides ADD/ADHD, technology, and productivity coaching through her business, Devise and Conquer, along with companion video courses for folks with ADHD. She’s also the cofounder of The ADHD Guild, a community for nerdy folks with ADHD. She, herself, is a self-designated “well-rounded geek”. She can be found on Twitter as @addliberator, on Mastodon as @addliberator@pdx.social, and on YouTube with tech tips. 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 00:00:00 Apple's loss of test flight data and Adobe's bad week 00:02:02 Archiving old software and the accessibility of vintage apps 00:06:22 Concerns about online privacy and data vulnerability 00:08:23 The sensitivity of data and the potential consequences 00:09:22 Beeper Controversy: Privacy Concerns and Speculation 00:10:45 Speculation about software preservation and developer choices 00:13:04 Perspectives on software preservation and personal experiences 00:14:31 Apple's stock market success and Adobe's failed Figma deal 00:17:32 Tech Krampus Strikes Again 00:19:06 Uncertain Future for Figma after Failed Acquisition 00:21:50 The Breakup Fee: Immediate Payment Upon Deal Disclosure 00:22:14 Adobe's $6 Billion Cash and Stock Options Impact 00:23:21 Size Comparison: Canva vs Figma 00:23:54 Canva's Expansion Raises Questions about Figma's Future 00:25:23 Adobe's Difficult Subscription Model 00:26:34 Congress should address companies abusing customer power 00:29:23 Xfinity data breach exposes customer information

As part of the MacVoices Live! holiday party, Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Ben Roethig, Jim Rea, and Brittany Smith discuss the Apple Watch situation. Apple's rare acknowledgment sparks speculation on sales strategy and complicates those looking to purchase the device for the holidays. The panel also reviews the developments in the messaging encryption controversy, condemning misinformation from politicians and media. Doubting significant regulatory changes, the conversation highlights the importance of factual media coverage.    This edition of MacVoices is supported by the MacVoices Holiday Gift Guides. Holiday conversations and great gear picks by our panelists. Check them out: http://MacVoices.com/HolidayGiftGuides Show Notes: Chapters: 0:00:35 MacVoices Live Holiday Party Begins 0:03:19 Holiday Decorations and Red Shirts 0:07:22 Speculation on Software Alterations and Apple Watch Sales 0:09:10 Implications of the Court Case on Apple Watch Sales Worldwide 0:09:52 Apple's Late Announcement and Implications of Biden Administration 0:13:05 Request for Recall and Hardware Changes for Apple Watches 0:13:20 The Apple Watch Debate: Can Apple Brick Purchased Watches? 0:15:57 Biden's Potential Veto and Massimo CEO's Power Struggle 0:16:16 Stalled Negotiations with Massimo 0:18:00 Apple's Unwillingness to Reach a Fair Deal 0:19:26 Apple Watch Controversy and Urgency to Purchase 0:21:47 Keeping an Eye on the Topic 0:22:01 Frustration with the Overplayed Beeper Topic 0:23:32 Mainstream Media's Lack of Knowledge and Nonsense Reporting 0:26:19 Potential Support for Enacting DMA-like Laws in the US 0:29:01 Concerns about Apple's Monopoly and Antitrust Subcommittee's involvement 0:30:58 Apple Haters and Publicity Stunts in Congress 0:33:17 The Mainstream Media's Role in Ignoring Facts and Glossing Over Details Links: Apple to halt Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 sales in the US this week  https://9to5mac.com/2023/12/18/apple-halting-apple-watch-series-9-and-apple-watch-ultra-2-sales/ Apple could avoid US Apple Watch ban with software update https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/12/19/apple-could-avoid-us-apple-watch-ban-with-software-update Masimo CEO on Looming Apple Watch Ban: 'These Guys Have Been Caught With Their Hands in the Cookie Jar’  https://www.macrumors.com/2023/12/19/masimo-ceo-on-apple-watch-ban/ The slow death of Beeper continues, and more senators want to get involved  https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/12/18/the-slow-death-of-beeper-continues-and-more-senators-want-to-get-involved "Beeper Mini" app lets Android users send texts to iPhones with blue iMessage bubbles  https://youtu.be/BeJs0XOvFrw?si=HwVFnPoA0TaIJ3Xh Guests: 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 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. Ben Roethig has been in the Apple Ecosystem since the System 7 Days. He is the a former Associate Editor with Geek Beat, Co-Founder of The Tech Hangout and Deconstruct and currently shares his thoughts on RoethigTech. Contact him on  Twitter and Mastodon. Brittany Smith is a trained cognitive neuroscientist who provides ADD/ADHD, technology, and productivity coaching through her business, Devise and Conquer, along with companion video courses for folks with ADHD. She’s also the cofounder of The ADHD Guild, a community for nerdy folks with ADHD. She, herself, is a self-designated “well-rounded geek”. She can be found on Twitter as @addliberator, on Mastodon as @addliberator@pdx.social, and on YouTube with tech tips. 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 00:00:34 MacVoices Live Holiday Party Begins 00:03:18 Holiday Decorations and Red Shirts 00:07:22 Speculation on Software Alterations and Apple Watch Sales 00:09:10 Implications of the Court Case on Apple Watch Sales Worldwide 00:09:52 Apple's Late Announcement and Implications of Biden Administration 00:13:04 Request for Recall and Hardware Changes for Apple Watches 00:13:20 The Apple Watch Debate: Can Apple Brick Purchased Watches? 00:15:56 Biden's Potential Veto and Massimo CEO's Power Struggle 00:16:15 Stalled Negotiations with Massimo 00:17:59 Apple's Unwillingness to Reach a Fair Deal 00:19:25 Apple Watch Controversy and Urgency to Purchase 00:21:46 Keeping an Eye on the Topic 00:22:00 Frustration with the Overplayed Beeper Topic 00:23:32 Mainstream Media's Lack of Knowledge and Nonsense Reporting 00:26:19 Potential Support for Enacting DMA-like Laws in the US 00:29:00 Concerns about Apple's Monopoly and Antitrust Subcommittee's involvement 00:30:57 Apple Haters and Publicity Stunts in Congress 00:33:16 The Mainstream Media's Role in Ignoring Facts and Glossing Over Details

In the final Update for 2023, host Chuck Joiner offers his appreciation for everyone who participates in MacVoices from both sides of the camera and mic, talks about what was accomplished in 2023 and some of what is to come in 2024, reviews the Holiday Gift Guides, and finishes up with the Support Report. Show Notes: Links: MacVoices Holiday Gift Guides 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 00:00:00 December 2023 Mac Voices Update and Appreciation 00:01:09 Mac Voices Holiday Gift Guides and Dedicated Page 00:02:38 Plans for 2023 and Upcoming CES Coverage 00:03:37 Reflecting on a Productive Year and Resolutions for 2024 00:04:18 Special Attention to Patreon Subscribers 00:05:19 Support Report: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Subscribers 00:06:09 Thanking Subscribers and Wishing for a Happy New Year 00:07:19 Advertising and Bandwidth Partnerships

The MacVoices Live! panel of Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Ben Roethig, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, Mark Fuccio, and Guy Serle scrutinizes Tidal's surprising solid revenue and profi resilience despite a 10% staff layoff. The conversation then to Spotify's sustainability and Amex's perception of Apple Card's lacking premium appeal.  This edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices Magazine, our free magazine on Flipboard. Updated daily with the best articles on the web to help you do more with your Apple gear and adjacent tech, access MacVoices Magazine content on Flipboard, on the web, or in your favorite RSS reader. Show Notes: Chapters: 0:03:08 Tidal's Revenue and Profit 0:05:22 Tidal's Decline and Staff Cuts 0:07:03 Exploring Tools to Transfer Title Playlists 0:08:40 Spotify's Profits and Potential for Future Success 0:11:49 Confusion between Spotify and Epic Games 0:13:19 Jury's Decision: Would They Side with Apple or Not? 0:14:39 Legal Arguments vs Lay Jury: A Judge's Perspective 0:15:45 Concerns about Goldman Sachs' lack of consumer credit experience 0:17:05 Speculation on the percentage of Apple customers with bad credit 0:17:41 Differentiating Apple customers and Apple Cardholders 0:19:42 The lack of data makes it difficult to determine creditworthiness 0:21:19 Speculating on potential rebound options for Apple Card Links: Tidal is laying off 10 percent of its staff  https://www.engadget.com/tidal-is-laying-off-10-percent-of-its-staff-140112305.html Google Loses Antitrust Case Brought by Epic Games  https://www.wsj.com/tech/google-loses-antitrust-case-brought-by-epic-games-651f5987 Apple Card might not be 'premium' enough for Amex, the card issuer's CEO hints  https://www.imore.com/apple/apple-card-might-not-be-premium-enough-for-amex-the-card-issuers-ceo-hints Subscriber share held by smartphone operating systems in the United States from 2012 to 2023  https://www.statista.com/statistics/266572/market-share-held-by-smartphone-platforms-in-the-united-states/ Guests: 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, and on his blog, Trending At Work. 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. 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 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. Ben Roethig has been in the Apple Ecosystem since the System 7 Days. He is the a former Associate Editor with Geek Beat, Co-Founder of The Tech Hangout and Deconstruct and currently shares his thoughts on RoethigTech. Contact him on  Twitter and 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 00:03:08 Tidal's Revenue and Profit 00:05:22 Tidal's Decline and Staff Cuts 00:07:02 Exploring Tools to Transfer Title Playlists 00:08:39 Spotify's Profits and Potential for Future Success 00:11:49 Confusion between Spotify and Epic Games 00:13:18 Jury's Decision: Would They Side with Apple or Not? 00:14:38 Legal Arguments vs Lay Jury: A Judge's Perspective 00:15:45 Concerns about Goldman Sachs' lack of consumer credit experience 00:17:04 Speculation on the percentage of Apple customers with bad credit 00:17:40 Differentiating Apple customers and Apple Cardholders 00:19:41 The lack of data makes it difficult to determine creditworthiness 00:21:18 Speculating on potential rebound options for Apple Card

This MacVoices Live! discussion spotlights Apple’s latest stolen device protection measures and why you should adopt them. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Ben Roethig, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, Mark Fuccio, and Guy Serle underscore the importance of smartphone security in public spaces and Face ID. The panel also touches on how FineWoven is holding up after a rough start, as well as 23andMe's controversial terms of service changes, and AI tools' potential to impersonate live personalities.  This edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices After Dark. What happens before and after the shows is uncensored, on-topic, off-topic, and always off the wall. Sign up as a MacVoices Patron and get access! http://patreon.com/macvoices Show Notes: Chapters: 0:02:24 Positive reception to Apple's stolen device protection feature 0:02:55 Enhanced Phone Security with Biometric Scanning 0:07:04 iPhone as a Tracker: Enhanced Theft Deterrent 0:09:21 Fine Woven Bands vs Leather: User Satisfaction Debate 0:11:13 The Irony of Apple's Leather Band Decision 0:13:17 Quality issues with new Apple Watch bands 0:15:53 Pondering Magnetic Link Bands on Amazon 0:17:13 Magnetic Watch Bands and Knockoff Melanies 0:19:03 23andMe's Controversial Terms of Service Change 0:20:27 Curious Speculations and Password Changes 0:21:41 Celebrities Tricked into Recording Propaganda Videos 0:23:02 War situation and misuse of celebrity contracts 0:25:30 Technology's impact on video editing and celebrity earnings 0:28:24 Impersonating people with AI tools 0:30:11 The danger of fictional content being mistaken as real 0:32:01 Samuel L. Jackson as the Voice of Vader? Links: Apple Makes Security Changes to Protect Users From iPhone Thefts  https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/apple-iphone-ios-update-stolen-device-protection-698d760e?st=vg2nkphglwtsx9w&reflink=article_copyURL_share Apple Makes Security Changes to Protect Users From iPhone Thefts https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/12/06/google-drive-offers-possible-fix-for-missing-files-but-isnt-guaranteedf Apple Makes Security Changes to Protect Users From iPhone Thefts https://www.mactrast.com/2023/12/apple-named-as-petas-2023-company-of-the-year/ Are FineWoven Apple Watch bands really better than leather ones?  https://9to5mac.com/2023/12/07/finewoven-apple-watch-bands-leather/ OCTT Pacific Blue FineWoven Magnetic Link Band Compatible with Apple Watch Band 38mm 40mm 41mm, Woven Loop Strap  https://amzn.to/41FClcs 23andMe frantically changed its terms of service to prevent hacked customers from suing  https://www.engadget.com/23andme-frantically-changed-its-terms-of-service-to-prevent-hacked-customers-from-suing-152434306.html U.S. celebrities were tricked into recording videos later doctored into anti-Zelenskyy propaganda  https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/misinformation/celebrities-tricked-cameo-videos-russia-ukraine-propoganda-elijah-wood-rcna128331 Jimmy Kimmel Says George Santos Is Demanding $20,000 for Showing Cameos on Late Night Show  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jimmy-kimmel-george-santos-demanding-money-airing-cameos-1235746697/ Cameo  https://www.cameo.com/ New bedtime story voiced by Jimmy Stewart just in time for Christmas, 26 years after his death  https://www.mynbc5.com/article/bedtime-story-voiced-by-jimmy-stewart-christmas/46072345 Guests: 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, and on his blog, Trending At Work. 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. 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 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. Ben Roethig has been in the Apple Ecosystem since the System 7 Days. He is the a former Associate Editor with Geek Beat, Co-Founder of The Tech Hangout and Deconstruct and currently shares his thoughts on RoethigTech. Contact him on  Twitter and 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 00:02:24 Positive reception to Apple's stolen device protection feature 00:02:54 Enhanced Phone Security with Biometric Scanning 00:07:04 iPhone as a Tracker: Enhanced Theft Deterrent 00:09:21 Fine Woven Bands vs Leather: User Satisfaction Debate 00:11:12 The Irony of Apple's Leather Band Decision 00:13:17 Quality issues with new Apple Watch bands 00:15:53 Pondering Magnetic Link Bands on Amazon 00:17:12 Magnetic Watch Bands and Knockoff Melanies 00:19:03 23andMe's Controversial Terms of Service Change 00:20:27 Curious Speculations and Password Changes 00:21:41 Celebrities Tricked into Recording Propaganda Videos 00:23:02 War situation and misuse of celebrity contracts 00:25:29 Technology's impact on video editing and celebrity earnings 00:28:24 Impersonating people with AI tools 00:30:11 The danger of fictional content being mistaken as real 00:32:01 Samuel L. Jackson as the Voice of Vader?

The MacVoices Live! panel discusses the controversy surrounding Beeper, questioning whether it's a case of innovation or something less above-board. The back-and-forth between Beeper and Apple results in concerns about the security implications of giving out Apple IDs. The discussion shifts to the broader topic of politicians, particularly Elizabeth Warren, making statements about technology without a deep understanding of the issues at hand, with Beeper front and center. Overall, Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Ben Roethig, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, Mark Fuccio, and Guy Serle explore the complexities of interoperability, user experience, and Apple's decision-making in the context of iMessage and Beeper.  This edition of MacVoices is supported by the MacVoices Holiday Gift Guides. Great gear picks by our panelists. Check them out: http://MacVoices.com/HolidayGiftGuides Show Notes: Chapters: 0:05:18 Beeper: Apple's Block and Unblocking Methods 0:06:17 Forging certificates and Apple's response 0:07:42 Beeper's sudden shift to being a free service 0:10:19 Elizabeth Warren's Anti-Tech Grandstanding 0:12:47 Politicians and Technology: Broad Strokes vs. Single Issues 0:14:39 Elizabeth Warren's Twitter Post Criticized 0:16:12 Apple's Reputation and Tech Company Misconceptions 0:19:53 Android vs. Apple: User Interface Differentiation 0:21:57 Apple's Motive for iMessage: Breaking Carrier Monopoly or Selling Phones? 0:23:47 Beeper App: Motivated by Acquisition Potential 0:25:20 Web's Positive Experience with CarPlay in Tesla Links: Apple Confirms It Shut Down iMessage for Android App Beeper Mini  https://www.macrumors.com/2023/12/10/apple-confirms-it-shut-down-beeper-mini/ iMessage for Android App 'Beeper Mini' is Back, Apple ID Sign In Now Required and Phone Numbers Don't Work  https://www.macrumors.com/2023/12/11/beeper-mini-android-imessage-app-back/ Beeper’s iMessage app for Android is back — but it’s a downgrade  https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/11/23997097/beeper-mini-android-imessage-app-working-again Senator Warren wades into Apple's Beeper fight with irrelevant antitrust rhetoric  https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/12/11/senator-warren-wades-into-apples-beeper-fight-with-irrelevant-antitrust-rhetoric Beeper Mini restores its iMessage app for Android and makes it free, but will it last?  https://9to5google.com/2023/12/11/beeper-mini-restored-apple/ Guests: 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, and on his blog, Trending At Work. 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. 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 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. Ben Roethig has been in the Apple Ecosystem since the System 7 Days. He is the a former Associate Editor with Geek Beat, Co-Founder of The Tech Hangout and Deconstruct and currently shares his thoughts on RoethigTech. Contact him on  Twitter and 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 00:05:17 Beeper: Apple's Block and Unblocking Methods 00:06:16 Forging certificates and Apple's response 00:07:41 Beeper's sudden shift to being a free service 00:10:18 Elizabeth Warren's Anti-Tech Grandstanding 00:12:47 Politicians and Technology: Broad Strokes vs. Single Issues 00:14:38 Elizabeth Warren's Twitter Post Criticized 00:16:12 Apple's Reputation and Tech Company Misconceptions 00:19:52 Android vs. Apple: User Interface Differentiation 00:21:56 Apple's Motive for iMessage: Breaking Carrier Monopoly or Selling Phones? 00:23:46 Beeper App: Motivated by Acquisition Potential 00:25:19 Web's Positive Experience with CarPlay in Tesla

Chuck Joiner, Dave Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, Jeff Gamet, Ben Roethig, Mark Fuccio, and Web Bixby discuss KISS's future through digital avatars, with panelists expressing opinions about this version of digital immortality. . Financial opportunities and concerns about avatar ownership and technological advancements in entertainment are discussed. They also compare Spotify to Netflix and critique Spotify's business model in the podcast industry. The show wraps with a humorous story about a Washington, D.C. robbery, where thieves returned an Android phone, mistakenly thinking it was an iPhone.  This edition of MacVoices is supported by the MacVoices Holiday Gift Guides. Holiday conversations and great gear picks by our panelists. Check them out: http://MacVoices.com/HolidayGiftGuides Show Notes: Chapters: 0:00:00 KISS's Last Live Show as a Band KISS's Digital Avatars: The Future of Music? 0:03:13 The Question of Excitement: Kiss vs Other Bands 0:05:14 Keeping Music Alive: Tribute Bands and Legacy Preservation 0:07:22 The Future of Music: New People and Leveraging Legacy 0:09:01 Avatars and Death: What Happens to the Band? 0:10:47 The Rise of Independent Artists 0:11:51 The economics of live albums versus internet delivery 0:13:26 Advancing the art of virtual concerts and its potential 0:15:36 The controversy and future of VR concerts and avatars 0:20:23 Downsizing and Layoffs at Spotify 0:23:47 Uncertainty and Changing Landscape for Audio Streaming Companies 0:25:42 Spotify's Comparison to Netflix Falls Short 0:29:01 The concept of profitability and business model 0:30:58 A robbery with an unexpected twist 0:31:59 A Classic Story of Robbery and Unusual Outcome Links: Kiss say farewell to live touring, become first US band to go virtual and become digital avatars  https://apnews.com/article/kiss-digital-avatars-end-of-road-finale-37a8ae9905099343c7b41654b2344d0c ABBA Voyage https://abbavoyage.com/theconcert/ "Kiss and Make-Up: A Memoir" by Gene Simmons https://amzn.to/4ay262L Spotify is laying off 1,500 employees, who will be notified later today  https://www.engadget.com/spotify-is-laying-off-1500-employees-081521615.html Thieves return stolen Android phone after realizing it’s not an iPhone: ‘We don’t want this’ https://9to5mac.com/2023/12/04/stolen-android-phone-returned-iphone/ 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. 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, and on his blog, Trending At Work. 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. 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 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. Ben Roethig has been in the Apple Ecosystem since the System 7 Days. He is the a former Associate Editor with Geek Beat, Co-Founder of The Tech Hangout and Deconstruct and currently shares his thoughts on RoethigTech. Contact him on  Twitter and 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 00:00:38 KISS's Digital Evolution and Future as Avatars 00:02:13 The Debate: KISS Avatars - Intriguing or Commercialized Future? 00:05:14 Keeping the Music Alive: Tribute Bands and Legacy Preservation 00:10:47 Artists Gaining Power Over Record Labels 00:11:51 The Economics of Live Albums vs Virtual Concerts 00:16:24 The Rise of Tribute Bands and Avatar Performances 00:20:04 Spotify's struggle to achieve profitability and downsizing efforts 00:23:46 The changing landscape of audio streaming and its future challenges 00:25:41 Spotify's struggles in the podcast industry compared to Netflix 00:28:38 Uncertain future for Spotify's profitability 00:29:00 The concept of profitability and business model 00:30:48 Audio licensees and the better business model 00:31:58 A Classic Robbery Story Unfolds 00:33:08 Introductions and greetings 00:35:15 Jeff Gammon's social media platforms 00:36:43 A Shoutout to Frank and Well Wishes 00:38:37 Introduction and Acknowledgments

The MacVoices Live! panel of Chuck Joiner, Dave Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, Jeff Gamet, Ben Roethig, Mark Fuccio, and Web Bixby highlights privacy concerns with Plex, QR codes, and the 23andMe hack. Plex's mistake in sharing viewing summaries without consent is discussed. The conversation touches on QR code risks, cautioning against blind scanning, and the 23andMe hack, emphasizing skepticism and informed decision-making.  This edition of MacVoices is supported by the MacVoices Holiday Gift Guides. Holiday conversations and great gear picks by our panelists. Check them out: http://MacVoices.com/HolidayGiftGuides   Show Notes: Chapters: 0:01:29 Privacy in Viewing Choices 0:02:06 Opt-out vs Opt-in: A Poor Decision by Plex 0:04:05 Consensus: Opt-in Should Have Been the Choice 0:04:52 Different Devices for Running Plex Servers 0:07:07 Different use cases for Plex interface 0:08:25 Hybrid approach: owning discs and streaming convenience 0:11:54 Organizing Media with Drobo and Mac Mini 0:13:47 Be cautious with QR codes to avoid hacking 0:15:38 QR Code Preview: A Helpful Tool for Link Previews 0:15:57 Beware of Suspicious Sites and URLs 0:17:12 23andMe Hack: Bigger Than Initially Indicated 0:18:26 Sharing Feature Leads to Massive Data Breach 0:22:27 Morally Suspect Practices of Genetic Database Companies 0:24:59 Henrietta Lacks and the Lack of Consent in Medical Research Links: Plex Users Fear New Feature Will Leak Porn Habits to Their Friends and Family https://www.404media.co/plex-users-fear-discover-together-week-in-review-feature-will-leak-porn-habits-to-their-friends-and-family/ How to Not Get Hacked by a QR Code  https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-qr-code-hacks-avoid/ 23andMe confirms hackers stole ancestry data on 6.9 million users https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/04/23andme-confirms-hackers-stole-ancestry-data-on-6-9-million-users 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. 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, and on his blog, Trending At Work. 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. 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 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. Ben Roethig has been in the Apple Ecosystem since the System 7 Days. He is the a former Associate Editor with Geek Beat, Co-Founder of The Tech Hangout and Deconstruct and currently shares his thoughts on RoethigTech. Contact him on  Twitter and 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 00:01:29 Privacy in Viewing Choices 00:02:05 Opt-out vs Opt-in: A Poor Decision by Plex 00:04:04 Consensus: Opt-in Should Have Been the Choice 00:04:52 Different Devices for Running Plex Servers 00:07:07 Different use cases for Plex interface 00:08:25 Hybrid approach: owning discs and streaming convenience 00:11:54 Organizing Media with Drobo and Mac Mini 00:13:46 Be cautious with QR codes to avoid hacking 00:15:38 QR Code Preview: A Helpful Tool for Link Previews 00:15:56 Beware of Suspicious Sites and URLs 00:17:11 23andMe Hack: Bigger Than Initially Indicated 00:18:26 Sharing Feature Leads to Massive Data Breach 00:22:26 Morally Suspect Practices of Genetic Database Companies 00:24:58 Henrietta Lacks and the Lack of Consent in Medical Research

Chuck Joiner, Dave Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, Jeff Gamet, Ben Roethig, Mark Fuccio, and Web Bixby look at the latest objective evidence that running Macs can save money over other options, and consider the question of whether you own your digital media, or whether you just think you do.  MacVoices is supported by Incogni. Don't let companies exploit your personal information. It’s risk- free with Incogni’s 30-day money back guarantee! http://incogni.com/macvoices Show Notes: Chapters: 0:05:36 Introducing the topic: Cost of Apple hardware at university 0:06:55 The success of Mac installations in educational institutions 0:08:33 Macs in corporations: high support, employee satisfaction 0:14:12 Prevalence of Mac Stigma in Corporate IT 0:16:16 Lower IT Support Costs and Resistance to Change 0:23:03 The Dilemma of Physical Media and VHS Players 0:26:32 The Economics of Storing Digital Videos 0:30:18 PlayStation and Microsoft drop video marketplaces 0:32:29 The Importance of Physical Media for Sci-Fi Fans 0:33:24 Old Cartoons: Edited for Political Correctness 0:33:39 Concerns of revisionist history and potential piracy 0:35:09 Exploring alternatives to preserve favorite movies or TV shows Links: Apple @ Work: How The University of Kentucky reduced labor cost by 60% with Apple  https://9to5mac.com/2023/12/02/thoughts-on-the-university-of-kentuckys-apple-deployment/ You Don't Own the Digital Shows and Movies That You 'Bought'  https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/you-dont-own-digital-media 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. 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, and on his blog, Trending At Work. 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. 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 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. Ben Roethig has been in the Apple Ecosystem since the System 7 Days. He is the a former Associate Editor with Geek Beat, Co-Founder of The Tech Hangout and Deconstruct and currently shares his thoughts on RoethigTech. Contact him on  Twitter and 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

Kirk McElhearn and host Chuck Joiner wrap up MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #6 with gifts that include video gear, a lifestyle product, a productivity product, and something just plain fun. (Part 2)  MacVoices is supported by Incogni. Don't let companies exploit your personal information. It’s risk- free with Incogni’s 30-day money back guarantee! http://incogni.com/macvoices Show Notes: Chapters: 0:00:53 Dyson Air Filter Fan for Clean Air and Comfort 0:02:56 Maintenance and Longevity of Dyson Air Filter 0:04:49 Insta360 Flow Gimbal: Compact and Feature-Packed 0:06:30 Insta360: Making Great and Performative Tech Products 0:06:40 Kirk's Preference for Still Photography 0:09:36 Introducing the Forever Spin Toy 0:10:28 Mesmerizing Glass Spinning Stand 0:12:00 The mesmerizing experience of fidget spinners 0:13:34 Finding focus and creativity with ambient music 0:14:59 Music as a Mood Booster for Productivity 0:16:41 Productivity and Freedom with Dictation 0:18:00 Tips for Effective Speaking and Microphone Usage 0:27:20 The Awkwardness of Multiple Monitors 0:28:58 Personal Preference: Single Monitor vs Multiple Monitors 0:30:09 Simplifying My Writing Process 0:30:30 Simplifying Writing: Text Editors vs. Word Processors Links: Kirk McElhearn’s Picks: Logitech MX Master 3S - Wireless Performance Mouse  https://amzn.to/3RrBwzj Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ HP07 Air Purifier, Heater, and Fan  https://amzn.to/3TqRWe0 ForeverSpin Titanium Top and Spinning Base Pack  https://amzn.to/3RKRsxY 15-Minute Hourglass Sand Timer  https://amzn.to/3tdacgp Chuck Joiner’s Picks: Insta360 Flow Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone, AI-Powered Gimbal, 3-Axis Stabilization, Built-in Tripod, Portable & Foldable, Auto Tracking Phone Stabilizer  https://amzn.to/3GKuBfV MOUNT PRO Vertical Dual Monitor Stand for 2 Computer Screen up to 32 Inch/33lbs Each, Stacked Monitor Mount, Free-Standing Monitor Desk stand with Swivel, Tilt, Height Adjustable, VESA Stand 100 x 100  https://amzn.to/3RuxFSk MacVoices #23139: NAB – Insta360 Introduces A Versatile New AI-Powered Stabilizer Guests: Kirk McElhearn writes about Macs, iPods, iTunes, books, music and more. He is a regular contributor to TidBITS, as well as several other web sites and magazines. He is an avid podcaster who’s shows include The Next Track, The Committed, The Intego Mac Podcast, PhotoActive and The Zen of Everything. You can follow him on Twitter, and visit his personal web site, Kirkville. 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 00:00:52 Dyson Air Filter Fan for Clean Air and Comfort 00:02:55 Maintenance and Longevity of Dyson Air Filter 00:04:48 Insta360 Flow Gimbal: Compact and Feature-Packed 00:06:29 Insta360: Making Great and Performative Tech Products 00:06:39 Kirk's Preference for Still Photography 00:09:36 Introducing the Forever Spin Toy 00:10:27 Mesmerizing Glass Spinning Stand 00:11:59 The mesmerizing experience of fidget spinners 00:13:33 Finding focus and creativity with ambient music 00:14:59 Music as a Mood Booster for Productivity 00:16:40 Productivity and Freedom with Dictation 00:17:59 Tips for Effective Speaking and Microphone Usage 00:27:19 The Awkwardness of Multiple Monitors 00:28:57 Personal Preference: Single Monitor vs Multiple Monitors 00:30:09 Simplifying My Writing Process 00:30:29 Simplifying Writing: Text Editors vs. Word Processors