Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

In this episode of Basic AF, Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby kick off the year by digging into some of the biggest Apple stories in early 2026—starting with the news that Apple is partnering with Google to have Gemini power a revamped Siri and Apple Intelligence. The discussion looks at how Gemini might be integrated behind the scenes, and whether Apple’s privacy promises can hold up when Google enters the equation.The conversation then turns to Apple Creator Studio, Apple’s new subscription bundle that includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, and other creative tools. Tom and Jeff debate who this bundle is really for, how it compares to Apple’s older one-time purchase model, and whether subscription fatigue is simply the cost of modern software.From there, they break down Apple’s controversial new app icons and macOS Tahoe design changes, followed by concerns over App Store ads becoming harder to distinguish from real search results. The episode wraps with a broader look at Apple’s record-breaking services revenue and what it signals about the company’s priorities moving forward.Links from the show:Google and Apple issue joint partnership statementReport: Google Gemini will expand Siri’s capabilitiesReport: Apple will fine-tune Gemini independentlyApple confirms Google Gemini will power new Siri featuresApple announces Apple Creator StudioApple reports record-breaking Services revenue in 2025Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks. Tom has a new YouTube channel Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating! Review on Apple Podcasts Rate on Spotify Recommend in Overcast Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen Apple Music Spotify Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness....

The excitement over Apple's rumored foldable iPhone is palpable, with mockups causing a stir and raising design concerns. Tom and Jeff dive into the potential features, including size, usability, and support for the Apple Pencil. They also tackle the frustrating battery life issues in iOS 26, with Tom sharing his reset experience and its mixed results. Enthusiasm for innovative accessories like the Clix Power Keyboard adds a creative twist to their tech discussion. Tune in for insights and predictions about future tech!

Joe Moyer, a journaling enthusiast and creator of 24letters.net, joins the hosts for a festive discussion of favorite tech and analog tools. They explore Joe's top picks, including the versatile Bellroy Transit Workpack and Peak Design's magnetic phone case. The conversation also highlights useful apps like the Gentler Streak fitness tracker, Craft for task management, and the Snipd podcast app. Moyer shares book recommendations on Stoicism and the impactful fiction of Bruce Holsinger and Ian McEwan, rounding out a delightful tech and literature chat.

Tom and Jeff explore their favorite Apple gear 18 months post last review. Jeff shares inspiring updates on his recovery journey, while Tom raves about the iPad Pro M5's enhancements. They discuss the persistence of the M1/M2 Mac lineup and weigh the value of the Studio Display’s nano-texture finish. Tune in for insights on AirPods Pro comfort, battery life quirks of iOS 26, and the allure of foldable iPhones. Plus, a brief chat about the Vision Pro’s limitations leaves listeners pondering its future.

Listener feedback kicks off with insights on iPadOS 26. Jeff shares his harrowing experience with a stroke, detailing alarming symptoms and the EMS response. He discusses his hospital journey, a surprising diagnosis, and the intense recovery process. Siri even played a pivotal role by calling 911! Jeff emphasizes the importance of trusting your intuition during medical emergencies. Alongside stories of his rehabilitation and fitness's role in recovery, the conversation highlights the significance of listening to patients in healthcare.

Jeff returns to the show 🥳 and Riley Hill joins us again to talk all things iPad. Riley and Tom have new M5 iPad Pros (11” and 13” models) and share their experiences. Did Apple make the right call with the current iPad Pro design by choosing thinness over battery life? And how’s life with iPadOS 26? Is the new windowing system everything we hoped for, or is it a step backwards?Be sure to follow Riley on YouTube, Threads, and at slatepad.org for more great Apple and tech-related content.https://youtube.com/@slatepadhttps://www.threads.com/@slatepadhttps://slatepad.org/Jeff’s going to be out of work for a while longer as he continues to recover from his stroke. His family has set up a GoFundMe to help out a bit and if you'd like to throw a few bucks his way, here's the link, and it's all appreciated.https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jeff-battersbys-stroke-recoveryQuestion or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks. Tom has a new YouTube channel Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating! Review on Apple Podcasts Rate on Spotify Recommend in Overcast Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen Apple Music Spotify Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness....

Jeff is taking a break from the show to recover from his recent stroke. He's recovering well and is working his butt off in rehab and hopes to return before long.His family has set up a GoFundMe to help out a bit while he's in rehab kicking ass. If you'd like to throw a few bucks his way, here's the link, and it's all appreciated.https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jeff-battersbys-stroke-recovery--Bill McLean returns to the show to discuss the abundance of riches with modern note-taking apps. Plus, Tom has a new iPad Pro M5 and shares his first impressions of it and the Magic Keyboard.Be sure to follow Bill on YouTube, Threads, and Substack for more great Apple and tech-related content.https://www.youtube.com/@BillMcLeanhttps://www.threads.com/@williambmcleanThere's never been a worse time to pick a notes appQuestion or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks. Tom has a new YouTube channel Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating! Review on Apple Podcasts Rate on Spotify Recommend in Overcast Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen Apple Music Spotify Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness....

Jeff and Tom are off this week so we're going into the vault! Join us for a rewind of our 2024 Tips & Tricks show with Gannon Nordberg!Over a dozen tips & tricks for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and more!More from Gannon: LinkedIn (email marketing strategies & newsletter signup)Links from the show:Use profiles in Safari on MacTurn off Listening History in Apple Music with a Focus ModePlay music together in a car with SharePlay and Apple MusicEdit portraits on iPadMake stickers from your photos on iPhoneSearch in Messages on iPhoneEasily change photo aspect ratiosChange the color of links and highlights in NotesSee time spent in daylightHow to Automatically Change Your Apple Watch Face Based on Time or LocationUse the Smart Stack to show timely widgets on Apple WatchHazel for MacQuestion or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks. Tom has a new YouTube channel Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating! Review on Apple Podcasts Rate on Spotify Recommend in Overcast Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen Apple Music Spotify Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness....

In this discussion, Gannon Nordberg, an email marketing expert, and Chris Freitag, a photographer and content creator, share their hands-on experiences with the iPhone Air. They marvel at its lightweight design and stunning 3000-nit display, while addressing the camera's trade-offs and the real-world challenges of battery life. Chris highlights the upgraded front-facing camera, beneficial for content creation, while both guests delve into their thoughts on Apple’s future direction, including possible foldable devices and why this model might suit most users.

Dive into the latest Apple event revelations! Discover the stunning design and features of the iPhone Air and the impressive advancements in the iPhone 17 series. The hosts discuss exciting new camera capabilities and resonate on the life-changing health functionalities of the Apple Watch Series 11, including hypertension detection. Plus, hear insights on the upgraded AirPods and their unique translation features. They also ponder the dilemma of upgrading versus sticking with timeless technology. Get ready for a tech-packed discussion!