The MacVoices Live! panel examines Apple’s move from the iPhone Upgrade Program to a Klarna-backed leasing model, including the possibility of restricting leased devices after missed payments. The discussion explores how financing could soften the impact of rising iPhone prices, especially for premium and foldable models. They share personal experiences while debating ownership versus leasing, AppleCare implications, trade-in strategies, and changing consumer expectations around smartphone upgrades.

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Our conversation with Kirk McElhearn about his new Take Control of AirPods continues, exploring the advanced capabilities of AirPods beyond simple audio playback, explaining listening modes, Conversation Awareness, head gestures, and how the Apple ecosystem enhances the experience. He also discusses why AirPods perform poorly as phone microphones, examines rumors of camera-equipped AirPods, and reflects […]

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Kirk McElhearn discusses his new guide to getting the most from Apple’s AirPods, Take Control of AirPods for Take Control Books, explaining why the deceptively simple earbuds deserve a dedicated manual. The conversation explores hearing assistance, noise cancellation, audio quality, controls, battery management, charging options, Bluetooth limitations, and choosing the right model. Kirk offers tips that unlock features many owners never realize are available.

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Apple’s stock rebounds after recent product price increases, prompting a discussion of customer loyalty, upgrade timing, refurbished options, and long-term confidence in the company. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, and Marty Jencius also examine why advanced Home features may require a 2TB iCloud+ plan, then debates Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone, including price, […]

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At NAB 2026, Chuck Joiner talks with Ryan Burke, Portfolio Director for RØDE about the new RodeLink 2 UHF wireless system, developed with Lectrosonics expertise. The discussion covers interference-resistant UHF performance, 32-bit float recording, timecode, adaptive power, battery life, and removable storage media.  Ryan also provided a look at the new RODECaster Studio AI audio editing app for podcasters. 

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At NAB Las Vegas, Madeleine Budd, Marketing Manager for Saramonic Audio, introduces the Air SE, a tiny dual wireless mobile microphone system with USB-C and optional Lightning receivers, and magnetic charging. No larger than a lipstick, it features AI noise cancellation, and a strikingly low price. She also demos the WeTalk 9X intercom system, built […]

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