Upgrade

From Automator to Workflow, automation can make regular users (who are definitely not programmers) more productive. This week Jason talks to Myke about why he cares about automation, and then we've got a special automation panel discussion featuring a bunch of special guests. Plus, the Upgrade Summer of Fun begins!

Shelly Brisbin, John Welch, David Sparks, Sal Soghoian, and Allison Sheridan

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Myke reports in from New York as we discuss a grab bag of Apple news, including a possible cellular Apple Watch, even more details from the HomePod firmware leak, the surprising strength of iPad sales in Apple’s quarterly results, and next year’s crop of emoji.

A HomePod firmware leak may have given us our best look yet at the features of the next iPhone, including face detection. Photos of Apple Park’s aggressively open-plan workspaces lead us to the most spirited discussion of space planning you may ever hear. Plus: The iPod dies, the Apple Watch might get an update, and Jason gets over his Game of Thrones hangover.

Does the Mac mini have a place in the Mac line-up, or should it fade into the sunset? Which Mac laptop--MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Escape--is the best choice for a new college student? All this, plus lasers and fireworks, on this week’s edition of Upgrade.

This week Jason is making some big changes in his life, including trying out a to-do app and using his iPad Pro extensively via a cellular network. Myke looks into what’s motivated these changes, and how well they’re working. Plus we discuss emoji, AirPods, and at the very end of the show, “Spider-Man: Homecoming.”

Is Apple taking a risk in potentially releasing a high-end, high-cost iPhone model in addition to the regular models this fall, as is rumored? Also, Jason and Myke try to come to terms with the possibility of a $1000-plus ‘iPhone Pro’. Jason also talks about inviting the Amazon Echo Show and its touchscreen into his kitchen, and we discuss peanut butter alternatives guaranteed to make Myke uncomfortable.

Jason convinces Myke to upgrade to iOS 11 so they can both talk about using it on their iPads, including the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro. Also, Jason announces his enormous strategic partnerships and sends the stock market on an adventure! Finally, Jason breaks down Photos on macOS High Sierra.

An Apple secrecy presentation is leaked to the press? Jason and Myke break down an exclusive from The Outline, before moving on to discuss Scott Forstall's emergence from Broadway to talk about 10 years of iPhone.

Jason and Myke talk about why Apple employees leak.

The new iPad Pros have arrived, and Jason and Myke have spent the last week with both the 12.9- and 10.5-inch models. We give our reactions to the new displays, detail what’s new with previous versions, get excited about one day using iOS 11, and offer advice about which iPad Pro model is the right one to buy. In other news, we also ponder a grim future where an Amazon robot allows you to squeeze Whole Foods produce in virtual reality.

Jason and Myke pick up many threads from WWDC 2017, including San Jose’s suitability as an event host, the first reviews of the iPad Pro, a bunch of news we didn’t know about during our last episode, and Jason’s close encounter with a functioning HomePod speaker.