At Macstock 2026, Max Mellman showed off his his iPhone app, I Love a Piano. Max explains how the app stands out through realistic haptic feedback, intuitive navigation, portrait and landscape support, and a design that encourages exploration instead of intimidation. Chuck and Max also discuss his inspiration, teaching carrer, future iPad support, and broader [β¦]
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 [β¦]
Kirk McElhearn discusses his new guide to getting the most from Appleβs 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.
The panel is back from Macstock and share highlights and lessons from the conference, including creative experimentation, podcast strategy, video production, accessibility, health, digital legacy planning, and useful Mac tools. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Jeff Gamet, and Mark Fuccio reflect on the friendships and international [β¦]
The Road to Macstock takes a serious turn as Mike T. Rose previews his workshop on becoming a digital caretaker for family members and loved ones. Mike discusses scams targeting older adults, password sharing, remote support, Apple Passwords, financial preparedness, and the need to balance protection, respect, independence, and trust when helping others manage their digital lives.Β
The MacVoices Live! panel covers a fake vendor site spreading malware, Appleβs new accessibility previews, and a hardware reorganization aimed at faster, more unified product development. Chuck Joiner,Β David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, and Marty Jencius also discuss Eyes Off for shoulder-surfing protection, Microsoft and Google reactions to the MacBook Neo, Googleβs proposed AI laptop, and broader questions about AI becoming part of operating systems.Β
MacVoices Live! previews MacPawβs WWDC βFlip the Scriptβ developer event, then examines the growing backlash against school-issued screens in classrooms. Chuck Joiner,Β David Ginsburg, Jeff Gamet, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, and Web Bixby weigh digital skills, socialization, parental responsibility, accessibility, school support, and workforce readiness. They also consider Poppy, a proactive AI assistant, and the privacy concerns that come with giving any app deep access to personal data.Β