Bryan and Jeff talk about the AirTag refresh, and Apple buying the AI startup Q.ai. They also discuss Jeff’s recent audiology checkup and resources for people with hearing loss and tinnitus.

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Apple reportedly has a big AI chatbot upgrade in the works for Siri, and is developing a wearable pin device, too. Bryan and Jeff explore the likelihood and potential value (or not) in both.

SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm, and use code TCM for a free month of Framer Pro.

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Apple announced its Creator Studio app bundle subscription, and MacPaw is shuttering its alternative iOS app store in the EU. That gives Bryan and Jeff plenty to talk about, plus they discover what’s interesting about the number 697.

SPONSOR: Copilot Money – Copilot Money is the personal finance app to make your money yours. Start 2026 with clarity and confidence. Copilot Money helps you understand your finances, stay organized, and make better decisions—no matter your starting point. Get 26% off your first year when you sign up for Copilot Money, and get two months free with our code: CONTEXT

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It’s show and tell day on TCM! Jeff monopolized the whole show to tell Bryan about OmniOutliner 6 and Audioengine’s HXL portalbe DAC.

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Bryan and Jeff look at Steve Jobs and Tim Cook’s intentional decisions to make products that benefit their users instead of following the blind profit approach so many tech-bros follow. Jeff also tells Bryan about the ways he’s exploring music outside of Apple Music.

SPONSOR: Copilot Money – Copilot Money is the personal finance app to make your money yours. Start 2026 with clarity and confidence. Copilot Money helps you understand your finances, stay organized, and make better decisions—no matter your starting point. Get 26% off your first year when you sign up for Copilot Money, and get two months free with our code: CONTEXT

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Bryan and Jeff have a PSA about Mac malware threats from fake Google ads and search results. They also look at the new AI-restrictions for the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association’s Nebula Awards, and talk about a fun holiday app Jeff found.

SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/design, and use code TCM for a free month of Framer Pro.

SPONSOR: Copilot Money – Copilot Money is the personal finance app to make your money yours. Start 2026 with clarity and confidence. Copilot Money helps you understand your finances, stay organized, and make better decisions—no matter your starting point. Get 26% off your first year when you sign up for Copilot Money, and get two months free with our code: CONTEXT

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Bryan and Jeff share their take on Apple’s seeming exodus of employees, discuss why so many are ending up at Meta, and make it clear why they don’t have their own fashion consulting agency.

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Bryan and Jeff set the record straight on reports of Tim Cook retiring next year, and speculate on who could become Apple’s next CEO. They also dissect CNN’s decision to pull out of Apple News+.

SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/design, and use code TCM for a free month of Framer Pro.

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Bryan and Jeff look at Apple’s new iPhone Pocket and share their take on whether or not it’s a design fumble for the company. They also discuss Canva’s Affinity app strategy and how it’ll impact Adobe.

SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/design, and use code TCM for a free month of Framer Pro.

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Bryan and Jeff take a look at Omni’s just released OmniOutliner 6 beta, and follow up on Jeff’s first pen show experience. They also talk about Bryan becoming a judge for the Self-Published Science Fiction Competition 5.

SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac – Try CleanMyMac’s new Cloud Cleanup feature to free up space on iCloud, OneDrive, and Google Drive. Try 7 days free and use our code CONTEXTMACHINE for 20% off at clnmy.com/CONTEXTMACHINE.

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