Mac Geek Gab — Your Questions Answered, Tips Shared, Troubleshooting Assistance

Dive into this week’s Mac Geek Gab episode, where Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton uncover digital gems just for you. Starting with Quick Tips, Tony reveals how dragging from search results can add apps to your iPad and iPhone dock, while Andrew shares a geo-fencing trick to send your location to friends and family. Discover the art of delayed email sends with Bruce’s tip on customizing Mail.app, and laugh as Todd teaches Siri to do the laundry. In tech talk, unravel the complexities of the Meross Garage Door Opener system, the innovative iSmartGate, and iOS 17.2’s new widgets and improved time entry features. But remember, when extending your AppleCare+ plan, Bruce’s advice is key: don’t get caught with a single option. The conversation shifts to your burning questions. JP asks about the best Bluetooth speaker options for TV that won’t muffle dialogue, leading to insights on Sonos Trueplay, Mirai Speakers, and HomePods. Mike introduces the concept of Key Signing Parties for secure iMessage, while Harvey explores the limitations of the Journal app’s search function. If you’re stepping into the smart home arena, Gene’s query about where to begin is a gold mine, highlighting LIFX Bulbs, Philips Hue, Meross Outlets, Nest Thermostats, and Schlage Smart Locks. And for a bit of fun, discover Jackbox Games for group entertainment, and learn how to liberate your Audible library with Libation, Prologue, and OpenAudible. In this episode titled “Where The Gems Are Found,” you’re sure to unearth a trove of tech wisdom with your three favorite geeks. Press play and enjoy! Chapters/Timestamps/Stuff mentioned: 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1016 for Monday, January 1st, 2024 The MGG Discord Server is Live! The MGG Merch Store is Live! Quick Tips 00:00:01 Tony-QT-Drag from search results to add app to iPad and iPhone dock 00:02:50 Andrew-QT-Send Location to Family n Friends via geo-fencing MyQ is Broken with HomeKit Meross Garage Door Opener System iSmartGate 00:12:15 Bruce-QT-Customize Delayed Email Sends in Mail.app (and Paul) Also, Ben in our Discord created a script! 00:15:05 Todd-QT-Siri Knows How to Do The Laundry Merlin Bird ID 00:17:57 Allan-QT-Set Mac Mail to send Plain Links 00:21:27 Andrew-QT-iOS 17.2 Adds new Widgets to iPhone AeroWeather 00:23:37 LockTutor-QT-iOS 17.2 adds better time entry on iPhone 00:24:41 Bruce-QT-Extend your “single option” multi-year AppleCare+ plan Sponsors 00:29:17 SPONSOR: LinkedIn Jobs. Go to LinkedIn.com/MGG and post your first job for free! Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!  00:31:29 JP-Best BlueTooth Speaker Option for TV that Doesn’t Muffle Dialogue? Sonos Trueplay Mirai Speakers HomePod 00:46:26 Mike-Enable Contact Key Verification for more secure iMessage Key Signing Parties 00:49:37 Harvey Does Journal App have a Search Function? (short answer no) 00:55:02 Gene-Where Should I Begin with Smart Home? LIFX Bulbs Philips Hue Bulbs Meross Outlets Nest Thermostat Schlage Smart Locks 01:03:21 Thanks to our CES 2024 Sponsors Carbon Copy Cloner MacUpdater Kolide Cool Stuff Found 01:05:08 CSF-Jackbox Games for a group (in person and remote!) 01:08:07 MGG Premium Listener Contribution Appreciation Moment 01:10:05 CSF-Free your Audible library with Libation, Prologue, and OpenAudible 01:14:32 Rod L-CSF-GL.iNet GL-MT3000 Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router with Tailscale Integration 01:20:02 MGG 1016 Outtro Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly Follow us on Mastodon Mac Geek Gab on Mastodon Adam Christianson on Mastodon Dave Hamilton on Mastodon Pilot Pete on Mastodon Mona for Mastodon (for Mac, iPhone, iPad) Adam Christianson on X/Twitter Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews feedback@macgeekgab.com 224-888-GEEK The Mac Geek Gab iPhone app Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network

In this week’s Mac Geek Gab, episode 1015, Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton dive deep into a mix of quick tips and detailed tech advice. Starting off, they tackle the nuances of macOS and iOS, like resetting notifications in System Settings and sending emails to contact lists with ease. They also explore practical hacks for everyday tech challenges, such as decreasing quote levels in mail messages and adding threads to the Dock in macOS with Sonoma/Safari. The trio doesn’t stop there; they get creative with ‘Cablenastics,’ discussing ways to manage cable chaos behind your desk using tools like metal coat hangers and Command Strips for wire organization. The episode then shifts to answering listener questions, offering insights on topics ranging from migrating to new routers, like Synology Mesh with RT6600ax, to leveraging dual internet connections for increased reliability. They delve into hardware queries, such as the adequacy of a 47W charger for a MacBook Pro and its accessories, and share personal experiences like Adam using an iPad as his primary travel device. For those pondering data management, they discuss copying Time Machine backups to new drives and backing up using ChronoSync. And, as always, they keep it engaging with ‘Cool Stuff Found,’ where Adam costs Dave money with the latest gadget, CarLink 5.0. Remember, in the world of tech, “Don’t Get Caught” unprepared! Chapters/Timestamps/Stuff mentioned: 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1015 for Monday, December 25th, 2023 The MGG Discord Server is Live! The MGG Merch Store is Live! Quick Tips 00:00:01 Brad-QT-Reset Notifications in System Settings ​​00:04:48 QT-Send eMail to a list of people in Contacts App 00:08:02 Todd-QT-Decrease Quote Level in a Mail Message 00:09:43 Andrew-QT-Run Threads on macOS with Sonoma/Safari’s “Add to Dock” Cablenastics? 00:12:55 Ed-1011-Is it Cablenastics? 00:14:32 SoccerDad-QT-1011-Straighten a metal coat hanger for pulling cables over the back of the desk Fishtape 00:15:22 Bruce-QT-1011-Use a Beanbag to Hang those Cables 00:16:08 Teresa-QT-1011-Use Command Strips to hook wires on the back of your desk Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!  00:22:23 John-Advice for Migrating to New Router 00:27:47 Synology Mesh with RT6600ax, MR2200ac, WRX560 APC ProtectNet Ubiquiti Ethernet Surge Protectors 00:37:40 Kirit-Using Two Internet Connections for Reliability 00:42:58 David-Is a 47W Charger Enough for my MacBook Pro and accessories? Anker 47 Watt 2 USB-C Port Charger 00:47:00 Adam’s Using an iPad as Primary Travel Machine 00:52:01 Adam’s Anker Store in his Office 00:53:50 Yan-Can I Copy Time Machine to a New Drive? Maccast 2023-09-18 ChronoSync 01:05:17 Mark-1014-Use email-to-SMS gateway with Later.io for delayed SMS SMS to Email Gateway List ReminderGuru Thanks to our CES 2024 Sponsors Kolide Carbon Copy Cloner MacUpdater Cool Stuff Found 01:12:03 Adam Cost Dave Money – CarLink 5.0 01:20:40 MGG 1015 Outtro Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly Follow us on Mastodon Mac Geek Gab on Mastodon Dave Hamilton on Mastodon Pilot Pete on Mastodon Mona for Mastodon (for Mac, iPhone, iPad) Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews feedback@macgeekgab.com 224-888-GEEK The Mac Geek Gab iPhone app Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network

Discover quick tips and tricks for Mac and iOS users, including managing reminders with a pull-down gesture and using Reminders App URLs. Explore new features in iOS 17.2 like Journaling and Qi2, and learn about keyboard shortcuts and widgets for password apps. Get tips on auto-arranging Mac windows and sending non-interrupting messages. Find out about useful apps like Moom, Stay, Line, and SlyDial for productivity and communication. Learn how to use Shortcuts Workflow and cool shortcuts for puzzles and food delivery. Hear about storing manuals, improving photos, troubleshooting memory issues, and dealing with couponing browser extensions and 'Do Not Disturb' mode on iPhones.

This week on Mac Geek Gab 1013, you’re in for a treat with Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton sharing their tech wisdom. Starting with Quick Tips, learn the nifty trick of using Command-Drag to force a file to open with a specific app, and understand why copying as pathname doesn’t escape spaces. Gary brings a quirky query about AirTag battery cleaning (spoiler: no licking involved!), and Bob suggests naming your AirTags with the battery date for hassle-free management. Plus, discover how to truly delete messages on macOS and effectively manage the space consumed by them. And if you’re into Apple gear, there’s talk about AirPods naming conventions and a handy tip about triple-clicking to select a paragraph. The episode then dives into your burning questions. Jerry wonders how to open Zoom links directly in Zoom instead of Safari – the solution lies in Velja for macOS. Chuck puzzles over “Uninstalled Apps” using data on his phone, while Mickey gets curious about Adam’s background in tech podcasting. Joe seeks ways to free up his Mac’s disk space, and Sean needs help merging two Photos libraries. In the Cool Stuff Found segment, discover Zoom for Apple TV, ways to watch movies together using SharePlay or Plex, and new updates like ChronoSync 11 and Kopia for savvy backups. There’s also a mention of the Roborock Q8 Max, a robot vacuum that might just make your life easier. And remember, in the world of technology and especially in this podcast, “Don’t Get Caught” unprepared or uninformed! Press play and ensure your safety by learning at least five new things together with your three favorite geeks! Chapters/Timestamps/Stuff mentioned: 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1013 for Monday, December 11th, 2023 The MGG Discord Server is Live! The MGG Merch Store is Live! Quick Tips 00:00:01 Todd-QT-Command-Drag onto an App to Force it to Open the File 00:03:14 Brad-QT-Copy As Pathname doesn’t escape the spaces 00:06:20 Gary-QT-Alcohol -v- File AirTag Batteries & Spigen Airtag Wallet How many licks does it take to clean an AirTag battery? 00:09:23 Bob-QT-Add Battery Date to Your AirTag Names for Easy Management They Have No Lickable Batteries 00:10:58 Todd-QT-Truly Delete Messages on macOS 00:12:32 Managing Space Consumed by Messages 00:16:56 AirPods Naming Conventions MMM worms 00:20:08 Ben-QT-Triple Click to Select a Paragraph Sponsors 00:20:38 SPONSOR: Incogni. Get Exclusive Incogni deal here ↣ https://incogni.com/macgeekgab. It’s risk- free with Incogni’s 30-day money back guarantee! 00:22:27 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support. Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!  00:23:38 Jerry-How do I open Zoom links directly in Zoom instead of Safari? Velja for macOS Also OpenIn which is in SetApp 00:31:29 Chuck Why Do “Uninstalled Apps” use data on my phone? 00:35:00 Mickey-Who is Adam? Your Mac Life with Shawn King Inside Mac Radio with Scott Sheppard PinSide.com – search for “Phylaxis” Adam’s Flip Flop Restoration Project 00:45:33 Joe-What’s consuming my Mac’s disk space? Disk Inventory X Space Lens in Clean My Mac X Daisy Disk Hazel Similar – but not storage specific – Gemini – also in SetApp iOSification of macOS (Ted Landau!) 00:55:34 Sean-How do I Merge Two Photos Libraries? PowerPhotos Cool Stuff Found 01:05:17 Rod L-CSF-Zoom for Apple TV exists and works with Continuity Camera 01:07:01 Use SharePlay or Plex to watch Movies/Shows together 01:09:49 ErickP-CSF-ChronoSync 11 adds macOS 14 and Cloud Service support…Think iCloud Drive “Pro” 01:15:38 Wilbur-CSF-Kopia, a free, open source S3 Backup Client (with a Mac GUI version) iDrive e2 01:16:43 Robert-CSF-Jump Desktop for Remote Screen Sharing (iOS app $14.95) Also – ScreenSharingMenulet 01:19:52 CSF-Roborock Q8 Max Robot Vacuum and Mop 01:23:52 Mac Geek Gab 1013 Outtro Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly Follow us on Mastodon Mac Geek Gab on Mastodon Dave Hamilton on Mastodon Pilot Pete on Mastodon Mona for Mastodon (for Mac, iPhone, iPad) Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews feedback@macgeekgab.com 224-888-GEEK The Mac Geek Gab iPhone app Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network

In this week’s Mac Geek Gab, Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton dive into a plethora of quick tips and user questions, ensuring you stay ahead in the tech game. Starting with a nifty trick from James, learn to quickly access photos in iPhone messages with a press and hold on the ‘+’ icon. Kent reveals a game-changer: sharing AirTags with other users, and JT Ray adds convenience with an Apple Logo Shortcut for text messaging. Amidst these quick tips, Wes highlights a PSA on inadvertently silenced notifications, and Danny teaches swiping to delete unused iPhone apps from the update list. The trio then shifts gears to answer pressing listener questions. OldGuy seeks advice on upgrading from Intel to Apple Silicon, leading to discussions about MacUpdater and topgrade. LockTutor queries about upgrading to macOS Sonoma, while Andrew laments poor mic sound quality on Powerbeats during phone calls. Dallas’s issue with audio fading in every song play sparks a conversation about DACs…in dongles (ahem). The episode wraps up with a ‘Cool Stuff Found’ segment, featuring innovative tech like the AirFly by TwelveSouth, Draftable for PDF comparison, and smart lighting solutions like Lumary and Twinkly lights. Remember, in the ever-evolving world of technology, “Don’t Get Caught” unprepared. Chapters/Timestamps/Stuff mentioned: 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1012 for Monday, December 4th, 2023 The MGG Discord Server is Live! The MGG Merch Store is Live! Quick Tips 00:00:01 James-QT-Press and Hold + in iPhone Messages to Access Photos with one tap 00:03:04 Kent-QT-You can now share AirTags with other users Air-Tag/Find My – Credit Card Form Factor by eufy MagSafe PopSocket Wallet 00:09:27 JTRay-QT-Add an Apple Logo Shortcut to use for Text Messages and more TextExpander 00:14:19 Wes-PSA-Notifications Inadvertently Silenced 00:19:47 DannyRe-QT-Swipe to Delete Unused iPhone Apps in Update List Sponsors 00:21:21 SPONSOR: Fastmail, the email provider who puts your privacy first. Visit Fastmail.com/MGG for 10% off your first year Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 00:23:15 OldGuy-Advice for Upgrading from Intel to Apple Silicon? MacUpdater topgrade 00:30:04 LockTutor-Is it OK to Upgrade to macOS Sonoma? MailMaven 00:37:52 Andrew-Powerbeats Mic Sound Quality Bad on Phone Calls POTS = Plain Old Telephone System 00:46:32 Dallas-Why Does My Audio Fade In Every Time I Start a Song Playing Through My Dongle? There’s a DAC in My Dongle Show Business 00:49:22 MGG Premium Listener Contribution Appreciation Moment Fountain.fm Cool Stuff Found 00:51:42 CSF=AirFly by TwelveSouth 00:55:35 Rod L-CSF-Draftable to Compare PDF Documents and Changes 00:57:14 CSF-SceneStudy app 01:00:34 Rich W-CSF-Sharpen AI for sharpening fuzzy photos 01:02:23 CSF-Mophie 3-in-1 Extendable Charging Stand with MagSafe (or from Zagg, where you can get 20% off your first order) 01:04:55 Custom Laser Engraved Coasters – RBBD – or bit.ly/RobinsEtsy 01:08:59 CSF-Smart Light Strips from GE and Eve 01:11:47 CSF-Twinkly lights 01:14:36 CSF-Lumary Smart Landscape Lights 01:15:56 CSF-Olight Seeker 4 Pro super-bright rechargeable LED flashlight (4600 lumens, 260-meter beam distance!) 5min-12days 01:20:30 Mac Geek Gab 1012 Outtro Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly Follow us on Mastodon Mac Geek Gab on Mastodon Dave Hamilton on Mastodon Pilot Pete on Mastodon Mona for Mastodon (for Mac, iPhone, iPad) Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews feedback@macgeekgab.com 224-888-GEEK The Mac Geek Gab iPhone app Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network

Pilot Pete and Dave Hamilton share valuable tech tips and tricks, including swiping to delete digits in iPhone calculators and using the '⌘E' shortcut for faster MacOS messaging. They also discuss merging videos on iPhones with iMovie and DaVinci Resolve, Siri's selective announcements, and reclaiming Mac disk space. Plus, learn about remote access solutions like Tailscale and Screens Connect. Don't miss this episode full of useful insights for tech enthusiasts and casual users alike!

Learn tips and tricks like pasting without formatting, clearing windows with a click, and understanding Notes dates. Discover upcoming RCS messaging for iPhone, set up primary contacts on macOS, and get answers on USB-C ports and AppleID Family Sharing. Explore hardware recommendations, including LG Ultrafine monitors and StreamDeck USB volume control knobs. Uncover the brilliance of Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED and efficiency of TextSniper. Find affordable backup solutions like iDrive E2 and Arq Backup. Stay informed and innovative in the world of tech!

In this week's Mac Geek Gab, Pete and Dave share savvy Quick Tips for iPhone Messages and accessing special characters on a Mac. They discuss nuke-and-pave for Apple Silicon Macs, troubleshoot AlDente for optimal battery life, and unravel Thunderbolt 4 cable complexities. The hosts explore gift-giving with ChatGPT, compare Roborock versus Neato robot vacuums, and highlight OWC's drive speed magic for iPhones.

This podcast episode covers a range of interesting topics including aviation apps, jazzing up iPhone lock screen widgets, macOS 14.1 tapback feature, migrating data to a new Mac, using Apple Photos' keyword manager, app and frameworks for creating floor plans, GE Sync smart bulb, and sponsor thanks.

In this episode, the hosts react to Apple's 'Scary Fast' event, discussing the new iMacs and the absence of a Mac mini announcement. They also delve into the gaming potential of Macs, speculate about a new gaming platform, and have a candid conversation about Intel. Tune in and stay informed!