Brothers in Tech: Recent Episodes
The MESH
Do you find yourself serving as the go-to "I.T." person in your family? Or are you someone that tends to call other family members for technical support and would rather learn things on your own? Brothers in Tech is a weekly podcast focusing on home technology and provides help to the “default family IT person”. Hosted by Alan & Brian Jackson, a new topic will be discussed each month (main episode) followed by 3 weekly “deep dive” episodes (the B-sides) with additional information. Whether you are the person who everyone calls for tech support, are the person who is doing the calling, or simply interested in technology…this podcast is for you!
To our busy fan base…we hear you. The Brothers tend to talk…and talk. We know that some of you love to hear us ramble on and deep dive into our tech topics…but we also know that sometimes you just want a quick BYTE (you see what we did there?) of tech information that you can consume on your breaks. Well, let us introduce you to the Brothers in Tech BYTES. In addition to our regular rambling episodes…we are going to be throwing out some quick episodes where we provide you with a tip/technique that you can do with your phone/tablet/computer. No additional software or hardware needed…just (sometimes) hidden features that you might want to take advantage of. The question is…can the Brothers keep the episode short? Well, one of them can…
BYTES mentioned in this episode:
- Shortcuts: You have the ability to create (or download) some really useful shortcuts on your Mac and/or iOS device. Alan shows you some “quick” samples.
- Two-finger organization of app icons/folders? Brian shows you an easier way to organize your home screen(s).
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content withJackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
After a couple of weeks of testing out the new messaging, browser, email, and social apps we presented in the previous episode(s), the Brothers are back to give their verdicts. Which apps are still in the regular rotation, and which have been moving to app purgatory and why? Most importantly…are any of them worth your time (or money)? And, as a special treat for those who stick around to the end, we have a very important discussion of firefighters, tornados, bears…and child abduction?
Products/Apps/Services mentioned in this episode:
- Beeper (free for now; invite only): Communication/messaging app that brings all (or, quite a few) of your messages into one place. Continues to be updated/improved.
- Arc (free; currently Mac only): A fresh new approach to web browsing, including format customization, note sharing, and more.
- Spark (free for basic access, $4.99/month for Premium Individual use, but now included in SetApp): Email client with a number of useful features, including a unified & filtered inbox, snooze, filtering/blocking, etc.
- Threads (free, but must have an Instagram account): Meta’s attempt at a replacement of Twitter/X, soon to have web access.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content withJackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
We are always on the lookout for new apps/services/products that have the potential to increase our efficiency or allow us to do something we haven’t been able to do before…and there has been no shortage of those lately. But, it is rare for anything truly unique to occur in our regular, everyday computing functions. In this episode, however, the Brothers discuss not one, but two exciting new apps which aim to rethink the way you perform some of our most common computing tasks…web browsing and messaging. With some very intriguing features, these (currently) free apps may be worth a try. Plus, by listening to this episode, you get the bonus content of hearing how Alan broke his A/C unit right in the middle of a heat wave…which we all want to hear.
Products/Apps/Services mentioned in this episode:
- Arc (free; currently Mac only): A fresh new approach to web browsing, including format customization, note sharing, and more.
- Beeper (free for now; invite only): Finally…someone has created an app that brings all (or, quite a few) of your messages into one place.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content withJackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
After a few weeks off, the Brothers are back to share their latest tech suggestions that could benefit you and your family. Home automation, weight loss, harnessing the sun, and creating images…this episode covers some exciting apps and hardware. Although this episode runs a bit long (what’s new?), you will want to stick around to see which one of the Brothers will be a Jedi Knight riding a dragon. Spoiler alert…it’s Alan…but I think you probably guessed that.
Alan’s Picks
- Lutron Pico Remote ($19.99 for the remote only, will need Lutron Hub): Can be used as a HomeKit multifunction button (with Homebridge plug-in)
- Midjourney: AI image creation tool
Brian’s Pics
- Simple.Life App: Wellness/weight-loss app, utilizing intermittent fasting, notifications, and information
- Synology 100w Solar Panel Suitcase ($199 w/controller): portable solar panel…perfect for van/RV house battery charging
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content withJackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although home automation is not a new topic for the Brothers (see the Home Automation series from 2020…including Convenience, Security, & Safety)…there are quite a few changes that have occurred across this market that are worth discussing. With both of the Brothers having recently set up or adapted their automation ecosystems, it is time to share those experiences, successes, and frustrations. If you have been thinking about using/migrating to HomeKit, you will want to listen to this episode. Listen/watch as Brian attempts to (begrudgingly) set up HomeKit (along with his Alexa environment)…and his therapy session with Alan. Luckily, Brian made a mistake in his set-up (on purpose, of course)…just so Alan could feel good about helping him to correct it.
Products/Apps/Services mentioned in this episode:
- Apple HomeKit/Home app: Apple’s native smart home application/system
- Homebridge: Open source server application for converting non-HomeKit devices to HomeKit signals
- Aqara Wireless Switch & Hub: A simple button that can be programmed to operate your HomeKit scenes/devices (but, be aware of using with Alexa)
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Home
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content withJackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In case you haven’t been following the s%!t-show that is Twitter as of late…you might not know that there is yet another attempt at replacing the social media service. Will this “newcomer” actually have what it takes to become the new social media town square? Well, 100 million users in the first week is a pretty good start…. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss Meta’s new Threads service…how it works, pros and cons, and expectations for the future. Plus, you get to see which brother Threads believes should be following Kim Kardashian.
Products/Apps/Services mentioned in this episode:
- Threads
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content withJackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
You may be completely happy with the native calendar app on your phone or computer…and if so, you may not need to listen to this episode (but of course you should…just for sheer entertainment). But, if you are like us, you may have a need for more than the standard features to keep up with all of your events. Features such as scheduling availability, weather integration, and natural language input may be enough to warrant trying something new. The Brothers discuss their must-haves and ideal calendar app features that you should consider, as well as two of the top calendar applications on the market. Which app do the Brothers use, and which do the Brothers wish they were using? You will have to watch/listen to find out.
Products/Apps/Services mentioned in this episode:
- Apple Calendar: the native Apple calendar application.
- BusyCal($49.99 for permanent app ownership and 18 months of upgrades, included in SetApp subscription)
- Fantastical ($4.75/month, if you pay for a year)
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content withJackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It is time for the June Brothers in Tech Suggestions (BiTS) episode, and well…let’s just say the Brothers were “greased up” and ready to go. What kind of show do you get when both of the Brothers consume a few drinks beforehand? Well, you will have to watch/listen to find out. Although we are still questioning whether Alan re-gifted one of his BiTS from earlier…he certainly seems to win this battle. Some solid suggestions along with some additional tips to make your digital life more efficient…and you have yourself a show you won’t want to miss.
Alan’s Picks
- SwitchBot Hub 2 ($70): Matter enabled smart product controller/hub (e.g., Alan’s automatic curtain closure
- MoneyWiz ($4.99/month, also available as part of SetApp): Financial appk/software with bank sync, financial logging/budgeting
Brian’s Pics
- Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch ($59.99 for 3 on Amazon): Apple HomeKit (and other smart assistant) capable dimmable light switch
- Black Shark Phone Cooler FunCooler 3 ($24.99 on Amazon): Mobile phone cooling fan for gamers/heavy processing
Other products/services mentioned in this episode:
- Tyme 3: Project time tracker ($3.99-4.99/month)
- Harvest: Project time tracker that integrates with Asana (~$10.99/month)
- SwitchBot Bot: Make your “manual” button/light switch smart! ($29.99)
- SetApp: One subscription service for dozens of apps ($9.99/month)
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content withJackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Which streaming services should you be subscribing to/paying for? Well, that depends on what content is available on each…and that is constantly changing. But, the Brothers are here to give you their rundown of the current quality of each of the major streaming platforms. What shows & movies do we feel are worth your attention? What services would be worth cancelling/pausing your subscription for a month? Most importantly, which service provides quality movies like the 1987 classic “Mannequin”? You will have to watch or listen to find out.
Streaming services mentioned in this episode: Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Netflix, Paramount+
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content withJackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
After an extended break and some soul-searching, the Brothers are back…and have decided to fully lean in to their passion for all things Apple. And what better way to kick off the Apple-focused version of Brothers in Tech than to discuss the new Apple updates! WWDC brought a number of hardware and software announcements that certainly have us intrigued, and we are here to give our initial reactions and thoughts of what you should be excited about. Time for an upgrade? Any game-changing features? Oh…and don’t worry, we spend plenty of time discussing the headliner, Vision Pro. Is it a game-changer? Should we be concerned if spatial computing catches on? Which Brother is already saving his pennies to be able to afford one? Buckle up, grab a drink (or two)…we have a lot to say in this one!
Products mentioned in the episode:
- Macbook Air 15”
- Mac Studio
- Mac Pro
- MacOS Sonoma
- iPadOS 17
- WatchOS 10
- iOS 17
- Vision Pro
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content withJackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It is almost the holiday season…the time for sharing. And what better way to show your loved ones you care than to share some digital files with them. Ok, that was a bit of a stretch…but file sharing is an essential process in today’s digital world. The only question is, what service should you use? Well, the Brothers are acting like true brothers in this episode, as they provide conflicting views on the matter. So, listen in and see who is more convincing. Plus, we get an update on Alan’s NAS set-up, provide a couple of BiTs, and get to meet Turbo. You won’t want to miss it!
Products/services discussed in this episode:
- DropBox
- Google Drive
- Box
- Synology
- Wyze Mesh Wi-Fi
- Mac Power Users (podcast)
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Elon Musk has purchased Twitter? Wow...we all must be super excited about that! Well, not really...so maybe it is time to talk about alternatives for your twitter-like fix. Alan breaks down some of the possible alternatives for Twitter, their potential and limitations, and what to be on the lookout for if you are trying to make the switch. In addition, we get an update on MacOS 13 (Ventura) and whether it is worth the upgrade at this point...as well as bring a couple of BiTs to the table. A lot packed in an hour...give or take.
Products/services discussed in this episode:
- Mastadon: The current front-runner for a Twitter replacement…but there are some quirks.
- Counter.Social: Social media option with “no trolls, no abuse, no ads, no fake news…”, but no users? Virtual reality as well?
- Tribel: Social media option with some nice features/claims (morality, bigotry-free), but not quite the following.
- Tyme: Time tracker for those who need to track time spent on multiple projects.
- Inateck External Had Drive Reader: Provides ability to read from an internal hard drive…even when it is not internal anymore.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Well, if you are a fan of the show…you will know that Alan has a real thing for back-ups. I mean…it is a borderline unhealthy relationship with backing up his files. But, for this episode, that obsession may just benefit all of us as he explains his latest step in backing up his files via a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device…and its additional use of it for a Plex server. What is a NAS? What can you do with one? Why might you want one? Will this turn you into a backup freak like Alan? Well, you will have to watch/listen to find out. Plus, Brian tries to contribute something to the episode with some helpful tips….and much to Alan’s dismay, backing up your files is not one of them.
Products/services discussed in this episode:
- Synology: Makers of great NAS devices
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Well, you have probably heard of a “slow news week”…and for Brothers in Tech, this was our version of that. We didn’t have a new topic to cover, so we decided to update each other on our own current tech projects. Did Alan’s computer survive its bath? Has Brian had any luck setting up Homebridge to begin using Homekit? You will have to watch/listen to find out! Plus, we bring a few nice tips/suggestions that you won’t want to miss!
Products/Services mentioned in the episode:
- Homebridge
- Lock Launcher
- Matter
- Aqara
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
New Apple products were announced this week, and the Brothers are here to give you the full rundown! New iPads and Apple TVs... Are they worth a purchase? Any features should you be excited about? Compatible with your current equipment? Watch/listen for the overview, and get some BiTes (Brothers in Tech Efficiencies) as a bonus! Hint, hint…one of the timely tips is to not get water close to your brand-new laptop. Trust us…one of us recently learned this the hard way.
Products mentioned in the episode:
- Apple iPad
- Apple TV 4k
- Apple Reminders
- CopyLess 2
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although we have discussed the Mac computer line-up before (see the “Mac Buying Guide” episode from May, 2022), now we actually have hands-on experience to share! Both Brothers have recently purchased/acquired new Apple laptops, and are ready to share their thoughts on likes, dislikes, and advice for those in the market. Do the Brothers agree on the deciding factors were on which machine they chose (hint, hint…they purchased the same model)? Were there features that would have changed their mind on which machine to buy? What do the Brothers really think about the touch bar? Watch or listen to find out!
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Have you ever thought about all the time that you spend on your computer...not actually doing work, but rather taking steps in order to be able to do work? Want to open or switch to an application?...there is a few steps you have to take for that. Want to add bullets in a document?...there are a few clicks needed for that. Want to do some simple (or not so simple) math?...a few more steps. What if you could cut the time that each of those steps takes? In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss some strategies that they use to increase their efficiency and productivity through built-in features of the computer. We are not going to guarantee that these will lead you will be more productive...but you could certainly gain a few extra minutes to listen to this podcast! In fact, we are thinking these tips could be helpful enough that we could make it a regular topic...can you say BiTEs (Brothers in Tech Efficiencies)?
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
OK, if you listened live to last week’s show, we are sorry! Audio issues sunk the BiTs episode, which is a bummer as we had a friend of the show Bill Carrigan back with us! But, that just means we will have to bring him back for another episode…And we get a chance to do another BiTs for you. So, listen in to the replacement BiTs episode for September 2022…and you will notice that since Alan is back in control, all went smoothly. This month’s suggestions focus a bit more on home business needs but can be really useful. And as a bonus…you get to hear the difference between Alan’s real voice and the smooth radio voice he typically entertains us with.
Alan’s Picks
- UQR.me ($4.95/month for limited codes & up to 10,000 scans): An online service for creating AND TRACKING QR codes. Create, track, and even edit QR codes to connect users to webpages, documents, etc.
- Canva (Free for limited use, $ for unlimited pro features): Online design software to create graphics with stock images, stickers, etc.
Brian’s Pics
- Roku Voice Remote Pro ($29.99): Upgraded remote for your Roku device. Includes voice activation, private listening (headphone jack), and rechargeable batteries.
- Tyme 3 (Free trial, then $3.99/month or $36/year): App for tracking time spent on various project. MacOS, iOS, and Apple Watch apps for starting/stopping, categorizing, and invoicing your time.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
OK, if you listened live to last week’s show, we are sorry! Audio issues sunk the BiTs episode, which is a bummer as we had a friend of the show Bill Carrigan back with us! But, that just means we will have to bring him back for another episode…And we get a chance to do another BiTs for you. So, listen in to the replacement BiTs episode for September 2022…and you will notice that since Alan is back in control, all went smoothly. This month’s suggestions focus a bit more on home business needs but can be really useful. And as a bonus…you get to hear the difference between Alan’s real voice and the smooth radio voice he typically entertains us with.
Alan’s Picks
- UQR.me ($4.95/month for limited codes & up to 10,000 scans): An online service for creating AND TRACKING QR codes. Create, track, and even edit QR codes to connect users to webpages, documents, etc.
- Canva (Free for limited use, $ for unlimited pro features): Online design software to create graphics with stock images, stickers, etc.
Brian’s Pics
- Roku Voice Remote Pro ($29.99): Upgraded remote for your Roku device. Includes voice activation, private listening (headphone jack), and rechargeable batteries.
- Tyme 3 (Free trial, then $3.99/month or $36/year): App for tracking time spent on various project. MacOS, iOS, and Apple Watch apps for starting/stopping, categorizing, and invoicing your time.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Apple just released its latest mobile operating system (iOS 16, for iPhone), and although it is not our recommendation for you to be the first/early adopters of any software update...the Brothers have thrown caution to the wind and installed and tested the update so that we can give you a first-hand look at the new features. From editable lock screens to editing/unsending messages, to additional destinations/stops in Maps, to the new layout of notifications (which seemed to trigger some of our listeners!)...we cover the features/updates that you should care about, and help you determine whether to upgrade yet. Be sure to listen carefully, as one of our tips may just keep you from getting in real trouble with a late-night drunk text.. not that we have ever done that before.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Apple just released its latest mobile operating system (iOS 16, for iPhone), and although it is not our recommendation for you to be the first/early adopters of any software update...the Brothers have thrown caution to the wind and installed and tested the update so that we can give you a first-hand look at the new features. From editable lock screens to editing/unsending messages, to additional destinations/stops in Maps, to the new layout of notifications (which seemed to trigger some of our listeners!)...we cover the features/updates that you should care about, and help you determine whether to upgrade yet. Be sure to listen carefully, as one of our tips may just keep you from getting in real trouble with a late-night drunk text.. not that we have ever done that before.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As much as the Brothers have tried to wean themselves off paper (see previous BiT series on “Going Paperless”), we admit that there is still a need for printed documents in our personal and professional lives. So, even though it may seem like a technology that has joined the likes of fax machines, VCRs, and CD players...the printer industry is alive and kicking (and innovating), and the Brothers are here to provide both an overview of the current home solutions and some suggestions for finding the right printer for your needs. So, watch or listen to hear about the types and features to consider when purchasing your next printer. BONUS: You will also get an opportunity to hear about a swelling issue that Alan has had recently (PG, we promise)...which you won’t want to miss.
Printer technology mentioned in this episode: Airprint, Voice control, Duplex, Ink Tank, Laser, Inkjet, Photo
Do you find yourself serving as the go-to “I.T.” person in your family? Or are you someone that tends to call other family members for technical support and would rather learn things on your own? Brothers in Tech is a weekly podcast focusing on home technology and provides help to the “default family IT person”. Hosted by Alan & Brian Jackson, a new topic will be discussed each month (main episode) followed by 3 weekly “deep dive” episodes (the B-sides) with additional information. Whether you are the person who everyone calls for tech support, are the person who is doing the calling, or are simply interested in technology…this podcast is for you!
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As much as the Brothers have tried to wean themselves off paper (see previous BiT series on “Going Paperless”), we admit that there is still a need for printed documents in our personal and professional lives. So, even though it may seem like a technology that has joined the likes of fax machines, VCRs, and CD players...the printer industry is alive and kicking (and innovating), and the Brothers are here to provide both an overview of the current home solutions and some suggestions for finding the right printer for your needs. So, watch or listen to hear about the types and features to consider when purchasing your next printer. BONUS: You will also get an opportunity to hear about a swelling issue that Alan has had recently (PG, we promise)...which you won’t want to miss.
Printer technology mentioned in this episode: Airprint, Voice control, Duplex, Ink Tank, Laser, Inkjet, Photo
Do you find yourself serving as the go-to “I.T.” person in your family? Or are you someone that tends to call other family members for technical support and would rather learn things on your own? Brothers in Tech is a weekly podcast focusing on home technology and provides help to the “default family IT person”. Hosted by Alan & Brian Jackson, a new topic will be discussed each month (main episode) followed by 3 weekly “deep dive” episodes (the B-sides) with additional information. Whether you are the person who everyone calls for tech support, are the person who is doing the calling, or are simply interested in technology…this podcast is for you!
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
You might be thinking...haven’t the Brothers already discussed streaming services? Yep...twice in fact. But, this is a topic that requires periodic revisiting...which is why the Brothers are discussing their current views on the current streaming services. How do the Brothers’ rankings compare? Well, obviously there is Alan’s list..and then the correct one. Watch or listen to see if you agree...and to see who put Disney+ at the bottom of their list!
Streaming services mentioned in this episode: Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Disney+, HBOMax, Hulu, Paramount+, Starz
Do you find yourself serving as the go-to “I.T.” person in your family? Or are you someone that tends to call other family members for technical support and would rather learn things on your own? Brothers in Tech is a weekly podcast focusing on home technology and provides help to the “default family IT person”. Hosted by Alan & Brian Jackson, a new topic will be discussed each month (main episode) followed by 3 weekly “deep dive” episodes (the B-sides) with additional information. Whether you are the person who everyone calls for tech support, are the person who is doing the calling, or are simply interested in technology…this podcast is for you!
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
You might be thinking...haven’t the Brothers already discussed streaming services? Yep...twice in fact. But, this is a topic that requires periodic revisiting...which is why the Brothers are discussing their current views on the current streaming services. How do the Brothers’ rankings compare? Well, obviously there is Alan’s list..and then the correct one. Watch or listen to see if you agree...and to see who put Disney+ at the bottom of their list!
Streaming services mentioned in this episode: Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Disney+, HBOMax, Hulu, Paramount+, Starz
Do you find yourself serving as the go-to “I.T.” person in your family? Or are you someone that tends to call other family members for technical support and would rather learn things on your own? Brothers in Tech is a weekly podcast focusing on home technology and provides help to the “default family IT person”. Hosted by Alan & Brian Jackson, a new topic will be discussed each month (main episode) followed by 3 weekly “deep dive” episodes (the B-sides) with additional information. Whether you are the person who everyone calls for tech support, are the person who is doing the calling, or are simply interested in technology…this podcast is for you!
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Have you been wondering when we might get to watch Alan make a fool of himself by wearing a headset and exploring the virtual world that he has been living in recently? Yeah, me too. Well, our wish is finally coming true! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers (well, Alan) take Facebook’s Meta Quest VR headset for a spin, and discuss the possible current and future uses for the technology. Are there uses outside of gaming? Is it worth the price? Can you wear glasses in the headset? Why doesn’t Alan’s avatar have legs? Watch or listen for the answers to these questions and more, but fair warning…if you get dizzy easily, you might want to check out the audio version.
Technology mentioned in this episode: Meta Quest VR Headset ($399)
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Well, for all of those who were really excited to hear Brian on his own last week…I am sorry, but Alan is back. But, let’s just say…he totally made up for his absence with his BiTs in this episode. I mean, how often can you listen/watch an episode and get to watch 80’s TV…save yourself some money…determine whether you are going to watch a movie or not…and know whether or not your local McDonalds ice cream machine is down? And those are just part of the BiTs from this episode. You won’t want to miss this one. Plus, you will get to find out which Brother is really freaked out by clowns…
Alan’s Picks
Valuable Websites:
Photopea: Online (free) web-based substitute for Photoshop.
My ____ (decade) TV: Web-based TV set emulator. Choose the decade, the topics, and flip through shows!
Does The Dog Die?: Online search base for all of the fears that you might have…so you know whether you should watch the film or not…
McBroken; A crowdsourced database of whether McDonald’s ice cream machines are broken or not.
Mic Boom Arm ($37…although there are a lot of similar versions): A table-mounted/clamped arm for your microphone, so that you can get it out of the way while in or out of use.
Brian’s Pics
Blackstone Original 36” Griddle: Channel your inner Waffle House cook dreams…outdoors! Great outdoor 4-burner griddle/cooktop.
1Password: Great password/document manager (~$7/month for a family plan…~$1/person beyond the included 5 accounts). The Brothers chose to use this specifically for the family sharing feature.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Well…this is either the episode you have been waiting for…or your worst nightmare. Alan is no longer with us. Well, let me rephrase that…he is still alive, just wasn’t able to join for this episode. It is all Brian. The “Brother” in Tech. So, if you are interested in trying out meal delivery services, have tried some but thinking about getting back in the game…or you just want to see whether Brian falls on his face trying to host an episode on his own, this one is for you! Learn about the types of services, the process of signing up and using, and some tips for making the most of them. And don’t worry…Alan will be back next time, unless there is a huge movement for Brian to continue on his own. Yeah…he will be back.
Services mentioned in this episode: Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, Freshly, Gobble, Marley Spoon, Home Chef, Sunbasket, Green Chef, Hungryroot, EveryPlate, Purple Carrot, ButcherBox
Your Usual Hosts:
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Alan Jackson (the absent older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although the process of bad actors attempting to scam someone has been around since the beginning of time (actually, we don’t know if that is true…but it sounds good), but the use of technology to accomplish those goals has become rampant over the past 30-40 years. From calls on your landline to see if anyone is home…to emails to suggest that the Prince of Nairobi wants to send you a lot of money…to messages claiming that you need to provide your financial information in order to stop a mistaken charge, scammers are always looking to find new and effective ways of getting access to your information and/or money. Yeah…people suck. But, regardless of the approach, there are some strategies that can help limit the likelihood that you will fall victim.
In this episode of Brothers in Tech, we welcome a guest who has a lot of experience dealing with scammers and helping vulnerable users stay safe from scams. Bill Carrigan (IT/Help Desk/Support @ Pacific University) helps us figure out some steps in recognizing and avoiding phone, email, text, and online sales scams. So, if you are still waiting on your millions from the Prince of Nairobi…this episode is for you.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although we have discussed automation and digital assistants in the past (see previous episodes), we haven’t discussed the actual process of setting up those automations to increase your home/life efficiency. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the brothers walk through several examples of how to pair up some triggers and actions in both Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s HomeKit apps. Tune in to learn about the process, and hopefully spark some ideas of ways of bringing automation into your home. And, even though the “Let’s Rock” automation didn’t work for us at the end of the show…have no fear, we realized after the show what we did wrong (changed the set-up earlier in the show!). Brian = Facepalm.
Products/Apps mentioned in this episode: Amazon Alexa (Dot, Show), Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Ecobee, Hue, Kasa, Wyze, Wiz, WeMo, Atomi Smart
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Summer is here, and the time is right….to talk about A/C! You may be thinking that there have not been a lot of advancements in home climate control options, but the Brothers are here to make sure you are up to date on alternatives to the standard HVAC (which we now know what the letters stand for…). So, listen/watch to learn about some potentially more efficient options for not only cooling down your home this summer…but controlling your cooling system. Plus, you get to hear us brainstorm about how to solve Alan’s 3rd-floor cooling issues…as hearing about Alan’s problems is always fun.
System-types mentioned in this episode: Ductless/Mini-Split, Ceiling Fans, Window Units, HVAC
Products mentioned in this episode: Ecobee, Nest, Honeywell
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As per Alan’s suggestion, we are going to give this a try… Well, if you were looking for an episode that will inspire you…this isn’t it. I mean, we really weren’t very good in this one. You could use the term “train wreck”, but that might just be an understatement. That being said, we did bring our monthly suggestions for you…ho hum. So go ahead and listen to it…if you are really bored.
Alan’s Picks
· News Explorer ($9.99 for MacOS version, $4.99 for iOS, included in SetApp). Sync your news stories across multiple devices, including RSS and Twitter feeds.
· WD My Book Live 3TB Personal Cloud Storage NAS ($154 on Amazon). You can set this hard drive up on your home network, and everyone can wirelessly back-up their files. Great pride for 3TB of storage!
Brian’s Pics
· Lepy Digital Amplifier ($31.99 Amazon). Have a pair of those “dumb” speakers that you would like to get some use out of? This inexpensive amp can put them to use.
· SoFi. The financial giant now has banking options. Earn up to 1.5% on checking and savings, get up to $300 for using direct deposit, and a lot of other perks. Plus, if you want a referral bonus, let Brian know!
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Interested in making your own website? The Brothers In Tech will discuss tools and tips for building your own website whether it be for personal or professional reasons. Learn about domain names, website building software, and other things to help you get your website up and running!
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although we think the days of creating and remembering hundreds of passwords are numbered, this is still very much a part of our day to day lives. So, how do you keep track of all of these passwords? In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss the pros and cons of a variety of password management options. From sticky notes to biometrics…we have you covered! And, although you may still choose to use “password” or “12345” as your passwords, at least we will have a more secure way of managing them!
Products/Apps mentioned in this episode: LastPass, 1Password, Keeper, Dashlane, Apple Passkeys
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Apple has made great strides over the past few years/software updates with their health and fitness monitoring. However, given that Apple doesn’t do a very good job of informing/educating their users of their features, it is likely that you are unaware of some of the great features that you have baked right into your phone. So…we figured we would do it for them! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss the features of Apple’s Health app…what it can do, and how to get the most out of it. Although we probably should have thought through the embarrassment of screen sharing our personal health and fitness stats in advance…we hope you at least enjoy a laugh at our expense. We hit the treadmill after the show…promise.
Products/Apps mentioned in this episode: Apple Health, Apple Watch, MyFitnessPal, Renpho Smart Scale
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It’s that time again…time for the Brothers to show off their tech suggestions! In this BiTs episode, we have a little bit of everything…hardware, accessory, & software…free, pricey, and even a techie way of giving to charity. And, as you watch/listen to the first part of the episode…don’t panic, Alan didn’t have to do the whole episode on his own. I mean, Brother in Tech doesn’t really have the same ring to it…
Alan’s Picks:
· Hunter Cavera Simple Connect Wi-Fi Fan with HomeKit (~$160 Amazon, $219 Home Depot): Smart ceiling fan that you can control (light and fan separately) with an app/voice assistant.
· Letterboxd (Free, $19/year for Pro): Social media for film and movie lovers! Keep track of the movies you have watched (or want to watch), suggestions from friends, etc. And, if this sounds familiar…yes, Alan is recycling BiTs here.
· BONUS PICK! Amazon Smile: Designate a portion (0.5%) your Amazon purchases to the charity of your choice.
Brian’s Picks:
· JASP Statistics Software (Free): Open source (but regularly updated) statistical software that is a nice free replacement for SPSS.
· Thule Gauntlet Sleeve/Case ($65 through Thule, $30 through B&H): Protective (semi-hard structure) sleeve/case for your laptop or tablet with compartments for charger & dongles.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although we love to talk about new technologies that we think you should consider, sometimes you need to give some love to the apps, devices, and services that have been around a while…especially when they have recently gained some new features. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers each bring a couple of software/service updates that they are excited about. Whether to help you keep your hands on your mouse and keyboard while working, find the movie you are looking for, listen to TV in the car, or search for a green version of a dress that you like (Alan?)…these new features are worth checking out.
Brian’s Updates:
· Apple: Universal Control
· YouTube TV: Picture in Picture & enhanced Bluetooth audio capabilities
Alan’s Updates:
· Plex: Cross-service streaming search feature
· Google Search: enhanced image/integration search
· Google Docs: enhanced writing assistance
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Apple announced some new computers and features for their upcoming iPhone, iPad, and Mac software at their annual developer's conference... so the Brothers in Tech are here to talk about those announcements and what could make a difference in your computing life in the near future!
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and a survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Do you ever have a need to use a computer platform other than the one that you own? Maybe you have a PC but like to occasionally dabble in Linux…or own a Mac but have a need to run a PC-only program? Well, you could go and buy a whole new second machine…or you could try and emulate that platform on your current machine. Computer emulators are programs that will use your current computer’s resources to experience other computer systems. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, Alan reviews the pros and cons of using an PC emulator on the Mac. And, spoiler alert…just to make it realistic, he has to restart the PC during the show.
Products mentioned in this episode: Parallels, VMWare Fusion, Bootcamp
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
If you have listened to the show before, you know that we make no secret that at our core, we are Mac guys. Although we appreciate and have had plenty of experience with other platforms, when it comes to buying a computer for ourselves…we are buying a Mac. So, as Brian is currently in the market for a new computer, we thought it would be helpful to go through the Apple computer line-up to determine what features/options are available (and expected soon). If you have been considering buying a Mac, or are just interested in the current state of the Mac line-up, this episode is for you! Or, if neither of those apply, and you just want to spend an hour listening to the Brothers window shop…we are here for you!
Products discussed in this episode: Mac Mini, Mac Pro, Mac Studio, Macbook Air, Macbook Pro, iMac
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although we love diving into a tech topic each week…let’s be honest, we really love our BiTs episode! In the first live airing of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers try and impress each other by bringing a couple of tech suggestions, and see how much money they can make each other spend. Not to give it away…but Brian’s pics really heat things up, while Alan makes sure we stay organized.
Brian’s Pics
· HX HECLX Mug Warmer ($22): Keep that coffee warm/hot throughout the day with this desk accessory. 3 temperature options, auto shutoff, and digital screen.
· Atomi Smart WiFi Ceramic Tower Heater ($120): Space heater with smart features (phone app, schedules, Alexa/Google Home compatible).
Alan’s Picks
· 4-in-1 Multi-Port & Apple Watch Charger ($18): Tired of carrying multiple cables with you when you travel? Four connections in one cable!
· Gemini 2 ($45 for one-time purchase, $20/year subscription): Efficiently search for and delete duplicate files from your Mac (or iPhone, for a separate fee).
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What do we do when we don’t have a pressing topic to talk about? We improvise, and talk about what is right in front of us! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers compare their “essential computer apps”…aka, the apps we use on a daily basis and can’t (or prefer not to) live without. FYI, the Brothers’ apps are so similar, you would think they were related… We also play the “desert island game”, and discuss who could live (and work) with the fewest apps if pressed. Spoiler alert…Brian wins.
Apps mentioned in this episode:
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
We know what you are thinking…why would you need a podcast to tell you about podcasts? Well, although you might be a regular consumer of podcast media, if you are like most, you are just scratching the surface of how to enhance your listening experience, and the Brothers are here to help. From the basics of what is a podcast, to the features that you might want to look for in a podcast player, we are here to assure that you don’t miss a beat (or word). **Of course, the most important step in the process is to click “subscribe” to Brothers in Tech if you haven’t already…and the rest will fall in place. In fact, subscribe from all your devices/apps, as you can never be too safe.
Apps mentioned in this episode: Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oh yeah…it’s that time again. The BiTS episode! Time for the Brothers to try and impress each other with a recommended technology (e.g., app, device, service), and see who might have to break out their wallet. However, unlike most other BiTS episodes, Alan is the one who actually brings the expensive item to the table…and even Brian admits that it is pretty cool.
Brian’s Pics
· Duplicate File Finder by Nektony (Free, or Pro for $19.99): An app that can help you clean out your duplicate files on you Mac.
· Firefox Browser by Mozilla (Free): With the ability to sync bookmarks and history across multiple (cross-platform) devices, Firefox may be worth another look!
Alan’s Picks
· Stream Deck by Elgato ($80-250): An external usb device with programmable physical buttons for all of your computer’s repetitive tasks (and even a magic 8-ball!).
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Advances in home automation have opened up a lot of opportunities to integrate your devices and voice throughout your home…but the three main automation platforms (Amazon, Google, Apple) have not always played nicely together. Those who have chosen to use HomeKit (Apple) as their platform have been more limited in their options for peripherals/devices, and not easily able to integrate with the other platforms. But, Alan is here to save the day (or confuse the heck out of you…)! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, Alan walks us through a way to integrate non-HomeKit devices into your HomeKit ecosystem…and as a bonus, how to bring your older IR/non-wifi devices into your automation world. This one geeks out a bit…but if you can get through it, can save you a lot money and frustration!
Products mentioned in this episode: BroadLink IR/RF Universal Remote, Homebridge
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The television has long been one of the cornerstones of our home technology lives…but if you haven’t shopped for a TV recently, you might be a little overwhelmed by the features to choose from. Do I need 4K? 8K? LCD? LED? HDR? Well, the Brothers are here to help. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, we discuss the features that you should be considering when searching for that new TV. You can hear what choices Brian made in his recent TV purchase, and whether Alan is supportive of those decisions. BONUS MATERIAL…Why does Alan have a bone to pick with Brian about a previous product/company suggestion? Does it look like something is really weighing Alan down these days? You will have to watch/listen to find out!
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Over the past several years, the Apple Watch has challenged the way we think about wearables…but does it have the same use and allure as it did when it was first introduced? With both Brothers owning the device (Brian’s is newer, by the way), we wanted to discuss what we view as the most valuable features of the watch, what features would lead us to upgrade, and some hidden tricks that you may not have known about. So, whether you are already an Apple Watch devotee, or thinking of making the plunge…this episode is for you!
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It is the episode that needs no introduction…but we are going to require Alan to do it anyway, just so he can remind us who came up with the name. It’s the BiTS episode! Time for the Brothers to see if they can one-up each other by introducing a new tech that will not only gain brotherly approval…but potential lead them to spend some (or a lot of) cash!
Brian’s Pics
· Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbell system ($399): A way to have access to a wide range of dumbbell weights without the need for large square footage.
· MagBak MultiCharger ($129) & Car Charger ($79): For those in the MagBak phone case ecosystem, these are sleek solutions for charging. Expensive, so look for sales!
Alan’s Picks
· Detail App: A slick way to switch between camera sources while on video calls…even using your phone’s camera!
· Fantastical by Flexibits ($3.33/month): Our favorite calendar app, recently adding a number of great new features.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
That sofa you have in your living room…it’s not just for sitting anymore! Well, actually it is…but it may have some cool new features to enhance your sitting pleasure. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss some of the ways that technology has been making its way into your furniture. From shopping to design, from power to lighting…we are here to provide you with some pros and cons of some of these new advancements. And, you will get a (very early) sneak peak at Alan’s holiday wish list (of which he will not be getting from his brother).
Products mentioned in this episode: FreeMotion Recliner Battery, Farmhouse Murphy Cabinet Bed, IKEA Place App, Tabula Sense Smart desk, Digital Habits Open Mirror, Miliboo Smart Sofa,
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a yearly event in which we get a glimpse of the future of consumer technology…sparking tech enthusiasts like us to dream (and drool) about what is to come. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss the products that they are most excited about, and what those products could mean for our daily lives if they come to fruition. From new concepts to product enhancements/features, to increased sustainability…we are here to get you dreaming about what’s around the corner.
Products mentioned in this episode: Asus Zenbook 17 Fold, Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3, Samsung Eco Remote 2022, Chipolo Card Spot, Eufy Security Video Doorbell Duo, Movano Ring
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Smart lighting is made to sound simple…”just swap out your bulb!”…and there are certainly situations where that is true. But, to assure you get the most out of your smart lighting solution (and least frustration), there are some factors you need to consider. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss the different approaches to “educating” your lighting, as well as the questions you should ask yourself before doing so. And, you may be thinking that this sounds like a therapy session for Alan, who has recently gone through a smart lighting overhaul…and you would be right. But, we think you can benefit from his pain.
Products mentioned in this episode: Lutron Caseta smart switches, Kasa smart bulbs & switches, Meross smart plugs, Philips Hue smart bulbs, Wyze Smart bulbs/outlets/switches
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It’s that time again! Time for the Brothers’ “show and tell” in which they to try and outdo each other by bringing the more useful/impressive tech suggestion. Apps, devices, websites, or services…we try and impress each other with new and unique tech that we feel our listeners will enjoy. Not to give anything away…but all of the picks in this week’s episode seem pretty useful (although the jury is still out as to whether Alan’s helpful hint actually qualifies…).
Alan’s Picks
· Using Quicktime (Mac only) to present or record your phone/tablet’s activity.
· Sleep Watch: Sleep tracking app (iOS, Free or $4.99/month for Premium) providing feedback and coaching from wearing your watch at night.
Brian’s Pics
· Sealight LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade Kits ($25-60): Update your old halogen headlight bulbs with a brighter, more efficient LED bulb system.
· Hand Mirror (Free, MacOS): Menu bar app for quickly checking your webcam image before jumping on a zoom call.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Don’t you think it is time that we have an episode about the truly important “people” in our lives? We agree…and in this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss some ways that technology can either enhance your pet’s life, while possibly providing you with some peace of mind at the same time. Whether it be for safety, feeding, training, play…or doin’ da business, we introduce and provide our thoughts on the latest pet tech.
Products mentioned in this episode: Whistle GO Explore Pet Tracker, Airtags, Tile, Furbo Dog Camera, Smart Pet Doors, SMART DOG Trainer Collar, Self-Cleaning Litter Box, Pet Door Bell, PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher, iFetch Mini Automatic Ball Launcher
Websites mentioned in this episode: www.chewy.com, www.petsafe.com
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Well, if 2020 & 2021 have taught us anything…it is that we had better know how to participate in virtual meetings. Although you may have begrudgingly done so over the past couple years, it might be time to step up your virtual game by improving your video and audio presence. Watch or listen to this week’s episode as the Brothers discuss (and demonstrate) some tips for looking and sounding your best online with enhanced strategies and/or hardware. And, which Brother has the better online presence (which might be seen as a way of covering up their imperfections…)? You will have to watch to find out.
Products mentioned in this episode: epocam, Zoom
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although it may have been a badge of honor to have 5 remote controls on your coffee table back in the day…times have changed. There is no longer a need for device-only remotes…and in some cases, any physical remotes at all. In the first episode of Season 3 of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss the current state of the remote control, some pros, and cons of different remote types, and their predictions of the future of these devices. Now recorded in video and audio, you can watch or listen to get ideas of how to best control your technology without ever leaving the couch…and find out which brother prided themselves in their ability to program remote controls (a real party favorite).
Products mentioned in this episode: Logitech Harmony Elite, Apple TV, Amazon Echo
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson (the older brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson (the younger brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Well, although we can’t say that 2021 was the greatest year overall…it did include about 50 episodes of Brothers in Tech! As Season 2 of the podcast winds down, the Brothers decided to revisit some of their favorite tech from 2021. What were their favorite BiTS from the year? Favorite home tech right now? Most random home tech ideas (FYI, these weren’t as useless as initially thought…)? How about our tech hopes for 2022? You can hear (and see…as our first video podcast!) the answers to these and more here on the 2021 Wrap-Up!
Highlighted tech in this episode:
· Level Smart Lock
· Belkin 11 in 1 USB Hub
· Descript
· Magback iPhone case & wallet
· Apple TV
· Apple HomePod Mini
· Wyze Outdoor Cam
· Apple CarPlay
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Time for some BiTs! The Brothers welcome back Jeff Hartman (Professor of Exercise Science @ Gardner Webb University) to the show to discuss our latest suggestions for your home technology. This month’s suggestions are probably going to cost you a chunk of change, but at least we are going to help you track that spending….and it is going to taste so good doing it!
Brian’s Pick
· Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System ($189 on Amazon): Brew your coffee in various sizes with grounds or pods.
Alan’s Pick
· CoPilot ($6/month): App that can keep track of your finances and spending.
Jeff’s Pick
· Instant Pot Pro ($119 on Amazon): 10 in 1 cooking solution (e.g., slow cook, steam, rice, sous vide, etc).
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It has been two years since the Brothers began sharing their thoughts on technology with the world (even though it feels like an eternity), and we have had the opportunity to discuss a lot of great topics. But, given the speed at which technology changes, some of those topics are going to need to be revisited. What better topic to revisit than our first ever topic, Streaming Services! To help us walk down memory lane and figure out how the streaming landscape has changed over the past 2 years, the Brothers welcome Jeff Hartman (Professor of Exercise Science @ Gardner Webb University) back to the show. Give a listen and find out what services the Brothers are currently subscribing to (and why), whether their thoughts on services have changed over the past two years, and which services they would put their money on going forward.
Services mentioned in this episode: HBO Max, YouTube TV, Hulu, Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, CineFlixDOD
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
BiTS, BiTS, and more BiTS! It is the episode that we all look forward to, where the Brothers (and this month’s guest John Mims, Professor of the Practice of Communication at High Point University) try and one-up each other with a new gadget, app, or service. In this episode, the question is not whether we appreciate each other’s picks…it is how much money we will have to spend to get them.
Brian’s Pick
· Wyze Night Light (3-pack, $19.99): Although it might not sound that exciting…this is an incredibly slick solution for in-home motion-detecting wireless lighting.
Alan’s Pick
· Descript (Free w/limits, up to $24/month for Pro): Incredibly slick (and a bit scary) application/service for editing and creating audio files (speech). Will future Brothers in Tech episodes actually be recorded or digitally created? You may never know…
John’s Pick
· CPLAY2air ($119.95): An adaptor that allows you to wireless connect to your CarPlay stereo. No more need to plug in when you get in the car!
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As we brainstormed about what topics would be the most exciting and engaging for our audience, we couldn’t think of anything better than…cables. No, not cable (as in TV)…just cables…you know, the wires. Well, it may not be the most exciting topic…but we know that it is a topic that has led to pain and frustration for man (including ourselves). So, the Brothers poured a drink (or two), and tried to get to the bottom (untangle, if you will) of the wild world of computer cables. From the USB alphabet to HDMI, we try and provide some tips for making sure you are properly tethered. And, you certainly won’t want to miss Brian trying to explain the difference between a male and female cable connection.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Picture this…you happen to have your phone out when the most amazing thing happens (e.g., your cat opens the refrigerator), and you capture it on video. Of course, you want others to be able to see and appreciate this amazing experience with you…but how should you share it? Well, the Brothers are here to help (well, at least Alan)…so that your cat gets the attention it deserves. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers (no guests…old school) discuss the best strategies for sharing your videos…whether it be with just friends and family…or the entire world. From visibility to format to copyright…we have you covered.
Services Mentioned: YouTube, Vimeo
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What could be more exciting than an episode discussing the day when we permanently “leave the building” (aka, die)? Well…an episode about death and technology, of course! In all honestly, this may be one of the more important topics we have discussed on Brothers in Tech…as we should all be thinking of taming the digital mess we leave our family following our demise. In this episode, the Brothers discuss strategies for managing your digital legacy…including, but not limited to who might get control of your ever-popular technology podcast when you are gone. Do your loved ones a favor and give it a listen.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It is estimated that around 2.5 billion people (~1/3 of the world’s population) play videogames…a market size of over $170 billion in 2020. But, these are no longer the videogames where you needed an expensive game console or a pocket full of quarters…you actually have a fantastic gaming device right in your pocket. Mobile gaming has become the preferred gaming platform for the casual gamer, and it doesn’t look like that is going to change anytime soon. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers welcome back John Mims (Professor of the Practice of Communication at High Point University) to discuss (aka, educate Brian) the pros and cons of mobile gaming and subscription services. Did they convince Brian to join the masses and subscribe? You will have to listen to find out…but let’s just say that Sneaky Sasquatch certainly got his attention.
Services Mentioned: Google Play Pass, Apple Arcade
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Whether you are interested in good news, bad news, or fake news…there is no shortage of news content for our consumption and no shortage of methods for consuming it. However, the Brothers believe there are some apps/services that are better than others for you to access quality information. With an expert on communication by our side (John Mims, Professor of the Practice of Communication at High Point University), the Brothers discuss their suggestions and “must-haves” for apps and services to help you take hold of your information intake. Not to give it away…but Facebook was not at the top of that list.
Apps/Services Mentioned/Discussed: Apple News, Flipboard, SmartNews, Google News, Pocket, Morning Brew
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson is a professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Another Apple announcement!?! Well, we had to cover that! The Brothers welcome long-time friend and tech enthusiast John Mims (Professor, Public Relations & Social Media @ High Point University) to join them in dissecting the new products and services announced during Apple’s “Unleashed” event. Whether you are a Mac fan, or just want to know what is on the tech horizon…we are here to let you know what you should be excited (and not so excited) about. And, can you guess which of the Brothers is already taking out a 2nd mortgage to order one of the announced products?
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson is an professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although on the surface it may not sound like the sexiest of topics...this is certainly a topic that most of us have a vested interest in. From the early days of long-term contracts and counting minutes, to today’s data-filled packages, cell phone services may have evolved…but continue to be an essential part of our lives (or necessary evil!). With cell phone companies vying for your business with countless promotions, the Brothers are here to break down the must-haves and deal-breakers when searching for your next cell phone service. Will we also answer the age-old question of whether your car warranty really is about to expire? You will have to listen to find out.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson is an professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
You know, sometimes you just have to give the audience what they want…and we know you want more BiTs! So, we are here to please. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers each provide two BiTs (Brothers in Tech Suggestions) that we think you will enjoy. This round is all about apps and services to save time and increase efficiency (although the video browser could be used for evil as well...).
Brian’s Picks
· Cardhop: App (Mac/iOS) for managing your contacts. Easy access in menu bar (Mac). $3.33/month (which includes Fantastical…a Fantastic calendar app!)
· YouCanBook.me: Appointment scheduling service to allow clients/students to grab a time on your schedule and make an appointment without bothering you! Free for basic use (which Brian does), and $10/month for premium features.
Alan’s Picks
· Bartender: App (Mac) for managing your menu bar. Hide, reorganize, and create rules for your menu bar apps in order to make the most of them. $15 (one time) or SetApp subscription.
· Lift Browser by Yac: App (Mac) that will keep your videos (e.g., Netflix, YouTube) front and center while you work. $5.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson is an professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although we try not to repeat topics on Brothers in Tech…there are some topics that are just need more attention…or are the bane of our existence. Revisiting our earlier series on email, the Brothers discuss numerous features that should be considered when searching for email bliss. Features we have to have…features we like to have…and features we would love to have…we have you covered. Which Brother has “gone dark” (and has no interest in going back)? Which Brother has a serious snooze problem? You will have to listen to find out.
Your Hosts:
Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.
Brian Jackson is an professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Apple recently released an update to their mobile operating system (iOS 15), and as usual…the Brothers are early-adopters. What’s to like? What’s not to like? The Brothers break down the key new features in this upgrade, and whether they are ready for primetime. Although we always recommend waiting for the 2nd or 3rdupdate to a new OS before upgrading to allow for any major kinks to work out …you will have to listen in to see if iOS 15 follows suit. Plus, hear about a new feature (Focus) that will make it even easier for Alan to ignore Brian’s texts throughout the day.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
Alan Jackson (the older brother) lives in works in Hickory, North Carolina as the Strategic Director of Jackson Creative and Jackson Insight. Alan specializes in creating marketing campaigns and resources for a variety of clients as well as consulting on marketing research and satisfaction surveys. In his free time, Alan runs a film society and annual film festival in Western North Carolina. Alan started his technology journey at a young age, learning to program in BASIC on an Apple IIE and being one of the first people in his area to use and master the original Macintosh. He earned extra lunch money by drawing pictures of superheroes in MacPaint and selling printouts to friends for a quarter each, officially earning him the title of the nerdiest kid at school. Alan has always enjoyed learning new technologies and helping others incorporate tech into their everyday home and work lives. Oh, and he is definitely the favorite child… no matter what his siblings suggest.
Originally from Hickory, North Carolina, Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) currently lives just outside of Portland, Oregon where he works a professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University. Academically, he is a “motor behaviorist” (studying motor skill learning and performance) who has used his passion for technology to research the use and effectiveness of a number of fitness and learning devices. He is a former coach (tennis), craft beer connoisseur (well…at least a consumer and admirer), and competitive dart player (yes…darts). Although admittedly deeply connected/invested in the Apple ecosystem, Brian enjoys finding, researching, and critiquing all types of new and creative technology solutions…and consulting others on educational and home technology practices (including trying to correct any mistakes that Alan has made with family advice). Oh, and he is definitely the favorite child…no matter what his siblings suggest.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mmmmmm….pie. They come in all flavors, shapes and sizes…and are so good. But, could they run your home security system? Well, maybe not the type of pie you are thinking of…but a Raspberry Pi certainly could! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss the beauty of the $35 ‘do it yourself’ computer, and ideas of how you could use it. From digital signage to Plex server…there are so many possibilities. Plus, you will get to decide which Brother’s Pi usage is more embarrassing…Minecraft server or webcam darts. Tough call…
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Remember when you would actually call someone to ask a question or just to see how they were doing? Yeah, it has been a while. If you are like most of us, the quick call has been replaced by sending a text, emoji, or reaction…and the options for sending those messages has grown significantly. In this episode, the Brothers discuss the pros and cons of various messaging services…SMS, MMS, iMessage, WhatsApp, & Messenger…we have you covered. Most importantly, we answer the two questions that we know keep you up at night…what is the difference between the blue and green message bubbles, and why does it take Alan 3-4 days to respond to Brian’s texts?
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If you are tech fans like us…and we know you are, you enjoy seeing cool (and sometimes crazy) ways that technology can solve a problem. And, what better place to let those fascinations run wild than the Sharper Image catalog. In this episode, the Brothers try out something new (and not because they just didn’t prepare for anything else…we promise) by selecting items from the catalog that they either wish they had, wished actually worked as advertised, or think the other would enjoy…and then of course try to poke holes in the idea. Tune in to see which of these picks actually earns a “maybe?” from the Brothers!
Catalog Items Mentioned:
· Wand Scanner ($119.99)
· Wireless Mail Alert System ($69.99)
· Easy No Spill Fuel Pump ($79.99)
· Cassette to MP3 Converter ($69.99)
· Acupressure Pain Relief Massage Pen ($59.99)
· Mighty Carving Knife ($99.99)
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Well, we made you wait long enough…it is time to bring some more BiTs (Brothers in Tech Suggestions)! Since we didn’t have a guest to join us for this episode, we each stepped up and brought a couple of picks for you (along with a couple of updates on recently discussed services Trimand PayPal. Be sure to listen to hear about Brian’s gas problem (and possible solution) and why Alan now looks like someone else has been picking out his clothes. Hint, hint…they have.
Brian’s Picks
· GasBuddy: App that can search for the best local gas prices (and more)
· MagBak: Magnetic phone case and wallet system
Alan’s Picks
· Credit Karma: App/Site that can provide you with an updated credit score, home equity amounts, etc.
· StichFix: Online clothing shopping/style service
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Well, if you listened to the last episode, you now know some strategies for managing your money…but what if you wanted to share that money with someone else? Let’s say Brian wanted to send some money to Alan (yeah, this is obviously a hypothetical situation)…what is the best and most efficient way of doing that? In this episode, the Brothers discuss several services for person to person money transfers, and the pros and cons of each. Plus, they stumble through an admittedly incomplete explanation of crypto currency to provide you just enough info to be dangerous.
Apps/Services discussed in this episode:
· Venmo
· PayPal
· Apple Pay
· Zelle
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Do you have so much money that you have a hard time keeping up with it all? Yeah, neither do we…but, that doesn’t mean that we aren’t interested in creative ways of managing what little money we do have! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the brothers discuss the technological advances in personal banking and budgeting. From online banking services, to wealth management tools, to services that can help you find ways of saving money…we have you covered. Now…if we just had the money to take advantage of it.
Apps/Services discussed in this episode:
· Mint
· Personal Capital
· Truebill
· Trim
· Policygenius
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Here it is! The episode that you have all been asking for…the Brothers (without guests) just talk, without any preparation, with no particular topic or focus. OK, so maybe you haven’t been asking for it, but we think you might actually like the result! In this “Odds & Ends” episode, Alan & Brian discuss the latest technology ventures…from home security cameras, to video projector solutions, to swimming headphones…there are some good ideas here. Plus, we play a little “what apps are on your phone home screen?” game, and see what apps we deem essential, and which we might be embarrassed about. The biggest question is whether Alan has Snapchat on the 1st or 2nd page of his phone? You will have to listen to find out…
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Have a bunch of stuff that you aren’t using anymore and would like to get rid of? Well, you could have a yard/garage sale, post signs all over town, or pay for an ad in the classifieds…but that’s not very efficient, OR TECHIE! But, have no fear…the Brothers have you covered. Check out this week’s episode as Alan and Brian (yeah, just the two of them…they dropped the ball on getting a guest) discuss how to get rid of the junk in Alan’s basement though online means. From Craigslist, to Ebay, to Facebook Marketplace, we have you covered! And, amazingly…Alan actually had some good things to offer in this episode, so you won’t want to miss that.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
He did it! Rob Dickerson (VP of Retail Sales @ DeFeet, a cycling apparel company) put in his tour of duty on Brothers in Tech by being a guest for 3 episodes/topics, and now he gets the pay-off…the BiTS episode! Check out this week’s Brothers in Tech as we provide our suggestions of the latest in technology for the home. This week we present a service (which will actually save you money…if you qualify), an app (which won’t cost much), a device (which will actually cost you a LOT of money)…and even a bonus pick (that comes in pink?).
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
You might be thinking…isn’t camping the place where I am trying to get away from technology? Well, you are probably right, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some great technological advances in the camping world that you should be aware of. In this week’s episode, we welcome back Rob Dickerson (VP of Retail Sales @ DeFeet, a cycling apparel company) as we continue our series of topics to help you make the most of your summer. From tents (yes Alan, these are still a thing)…to sleeping bags…to accessories, this episode covers the ‘must haves’ to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Once again, Alan had very little to contribute in terms of content…but he at least asked some good questions.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this week’s episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers decide to take a short break from having guests to respond to some questions/comments we have received from our listeners over the past few weeks. We discuss To-Do apps, home automation/tech, and Windows 11…as well as discuss whether Chris in Michigan is a bit delusional, a friend of Alan’s, or both. Either way, we are crossing our fingers that they were not a wealthy prospective sponsor…in which case, we loved your question!
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Whether you are tired of sitting in traffic, annoyed with rising gas prices, looking to shed a few pounds, or just eager to get outside…it is a great time to get on a bike! And, who better to give the Brothers a rundown of the latest in cycling tech than Rob Dickerson (VP of Retail Sales @ DeFeet, a cycling apparel company). From e-bikes, to clip-in pedals, to cool accessories, Rob gives a great overview of what you need to know to get into the biking world (well…at least enough so that we don’t look like complete idiots walking into a bike shop). Heck, even Alan was inspired to exercise after this…or at least wear some spandex shorts.
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It’s summer, summer, summertime! And what says summer more than…lawn care? Well, it may not be the most exciting part of your life, but have no fear…there are some cool tech advances that might make the job a bit more efficient. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers (well…Brian) review some of the advances in lawn care equipment and irrigation along with guest Rob Dickerson (VP of Retail Sales @ DeFeet). And Alan…well, he does what he does best, and adds very little to the conversation.
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Apple recently held its annual Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) and announced a number of interesting new advancements to the MacOS, iOS, and iPadOS software lines. But, are any of these advancements worth getting excited over? The Brothers (and ONLY the Brothers in this episode!) discuss the highlights of the announcements, and what they may mean to your computing experience. Oh, and Brian finally learns what the “I” in iOS/iPad/iPhone actually means (insert facepalm emoji).
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Well…we couldn’t find anyone else to join us for the Brothers in Tech BiTs episode, so we begrudgingly brought back Chad Austin (entrepreneur, musician, photographer/videographer, drone pilot, etc @ www.chadaustin.com). And, he lived up to our expectations! J Check out this week’s Brothers in Tech as we provide our suggestions of the latest in technology for the home. A device, a service, a show, and even a Pentagon report?…this episode has it all! And, luckily…Brian & Chad were able to make up for Alan’s pick.
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With Apple’s recent announcement of lossless and spatial audio availability in their Music service…there seems to be a lot of confusion as to the current advancements in audio capabilities, whether you can take advantage of them, and whether you would even notice the difference. The Brothers, along with the help of someone who knows his way around a sound board (Chad Austin, www.chadaustin.com), provide an overview of the key audio terms, and discuss how these new advances might affect your listening experience. NOTE: If you listen to the lossless version of this podcast, you might hear Brian taking a drink in the background every time Alan says “interesting”…
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What is that flying above your head? A bird? A plane? Nope, that is an unmanned aircraft…and you are probably going to start seeing more and more of them. Are there things you need to know before going out and flying a drone? In this episode of Brothers in Tech, Alan and Brian are joined by an expert on drones and drone piloting, Chad Austin (www.chadaustin.com) …because, well, they really didn’t know anything about it. Even if you aren’t interested in flying a drone, this episode will give you a better idea of the legal and ethical factors in doing so, and some exciting potential future uses.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding Apple’s recent introduction of App Tracking Transparency in iOS 14.5. Who’s tracking me, and when? What will you gain (or lose) if you disable tracking? And, most importantly…will this have any effect on the hair product ads that Alan receives (and appreciates)? In this episode of Brothers in Tech, we welcome Chad Austin (yes, THE Chad Austin…entrepreneur, musician, photographer/videographer extraordinaire @ http://www.chadaustin.com) to the show to discuss how apps are tracking you, and whether you should care!
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
After a full month of engaging contribution by Mary Margaret Baker (Creative Director @ Jackson Creative), it is now time for the payoff…the BiTs episode, or in her case, the SiTs (Sister in Tech Suggestion)! Check out this week’s Brothers in Tech as we provide our suggestions of the latest in technology for the home. An app, a service, and hardware…this episode has a little something for everyone.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Virtual reality, or VR, has been around for a while but is mostly known for gaming... and now Augmented Reality, or AR, is starting to emerge as a technology people are experiencing. But what exactly are the differences between VR and AR, and why is Brother in Tech Brian so excited about the future possibilities of AR? The Brothers welcome back their sister, Mary Margaret Baker, Creative Director @ Jackson Creative, to the show to discuss VR, AR, and even introduce the terms XR and MR. What are they, and how might they be playing a role in your personal or home life in the future?
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Likes, mentions, networking, and pictures of cats wearing hats. Social media has it all…but is it a good thing? To get to the bottom of this (or at least spend some quality time debating…as siblings do), the Brothers welcome back an expert in all things social media (Mary Margaret Baker, Creative Director @ Jackson Creative) to the show. Mary Margaret provides a compelling argument as to why we need and should use social media, Brian channels his inner Mike Geraci (see “The Speed of Technology” episode) and shows that he would probably prefer to be living in a van down by the river, and Alan…well…Alan was either being Switzerland in this debate or taking nap.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although we appreciate all types and brands of technology, it is no secret that the Brothers are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem (aka, fan boys). So, when Apple announces new products…we have to discuss! The question is, what does our Sister in Tech think about it? Check out the latest Brothers in Tech as we welcome Mary Margaret Baker (Creative Director, Jackson Creative…and our actual sister!) to the show to discuss what we are excited (and not so excited) about with Apple’s new tech. And, as a bonus, you get to hear about Mary Margaret’s fetish for loyalty cards.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ahhhh…the BiTs episode. What a great and creative name, BiTs (Brothers in Tech Suggestions). Wonder who came up with that? Oh yes, that was Brian…and he loves to remind Alan of it any time he can. For this episode, we give guest Mike Geraci (Digital Media professor, Pacific University Oregon) the pay-off for his hard work on the previous three episodes by being a part of this month’s BiTs show (man, what a great name…)! Check out what the Brothers are suggesting this month!
Brian’s Pick = Echo Show ($109.99 for Echo Show 8): Ok, so this one may have been used previous…but after spending a lot of time with it, it has exceeded the expectation). For those who are comfortable with the Amazon ecosystem, this is a great kitchen tool!
Mike’s Pick = Apple Arcade Games ($4.99/month, or included in Apple One subscriptions): Mike brings up his experience with some of the games that he has enjoyed through the Arcade service.
Alan’s Pick = Jump Desktop ($29.99 for desktop version, but also included in SetApp subscription): Application for remote connection, control, and collaborative screen sharing for Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Technology continues to race forward at an incredible pace, and the Brothers are typically happy to be along for the ride. But, while it is easy to see all the good that can come from faster tech evolution and development, there are also some dangers that we should keep a close eye on. On this episode of Brothers in Tech, friend of the show Mike Geraci (Digital Media professor @ Pacific University Oregon) breaks out his tin foil hat and leads a discussion of concerns with the current state and future direction of technology. Although listening may make you want to go live in a van down by the river…this is one you need to hear!
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Passwords? Passwords? We don’t need not stinking passwords! Well, actually we do... and sorry to tell you, Password123 is no longer a good one. So, what should you be doing to keep your information safe online, should you be using a password manager, and what the heck is two-factor authentication? Check out this episode of Brothers in Tech as the brothers (along with the help of Mike Geraci, Digital Media professor at Pacific University Oregon) discuss the current state and best practices of personal online security. And, if you are asked to enter a password to listen to the episode, try 1-2-3-4.
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The popcorn, the stadium seating, the big screen. Oh, movie theaters…how we have missed thee. The last year has forced us to make a number of changes in our life, and many have chosen to try and replicate the cinema experience at home. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers welcome fellow tech enthusiast Mike Geraci (Digital Media Professor @ Pacific University) to discuss the ins and outs of how to set up your own home cinema!
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It is what you wait all month for…it’s the BiTs (Brothers in Tech Suggestions) episode! The Brothers, along with returning guest Chris Frye, perform a little show and tell with some tech that they think you should check out. This episode has a bit of everything…an app, a service, and a device…free, minimal costs, and a chunk of change. Check it out and let us know what you think!
Brian’s Pick = Netgear Orbi Mesh Network ($200-600)
Chris’ Pick = Hoopla (Free w/Library Card)
Alan’s Pick = Jettison ($4.95)
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Well, it is no secret that the Brothers are fans of the Mac (and basically all things Apple). But, with all of the focus on iOS over the past few years…has Apple put enough attention on MacOS? In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers (along with returning guest Chris Frye) discuss the current state of MacOS, likes, dislikes, and where we think things are going in the future. Bonus…Alan and Brian geek out a bit on their hopes for the future of personal computing. You won’t want to miss that!
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
Alan Jackson is a director with Jackson Creative, a marketing content production company, and director of Jackson Insight, a survey research firm, Executive Producer of The MESH podcast network , and co-founder and co-director of the Footcandle Film Society and Film Festival.
Brian Jackson is Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University, Product Director at Senaptec, former tennis coach and a current craft beer connoisseur.
Chris Frye is a Media Producer with Jackson Creative specializing in video production and creating online media, as well as the co-founder and co-director of the Footcandle Film Society and the annual Footcandle Film Festival.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Heard about the new social media app Clubhouse? Well, if you haven’t…you are not alone…but you may just be missing out on the next big thing. Luckily, we have Alan, who is so hip and up on the times. So, come and listen to Alan educate Brian and returning guest Chris Frye (Media Producer @ Jackson Creative) on the ins and outs of Clubhouse…what it is, how it could be used, and whether we should be using it as a new source of information or entertainment. Spoiler alert…this is not the same as MySpace…and if you are still using MySpace, this may not be the episode for you.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
Alan Jackson is a director with Jackson Creative, a marketing content production company, and director of Jackson Insight, a survey research firm, Executive Producer of The MESH podcast network , and co-founder and co-director of the Footcandle Film Society and Film Festival.
Brian Jackson is Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University, Product Director at Senaptec, former tennis coach and a current craft beer connoisseur.
Chris Frye is a Media Producer with Jackson Creative specializing in video production and creating online media, as well as the co-founder and co-director of the Footcandle Film Society and the annual Footcandle Film Festival.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A lot has happened in the year since our streaming services series, and the Brothers wanted to discuss the current state of services and where we feel they are going. No, we are not simply recycling topics this season…we actually have some new things to say! Along with their guest, Chris Frye (Media Producer @ Jackson Creative), the Brothers debate which services are on the right/wrong track, and most importantly...which are worth your money.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
Alan Jackson is a director with Jackson Creative, a marketing content production company, and director of Jackson Insight, a survey research firm, Executive Producer of The MESH podcast network , and co-founder and co-director of the Footcandle Film Society and Film Festival.
Brian Jackson is Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University, Product Director at Senaptec, former tennis coach and a current craft beer connoisseur.
Chris Frye is a Media Producer with Jackson Creative specializing in video production and creating online media, as well as the co-founder and co-director of the Footcandle Film Society and the annual Footcandle Film Festival.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Now we get to have some fun… Our Brothers in Tech Suggestions (BiTs) are now their own episode, so you can get your new tech fill once a month! In the final episode with our first guest, Jeff Hartman, we each bring a tech item (app, device, service) to share. Will it be supported or ridiculed…that is the question.
Jeff’s Pick = Sonos Move portable speaker ($399)
Brian’s Pick = KIHUWEY iPhone Case Wallet ($14.99)
Alan’s Pick = Chamberlain Smart Garage Hub ($39.98)
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Well, as working from home has continued to be a norm for many, we felt this topic deserved another chat. After ~9 months of working from home, the Brothers (with guest Jeff Hartman) discuss their current home office set-up, tips for juggling a shared workspace, and what tech has helped make the transition easier/more efficient.
If you haven’t already, check out the “BONUS: Working from Home” episode from Season 1. Turns out that a lot of our tips actually held up!
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
Alan Jackson is a director with Jackson Creative, a marketing content production company, and director of Jackson Insight, a survey research firm, Executive Producer of The MESH podcast network , and founder and director of the Footcandle Film Society and Film Festival. And voted most likely in school to have too many job titles in the future.
Brian Jackson is Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University, a “motor behaviorist” (which Alan still has to look up to understand), former tennis coach and a current craft beer connoisseur.
Special guest Jeff Hartman is Professor of Exercise Science at Garner-Webb University with an interest and passion for wellness and fitness. Jeff is also the purveyor of the typewritten word… and Alan & Brian's "brother from another mother".
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
So, you have your usual New Year’s resolution to get in shape…and you are looking for some technology to help out. Enter Apple’s new service, Fitness+. At $9.99/month (or $29.99 as part of the highest level of Apple One subscription, which includes several other services), Fitness+ attempts to compete in a crowded fitness service market. Check out this episode as the Brothers (and our guest, Jeff Hartman) discuss how the service stacks up, and where it has fallen short. Unsurprisingly, Alan chose to play the “haven’t had a chance to try it out” role in this one.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
Alan Jackson is a director with Jackson Creative, a marketing content production company, and director of Jackson Insight, a survey research firm, Executive Producer of The MESH podcast network , and founder and director of the Footcandle Film Society and Film Festival. And voted most likely in school to have too many job titles in the future.
Brian Jackson is Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University, a “motor behaviorist” (which Alan still has to look up to understand), former tennis coach and a current craft beer connoisseur.
Special guest Jeff Hartman is Professor of Exercise Science at Garner-Webb University with an interest and passion for wellness and fitness. Jeff is also the purveyor of the typewritten word… and Alan & Brian's "brother from another mother".
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2021 kicks off with a new year, new format, and a guest “brother”! In this first episode of Season 2 of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers (and our ‘brother from another mother’, Jeff Hartman) discuss the Apple Watch. We cover the good, the bad, and our expectations/hopes for the future of this popular device. And guess what? We actually keep this one under an hour! Rock on 2021!
Alan Jackson is a director with Jackson Creative, a marketing content production company, and director of Jackson Insight, a survey research firm, Executive Producer of The MESH podcast network , and founder and director of the Footcandle Film Society and Film Festival. And voted most likely in school to have too many job titles in the future.
Brian Jackson is Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University, a “motor behaviorist” (which Alan still has to look up to understand), former tennis coach and a current craft beer connoisseur.
Special guest Jeff Hartman is Professor of Exercise Science at Garner-Webb University with an interest and passion for wellness and fitness. Jeff is also the purveyor of the typewritten word… and Alan & Brian's "brother from another mother".
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Before Season 2 kicks off, the Brothers wanted to revisit some of their favorite topics from Season 1, highlight some of their favorite (and most useless) tech, and make their home tech resolutions for 2021. Not to give too much away…but if you have been looking for an egg sensor for your fridge, or a handy way of keeping your chicken warm while playing video games…this episode is for you.
A sample of highlighted tech from this episode:
· YouTube TV
· Spark Email
· Genius Scan
· SetApp
· Abode Home Security
· Meross Light Bulbs & Outlets
· HomePod mini
· Level Smart Lock
And…some that were mentioned, but not suggested!
· KFC Chicken Warmer Game Console
· Lex Folding Wearable Chair
· Egg Minder (the questions are worth a read…)
· WiFi Battery
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Just when you think we had covered all there was to cover in the home automation realm…we have more. Want to know whether you left your fridge open, whether your water heater is leaking, or…and obviously more importantly, whether your beer kegs are getting close to being empty? There are sensors for that. In the final episode of the Home Automation topic (and, the final episode of Season 1 of Brothers in Tech), the Brothers discuss some creative ways that automation is being used for home safety. And, while you are listening…see what ideas we have for new products in the future (copyrighted, of course)!
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = Samsung SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor ($19.99). A great little device that can be used to sense/notify you whether a door, drawer, or liquor cabinet is open…and detect temperature change.
- Alan’s Pick = Nanit Plus wifi Baby Monitor ($299). A great update to the traditional baby monitor. Wall or floor mount, motion monitoring, overhead video, 2-way audio, phone access to audio/video, and more.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Now that we got you hooked with the ‘gateway drug’ of automation (lighting), it is time to step things up a notch and figure out how you can use automation to protect/secure your home. In the second deep-dive into the Home Automation series, the Brothers discuss the types of home security devices, and considerations you should have when choosing which is right for you. Oh, and you will want to stick around until the end (not that you wouldn’t normally…) to see what system Alan is going with in his new home! We know you are on the edge of your seat…
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera ($129.99). Indoor/outdoor security camera with some nice features…rechargeable, waterproof, and magnet attachment (for easy removal).
- Alan’s Pick = Adobe iota Security Kit ($259). Nice package with everything you need to get started with home security. Camera, motion sensor, siren, door sensor, and key fob. **Alan is just getting started with this system, and is only providing a preemptive recommendation!
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Are you looking to set up your own version of Doc Brown’s automatic dog feeder (you gotta love when Back to the Future gets some love on the podcast…)? Well, the Brothers are ready to get you your first fix. Check out the first deep dive into the world of home automation as the Brothers provide you with what they so eloquently term the ‘gateway drug’ of automation…devices that provide convenience and efficiency. Be careful though, because once you go automated…
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = Harmony Companion Remote & Hub ($149.99). A great way to retrofit your home entertainment system for wifi connection. A physical remote (with great buttons) and hub device allow you to control your tv, receiver, etc without direct line of sight and allow for automated tasks.
- Alan’s Pick = Time Mate ($18…or free, if your loving brother gives you one for Christmas). A small (1”x1”) device that will allow you to track whatever it is connected to (e.g., key, purse, briefcase). Lose your keys? Your Tile app will not only allow you to see where it was last “pinged”, but let you trigger an alarm on the device. Great stuff.
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Is getting out of your chair and turning off the light too much to ask? Walking to the thermostat to adjust it just require too much effort? Yeah…us too. Good thing that there a number of cool products out there to help automate those tasks! In the first episode of our Home Automation series, the Brothers discuss the ins and outs of automation…considerations, categories, and some examples. Oh, and Brian impresses Alan with how he “gets ready for bed”…you won’t want to miss that!
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = Nest Learning Thermostat ($249). A well-known thermostat (now owned by Google) that allows automation of your heating/air system, as well as remote access, program integration, etc.
- Alan’s Pick = Ecobee 4 Thermostat ($189.99, factory refurbished). The other well-known thermostat that boasts some of the same features (remote access/control, program integration), and also has Amazon Alexa built-in and a room sensor (for better temperature recording).
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Now that you are on the health and fitness technology kick…let’s look around the house to see what other types of devices we can upgrade! In the final episode of the health & fitness series, the Brothers discuss some useful (and maybe not so useful) home technology devices that can enhance your workouts, your health tracking, and even your cooking. Be sure to listen and enjoy the final episode where Brian serves as the “teacher” on a topic…as we know that all good things must come to an end.
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Alan’s Pick = Tangram Smart Rope ($39.99). Yes, you read that right…a smart rope. Jump rope that is! If you ever thought to yourself…I really wish I could keep up with the number of jumps you have completed in a workout, well this is for you!
- Brian’s Pick = Renpho Smart Body Fat Scale-Basic ($27.99). A really good connected digital weight and body fat scale. Step on, open the app on your phone or watch, and you can store weight and body fat %. Integrates with most health apps.
- Bonus Pick = Wyze Scale ($19.99). Although we haven’t tried it, it looks like these guys have done it again. What seems to be a quality product for a price that won’t break the bank. Weight, body fat %, and heart rate…and connects to most popular health/fitness apps.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Looking for a way to cancel your gym membership and working on your health and fitness from home? You may want to look into one of the many health and fitness subscription services that are now on the market. There are a lot of them…but that is where we come in! In the second deep-dive into our Health & Fitness series, the Brothers talk through the considerations you should make before signing up for a health and fitness subscription service.
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Alan’s Pick = Calm ($69.99/year…but you will probably get a coupon after signing up that will drop that cost to $41.99 for the first year). An app/service that focuses on meditation and relaxation. You will be led through sessions to train your mind to focus, relax, and enhance your overall mental health.
- Brian’s Pick = Peloton ($12.99/month for app use, $39/month for on-equipment). You probably know them from their ads about the technologically advanced (and expensive) bike, but they also have an app that can be used without purchasing their equipment (or, with your own bike). Workout routines, classes, etc. Certainly something to check out before shelling out for the bike.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Maybe you are wanting to step up your fitness game without purchasing a lot of new equipment…well, there’s an app for that! Actually…there are a bunch of them. Whether you are looking for a central hub for all of your fitness data, a way to harness the data that your phone is already collecting, or have a virtual fitness/health coach, this episode is for you. Check out the first deep-dive in our Health & Fitness series where the Brothers (or, at least one of them) discuss the considerations for choosing a mobile app for your health and fitness needs. And, Alan works on his health by catching up on some much-needed sleep as Brian is talking…
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick #1 = MyFitnessPal (Free for basic use, $50/year for Premium features). Great app for logging food intake and workouts, track your progress towards a fitness goal, and even receive personalized workouts and coaching (premium features)
- Brian’s Pick #2 = 7-Minute Workout. Need a workout, but short on time? This is a nice full-body workout within…you guess it, 7 minutes! There are a lot of ways to access this, but we suggest trying the free mobile app, watch app, or digital assistant skill (e.g., Alexa).
- Alan’s Pick = Sleep Cycle app (Free for basic use, $30/year for premium features such as tracking). A great way to track your sleep health without wearing a watch/band at night. Set the phone by the bed, and get insights as to your sleep habits.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Whether you are wondering how technology can help achieve your health and fitness goals, trying to decide which tech equipment/sensors are worth paying for, or just wanting to hear Brian show off to his big brother? This episode is for you! In the first episode of our Health & Fitness series, the Brothers (well…Brian) discuss the benefits and features of wearables, and considerations you should make when purchasing.
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = Garmin Instinct Solar ($399) fitness watch. Yes, it is expensive…but this solar powered fitness watch provides GPS, HR, altimeter, compass, accelerometer, temperature, pulse oximeter…and can provide up to 56 days of battery life. Great option for the outdoor fitness enthusiast.
- Alan’s Pick = Ted Lasso on Apple TV+. Ummmm…a television show…on a fitness podcast. In all fairness, the show does focus on soccer (sorry…English football), so I guess that is something. It is a great show though…
- Brian’s 2nd Pick (to make up for Alan): Wyze Band. Looking for a fitness band that provides a lot of great features (e.g., touch screen, HR, sleep monitoring, water-resistant, Alexa built-in, notifications) at an affordable price ($24.99)? Check this out. We love what these guys are doing…
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
After listening to the first 3 episodes of our Audio series(which we know you have!), you have lots of ideas of how to obtain and listen to digital music…but maybe you are inspired to create your own? In the final deep-dive into the Audio series, the Brothers discuss what you need to enter the world of digital music creation. Although there is admittedly not a lot of musical talent between them (unless you count playing power chords or making mix tapes), Alan certainly seems to know what he is talking about. Brian is just along for the ride…
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = CDM (Create Digital Music): A great web resource for all of your music creation needs. Reviews of products, apps, and techniques (free website).
- Alan’s Pick = Focusrite Scarlett Solo: A great introductory USB audio interface. XLR (mic) and ¼” (line instrument) audio inputs ($110).
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Looking for a new home audio system, or wanting to find a way to bring your coveted stereo system into the digital age? This episode is for you! In the 2nd deep-dive of our Audio series, the Brothers discuss solutions for enjoying your digital music at home…with great sound. Plus, you get to hear why Apple’s HomePod reminds Alan of a toddler? Apple lovers might need to listen to the explanation before they send hate mail.
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = Rocketfish Wireless Rear Speaker Kit: If you are looking for a way to send your music to traditional speakers across the room (or outside) without running the speaker wire, this is a great solution ($120).
- Alan’s Pick = Apple HomePod: An impressive piece of hardware (with improving software) that provides a great listening experience in a small package ($299).
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Now that you have listened to our first show in the Audio series and are ready to enjoy your new music service…it’s time to look at the options for enjoying your tunes! In the first deep-dive into the world of audio, the Brothers discuss the various methods for personal listening, including an overview of the booming world of headphone technology. From over/in the ear, to noise cancellation/transparency, to Apple’s new spatial technology. And, Tim (Cook), if you are listening…which we know you are…Brian has a suggestion for the audio in your next round of tablets and phones.
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Alan’s Pick = HOOXIN Airpods Case & Accessories Set: An inexpensive ($8.99) way of enhancing your Airpod experience, including a charging case cover, silicone headphone covers, and more..
- Brian’s Pick = Wyze Headphones: Although not out yet (pre-order), we love what this company is doing, and have high hopes for this affordable ($49.99) pair of over-the-ear wireless headphones.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Still listening to you 8-track player in basement? Trying to record all of your favorite songs off of the radio? Wait…are you still listening to the radio? It may be time to step up your music game by using a music service. In the first episode of the Audio series, the Brothers discuss (and discuss…) the current state of digital music, and introduce the main music service options. Oh, and Brian has a rant about how today’s youth will never know the pain (and satisfaction) of creating the perfect mix tape for the love of your life…
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = Shazam: Recently purchased by Apple, this app (iOS & Android…but will be built-in to iOS 14) allows you to find out the song name and artist of music that is playing around you.
- Alan’s Pick = TuneIn: Looking for a way of streaming real-time news/sports to your phone? TuneIn (Free w/ads and limited content, $9.99/month for premium access) provides you with channels (and podcasts) to enjoy on the go.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
So, you have listened to our first 3 episodes on digital video and have created some high-quality video clips, right? Well, now it is time to work some magic and turn them into the polished product. Check out the final deep-dive of the digital video series where the Brothers discuss software, process, & tips for video editing. Listen close, as Alan has some nuggets of wisdom that could save you a lot of time and heartache in the process!
As always, the world-famous…and Brian’s only real contribution to the podcast.. “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = Lumen 5: App that can easily convert “blog info” into video that can grab your social media followers’ attention (Free for 3 videos/month at 720p with a watermark…monthly service of $10 and up for additional features).
- BONUS = Crop feature in Zoom: Save yourself several steps in the editing and sharing your Zoom meeting videos by using the crop feature directly on the cloud recording.
- Alan’s Pick = Frame.io: Cloud-based collaboration tool (works with Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, and others) that allows you to work on video and images as a team (Free for 2 users, 2GB storage limit).
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Want to take your video to the next level…or simply don’t want to fill your phone with footage? A dedicated camcorder, DSLR, or professional video camera may be the right move for you. In the second deep-dive into the world of digital video, the Brothers discuss the benefits of using a dedicated camera as your video camera as your capture device, and also share some tips for improving that experience. Oh…and Alan learns how to add sound effects to our podcast. You won’t want to miss that.
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = Deity V-Mic D3 (sold by Moment, $99): a shoe-mounted microphone for DSLR’s or camcorders (although will work with other devices due to 3.5mm jack).
- BONUS (aka, Alan’s correction to Brian’s BiTs): Rode Microphones…which Alan believes are better!
- Alan’s Pick = Atomos Ninja V: External storage and playback device (~$600). Record directly to the device (with your own storage added) and playback with the built-in monitor.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Can you create quality videos with your camera phone? Yes! Can you improve the quality of those videos with some additional steps and equipment? Absolutely. In the first deep dive into the world of digital video, the Brothers discuss tips for creating better video with your phone. Listen for some great advice from Alan in this episode…and for Brian to try not to screw it up.
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = DJI Osmo Mobile 4 Smartphone Gimbal ($149) - Compact gimbal for mobile video. Trigger control (joystick, zoom, start/stop). **NOTE: B&H has a package where this can be used as a small tripod as well…and you can now find the Osmo Mobile 3 (previous model) for less than $100 if you are looking for a less-expensive option.
- Alan’s Pick = Filmic Pro ($15.00, iOS & Android) - Mobile app that allows you to take your mobile video to the next level. Manual control, frame rates, image quality, audio, motion FX - entire ecosystem of other app (logging, film simulation with FirstLight, DoubleTake - two camera multi-cam recording, Remote - iPad control).
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
OK…so Brian had his opportunity to show off on the Photography series...now it is Alan’s turn. Whether you are looking to simply capture family memories or create a video work of art, this one is for you! In the first episode of the digital video series, the Brothers (well…Alan) provide an overview of helpful video terminology and formats to get you project started.
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = QuickTime (Free): Surprisingly powerful app for recording, playing, and simple editing of video. Although developed by Apple, it is available for (and works well on) Windows machines as well. **Screen recordings are easy to do…and useful for remote asynchronous teaching/presenting.
- Alan’s Pick = Handbrake (Free): A tool for converting video from nearly any format to a selection of modern, widely supported codecs.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
So, you have taken some great photos on your camera or DSLR….now what? In the final deep-dive into the topic of digital photography, the Brothers discuss management of your photos/photo library, including:
· Organization
· Storage
· Sharing
· Editing
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = Photoscape X (Free, Mac or PC). A really nice desktop photo editing app that delivers a lot of features typically available on paid apps (e.g., cut outs, touch-up brushes, etc). **A pro version is available for Windows ($40), but the free version offers most of what you need.
- Alan’s Pick = Gemini 2. Do you accidentally have multiple copies of files on your computer? Gemini will find duplicates of photos, music, and other files so that you can consolidate. $20 (Mac Only), or available as part of the SetApp subscription.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
If you are interested in jumping into photography more seriously, you may want to consider a DSLR (stand-alone digital camera)...and listen to this episode! Learn about the types of DSLRs, pros and cons of using a DSLR compared to a mobile device, and the accessories (e.g., lenses) that can help to take your photography to the next level.
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = Pluto Remote Trigger System. A Bluetooth remote trigger control (flash shoe mount) in order to control from your phone. Cool presets for capturing water droplets, star trails, etc.
- Alan’s Pick = Think Tank Photo Digital Holster 10 v2.0 Camera Bag. A great minimal camera bag (larger sizes available for longer lenses) for your DSLR.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Want to take great photos, but don’t want to invest a lot in camera equipment? Today’s phones can be used to produce great images, if you know how to use them. In the first deep-dive into the world of photography, the Brothers discuss the ins and outs of mobile photography, and why Alan has given up on the standalone camera.
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = Moment mobile cases and lenses. Prepare yourself…these are crazy expensive. But, if you are looking to create high-level images or video from your phone…this may be the gear for you.
- Alan’s Pick = University Cell Phone Tripod Mount Adaptor. Want to use your phone on a tripod…these clamps will do just that, at a great price.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Interested in photography as a career, hobby…or just hoping for better pics for your social media posts? We have you covered. In the first episode of the Digital Photography series, the Brothers discuss the distinctions between mobile and “traditional” (i.e., DSLR) photography, and what factors may make you want to proceed with one over the other.
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = B&H Photo & Video: Great site for photography & video equipment (new & used). **Not mentioned in the episode, but KEH is also highly recommended (and maybe even better for the professional photographers).
- Alan’s Pick = Manfrotto Monopod: When you don’t want to carry around a full tripod, this monopod is a great way of adding stability to your shots.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
So, you have listened to the episodes regarding email features and technologies…but now you need to get down to work. In the final deep-dive into the world of email, the Brothers discuss the philosophy and workflow strategy of GTD (Getting Things Done), as it applies to email.
In addition, the “BiTs” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Alan’s Pick = Getting Things Done: A book (yes…an actual book) by David Allen with strategies/tips for being more efficient in your daily life (e.g., “stress-free productivity”). Don’t worry…there is a digital version as well
- Brian’s Pick = Canary Mail: Although still not Brian’s top pick for email client (which is reserved for Spark & Outlook Mobile), this email program (MacOS, iOS, WatchOS) has some nice features, including read receipts & contact profiles that might be worth checking out (included in the SetApp subscription, or $20 each for the desktop and mobile apps).
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Want to completely change the way you approach email? Or, prefer to burn email to the ground and start new? In this deep-dive into the world of email, the Brothers discuss some unique alternatives that are on the market, and give a peek into the future of digital communications. Alternative services discussed include:
· Hey
· Spike
· Slack
In addition, the “BiTs” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Alan’s Pick = Lunch Train: Slack add-on in which you can choose whether to participate or opt out of scheduling discussions (e.g., if you cannot make the scheduled event).
- Brian’s Pick = USPS Informed Delivery: All of this talk about digital communication has given “snail mail” a bad rap…but the postal service has stepped up their game a bit by giving you the option of receiving an email showing you the mail you will be receiving that day.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although all email clients will let you create, view, and reply to emails…there are some exciting features that newer apps are beginning to implement that you might want to give a try. In this deep-dive episode, the Brothers discuss some of the common problems/issues that we have with traditional email, and some of the new features that are working to solve them, including:
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = Spark: An email client (iOS, MacOS, Android, **Windows version in development) with some nice features (e.g., smart inbox, calendar, snooze, teams) that you might want to give a look.
- Alan’s Pick = MailButler: Happy with your current email client…but want some additional features? This add-on app will add some useful extensions (e.g., email tracking, send later, notes, tasks, snooze) so you can “upgrade” your current client.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Email. You may love it…you may hate it…but you almost certainly have to use it. In the first episode of their new topic, the Brothers discuss the pros, cons, and future of the popular communication medium.
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Brian’s Pick = Microsoft Outlook Mobile: You may have experience with Outlook on your computer (which might not have been a pleasant one), but if you haven’t checked out Outlook mobile (iOS & Android)…you should.
- Alan’s Pick = Apple Mail (MacOS): Really stepped out on a limb here. He is a big fan of Apple’s built-in app…but let’s be honest, he was really excited about back-up strategies.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
After talking about your more traditional computer systems - like Mac and Windows - in previous episodes, the boys turn their attention towards a unique computing platform called the Raspberry Pi. Alan describes some of it's interesting uses and what makes this type of computer very interesting, although not necessarily for everyone.
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Alan’s Pick = RiseVision: A digital display platform for spreading messages, images and videos across a network of screens that can use the Raspberry Pi as it's delivery vehicle.
- Brian’s Pick = CanaKit Raspberry Pi Starter Kit: A great package, including some helpful accessories and adapters, for those interested in starting with the Raspberry Pi.
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Megabytes? Gigabytes? Terabytes? The numbers can be daunting. In this deep dive into the world of computers, the Brothers try to make sense of the specifications that you should know if you are looking to purchase a new machine, including:
· Processors
· RAM
· Hard Drive
· Ports
In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions):
- Alan’s Pick = MacTracker: An app (Mac only, free) that will provide you all sorts of cool information about older macs. Pics, specs, and OS capability…pretty cool.
- Brian’s Pick = DaisyDisk: An app (Mac only, $9.99) that can visually map your hard drive to show you what files are taking up a lot of space, and easily allow you to delete them. **WinDirStat is a good Windows version (free).
Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
So you are thinking of buying a new computer? Now that you have learned about the various form-factor options (episode 6.0), now it is time to think about what operating system (OS) is right for you. In the first deep-dive into the world of computers, the Brothers discuss the pros and cons of the major OS options: Windows Mac Chrome Linux In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions): Brian’s Pick = Fantastical: An outstanding calendar app (Apple devices only…Mac, iPhone, iPad) that not only improves the native calendar experience (e.g., natural language input, layout), but brings a useful menu bar calendar to your system. Limited free version (& trial), subscription full version (~$4/month). Alan’s Pick = CleanMyMac: An app (Mac only, obviously) that performs some great maintenance scripts to keep your computer running smooth, as well as provides access to helpful information/tasks in the menu bar. $34.95 (1 license), or part of the SetApp subscription. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A technology show that hasn’t talked about computers yet? Well, the Brothers have never been much on conventional thinking…but we figured it is about time we talked about the foundation of your home technology. In the first episode of their new topic, the Brothers discuss the various form factor options when you are considering buying a new computer: Desktops Laptops Tablets Phones In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions): Brian’s Pick = Amazon Music (which I am sure has some connection to the topic…but we just haven’t figured it out yet): a little-known feature of your Amazon Prime account that is well-worth checking out. Great streaming stations, ability to save and access music, etc. Alan’s Pick = Syntech USB-C to USB Adapter (2 Pack): Small connector to allow you to plug your usb devices into your laptop (USB-C) port. $9.99 (for 2). Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although it is quite rare for them to ever admit they were wrong or had changed their mind on something…for their 21st episode, the Brothers decided to revisit some of their earlier topics to see if they still stand by their earlier thoughts, including: Streaming TV Digital Assistants Going Paperless Home Internet BiTs (Brothers in Tech Suggestions) Brian: Xodo, a pretty impressive pdf editor. Available via web application and mobile app. Organized similar to the Files app in iOS, Xodo allows you to open and edit your pdf files directly from your network accounts (e.g., iCloud, Google Drive). Alan: Although it has nothing to do with the show topic, those who love movies should check out Letterboxd…an app that allows you to track and share the films you watch, while following others (like Alan!) to gain inspiration of what to watch next. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Looking for a complete backup and storage solution for the home? A NAS system may be exactly what you need. Although it seems like only one of them was really prepared for this final deep dive of the backup series, the Brothers discuss the ins and outs of a NAS system. In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions): Brian’s Pick = Bueller? Bueller? Well….I guess you can tell who was a bit out his comfort zone with this topic? Alan’s Pick = Western Digital (WD) MyCloud Home Drive. Alan saves the day by having a pick for a fairly inexpensive entry-level network drive. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although we don’t want you to have your head in the clouds…it may be a nice place to back-up your data. In the second deep-dive episode regarding data backup, the Brothers discuss the options for creating and maintaining an online backup, including: Functionality Speed Price In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions): Brian’s Pick = Google Drive File Stream: Note that Brian mistakenly called this “Google Sync”, which is a different feature. File Stream allows you to mount Google Drive as a network drive, and sync files from Drive to your device. Free (Mac & PC). Alan’s Pick = DropBox: One of the gold standards for online storage that allows you to store, retrieve, and use data from various apps. 2GB provided for the free account, $9.99/month for up to 2TB of storage (Mac & PC). Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
So, we have convinced you that however boring it might be (unless you are Alan), you need to have a solid backup strategy. What are the software options for making this happen? In the first deep-dive episode regarding data backup, the Brothers discuss the options for creating and maintaining a local backup, including: Time Machine (Mac) Windows Backup (Windows) Others… In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions): Brian’s Pick = Get Backup Pro: Software (Mac only) that will allow you to customize the files, timing, and location of backup processes.$19.99 (one-time) to purchase, but also included in SetApp (subscription). Alan’s Pick = ChronoSync Express: Software (Mac only) that will allow you to synchronize two folders (where changing one will automatically change the other, backup, and scheduling. $49.99 (one-time) to purchase, but also Included in SetApp (for Mac users) Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Well, now that you have taken the advice from our previous episodes and are working towards “going paperless”…you are going to have a lot of important digital information you need to protect. How can you assure you don’t lose that data? In this episode, the Brothers start a new topic by discussing the ins and outs of data back-up, including: Why should you back-up? What data should you be backing up? Theory of back-up Types of back-up In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions): Brian’s Pick = Google Photos: A great (free) way of automatically backing up the photos from your device (phone, tablet) and being able to creatively search them. Alan’s Pick = iCloud Drive: Paid service for Mac users that can automatically back-up/store data for multiple users in your household. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Having some issues with your home internet? Speeds not up to the level that you are paying for? In the final episode of our Internet topic, the Brothers provide some of their favorite tips and tricks for troubleshooting and enhancing your network. Tune in and see how “the student has now become the teacher”… In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions): Brian’s Pick = Mesh Routers: Both brothers strongly recommend a mesh router for your next network upgrade. Alan’s Pick = Activity Monitor: Applications that are not only helpful for determining what applications are running on your computer, but also what applications might be sucking up your bandwidth. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Working from home can certainly emphasize the importance of a strong wi-fi network. In the first deep-dive into the world of home internet, the Brothers discuss the basics that you need to know in order to create and get the most out of a wireless network, including: Specs Router types Standards (802.what??) Signal types Features Brothers’ Advice: Enable your “Guest” network at home so that when your brother comes over, you can give him really slow internet! In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions): Brian’s Pick = WiFi Explorer (https://www.adriangranados.com): Application that will provide you with lots of information about the strength of not only your wireless network…but any network that it can see. Helpful when determining effective router or working location. Alan’s Pick = FING (https://www.fing.com/products/fing-app): mobile app that will show you a list of all connected device on your network, provide network alerts & speed tests. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As many of us transition to working from home, internet access is a premium. In the main episode of their fourth topic, the Brothers discuss provide an overview of internet service, including types, costs, speeds, and most importantly…what is needed to stream from Netflix. Brothers’ Advice: Check your internet speeds at different times of the day to determine whether you are getting the speeds that you are paying for and if there are slow/fast times of the day. Although there are several options, SpeedTest is recommended. In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions): Brian’s Picks (yes, he went the extra mile and provided two…) Call your internet provider to determine what internet services/offers are available for you. Be sure to check your upload speeds if you are doing a lot of videoconferencing. You may even save money! SpeedTest (app) will allow you to run the speedtest from your computer/device without visiting the website AND save your test results for analysis. Alan’s Pick (only one…but it is a self-proclaimed “MegaBiT”) = NetSpot is an app that will let you map your home wifi to determine where the strong/weak spots are located. Helpful when determining where to place routers/satellites/devices. $49 for a single user license, but included in SetApp subscription. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In the final deep-dive of the “going paperless” topic, the Brothers some workflow options for scanning, storing, and organizing your digital information. Services/applications mentioned: Evernote Dropbox IFTTT Scanbot CamScanner BiTs (Brothers in Tech Suggestions) Brian: Genius Scan, a great scanning app including automatic capture, automatic export (with paid + level), and tagging. Alan: Shoeboxed, a service in which you send off your paper (e.g., receipts) to be scanned and organized Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In the second deep-dive of our “going paperless” topic, the Brothers discuss converting current paper documents to digital format (i.e., scanning), including: Dedicated document scanners e.g., Fujitsu ScanSnap All-in-one printers/scanners e.g., Brother MFC series Mobile phone camera applications e.g., Apple Notes, Scanner Pro BiTs (Brothers in Tech Suggestions) Alan: Scanbot, application for scanning documents, mark-up, and sending to a destination (monthly/yearly service) Brian: CamScanner, application for scanning documents (free version w/watermark) Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
To help with the transition that many of you are facing of having to work from home during the COVID-19 crisis, the Brothers are sharing some tips for making that transition as seamless as possible in this bonus episode, including: Workplace Set-Up Separate space Second monitor Scheduled work hours Dress for work Equipment/Software Check/Increase internet speed Hardwire or dedicated IP address Check/update your WiFi router’s firmware Additional webcam (w/light) Noise isolating/cancelling headphones USB hubs/dongles External Keyboard / mouse Document share/collaboration Videoconferencing Use headphones/microphone Test your input and speaker output in advance Check lighting Use mute when not talking Check surroundings Recognize that you are always visible/recorded Test features in advance (e.g., screen share) ‘Hide’ desktop items & other pages BiTs (Brothers in Tech Suggestions) Alan: One Switch, an application that provides easy switches to hide desktop, do not disturb, etc. Brian: Set break timers. Use your fitness watch, phone, or computer apps to remind you to take breaks every X-minutes. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In the first deep dive into the “going paperless” process, the Brothers dive in to the ins a and outs of creating new documents…including hardware, software, and considerations. Hardware: Apple iPad & Pencil Microsoft Surface Rocketbook: reusable notebook Software: Notability Good Notes Apple Notes Evernote Microsoft OneNote Notion BiTs (Brothers in Tech Suggestions) Brian: Paperlike, a screen protector for your tablet that creates an improved “paper like” experience when writing with a stylus Alan: Stylus Sling Pencil Holder, a “fanny pack” for your iPad to keep your pencil in place Bonus BiT: Get your digital signature on file in order to be able to sign forms digitally! Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home or office? Looking for a way to organize all of those documents you have lying around? Although it may feel like a daunting task, there are some great technologies that can help. In this introductory episode, the Brothers introduce the what, why, and how of going paperless. BiTs (Brothers in Tech Suggestions) Brian: Google Drive Alan: Autodesk Sketchbook Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
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In the final deep dive into the world of Digital Assistants, the Brothers discuss a program that allows you to enable creative integrations between your assistant and other products/services: IFTTT (“IF Then, Then That”): A very cool database of skills/routines that can be enabled to integrate several of your services and products together. The “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions) for this show were some of our favorite IFTTT skills: Brian’s Picks When I leave my home area, turn on my security camera… When I click a button on my phone (or arrive at my work location), enter a time log on a Google spreadsheet If I do not receive X amount of sleep (Fitbit), brew a strong batch of coffee (wifi-enabled coffee machine) When your Dominos pizza reaches the “delivery” status, flash your indoor lights and turn on your porch lights (Hue) Alan’s Picks When I “like” a song (Spotify) or music video (YouTube), add them to a Google spreadsheet… When I say “find my phone” to my digital assistant, trigger the Find My Phone feature of your mobile device Anytime a file is added to my DropBox account, copy it to my Google Drive (and vice versa) When it is raining outside, change my Hue lightbulbs to blue Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In the second deep dive into the world of Digital Assistants, the Brothers discuss some of the “skills” that you can enable to get the most out of your assistant, including: 7-minute Workout: Although about 6 minutes too long for Alan, this skill can lead you through a quick workout by telling you what exercise to do, when to switch to the next exercise, etc. Available on most digital assistants (and as an app on your phone and webpage). Link for Alexa skill Harmony Remotes: You can use your digital assistant to control your harmony remote (as long as the remote is capable of being controlled through wi-fi), including turning your A/V equipment on and off, turning up/down the volume, etc. Garage Doors: Once you have your wi-fi enabled garage door set-up, you can enable your digital assistant to open/close the door, check to see whether you left it open, etc. **There are several garage doors with this capability…but Brian has/mentioned Linear, which does not have a great app experience, but works well once set up. Pandora: Although most digital assistants have their own music services (e.g., Amazon Music), they can be programmed to play your Pandora stations. Show “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions): Alan’s Pick = The Bartender: Quite possibly one of the most useful in the digital assistant library…this skill will provide you with recommendations and instructions on how to make some delicious adult beverages. Works on Alexa & Google Assistant. A double thumbs-up from the Brothers! Brian’s Pick = AskMyBuddy: Given the ability to interact via voice (hands-free), digital assistants could be life savers for those dealing with emergencies (e.g., falls). This service allows you to assign your “buddies” that would be notified if you needed assistance. For example, you fall and cannot reach the phone, you could say “….Ask my buddy to send help!”, and AskMyBuddy will notify those that you have designated as your emergency contacts. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In the first deep dive of the Digital Assistant topic, the Brothers discuss a number of hardware options for accessing your digital assistant, including: Your phone! There is an app for each of the digital assistant technologies that will allow you to test out the technology: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri (built-in to apple phones only) Amazon Echo: Various options, relatively inexpensive. Examples: Echo Dot (3rd Gen, as of podcast recording): small, inexpensive ($49..but often on sale), weak sound (only for small room music) Echo (3rd Gen, as of podcast recording): mid-size, decently priced ($99), decent sound Echo Show (see BiT below) Google (“Hey Google”): Limited line-up, but great options for those that are deep in the Google ecosystem Home Mini: small, inexpensive ($49…but often on sale), weak sound (only for small room music) Home: mid-size, decently priced ($99), decent sound Home Max: larger, expensive ($299), very good sound Apple (“Hey Siri”): Great for those in the Apple ecosystem HomePod: mid-large size, expensive ($299), great sound CarPlay: Allow your car stereo to utilize Siri in your car (through your phone). Available in select factory and aftermarket stereo systems. Sonos: For the audiophile…full home sound system that can tap into a digital assistant. Brothers’ Advice: Once you have decided what digital assistant you are most comfortable with (1st episode advice), now you need to determine whether you want great sound that can tap into that assistant…or have access to the assistant with minimal sound. Each ecosystem now has options for the sound level you are looking for. In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions): Brian’s Pick = Amazon Echo Show: Although setting cooking timers with your voice is great when your hands are busy, it can be really helpful to be able to see how much time is left! Although a bit pricey for what it can do, the Show is a solid device for those situations. **There are several versions of this (version 8 is the newest as of this podcast), so be sure to compare features/cost as an earlier version might work just fine for you. Alan’s Pick = Apple Airport Express: Although this product is not being manufactured/sold anymore (hence the Wikipedia link), this could be a great option for streaming music to an otherwise non-internet connected speaker…if you have or can find one. The Express can act as a wifi extender (to boost your wifi signal), as well as allow you to stream music to a speaker connected to it (via 3.5 mm headphone jack). Note: Apple does not support these devices anymore (at least the earliest version), so you may have to do a bit of software tinkering to set-up. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Brothers in Tech: “Digital Assistants” (Ep 2) SHOW NOTES In the first/main episode of their second topic, the Brothers discuss and respond to some of the feedback they have received on the podcast, and provide an overview of the digital/virtual assistant technologies: Cortana (Microsoft): Uhhhh….Beuler? Beuler? Not widely known/used, and recently removed from iOS and Android. Alexa (Amazon): Variety of device options, relatively inexpensive, works with most skills/extensions…but not native to your phone or computer. Google Home (Google): Great database of information, limited device options, works with most skills/extensions….but it is Google, and can be invasive. Siri (Apple): Excellent integration across Apple devices, higher level of security…but limited home device options and expensive. Brothers’ Advice: Try using the digital assistants on your phone (apps available for each) for a few days/weeks before purchasing a device to determine which works best for you. In addition, the “BiTS” (Brothers in Tech Suggestions): Brian’s Pick = AnyList: Shopping list application (iOS and Android versions) with some cool features, including integration with your digital assistant, sorting by item type & store layout, and importing ingredients from online recipes. Free to use…but subscription for advanced features. Alan’s Pick = Wolfram Alpha: Ever wondered how many grams of fat are in 10 peanut M&Ms, or what the high temperature was on October 10th, 1982? This service can provide “expert-level answers” of all sort of questions! Available through web search, web application, and mobile applications (~$3). Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Now that you have information about live TV streaming services (Episode 1), digital media players (Episode 1.1), and other movie/content services (Episode 1.3)…are there other options for getting our TV/Media fix? In the final of three “deep dives” into the topic of Streaming Online Television, the Brothers discuss a couple of DIY options. DIY options discussed: Over the Air (OTA): Brian discusses his system for accessing and recording free OTA content. Great quality, limited channels (local networks), requires additional hardware (e.g., antenna, DVR device) & possibly some creative wiring. Check to see what signals you could access in your location: NoCable.org fcc.gov PLEX: Alan discusses his use of a media server application/service as a way of not only streaming your personal content, but accessing TV/movie services, and even OTA content all in one place! Requires a home “server” (unless you pay for cloud storage) and significant set-up time/energy. Brothers’ recommendation: Although these are inexpensive ways of accessing content…they are not FAMILY recommended! There is a lot of set-up involved in these solutions, and the long-term use may be limited. But, if you don’t mind some creative tinkering, are willing to put some money in initially to save on those monthly fees…WE SALUTE YOU! Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.
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OK, you have learned about how to stream live TV content (Episode 1) and the equipment you need to do so (Episode 1.1)…but what about accessing additional content? In the second of three “deep dives” into the topic of Streaming Online Television, the Brothers discuss movie/content (non-live) services. Media players discussed: Netflix: Huge library of movies/shows (maybe too many?), really good original content. $8-15/month Amazon Prime: Decent library of movies/shows, some original content, clunky interface. ~$10/month (paid yearly…and many of you are already paying for it with Prime!). Hulu: Some original content, but mostly focused on network shows (which you may not need if you have a streaming TV service with DVR capabilities). ~$6/month (but can be combined ESPN+/Disney+ for $13). Apple TV+: Limited (ONLY original content…mostly shows), but good quality. ~$5/month, but free for a year with a purchase of phone/Apple TV. Disney+: Great movie content (Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, etc!), some original content, $7/month (but can be combined with Hulu and ESPN+ for $13). HBO Now: Solid movie/show database, known for original content. Expensive: $15/month (but can be offered as perk for AT&T customers). Brothers’ recommendation: Amazon Prime is a no-brainer addition to a streaming TV service (e.g., YouTube TV), as you already have it if you are a Prime delivery subscriber! Want a second movie service to complement Amazon Prime? Netflix & Apple TV+ can provide some great original content. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
So, we have convinced you to try a streaming television service…how do you access that subscription? In the first of three “deep dives” into the topic of Streaming Online Television, the Brothers discuss the media player options for streaming online content. Media players discussed: “Smart”/Streaming TVs: Inexpensive way of accessing content (included in most current TV’s)…but please no! Save yourself and your family from this frustrating experience! Apple TV (HD or 4K versions): Expensive, very good user experience, ideal for Apple ecosystem users. Roku: Various price and set-up options (~$30-75), good user experience. Best option for those not in the Apple ecosystem and/or need a less expensive option. Fire TV: Inexpensive (~$25-50), but limited and clunky interface. Chromecast: Inexpensive (~$35), but limited (stream from computer/mobile device, Google ecosystem). Good for those living alone who consume most content through the phone (and want to ‘beam’ content to the TV). Brothers’ recommendation: Apple TV (if you are willing to shell out the $$) and Roku (if you want a less expensive option…and don’t mind updating your device every couple years). Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this inaugural episode, the Brothers (Alan & Brian Jackson) discuss the pros and cons of various options/services for streaming live television, including costs, features, usability, and technical difficulty (using the familial rating scale!). Services discussed include: Sling Hulu Live YouTube TV AT&T tv NOW Philo Brothers’ recommendation: YouTube TV (not the most expensive option, plenty of sports/channels, unlimited DVR, great user interface) In addition, the “Picks of the Show”: Brian’s Pick = WatchESPN: Application (for streaming boxes…Apple TV, Roku, etc.) with some really cool features to watch ESPN content, including Picture in Picture and Split Screen (up to 4 screen). So, you can achieve full sport overload Alan’s Pick = JustWatch: Application (web or mobile) for searching streaming services for movie/show availability. Rather than searching each one of your (and possible) services individually looking for a movie, JustWatch will search them all at one time! Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.