Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

How often do you find yourself wishing for a better way to manage your work and productivity, and mental well-being? Well, we've got you covered! Embrace the wonders of the Session app, a fantastic tool that not only keeps a diary of your work but also provides you with a meaningful insight into your daily productivity. Get ready to revolutionize the way you schedule your activities and quantify your work.Then we dive headfirst into the mesmerizing world of video games on the Nintendo Switch. Engage in an experience that's very different from your traditional PC or Mac gaming. We'll share our thoughts on games like Firewatch and Breath of the Wild and explain why they provide a satisfaction quite unlike any other. Moreover, we'll also discuss how the Nintendo Switch can be a fantastic tool to bond with friends and family online. Prepare to embark on an enthralling gaming adventure!Links from the show:Session AppNintendo SwitchBasic AF Episode 14: The Art of Automation and Productivity with Adam OlsonQuestion 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....

Are you prepared for the upcoming academic year? Having the right tech tools at your disposal can make all the difference in your productivity and success. This episode is packed with insights into the maze of back-to-school tech choices, dissecting the pros and cons of various educational tech optionsWe begin by dissecting educational tech options, ranging from iMacs and Mac minis, to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and discussing their suitability for different age groups. Then, we advise on how best to future-proof your selections while maintaining cost-efficiency. We investigate whether an iPad alone is sufficient for academic pursuits, evaluating its utility as a workstation for writing, streaming, and even programming. Can the transformative power of the Apple Pencil in the classroom and for creative projects tip the scale in its favor?Our exploration doesn't end there. We tread on the soil of note-taking options, weighing the pros and cons of using electronic devices versus traditional pen and paper, and discuss how apps like Notability and Good Notes can revolutionize your note-taking process. We also assess the reliability of cloud storage options like iCloud and Google Drive and the potential of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote to boost productivity. With our guidance, you'll be ready to conquer the academic year with top-notch tech at your fingertips. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion to maximize your productivity with the right tech tools.Links from the show:LiveScribe SmartpensApple Education StoreGoodNotesNotabilityQuestion 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....

Are you prepared to conquer the chaos of daily tasks? Today, we're thrilled to be joined by our old friend and tech aficionado, Adam Olson. Adam brings an arsenal of efficiency-boosting tips and tricks, from using iOS features like the double-tap open command to managing complex automation collections. Our conversation takes a detour into the world of app integration and preferences, discussing how we can best streamline our daily tasks using apps and automation. With features such as Siri integration, and apps like OmniFocus and Things, we delve into the GTD method and its benefits. We talk Apple's Calendar app and Outlook for watch integration, and even touch on the contentious topic of subscription models.The final leg of our journey explores the realm of productivity apps and methods. We talk about apps like SwitchResX, TextExpander, Sessions, and HoudahSpot that can simplify those tedious tasks and boost productivity. Then, we turn the spotlight on Keyboard Maestro, a tool that proves indispensable for automating daily tasks. So, listen in and prepare to revolutionize the way you navigate your digital life.Links from the show:Federico Viticci's Shortcuts at MacStoriesKeyboard MaestroSession - Focus AppOmniFocusThingsGetting Things DoneHighland 2 AppScrivenerHoudahSpot 6Question 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....

Ready to unravel the tapestry of tech? As the drama with Twitter continues, Meta smells blood in the water and releases its new Threads service, which has taken off like a SpaceX rocket. We've used it, and have some thoughts on its current state, and what's to come.Shifting gears, we shine the spotlight on Apple as we anticipate the public beta season. There are new features in macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS that we're excited about! Let's chat about everything - screensavers, live photos on iPad lock screens, or the enhanced screen picker feature for video conferencing. Beyond the aesthetics, we also dig into the nitty-gritty details of improved password management and better screen sharing options. We leave no stone unturned in exploring the upcoming features of the next generation of operating systems from Apple. Be it the new Standby feature for iPhones, the Stage Manager improvements for iPads or the ability to use an external camera for FaceTime, we've got the complete lowdown. So, gear up for an enlightening discussion!Links from the show:Meta’s Threads Becomes the Most Quickly Downloaded App EvermacOS Sonoma PreviewiPadOS 17 PreviewiOS 17 PreviewwatchOS 10 PreviewQuestion 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....

What if AI could replace your creativity? Discover the implications of artificial intelligence in education and creative fields as we sit down with graphic artist Benjamin Jancewicz and Dr. Devon Taylor, Ed.D., from Shenandoah University. Listen in as they share their insights into using AI in academia, supporting students, and preparing them for the workforce.Explore the potential dangers of AI taking over creative work, the ethics of labor and automation, and the importance of teaching younger generations how to use AI as a tool. Our guests also discuss the positive side of AI, enabling more creative expression, and tackling bigger issues in the world. We dive into the complexities of AI and its impact on various industries, highlighting the essential role of the human element in this ever-evolving technological landscape.As the use of AI continues to grow, we touch upon the potential implications of this technology in the 2024 US election, including the risks associated with deep fakes, imagery, and video manipulation. Join us for an engaging conversation that delves deep into the world of AI, creativity, and the future of our industries.More from Benjamin:Business: Zerflin.com, @Zerflin on all socialsArt: Art.Zerflin.comPersonal: BenJancewicz.com, @BenJancewicz on all socialsMore from Devon:TwitterLinkedInLinks from the show:A.I.: Actually Insipid Until It’s Actively InsidiousChatGPT Wrote (Most of) This LetterThe People Onscreen Are Fake. The Disinformation Is Real.DALL-E 2 and Midjourney can be a boon for industrial designersQuestion 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 episode:Did our wishes come true? (Only Tom’s!)MacBook Air 15”, updated Mac Studio, Mac Pro with Apple SiliconiOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, macOS Sonoma, tvOSApple Vision Pro Links from the show:15” MacBook AirMac StudioMac ProApple Vision ProFirst Impressions of Vision Pro and VisionOSVision Pro: I just tried Apple’s first spatial computer, and here’s what I thinkApple Vision Pro: Computing Without BordersApple Vision Pro Impressions!WWDC Keynote on YouTubeMoon Patrol, Celsius 7Question 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 episode:Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad ReviewsOur WWDC Wishlist All Mac and No Play - new boygenius albumLinks from the show:Final Cut Pro for iPadLogic Pro for iPadSix Colors: Hands on with Final Cut Pro for iPadChristopher Lawley: Final Cut Pro for the iPad Review: WOW!Stephen Robles: Final Cut for iPad is Missing 2 BIG FeaturesHenny Tha Bizness: Logic Pro for iPad - My Initial ThoughtsMoon Patrol, Celsius 7Question 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 episode:We have more stickers and magnets to giveawayFinal Cut Pro and Logic Pro coming to iPadiCloud.com apps comparison against Google & Microsoft Picking the best apps for your use casesNew segment: All Mac and No PlayTom’s Cortex Sidekick NotepadLinks from the show:Final Cut Pro for iPadLogic Pro for iPadSign in and use iCloud.comUse iCloud.com to restore and recover iCloud informationGoogle WorkspacesMicrosoft 365Cortex Sidekick NotepadQuestion 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 episode:We’re doing a giveawayDreary SiriMulti-display disappointmentsSystem SettingsAirPlay anomaliesMacBook keyboard shineLinks from the show:Report Details Turmoil Behind Apple's AI Efforts, 'Siri X,' and Headset Voice ControlsConnect one or more external displays with your MacCustomize your Mac with System SettingsUse AirPlay to stream audioHow to clean your Apple productsQuestion 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 great Kirk McElhearn joins us for an in-depth discussion on Apple Music Classical. Kirk is a long time tech writer, having contributed to Macworld, and TidBits, he’s written documentation for several applications you’ve probably used as well as several titles in the TakeControl series of books. In this episode Kirk ups our game and musical vocabulary re: Apple Music Classical as well as cracking wise about tech-bro hero worship, the owner of Twitter, and the finer points of 70s, smash-mouth hockey. You’re in for a great ride.In this episode:GM ditching CarPlay and reactions are not greatApple TV 4K Multiview in betaSteve JobsAI and ChatGPTKirk on Apple Music ClassicalHow to approach Classical musicTalking GamesLinks from the show:Apple Music ClassicalKirk McElhearn, for the best Apple Music Classical updates https://kirkville.comApple Music Classical (Mostly) Plays the Right ChordsNew Apple Music Classical App for iPhone Review!Apple Explains Why It Launched an iPhone App Dedicated to Classical MusicKirk’s look at the game The Long Dark‘A huge blunder’: GM’s decision to ditch Apple CarPlay, Android Auto sparks backlashApple TV 4K launching huge upgrade for sports fans this weekend — how to get itNew Steve Jobs Archive ebook now available as a free downloadQuestion 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....