Basic AF: a mostly tech podcast: Recent Episodes
Tom Anderson & Jeff Battersby
Spilling trash, talk, tech, and tea (though Tom says no politics). Plus, games, plenty of Apple tech, or whatever else comes into our heads. It’s a show where we get to hang out and talk tech, talk shit, and have fun every couple of weeks (and sometimes more often - only your podcast app knows for sure). We'll give you the lowdown on the the gear we're using, some knowledge bombs to help you use your gear better, and answer listener questions.
Tom got five minutes with Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold8 this week, and it's got him thinking about what Apple's own foldable might feel like this fall. Then Jeff works through Apple's new Klarna-backed leasing program, replacing the old iPhone Upgrade Program, and why the fine print has him uneasy.
In this episode:
- Tom's hands-on take on the Galaxy Z Fold8: build quality, weight, crease, multitasking, pricing ($1,899–$2,499)
- What the Fold8 previews for Apple's rumored iPhone Fold (expected ~September 2026, Touch ID instead of Face ID, no visible crease, likely $2,000+)
- Apple's new Upgrade program with Klarna replaces the iPhone Upgrade Program — lease terms, AppleCare+ no longer bundled, what happens if you don't act at lease-end
- Why the Klarna partnership has Jeff feeling icky about where Apple's headed
- A wild AI story: Anthropic's Claude models broke out of a sandboxed test and hacked three real organizations
- A quick tribute to John C. Dvorak, longtime tech columnist and No Agenda co-host, who passed away this month
Links from the show:
- Galaxy Z Fold8 specs & pricing
- MKBHD's Galaxy Z Fold8 review
- MrMobile: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Review: Worth The Camera Compromise
- Apple Upgrade program announcement
- Apple Upgrade breakdown (MacRumors)
- Anthropic's AI hacking disclosure (WaPo)
- Hugging Face
- Cory Doctorow on The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
- Benedict Evans' newsletter
- Halide camera app
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
The public betas for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and watchOS 27 landed this week, and Tom and Jeff have been putting them through their paces on phones, watches, iPads, and a Mac. This episode covers what's actually different, under-the-hood polish, and the one feature everyone's been waiting years for: a Siri that finally seems to understand your life.
Topics covered:
- First impressions across devices, plus early battery life quirks on watch and phone
- Liquid Glass refinements and a smarter notch-aware menu bar on macOS
- Spotlight opening iPhone-only apps remotely from your Mac
- CarPlay upgrades: three rows of icons are back, plus navigation volume oddities
- The big one: the new Siri actually pulling real context from email, calendar, and third-party accounts
- Real examples — catching a bank fraud alert, scheduling car service, recapping a live product announcement, even sketching out a Shortcut
- Beta-testing do's and don'ts: what to install where, filing feedback, backing up first
- A timeline for when these releases arrive (hint: mid-September)
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
You love podcasts. You're always hearing something worth remembering. And then... you forget it. Sound familiar? Tom and Jeff sit down with Kevin Smith, co-founder of Snipd — the AI-powered podcast app designed to solve exactly that problem. Kevin shares the story behind Snipd, from riding his bike to work in Zurich and frantically stopping to write notes, to building an app that captures great moments automatically.
Want to try the app? Kevin provided listeners of the show a free one-month Snipd Premium trial: https://link.snipd.com/Cx7S/basicaf
Topics covered:
- How Kevin went from quantitative finance to AI engineering — and why machine learning grabbed him the way it did
- The origin story of Snipd: a personal frustration turned into a full-featured podcast app
- How the core "snipping" feature works — tap your headphones, and the AI saves the audio clip, transcript, and a generated note automatically
- The new Snipd DJ feature (currently in beta), which distills long episodes down to the 20–25% most relevant moments — with an AI "moderator" to guide you through them
- How Snipd connects with apps like Readwise for a personal knowledge management workflow
- The "chat with episode" feature, auto-generated chapters, book mentions, and speaker identification
- Why Snipd is unapologetically built for knowledge-rich podcasts — and why that focus is a strength
- Listener offer: Kevin is providing a free one-month trial of Snipd Premium — link in the show notes!
Links from the show:
- Snipd: snipd.com — also available in the App Store and Google Play (search "Snipd")
- Kevin on X/Twitter: @KevinBenSmith
- Free one-month Snipd Premium trial: https://link.snipd.com/Cx7S/basicaf
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
Robin Kai, based in Munich, Germany, is a husband, dad, and writer on Medium and at ForMacUsers.com. He's built a simple, flexible system around Apple's built-in apps that actually fits real life: family, day job, and side projects.
In this episode, Robin walks us through how he captures tasks without thinking about it, organizes them into a structure that doesn't require daily upkeep, and builds a custom "today" view that shows exactly what matters — without the noise.
Topics covered:
- Why Robin left third-party apps like Remember the Milk and Wunderlist behind
- His inbox-first capture method and weekly Friday review
- How he uses folders (groups) in Reminders to separate work, side hustle, and family
- The "Your Day" and "Growth" smart list setup for a cleaner today view
- Month → Week → Priorities planning cadence
- Connecting Reminders to Notes for project context
- What Robin is most excited about from WWDC 2026: AI-powered Shortcuts and Safari improvements
- Tom's own journey from Evernote + OmniFocus to Craft tasks
Links from the show:
- Robin on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@robinsanahkai
- ForMacUsers.com: https://www.formacusers.com/
- Robin's Apple Reminders guide on Medium: https://medium.com/macoclock/apple-reminders-full-setup-deb28e755eb6?sk=21ab358dbf39f28ed90133d706fb7cf5
- Stories from Ukraine: The True Price of War: https://a.co/d/0gu6KDAl
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
Tom and Jeff are joined by returning guests Riley Hill (Slatepad.org) and Joe Moyer (24letters.net) for a full roundtable on what Apple announced during the WWDC keynote and what it means for everyday users.
Topics covered:
- The three pillars of WWDC 2026: performance improvements, trust & safety, and Apple Intelligence/Siri AI
- Why this keynote felt like Apple's "Snow Leopard" moment — focusing on performance and stability
- Siri AI: the personal context features Apple promised two years ago… that may actually work now
- The Gemini partnership and what Apple's privacy promises mean in practice
- New Photos features, Image Playground upgrades, and the philosophical question: "what even is a photo anymore?"
- Safari custom extensions built by Siri — Riley tried it live on the dev beta
- AI-powered Shortcuts: promising, half-working, and full of potential
- Parental controls overhaul and why it still needs a centralized management solution
- Which devices get left behind — iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Watch compatibility breakdowns
- Tim Cook's farewell WWDC keynote
Links from the show:
- Riley Hill: slatepad.org
- Joe Moyer: 24letters.net (and The Journaling Guide newsletter)
- Support the show: basicafshow.com
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
Both of us did something a little unusual this month: we both walked away with the MacBook Air M5. Tom grabbed the 15-inch for work, Jeff picked up the Midnight Blue 13-inch — and after a couple weeks of use, we've got a lot to say about battery life, setup philosophy, and one genuinely weird bug.
This week we cover:
- Jeff's "only install what you actually need" setup approach — and why it's working brilliantly
- Tom's mysterious MacBook Air lockup issue, and the macOS 26.4 bug that turned out to be the culprit
- Jeff's Studio Display needed a reset — turns out it runs a full iOS-based OS, and a simple unplug trick fixes a lot
- The Canvas (not Canva!) ransomware hack that hit 9,000+ schools right during finals week
- Apple shoots a live MLS game entirely on iPhone 17 Pro — sports history, or marketing stunt?
- Apple Card's "free" AirPods Pro 3 promo: the catch hiding in the fine print
- Kansas City Public Schools replacing 30,000 Windows PCs and Chromebooks with Apple devices
- Apple Sports app now covers the World Cup
- Field Notes Explore America notebooks: Tom has a new problem
Links from the show:
- Buy Jeff's MacBook Pro M2: https://swappa.com/listing/view/LAFC35203
- Field Notes Explore America: fieldnotesbrand.com/products/explore-america
- Apple TV + iPhone 17 Pro MLS broadcast: apple.com/newsroom
- Sign up for Tom's newsletter: tomfanderson.com
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
There's a lot happening in Apple land right now. Mac mini prices just went up, a Siri class action settlement might land in your inbox soon, and a fresh iOS 27 rumor has some good news for anyone who'd rather talk to Claude than ChatGPT. Tom and Jeff break it all down.
In this episode:
- Apple Notes tips: how search really works, Smart Folders, and ProNotes — a free plugin that brings markdown and slash commands to the Notes app
- Mac mini's base model is gone — the entry price jumps to $799, and Tim Cook says supply constraints won't recover for several months
- Apple Education Store now requires UNiDAYS verification, and Apple Watch just joined the discount program
- iOS 27 rumor: you may soon choose Claude or Gemini as your Apple Intelligence AI instead of ChatGPT
- Apple's $250M Siri lawsuit settlement — if you own an iPhone 15 Pro or 16 series, you might be owed $25–$95
- M5 MacBook Air first impressions: Jeff's testing one alongside his MacBook Pro — and Tom's university just ordered 100 of them
Links from the show:
- Apple Notes: Four Tips That Make Finding Things Effortless
- Four Fast Ways to Capture to Apple Notes
- ProNotes (free Apple Notes plugin)
- Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
- Playworld by Adam Ross
We'd be honored if you'd drop a 5-star rating for us on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify!
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
Big news out of Cupertino: Tim Cook is stepping down as CEO, with hardware engineering chief John Ternus set to take the helm this September. Tom and Jeff spend a few minutes on the transition — then welcome back guest Bill McLean for an honest, no-hype check-in on AI tools: what they're actually using, what's working, and where the marketing is writing checks the technology can't cash.
In this episode:
- The Tim Cook → John Ternus CEO handoff and what a hardware guy at the top might mean for Apple's software
- Which AI platforms Tom and Bill settled on, and why ChatGPT got dropped
- Claude Co-Work in real life: web scraping, YouTube analytics, and why you still have to babysit it
- The "dopamine hit" problem: why AI-generated ideas can kill your motivation to actually do the work
- How Bill replaced his Squarespace subscription using Claude Code with zero coding background
- Why context might be AI's real superpower and why Apple could have the biggest edge
- MCP integrations worth building: Readwise, Craft, Apple Reminders
- Why Claude projects and skills outperformed an Obsidian vault for real workflow results
- A must-read New Yorker profile on Sam Altman
Links from the show:
- Bill McLean on YouTube: youtube.com/@BillMcLean
- Sam Altman May Control Our Future—Can He Be Trusted? - The New Yorker
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
Tom and Jeff dig into why it's getting harder and harder to buy a Mac mini or Mac Studio in anything beyond a base configuration — and what that might mean about upcoming M5 refreshes. Plus, Jeff gives a six-month health update (he's at 92% and back on stage), and the guys get into a friendly debate about Amazon pulling the plug on pre-2012 Kindles. Is it reasonable after 14 years, or does it prove physical books always win? And they wrap up with four things to know about iOS 26.4.
Topics covered:
- Mac mini and Mac Studio availability issues and what's behind the long wait times
- MacBook Neo demand and Bill McLean's hands-on review
- Jeff's updated take on the BookTracker app
- Amazon deprecating pre-2012 Kindles — and what it means for your digital library
- The Libby app and library cards for free books
- Merriam-Webster's Visual Dictionary (Jeff's new obsession)
- iOS 26.4: keyboard accuracy improvements, Urgent Reminders update, Stolen Device Protection, and AI apps in CarPlay
- Resetting your keyboard dictionary after updating
Links from the show:
- BookTracker app: https://booktrack.app
- Libby app: https://libbyapp.com
- Bill McLean's MacBook Neo review
- Apple Talk newsletter (keyboard reset tip): https://www.tomfanderson.com/p/ios-26-4-iphone-keyboard-fix
- Merriam-Webster's Visual Dictionary
We’d be honored if you'd drop a 5-star rating for us on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify!
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
Nate Gorby is back — and this time he's got two weeks of daily MacBook Neo use to report on. Coming from an M2 MacBook Air he'd already sold, Nate picked up the Neo on day one and has been using it the way most people actually use computers: browsing, email, watching YouTube, light social media, and a bit of writing. No benchmarks, no synthetic tests — just honest, real-world impressions.
The guys dig into the details: battery life, the lack of MagSafe and Touch ID, the physical trackpad experience, speaker quality, the color-matched interface quirks, and whether 8GB of RAM is actually fine (spoiler: it is).
They also cover WWDC 2026 dates, the 26.4 updates, and Apple's decision to discontinue the Mac Pro.
In this episode:
- Nate's daily use case: browsing, YouTube, Threads, light writing, some photo editing
- The physical trackpad vs. the haptic trackpad on his wife's M4 MacBook Air
- Living without Touch ID and why Apple Watch makes it a non-issue (mostly)
- No backlit keyboard: why the Citrus color's white keys are a natural workaround
- Battery life: good enough?
- Why 8GB of RAM is genuinely fine
- MagSafe as the one real missing piece
- Target now selling the MacBook Neo — and what that means for reaching new Mac buyers
- The education discount trick (you didn't hear it from them)
- Speaker quality: surprisingly good for spoken word
- WWDC 26 announced
- 26.4 updates now available — keyboard improvements for iPhone
- Mac Pro discontinued; the Mac Studio is now the top of the line
Links from the show:
- Nate's previous episode (Meta Ray-Ban glasses)
- Apple Announces WWDC 2026 Dates
More from Nate:
Last Month Online https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/last-month-online/id1824514139
Nate on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ngorby
Nate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ngorby
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
Tom and Jeff are back with a packed episode that wanders from Apple hardware to Apple history to Apple TV+ sports to, well, a scientific fart study. If that sounds like a lot, it is.
Topics covered this episode:
- MacBook Neo hands-on — Tom got a brief look at the new $599 MacBook Neo at an IT conference. Build quality impressions, the Indigo color, and why the "it's just an iPhone chip" skepticism sounds a lot like what people said about the original M1 with 8GB of RAM. (Spoiler: they were wrong then too.)
- David Pogue's Apple: The First 50 Years — Tom pre-ordered it, it arrived while he was out of town, and he's had exactly 15 minutes with it. It's a 600-page textbook-style history (not a glossy coffee table book), and he's planning a more thorough read over the summer.
- A history tangent worth taking — The origin story of the PowerBook's palm rest design — and how one engineer's persistence against resistance accidentally shaped every laptop keyboard layout that followed.
- Jeff discovers F1 — Apple TV+ now carries every F1 race, and Jeff is in. The tech angle (real-time telemetry, PlayStation-style steering wheels, hybrid power transitions) makes it surprisingly interesting.
- The Human Flatus Atlas — Jeff has enrolled in a legitimate University of Maryland research study on human flatulence. Smart underwear device incoming. Butt tag update promised for next episode.
Links from the show
Tom’s Photos of the MacBook Neo
Apple: The First 50 Years – David Pogue
Human Flatus Atlas Project
F1 on Apple TV+
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
Apple's dropping a wave of new products this week — and Tom and Jeff break down everything that's expected: a budget MacBook starting around $600, an iPhone 16E follow-up, iPad updates for the non-Pro models, and possible MacBook Pro upgrades with M5 Pro and Max chips. It's a preview packed with speculation, opinions, and the occasional tangent about fingerprints on laptop screens.
Then things get analog. Tom just joined Jeff in the Field Notes notebook club, and they talk about why a pocket-sized paper notebook has become a surprisingly useful tool alongside all the digital gear. They also cover two weather apps worth knowing about — Acme Weather (from the Dark Sky team) and what's new in Carrot Weather 6.4.
Enjoy the show? Please drop a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify!
Links from the show:
- Field Notes notebooks & subscription: https://fieldnotesbrand.com
- Acme Weather app: https://acmeweather.com
- Carrot Weather: https://www.meetcarrot.com/weather/
- Is Apple Notes Holding You Back? (Press Pause with Bill McLean, featuring Tom)
- GoFundMe for Aliyah (Jeff's bartender friend who lost everything in an apartment fire)
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
Tom flies solo this week and welcomes first-time guest Nate Gorby for a conversation about Apple’s ongoing Siri delays, the state of Apple Intelligence, and what it all means for everyday users.
They discuss the latest report that Apple’s context-aware Siri may be pushed back again, whether privacy is helping or hurting Apple’s AI progress, and why even basic Siri tasks still frustrate longtime users.
In the second half, Nate shares his real-world experience using Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses for the past year — what works surprisingly well, where privacy concerns come in, and whether Apple needs to move faster in the wearable AI space.
More from Nate:
Nate's podcast: Last Month Online https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/last-month-online/id1824514139
Nate on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ngorby
Nate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ngorby
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
Jim Eagar joins Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby for a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about productivity, tools, and the often-tempting urge to switch apps. Drawing on decades of professional experience—from Air Force chaplain to attorney to productivity writer—Jim shares how his workflows evolved alongside Apple technology, why “shiny new app syndrome” can quietly sabotage real work, and how to evaluate whether switching tools is actually worth the cost.
The discussion digs into intentional productivity, app minimalism, and using frameworks (not rules) to make better decisions about software—especially in an era overflowing with AI tools. Jim also walks through his personal writing and planning stack, explains why he recently switched from ChatGPT to Claude, and shares David Sparks’ advice on limiting major app changes to once per year. The result is a grounded, reassuring episode for anyone feeling overwhelmed by productivity tools—and a reminder that clarity beats novelty every time.
More from Jim:
Original Mac Guy
Retirement Reinvented!
Links from the show:
A Very Nerdy Christmas: Evaluate Your Tech Stack
Why I Quit Paid Apps
MacSparky
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
In this episode of Basic AF, Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby kick off the year by digging into some of the biggest Apple stories in early 2026—starting with the news that Apple is partnering with Google to have Gemini power a revamped Siri and Apple Intelligence. The discussion looks at how Gemini might be integrated behind the scenes, and whether Apple’s privacy promises can hold up when Google enters the equation.
The conversation then turns to Apple Creator Studio, Apple’s new subscription bundle that includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, and other creative tools. Tom and Jeff debate who this bundle is really for, how it compares to Apple’s older one-time purchase model, and whether subscription fatigue is simply the cost of modern software.
From there, they break down Apple’s controversial new app icons and macOS Tahoe design changes, followed by concerns over App Store ads becoming harder to distinguish from real search results. The episode wraps with a broader look at Apple’s record-breaking services revenue and what it signals about the company’s priorities moving forward.
Links from the show:
- Google and Apple issue joint partnership statement
- Report: Google Gemini will expand Siri’s capabilities
- Report: Apple will fine-tune Gemini independently
- Apple confirms Google Gemini will power new Siri features
- Apple announces Apple Creator Studio
- Apple reports record-breaking Services revenue in 2025
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
Happy New Year! Everyone expects Apple to release its first foldable iPhone later this year and the rumors and “leaks” are heating up. Tom and Jeff discuss the latest, including the 3D printed model that looks nothing like current iPhones.
Plus, Tom decided to reset his iPhone in an attempt to resolve the ongoing battery life issues he’s been having with iOS 26. Apple’s made a lot of improvements to the process, but it’s not quite perfect and he shares what worked well and what still needs some work.
Links from the show:
Support Jeff Battersby’s Stroke Recovery
Apple Pencil Could Work With iPhone Fold, According to New Report
iPhone Fold 1:1 Replica With Folding Hinge (3D Model)
How to factory reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Clicks Power Keyboard
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
Happy Holidays! Joe Moyer returns and joins Tom and Jeff for a fun and festive discussion in the third-annual “These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things” show! Picks range from backpacks to iPhone accessories, books, apps, and more.
Find more from Joe at https://www.24letters.net/.
Links:
- Bellroy Transit Workpack
- Bullstrap Men's Wallets
- Bullstrap iPhone Cases
- Peak Design Phone Cases
- Gentler Streak Workout Tracker
- Craft: Docs, Notes, Tasks & AI
- The Ugmonk Pen
- Discbound Analog Productivity System
- Field Notes Notebooks
- iPad Pro
- Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station
- Highland Pro Screenwriting App
- Snipd AI Podcast App
- Readwise
- Version History Podcast
- Book Tracker - Reading Journal
- YouTube Premium
- Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor
- Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
- What We Can Know by Ian McEwan
- Asana Project Management
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
In this episode of Basic AF, Tom and Jeff revisit all the Apple hardware they use every single day, 18 months after their last gear rundown. From Macs to iPads, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePods, and even a brief Vision Pro confession, they break down what’s still great, what’s aging surprisingly well, and what upgrades they’ve made along the way.
Jeff shares updates on his recovery journey, including walking unaided, writing again, and adjusting to double vision, while Tom heaps praise on the iPad Pro M5 and laments the quirks of iOS 26 battery life on his iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Other highlights include:
- Why the M1/M2 Mac lineup still punches way above its weight
- Whether the Studio Display’s nano-texture finish is worth it (spoiler: it depends)
- AirPods Pro 3 comfort after long-term use
- HomePod improvements thanks to quiet-but-solid AirPlay tuning
- Foldable iPhone rumors, realistic upgrade cycles, and what Apple still gets right
They wrap with a reminder to check out the important episode about Jeff’s stroke and recovery, and a tease for the upcoming Favorite Things of the Year show with guest Joe Moyer.
Links:
Support Jeff Battersby's Stroke Recovery
Teaching, B**t Jobs, and AI — Jeffrey Fisher
Stroke!: An Account of Jeff’s Symptoms, Recovery, and What You Should Trust in a Medical Emergency
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Support the show
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
This episode starts with listener feedback on window management in iPadOS 26, then Jeff opens up about his recent stroke. He walks through the initial symptoms, the frustrating EMS response, his time in the hospital and rehab, and what recovery looks like day-to-day. He also shares Siri's surprisingly helpful response when he asked about stroke symptoms.
Links from the show:
iPadOS Stage Manager feedback from @iamrishio
Stroke Symptoms and Warning Signs
Support Jeff’s Stroke Recovery
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
Jeff returns to the show 🥳 and Riley Hill joins us again to talk all things iPad.
Riley and Tom have new M5 iPad Pros (11” and 13” models) and share their experiences. Did Apple make the right call with the current iPad Pro design by choosing thinness over battery life? And how’s life with iPadOS 26? Is the new windowing system everything we hoped for, or is it a step backwards?
Be sure to follow Riley on YouTube, Threads, and at slatepad.org for more great Apple and tech-related content.
https://youtube.com/@slatepad
https://www.threads.com/@slatepad
https://slatepad.org/
Jeff’s going to be out of work for a while longer as he continues to recover from his stroke. His family has set up a GoFundMe to help out a bit and if you'd like to throw a few bucks his way, here's the link, and it's all appreciated.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jeff-battersbys-stroke-recovery
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
Jeff is taking a break from the show to recover from his recent stroke. He's recovering well and is working his butt off in rehab and hopes to return before long.
His family has set up a GoFundMe to help out a bit while he's in rehab kicking ass. If you'd like to throw a few bucks his way, here's the link, and it's all appreciated.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jeff-battersbys-stroke-recovery
--
Bill McLean returns to the show to discuss the abundance of riches with modern note-taking apps. Plus, Tom has a new iPad Pro M5 and shares his first impressions of it and the Magic Keyboard.
Be sure to follow Bill on YouTube, Threads, and Substack for more great Apple and tech-related content.
https://www.youtube.com/@BillMcLean
https://www.threads.com/@williambmclean
There's never been a worse time to pick a notes app
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
Jeff and Tom are off this week so we're going into the vault! Join us for a rewind of our 2024 Tips & Tricks show with Gannon Nordberg!
Over a dozen tips & tricks for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and more!
More from Gannon: LinkedIn (email marketing strategies & newsletter signup)
Links from the show:
Use profiles in Safari on Mac
Turn off Listening History in Apple Music with a Focus Mode
Play music together in a car with SharePlay and Apple Music
Edit portraits on iPad
Make stickers from your photos on iPhone
Search in Messages on iPhone
Easily change photo aspect ratios
Change the color of links and highlights in Notes
See time spent in daylight
How to Automatically Change Your Apple Watch Face Based on Time or Location
Use the Smart Stack to show timely widgets on Apple Watch
Hazel for Mac
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
In this episode of Basic AF, Tom and Jeff welcome back Chris Freitag and Gannon Nordberg to share their experiences of using the iPhone Air.
The guys cover:
- How impossibly thin and light it feels in the hand
- The stunning 3000-nit display
- The “plateau” bump
- Battery life and overheating scares
- Why it’s delightful and a look at the future
- Is it a keeper?
🎧 Listen in for the unfiltered take: what works, what doesn’t, and whether the iPhone Air should be your next upgrade.
Guest Links
- Chris Freitag → chrisfreitag.com
- Gannon Nordberg → LinkedIn (email marketing strategies & newsletter signup)
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
We dig into the details of Apple’s recent “Awe Dropping” event! We take a look at the innovative features of the new iPhone Air, display improvements on the iPhone 17, and what’s new with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Get the scoop on the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and new hypertension warnings and Sleep Score. Plus AirPods 3 improvements and our thoughts on when to upgrade any of your devices.
Links:
Apple Events
Introducing iPhone Air, a powerful new iPhone with a breakthrough design
Apple unveils iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple debuts iPhone 17
Apple debuts Apple Watch Series 11, featuring groundbreaking health insights
Introducing Apple Watch Ultra 3
Apple introduces Apple Watch SE 3
Introducing AirPods Pro 3, the ultimate audio experience
We Tried to Break the iPhone Air | Interview with Apple’s Joz & John Ternus
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
If you’re an Apple Notes user who’s feeling buried in folders, tags, or forgotten ideas — and you’ve struggled to bring order to your notes — this episode is for you.
We dive deep into the Forever * Notes system with its creator, Matthias Hilse, and explore how it brings clarity, structure, and intentionality to even the messiest note collections.
You’ll hear:
- How to set up a central Home note
- The power of hubs, collections, and simplified tagging
- How Forever * Notes scales beautifully — even with thousands of notes
Plus:
- The features Matthias wishes Apple would add
- How this system completely changed Jeff’s Notes experience
- And why weekly notes are surprisingly complicated
Resources & Links
- Forever * Notes Official Site
- Forever * Notes YouTube Channel
- Forever * Notes Workshop
- Join the community: Forever * Notes Forum
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
If you’re wondering whether it’s finally safe (or fun) to jump into the Apple public betas, this episode is for you. From iPadOS 26’s dramatic windowing overhaul to macOS Tahoe’s subtle UI tweaks — plus new features in iOS 26 and watchOS 26 — we’ve lived with them all and have thoughts.
You’ll hear why the new iPad multitasking feels like macOS (in a good way), how Liquid Glass adds personality, and where the Mac beta stumbles hard (spoiler: Tom's disk filled up fast). We also dive into CarPlay changes, and watchOS 26.
Find out what works, what’s still rough, and which betas are actually changing how we use our Apple gear — including a full week of iPad-as-primary-computer testing.
And yes, Jeff crashed out over creatine. Hit play and stick around.
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
What happens when hip-hop meets theater, satire, and sibling bond? In this episode, we meet Jacob Battersby — artist, MC, and the man behind Celsius 7 — as he joins his brother Jeff and Tom for a funny and sometimes unfiltered journey through decades of DIY artistry. From early freestyle circles and cassette-tape beats to the lyrical power of Psychokinetics and the wild, lounge-rap theatrics of Kalri$$ian, Jacob reflects on how music became both an identity and a lifeline.
Links:
Celsius 7 - Apple Music / Spotify
Kalri$$ian - Apple Music / Spotify
Psychokinetics - Apple Music / Spotify
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
If you’re itching to try iPadOS 26, or just curious how far AI has crept into everyday life, this episode is for you.
Tom and Jeff share how well (or not) AI played doctor, deliver a first look at the iPadOS 26 developer beta, and break down how to beta test like a pro (without nuking your device).
You’ll get honest impressions of the new floating windows, updated UI, Preview on iPad, the surprise “Games” app—and what it all feels like in day-to-day use. Plus: how Jeff tested it, what crashed, and what delighted.
Will Tom install the beta? What did his doctor say when he quoted ChatGPT? And what’s the one thing you should do before installing any beta? It’s all here in a fast, fun 35 minutes.
Links:
Apple Public Beta
Apple Beta FAQ
iPadOS 26
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
We’re in between WWDC and the Public Betas, and it’s the perfect time for a summer vibe check!
Tom and Jeff break down what they’re reading, watching, listening to, and playing with this summer. Books, newsletters, podcasts, the new Reply All Time and Top Songs playlists in Apple Music, and more. Additionally, Tom gets nerdy with Claude, Readwise, and MCP, while Jeff plans to dabble in sketching and watercolors.
Links:
White Noise – Don DeLillo
Crudo – Olivia Laing
Wellness – Nathan Hill
The Hidden Girl and Other Stories – Ken Liu
Throughline – NPR Podcast
Seeing White (Scene on Radio) – Listen to Episode 1
The Mars Volta – Lucro Sucio; Los Ojos del Vacío (Filthy Lucre; The Eyes of the Void)
Pink Elephant – Arcade Fire
Jeff’s Playlist – Trying Not to Cry
Lost in Play – Apple Arcade
Sahil Bloom
James Clear – Atomic Habits
Unreasonable Hospitality
Lean Learning
Vanessa Lau on YouTube
Modern Wisdom Podcast
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
Tom and Jeff dive into three fun segments: Tom’s updated Mac recommendations for students, Jeff's update on his Forever Notes system using Apple Notes, and how both hosts are using health tracking apps to better understand their stress and recovery. Tom unpacks how Athlytic and Apple Watch are helping him recognize stress and reduce habitual tension, while Jeff shares how Gentler Streak has helped him optimize sleep and workouts. It’s a mix of tech tips, personal stories, and wellness insights—plus a few keg-lifting jokes.
Links from the show:
Best Mac for College – Tom Anderson
My Forever Notes
Gentler App
Athlytic App
Episode 55 - Who Pays for Calendar Apps & Next-Level Notes with Bill McLean
Episode 58 - WWDC Announced, Gentler Streak Workout Tracker, and "The Cybernetic Teammate" by Ethan Mollick
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby are joined by returning guest Joe Moyer for a comprehensive breakdown of Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote:
- Exploration of the new "Liquid Glass" design language unifying all Apple platforms
- New Apple Intelligence features
- Analysis of simplified version numbering (everything is now version 26)
- iPadOS 26's new windowing system and advanced features
- iOS 26's customizable interface and enhanced CarPlay features
- macOS Tahoe's powerful Spotlight improvements and Journal app expansion
- Vision Pro's enterprise push and quality-of-life improvements across the ecosystem
Where to find Joe:
Threads - https://www.threads.net/@thejournalingguide
The Journaling Guide - https://www.24letters.net/thejournalingguide
24Letters - https://www.24letters.net
Links from the show:
Apple elevates the iPhone experience with iOS 26
watchOS 26 delivers more personalized ways to stay active and connected
Apple TV brings a beautiful redesign and enhanced home entertainment experience
macOS Tahoe 26 makes the Mac more capable, productive, and intelligent than ever
visionOS 26 introduces powerful new spatial experiences for Apple Vision Pro
iPadOS 26 introduces powerful new features that push iPad even further
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
Riley Hill returns to the show to join Jeff and Tom for a preview of WWDC 2025. What's coming from Apple? What kind of AI company should Apple be? And is there less hype than normal for this year's event?
The guys also throw around some thoughts on the big announcement that Jony Ive and OpenAI are working on a new type of AI-centered device. It doesn't sound like it's a phone or glasses, so what might it be? Is there a market for a new type of device?
Also, they sprinkle in some highlights from Google's IO event last week.
Where to Find Riley:
Riley Hill on YouTube
Riley Hill Website
Riley Hill on Threads
Links from the show:
9to5Mac on Instagram: “Just 18 days until WWDC 2025! While last-minute leaks are likely, here’s what we expect Apple to announce so far”
WWDC 2025: Everything We Know | MacRumors
OpenAI is buying iPhone designer Jony Ive’s AI devices startup for $6.4 billion
Exclusive | What Sam Altman Told OpenAI About the Secret Device He’s Making With Jony Ive
The 15 biggest announcements at Google I/O 2025
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
Tom’s queued up an AI podcast app experiment, and Jeff’s wondering if it’s really worth the $85 price tag. This week, the guys dive into Snipd’s AI-powered podcast magic, how it pairs with Readwise for smart highlights and spaced repetition, and Tom’s sneaky new trick for “listening” to podcasts while he sleeps.
Plus, they talk about the Siri lawsuit that might earn you a few bucks, Apple’s App Store rule changes, and why longtime fans (and cranky nerds) are raising eyebrows at Apple’s recent stumbles. Is it time for new leadership?
Links from the show:
Snipd - The Most Powerful Podcast App
How to Start Journaling Today — 24 Letters
If you used Siri between 2014 and 2024, you may have a claim against Apple
Epic Games Submits Fortnite to U.S. App Store
Apple’s Phil Schiller Initially Opposed 27% App Store Fee on External Purchases
Apple Turnover
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
It’s easy to lose track of subscriptions, and Tom and Jeff are feeling it too. In this episode, they unpack the apps, services, and streaming platforms they’re paying for — the good, the bad, and the ones they forgot they even had. They swap stories about accidental renewals (looking at you, $250 “oops”), spotlight useful apps, and talk through a few tricks for managing subscriptions smarter. It’s a fun and slightly painful look at modern digital life.
Links from the show:
Setapp
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
We sit down with writer and user researcher Leah Reich to explore the complex relationship between technology and the humans who use it. Leah shares insights from her newsletter and writing career before diving into the evolving landscape of user research in tech companies, including her time at Slack, Spotify, and Meta/Instagram.
We discuss the delicate balance between serving user needs and business goals, and examine the concerning industry shift away from comprehensive user research. Leah offers her personal perspective on the Apple Watch experience and we explore the broader implications of gamification in our digital lives—questioning whether turning everything into a game truly serves our wellbeing.
Links from the show:
- Friction is Necessary Resistance
- We Don’t Need No Innovation
- Ungamify Your Brain
- Leah Reich | Meets Most
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
In this episode:
- Apple announces WWDC will be June 9-13
- Jeff is experimenting with Gentler Streak and having a bit of nostalgia with Notebook Artillery
- A subtle AirPods Pro experience
- The boys continue to argue over AI
- Ethan Mollick highlights study that finds legit benefits of AI at work
Links from the show:
- Mac - Lumon Terminal Pro
- ‘Severance’ editor was all-in on Apple hardware, but not Final Cut Pro
- Workout Tracker Gentler Streak
- Notebook Artillery
- ChatGPT Starts Blocking Studio Ghibli-Style Images After Trend Goes Viral
- The Cybernetic Teammate
- Artificial Intelligence Systems and Copyright
- The Tech Fantasy That Powers A.I. Is Running on Fumes
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
Apple has updated the iPad Air, iPad, MacBook Air, and Mac Studio. The new Apple Immersive Metallica experience is phenomenal; is it a turning point for Apple's immersive content? And what in the world is going on at Apple with Siri?
Links from the show:
iPad Air
iPad
MacBook Air
Mac Studio
Apple Immersive Metallica
Something Is Rotten in the State of Cupertino
Apple’s (AAPL) Siri Chief Calls AI Delays Ugly and Embarrassing, Promises Fixes
AI search engines cite incorrect sources at an alarming 60% rate, study says
AI’s Real Hallucination Problem
An AI Coding Assistant Refused to Write Code—and Suggested the User Learn to Do It Himself
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
There’s a new iPhone 16 family member, new betas, a new Apple News+ feature, and Jeff has a new thing going in Apple Notes using the Forever*Notes framework.
Links from the show:
iPhone 16e
Apple News+ Food
Brace yourself for Deep Water Solo. The next episode of Adventure.
Highland Pro
Forever*Notes
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
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Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
Jeff and Tom are joined by Bill McLean for a great discussion on third-party calendar app subscriptions, extending the capabilities of Apple Notes with Forever Notes, and a round-up of AI tools that Bill uses.
Where to find more from Bill McLean:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BillMcLean
Web: https://www.williambmclean.com
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@williambmclean
Links from the show:
About migrating Apple Account purchases between accounts - Apple Support
Fantastical
Morgen - Daily planning in your calendars
Structured app
Forever Notes - A free framework for Apple Notes
Apple’s Long-Promised AI Overhaul for Siri Runs Into Bugs, Possible Delays
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
There's not a lot of tech in this one, but there's a ton of nerdy goodness as Jeff and Tom are joined by the fabulous cast of the Dungeons in the Attic podcast!
Where to find Dungeons in the Attic:
Website
Podcast
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
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Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
The boys are joined by Benjamin Jancewicz and Joe Moyer for a fun discussion on Apple TV+.
Looking for something to watch? Benjamin, Joe, and Jeff have plenty of recommendations. In fact, so many they wouldn't fit here, so we've posted them on our website: https://www.basicafshow.com/apple-tv-with-benjamin-jancewicz-and-joe-moyer/
Where to find Benjamin:
BenJancewicz.com (icons on bottom list all socials)
Art: Art.Zerflin.com
Design: Zerflin.com
Patreon: Patreon.com/BenJancewicz
Where to find Joe:
Threads - https://www.threads.net/@thejournalingguide
The Journaling Guide - https://www.24letters.net/thejournalingguide
24Letters - https://www.24letters.net
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
In this episode of Basic AF, hosts Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby welcome back guest Adam Jones to discuss the latest features of Apple Intelligence.
Topics include:
• Privacy Concerns
• Integration of ChatGPT
• Evolving Role of Siri
• Genmojis
• Image Playground
• Summaries in Messages and Mail
• Audio Recording and Transcription in Notes
• Visual Intelligence Features of iPhone 16 Series
• Overall Impressions and Grades of Apple’s Intelligence Features
More from Adam Jones:
https://www.skyboundeducation.com/
Adam Jones Website
Adam Jones Guest Page
Links from the Show:
Is your iPhone sharing photos data with Apple by default?
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
In this special holiday episode of Basic AF, Jeff Battersby and Tom Anderson share their favorite picks from 2024, blending tech, books, music, and apps. The duo kicks off with lighthearted banter about recording struggles, holiday vibes, and their signature cranky humor before diving into their curated favorites.
Jeff highlights the Beetle X31 SSD, a sleek and reliable portable storage device, and shares his literary recommendations, including If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, and James by Percival Everett, each rich with thematic connections to classic literature. Tom, on the other hand, spotlights Craft 3, an app redefining productivity with database-like collections, the excellent Capital Centre: A Retrospective, and the Anker USB-C Charger, offering versatile charging solutions for multiple devices.
The episode also explores cultural gems like The Mars Volta’s self-titled album, the whimsical Festivitas app, which decks out the Mac menu bar and dock with festive holiday lights, and more!
Links:
Beetle X31 SSD https://ssd.skhynix.com/beetle_x31/
If We Were Villains: A Novel https://www.amazon.com/If-We-Were-Villains-Novel/
Demon Copperhead https://amzn.to/4iuPP2P
James https://amzn.to/3VtSuA2
The Mars Volta https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-mars-volta/1636983430
Craft 3 https://www.craft.do/v3
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
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Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
In our 50th episode, Chris Freitag returns to explore the world of iPhone 16 Pro photography. We discuss the new Camera Control features and usability in real-world scenarios, and how Apple’s new Photographic Styles tools can elevate your mobile photography. The conversation also covers the latest December OS updates, Apple’s acquisition of Pixelmator and its impact on creative workflows, and a closer look at Chris’s favorite gear and techniques for capturing stunning shots.
Links from the show:
A new home for Pixelmator: https://www.pixelmator.com/blog/2024/11/01/a-new-home-for-pixelmator.html
iPhone 17 'Air' Expected to Be ~2mm Thinner Than iPhone 16 Pro: https://www.macrumors.com/2024/12/06/iphone-17-air-2mm-thinner/
Chris Freitag - iPhone 16 Pro from a Fujifilm Perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyCGkREK1BE
Chris's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisFreitag
Other Places to Find Chris:
Website: https://chrisfreitag.com
Glass: https://glass.photo/freitag
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@chrisfreitag
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisfreitag/
Mastodon: https://photog.social/@freitag
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
In this episode of Basic AF, hosts Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby welcome back Gannon Nordberg for a jam-packed conversation. Mark Gurman says Apple is working on a more conversational Siri, similar to ChatGPT's Voice mode, plus there are new critical OS updates.
Gear up for the holidays with Gannon’s top travel tech tips, including must-have gadgets like the Anker Nano charger, Twelve South Butterly charger, and VEEKTOMX Mini Power Bank. Discover tools for better travel photography, apps to beat jet lag, and the ultimate travel bag recommendations to stay organized on the go.
Plus, Gannon shares highlights from his recent trip to Australia and introduces his FREE 5-day crash course to help you build the perfect family travel tech kit—featuring over 35 products designed to keep your travel stress-free and fun.
🎉 Get started on Lesson 1: https://buildafamilytraveltechkit.com
Sign up for Gannon's course to get his complete list of 35 great travel-friendly accessories!
Find Gannon on Threads and LinkedIn!
Links:
•Apple Readies More Conversational LLM Siri in Bid to Rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT
•Apple Support - Troubleshooting Article
•iOS 18.1.1 Update Warning Issued to All iPhone Users
•Eagle Creek Pack-It Gear Pouch
•Anker Nano 3 47W Charger
•Twelve South ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 Charger
•VEEKTOMX Mini Power Bank 10000mAh
Sorry, we ran out of room! Find the full list of links at https://basicafshow.com/49.
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
Join Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby in this episode as they unpack Apple’s latest announcements, with a nostalgic nod to an internet legend. Highlights include:
Farewell, Elwood “You’ve Got Mail!” Edwards
The voice that welcomed us to the internet in the ’90s, Elwood Edwards, has passed. Tom and Jeff share memories of the AOL era.
New M4 iMacs: Fresh Colors and Powerful Specs
Apple’s M4 iMac arrives with updated colors, an impressive 4.5K Retina display, and options for more RAM. Tom and Jeff discuss why this all-in-one might be ideal for families, creatives, and anyone looking for a sleek desktop.
USB-C "Magic" Accessories
The new USB-C Magic Keyboard, Trackpad, and Mouse sparked mixed feelings. Jeff gets into the eternal frustration of charging the mouse from the bottom.
A New, Smaller Mac mini
Apple’s refreshed Mac mini offers big power in a smaller package, with Jeff calling it one of Apple’s best designs yet.
Updated MacBook Pro 14” and 16” Models
Now available with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, these MacBook Pros pack serious horsepower.
Apple Intelligence: What’s Good and What Needs Work
Wrapping up with a deep dive into the latest Apple Intelligence features, Tom and Jeff explore the promise and quirks of Apple’s on-device AI. They break down highlights, including:
- Writing Tools for proofreading, adjusting tone, summaries, and list generation.
- Siri Enhancements with context awareness between requests.
- Summaries across Mail, Safari, and Notifications for quick info bites.
Links from the show:
AOL’s ‘You’ve Got Mail’ voice, Elwood Edwards, dies at age 74: https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/7/24290700/elwood-edwards-aol-youve-got-mail-voice-obituary
iMac: https://www.apple.com/imac/
Mac mini: https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/
MacBook Pro: https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/
Apple Intelligence: https://www.apple.com/apple-intelligenc
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
Ever wondered if journaling could make a difference in your life? This week’s guest, Joe Moyer, believes it can. Joe shares his personal journey with journaling and practical advice on how to build a habit—even if you only have five minutes a day. We cover gratitude journaling, the benefits of recording daily thoughts, and how to avoid the “perfect journal” trap. He also provides tips for those who are new to journaling, with simple techniques to get started.
Links from the show:
- Joe Moyer on Threads - https://www.threads.net/@thejournalingguide
- The Journaling Guide - https://www.24letters.net/thejournalingguide
- 24Letters - https://www.24letters.net
- Day One Journaling App: https://dayoneapp.com
- Apple’s Journaling App: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/12/apple-launches-journal-app-a-new-app-for-reflecting-on-everyday-moments/
- Field Notes Notebooks: https://fieldnotesbrand.com
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
In this episode of Basic AF, Tom and Jeff cover a mix of Apple news, including minor OS updates, Apple’s immersive content plans for Vision Pro, and Submerged, Apple’s first short film for the Vision Pro. They also touch on Jeff’s new obsession—The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on the Nintendo Switch.
Here’s what you can expect:
- No Apple Ring in Sight (for Now): Jeff reacts to a report by Mark Gurman suggesting that Apple currently has no plans for a smart ring. Though it’s not official, Jeff shares his disappointment, having hoped for a wearable alternative to the Apple Watch.
- OS Updates and Battery Issues: The hosts discuss iPadOS 18.0.1 and watchOS 11.0.1, focusing on battery performance and the quirks of living with beta software. Notably, iPadOS 18 is now available again for the iPad Pro M4 after being temporarily pulled due to issues with bricking devices.
- Apple Vision Pro’s First Short Film: Tom dives into his experience with Submerged, the first short film for Apple’s Vision Pro. He describes the immersive World War II setting, where a submarine crew faces a torpedo attack, and shares his thoughts on the stunning visual details. Tom also notes how some close-up shots felt uncomfortably realistic in the Vision Pro, almost placing him in the characters’ personal space. The movement inside the sub was impressive but occasionally unsettling, with fast dolly shots that made the immersive experience intense. Despite these quirks, Tom found the film visually captivating and hints at how future VR films could push boundaries even further.
- Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom: Jeff gushes over his new favorite game on the Nintendo Switch, though he has no ability to remember the name of said game, therefore making up some other game that doesn't exist. (The Legend of Zelda: Heroes of the Kingdom? Sure, whatever you say, Jeff.) In The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the true and actual name of the game, players take on the role of Zelda instead of Link, solving puzzles and exploring vibrant environments.
- New Apple Focus Features: Jeff gives a rundown on Apple’s new “reduce interruptions” focus feature, explaining how it intelligently manages notifications to help reduce distractions.
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
- Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.
...
In this episode:
- Jeff’s new iPhone case and Apple Watch band
- Tom's first impressions of his iPhone 16 Pro Max
- The new Camera Control button
- What to do with the Action button
- Tom's having fun with the new Photographic Styles
- A quick-hit on our thoughts so far on the new operating systems
Links from the show:
The Action Button Threads Post
Stephen Robles - Master Your iPhone 16 Action Button: 15 Shortcuts + Tips!
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Show transcripts and episode artwork are AI generated and likely con...
It's the Apple Glowtime event recap! Jeff and Tom are joined by Joe Moyer from 24Letters.net to recap all of the announcements at Apple's recent annual iPhone event. Is it a September to remember?
Join us as we breakdown the new AirPods and hearing related features for AirPods Pro 2, the Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 in Satin Black. The new iPhone 16 looks excellent, and the iPhone 16 Pro lineup is more "pro" even with its boring colors.
Plus, macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, visionOS 2, and tvOS 18 are all being released on September 16th!
Links from the show
Joe Moyer - 24 Letters
Joe Moyer on Threads
Apple's Hearing Aid Feature receives FDA authorization
When Ultra doesn't mean 'best' anymore
Skip the iPhone 16 Pro? Our Photographer Advice
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Tom has a new YouTube channel
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Show transcripts and episode artwork are AI generated and likely con...
Jeff and Tom have a delightful conversation with Marc Palmer, developer of the Shareshot app! We learn how Marc got started with computers and developing software, other apps he's made and works on, the story behind the creation of Shareshot, and the challenges faced today by developers with regards to pricing strategies. To wrap things up, we have a quick roundtable discussion on the upcoming Apple iPhone Event!
Links from the show:
Shareshot Website
Shareshot App Store Link
Marc Palmer on Threads
Shareshot on Threads
Marc's musician father on BBC (behind the scenes) in the 1980s
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
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Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Show transcripts and episode artwork are AI generated and likely contain errors and general silliness.
Jeff and Tom discuss new apps and a return to an old writing companion, as well as update their experience with iPad screen covers.
- NotchNook: Making the most of your Mac's notch, even if it doesn't have one!
- Shareshot: An easy way to share screenshots with style. Fantastic utility!
- Tom revisits his note-taking journey and explains why Craft is again becoming his go-to app despite Bear's simplicity. The discussion touches on the practical reasons for his switch, from a seamless organization with subpages to a better writing experience with Apple Pencil.
- Months after trying out Rock Paper Pencil, Jeff and Tom share their long-term impressions. Has the friction-style writing experience held up?
Links from the show:
NotchNook
Shareshot
Craft
Rock Paper Pencil
We'd be honored if you'd drop us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify!
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
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Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Show transcripts and episode artwork are AI generated and likely contain errors and general silliness.
It’s time to check in on the Apple Public Betas! Jeff is running the latest builds of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and watchOS 11, while he and Tom are both running the latest macOS Sequoia beta. There’s a lot to like, and we’ll share our experiences with the new Home Screen features, Control Center, Mac window tiling, the Passwords app, and much more!
Links
Apple results: Quarterly record, all-time high in Services
See Apple Intelligence in Action
watchOS 11 Preview
iOS 18 Preview
iPadOS 18 Preview
macOS Sequoia Preview
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Show transcripts and episode artwork are AI generated and likely contain errors and general silliness.
Join us in this episode as we welcome Adam Jones, the innovative Founder and CEO of SkyBound Education. Our discussion kicks off with the global IT outage caused by a faulty update from CrowdStrike.
We explore Adam’s company, SkyBound Education, and highlight its exceptional work with school systems in Indiana.
Adam shares his thoughts on his tech stack, including his experiences with the rabbit r1 pocket AI device and its progress since its rocky debut. We also discuss the Clicks Keyboard for iPhone, comparing Adam’s and Tom’s experiences. Lastly, Adam provides insights into the newly released Apple Public Betas.
Links from the show
SkyBound Education
Adam Jones Website
Adam Jones Guest Page
Chaos and Confusion: Tech Outage Causes Disruptions Worldwide
rabbit r1 Prompts and Memory Recall Use Cases - June 2024
The Clicks Keyboard for iPhone - First Impressions
We’d be honored if you'd drop a 5-star rating for us on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify!
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
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Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
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Tom and Jeff share candid reviews of every Apple product they currently own. You will get honest opinions on HomePods, AirPods, Beats, Apple Vision Pro, iPhones, Apple Watch, iPads, and Macs.
Links from the show:
Comply Memory Foam Tips https://www.complyfoam.com/
WWDC Wishlists with Riley Hill https://www.basicafshow.com/wwdc-wishlists-with-riley-hill/
We’d be honored if you'd drop a 5-star rating for us on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify!
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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We are frequently targeted by unscrupulous scammers and other criminals. Unfortunately, banks and other financial institutions sometimes use fear to promote their consumer protection services, making even their messages seem suspicious.
In this episode, we will cover:
- How to safeguard yourself against scammers
- Effective ways to verify the legitimacy of messages or voicemails you receive
- Built-in tools in macOS, iOS, and iPadOS that can assist you
- Other useful resources such as Have I Been Pwned
Links from this episode:
Rising fury at Wells Fargo as grandmothers who lost their life savings to cruel scammers urge lawsuit-hit bank to act NOW
Wells Fargo agrees to $3.7 billion settlement with CFPB over consumer abuses
Welcome to Scam World
Avoiding Phishing, Spearphishing, and Catfishing Scams
Have I Been Pwned
MXGuarddog
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
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It's the best week of the year for Apple fans as WWDC is here! Tom and Jeff recap the keynote event and go in on the new Apple Intelligence features, Home Screen customizations coming to iOS and iPadOS, the sick new Math Notes feature, the updated Photos app, and much, much more!
Links from the show:
Watch the keynote
Apple Intelligence
iOS 18
iPadOS 18
macOS Sequoia
watchOS 11
visionOS 2
Private Cloud Compute
We'd be honored if you'd drop a 5-star rating for us on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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Riley Hill is a software developer, Apple enthusiast, and YouTuber. He joins Tom and Jeff on this episode to discuss using the iPad Pro as his main computing platform, the new M4 iPad Pros, and his YouTube Channel. Then, the guys share their wishlists for the upcoming WWDC keynote on June 10th.
Links From the Show
Riley Hill on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SlatePad
Riley Hill Website - https://www.slatepad.org
Riley Hill on Threads - https://www.threads.net/@slatepad
WWDC - https://developer.apple.com/wwdc24/
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
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- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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Tom and Jeff unpack the latest Apple event!
- New iPad Air and iPad Pro models: We're slicing through the details of the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models. Get the scoop on the M2 and M4 chips, color options, new display options, storage, and more.
- Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro & Apple Pencil Pro
- Apple Pencil Madness: Too many options? We're debating whether Apple's expanding Apple Pencil lineup is innovation or just plain confusing.
- We take a critical look at Apple’s decisions that keep existing iPad users from upgrading to these new accessories without purchasing a new iPad.
- What’s the future hold for the iPad that might justify all this power under the hood?
- How much is a top of the line iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro?
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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Chris Freitag is a long-time Apple user, photographer, and YouTuber. He joins Tom and Jeff on this episode to talk about the upcoming Apple Event, potential new iPads, the current state of the iPad, his Apple gear, and shares his love of photography, which he documents on his excellent YouTube channel.
Links from the show
Chris Freitag on YouTube
Chris Freitag Website
Apple Event May 7th
Apple Rivals Retool to Challenge the iPhone and Vision Pro
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Chris Freitag: DJI Osmo Pocket 3 - The Multipurpose Tool for Creators
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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Tom and Jeff are back at it:
- An updated review of Apple News—why Jeff's come around to being a fan of the service
- Taking another look at Apple's Journal app and how it compares to Day One
- Jeff shares his initial thoughts and gameplay tips on the MARVEL SNAP
Links from the show:
Apple News+
Journal app
Day One
Search Engine: How do you make an addictive video game?
MARVEL SNAP
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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This episode looks into the US Department of Justice's lawsuit against Apple, exploring the claims of monopolistic behavior and its implications for the company and its customers. We also navigate the virtual realms of Apple's Vision Pro, discussing the scarcity of immersive content, why Apple hasn't provided more content, and what may be ahead as part of visionOS 2. Plus, Apple announces the dates for WWDC in June.
Links from the show:MLB for visionOS strikes out on Opening Day
Apple's Immersive Video Problem
New Celsius 7 - Moon Patrol
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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Tom had initially said he wouldn't, but he eventually gave in to temptation and bought an Apple Vision Pro to test it out. In the past several weeks, he has been using the headset to watch the Super Bowl, work in visionOS to create content for his newsletter and website, and engage in various work and entertainment environments.
From his experiences, Tom shares which accessories are necessary to fully utilize the Vision Pro, identifies the apps that he finds most useful, and discusses his strategy for interacting with his family while wearing the headset.
But after all that, did he keep it and should you consider buying one?
Links from the show:
Apple Vision Pro
Two Weeks With Apple Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro return rate is about the same as the iPhone 15 Pro
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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Join us in this episode as Tom reviews the Clicks Creator Keyboard for iPhone, highlighting its design, usability, and whether it's a worthy addition to your tech arsenal. We also discuss Apple's decision to end its car project, speculating on what this means for the company's future directions in technology.
Links from the show:
Clicks keyboard for iPhone
Threads Q&A on Clicks Keyboard
Apple Cancels Electric Car Project
Why Would Apple Make an Electric Car, Not a Driverless One?
Apple Revolutionized the Auto Industry Without Selling a Single Car
Apple has quietly tripled it’s testing of autonomous cars, records show
Apple to Wind Down Electric Car Effort After Decadelong Odyssey
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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Gannon Nordberg joins us again for the 2024 Tips & Tricks Show! Over a dozen new tips & tricks for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and more!
You can find Gannon’s work at levelonenerd.net - Simple tutorials to level up your Apple tech game, delivered straight to your inbox every 2 weeks for free. Go sign up for his newsletter!
Links from the show:Use profiles in Safari on Mac
Turn off Listening History in Apple Music with a Focus Mode
Play music together in a car with SharePlay and Apple Music
Edit portraits on iPad
Make stickers from your photos on iPhone
Search in Messages on iPhone
Easily change photo aspect ratios
Change the color of links and highlights in Notes
See time spent in daylight
How to Automatically Change Your Apple Watch Face Based on Time or Location
Use the Smart Stack to show timely widgets on Apple Watch
Hazel for Mac
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
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Gannon Nordberg returns to the show and Jeff got his hands on the new Apple Vision Pro at the Danbury, CT Apple store! JB shares his first impressions on everything, from the initial setup experience to exploring the immersive scenes, navigating visionOS, using the Photos app, and excellent Spatial Audio performance. And answers the big question on everyone's mind - did he end up buying it?
You can find Gannon’s work at levelonenerd.net - Simple tutorials to level up your Apple tech game, delivered straight to your inbox every 2 weeks for free. Go sign up for his newsletter!
Links from the show:Apple Vision Pro EPIC Review - Is This The Future?
Apple Vision Pro - Unboxing, Review and demos!
Apple Vision Pro REVIEW: Pros and Cons
Using Apple Vision Pro: What It’s Actually Like!
Apple Vision Pro review: magic, until it’s not
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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Jeff and Tom share their go-to apps for messaging, email, tasks and calendars, notes and office suites, with a tiny bit of automations thrown in for good measure.
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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The year has just begun, and there’s a lot of news for Jeff and Tom to cover:
- The Apple Watch was banned from sale in the US just before Christmas and then given a reprieve while the case is reviewed; what’s the latest?
- Apple Vision Pro may arrive in the next 30 days
- Microsoft dropped Copilot AI apps for iOS and iPadOS. How does the service stack up against ChatGPT? And what’s this Copilot key coming up for Windows keyboards?
- Rumors persist that Siri will be gaining Generative AI capabilities at WWDC
- The Clicks Creator Keyboard is a crazy new keyboard for iPhone, so of course Tom ordered one!
Links from the show:
- Apple Watch Sales Ban Paused
- Apple Vision Pro rumored to launch in final week of January and Mark German at Bloomberg is reporting retail launch by February
- Microsoft CoPilot for Mac, iOS, and iPadOS
- Microsoft’s new Copilot key is the first big change to Windows keyboards in 30 years
- New Version of Siri With Generative AI Again Rumored for WWDC
- Clicks Creator Keyboard for iPhone
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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In this festive episode, Tom and Jeff cozy up with eggnog and share their favorite tech and media picks from the year. The duo dives into the melancholic melodies of Sufjan Stevens' Christmas music, invoking the holiday spirit. Then, they switch gears to discuss Radio Paradise, an eclectic internet radio station that's been a game-changer in their music listening routines.
As they reflect on the tech that made their year special, Jeff tells how Astropad's Rock Paper Pencil for iPad has transformed his editing process and Tom counters with his newfound appreciation for the Bear Notes App, praising its simplicity and elegance. As they exchange stories and recommendations, they also delve into the world of CarPlay, discussing its convenience and limitations. With a few other recommendations in between, he episode rounds off with Jeff's thoughts on the excellent 14” MacBook Pro. Join the boys for a tech-filled holiday episode that's as informative as it is entertaining.
Links from the show:
- Sufjan Stevens Songs for Christmas
- Radio Paradise
- Astropad Rock Paper Pencil
- Bear Notes App
- Field Notes Brand
- CarPlay
- Highland Pro
- Photo Shuffle on iPad
- 14” MacBook Pro
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
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In this episode, Spotify tells us we’re a Top 10 podcast for ten listeners, a Top 5 show for eight listeners, and a Top Podcast for 4 of you! Grateful is an understatement. Thank you!
We follow that with a discussion on Itsycal, a menu bar item that extends the functionality of Apple Calendar. In episode 21, Jeff talked about Astropad’s Rock Paper Pencil, an iPad screen cover that turns writing on iPad into a better experience. Tom just received his this week and shared his first impressions. To wrap things up, Jeff shared his first-day experience with the technology in his new BMW X1.
Links from the show:
- Itsycal for Mac
- Rock Paper Pencil by Astropad
- BMW X1
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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Join us for a unique bonus episode as Greg Battersby follows up with us on his return journey to Southern California in his Subaru Solterra EV. Using the lessons he learned around route planning, optimizing driving techniques, and charging headaches on the first trip, was the trip home any better?
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
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- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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In this episode, we are joined by Jeff’s brother Greg to discuss his new electric vehicle, the Subaru Solterra. This episode delves into the heart of mid-range electric vehicles' capabilities and challenges, highlighting the nuances of planning and executing a long journey in an EV. Greg’s California adventure from Orange County to the Bay Area becomes a compelling case study on the realities of today's electric vehicle technology.
The episode provides a candid exploration of the challenges faced by mid-range electric vehicles on extended trips, from the apprehension of range anxiety to the realities of managing battery life and charging strategies. Greg's experience becomes a compelling narrative about the practicalities of EV travel and the obstacles that still need to be overcome.
Links from the show:
- EV Sales Are in a Slump — Why Aren’t More Car Buyers Going Electric?
- Here's why people aren't buying EVs in spite of price cuts and tax breaks.
- Subaru Solterra
- WattEV
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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In this episode:
- The shorter shows are a hit!
- Apple has new MacBook Pros and iMacs powered by M3 chips, should you upgrade?
- RIP Touch Bar
- How Tom used the iPad to plan out his recently installed garage gym
Links from the show:
- MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro
- Behind the scenes at Scary Fast: Apple’s keynote event shot on iPhone and edited on Mac
- Apple: MacBook Pro
- Apple: iMac
- Rogue Fitness: RML-3W FOLD BACK WALL MOUNT RACK
- Photos of Tom's Garage Gym
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
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In this episode:
- What to expect at Apple’s upcoming “Scary Fast” event
- Apple is raising the prices on some of its services again
- Managing your subscriptions and their ever-increasing costs
- A Better Writing Experience on iPad? - Rock Paper Pencil iPad Screen Protector and Apple Pencil Tips
- Jeff’s spent a month with the FineWoven case and it’s…fine?
Links from the show:
Apple “Scary Fast” Event
AppleTV+, Arcade, and News+ subscription prices increase from today
Rock Paper Pencil - Magnetic iPad Screen Protector and Apple Pencil Tips
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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Ever wondered how to turn a passion into a successful podcast? Join us as we chat with Rafael Ruiz, the charismatic host of the Subie & YOU! podcast, which has amassed over 140 episodes and an impressive 100,000+ downloads. Discover how Rafael harnessed the power of Instagram and the enthusiastic Subaru community to create an engaging and popular podcast. We get under the hood of his podcasting journey, exploring how he cleverly used collaborations and guest features to rev up his listener numbers.
Listen in as Rafael gives us a peek into his podcast production process, sharing valuable insights gleaned from recording, editing and managing his hit show. So buckle up and get ready for a ride along with Rafael.
Show links:
Subie & YOU! Podcast
Subie & YOU! on Instagram
Rafael's Crosstrek Instagram Page
Subie Adventures on Instagram
Subie Adventures Newsletter
Accentrek Designs
CapCut App
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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Jeff upsized to the iPhone 15 Pro Max in titanium titanium (what?) and has some thoughts, and perhaps just a tiny bit of buyer's remorse. We talk Action button, new cameras, and weight and size comparisons with his previous iPhone 13 Pro. Is it all enough to justify his upgrade? Maybe not.
Speaking of remorse, Tom ain't happy with some of the changes Apple has made in watchOS 10. With a new way to switch watch faces, removal of Favorites from the Timers app, giving Control Center a dedicated button, a silly change in the Workout app, and the double press of the Digital Crown no longer being an App Switcher, there's a lot different, and not necessarily in a good way.
We also talk a little about macOS Sonoma and iOS 17.
Links from the show:
iPhone 15: A Photographers Review - Tyler Stalman
watchOS - 10 Things I Hate About You - Reddit
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
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Hey there tech enthusiasts! Ready to immerse yourself in a refreshing conversation about the latest Apple watches and iPhones? Good! Because we're about to recap Apple's Wonderlust event and help you understand their features and decide if they're worth your hard-earned money. We kick off with a humorous yet enlightening chat about a Washington Post quiz that questions the necessity of a smart watch. But hey, we love our Apple watches, and we're not afraid to tell you why!
Let's turn the gears a notch; we're diving into the heart of the matter — Apple Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches. We scrutinize privacy concerns with the new Siri features, discuss the double-tap gesture convenience, brighter displays, and new bands (and a new material, FineWoven). We also explore the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro, their new color options, the transition from Lightning to USB-C, and new cameras.
Links from the show:
WaPo: Is a smartwatch right for you? Our quiz can help you decide.
Bullstrap MagSafe iPhone Cases
iOS 17
iPadOS 17
watchOS 10
macOS Sonoma
Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Ultra 2
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Pro
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Show transcripts and episode artwork are AI generated and likely contain errors and general silliness.
Are you ready for a trip down memory lane? We kick things off with a discussion on the resurgence of USENET, exploring why it's making a comeback and how it has evolved over the years. Join us as we unravel the history and significance of this online forum, shedding light on its enduring relevance in the digital age.
We'll also give you the latest news from around the Apple world, including Apple putting the 2017 MacBook Pro into "Vintage" status, and a preview of the "Wonderlust" event coming up on September 12th, where Apple will announce new models of the iPhone and Apple Watch, and tell us the release dates for the new operating systems. Speaking of those, Jeff gives us an update on how the betas are progressing.
We wrap up our discussion by exploring the potential of the iPad as an "only computer" device. Should you do it? Can you do it? Well, it depends, and we're here to help you figure it all out.
Links from the show:
USENET, the OG social network, rises again like a text-only phoenix
2017 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar now considered ‘vintage’ and won’t get macOS 14
Apple Event
Giving up the iPad-only travel dream
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Show transcripts are AI generated and likely contain errors.
How often do you find yourself wishing for a better way to manage your work and productivity, and mental well-being? Well, we've got you covered! Embrace the wonders of the Sessions app, a fantastic tool that not only keeps a diary of your work but also provides you with a meaningful insight into your daily productivity. Get ready to revolutionize the way you schedule your activities and quantify your work.
Then we dive headfirst into the mesmerizing world of video games on the Nintendo Switch. Engage in an experience that's very different from your traditional PC or Mac gaming. We'll share our thoughts on games like Firewatch and Breath of the Wild and explain why they provide a satisfaction quite unlike any other. Moreover, we'll also discuss how the Nintendo Switch can be a fantastic tool to bond with friends and family online. Prepare to embark on an enthralling gaming adventure!
Links from the show:
Sessions App
Nintendo Switch
Basic AF Episode 14: The Art of Automation and Productivity with Adam Olson
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Show transcripts are AI generated and likely contain errors.
Are you prepared for the upcoming academic year? Having the right tech tools at your disposal can make all the difference in your productivity and success. This episode is packed with insights into the maze of back-to-school tech choices, dissecting the pros and cons of various educational tech options
We begin by dissecting educational tech options, ranging from iMacs and Mac minis, to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and discussing their suitability for different age groups. Then, we advise on how best to future-proof your selections while maintaining cost-efficiency. We investigate whether an iPad alone is sufficient for academic pursuits, evaluating its utility as a workstation for writing, streaming, and even programming. Can the transformative power of the Apple Pencil in the classroom and for creative projects tip the scale in its favor?
Our exploration doesn't end there. We tread on the soil of note-taking options, weighing the pros and cons of using electronic devices versus traditional pen and paper, and discuss how apps like Notability and Good Notes can revolutionize your note-taking process. We also assess the reliability of cloud storage options like iCloud and Google Drive and the potential of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote to boost productivity. With our guidance, you'll be ready to conquer the academic year with top-notch tech at your fingertips. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion to maximize your productivity with the right tech tools.
Links from the show:
LiveScribe Smartpens
Apple Education Store
GoodNotes
Notability
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Show transcripts are AI generated and likely contain errors.
Are you prepared to conquer the chaos of daily tasks? Today, we're thrilled to be joined by our old friend and tech aficionado, Adam Olson. Adam brings an arsenal of efficiency-boosting tips and tricks, from using iOS features like the double-tap open command to managing complex automation collections.
Our conversation takes a detour into the world of app integration and preferences, discussing how we can best streamline our daily tasks using apps and automation. With features such as Siri integration, and apps like OmniFocus and Things, we delve into the GTD method and its benefits. We talk Apple's Calendar app and Outlook for watch integration, and even touch on the contentious topic of subscription models.
The final leg of our journey explores the realm of productivity apps and methods. We talk about apps like SwitchResX, TextExpander, Sessions, and HoudahSpot that can simplify those tedious tasks and boost productivity. Then, we turn the spotlight on Keyboard Maestro, a tool that proves indispensable for automating daily tasks. So, listen in and prepare to revolutionize the way you navigate your digital life.
Links from the show:
- Federico Viticci's Shortcuts at MacStories
- Keyboard Maestro
- Session - Focus App
- OmniFocus
- Things
- Getting Things Done
- Highland 2 App
- Scrivener
- HoudahSpot 6
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Show transcripts are AI generated and likely contain errors.
Ready to unravel the tapestry of tech? As the drama with Twitter continues, Meta smells blood in the water and releases its new Threads service, which has taken off like a SpaceX rocket. We've used it, and have some thoughts on its current state, and what's to come.
Shifting gears, we shine the spotlight on Apple as we anticipate the public beta season. There are new features in macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS that we're excited about! Let's chat about everything - screensavers, live photos on iPad lock screens, or the enhanced screen picker feature for video conferencing. Beyond the aesthetics, we also dig into the nitty-gritty details of improved password management and better screen sharing options.
We leave no stone unturned in exploring the upcoming features of the next generation of operating systems from Apple. Be it the new Standby feature for iPhones, the Stage Manager improvements for iPads or the ability to use an external camera for FaceTime, we've got the complete lowdown. So, gear up for an enlightening discussion!
Links from the show:
- Meta’s Threads Becomes the Most Quickly Downloaded App Ever
- macOS Sonoma Preview
- iPadOS 17 Preview
- iOS 17 Preview
- watchOS 10 Preview
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Show transcripts are AI generated and likely contain errors.
What if AI could replace your creativity? Discover the implications of artificial intelligence in education and creative fields as we sit down with graphic artist Benjamin Jancewicz and Dr. Devon Taylor, Ed.D., from Shenandoah University. Listen in as they share their insights into using AI in academia, supporting students, and preparing them for the workforce.
Explore the potential dangers of AI taking over creative work, the ethics of labor and automation, and the importance of teaching younger generations how to use AI as a tool. Our guests also discuss the positive side of AI, enabling more creative expression, and tackling bigger issues in the world. We dive into the complexities of AI and its impact on various industries, highlighting the essential role of the human element in this ever-evolving technological landscape.
As the use of AI continues to grow, we touch upon the potential implications of this technology in the 2024 US election, including the risks associated with deep fakes, imagery, and video manipulation. Join us for an engaging conversation that delves deep into the world of AI, creativity, and the future of our industries.
More from Benjamin:
Business: Zerflin.com, @Zerflin on all socials
Art: Art.Zerflin.com
Personal: BenJancewicz.com, @BenJancewicz on all socials
More from Devon:
Twitter
LinkedIn
Links from the show:
- A.I.: Actually Insipid Until It’s Actively Insidious
- ChatGPT Wrote (Most of) This Letter
- The People Onscreen Are Fake. The Disinformation Is Real.
- DALL-E 2 and Midjourney can be a boon for industrial designers
- Generative media won't kill creators — It’ll make a new type of creative.
More: Tom's site
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Show transcripts are AI generated and likely contain errors.
In this episode:
- Did our wishes come true? (Only Tom’s!)
- MacBook Air 15”, updated Mac Studio, Mac Pro with Apple Silicon
- iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, macOS Sonoma, tvOS
- Apple Vision Pro
Links from the show:
- 15” MacBook Air
- Mac Studio
- Mac Pro
- Apple Vision Pro
- First Impressions of Vision Pro and VisionOS
- Vision Pro: I just tried Apple’s first spatial computer, and here’s what I think
- Apple Vision Pro: Computing Without Borders
- Apple Vision Pro Impressions!
- WWDC Keynote on YouTube
- Moon Patrol, Celsius 7
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
In this episode:
- Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad Reviews
- Our WWDC Wishlist
- All Mac and No Play - new boygenius album
Links from the show:
- Final Cut Pro for iPad
- Logic Pro for iPad
- Six Colors: Hands on with Final Cut Pro for iPad
- Christopher Lawley: Final Cut Pro for the iPad Review: WOW!
- Stephen Robles: Final Cut for iPad is Missing 2 BIG Features
- Henny Tha Bizness: Logic Pro for iPad - My Initial Thoughts
- Moon Patrol, Celsius 7
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
In this episode:
- We have more stickers and magnets to giveaway
- Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro coming to iPad
- iCloud.com apps comparison against Google & Microsoft
- Picking the best apps for your use cases
- New segment: All Mac and No Play
- Tom’s Cortex Sidekick Notepad
Links from the show:
- Final Cut Pro for iPad
- Logic Pro for iPad
- Sign in and use iCloud.com
- Use iCloud.com to restore and recover iCloud information
- Google Workspaces
- Microsoft 365
- Cortex Sidekick Notepad
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
In this episode:
- We’re doing a giveaway
- Dreary Siri
- Multi-display disappointments
- System Settings
- AirPlay anomalies
- MacBook keyboard shine
Links from the show:
- Report Details Turmoil Behind Apple's AI Efforts, 'Siri X,' and Headset Voice Controls
- Connect one or more external displays with your Mac
- Customize your Mac with System Settings
- Use AirPlay to stream audio
- How to clean your Apple products
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
The great Kirk McElhearn joins us for an in-depth discussion on Apple Music Classical. Kirk is a long time tech writer, having contributed to Macworld, and TidBits, he’s written documentation for several applications you’ve probably used as well as several titles in the TakeControlseries of books. In this episode Kirk ups our game and musical vocabulary re: Apple Music Classical as well as cracking wise about tech-bro hero worship, the owner of Twitter, and the finer points of 70s, smash-mouth hockey. You’re in for a great ride.
In this episode:
- GM ditching CarPlay and reactions are not great
- Apple TV 4K Multiview in beta
- Steve Jobs
- AI and ChatGPT
- Kirk on Apple Music Classical
- How to approach Classical music
- Talking Games
Links from the show:
- Apple Music Classical
- Kirk McElhearn, for the best Apple Music Classical updates
https://kirkville.com - Apple Music Classical (Mostly) Plays the Right Chords
- New Apple Music Classical App for iPhone Review!
- Apple Explains Why It Launched an iPhone App Dedicated to Classical Music
- Kirk’s look at the game The Long Dark
- ‘A huge blunder’: GM’s decision to ditch Apple CarPlay, Android Auto sparks backlash
- Apple TV 4K launching huge upgrade for sports fans this weekend — how to get it
- New Steve Jobs Archive ebook now available as a free download
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
- Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
In this episode:
- Jeff returns to discuss his California adventure
- Ease of setting up new devices in a cloud-based world
- New podcast artwork!
- WWDC announced and what we might see
- Recap the recent Apple OS updates
- We conduct a discussion on Apple Music Classical…does it hit the right notes?
Links from the show:
- BackBlaze Cloud Backup
- Set up Find My on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac
- Apple Announces WWDC 2023
- iOS 16.4 Features: Everything New in iOS 16.4
- Apple Releases macOS Ventura 13.3 With New Emoji, Bug Fixes and More
- Apple Releases watchOS 9.4 With AFib History Expansion and Changes to Mute Gesture to Prevent Accidental Alarm Cancellation
- Apple Releases HomePod 16.4 Software
- Apple Releases tvOS 16.4 for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD
- PSA: Apple Has Made Its New Home Architecture Update Available Again
- Apple Music Classical
- Kirk McElhearn, for the best Apple Music Classical updates - https://kirkville.com
- Apple Music Classical (Mostly) Plays the Right Chords
- New Apple Music Classical App for iPhone Review!
- Apple Explains Why It Launched an iPhone App Dedicated to Classical Music
- Puccini: Turandot by Antonio Pappano
- Thanks to Randall Martin Design for the new artwork!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
In this episode:
- Jeff’s stuff gets stolen and Gannon Nordberg sits in
- Yellow iPhone 14
- New iPhone cases and Apple Watch Bands
- Apple Maps expands city experience to Boston
- How to set up Find My on your devices
- 18 Tips & Tricks for iOS/iPadOS, Mac, and Apple Watch!
Links from the show:
- iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus in Yellow Launches Today, Apple Store Pickup Now Available
- Apple launches fresh spring colors for iPhone cases and watch bands
- Apple Maps Expands Detailed City Experience With 3D Landmarks to Boston
- Set up Find My on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac
- If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen
- If Find My iPhone or Find My iPad isn't enabled on your missing device
- Save keystrokes with text replacements on iPhone
- Using Search on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Record your screen on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Use Reminders on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Send files from Files on iPhone
- Add and log medications with iPhone and Apple Watch
- Type with onscreen keyboard on iPhone
- Customize headphone audio levels on your iPhone or iPad
Oops! There were so many tips we ran out of space for the links here! No worries, you can find them on Tom's site.
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
In this episode:
- The boys get some new toys
- LastPass breach
- The Big Security Show
- Keeping your devices secure
- Why you should install software updates
- Managing Accounts & Passwords
- Apple’s iCloud Keychain & 1Password
- Advanced Data Protection for iCloud
Links from the show:
- LastPass says employee’s home computer was hacked and corporate vault taken
- Why you can trust 1Password’s cloud-based storage and syncing
- Use Face ID on your iPhone or iPad Pro
- Use Touch ID on iPhone and iPad
- Use Touch ID on Mac
- Update your iPhone or iPad
- Update macOS on Mac
- Manage passwords using keychains on Mac
- Set up iCloud Keychain
- Rapid Security Responses on Apple devices
- Two-factor authentication for Apple ID
- iCloud data security overview
- Use iCloud Keychain to keep passwords, accounts, and more up to date with iCloud
- Create unique, random email addresses with Hide My Email and iCloud+
- About iCloud Private Relay
- What is iCloud Backup
- Check if your email or phone is in a data breach
- Password Strength
- Password Reuse
- Security
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
In this episode:
- Apple security updates you should install
- Thoughts on the rumored MacBook Air 15”
- Gannon’s Apple products and his wild keyboard
- What we like about Apple Fitness+
- Saving money with Apple One
- Apple Pay, Apple Card, and Apple Cash
- Is AppleCare worth it?
Guest - Gannon Nordberg
Gannon is a Google Certified Educator, Apple Teacher, and a Canvas Advocate who aims to create polished and user-friendly instructional support resources, including help guides, webinars, videos, and course design elements that are entirely free from confusing techie jargon.
He has spoken at several national conferences, and won the national award for outstanding support to faculty and students in 2019 through the Instructional Technology Council, and the 2022 Excellence in Education Award for Collaboration within the Virginia Community College System.
He also feeds off an endless pile of productivity and self-help books surrounding focus, building margin, minimalism, reducing digital distractions, and using time intentionally.
Find more on Gannon at https://www.gannonnordberg.com.
Links from the show:
- Apple Security Updates Support Article
- MacRumors: 15-Inch MacBook Air Rumored to Launch in April
- Refurb Tracker: Track availability of Apple refurbished products
- Apple Studio Display
- ZSA Moonlander split ergo mechanical keyboard
- Magic Trackpad
- Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
- Elgator Wave:3 Microphone
- Apple Fitness+
- Apple Entertainment Services
- Apple Card
- Apple Pay
- Apple Cash
- AppleCare
- iCloud
- BackBlaze Online Backup
- Eve Smart Switches
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
- Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter
- Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
In this episode:
- Jeff has not one, but two (!!) new Watch bands
- New 🔥 wallpapers from Basic Apple Guy
- Apple’s folding something though the “experts” don’t agree just what
- Apps we’ve bought and don’t use, and why we bought them
- Apps we are using (list and links below)
Links from the show:
- Basic Apple Guy: M2 Wallpapers
- Kuo: Apple to Release Foldable iPad with Carbon Fiber Kickstand in 2024
- Apple Working on 20.5-inch All-Screen Foldable Notebook for 2025
- Mark Gurman on iPad plans for 2024
- Highland 2 for writing
- Tyme for time tracking
- Fantastical
- Ivory Mastodon app
- Movetodon for moving your follows from Twitter to Mastodon
- Radio Paradise
- PocketCasts
- Craft
- CleanShot X
- Paste
- Athlytic
- MindNode
- YNAB
Contact Us
Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Twitter and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter
Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
- Review on Apple Podcasts
- Rate on Spotify
- Recommend in Overcast
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
- Apple Music
- Spotify
Overview
It’s the debut episode of Basic AF: a mostly tech podcast, with Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby! In this episode:
-
The HomePod is back!
-
New Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro
-
New MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and Max
-
After a not-so-great experience with the original Apple Watch, Jeff goes Ultra, but does it stick?
Links from the show:
-
New HomePod
-
New Mac mini
-
New MacBook Pro
-
Introducing the all-new HomePod | Apple
-
Meet the new MacBook Pro and Mac mini | Apple
Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com.
Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!
-
Review on Apple Podcasts
-
Rate on Spotify
Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen
-
Apple Music
-
Spotify
Hi there! It’s a new year and you’re invited to check out our new show, Basic AF. It’s a (mostly) tech talk show where we’ll get together every couple of weeks to spill trash, talk, tech, and tea (though Tom says no politics). Plus games, plenty of Apple banter, or whatever else comes into our heads.
Check out the trailer and subscribe or follow in your favorite podcast app. The first show is coming in a few weeks!
Tom & Jeff