The Context Machine

The Context Machine

By Bryan Chaffin and Jeff GametNewsTech News
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The Context Machine episodes

  • France Gets Whacky on Apple and Other Privacy Things

    France thinks Apple should scale back privacy protection, the UK wants access to your encrypted iCloud data, and Bryan and Jeff have plenty to say about both. They also have a couple cool apps from Iconfactory to share.

    Sources referenced in this episode:
    • Apple faces likely French antitrust fine for privacy tool, sources say
    • Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row
    • Tapestry
    • Wallaroo
    • Don’t Mention the Book author interview with science fiction and cyberpunk author Bryan Chaffin
    • Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence
    • Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name
    • Mason Truman on Threads
    • Review the show on Apple Podcasts

      Where to find us:
      • The Context Machine on Bluesky
      • The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook
      • The Context Machine on Mastodon
      • The Context Machine on Post
      • Bryan’s Instagram
      • Bran’s Mastodon
      • Bryan’s Threads
      • Bryan’s blog: GeekTells
      • Jeff’s Instagram
      • Jeff’s Mastodon
      • Jeff’s Threads
      • Jeff’s YouTube Channel
      • The post France Gets Whacky on Apple and Other Privacy Things appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

        31 min
      • Listener Email, Instagram Alternatives Update, and Collier’s

        Bryan and Jeff follow up on listener emails, take a quick look at new shows on Apple TV+, and look at some Instagram alternatives. They also reminisce about defunct social media platforms, and Bryan manages to weave in the long-dead Collier’s magazine.

        Sources referenced in this episode:
        • Prime Target
        • Silo
        • Severance
        • The Rockford Files
        • Shogun on Disney Plus
        • HomeKit Headaches and Apple Vision Pro Rumors
        • Controller for HomeKit
        • Nova Pocket Titanium fountain pen from Namisu
        • Pi-hole
        • Cloudflared
        • Pixelfed
        • Pinksky
        • Flashes
        • Defunct Social Media Platforms
        • Collier’s magazine
        • Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence
        • Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name
        • Mason Truman on Threads
        • Review the show on Apple Podcasts

          Where to find us:
          • The Context Machine on Bluesky
          • The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook
          • The Context Machine on Mastodon
          • The Context Machine on Post
          • Bryan’s Instagram
          • Bran’s Mastodon
          • Bryan’s Threads
          • Bryan’s blog: GeekTells
          • Jeff’s Instagram
          • Jeff’s Mastodon
          • Jeff’s Threads
          • Jeff’s YouTube Channel
          • The post Listener Email, Instagram Alternatives Update, and Collier’s appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

            43 min
          • LG’s New 6K Display, Zuck Mucks Up Facebook, Instagram, and Threads

            Bryan and Jeff talk about LG’s new UltraFine 6K display that was just announced at CES 2025. They also have some opinions on Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement that Meta is removing its fact checking for Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

            Sources referenced in this episode:
            • LG Unveils UltraFine 6K Display With Thunderbolt 5 Support
            • Facebook and Instagram get rid of fact checkers
            • Pixelfed
            • Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence
            • Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name
            • Mason Truman on Threads
            • Review the show on Apple Podcasts

              Where to find us:
              • The Context Machine on Bluesky
              • The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook
              • The Context Machine on Mastodon
              • The Context Machine on Post
              • Bryan’s Instagram
              • Bran’s Mastodon
              • Bryan’s Threads
              • Bryan’s blog: GeekTells
              • Jeff’s Instagram
              • Jeff’s Mastodon
              • Jeff’s Threads
              • Jeff’s YouTube Channel
              • The post LG’s New 6K Display, Zuck Mucks Up Facebook, Instagram, and Threads appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

                38 min
              • Jeff’s Run-in with (Bad) Scammers

                Jeff’s parents received an AI-generated scam phone call and he was able to listen in. Bryan and Jeff talk about what happened and how you can help protect your family from falling victim to these threats.

                Sources referenced in this episode:
                • Tips on Artificial Intelligence Scams
                • Hiya
                • Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence
                • Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name
                • Mason Truman on Threads
                • Review the show on Apple Podcasts

                  Where to find us:
                  • The Context Machine on Twitter
                  • The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook
                  • The Context Machine on Mastodon
                  • The Context Machine on Post
                  • Bryan’s Instagram
                  • Bran’s Mastodon
                  • Bryan’s Threads
                  • Bryan’s blog: GeekTells
                  • Jeff’s Instagram
                  • Jeff’s Mastodon
                  • Jeff’s Threads
                  • Jeff’s YouTube Channel
                  • The post Jeff’s Run-in with (Bad) Scammers appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

                    32 min
                  • HomeKit Headaches and Apple Vision Pro Rumors

                    It’s therapy day on The Context Machine. Jeff tries to work through his HomeKit problems, and Bryan wants a new Mac Studio revision. They also talk about the rumored Apple Vision Pro with M5 processor.

                    SPONSOR: LinkedIn Jobs – Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/ACM.

                    Sources referenced in this episode:
                    • Jeff’s HomeKit is broken
                    • Gurman: Apple Vision Pro 2 on track for release between Fall 2025 and Spring 2026
                    • Nuki Smart Lock
                    • Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence
                    • Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name
                    • Mason Truman on Threads
                    • Review the show on Apple Podcasts

                      Where to find us:
                      • The Context Machine on Twitter
                      • The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook
                      • The Context Machine on Mastodon
                      • The Context Machine on Post
                      • Bryan’s Instagram
                      • Bran’s Mastodon
                      • Bryan’s Threads
                      • Bryan’s blog: GeekTells
                      • Jeff’s Instagram
                      • Jeff’s Mastodon
                      • Jeff’s Threads
                      • Jeff’s YouTube Channel
                      • The post HomeKit Headaches and Apple Vision Pro Rumors appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

                        37 min
                      • Choosing a Social Media Platform, Apple Media Events, and Dice Rolling Probabilities

                        Bryan and Jeff talk about what to consider when choosing a new social media platform, and whether or not Apple will host an October media event. They also discuss probability when rolling dice and conduct a live experiment at Jeff’s expense.

                        SPONSOR: LinkedIn Jobs – Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/ACM.

                        Sources referenced in this episode:
                        • Why changes to the block on Elon Musk’s X are driving users away
                        • Is an Apple Event Still Likely This October Following Today’s Surprise iPad Mini 7 Announcement?
                        • Atomic Goblin Games
                        • Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence
                        • Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name
                        • Mason Truman on Threads
                        • Review the show on Apple Podcasts

                          Where to find us:
                          • The Context Machine on Twitter
                          • The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook
                          • The Context Machine on Mastodon
                          • The Context Machine on Post
                          • Bryan’s Instagram
                          • Bran’s Mastodon
                          • Bryan’s Threads
                          • Bryan’s blog: GeekTells
                          • Jeff’s Instagram
                          • Jeff’s Mastodon
                          • Jeff’s Threads
                          • Jeff’s YouTube Channel
                          • The post Choosing a Social Media Platform, Apple Media Events, and Dice Rolling Probabilities appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

                            58 min
                          • Desecrating a MacBook Air, Get Ready for New D&D Changes
                            Sources referenced in this episode:
                            • Every Day Is Halloween (Ministry Video)
                            • Linux Mint
                            • D&D Beyond
                            • Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence
                            • Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name
                            • Mason Truman on Threads
                            • Review the show on Apple Podcasts

                              Where to find us:
                              • The Context Machine on Twitter
                              • The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook
                              • The Context Machine on Mastodon
                              • The Context Machine on Post
                              • Bryan’s Instagram
                              • Bran’s Mastodon
                              • Bryan’s Threads
                              • Bryan’s blog: GeekTells
                              • Jeff’s Instagram
                              • Jeff’s Mastodon
                              • Jeff’s Threads
                              • Jeff’s YouTube Channel
                              • The post Desecrating a MacBook Air, Get Ready for New D&D Changes appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

                                1 hr
                              • Noodling on New Apple Watch, iPhone 16/Pro, AirPods, and Apple Intelligence

                                Bryan and Jeff dive into Apple’s “Glow Time” Apple Watch, iPhone 16, AirPods, and Apple Intelligence announcements. They also have some things to say about the non-announcements Apple included in the event.

                                SPONSOR: LinkedIn Jobs – Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/ACM.

                                Sources referenced in this episode:
                                • Introducing Apple Watch Series 10
                                • Apple introduces iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
                                • Apple introduces AirPods 4 and the world’s first all-in-one hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2
                                • Apple introduces groundbreaking health features to support conditions impacting billions of people
                                • Apple Watch Ultra 2 now available in black titanium
                                • Apple Intelligence comes to iPhone, iPad, and Mac starting next month
                                • Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence
                                • Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name
                                • Mason Truman on Threads
                                • Review the show on Apple Podcasts

                                  Where to find us:
                                  • The Context Machine on Twitter
                                  • The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook
                                  • The Context Machine on Mastodon
                                  • The Context Machine on Post
                                  • Bryan’s Instagram
                                  • Bran’s Mastodon
                                  • Bryan’s Threads
                                  • Bryan’s blog: GeekTells
                                  • Jeff’s Instagram
                                  • Jeff’s Mastodon
                                  • Jeff’s Threads
                                  • Jeff’s YouTube Channel
                                  • The post Noodling on New Apple Watch, iPhone 16/Pro, AirPods, and Apple Intelligence appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

                                    1 hr 11 min
                                  • Apple Lays Off Employees in Books (and News)

                                    Bryan and Jeff dissect the report that Apple is laying off 100 employees from its Books and News service teams. Spoiler: This isn’t doom and gloom for Apple or its ebook service. They’re also shocked to discover Apple had 100 people on the Books team.

                                    Sources referenced in this episode:
                                    • Apple lays off employees working on Books and News
                                    • Apple job cuts in Books are turning the page in the wrong direction
                                    • Ebook Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 – 2029)
                                    • I’ve Sold 1,000 Books!
                                    • Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence
                                    • Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name
                                    • Mason Truman on Threads
                                    • Review the show on Apple Podcasts

                                      Where to find us:
                                      • The Context Machine on Twitter
                                      • The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook
                                      • The Context Machine on Mastodon
                                      • The Context Machine on Post
                                      • Bryan’s Instagram
                                      • Bran’s Mastodon
                                      • Bryan’s Threads
                                      • Bryan’s blog: GeekTells
                                      • Jeff’s Instagram
                                      • Jeff’s Mastodon
                                      • Jeff’s Threads
                                      • Jeff’s YouTube Channel
                                      • The post Apple Lays Off Employees in Books (and News) appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

                                        37 min
                                      • Apple Tabletop Adventure and NFC for the Masses

                                        A new report says Apple wants to put a robot on your counter so Bryan and Jeff look at what that device might really be. They also have some thoughts on Apple opening NFC to third parties in iOS 18.1.

                                        SPONSOR: LinkedIn Jobs – Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/ACM.

                                        Sources referenced in this episode:
                                        • Bloomberg: Apple targeting sub-$1,000 price for iPad-like robotic home device
                                        • Belkin Stage
                                        • Apple is opening the iPhone’s NFC chip to third-party apps with iOS 18.1
                                        • Apple’s 1987 ‘Knowledge Navigator’ video depicted a future that’s still a work in progress
                                        • Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence
                                        • Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name
                                        • Mason Truman on Threads
                                        • Review the show on Apple Podcasts

                                          Where to find us:
                                          • The Context Machine on Twitter
                                          • The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook
                                          • The Context Machine on Mastodon
                                          • The Context Machine on Post
                                          • Bryan’s Instagram
                                          • Bran’s Mastodon
                                          • Bryan’s Threads
                                          • Bryan’s blog: GeekTells
                                          • Jeff’s Instagram
                                          • Jeff’s Mastodon
                                          • Jeff’s Threads
                                          • Jeff’s YouTube Channel
                                          • The post Apple Tabletop Adventure and NFC for the Masses appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

                                            42 min

                                          About The Context Machine

                                          From the publisher's feed

                                          The podcast where Bryan and Jeff talk about whatever they want.

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