The Context Machine

Google shook up the tech world this week when it announced it's new parent company: Alphabet. Jeff and Bryan offer up their thoughts on Alphabet and what it means for the companies under its umbrella, as well as Google's founders. They also share their experiences trying out HomeKit gear, and using Apple Watch on a long road trip.

Despite reports to the contrary, Apple says it doesn't have plans to launch its own MVNO service for iPhone owners. Jeff and Bryan look at the report and Apple's denial, and discuss why an Apple MVNO could be cool. They also offer up their take on digital privacy and the role the government is trying to push onto Apple and other software makers, plus they revisit the Lexus hover board.

T-Mobile is shaking up the mobile phone contract market again with a really great deal for potential customers looking for a new iPhone. Jeff and Bryan dive into why T-Mobile's JUMP! On Demand plan is so cool for its customers, and could lead to better deals at Verizon and AT&T, too. They also talk about why they like fitness trackers even though they have accuracy issues, and they respond to listener comments.

Apple reported another record breaking quarter over US$49 billion in revenue, 4.8 million Macs sold, and 47.5 million iPhones sold. Jeff and Bryan look into Apple's numbers-and lack of numbers, in the case of Apple Watch-plus Bryan explains why the company's stock can drop even when the figures it reports are so good. They also have some complaints about iTunes 12.

Is Apple spread too thin? Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet explore that thought in this episode of the Apple Context Machine. They also look at software agents, Facebook's Moneypenny virtual assistant, and the state of current virtual assistant technologies like Apple's Proactive, Google Now, and Microsoft's Cortanna. Lastly, they take a look at Neil Young's Assertion that cassette tapes and AM radio offer better sound quality than today's streaming services.

Slice Intelligence says that sales of Apple Watch are declining. Precipitously. Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet look at those numbers and talk about what they might mean. Spoiler: Bryan thinks Apple Watch is failing to delight most customers. They also look at PHATASS, a new album from Prince Harvey recorded entirely at an Apple Store during business hours. And just for fun they they take dig into Apple's recent failed antitrust appeal.

After getting to play with Apple Music for a day Jeff and Bryan have some thoughts on the latest entry into the streaming music market. They share what they like, what's working well, what isn't, and more. They also have plenty to say about the just released trailer for this fall's Steve Jobs movie.

The music industry is changing, and artist's work isn't worth what it once was. Jeff and Bryan look at how the music market has changed over the years, why music has been devalued, and what some artists are doing to stay in the industry. They also check out a really cool hoverboard prototype from Lexus.

Apple is facing criticism over a just announced zero day security flaw that could expose your Keychain passwords. Jeff and Bryan look at what the threat is and how it impacts Mac, iPhone, and iPad users, plus they have plenty to say about the copycat Samsung product "ransom note," and a call to kill off the Mac.

It's Worldwide Developer Conference week, and Apple announced a lot for OS X, iOS, and Apple Watch. Jeff and Bryan have plenty to say about Apple's Proactive Assistant for Siri, Metal and OS X El Capitan, Spotlight improvements, Swift 2 going open source, and more.