The MacVoices Live! Β examines Appleβs transition from Tim Cook to John Ternus, weighing Cookβs legacy, Appleβs dramatic financial growth, Vision Pro, and criticism of his tenure. They consider what Ternusβ engineering background could mean for hardware and software, while discussing Phil Schiller, Eddie Cue, other executive changes, succession planning, and the importance of preserving institutional [β¦]
The discussion of communication communication technologies continues as the panel of Chuck Joiner,Β Jeff Gamet, and Marty Jencius make the jump Β from telegraphs and long-distance calls to texting, smartwatches, satellite connectivity, and possible implanted devices. How science fiction anticipated so many of todayβs modern communications questions such as convenience, safety, privacy, tracking, and social change wrap [β¦]
As we approach the release of the newest iPhones, Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius and Chuck Joiner look at how science fiction and popular culture imagined modern communication long before the technology existed. From early video-phone concepts and Dick Tracy to Star Trek, Get Smart, Space: 1999, and more, the panel examine fictional devices that anticipated smartphones, wearables, Bluetooth earbuds, video calls, authentication, mobile computing, and maybe even foreshadow whatβs coming next. (Part 1)Β
This MacVoices Briefing compares the Insta360 Snap Selfie Screen with Light and SmallRig Phone Vlog Selfie Monitor, two solutions for framing shots while using an iPhoneβs best camera. Factors in choosing include MagSafe mounting, wired versus Wi-Fi connections, screen size, touch controls, lighting, battery life, compatibility, portability, pricing, and flexibility. Chuck talks about how to determine help which monitor is best for your different shooting needs, and Β how he solved the choice question.Β
Adam Engst explains why AI software development should be approached as an evolution, starting with safe, verifiable data analysis, advancing to simple scripts, and eventually building applications. He distinguishes programming from development, arguing that non-programmers can act as product managers who direct AI, demand security checks, define requirements, and create software tailored to problems existing apps do not solve. (3)Β
Our conversation with Adam Engst continues with an exploration of Β how AI can help non-programmers build sophisticated software by following professional development practices. Adam explains using specifications, architecture documents, and AI-guided decisions to create reliable apps, then examines the approach his app, SetShot, takes to macOS settings, privacy, security, user feedback, Cloudflare, GitHub, and minimizing sensitive data collection.Β
Adam Engst looks back at HyperCard as an early tool that democratized software creation, then connects its legacy to todayβs AI-assisted development. He outlines how Claude helped turn an idea for tracking macOS setting changes into a working Mac app, SetShot. Adam discusses Xcode, GitHub, rapid iteration, and the value of visual feedback in his development process, and how AI lowers programming barriers without eliminating the need for thought, judgment, and effort.Β
In the August 2026 MacVoices Update, Chuck outlines how a little time off slowed down some projects, reviews new episode artwork designed to better communicate each showβs subject, discusses why feedback is so important to what you hear and see, and delivers the Support Report form the month.Β http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV26245.mp3 Show Notes: Support: Become a MacVoices [β¦]
Flock cameras have ignited a debate over surveillance, privacy, data collection, and public resistance. The MacVoices panel weighs in on the debate. They also discuss the risks of government-sponsored cyberattacks carried out by private companies, growing opposition to data centers over power and infrastructure demands, and the regulatory challenges surrounding their expansion.
Is CarPlay really a key factor in car buyers choices? At least one statistic supports that position, raising questions about automakers ignoring customer preferences. The panel also examines Gmailβs upcoming changes, Appleβs evolving iPhone purchasing strategy, and a troubling article about advertising and tracking on computer monitors and smart displays.
Appleβs layoffs across Siri, AI, Vision Pro, and software teams sparks discussions about shifting priorities, institutional knowledge, and the future of spatial computing. The MacVoices Live! panel also debates the privacy implications of ChatGPT remembering Mac activity, the advantages of on-device AI, and Walmartβs long-overdue decision to embrace Apple Pay and NFC payments. The panel [β¦]
Appleβs new Mac mini and Mac Studio spark a discussion of the M6 and M5 Ultra chips and how they measure up in performance and Β upgrade decisions. The panel weighs Mac Studio trade-ins, Mac mini value, on-device AI and large language models, and Appleβs increasingly powerful silicon. They also examine the move to 2-nanometer technology and debate Appleβs redesigned keyboards and glyph-only modifier keys.
The OWC USB-C Quad HDMI 4K Display Adapter with DisplayLink lets a Mac drive four 4K monitors through a single USB-C connection. Chuck Β explains how it simplified his multi-display setup and bypasses native Mac display limitations using DisplayLink software. The adapter supports individual monitor resolutions and offers a straightforward path to a multi-monitor setup.Β