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Podcast Rewind: Summer Experiments, Game Recomps, and Tier Listing Euro Banknotes

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, Federico and John cover the app and agent experiments they’re both running.

On AppStories+, John explores the sort of rapid workflow iteration enabled by agents.

NPC: Next Portable Console

This week, handheld news and a nerdy look at the recomp and decomp scene that is rapidly expanding to new operating systems.

On NPC XL, the gang revisits GameNative and the extent to which it has improved.

Comfort Zone

Today’s episode is all about tier listing the contenders to be the new Euro banknotes. What will these Americans think of Europe’s next top currency?

This week’s Cozy Zone is a very fun “name that app” game as Matt trots out some of the really weird apps from his Mac’s Applications folder.


AppStories, Episode 496, ‘Summer Projects - Automation, Email, and Dictation’ Show Notes

This episode is sponsored by:

Summertime Projects

AppStories+ Post-Show

Subscribe to AppStories+

Visit AppStories.net to learn more about the extended, high bitrate audio version of AppStories that is delivered early each week and subscribe.


NPC, Episode 91, ‘Recomps, Decomps, and Playable Dioramas’ Show Notes

The Latest Portable Gaming News

The Recomp and Decomp Scene

Subscribe to NPC XL

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes. You can subscribe here.


Comfort Zone, Episode 112, ‘Dollar Dollar Bills Y’all’ Show Notes

Things Discussed

Cozy Zone

For even more from the Comfort Zone crew, you can subscribe to Cozy Zone. Cozy Zone is a weekly bonus episode of Comfort Zone where Matt, Niléane, and Chris invite listeners to join them in the Cozy Zone where they’ll cover extra topics, invent wilder challenges and games, and share all their great (and not so great) takes on tech. You can subscribe to Cozy Zone for $5 per month here or $50 per year here.


MacStories launched its first podcast in 2017 with AppStories. Since then, the lineup has expanded to include a family of weekly shows that also includes MacStories Unwind, Magic Rays of Light, Comfort Zone, NPC: Next Portable Console, and First, Last, Everything that collectively, cover a broad range of the modern media world from Apple’s streaming service and videogame hardware to apps for a growing audience that appreciates our thoughtful, in-depth approach to media.

If you’re interested in advertising on our shows, you can learn more here or by contacting our Managing Editor, John Voorhees.

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Podcast Rewind: Open Minis, the RG SP Announcement, Too Much Wi-Fi, and the MessagePad with D. Griffin Jones

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, John and Federico discuss the changing face of the AI-fueled App Store and questionable changes made to TestFlight before going into the nerdiest details of Open Minis, an iOS app that brings desktop-class agents onto the iPhone and iPad.

Then on AppStories+, Federico and John explore Cmux, a Mac terminal app with an iPhone and iPad beta that makes it easier than ever to sync coding projects across devices.

NPC: Next Portable Console

This week, the refreshingly complete announcement by Anbernic of the RG SP, Ticci buys a handheld, and people are tired of months-long hardware reveals.

Then on NPC XL, Cocoon 3.0 and Syncthing!

Comfort Zone

We have a guest! D. Griffin Jones is here to show the gang technology they could only dream of: the MessagePad. After that, we look at the brand new Pastebot 3 and the surprisingly useful Clop, and we close it out by trying to sell Niléane on a 3D printer.

This week’s Cozy Zone is all about the games we’ve been enjoying lately.

MacStories Unwind

This week, John realizes that too much Wi-Fi is never enough, Federico wonders what he’s going to do with a Linux PC, and John recommends Apple TV’s Lucky.


AppStories, Episode 495, ‘Open Minis Turns iOS into an Agent Playground’ Show Notes

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Inoreader – Build Your Own Newsfeed and Cut Through the Noise
  • Claude – For problems worth solving — get started with Claude today.
  • Scribe – AI-powered workflow documentation. Get your first month free.

App Store Chaos

TestFlight Woes

Open Minis

AppStories+ Post-Show

Subscribe to AppStories+

Visit AppStories.net to learn more about the extended, high bitrate audio version of AppStories that is delivered early each week and subscribe.


NPC, Episode 90, ‘The Stickless Clamshell Everyone Wanted’ Show Notes

The Latest Portable Gaming News

Subscribe to NPC XL

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes. You can subscribe here.


Comfort Zone, Episode 111, ‘I’m the Guest, I Have No Consequences’ Show Notes

Things Discussed

Cozy Zone

For even more from the Comfort Zone crew, you can subscribe to Cozy Zone. Cozy Zone is a weekly bonus episode of Comfort Zone where Matt, Niléane, and Chris invite listeners to join them in the Cozy Zone where they’ll cover extra topics, invent wilder challenges and games, and share all their great (and not so great) takes on tech. You can subscribe to Cozy Zone for $5 per month here or $50 per year here.


MacStories Unwind, ‘Flooding the Wi-Fi Zone’ Show Notes

Networking Projects

Picks

  • John’s Pick: Lucky on Apple TV

Unwind Deal

MacStories Unwind+

We deliver MacStories Unwind+ to Club MacStories subscribers ad-free with high bitrate audio every week. To learn more about the benefits of a Club MacStories subscription, visit our Plans page.


MacStories launched its first podcast in 2017 with AppStories. Since then, the lineup has expanded to include a family of weekly shows that also includes MacStories Unwind, Magic Rays of Light, Comfort Zone, NPC: Next Portable Console, and First, Last, Everything that collectively, cover a broad range of the modern media world from Apple’s streaming service and videogame hardware to apps for a growing audience that appreciates our thoughtful, in-depth approach to media.

If you’re interested in advertising on our shows, you can learn more here or by contacting our Managing Editor, John Voorhees.

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Podcast Rewind: Siri AI, the Game Boy Advance Returns, and Smart Ceiling Fans

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, Federico and John look at what Siri AI is good at, where it needs improvement, and where it might be heading.

On AppStories+, the conversation expands to Federico and John’s experiences with the betas of macOS Golden Gate, iOS 27, and iPadOS 27.

NPC: Next Portable Console

This week, AYANEO is chasing the classics again, teasing a Game Boy Advance clone, while Magmi is getting vertical – plus, a Mechanism desk stand for your handheld, 8BitDo’s FlipPad, and the GPD Win Max 3 blurs the lines between laptop and console.

On NPC XL, Brendon and John try Armada and report to listeners about whether it’s ready for prime time.

Comfort Zone

Niléane brings her newest fan (literally), Chris just assumed his co-hosts have installed the betas (they have), and they all tell each other how their respective apps could start earning millions.

This week’s Cozy Zone is a complete, and authoritative, tier listing of every Men’s World Cup logo ever.

MacStories Unwind

This week, app launchers, universal truths about ISPs, and an epic movie.


AppStories, Episode 494, ‘All About Siri AI’ Show Notes

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Daylite: The only made-for-mac CRM solution. Start your free trial today.
  • Decagon: The AI concierge for every customer. Get a personalized demo.

All About Siri AI

AppStories+ Post-Show

Subscribe to AppStories+

Visit AppStories.net to learn more about the extended, high bitrate audio version of AppStories that is delivered early each week and subscribe.


NPC, Episode 89, ‘AYANEO Teases a New Game Boy Advance’ Show Notes

The Latest Portable Gaming News

Subscribe to NPC XL

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes. You can subscribe here.


Comfort Zone, Episode 110, ‘Only One Person Being Strangled’ Show Notes

Things Discussed

Cozy Zone

For even more from the Comfort Zone crew, you can subscribe to Cozy Zone. Cozy Zone is a weekly bonus episode of Comfort Zone where Matt, Niléane, and Chris invite listeners to join them in the Cozy Zone where they’ll cover extra topics, invent wilder challenges and games, and share all their great (and not so great) takes on tech. You can subscribe to Cozy Zone for $5 per month here or $50 per year here.


MacStories Unwind, ‘A Long Journey Home’ Show Notes

Unplugged Segment

Picks

Unwind Deal

MacStories Unwind+

We deliver MacStories Unwind+ to Club MacStories subscribers ad-free with high bitrate audio every week. To learn more about the benefits of a Club MacStories subscription, visit our Plans page.


MacStories launched its first podcast in 2017 with AppStories. Since then, the lineup has expanded to include a family of weekly shows that also includes MacStories Unwind, Magic Rays of Light, Comfort Zone, NPC: Next Portable Console, and First, Last, Everything that collectively, cover a broad range of the modern media world from Apple’s streaming service and videogame hardware to apps for a growing audience that appreciates our thoughtful, in-depth approach to media.

If you’re interested in advertising on our shows, you can learn more here or by contacting our Managing Editor, John Voorhees.

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Podcast Rewind: Fable, SteamOS on Android, and Voice-Created Shortcuts

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, Federico and John look at their experiences with Claude Fable 5 and how it differs from other models and break down the controversial changes made by OpenAI to its ChatGPT Mac app.

Then on AppStories+, John and Federico contrast their experiences with Fable 5 and OpenAI’s new family of GPT 5.6 models.

NPC: Next Portable Console

This week, Brendon and John go it alone with more bizarre news from AYANEO, a new tease and OS update from Anbernic, Valve’s e-ink Steam Machine faceplate, Armada bringing SteamOS to Android handhelds, and more.

On NPC XL, John and Brendon check on handheld gaming halfway through the year and look forward to what the rest of 2026 may have in store for the hobby.

Comfort Zone

Matt has been doing tons with Quick Reads, Chris has all the small things, and everyone creates Shortcuts WITH THEIR VOICE.

This week’s Cozy Zone sees the boys competing in Niléane’s Great Star Wars Quotes Quiz, and it goes… let’s just say “good and bad.”

MacStories Unwind

On a special Saturday edition of MacStories Unwind, Federico and John talk live music, blockbuster movies, and their ongoing experiments with Markdown text editors.


AppStories, Episode 493, ‘Fable 5 and OpenAI’s Curious ChatGPT Update’ Show Notes

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Daylite: The only made-for-mac CRM solution. Start your free trial today.

App State

Anthropic’s Claude Fable 5

What did OpenAI Do to ChatGPT?

AppStories+ Post-Show

Subscribe to AppStories+

Visit AppStories.net to learn more about the extended, high bitrate audio version of AppStories that is delivered early each week and subscribe.


NPC, Episode 88, ‘SteamOS Comes to Android Handhelds’ Show Notes

The Latest Portable Gaming News

Subscribe to NPC XL

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes. You can subscribe here.


Comfort Zone, Episode 109, ‘You Can’t Kill Chrome’ Show Notes

Things Discussed

Cozy Zone

For even more from the Comfort Zone crew, you can subscribe to Cozy Zone. Cozy Zone is a weekly bonus episode of Comfort Zone where Matt, Niléane, and Chris invite listeners to join them in the Cozy Zone where they’ll cover extra topics, invent wilder challenges and games, and share all their great (and not so great) takes on tech. You can subscribe to Cozy Zone for $5 per month here or $50 per year here.


MacStories Unwind, ‘Text Editor Experiments’ Show Notes

Live Music

A Summer Blockbuster

Text Editor Experiments

MacStories Unwind+

We deliver MacStories Unwind+ to Club MacStories subscribers ad-free with high bitrate audio every week. To learn more about the benefits of a Club MacStories subscription, visit our Plans page.


MacStories launched its first podcast in 2017 with AppStories. Since then, the lineup has expanded to include a family of weekly shows that also includes MacStories Unwind, Magic Rays of Light, Comfort Zone, NPC: Next Portable Console, and First, Last, Everything that collectively, cover a broad range of the modern media world from Apple’s streaming service and videogame hardware to apps for a growing audience that appreciates our thoughtful, in-depth approach to media.

If you’re interested in advertising on our shows, you can learn more here or by contacting our Managing Editor, John Voorhees.

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Podcast Rewind: Surviving Email, Sony Controversies, a Snick Challenge, and John Explains the Boonies

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, Federico and John talk about the 10+ email apps they’ve used over the years and how recent spikes in email volume have caused them to change their approaches.

On AppStories+, Federico and John update listeners on their summertime agentic coding projects.

NPC: Next Portable Console

This week, Steam Machine ordering follow-up and Sony’s many controversial announcements.

On NPC XL, what’s going on with AYANEO and the Pocket MICRO 2? Plus, the RG Rotate gets clock faces, and Apple brings PC gaming on the Mac closer to reality.

Comfort Zone

Chris explains how he’s using Parchment, Matt gets all in your face about calendars, and everyone competes to see who can handle using Snick for the longest.

On Cozy Zone, the gang shares their development tips and setups.

MacStories Unwind

This week, John heads to the mountains while Federico cooks on a beach, the origin of “the boonies,” and narrow mountain roads, plus a TV and movie pick.


AppStories, Episode 492, ‘Email Survival Guide’ Show Notes

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Decagon: The AI concierge for every customer. Get a personalized demo.

Email Survival Guide

AppStories+ Post-Show: Our Latest Agentic Coding Projects

  • John
    • ReMarkable Paper Pure as an input device
    • Creating an “areas of work” Codex orchestration system
  • Federico
    • Shortcuts Playground 2.0
    • MacRemote, an app that creates a remote MCP server for Mac CLIs and local MCPs usable by any app that supports MCP

Subscribe to AppStories+

Visit AppStories.net to learn more about the extended, high bitrate audio version of AppStories that is delivered early each week and subscribe.


NPC, Episode 87, ‘PlayStation Pulls the Plug on Physical Discs’ Show Notes

Follow-Up

Sony’s Big Bad Week

Other News

Subscribe to NPC XL

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes. You can subscribe here.


Comfort Zone, Episode 108, ‘My Magic Mouse Is Pregnant’ Show Notes

Things Discussed

Cozy Zone

For even more from the Comfort Zone crew, you can subscribe to Cozy Zone. Cozy Zone is a weekly bonus episode of Comfort Zone where Matt, Niléane, and Chris invite listeners to join them in the Cozy Zone where they’ll cover extra topics, invent wilder challenges and games, and share all their great (and not so great) takes on tech. You can subscribe to Cozy Zone for $5 per month here or $50 per year here.


MacStories Unwind, ‘Out in the Boonies’ Show Notes

Out in the Boonies

Picks

MacStories Unwind+

We deliver MacStories Unwind+ to Club MacStories subscribers ad-free with high bitrate audio every week. To learn more about the benefits of a Club MacStories subscription, visit our Plans page.


MacStories launched its first podcast in 2017 with AppStories. Since then, the lineup has expanded to include a family of weekly shows that also includes MacStories Unwind, Magic Rays of Light, Comfort Zone, NPC: Next Portable Console, and First, Last, Everything that collectively, cover a broad range of the modern media world from Apple’s streaming service and videogame hardware to apps for a growing audience that appreciates our thoughtful, in-depth approach to media.

If you’re interested in advertising on our shows, you can learn more here or by contacting our Managing Editor, John Voorhees.

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Podcast Rewind: AI Aggregators, Fable 5, Steam Machine Pricing, and Chris’s App

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, Federico and John talk about the state of AI aggregator apps and their future prospects before checking in on their current AI app setups for the AppStories+ post-show.

NPC: Next Portable Console

This week, Federico, Brendon, and John consider the Steam Machine’s pricing and early reviews.

On NPC XL, Brendon fulfills a long-ago Switch 2 promise, surprising John and Federico.

Comfort Zone

Niléane invested in a fast-appreciating asset (air conditioner), CHRIS MADE AN APP, and everyone surprises everyone else with their favorite challenges.

On Cozy Zone, we tier list the biggest iPhone features over the year.

MacStories Unwind

This week on MacStories Unwind, Federico and John are burning up Claude Fable 5 tokens as fast as they can, while Federico finds the time to try a brand new Switch 2 game.


AppStories, Episode 491, ‘Are AI Aggregators Worth It?’ Show Notes

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Mercury Weather: Forecasts, beautifully done. Download now for free.
  • Claude: For problems worth solving — get started with Claude today.

AI Aggregator Apps

Subscribe to AppStories+

Visit AppStories.net to learn more about the extended, high bitrate audio version of AppStories that is delivered early each week and subscribe.


NPC, Episode 86, ‘Did You Put Your Email in the Bucket?’ Show Notes

The Steam Machine

Subscribe to NPC XL

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes. You can subscribe here.


Comfort Zone, Episode 107, ‘The Year of Our Lord, Zork’ Show Notes

Things Discussed

Cozy Zone

For even more from the Comfort Zone crew, you can subscribe to Cozy Zone. Cozy Zone is a weekly bonus episode of Comfort Zone where Matt, Niléane, and Chris invite listeners to join them in the Cozy Zone where they’ll cover extra topics, invent wilder challenges and games, and share all their great (and not so great) takes on tech. You can subscribe to Cozy Zone for $5 per month here or $50 per year here.


MacStories Unwind, ‘Burning Tokens Before the Clock Runs Out’ Show Notes

Fable 5

Picks

Unwind Deal

  • Sherlock from the BBC is just $24.99 in the TV app.

MacStories Unwind+

We deliver MacStories Unwind+ to Club MacStories subscribers ad-free with high bitrate audio every week. To learn more about the benefits of a Club MacStories subscription, visit our Plans page.


MacStories launched its first podcast in 2017 with AppStories. Since then, the lineup has expanded to include a family of weekly shows that also includes MacStories Unwind, Magic Rays of Light, Comfort Zone, NPC: Next Portable Console, and First, Last, Everything that collectively, cover a broad range of the modern media world from Apple’s streaming service and videogame hardware to apps for a growing audience that appreciates our thoughtful, in-depth approach to media.

If you’re interested in advertising on our shows, you can learn more here or by contacting our Managing Editor, John Voorhees.

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Podcast Rewind: WWDC Reflections, Thunderbolt Hubs, and Prime Day Finds

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, John and Federico are back home and reflect on all the WWDC announcements, including Siri AI, Apple Intelligence, design changes, developer tools, and more.

On AppStories+, we check in on our research setups and how they fared at WWDC.

NPC: Next Portable Console

This week, nose-bleed prices, foldables get wise to handheld gaming, and new products are teased and released by a long list of companies.

On NPC XL, Federico and John cover the pre-review news and rumors about the Steam Machine, plus John’s new Mobapad Switch 2 controller.

Comfort Zone

The gang’s back together! Niléane has a new window management system, Matt wonders if Thunderbolt is too fast, and everyone recovers from letting AI take the wheel for the week.

On Cozy Zone, Niléane has a new place, and it only seemed proper to roast her new setup.

MacStories Unwind

This week, Federico and John share their Amazon Prime Day finds before Federico recommends a pair of videogames for the weekend.


AppStories, Episode 490, ‘WWDC Debrief’ Show Notes

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Mercury Weather: Forecasts, beautifully done. Download now for free.
  • Decagon: The AI concierge for every customer. Get a personalized demo.

Apple Intelligence and Siri AI

iOS 27 Design

Xcode and Developer Tools

Apple Photos and Image Playground

AppStories+ Post-Show

Subscribe to AppStories+

Visit AppStories.net to learn more about the extended, high bitrate audio version of AppStories that is delivered early each week and subscribe.


NPC, Episode 85, ‘TrimUI Goes Android’ Show Notes

Follow-Up

  • SN Operator arriving across Europe and the U.S.
  • Super expensive PS5 SSDs released

The Latest Portable Gaming News

Subscribe to NPC XL

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes. You can subscribe here.


Comfort Zone, Episode 106, ‘Matt’s Big Chonker’ Show Notes

Things Discussed

Cozy Zone

For even more from the Comfort Zone crew, you can subscribe to Cozy Zone. Cozy Zone is a weekly bonus episode of Comfort Zone where Matt, Niléane, and Chris invite listeners to join them in the Cozy Zone where they’ll cover extra topics, invent wilder challenges and games, and share all their great (and not so great) takes on tech. You can subscribe to Cozy Zone for $5 per month here or $50 per year here.


MacStories Unwind, ‘Prime Day Deal Hunters’ Show Notes

Amazon Prime Day Finds

Picks

Unwind Deal

MacStories Unwind+

We deliver MacStories Unwind+ to Club MacStories subscribers ad-free with high bitrate audio every week. To learn more about the benefits of a Club MacStories subscription, visit our Plans page.


MacStories launched its first podcast in 2017 with AppStories. Since then, the lineup has expanded to include a family of weekly shows that also includes MacStories Unwind, Magic Rays of Light, Comfort Zone, NPC: Next Portable Console, and First, Last, Everything that collectively, cover a broad range of the modern media world from Apple’s streaming service and videogame hardware to apps for a growing audience that appreciates our thoughtful, in-depth approach to media.

If you’re interested in advertising on our shows, you can learn more here or by contacting our Managing Editor, John Voorhees.

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