

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast
Tom Anderson & Jeff Battersby
Spilling trash, talk, tech, and tea (though Tom says no politics). Plus, games, plenty of Apple tech, or whatever else comes into our heads. It’s a show where we get to hang out and talk tech, talk shit, and have fun every couple of weeks (and sometimes more often - only your podcast app knows for sure). We'll give you the lowdown on the gear we're using, some knowledge bombs to help you use your gear better, and answer listener questions.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 4, 2024 • 33min
Clicks Keyboard for iPhone & The End of Apple's Car Ambitions?
Join us in this episode as Tom reviews the Clicks Creator Keyboard for iPhone, highlighting its design, usability, and whether it's a worthy addition to your tech arsenal. We also discuss Apple's decision to end its car project, speculating on what this means for the company's future directions in technology.Links from the show:Clicks keyboard for iPhoneThreads Q&A on Clicks KeyboardApple Cancels Electric Car ProjectWhy Would Apple Make an Electric Car, Not a Driverless One?Apple Revolutionized the Auto Industry Without Selling a Single CarApple has quietly tripled it’s testing of autonomous cars, records showApple to Wind Down Electric Car Effort After Decadelong OdysseyQuestion 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....

Feb 19, 2024 • 37min
2024 Tips & Tricks Show with Gannon Nordberg
Gannon Nordberg joins us again for the 2024 Tips & Tricks Show! Over a dozen new tips & tricks for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and more!You can find Gannon’s work at levelonenerd.net - Simple tutorials to level up your Apple tech game, delivered straight to your inbox every 2 weeks for free. Go sign up for his newsletter!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....

Feb 5, 2024 • 46min
Apple Vision Pro with Gannon Nordberg
Gannon Nordberg returns to the show and Jeff got his hands on the new Apple Vision Pro at the Danbury, CT Apple store! JB shares his first impressions on everything, from the initial setup experience to exploring the immersive scenes, navigating visionOS, using the Photos app, and excellent Spatial Audio performance. And answers the big question on everyone's mind - did he end up buying it? You can find Gannon’s work at levelonenerd.net - Simple tutorials to level up your Apple tech game, delivered straight to your inbox every 2 weeks for free. Go sign up for his newsletter!Links from the show:Apple Vision Pro EPIC Review - Is This The Future?Apple Vision Pro - Unboxing, Review and demos!Apple Vision Pro REVIEW: Pros and ConsUsing Apple Vision Pro: What It’s Actually Like!Apple Vision Pro review: magic, until it’s notQuestion 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....

Jan 22, 2024 • 35min
App Essentials: Our Go-To Tools
Jeff and Tom share their go-to apps for messaging, email, tasks and calendars, notes and office suites, with a tiny bit of automations thrown in for good measure.Question 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....

Jan 8, 2024 • 33min
Apple Watch Ban Update, Microsoft Copilot, Clicks Creator Keyboard - News Updates
The year has just begun, and there’s a lot of news for Jeff and Tom to cover:The Apple Watch was banned from sale in the US just before Christmas and then given a reprieve while the case is reviewed; what’s the latest?Apple Vision Pro may arrive in the next 30 daysMicrosoft dropped Copilot AI apps for iOS and iPadOS. How does the service stack up against ChatGPT? And what’s this Copilot key coming up for Windows keyboards?Rumors persist that Siri will be gaining Generative AI capabilities at WWDCThe Clicks Creator Keyboard is a crazy new keyboard for iPhone, so of course Tom ordered one!Links from the show:Apple Watch Sales Ban PausedApple Vision Pro rumored to launch in final week of January and Mark German at Bloomberg is reporting retail launch by FebruaryMicrosoft CoPilot for Mac, iOS, and iPadOSMicrosoft’s new Copilot key is the first big change to Windows keyboards in 30 yearsNew Version of Siri With Generative AI Again Rumored for WWDCClicks Creator Keyboard for iPhoneQuestion 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....

Dec 25, 2023 • 38min
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things
In this festive episode, Tom and Jeff cozy up with eggnog and share their favorite tech and media picks from the year. The duo dives into the melancholic melodies of Sufjan Stevens' Christmas music, invoking the holiday spirit. Then, they switch gears to discuss Radio Paradise, an eclectic internet radio station that's been a game-changer in their music listening routines. As they reflect on the tech that made their year special, Jeff tells how Astropad's Rock Paper Pencil for iPad has transformed his editing process and Tom counters with his newfound appreciation for the Bear Notes App, praising its simplicity and elegance. As they exchange stories and recommendations, they also delve into the world of CarPlay, discussing its convenience and limitations. With a few other recommendations in between, he episode rounds off with Jeff's thoughts on the excellent 14” MacBook Pro. Join the boys for a tech-filled holiday episode that's as informative as it is entertaining.Links from the show:Sufjan Stevens Songs for ChristmasRadio ParadiseAstropad Rock Paper PencilBear Notes AppField Notes BrandCarPlayHighland ProPhoto Shuffle on iPad14” MacBook ProQuestion 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....

Dec 11, 2023 • 38min
Spotify Wrapped and New Stuff We Have
In this episode, Spotify tells us we’re a Top 10 podcast for ten listeners, a Top 5 show for eight listeners, and a Top Podcast for 4 of you! Grateful is an understatement. Thank you! We follow that with a discussion on Itsycal, a menu bar item that extends the functionality of Apple Calendar. In episode 21, Jeff talked about Astropad’s Rock Paper Pencil, an iPad screen cover that turns writing on iPad into a better experience. Tom just received his this week and shared his first impressions. To wrap things up, Jeff shared his first-day experience with the technology in his new BMW X1.Links from the show:Itsycal for MacRock Paper Pencil by AstropadBMW X1Question 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....

Dec 4, 2023 • 14min
Bonus Episode: The Return Journey
Join us for a unique bonus episode as Greg Battersby follows up with us on his return journey to Southern California in his Subaru Solterra EV. Using the lessons he learned around route planning, optimizing driving techniques, and charging headaches on the first trip, was the trip home any better?Question 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....

Nov 27, 2023 • 39min
The Electric Vehicle's Long-Haul Challenge with Greg Battersby
In this episode, we are joined by Jeff’s brother Greg to discuss his new electric vehicle, the Subaru Solterra. This episode delves into the heart of mid-range electric vehicles' capabilities and challenges, highlighting the nuances of planning and executing a long journey in an EV. Greg’s California adventure from Orange County to the Bay Area becomes a compelling case study on the realities of today's electric vehicle technology.The episode provides a candid exploration of the challenges faced by mid-range electric vehicles on extended trips, from the apprehension of range anxiety to the realities of managing battery life and charging strategies. Greg's experience becomes a compelling narrative about the practicalities of EV travel and the obstacles that still need to be overcome.Links from the show:EV Sales Are in a Slump — Why Aren’t More Car Buyers Going Electric?Here's why people aren't buying EVs in spite of price cuts and tax breaks.Subaru SolterraWattEVQuestion 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....

Nov 13, 2023 • 38min
New M3 Macs and Using an iPad to Plan a Garage Gym
In this episode:The shorter shows are a hit!Apple has new MacBook Pros and iMacs powered by M3 chips, should you upgrade?RIP Touch BarHow Tom used the iPad to plan out his recently installed garage gymLinks from the show:MacBook Air vs MacBook ProBehind the scenes at Scary Fast: Apple’s keynote event shot on iPhone and edited on MacApple: MacBook ProApple: iMacRogue Fitness: RML-3W FOLD BACK WALL MOUNT RACKPhotos of Tom's Garage GymQuestion 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....