Welcome to Mac Geek Gab 976 for Monday, April 10th, 2023! Today, your three favorite geeks - Dave Hamilton, Pilot Pete, and John F. Braun - are here to guide you through a fascinating episode filled with Quick Tips, app recommendations, and troubleshooting advice. Remember, our motto is: Don't Get Caught!

Let's dive into the agenda and see what's in store for this episode!

Quick Tips

00:00:00 - Kicking off with Ral605's question on taking a screenshot of a full webpage on iPhone, we've got a range of Quick Tips to enhance your Mac experience. We'll discuss restoring Apple Watch functionality in Safe Mode, managing Apple TV apps, monitoring Migration Assistant progress, and using a hub with your iPad.

Love for MacBook Pro Touch Bar & USB-C Thunderbolt Ports

00:14:14 - We share our appreciation for the MacBook Pro Touch Bar and the extra two USB-C Thunderbolt Ports on the larger MacBook Pro. Learn about the Better Touch Tool and GoldenChaos-BTT to get the most out of your Touch Bar.

Apple Music, Sleep Tracking, and iPhone Shortcuts

00:21:38 - Joe has a question about making Apple Music Classical work with Carplay, then we discuss sleep tracking with Apple Watch and a Quick Tip from Jason on selecting multiple items on your iPhone.

Troubleshooting & Tips

00:34:24 - We tackle various questions and issues from our listeners, including dealing with failing drives, using Tailscale and VPNs, Bluetooth connection issues, Apple Watch Lock Screens, and eSIM vs. Physical SIM. We also touch on macOS 13.3's external drive issue with home directories and the benefits of learning about Focus Modes.

Virtualizing Monterey on Apple Silicon Macs

01:14:56 - Doug asks about virtualizing Monterey on an Apple Silicon Mac, and we delve into the possibilities and potential issues.

Outtro and More

01:18:06 - We wrap up Mac Geek Gab 976 with a special thanks to CacheFly for providing bandwidth, and remind you to check out Pilot Pete's Aviation Podcast "So There I Was," Dave's Business Brain (for entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for working musicians) podcasts. Don't forget to explore MGG Merch, the Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page, and the Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar!

Stay connected with us through feedback@macgeekgab.com, 224-888-GEEK, the Mac Geek Gab iPhone app, and our list of Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes. And remember, as always, Don't Get Caught!

We Don't Have Time For Patience — Mac Geek Gab 976

This week, your three favorite geeks delve into some of the coolest tech finds for Apple users, share insightful tips, and answer listener questions. Let's explore the highlights of Mac Geek Gab 977, aired on Monday, April 17th, 2023.

Cool Stuff Found

The podcast starts with an interesting collection of cool stuff found by the hosts and listeners. Gary shares a wonderful resource called "Make Something Wonderful" on Apple Books. Next, Ben introduces Jitouch, a handy tool that enhances multi-touch gestures for mouse and trackpad users. Pilot Pete follows with his recommendation of TimeKettle WT2-Edge Translator Earbuds, an innovative device for real-time translation. Saurabh brings attention to Smart Scroll, a convenient tool to speed up scrolling on your Mac, while John recommends DoYourClone, an application that allows you to create bootable external clones of your Mac.

Dave's Experience Downgrading from macOS Ventura to Monterey

In this segment, Dave shares his experience downgrading from macOS Ventura to Monterey. He explains that while he noticed improvements in Logic's performance and CoreAudio device responsiveness, he advises listeners not to follow his example, as downgrading can be risky and may cause issues.

More Cool Stuff Found

The podcast continues with more cool finds, such as Dave's discovery of TwelveSouth AirFly SE, a Bluetooth accessory for airplane entertainment systems. John Payne contributes by mentioning the New File Menu app, a helpful right-click application for Mac users. Barry brings nostalgia with MuffinTerm, a software to connect to old-school BBSes. Dave then talks about MacUpdater 3, an app that includes auto-updates, deeper versions, and more features for maintaining your Mac. Lastly, in honor of Earth Day, Dave recommends Anker's bio-based cables.

Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared

John F. Braun, Dave Hamilton, and Pilot Pete address various listener questions and share valuable tips. They discuss the possible reasons behind DukeSilver's MacBook discharging during sleep and suggest using Sleep Aid to resolve the issue. Joe shares advice about tracking places to visit with Google Maps, and the hosts provide guidance on using the feature effectively. Larry's question on WiFi/Eero connection issues is tackled, while J-Bryner seeks an explanation for numbers being added to remote volume names. Lastly, Dave shares his experience with Siri's devolving functionality, particularly in audibly providing elevation data.

Conclusion

Mac Geek Gab 977 delivers an insightful and engaging discussion on cool gadgets, software, and tips for Apple users. Dave, John, and Pilot Pete continue to answer listener questions and provide valuable advice to help users get the most out of their devices. Subscribe now so you won't miss out on future episodes for more exciting discoveries and tips!

Hey Siri, Use Your Words – Mac Geek Gab 977

In this episode of Mac Geek Gab, Pilot Pete, John F. Braun, and Dave Hamilton start with some Quick Tips shared by the audience. Bruce, Erik, Ben, and Wayne share the tip of using Cmd-Shift-Period for showing hidden/invisible files in Finder. Scott shares a better way of navigating messages on Mac, while Henry provides more Safari address bar navigation tips. The group also discusses changing Twitter 2FA to a one-time password if you lose text message 2FA support and logging your router's MAC address if you're on fiber.

The show then moves on to answering listeners' questions and sharing tips. Jedd asks why Apple Maps became a data hog, and the group discusses the merits of using private networks for iOT devices. Robert suggests using Tailscale as your inbound/outbound VPN, and the group talks about the recently improved Tailscale Free Plan. Craig shares an issue with HomeKit cameras regularly going offline and how HomeBridge can help. John's Apple Watch stopped unlocking one of his Macs, while Mike's Apple Watch and phone are on different carriers. Finally, Curt wonders if Apple stopped warning users about macOS memory usage.

The show concludes with some Cool Stuff Found. Your three favorite geeks shares the Juice-Jack Defender Plug, a portable charger battery for Apple Watch, and a TerraMaster TNAS F4-423 that costs $499 on Amazon.

If you're looking for quick tips, answers to your tech questions, or just some cool stuff to check out, Mac Geek Gab 979 has it all. Tune in and join the conversation!

Hidden Files, Address Bar Navigation, and HomeKit Cameras – Mac Geek Gab 979

In episode 984 of Mac Geek Gab, hosts Dave Hamilton and Pilot Pete share a wealth of tips and insights. They cover quick tips like disabling "Ask Before Running" on personal automation shortcuts and re-engaging iPhone alarms. The continue to explore shortcuts, including fixing unejectable drives and handling leading spaces. Cool stuff found includes Plex ATMOS on Apple TV with Infuse and exploring item dimensions with Dimensions.com. They discuss network management with SystemName and offer recommendations for new Mac users. Troubleshooting mistakes and expert advice are shared, addressing iCloud junk mail, Mac restart issues, and porting landlines to iPhones. Additional discoveries include migrating from Twitter to Mastodon and using Audio Hijack 4.2 for advanced audio editing.

Sit On Your Hands — Mac Geek Gab 984

Welcome to Mac Geek Gab 986 hosted by Dave Hamilton and Pilot Pete. In this episode, they shared quick tips like holding the iPhone shutter for quick video, fine-tuning volume on iPhones, and using creation dates to find related materials. They discussed the origins of Zulu Time and discovered cool stuff like the Thermacell LIV Mosquito Prevention System. They also answered questions about Safari Profiles vs. Tab Groups, recommended apps like Play for tracking "Watch Later" lists, and introduced useful tools such as Number Shield for call-blocking and Keyboard Clean for Mac keyboard maintenance. Stay updated with Mac Geek Gab for more exciting tech advice and, as Dave and Pete say, "Don't Get Caught" without the latest knowledge!

Just Use Your Nose — Mac Geek Gab 986

In this episode of Mac Geek Gab, the main speaker starts by giving an introduction from a hotel room in New York, recapping the recent MacStock event. They explain that they were able to record a live Mac Geek Gab Caucus on stage at the conference and express their excitement about sharing the recording with the listeners. They discuss the format of the caucus, the topics they will cover, and the use of a talking stick to ensure smooth conversation.

The main speaker then moves on to discussing the topic of automation. They mention the history of automation tools on Mac, including AppleScript, Automator, and Shortcuts. While AppleScript is fading away, they express overall satisfaction with the current state of automation, particularly highlighting the incorporation of JavaScript and the availability of automation tools like IFTTT and Zapier. The panelists share their preferences for different automation tasks, such as using Keyboard Maestro or learning the C programming language. They also mention helpful resources for learning more about programming and automation.

The conversation then shifts to backups. The main speaker talks about the evolution of backup methods over the years, from using third-party software like Retrospect to the introduction of Time Machine and other backup programs for Macs. They discuss the importance of regularly checking backups and share personal experiences with data loss and restoration. The panelists mention different backup options, including online services like Backblaze and hybrid services like Synology, emphasizing the importance of having multiple backup methods for comprehensive protection.

Next, the main speaker shares their thoughts on the current state of backups and mentions the availability of cloud storage as a significant improvement. They talk about the abundance of high-quality content available through various streaming services and discuss the challenges of keeping track of shows across different platforms. The panelists also mention the divide between those who have cut the cable cord and those who still watch live sports, as well as creative ways to share streaming services.

Towards the end of the episode, the main speaker discusses factors that frustrate them about Apple, such as issues with Siri, the complexity of Apple's product line, and inconsistency in interfaces. They also address listener questions on topics like web browsers, spam filters in iCloud email, and Bluetooth connectivity issues on Mac. The main speaker concludes the episode by expressing gratitude to the panelists, thanking listeners and sponsors, and mentioning their availability for impromptu Q&A sessions.

Overall, the episode covers a wide range of topics, including automation, backups, streaming services, and frustrations with Apple, providing insights, tips, and discussions for Mac enthusiasts and users.

The MGG Caucus @ Macstock 7 — Mac Geek Gab 993

Another Week, Another New Mac – Mac Geek Gab 996

On this episode of MacGeekGab, we dive into various tech-related topics and useful tips for optimizing your Mac and iPhone experience. We begin by exploring how to manage multiple app copies in Xcode's preview side and discuss the benefits of transitioning from AFP to SMB for more efficient file transfers. Additionally, we share shortcuts for silencing unknown callers, creating shortcuts as apps on your iPhone's home screen, and developing sound decks using shortcuts. Moreover, we delve into the world of automations and shortcuts to streamline your iOS usage, providing listeners with valuable insights to enhance their digital workflows.

Furthermore, we delved into the latest advancements in iPhone technology, such as the ability to create personalized voices for text-to-speech purposes, and the implications of deep fakes using AI-generated voices. The conversation also touches on leveraging ChatGPT for coding tasks, improving Spotlight search on macOS, and prioritizing mental health with BetterHelp. Additionally, we explore the advantages of global streaming access with ExpressVPN and convenient meal prep solutions with Factor, offering a comprehensive blend of technological updates, practical tips, and engaging discussions to keep listeners informed and entertained.

Moreover, the discussion extends to addressing a listener's query regarding encrypting financial documents for cloud backups, providing recommendations on using encrypted disk images or tools like Cryptomator for enhanced data security. We delve into the advanced data protection features of iCloud, various encryption methods, and the importance of implementing multiple backup strategies. The hosts also share insights on utilizing Time Machine for large external drives and leveraging multiple Ethernet ports for faster data transfer between Synology drives, emphasizing practical networking and data security solutions for home users.

Additionally, we tackle the issue of older app versions appearing with the "open with" function and offer guidance on clearing out the launch services database, identifying residual apps on your system, and backing up old app installers. We touch upon MetaQuest and Spatial Viewer for iOS, along with introducing a new app called Gray for per-app light/dark mode themes on Mac. The episode concludes with news updates, audience appreciation, and recognition for sponsors, ensuring an informative and engaging listening experience for MacGeekGab enthusiasts.

Why Don't They Tell Us That Exists? — Mac Geek Gab 1031

Dive into the latest Mac Geek Gab episode where Adam Christianson and Dave Hamilton dish out indispensable Quick Tips and Answers to your burning questions, ensuring you're always one step ahead. From mastering the art of batch renaming directly in the Mac Finder, pinning essential notes for easy access, to safeguarding your digital life by periodically checking your Mac's System Settings for Privacy & Security, this episode is a treasure trove of hacks. They even delve into the quandary of upgrading from an Intel iMac, the lifespan of M1 Macs, and whether it's time to consider a Synology DiskStation for sharing those precious memories. Remember, "Don't Get Caught" unprepared in the digital world.

On the flip side, discover Cool Stuff Found with recommendations like stash.new for effortlessly shareable documents, the Anker Travel Power Strip for power on the go, and innovative solutions like Sleepwatcher for a seamless Wi-Fi experience upon waking your Mac. The episode rounds out with software gems like Text Blaze, Text Expander, and Keyboard Maestro to turbocharge your typing efficiency. Whether you're pondering a hardware upgrade, looking to streamline your digital workflow, or just in search of the next great gadget, this episode packs a punch with actionable insights and expert advice to keep you ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Grow Your Geek: Plant These Tips In Your Digital Soil — Mac Geek Gab 1032

Be(a)ware Opinionated Apps – Mac Geek Gab 1034

Every episode of the Mac Geek Gab podcast for your listening pleasure.

Why Don't They Tell Us That Exists? — Mac Geek Gab 1031

Mac Geek Gab

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