This special episode is recorded live at MacStock 9, where host Dave Ginsburg is joined by a panel of Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, Chuck Joiner, and Brittany Smith. The group dives into the latest Apple news, smart home challenges, and the evolving landscape of technology, all while sharing candid anecdotes and laughs from the conference floor

The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com

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Chapters & Key Topics

Timestamp    Segment    Highlights

0:15    Introduction at MacStock 9    Live setup challenges, studio audience, and panel introductions

1:07    Pre-Show Adventures    Humorous stories about tangled cables and recording mishaps

7:22    Vision Pro Troubles    Dave’s Vision Pro OS beta mishap and Apple Store rescue

7:31    CEO of X Departs    Linda Iaccarino’s resignation from X (formerly Twitter) and speculation on company direction

9:26    Amazon Prime Day Purchases    Panel’s gadget shopping habits and missed deals

11:54    HomeKit and Wemo Devices    Belkin’s discontinuation of Wemo support and HomeKit frustrations

16:19    Home Automation Challenges    Real-life smart home struggles and relationship impacts

17:47    NFL Apps on CarPlay    New team apps for CarPlay and the quirks of geo-targeted sports streaming

22:37    Apple Accepts Android Trade-Ins    Apple’s trade-in program for flagship Android phones and market implications

28:05    Foldable Phone Discussion    The future of foldable iPhones and iPads; panel shares hands-on experiences

35:48    OpenAI's New AI Browser    Debating the value and risks of an AI-powered web browser

45:36    Wrap-Up and Farewells    Conference excitement, where to find the panelists, and closing thoughts

Notable Discussions

•    Vision Pro OS Beta Issues:

Dave recounts a Vision Pro update gone wrong and the Apple Store’s multi-step recovery process.

•    Leadership Shifts at X:

The group speculates on Linda Iaccarino’s exit and Elon Musk’s growing involvement.

•    Amazon Prime Day & Smart Home Woes:

Panelists share what they bought (or missed) and react to Belkin ending support for older Wemo devices, raising concerns about the longevity of smart home products.

•    NFL Apps on CarPlay:

Discussion about new NFL team apps, geo-restrictions, and the broader challenges of streaming sports content.

•    Apple’s Android Trade-In Strategy:

Analysis of Apple accepting flagship Android phones for trade-in, the depreciation of Android devices, and how this move might target switchers.

•    Foldable Devices:

Mixed opinions on foldable phones and iPads, with first-hand experiences and skepticism about Apple’s entry into the market.

•    OpenAI’s AI Browser:

A lively debate about the potential and pitfalls of an AI-powered browser, with comparisons to existing tools like Perplexity and Copilot.

Community & Conference Highlights

•    MacStock 9:

The energy of a live audience and the camaraderie of in-person tech discussions.

•    Panelist Plugs:

Where to find each guest online and their other podcast appearances

Links Referenced

Belkin Ending Support for Most Wemo Devices - MacRumors

NFL Apps Rolling Out on CarPlay Starting With These Teams - MacRumors

Apple Now Accepting Three New Android Devices for Trade-In - MacRumors

OpenAI to Launch AI Web Browser - MacRumors

Announcements

Macstock 9 is a wrap! If you missed it be sure to grab a digital pass to relive the conference. Click here https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/product-category/digital-pass/

Our Host

Dave Ginsburg is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users and shares his wealth of knowledge of iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and related technologies. Visit the YouTube channel https://youtube.com/intouchwithios follow him on Mastadon @daveg65, and the show @intouchwithios

 

Our Regular Contributors

Jeff Gamet is a podcaster, technology blogger, artist, and author. Previously, he was The Mac Observer’s managing editor, and Smile’s TextExpander Evangelist. You can find him on Mastadon @jgamet as well as Twitter and Instagram as @jgamet  His YouTube channel https://youtube.com/jgamet

Marty Jencius, Ph.D., is a professor of counselor education at Kent State University, where he researches, writes, and trains about using technology in teaching and mental health practice. His podcasts include Vision Pro Files, The Tech Savvy Professor and Circular Firing Squad Podcast. Find him at [email protected]  https://thepodtalk.net 

Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him by email at [email protected], on Mastodon at @[email protected], on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast.

 

About our Guest

Brittany Smith is a cognitive neuroscientist who provides a variety of consulting services through her business, Devise and Conquer that includes ADD/ADHD coaching, technology coaching, productivity consulting, and more. She is a self-designated “well-rounded geek”, and holds a M.S. degree in Cognitive Neuroscience. She can be found on Twitter as @addliberator. Find her on her YouTube channel of tech tips.

Chuck Joiner is the host of MacVoices and hosts video podcasts with influential members of the Apple community. Make sure to visit macvoices.com and subscribe to his podcast. You can follow him on Twitter @chuckjoiner and join his MacVoices Facebook group