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    Software How-To

    Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

    Get answers to your Apple tech questions every week! Dave Hamilton, Adam Christianson, and Pilot Pete share tips, tricks, and troubleshooting advice for your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and more — all delivered in a fun, friendly way that helps geeks and everyday users alike. Don’t Get Caught without your tech working right!

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    Copyright: © The Mac Observer, Inc. 2024

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    Latest Episodes:
    My Zulu Converter is Offline Jun 16, 2025
    Show notes My Zulu Converter is Offline — Mac Geek Gab 1094 episode image

    You’re gonna love this jam-packed episode of Mac Geek Gab! Dive in with a barrage of Quick Tips, like turning your wonky circle sketches into perfect shapes, compressing image sizes with Mail and Squash, and even tricking Safari into showing you paywalled content. Your fellow geeks also bring sharp insights—from switching Night Stand clocks from UTC to local time, to using OnyX for nuking Time Machine snapshots. And yes, CleanMyMac’s Space Lens is back!

    But that’s just the warm-up. This week’s geek-fueled highlight? Custom Focus Modes. Listeners share brilliant ways to reclaim their attention—like silencing politics, syncing modes to time and place, and creating modes for everything from church to live sports. You’ll also get answers to smart questions about iMessage quirks, 5G Standalone, and whether your IoT network is friend or foe. Stay ahead of the curve with a peek into visionOS 26 and the next Podcasts app update—and remember, Don’t Get Caught.

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1094 for Monday, June 16th, 2025
      • June 16th: Take Your Cat to Work Day
      • Police Code 10-94 – Street Racing
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – 1MORE
      • We’ll be doing MGG Live at Macstock on Saturday, July 12th! Join us, and use our coupon code: MACGEEKGAB50 to save $50!
    • 00:06:23 Ad feedback?
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 BoyMax-QT-Hold your finger down after drawing a circle with MarkUp, and it will make it a perfect oval/circle
      • 00:08:11 Bill-QT-Use Apple Mail to Quickly Reduce Photos
        • Squash (for Mac)
        • ImageOptim
        • Permute
      • 00:13:44 Joe-QT-Hide Distracting Items to read (some) paywalled content in Safari
      • 00:18:05 QT-Night Stand Mode Clock on UTC – Fix to Local
      • 00:22:24 Shannon-QT-1092-OnyX can delete Snapshots en masse
      • 00:25:34 Jenn-QT-Space Lens is BACK in Clean My Mac
    • 00:26:56 SPONSOR: Fireflies AI. Fireflies is the number one AI teammate that transcribes, summarizes, and analyzes your conversations so you can get the most out of every meeting. Get 2 months free at Fireflies.ai/mgg.
    • 00:28:38 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Secure your privacy with SurfShark. Go to https://surfshark.com/mgg or use code MGG at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
    • Your Custom Focus Modes
      • 00:30:01 Randy-Custom Focus Mode: Church
      • 00:31:05 Derek-Custom Focus Mode: No Politics!
      • 00:32:43 Brian-1092-Triggering work focus mode by time and location
      • 00:34:06 Harvey-1092-Use Focus Modes with the Action button…and when watching Live Sports
      • 00:36:17 Steve-1092-Using Focus Modes to manage notifications and let me know what mode I’m in
      • 00:39:04 Henry-1092-Focus modes for night vision, inspiration, sleep, and more
      • 00:41:44 Adam’s Audio Issues…Continue
      • 00:44:51 Darrin-Custom Focus Modes: Morning, Daytime, Evening, Sleep
    • 00:46:15 SPONSOR: Yoink from Eternal Storms. Yoink is a temporary “shelf” that makes drag-and-drop easier for your Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It’s one of Dave’s “must-have” apps.
    • 00:47:33 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support.
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:50:36 Tom-How do I set more-granular focus modes?
      • 00:52:50 Judy-Using alias’ and question about keeping Messages…
      • 01:01:45 JP-Why can’t I search in Recently Deleted Messages?
      • 01:03:33 JT-What is 5G Standalone and do I want it?
      • 01:09:59 Mike-Will adding an IOT network solve my headaches…or add more?
        • WiFi Explorer
    • Apple’s Upcoming 2026 OSes
      • 01:14:23 New features coming to Apple’s Podcasts app
      • 01:15:49 Adam installed visionOS 26
    • 01:22:18 MGG 1094 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – 1MORE Headphones
      • Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
      • Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
      • The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
      • Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
      • MGG Merch is Available!
      • Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
      • Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
      • This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
      • MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
      • feedback@macgeekgab.com
      • 224-888-GEEK
      • Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
      • BackBeat Media Podcast Network
    Hello Again, Round-Rect! Jun 10, 2025
    Show notes Hello Again, Round-Rect! — Mac Geek Gab 1093

    In this week’s Mac Geek Gab, you, Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton dig deep into everything Apple announced for macOS 26 “Tahoe” and beyond. Get the scoop on which Macs make the cut, how Spotlight finally grows up into a proper launcher—with clipboard history—and why Shortcuts just became your new automation best friend. iPadOS 26 is the surprise hero with windowed multitasking, background tasks, audio input selection, and full-on live translation across the board. This update shifts iPads closer to Mac territory than ever before. Don’t Get Caught sleeping on these power features.

    From Apple Intelligence to Xcode 26’s Swift Assist, it’s clear Apple’s leaning hard into AI and dev tools. You’ll hear why Craig Federighi says they delayed some of this to keep the quality bar high—and why that might be a good thing. Over on iOS 26, Hold Assist and group chat polls offer real upgrades, and Apple Maps now lets you set preferred routes. You’ll also learn what’s new in Apple Wallet, visionOS (yes, widgets and PS VR2 support!), and watchOS 26’s Wrist Flick and Workout Buddy. It’s a whirlwind tour of what’s next—served with your favorite geeky insights.

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1093 for Monday, June 9th, 2025
      • June 9th: National Dark ’n’ Stormy Day
      • Police Code 10-93 – Blockage
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – 1MORE
    • 00:02:32 Liquid Glass
      • Remembering Bill Atkinson – Round-Rects are Everywhere
    • 00:08:23 macOS 26 “Tahoe”
      • Which Macs will run macOS 26?
      • Spotlight becomes a launcher WITH a Clipboard History
      • Shortcuts automations can trigger when you add a file to a folder
    • 00:23:00 SPONSOR: Storyworth uses quick, weekly email prompts to create a unique keepsake hardcover book for you or your loved ones. Save $10 on your first purchase at StoryWorth.com/MACGEEKGAB.
    • 00:24:18 iPadOS 26
      • iPad gets windows!!
      • iPad gets audio input selector
      • Background tasks come to iPad
      • Live translation comes to all ‘26 Apple OSes
    • 00:33:50 SPONSOR: Caldera Lab. Guys, don’t settle for drugstore junk or steal your partner’s products—elevate your routine with skincare made for you. Head to CalderaLab.com/MGG and use MGG at checkout for 20% off your first order.
    • 00:35:36 Apple Intelligence
      • “This work needed more time to reach our high-quality bar” – Craig Federighi on June 9th, 2025
    • 00:42:50 Visual Intelligence
    • 00:44:39 Xcode 26
      • Swift Assist
    • 00:52:06 SPONSOR: Coda, the one Doc to rule them all. Bring your text and tables together! Get six months of the team plan for startups for FREE at Coda.io/mgg.
    • 00:53:28 iOS 26
      • Hold Assist
      • Polls in Group Messages
      • Preferred Routes in Apple Maps
    • 01:07:26 Apple Services
      • Apple Wallet additions with Digital ID and Order Tracking
    • 01:09:45 visionOS 26
      • Logitech Muse
      • Playstation VR 2 Sense Controller
      • Insta360
      • Widgets coming to visionOS…and CarPlay!
    • 01:17:12 watchOS 26
      • Workout Buddy
      • Wrist Flick
    • 01:20:40 MGG 1093 Outtro
      • Check out Robert Scovill talking about mixing sound at Sphere on Gig Gab
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – 1MORE Headphones
      • Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
      • Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
      • The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
      • Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
      • MGG Merch is Available!
      • Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
      • Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
      • This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
      • MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
      • feedback@macgeekgab.com
      • 224-888-GEEK
      • Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
      • BackBeat Media Podcast Network
    MGG...Jeopardy Style Jun 02, 2025
    Show notes MGG...Jeopardy Style — Mac Geek Gab 1092 episode image

    This week on Mac Geek Gab, you’ll learn how to outsmart your tech before it tries to outsmart you. Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton deliver a barrage of Quick Tips, including reviving dead notifications by force-quitting Notification Center, rethinking your Dock layout for remote desktops, and leveraging iOS’s default translate app setting. You’ll also discover how to scrub orphaned system extensions from your Mac, and how Shortcuts can turn your Apple TV into a photo gallery masterpiece. Of course, you know the drill—Don’t Get Caught skipping the smart stuff.

    Got questions? We’ve got answers. Dig into iPhone VPN conflicts with CarPlay, backup reliability with Carbon Copy Cloner, and the surprising value of an AirTag in your car. You’ll learn about com.apple.asr snapshots, decluttering your Lock Screen, choosing the right Focus modes, and comparing Wi-Fi mesh systems like Eero, Deco, and Orbi. We even tackle the Nvidia SHIELD vs. Apple TV Plex showdown, then wrap it up with Cool Stuff Found like the BoostHero flashlight/jump starter, MailMaven, and a solar car battery. It’s everything your inner geek craves—and more.

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1092 for Monday, June 2nd, 2025
      • June 2nd: National Leave Work Early Day
      • Police Code 10-92 – Subject in custody / Parking violation
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win an eero Outdoor 7
      • WWDC Is Next Week. Got any Predictions? Also, show will be about 17 hours late!
      • We’ll be doing MGG Live at Macstock on Saturday, July 12th! Join us, and use our coupon code: MACGEEKGAB50 to save $50!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 Brad-QT-When Notifications Cease, force-quit Notification Center in Activity Monitor
      • 00:06:29 Hans-QT-Set up your Dock for your remote desktop on the opposite side for a visual reference
      • 00:07:40 QT-Set a default translate app in iOS 18.4 or later
      • 00:08:48 Scott-QT-1091-Use Shortcuts and ArtCast to create custom Apple TV photo galleries
      • 00:10:38 Brad-QT-Remove Orphaned System Extensions with systemextensionsctl
        • systemextensionsctl list
        • systemextensionsctl gc – garbage collect orphaned system extension(s)
    • 00:15:26 SPONSOR: Square. Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/mgg. #squarepod #ad
    • Don’t Get Caught
      • 00:17:12 Michael-DGC-Your iPhone’s VPN Might Interfere with CarPlay
      • 00:21:16 Val-DGC-An AirTag in your car might just help the police locate it if stolen!
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:23:21 Shannon-What is com.apple.asr in Snapshots?
      • 00:28:44 Hans-How do I keep my iPhone lock screen free of notifications?
      • 00:34:01 What Focus modes do you use?
    • 00:39:30 SPONSOR: Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code “mgg”, available for the first 30 purchases only.
    • Show Business
      • 00:41:28 MGG Review-BenTsuki from USA
      • 00:42:28 MGG Review-Gary-Goo-69 – Too Much Gab, Not enough geek!
      • 00:44:56 MGG Review-Ed-Houston THE Best Mac/Apple product-related podcast
      • 00:46:00 MGG Review-Moe Coffee
    • 00:46:48 MGG Premium Listener Contribution Appreciation Moment
    • MOAR Questions Answered
      • 00:50:38 Steve-Reliability of CCC Backup for a wipe and restore?
      • 00:56:25 Jedd-Which Wi-Fi mesh system(s) do you suggest today?
        • Eero
        • TP-Link Deco Mesh
        • NETGEAR Orbi
      • 01:02:46 Chris-Is the Nvidia SHIELD TV really best for Plex?
        • Infuse from Firecore for Plex on Apple TV
        • Plex Pass
    • Cool Stuff Found
      • 01:08:37 CSF-Limitless BoostHero flashlight and jump starter
      • 01:12:37 CSF-MailMaven from SmallCubed
      • 01:14:48 Sunway Solar Car Battery
    • 01:17:00 MGG 1092 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – 1MORE Headphones
      • Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
      • Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
      • The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
      • Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
      • MGG Merch is Available!
      • Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
      • Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
      • This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
      • MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
      • feedback@macgeekgab.com
      • 224-888-GEEK
      • Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
      • BackBeat Media Podcast Network
    Is That Foreboding or Foreshadowing? May 26, 2025
    Show notes Is That Foreboding or Foreshadowing? – Mac Geek Gab 1091 episode image

    Ever wished you could merge your Apple accounts or automate your lawn care? This week’s Mac Geek Gab has you covered!

    Discover how to finally merge your Apple accounts, combining your purchases and iCloud data seamlessly. Dave, Adam, and Pete dive into the long-awaited solution for those juggling multiple Apple IDs. Don’t get caught with fragmented accounts any longer!

    The hosts also explore the game-changing effect of robot lawnmowers while reviewing the new Eufy E15, discussing its features, setup process, and potential impact on lawn care. Other topics include managing podcast storage, finding hidden Wi-Fi passwords on your iPhone, and the importance of keeping work and personal data separate on company devices.

    Tune in for these insights and more, including Quick Tips, Cool Stuff Found, and Don’t Get Caught moments that will enhance your tech life. Listen now to learn at least five new things and join the Mac Geek Gab community!

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1091 for Monday, May 26th, 2025
      • May 26th: National Paper Airplane Day (and Memorial Day!)
      • Police Code 10-91 – Pick up subject / Prepare for inspection / Animal
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win an eero Outdoor 7
      • We’ll be doing MGG Live at Macstock on Saturday, July 12th! Join us, and use our coupon code: MACGEEKGAB50 to save $50!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 QT-Tap Settings > Wi-Fi > Edit for a list of Wi-Fi networks on iPhone
      • 00:05:06 Joe-QT-1089–You Can Finally Merge Apple Accounts
      • 00:09:44 Patrick-QT-Terminal Command to see SpaceHogs!
        • sudo du -h -d 1
        • ~/Library/Group Containers/#######.groups.com.apple.podcasts/Caches
        • Also check the Books app’s storage of audiobooks
      • 00:16:45 Allison-QT-When you change a file’s “Open With…” you have to re-approve the new app in the System Settings > Privacy & Security
        • Open In (also in Setapp)
      • 00:20:40 Drewski-QT-Pinned Contacts in Messages – And Quick Location without “FindMy”
    • 00:23:01 SPONSOR: Caldera Lab. Guys, don’t settle for drugstore junk or steal your partner’s products—elevate your routine with skincare made for you. Head to CalderaLab.com/MGG and use MGG at checkout for 20% off your first order.
    • Don’t Get Caught
      • 00:24:57 Bill-DGC-Keep Your Private Files PRIVATE! [Audio]
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:35:41 Barry-AppleTV Photos Screen Saver Limit Work-Around.
      • 00:40:15 QT-Switch Apple TV Screensavers with Remote (Swipe or Press Up)
      • 00:43:09 ATC-CSF-Apple TV Snoopy Screensavers
      • 00:44:17 Allison and all-Hazel still has App Sweep…and there might be a trick to making it work (again)
    • 00:46:18 SPONSOR: OWC’s Express 1M2 Ultra-fast, compatible, and portable USB4 NVMe SSD.
    • 00:47:58 PODCAST: Why?!?!?!?! is the internet like that? That’s the question the folks at Never Post Podcast try to answer in each episode of their podcast. Never Post: a podcast for, and about, the internet.
    • Cool Stuff Found
    • 00:49:00 RG-CSF-1089-BXST Refrigerator protector
      • Rob-CSF-1089-Refrigmatic Delayed Start Surge Protector
    • 00:52:24 CSF-Eufy E15 Robot Lawnmower review- $1,599 (with Amazon $200 coupon)
    • 01:16:06 MGG 1091 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – eero Outdoor 7
      • Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
      • Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
      • The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
      • Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
      • MGG Merch is Available!
      • Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
      • Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
      • This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
      • MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
      • feedback@macgeekgab.com
      • 224-888-GEEK
      • Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
      • BackBeat Media Podcast Network
    Tab-itis Is Real...and It's OK! May 19, 2025
    Show notes Tab-itis Is Real...and It's OK! — Mac Geek Gab 1090 episode image

    Are you tired of struggling with Wi-Fi issues and tech frustrations? This episode of Mac Geek Gab has you covered with solutions to common problems and clever tips to enhance your tech experience.

    Dive into a world of Wi-Fi troubleshooting as the Pete, Adam, and Dave discuss solutions for UPS power-up issues and explore ways to improve network connectivity. Learn how to use Siri to delete all alarms at once and discover a nifty trick for sharing text messages directly from your Apple Watch. The episode also tackles questions about syncing dock preferences and managing RAM usage with multiple browser tabs open.

    But that’s not all! Get the scoop on the CenterCam 2.0, a tiny camera that hangs over your screen for better video calls. Plus, find out how to use smart plugs to solve power sequencing problems and explore options for creating a more efficient home office setup. Don’t get caught unprepared – tune in to this episode for a wealth of tech knowledge and practical solutions.

    Ready to upgrade your tech game? Listen now and discover the tips and tricks that will make your digital life smoother and more efficient!

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1090 for Monday, May 19th, 2025
      • May 19th: May Ray Day (or National Devil’s Food Cake Day)
      • Police Code 10-90 – Bank Alarm Going Off
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win an eero Outdoor 7
    • 00:02:56 We’ll be doing MGG Live at Macstock on Saturday, July 12th! Join us, and use our coupon code: MACGEEKGAB50 to save $50!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 Todd-QT-Use Siri to delete all your old alarms
      • 00:04:32 QT-Easily Share (forward) a Message from your Watch
      • 00:07:46 David-QT-Option-Drag for Persistent Finder Column Width Changes
      • 00:08:40 John-QT-Adding A Spacer to your Dock!
        • defaults write com.apple.dock persistent-apps -array-add ‘{“tile-type”=”spacer-tile”;}’
      • 00:11:20 Personalize ChatGPT to make it less of a people-pleaser
      • 00:12:26 Mack-QT-Retrieve Wi-Fi Passwords from The Passwords App
      • 00:15:39 Plume let me set up guest networks based on password, not just SSID
      • 00:18:29 Tim-QT-Conference to Separate Phones to Aid in Hearing
    • 00:20:00 SPONSOR: Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code “mgg”, available for the first 30 purchases only.
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:21:54 Jarry-Why does my Apple TV freeze when I start playback?
        • Speedtest app for Apple TV
        • Netflix-recommended internet speeds
        • Wi-Fi Explorer (and a shout-out for iStumbler)
        • NetSpot App – Map WiFi
      • 00:35:21 Jedd-How can I set a Phone-Call Focus Mode?
    • 00:39:42 SPONSOR: Quince. Elevate your closet, get free shipping, and 365 day returns at Quince.com/mgg.
    • MOAR Questions Answered
      • 00:41:19 Javier-I deleted files but don’t see the free space
      • 00:46:09 Christopher-Should I max out my RAM for…Safari?
        • Tab-itis is real…and it’s OK!
        • Quitter from Marco Arment
      • 00:54:47 John-Connecting securely to my local NAS
      • 01:03:38 Port-forwarding practices
    • 01:06:04 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support.
    • Cool Stuff Found
      • 01:07:28 CSF-Center Cam v2
      • 01:11:19 Scott-CSF-1089–SyncTime to Sync your Dock .plist (and other files)
      • 01:12:36 Craig-CSF-1089-Use Kasa Smart Plug to delay starting a UPS
      • 01:16:05 Mark-CSF-1089-Use a Power Sequencer to keep from tripping circuits on startup
    • 01:18:12 MGG 1090 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – eero Outdoor 7
      • Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
      • Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
      • The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
      • Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
      • MGG Merch is Available!
      • Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
      • Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
      • This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
      • MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
      • feedback@macgeekgab.com
      • 224-888-GEEK
      • Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
      • BackBeat Media Podcast Network
    iCloud Alter Egos, Dock Duplicates, and Synology's Shenanigans May 12, 2025
    Show notes iCloud Alter Egos, Dock Duplicates, and Synology's Shenanigans – Mac Geek Gab 1089 episode image

    This week’s Mac Geek Gab is bursting with power-user gold, thanks to Dave, Pilot Pete, and Adam Christianson. You’ll learn how to command Time Machine from Terminal like a pro, tame your iCloud email identities, and even resize your Dock to fit your vibe. Quick Tips fly fast, from dragging contacts into Numbers alternatives to “Hide My Email.” And if your Dock’s perfect on one Mac and a mess on another? Listener dogstir shares a plist trick that syncs your setup in seconds. Don’t Get Caught doing things the hard way.

    But that’s just the start. You’ll dig into iCloud storage conundrums, managing Apple One, and what happens when uninstaller apps clash with ongoing updates. Bluetooth quirks on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, lingering Comcast email access post-Xfinity, and a potential Backblaze rethink all get tackled. And if you’re wrestling with UPS power spikes or Synology’s restrictive 2025 drive policies, yep, they’ve got hacks for that too.

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1089 for Monday, May 12th, 2025
      • May 12th: National Nutty Fudge Day
      • Police Code 10-89 – Bomb threat
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win an eero Outdoor 7
      • We’ll be doing MGG Live at Macstock on Saturday, July 12th! Join us, and use our coupon code: MACGEEKGAB50 to save $50!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 ​​Greg-QT-Set a Timer Quickly in iPhone’s Control Center
      • 00:03:27 QT-Adjust Time Machine Quota Size from Terminal
        • sudo tmutil destinationinfo
        • sudo tmutil setquota [ID] 1500 (1500 is size in gigabytes)
      • 00:06:34 What to do when Time Machine says you don’t have enough space left?
      • 00:07:21 Joe-QT-iCloud eMail Alias alternative to “Hide My eMail”
        • Alter iCloud Egos!
      • 00:10:11 Roy-QT-You can resize the Mac’s Dock
      • 00:12:03 How do you use your Dock on your Mac
      • 00:15:49 Andy-QT-Drag Contacts to Numbers for an Easy Export
    • 00:19:38 SPONSOR: Caldera Lab. Guys, don’t settle for drugstore junk or steal your partner’s products—elevate your routine with skincare made for you. Head to CalderaLab.com/MGG and use MGG at checkout for 20% off your first order.
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:21:40 Bill-Let Uninstallers/Cleaners Work while an App is Updating?
        • CleanMyMac
        • AVG
      • 00:28:25 danbo99-Bluetooth and iPhone 16 Pro Max
      • 00:36:37 Bob-Can I keep my Comcast email even if I cancel Xfinity internet service?
      • 00:43:44 Pete’s audio issues: learning from our mistakes!
    • 00:46:04 SPONSOR: Square. Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/mgg. #squarepod #ad
    • MOAR Questions Answered
      • 00:47:56 Bruce-1086-Local Device Access Might Not Mean Everything
      • 00:51:33 Adam’s Running out of iCloud Storage
      • ​​01:02:32 Managing Apple One
    • 01:04:29 SPONSOR: Coda, the one Doc to rule them all. Bring your text and tables together! Get six months of the team plan for startups for FREE at Coda.io/mgg.
    • EVEN MOAR Questions Answered
      • 01:05:56 Dave asks, Dogstir answers – To transfer your Dock layout to another Mac
        • Set up your Dock as desired on one Mac.
        • Copy the com.apple.dock.plist file to the same location on your other Mac(s).
        • After copying, run killall Dock in Terminal to reload the Dock configuration.
      • 01:07:07 Craig-Way to delay UPS Spikes on re-powering after a power failure?
        • Delay Timer Time Relay
      • 01:15:55 Dave-Do we need to worry about Backblaze?
      • 01:20:59 Rob-CSF-Add Drives to Synology’s Approved List (and bypass Synology’s 2025 restrictions!)
    • 01:32:39 MGG 1089 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – eero Outdoor 7
      • Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
      • Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
      • The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
      • Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
      • MGG Merch is Available!
      • Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
      • Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
      • This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
      • MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
      • feedback@macgeekgab.com
      • 224-888-GEEK
      • Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
      • BackBeat Media Podcast Network
    iPhone Tricks, Gigabit Wi-Fi, and Life on 256GB May 05, 2025
    Show notes iPhone Tricks, Gigabit Wi-Fi, and Life on 256GB – Mac Geek Gab 1088 episode image

    You’re sitting on a goldmine of Apple and tech hacks this week. From drag-and-drop magic on your iPhone to bypassing pesky paywalls with News+, you’ll pick up power-user moves fast. If your Mac’s hiding your Desktop folder, it might be time to nuke that Finder.plist…or maybe update your Finder’s sidebar settings. Need to upgrade your Wi-Fi to keep up with 2Gbps fiber? You’ll get step-by-step tips, plus real-world advice on NAS setups and whether Synology is still your best friend in 2025. Spoiler: Synology’s forcing their own drives now for a lot of newer units—don’t get caught unprepared.

    Rocking only 256GB of storage? You’re not alone—Dave, Pete, and Adam walk you through clever external drive picks and how to shift Documents and Desktop to external storage, or leaving it in place and having Hazel doing the heavy lifting. And when it’s time for Cool Stuff Found, strap in: from booming RockSteady speakers to the slick Thunderbird Identity Chooser and a genuinely helpful email app called eM Client, the crew keeps the hits coming. Don’t Get Caught missing the chance to boost your tech game this week.

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1088 for Monday, May 5th, 2025
      • May 5th: Revenge of The Fifth
      • Police Code 10-88 – Advise phone number of officer
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win an eero Outdoor 7
      • We’ll be at Macstock and so can you for $399 with MACGEEKGAB50
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 Robb-QT-Don’t forget about drag-and-drop on iPhones
      • 00:07:08 Stephen Robles Video on Perplexity vs. Siri
      • 00:08:25 Joe-QT-Open articles in News+ to bypass paywalls
        • Try Reader Mode on paywalled news sites
      • 00:13:08 Ben-QT-1086-Resolve Mysterious Disappearing Desktop Folder by Deleting Finder.plist
      • 00:17:01 Change icon by refreshing the favorite in your Finder sidebar
    • 00:17:38 SPONSOR: Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code “mgg”, available for the first 30 purchases only.
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:19:05 Terry-What steps do I need to take to upgrade my WiFi to match my 2Gbps fiber?
      • 00:30:02 Sean-Advice about Large Local Storage or NAS
        • Synology DiskStation as Personal Cloud
    • 00:44:18 SPONSOR: Storyworth uses quick, weekly email prompts to create a unique keepsake hardcover book for you or your loved ones. Save $10 on your first purchase at StoryWorth.com/MACGEEKGAB.
    • MOAR Questions Answered
      • 00:45:47 Synology to require Synology-branded Drives in 2025-plus units
      • 00:48:51 Glen-Living with 256GB storage in a laptop
      • 00:50:35 Brian-Using 256GB on an M2 MacBook Air
        • Buffalo External 2TB Thumb Drive
        • Transcend 2TB Thumb Drive
      • 00:54:28 Chris-How can I move Documents and Desktop folders to an external drive?
        • Hazel from Noodlesoft
    • 01:01:31 SPONSOR: ScreenCastsONLINE. Each week, ScreenCastsONLINE publishes two Apple-related videos to its ever-expanding library of over 1,400 tutorials. Visit ScreenCastsONLINE/mgg to try it FREE for 7 DAYS, then get a lifetime 20% discount on your subscription.
    • Cool Stuff Found
      • 01:03:15 P2-CSF-RockSteady Stadium 2.0 Speakers!
      • 01:07:19 Larry-CSF-Thunderbird Identity Chooser plugin
      • 01:09:13 David Jameson-CSF-eM Client – listens to user requests!
    • 01:13:26 MGG 1088 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – eero Outdoor 7
      • Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
      • Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
      • The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
      • Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
      • MGG Merch is Available!
      • Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
      • Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
      • This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
      • MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
      • feedback@macgeekgab.com
      • 224-888-GEEK
      • Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
      • BackBeat Media Podcast Network
    Fix Your Wi-Fi, Upgrade Your Podcast Rig, and Travel Smarter Apr 28, 2025
    Show notes Fix Your Wi-Fi, Upgrade Your Podcast Rig, and Travel Smarter — Mac Geek Gab 1087 episode image

    This week on Mac Geek Gab 1087, you get packed with Quick Tips to sharpen your workflow: send lyrics via text from Apple Music with a long press, use ChatGPT smarter for search, and master the magical Cmd-Opt-Shift-V paste for plain text. Discover how Hazel tames your Downloads folder, 1Password tags speed up your secure searches, and a Finder favorites fix keeps your go-to folders front and center. Plus, learn how Apple’s Custom Domains give you unlimited email aliases and why your password settings might be grayed out — little things that make sure you Don’t Get Caught fumbling with your Mac.

    Dave, Pilot Pete, and Adam dive deep into the tools behind your favorite podcasts, from Audio Hijack and Hindenburg to Feeder and Keyboard Maestro for ninja-level chapter marking. Dave also shares his slick new eero Outdoor 7 and UniFi Flex Mini 2.5G setup. In Cool Stuff Found, grab nine free Waves plugins, snack on Chomps Beef Sticks, clean your menu bar with Barbee, track planes with FlightAware, and level up your game nights with Apple Game Room and Game Pigeon. Stay geeky, stay sharp — and remember, Don’t Get Caught!

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1087 for Monday, April 28th, 2025
      • April 28th: National Superhero Day
      • Police Code 10-87 – Give call letters of your station
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a CleanMyMac Membership!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 Corky-QT-Long-press lyrics in Apple Music to sent a text message
      • 00:03:51 Joel-QT-Use ChatGPT to search and parse results
      • 00:04:51 PensacolaCraig-QT-Paste Plain Text Only Cmd+Opt+Shift+V
      • 00:07:20 Val-QT-Apple’s Custom Domains support Unlimited Email Aliases
      • 00:09:43 Mike-QT-Download Folder Management with Hazel
      • 00:13:19 GW-QT-Tags in 1Password expedite specifics.
      • 00:15:58 n-Chris-QT-1086-Solve your Disappearing Finder Favorites with Aliases (and Steve)
    • 00:17:37 SPONSOR: Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code “mgg”, available for the first 30 purchases only.
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:19:07 Tim-Why is Option to require Password Immediately grayed out?
      • 00:24:35 Larry-Different AppleID to return with electronic devices from overseas?
    • 00:35:07 SPONSOR: Storyworth uses quick, weekly email prompts to create a unique keepsake hardcover book for you or your loved ones. Save $10 on your first purchase at StoryWorth.com/MACGEEKGAB.
    • MOAR Questions Answered
      • 00:36:42 Chris-What apps do you use to produce and record your podcast?
        • GarageBand
        • Fission
        • Audio Hijack
        • Discord
        • Farrago
        • StreamYard
        • Auphonic
        • SoundDesk
        • Hindenburg for Podcast Editing
        • Use Keyboard Maestro to capture timestamps for podcast chapters
        • Riverside as a Streamyard Alternative
        • Feeder (to create RSS feeds) from Steve Harris
        • PowerPress
    • 00:51:36 Dave Setup his eero Outdoor 7
      • POE Injector
      • UniFi Flex Mini 2.5G
    • 01:01:55 SPONSOR: OWC’s Gemini Versatile desktop dual-bay storage product with a built-in dock.
    • Cool Stuff Found
      • 01:03:10 CSF-Waves Free Plugin Pack with 9 awesome plugins
      • 01:05:14 CSF-Chomps Beef Sticks
      • 01:05:42 CSF-Barbee to manage your Mac menubar
      • 01:07:06 CSF-Landmarks New York app
      • 01:08:34 CSF-Flightaware (also an iOS app)
      • 01:09:14 CSF-SonoFlow SE HQ31 Headphones
      • 01:11:42 CSF-Apple Game Room
      • 01:14:48 CSF-Game Pigeon
    • 01:16:40 MGG 1087 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – CleanMyMac
      • Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
      • Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
      • The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
      • Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
      • MGG Merch is Available!
      • Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
      • Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
      • This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
      • MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
      • feedback@macgeekgab.com
      • 224-888-GEEK
      • Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
      • BackBeat Media Podcast Network
    Embracing Schrödinger's Desktop Apr 21, 2025
    Show notes Embracing Schrödinger's Desktop — Mac Geek Gab 1086 episode image

    You’ll walk away from this episode armed with rapid‑fire Quick Tips that shave precious seconds off your day: shuffle your iOS wallpaper for fresh vibes automatically, sling “>>” in Notes to summon recent docs, and force‑sync iCloud Photos when lag strikes. Dial down cellular burnout with Low Data Mode—yes, Mint Mobile’s “unlimited” finally lives up to its name—and tap dual‑language keyboards to spell‑check like a polyglot. Kill those “Paste from Other Apps” nags, drag Finder’s sidebar sections exactly where you want them, at least until you have to embrace Schrödinger’s Desktop zen: Let Go, Let Apple.

    Then you dive deeper. Teach your Apple TV Remote new gestures, diagnose that muffled HDMI‑ARC audio before it ruins movie night, and verify printer drivers so crummy pages don’t get you fired. Garmin tools favor macOS, but confirm app permissions so rogue software doesn’t hijack your devices—Thunderbird’s indexing quirks included. Add Touch ID to any Mac mini with a Magic Keyboard or BLEUnlock, tame a cramped 256 GB laptop with Hazel’s smart folders, and squeeze every drop from your ink cartridges with savvy resets and reliable third‑party refills. Don’t Get Caught without these hacks in your toolkit.

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1086 for Monday, April 21st, 2025
      • April 21st: Big Word Day (also World Creativity and Innovation Day)
      • Police Code 10-86 – Officer on-duty
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a CleanMyMac Membership!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 QT-Changing iOS Wallpaper to “Shuffle” Photos
      • 00:03:22 Andrew-QT-Type >> in Notes to link to recent notes
      • 00:05:01 Ben-QT-Force Sync to iCloud Photos
      • 00:08:00 Low Data Mode in iOS Cellular
        • Mint Mobile unlimited is (now) truly unlimited?
      • 00:14:28 RG-QT-Use two-language keyboards to check spelling and get recommendations in multiple languages
      • 00:18:02 n-Lucas-QT-Eliminate “Paste from Other Apps” notifications on iPhone
      • 00:19:14 QT-MacOS Finder Expand, Collapse & Drag Sidebar Location Categories to Desired position
        • Let Go and Let Apple
        • LITFA
        • Schrödinger’s Desktop
      • 00:24:18 ChatGPT writes our sponsor scripts
      • 00:27:57 Dan DXZDB-QT-Teaching your Apple TV Remote new Tricks
      • 00:30:15 Pilot Pete-Using HDMI-ARC results in crappy sound occasionally…what is it?
    • Don’t Get Caught
      • 00:34:47 KYEngineer-DGC-Make sure your printer drivers are correct
      • 00:37:42 Garmin’s software prefers Macs?
      • 00:39:40 Todd-DGC-Follow Up – Do Apps need Access to Devices?
      • 00:44:55 DGC-Thunderbird May Not Be Indexing Your Mail
    • 00:51:12 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support.
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:52:55 Russell-How can I add touch ID to my Mac mini?
        • Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
        • BLEUnlock
      • 00:58:30 Gary-Efficient Way to Manage 256Gb Laptop Storage?
        • Hazel
      • 01:06:02 Gary-Should I reset the ink/toner cartridges that I have?
        • Michael DJ-1084-Use InkJetSuperstore.com for third-party ink and toner cartridges
        • Check Amazon.com for InkJet Cartridges
    • Show Business
      • 01:10:10 MGG Review-rgAdg17 from the UK
      • 01:11:23 MGG Review-DudemanLA – 2025-04-10
    • 01:12:15 MGG Premium Listener Contribution Appreciation Moment
    • 01:17:18 MGG 1086 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – CleanMyMac
      • Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
      • Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
      • The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
      • Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
      • MGG Merch is Available!
      • Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
      • Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
      • This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
      • MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
      • feedback@macgeekgab.com
      • 224-888-GEEK
      • Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
      • BackBeat Media Podcast Network
    Password Hygiene, Custom GPT Hacks, and Your Best Travel Battery Apr 14, 2025
    Show notes Password Hygiene, Custom GPT Hacks, and Your Best Travel Battery — Mac Geek Gab 1085 episode image

    This week’s Mac Geek Gab is your fast lane to smarter tech moves, featuring Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton steering you through the latest Quick Tips and listener Q&A. You’ll learn how to turn your car’s Source button into a play/pause controller, why stuffing your user manuals into a custom GPT might be your next life hack, and how AI tools like Perplexity are leveling up fast. Plus, the gang workshopped their own MGG-GPT—because the more input you give, the better your tech life gets. Don’t Get Caught underestimating what AI can do for you!

    From the wisdom of when to buy a Mac (hint: when you need one) to the best practices for Migration Assistant and password hygiene, this episode is packed with practical advice. Thinking about travel gear? The crew compares their go-to backup batteries—from Pete’s 20k mAh beast to Dave’s slick INIU Qi2 charger. And if you’re mourning Mint, the budgeting app, the guys explore strong replacements like Quicken and Banktivity. It’s a full ride of tips to keep your tech life optimized and your wallet sane.

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1085 for Monday, April 14th, 2025
      • April 14th: National Dolphin Day
      • Police Code 10-85 – Arrival delay due to [insert-cause-here]
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a CleanMyMac Membership!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 QT-In new Subarus, play/pause is done by holding the Source button
      • 00:04:28 QT-Put all your user manuals into a custom GPT.
      • 00:05:39 Mark-QT-Use ChatGPT to write Photoshop scripts
      • 00:08:35 Shopify (and other companies) mandating the use of GPTs
      • 00:13:17 Workshopping the MGG-GPT
      • 00:15:21 Russ-CSF-More on Perplexity and other LLMs
      • 00:16:57 The more input you give AI, the better the output
      • 00:17:59 David-1083-Thanks for the motivation to back up my stuff!
    • 00:20:20 SPONSOR: Storyworth uses quick, weekly email prompts to create a unique keepsake hardcover book for you or your loved ones. Save $10 on your first purchase at StoryWorth.com/MACGEEKGAB.
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:21:47 Larry-With the potential for price-increases due to tariffs, should I buy a new Mac now?
        • MGG Advice: Buy a new machine when you need a new machine, and get the most Mac you can afford
      • 00:33:29 The price of computers over the years
      • 00:35:23 Barry-What’s the best source when using Migration Assistant?
      • 00:42:28 GW-Is it good practice to Regularly Change Passwords?
        • Changing Passwords for the Sake of Change
        • How big is your haystack?
      • 00:48:00 Changing passwords in a corporate environment
    • 00:54:06 SPONSOR: Coda, the one Doc to rule them all. Bring your text and tables together! Sign up at Coda.io/mgg for FREE.
    • MOAR Questions Answered
      • 00:55:34 DLH-What size battery do you travel with, and why?
        • Adam, the Anker Nano, 10,000mAh with USB-C and 30W
        • Pete, a 20,000mAh battery with USB-A and USB-C
        • Dave, now from MGG 1084: INIU 10k Qi2 15W/30W charger
    • 01:03:15 The FAA Did a Disservice to the Traveling Public with regards to Batteries
    • 01:09:36 GW-Good Budgeting Software after Mint?
      • Mint / Credit Karma app
      • Banktivity
      • Quicken for Mac
    • 01:14:40 MGG 1085 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – CleanMyMac
      • Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
      • Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
      • The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
      • Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
      • MGG Merch is Available!
      • Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
      • Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
      • This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
      • MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
      • feedback@macgeekgab.com
      • 224-888-GEEK
      • Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
      • BackBeat Media Podcast Network
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