Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

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You’re in for a fast-paced ride with Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton as they dive into power-user Quick Tips that’ll change your Apple game. From lightning-fast navigation in Notes to creating Spotify-style stations in Apple Music, and securing your Time Machine volumes inside encrypted APFS containers, this episode is loaded. You’ll rearrange CarPlay apps like a pro, check your battery with Siri, and streamline iCloud Mail aliases. And if you haven’t played with ChatGPT’s new voice mode recently, you’re missing out—it’s weirdly friendly.

Then it’s a hard turn into real-world snags, like when JP’s HomePod stopped being a Home Hub—Don’t Get Caught like he did. Adam tries—and fails—to merge his Apple IDs, raising red flags for developer account holders. Cool Stuff Found includes retro-modern turntables from Victrola (this month’s MGG giveaway!) and a handy AirPods noise guide. Listener questions dig into hostname quirks and CarPlay glitches, and the crew weighs in on Apple’s 2026 OS betas. Pilot Pete gives iOS 26 a solid 95%, so maybe it’s time to test the waters—maybe just not on your main device?

  • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1097 for Monday, July 7th, 2025
    • July 7th: World Chocolate Day
    • Police Code 10-97 – Arrived at Scene
    • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Victrola Turntable
    • The MGG Merch Store is Live!
    • We’ll be doing MGG Live at Macstock on Saturday, July 12th! Join us, and use our coupon code: MACGEEKGAB50 to save $50!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 Dan-QT-Tab from Notes List to get to Start of Note
      • 00:04:44 Tony-QT-Apple Music Create Station – Spotify also
      • 00:06:06 Allen-QT-Encrypt your Time Machine Volumes inside an APFS container
        • 2TB Crucial X9 Pro SSD
        • 00:08:18 Joe-QT-Apple iCloud Mail Aliases
        • 00:11:08 Steve-QT-With CarPlay (or not) you can ask Siri for your iPhone’s battery percentage
        • 00:13:24 Who is using Alexa+ Early Access?
        • 00:17:39 ChatGPT’s voice mode…is friendlier
        • 00:18:40 Gary-QT-ReArrange Apps in CarPlay to suit your needs!
        • 00:19:59 Tim-QT-Show alternate directions in Apple Maps CarPlay
        • Sponsors
          • 00:21:06 SPONSOR: Fireflies AI. Fireflies is the number one AI teammate that transcribes, summarizes, and analyzes your conversations so you can get the most out of every meeting. Get 2 months free at Fireflies.ai/mgg.
          • 00:22:34 SPONSOR: Strawberry.me. Own Your Future. Discover what’s possible with a professional coach by your side. Visit Strawberry.me/MGG or use code MGG to claim your $50 credit today.
          • Don’t Get Caught
            • 00:23:53 JP-I got caught with my HomePod stopping acting as a HomeHub
            • 00:30:49 Fr-John-DGC Follow Up-CleanMyMac Not as effective as MacUpdater
            • 00:31:48 Bob-CSF-Latest lets you check for software updates on your Mac
            • On Merging Your Apple IDs
              • 00:33:11 Adam could NOT merge his two Apple IDs, possibly because he has a developer account?
              • Sponsors
                • 00:44:07 SPONSOR: Caldera Lab. Guys, don’t settle for drugstore junk or steal your partner’s products—elevate your routine with skincare made for you. Head to CalderaLab.com/MGG and use MGG at checkout for 20% off your first order.
                • 00:45:45 SPONSOR: K12 can help your child start reaching their full potential in life now – and give you the support you need to get them there! Go to K12.com/MGG today to find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you and enroll now
                • 00:47:19 PODCAST: The 5 AM Miracle. Every Monday morning, The 5 AM Miracle is here to help you dominate your day before breakfast, create powerful lifelong habits, and tackle your grandest goals with extraordinary energy.
                • Cool Stuff Found
                  • 00:48:12 CSF-Victrola Stream Onyx Turntable
                  • 00:52:18 CSF-Victrola Revolution GO 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Rechargeable Record Player with Built-in Speakers
                  • 00:54:35 PJ-CSF-AirPods Noises Reference Page
                  • 00:56:06 Deborah-CSF-1096-OWC’s Thunderbolt Dual DisplayPort Adapter
                  • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
                    • 00:59:36 Alan-Why does my Mac’s local hostname keep adding and increasing numbers at the end?
                    • 01:06:06 Tim-Why Cellular Connectivity Issue with CarPlay
                      • iDoing Android Head Unit
                      • Apple’s Upcoming 2026 OSes
                        • 01:11:37 rnDoug-Before you install iPadOS 26 beta…
                        • 01:13:32 Adam’s having a good iPadOS 26 beta experience…for the most part
                        • 01:14:23 Pilot Pete gives iOS 26 beta a 95% rating
                        • 01:17:27 MGG 1097 Outtro
                          • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Victrola Turntable
                          • Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
                          • Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
                          • The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
                          • Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
                          • MGG Merch is Available!
                          • Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
                          • Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
                          • This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
                          • MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
                          • 224-888-GEEK
                          • Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
                          • BackBeat Media Podcast Network
                          •  

                            ...more
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                            Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and TroubleshootingBy Dave Hamilton, Pilot Pete & Adam Christianson

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