MacVoices #25236: Live! - Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ Event Discussion (Part 3) The panel wraps Apple’s “Awe Dropping” coverage by debating iPhone 17 hardware: new vapor-chamber cooling, bigger batteries, a widened camera “deck,” triple 48MP sensors, square-format capture, brighter 3,000-nit displays, and up to 2TB storage. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, and Mark Fuccio contrast AirPods’ translation “wow” with phones’ incremental gains, weigh real-world benefits for creators, and critique Apple’s moodier event production and revived case materials. 

MacVoices #25235: Live! - Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ Event Discussion (Part 2) The panel continues its discussion of Apple’s latest announcements from the “Awe Dropping” event, focusing on the Apple Watch Series 11, new health and sleep tracking features, and the Ultra’s extended battery life. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, and Mark Fuccio switch to the iPhone lineup, with debate over the new iPhone Air, Pro, and Pro Max models, camera improvements, storage options, and durability upgrades. The group weighs trade-in values, upgrade decisions, and how new features fit real-world use. 

MacVoices #25234: Live - Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ Event Discussion (Part 1) The first part of the MacVoices Live! panel’s discussions about   Apple’s latest event, dives into new AirPods with translation, heart rate monitoring, enhanced noise cancellation, and fitness tracking. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, and Mark Fuccio also cover Apple Watch updates, including the SE3’s expanded health features and the Ultra’s larger display. Along the way, they share trade-in tips and sleep tracking issues, all while weighing upgrade decisions.

MacVoices #25233: Live! - TypePad Departs, MacSurfer Returns TypePad’s shutdown prompts a PSA on exporting old blogs, while the panel welcomes the nostalgic return of MacSurfer—an Apple-news aggregator reborn in beta. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, Mark Fuccio weigh whether curated headlines still matter in an RSS world, discuss topic vs site organization, search usefulness, and daily cadence. Along the way are comments about decluttering, fiber-speed brags, and how aggregation style shapes what we read. 

MacVoices #25232: Live! - Replacing Facebook The MacVoices panel of Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Ben Roethig, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea debates whether alternatives like Discord, Reddit, Mastodon, or Blue Sky could replace Facebook for groups and community interaction. They discuss ease of adoption, generational barriers, and what it takes for platforms to go mainstream, comparing them to Zoom’s rise during the pandemic. The conversation wraps with thoughts on Apple’s upcoming September event and closing connections.

MacVoices #25231: The Macstock IX Digital Pass with Mike Potter Mike Potter returns to unveil the MacStock Confere IX Digital Pass, three days of workshops and sessions in upgraded quality thanks to new gear and live switching. The talks are available as streams on the Macstock site, along with with slides and bonus moments. Those who were there in person already have access; others can purchase the pass to learn at their own pace. The discussion includes pricing, session counts, a downloadable schedule, and a tease for MacStock X in July 2026.  

MacVoices #25230: Live! - Intel Investment Debate and Bluesky’s Mississippi Exit The panel examines the U.S. government’s $8.9 billion investment in Intel, debating whether it strengthens national security or sets a risky precedent for government ownership in private companies. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Ben Roethig, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea discuss Intel’s challenges, the role of the CHIPS Act, and political optics. The session also examined Bluesky’s withdrawal from Mississippi over strict age-verification laws, and the implications for other states and services.

MacVoices #25230: Live! - Intel Investment Debate and Bluesky’s Mississippi Exit The panel examines the U.S. government’s $8.9 billion investment in Intel, debating whether it strengthens national security or sets a risky precedent for government ownership in private companies. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Ben Roethig, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Web Bixby, and Jim Rea discuss Intel’s challenges, the role of the CHIPS Act, and political optics. The session also examined Bluesky’s withdrawal from Mississippi over strict age-verification laws, and the implications for other states and services.

MacVoices #25228: Live! - xAI Sues Apple and Apple Watch Secrets Stolen Elon Musk’s xAI launches a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI over app chart favoritism, sparking debate on App Store algorithms and competition. The panel digs into whether Grok is being unfairly excluded and how rankings work. Then, Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Ben Roethig, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Web Bixby, and Jim Ray turn to alleged Apple Watch trade secret theft linked to Oppo, raising questions about corporate espionage and its impact. 

MacVoices #25227: TV+ Talk - Son Heung-min Sells Shirts as Apple TV+ Prices Rise Chuck and Charlotte explore the soaring success of soccer in the U.S. through Apple’s MLS deal, highlighted by Son Heung-min’s arrival and his record jersey sales. They examine the blockbuster run of Apple’s F1 movie, questions around Apple’s MLB streaming future, and the latest Apple TV+ price hike. Wrapping up, they preview fall programming including The Morning Show and Slow Horses, underscoring TV+’s growing library and value.

MacVoices #25225: Live! - Adobe’s PDF AI, Dia Browser Costs, and A Foldable Phone TestAdobe has opened a new door on their AI strategy, unveiling a new AI service for PDFs. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius. Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, and Norbert Frassa weigh its usefulness against privacy risks and academic research tools. They discuss the Dia browser’s pricey subscription model, compare trends in $20–$25 monthly services, and question long-term sustainability. Finally, just for fun, the panel has thoughts on a foldable phone durability test and how it compares to probable real world use. 

MacVoices #25224: Live! - Mixing Music, Filtering Searches, Choosing AI Models, Alexa Plus Woes A wide-ranging MacVoices Live! panel discussion covers Apple’s upcoming AutoMix feature in Music, Spotify’s more granular playlist controls, and how DJs and party hosts might use transitions. The group debates Google’s new “preferred sources” search option and its risks of echo chambers, along with OpenAI’s return of model-selection in ChatGPT. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius. Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, and Norbert Frassa close with Amazon’s rocky Alexa Plus rollout and how Apple’s slower approach to voice assistants may be wiser. macvoices.com/macvoices…

MacVoices #25223: Live! - Blood Oxygen Tracking Back On Apple Watch, Apple Card Satisfaction Slips Apple Watch users regain blood oxygen tracking via iPhone processing, while panelists debate its impact on Apple’s legal fight with Massimo. Security warnings about Plex servers and ESR power banks serve as public service announcements. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius. Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, and Web Bixby then turn their attention to Apple Card’s slip in customer satisfaction rankings and what may be driving the change, from savings account rates to loyalty points. 

MacVoices #25222: Live! - A Falling iPhone, A Telescope Data Center, $1 ChatGPT, AOL Ends Dial-Up An iPhone survives a 2,600-foot fall, sparking debate on durability and user habits between Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, and Jeff Gamet.  A Texas startup launches a telescope-hosting data center, enabling astronomers to control gear remotely under pristine skies. Meanwhile, OpenAI stirs controversy by offering ChatGPT Enterprise to government workers for just $1, and AOL finally ends its dial-up service, marking the close of a digital era. 

MacVoices #25221: Live! - John Prosser vs. Apple, Fintiv Lawsuits, and Apple’s First 50 Years The panel unpacks John Prosser’s decision to release a new iPhone leak video despite facing an Apple lawsuit, debating whether it’s reckless, irrelevant to the legal case, or simply part of the rumor mill’s culture. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, and Jeff Gamet also discuss Apple’s ongoing battles with patent troll Fintiv, highlighting the costs of repeated lawsuits and the value of legal timelines for context. Discussion turns to running AI models locally on the Mac for privacy and customization, before closing with excitement over David Pogue’s forthcoming book celebrating Apple’s first 50 years and his enduring role in the Apple community.

MacVoices #25220: Live! - Tim Cook’s White House Playbook and Elon Musk’s Apple AccusationsThe panel explores Tim Cook’s high-stakes White House visit, where Apple secured tariff exemptions with a $100B U.S. investment, earning both praise and debate over strategy. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, and Jeff Gamet also unpack Elon Musk’s accusations that Apple is favoring OpenAI in App Store rankings, questioning the merits and motives behind the claim. Alongside, the group touches on Sonos overheating issues, weather stories, and new gear finds.  

MacVoices #25219: Live! - Spotify Security Shenanigans, Microsoft Tricks, Amazon Podcast Strategy](https://macvoices.com/macvoices-25219-live-spotify-security-shenanigans-microsofts-tricks-amazon-podcast-strategy/) Spotify faces backlash after exposing listener data, including the questionable musical tastes of one high-profile user, raising questions about default privacy settings. Amazon restructures Wondery, cutting staff while shifting podcasts under Audible and exploring video strategies, sparking debate about the future of scripted, high-production shows. Finally, Microsoft draws criticism from Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, and Mark Fuccio for quietly steering Bing users toward Copilot, highlighting growing competition in AI search and the blurred lines between helpful integration and aggressive promotion. 

MacVoices #25217: Live! - Apple Succession Challenges and Free Service Upload Cautions The panel examines Tim Cook’s record tenure, Apple’s leadership future, and the company’s innovation challenges. Debates include whether the next CEO should come from inside or outside, Apple’s reinvention cycle, the Vision Pro’s role, and the balance between privacy and business growth. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, and Mark Fuccio also assess Adobe’s free AI tool, raising questions about user trust and data security for online free services

MacVoices #25216: Live! - Healthcare Digitization, AI Direction, and a 3-Billion iPhone Milestone The panel discusses Dropbox ending its password service, Sengled smart bulb Alexa support being pulled, and Apple joining other tech giants to digitize healthcare records. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, and Mark Fuccio debate interoperability challenges, Apple’s evolving AI strategy and privacy trade-offs, celebrate 3 billion iPhones sold, and examine Apple’s lawsuit against Apple Cinemas for trademark concerns after its San Francisco expansion.

MacVoices #25215: Live! - Microsoft’s AI Push, China-Based Support, An iPhone 17 Sighting The panel debates Microsoft’s pushy AI search in Edge, privacy concerns over Copilot Memory, and compares AI tools like Perplexity and ChatGPT for search relevance. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Web Bixby, Guy Serle, Jim Rea, and Jeff Gamet question Microsoft’s past use of China-based engineers for U.S. military support, review a possible iPhone 17 sighting, and discuss Apple’s testing secrecy.  

MacVoices #25214: Behind The Scenes at ScreenCastsONLINE with Lee Garrett Lee Garrett, now at the helm of ScreenCastsONLINE, shares how he went from loyal viewer to taking over from founder Don McAllister. He talks about balancing the service with his IT career, evolving content without losing its hallmark quality, and deciding when to focus on macOS/iOS updates versus app tutorials. Lee also explains their expansion on YouTube, the meticulous editing process, and his vision for future tiered courses — all while staying true to SCO’s core values. 

MacVoices #25213: Live! - Apple’s AI Talent Drain, Sonos’ New CEO, and the Tea App Breach The panel discusses Apple’s AI talent losses amid a rumored shift to third-party models, Meta’s aggressive recruitment, and speculation on Apple’s long-term AI strategy. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Web Bixby, Guy Serle, Jim Rea, and Jeff Gamet cover Sonos appointing Tom Conrad as CEO, Google’s new AI search experiment, a significant SharePoint security breach, and controversy over the women-only Tea app following a massive data exposure and class action lawsuit. 

MacVoices #25212: Live! - F1 Movie Success, Apple’s New Messaging Hub, and CEO Comparisons The panel explores three major Apple-related stories: the company’s F1 movie crossing the $500M global box office mark, the debut of Apple’s “In the Loop” section designed to centralize short-form updates and control its public messaging, and an in-depth comparison of Tim Cook’s leadership style with Steve Jobs’ legacy. Along the way, Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Web Bixby, Guy Serle, Jim Rea, and Jeff Gamet discuss how Apple’s strategy has shifted toward services and entertainment, the continuing importance of the iPhone, and the challenges of distributing official news. The conversation also touches on iCloud scam warnings, movie theater experiences, and what might define Cook’s place in Apple history. 

MacVoices #25211: MacPaw’s Cloud Cleanup Organizes iCloud, Google Drive, and OneDrive Roman Kaplun and Oleksandr “Sasha” Kravchuk from MacPaw unveil Cloud Cleanup, a new CleanMyMac feature designed to help users manage and optimize cloud storage across iCloud, Google Drive, and OneDrive. Using native macOS APIs, it ensures privacy by never accessing login credentials directly and working entirely on-device. Cloud Cleanup can unsync local files to free up Mac space or delete unnecessary items from the cloud to reduce storage costs. It integrates CleanMyMac’s familiar tools like Space Lens, offers user control before deletions, and plans to add Dropbox and additional connection options in future updates, with user feedback guiding development.