Old Mac Gang

In this stripped-down format episode, two of the Gang ditch the topics and rabbit holes to share four apps they'd tell a friend to download today.

APP 1 — VLC (Chris's pick)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vlc-media-player/id650377962
Free, open-source media player that plays virtually anything — no codec hunting required.

APP 2 — Speedtest by Ookla (Chris's pick)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/speedtest-by-ookla/id1153157709?mt=12
One-tap internet speed test — download, upload, ping, jitter, plus a history log.

APP 3 — Stickier! (Marty's pick)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stickier/id6447073047?mt=12
Modern take on Mac sticky notes — formatting, checkboxes, menu bar quick-notes, and floating always-on-top windows synced to iOS.

APP 4 — Dock Star (Marty's pick)
https://dockstar.app/Build custom docks on your desktop — drag in apps, files, folders, drives, web links, switch between saved "scenes," even trigger Shortcuts. A spiritual successor to DragThing.

ContactWebsite: ThePodTalk.NetEmail: [email protected]YouTube: youtube.com/@OldMacGang

The Gang tackles printers end to end — choosing between inkjet and laser, OEM vs. third-party ink and toner, getting a new printer talking to a Mac, PC, and phone, and the most common problems (and fixes) that come up along the way. The panel also shares the actual printers sitting on their own desks and the real-world costs and headaches they've run into.

Best Printers 2026: 10 Models Tested for Home Office(Guidespot)

https://www.guidespot.com/best-printers/

5 Best Printers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed(Consumer Reports)

https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/printers/best-printers-of-the-year-a9151182809/

The 5 Best Printers of 2026, Recommended by Experts(NBC Select)

https://www.nbcnews.com/select/amp/rcna171286

      OEM vs. Compatible vs. Remanufactured TonerCartridges (Toner Buzz)

https://www.tonerbuzz.com/blog/toner-cartridges-genuine-oem-vs-compatible-vs-remanufactured/

      Are Compatible Toner Cartridges Any Good? (imageOne)

https://www.imageoneway.com/blog/are-compatible-toner-cartridges-any-good

      Name Brand vs. Remanufactured vs. CompatibleCartridges (LD Products)

https://www.ldproducts.com/blog/name-brand-vs-remanufactured-vs-compatible-printer-cartridges/

      Printers 101 for Seniors (Number Analytics)

https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/printers-101-for-seniors

      How to Set Up a Wireless Printer: Step-by-Step Guide(Laptop Outlet)

https://www.laptopoutlet.co.uk/blog/how-to-setup-a-wireless-printer.html

      Printer Troubleshooting FAQs: Quick Fixes for CommonPrinting Problems (HP)

https://www.hp.com/us-en/tech-takes/printers/troubleshooting/printer-troubleshooting-common-problems-quick-fixes.html

Peter      Brother HL-L2370DW — black & white laser (homeoffice)HP ENVY Inspire 7200 — color inkjet, with scanner(wife's office)

CharlieEpson WorkJet 630 — color inkjet with cartridges,built-in scanner

ChrisEpson Artisan 730 (2015) — color inkjet, all-in-onescan/copy

BobBrother monochrome laserBrother color laserCanon color inkjet (wife's office)

MartyBrother DCP-L2640DW — wireless compact monochromemulti-function laser, copy/scan/duplex (home office)Canon imageCLASS MF3010 VP — wired monochromemultifunction laser with scanner/copier (office)Program Contact InformationYouTube: youtube.com/@OldMacGangWebsite: ThePodTalk.Net      Email: [email protected]

The Old Mac Gang looks at what it actually costs to get online and how to stop paying gigabit prices for email.

SECTION 1 — How Much Do You Need, and What Are You Paying?

Save Money on Internet (Senior Planet from AARP)

https://seniorplanet.org/save-money-on-internet

Free Zoom classes, 400+ in-person partner sites, and a handout on reading a pricing sheet. The best "where do I send my mother" answer on the list.

Internet for Seniors: Best Plans and Discounts (HighSpeedInternet.com)

https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/internet-for-seniors

AARP does not sell internet, and most providers have no senior discount. Call instead of ordering online — agents can apply breaks the website never shows.

Best Internet Service for Seniors in 2026 (SeniorLiving.org)

https://www.seniorliving.org/internet/best/

Ranked on price, service, and reliability instead of top-end speed. Ask the neighbors — coverage is block by block.

If You're Paying for Fast Wi-Fi, Make Sure You're Getting It (AARP)

https://www.aarp.org/personal-technology/internet-speed-test/

Run a speed test against the bill. Most "slow internet" is a tired router, not the plan. One or two people on email and streaming are fine at 50-100 Mbps.

SECTION 2 — Help With the Bill After the ACP Went Away

Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications

https://www.lifelinesupport.org/

$9.25 a month off phone or internet, up to $34.25 on Tribal lands. Qualify by income or Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, housing, or Veterans Pension. Renew yearly or lose it.

Find Low-Cost Internet Offers in Your Area (EveryoneOn)

https://www.everyoneon.org/find-offers

Enter a ZIP, check the boxes, get the real plans at that address — plus discounted refurbished computers and free basics training.

Best Internet Providers for Seniors (BroadbandNow)

https://broadbandnow.com/guides/seniors

Xfinity Internet Essentials, Spectrum Internet Assist, Cox ConnectAssist, AT&T Access. Watch the new-customer-only trap for long-time subscribers.

A Guide to Free Internet for Seniors (TheSeniorList)

https://www.theseniorlist.com/internet/free/

The blunt version: there is no free internet for seniors, and the $30 ACP credit ended June 1, 2024. What's left is a patchwork that changes by ZIP code.

SECTION 3 — Which Connection, and Who Fixes It at 9 PM?

FCC National Broadband Map

https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/

Every provider reporting service at a street address, with technology and speeds. Free, no signup, no sales call. Also check the mobile coverage map.

Best Fixed Wireless & 5G Home Internet Providers of 2026 (CompareInternet)

https://www.compareinternet.com/fixed-wireless-internet/

100-300 Mbps, $35-$70, no contract, no data caps, self-install in minutes. Verizon's Frontier deal closed in January 2026, so Fios is on the table in new places.

5G Home Internet vs. Cable (InternetProviders.ai)

https://www.internetproviders.ai/resources/5g-home-internet-vs-cable/

5G wins on price and simplicity; cable wins at 8 PM. No contract means you can try it for a month. Check the phone for 5G bars first.

How to Negotiate Your Internet Bill (BroadbandNow)

https://broadbandnow.com/guides/how-to-negotiate-your-internet-bill-for-best-deal

Ask for retention by name. Buy your own modem and stop the $10-$15 rental. Call mid-morning Tuesday through Thursday. Downgrading speed is the underrated move.

YouTube: youtube.com/@OldMacGang

Website: ThePodTalk.Net

Email: [email protected]

It's beta season on the Apple calendar. On July 13, the firstpublic betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 “Golden Gate,” watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS all arrived at once — and right on cue, the “should I install it?” texts started flying in from friends and family. This week the Gang breaks down what’s actually new in these builds, why a “public” beta still isn’t the same thing as “safe,” and — most useful of all — what we tell the less tech-savvy folks in our lives about when to update and when to just leave it alone. Bob is out this week, so the rest of us are twice as opinionated.

Apple Seeds First Public Betas of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27(MacRumors)

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/13/apple-seeds-ios-27-public-beta-1/

Public Betas for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, and macOS 27“Golden Gate” (macOSCompatible)

https://www.macoscompatible.com/story/apple-releases-public-betas-for-ios-27-ipados-27-tvos-27-and-macos-27-golden-gate

First iOS 27, macOS 27 Public Betas Are Out — But YouShould Still Be Careful (AppleInsider)

https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/07/13/first-ios-27-macos-27-public-betas-are-out-but-you-should-still-be-careful

Should I Install the macOS Beta? (Macworld)

https://www.macworld.com/article/671123/should-i-install-macos-beta-latest-version.html

Developer Beta vs. Public Beta: Which Should You Choose?(Geeky Gadgets)

https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/should-you-install-ios-27-beta/

To Beta or Not to Beta — That Is the Question (AppleCommunity)

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250009676

Should You Always Update Your iPhone to the Latest iOS?(My Computer Works)

https://mycomputerworks.com/should-you-always-update-your-iphone-to-the-latest-ios-version/

Automatic Updates Are Apple’s Best Defense Against Delay(AppleMagazine)

https://applemagazine.com/automatic-updates/

Marty Jencius — @jencius on Bluesky and Mastodon| ThePodTalk.NetPeter — @ppetto most everywhere socialCharlie — [email protected], and “CyberchuckTX” in many placesChris — ChrisWesselmanPhotography.com | Blueskyand Flickr: @ChrisW47-az | Threads/Instagram: @chris.wesselman

YouTube: youtube.com/@OldMacGang   Website: ThePodTalk.NetEmail: [email protected]

The Old Mac Gang give tips on managing your dock and menubar with their own examples

SECTION 1 — The Dock: App Launcher, File Shelf & More

How to Customize Your Mac Dock Like a Pro (Ask Dave Taylor) — https://www.askdavetaylor.com/how-to-customize-your-mac-dock-like-a-pro/

11 Clever Ways to Customize the Mac Dock (How-To Geek) — https://www.howtogeek.com/clever-ways-to-customize-the-mac-dock/

How to Group Mac App Icons More Prominently in Your Dock (MacRumors) — https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/group-app-icons-macos-dock/

Mac Dock Customization: 7 Advanced Tips Beyond Default Settings (Appish) — https://appish.app/blog/mac-dock-customization-beyond-default-options

SECTION 2 — The Menu Bar: Managing the Strip at the Top

Best Mac Menu Bar Apps in 2026: Tiny Utilities That Save You Hours (Timing App Blog) — https://timingapp.com/blog/best-mac-menu-bar-apps/

Bartender Alternatives: 6 Mac Menu Bar Managers Compared (Teeny Apps) — https://teenyapps.com/articles/bartender-alternatives/

Best Bartender Alternatives for Mac in 2026 (Badgeify) — https://badgeify.app/top-3-bartender-free-alternatives-to-manage-your-mac-menu-bar/

Subscribe to The Old Mac Gang on YouTube @OldMacGang, live Wednesday nights 9PM EST.

Reach us at [email protected] or ThePodTalk.Net.

The Old Mac Gang covers what was said at WWDC and the changes that will effect seasoned Apple users

Engadget — Everything Announced at WWDC 2026: https://www.engadget.com/2189698/everything-announced-at-apples-wwdc-2026-keynote/

Tom's Guide — WWDC 2026 Recap: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/live/wwdc-2026-live-news-updates

TechCrunch — WWDC 2026 Everything Announced: https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/09/wwdc-2026-everything-announced-on-siri-ai-os-27-apple-intelligence-and-more/

Digital Trends — Full WWDC 2026 Breakdown: https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/wwdc-2026-ios-27-siri-ai-apple-intelligence-upgrades-and-everything-else-apple-announced/

Tech Republic — 10 Biggest Announcements: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/news-11-biggest-announcements-apple-wwdc-2026/

iClarified — All 263 New Features: https://www.iclarified.com/101152/here-are-the-263-new-features-revealed-in-apples-massive-wwdc-2026-slide

The Liquid Glass Situation

iOS 27 adds an opacity slider — dial back transparency from full Liquid Glass to a solid look

Default appearance is less extreme than iOS 26 out of the box

More uniform toolbar design across macOS apps

Performance

Apps launch up to 30% faster; Photos open up to 70% faster; AirDrop transfers up 80%

Apple's "Snow Leopard" moment — fixing what's broken before adding new features

macOS 27 Golden Gate

Apple Silicon only — Intel Macs no longer supported

macOS 26 continues to get security updates for Intel users

Search

Rebuilt index loads immediately after updating

Faster, more relevant results across Mail, Photos, and the OS

Accessibility

VoiceOver offers AI-generated image descriptions

Action Button can trigger Visual Intelligence — point, ask, get spoken answers

Voice Control: describe buttons in natural language

Accessibility Reader adds AI summaries and translations

Parental Controls

Child account setup dramatically simpler; age-appropriate app suggestions built in

Accounts automatic for under-13, active through 18; parents approve all app additions

New Time Allowance: per-app and per-category limits with time-of-day schedules

"Ask to Browse": kids request blocked site access via Messages; parents approve remotely

Ask to Buy default for under-13 in App Store and in-app purchases

Communication Safety now flags violent and explicit content, not just nudity

Third-party parental control APIs now open to developers

Siri AI

Siri rebuilt as a conversational AI — thinks ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude; powered in part by Google Gemini

On-screen awareness: Siri sees your display and acts on it

Maintains conversation history across sessions

Searches Messages, email, calendar, and photos to answer personal questions

New standalone Siri app — speak or type, review past conversations, syncs via iCloud

Writes and edits emails/messages; adapts tone to context

Mail: suggested actions; Phone: surfaces relevant info during calls

Beta this fall, English only; opt-in; not available on tvOS

App Updates

Photos: slideshow maker, Cleanup/Extend/Spatial Reframe AI tools, iCloud Shared Albums now full-res

Safari: AI tab organizer, Notify Me for restocks/price drops

Maps: upgraded Flyover with AI-blended 3D city views; Local Lists for trending nearby spots

Messages: shortcuts to add Calendar events, Notes, or pull related photos

Mail: faster search, suggested actions; Calendar: add events in plain language

Passwords: autonomously navigates to vulnerable sites and upgrades weak passwords

Home: camera alerts grouped by activity; AI describes what triggered motion alerts

AirPods: custom EQ coming — adjust bass, mids, treble

Wallet: scan physical loyalty/membership cards to create digital versions

Find My: share location for custom time windows or pause sharing by day

Shortcuts: describe what you want in plain language, Siri builds it

• New episodes at ThePodTalk.Net

• Find us on YouTube: @TheOldMacGang

• Email: [email protected]

The Old Mac Gang gives their tips for using food and grocery delivery apps

Getting Started: Guides for Seniors Using Food Delivery

How Seniors Can Use DoorDash: A Step-by-Step Guide to Easy, Affordable Food Delivery — Retirement Hobby Guide

https://retirementhobbyguide.com/2025/12/30/how-seniors-can-use-doordash-a-step-by-step-guide-to-easy-affordable-food-delivery/

Free & Paid Food Delivery Services for Seniors — SeniorLiving.org

https://www.seniorliving.org/internet/food-delivery/

A Guide to Food Delivery Apps for Older Adults — Bethesda Gardens

https://www.bethesdagardensaz.com/blog/a-guide-to-food-delivery-apps-for-older-adults

A Guide for Seniors Using Grocery Delivery Apps — Inclinator

https://inclinator.com/blog/a-guide-to-grocery-delivery-apps-for-seniors/

Senior-Specific Options & Caregiver Resources

5 Ways Seniors Can Have Food Delivered to Their Door — OurParents.com

https://www.ourparents.com/senior-health/ways-seniors-can-have-food-delivered-to-their-door

GoGoGrandparent — Food Delivery for Seniors Without a Smartphone

https://www.gogograndparent.com/services/meals-for-seniors

Meal Delivery Services for Elderly Parents: Complete Guide 2026 — Parent Care Guide

https://parentcareguide.com/guides/meal-delivery-services-elderly

Food Delivery Apps — Senior Planet from AARP (Free Online Class)

https://seniorplanet.org/event/food-delivery-apps-4-21-25/

YouTube/@TheOldMacGang

Reach us at [email protected]

ThePodTalk.Net.

The Old Mac Gang chats about the new Spotlight on MacOS Tahoe, how they use it, and some challengers that also work.

* Search for Anything with Spotlight on Mac — Apple Support (Mac User Guide)

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/search-with-spotlight-mchlp1008/mac

* Narrow Your Search Results in Spotlight on Mac — Apple Support (Mac User Guide)

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/narrow-search-results-in-spotlight-mchl4d69efd3/mac

* Spotlight Settings on Mac — Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/spotlight-settings-on-mac-mchl54d95e8a/mac

* How to Use the All-New Spotlight in macOS 26 Tahoe — Cult of Mac

https://www.cultofmac.com/how-to/spotlight-mac

* Spotlight Search in macOS Tahoe: What’s New — TWiT.TV (Hands-On Apple #202)

https://twit.tv/posts/tech/spotlight-search-macos-tahoe-whats-new

* Spotlight Search Tips Mac — AppleMagazine

https://applemagazine.com/spotlight-search-tips-mac/

HoudahSpot (also on SetApp)

https://www.houdah.com/houdahSpot/

Alfred

https://www.alfredapp.com/

Contact us: [email protected]

Visit the network: ThePodTalk.Net

YouTube: YouTube.com/@OldMacGang

The Old Mac Gang shares their favorite travel tech hardware and a few misses they've had.

Resource links:

AARP: Tech Use and Adoption Keeps Surging Among Older Adults — AARP Research 2026

https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/technology/internet-media-devices/2026-technology-trends-older-adults/

Best Travel Gadgets of 2026 — Men's Journal

https://www.mensjournal.com/travel/best-travel-gadgets

Best Tech Gifts for Frequent Travelers 2026 — Pack Hacker

https://www.packhacker.com/blog/general/best-tech-gifts/

Top 20 Tech Gadgets for Seniors in 2025 — Vertu

https://vertu.com/lifestyle/age-proofing-your-life-top-20-tech-gadgets-for-seniors-in-2025/

Top Tech Gadgets Every Senior Should Have in 2025 — AllSeniors.org

https://allseniors.org/articles/top-tech-gadgets-every-senior-should-have-in-2025/

12 Essential MagSafe Accessories for Travel — TechRadar

https://www.techradar.com/home/12-essential-magsafe-accessories-for-travel

Best Travel Gear of 2026: 26 Expert-Tested Essentials — Jetsetter Guide

https://jetsetterguide.com/travel-gadgets/best-travel-gear-2026-26-expert-tested-essentials

Anker & INIU Portable Charger (B&H / Best Buy)

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?id=pcat17071&st=mophie%20charger

RORRY Portable Charger, 10000mAh PD 20W Fast Charging Power Bank with Built-in Cables

https://tinyurl.com/2nzm4te5

USB C Data Blocker, (4-Pack) USB A to USB C

https://tinyurl.com/3kw2w7b6

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

https://tinyurl.com/2p9pumdu

Travelkin Travel Electronic Cord Organizer Travel Case

https://tinyurl.com/44pjkxn2

SPOTMINDERS Tracking Card

https://www.spotminders.com/products/spotminders-tracking-cards

Magnetic Anti-Lost Straps for AirPods

https://tinyurl.com/nhm28kwr

Tribit PocketGo Bluetooth Shower Speaker

https://tinyurl.com/tudb4szc

MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones Bluetooth and Sleep Mask

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S2WXBP8?tag=slashgearcom-yahoo-20&th=1

USB C to Type C LED Light Up Charger Cord RGB Gradual Changing

https://is.gd/SSbxPr

YouTube: youtube.com/@OldMacGang

Website: ThePodTalk.net

Email: [email protected]

Marty, Peter, Bob, and Chris talk about how theyeach use the aspects of the Apple Wallet

Wallet — Apple

https://www.apple.com/wallet/

Apple Wallet keeps getting better, here's what'snew and coming next — 9to5Mac

https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/14/apple-wallet-keeps-getting-better-heres-whats-new-and-coming-next/

Apple Wallet is quietly getting a massiveupgrade — Pocket-Lint

https://www.pocket-lint.com/new-apple-wallet-features-finally-gaining-traction-others-on-the-way/

These U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver'sLicenses — MacRumors

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/28/future-iphone-drivers-license-states/

Apple Pay for Transit Now Works in These 12 U.S.Cities — MacRumors

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/04/28/apple-pay-transit-us-cities/

These Apple Wallet Features Replaced My PhysicalWallet — 9to5Mac

https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/12/these-apple-wallet-features-helped-me-replace-my-physical-wallet-video/

Every Card You Can Add to Apple Wallet (Complete2026 List) — NeatPass

https://neatpass.app/learn/cards-you-can-add-apple-wallet

iOS 27 Unlocked: Create & Customize AppleWallet Passes — QuantoSei News

https://news.quantosei.com/2026/05/05/apple-plans-to-let-users-build-their-own-passes-in-ios-27-wallet-app/

Add your driver's license to Apple Wallet —Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/111803

Use Express Mode with transit cards, passes, andkeys in Apple Wallet — Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/105123

When will your state let you add your ID toApple Wallet? — Cult of Mac

https://www.cultofmac.com/news/apple-wallet-id-states

Additional Links

Apple Wallet — Boarding Passes overview

https://www.apple.com/wallet/

Pass2U Wallet (third-party pass creator)

https://www.pass2u.net/

Where you can ride transit using Apple Pay —Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/118625

Supported vehicles for Apple car key

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211234

TWZKG for MagSafe Wallet, 5 Cards Holder with Stand, Magnetic Phone Wallet Stand for iPhone

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FCG3K1GKWebsite: The PodTalk.Net

Email: [email protected]

YouTube: YouTube.com/@OldMacGang