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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:
    macOS 15.4 Fixes, Smart Home Discounts, & AirPods Battery Tips Apr 07, 2025
    Show notes macOS 15.4 Fixes, Smart Home Discounts, & AirPods Battery Tips – Mac Geek Gab 1084 episode image

    You picked the right episode to level up your tech game. This week on Mac Geek Gab, you’ll pick up smart Quick Tips like telling your homeowners’ insurance about your smart devices for potential savings, using UK plugs on US airplanes for reliable power, and mastering note navigation on macOS with Command-Return. You’ll even learn how to trigger gestures with your voice and why bringing an Apple TV on vacation might just change your life. Thinking about a new MacBook Air? Dave Hamilton, Pilot Pete, and Adam Christianson dig into performance insights, memory needs, and options like Luna Display for second screens. Always plan ahead—Don’t Get Caught without the right tools.

    Troubleshooting? We’ve got you. Fix grayed-out Mail send buttons, navigate quirks from macOS 15.4 updates, and avoid wasting money on third-party toner. Get pro tips on black-and-white printing, keeping MakeMKV functional, and how to protect your color ink. The gang also tackles questions like whether your browser really needs LAN access, optimizing AirPods battery settings, and improving iPhone-scan photo quality. Wrap it all up with killer Cool Stuff Found like the INIU Qi2 charger and Lutron Caseta shades. Stay tuned, stay geeky, and stay safe out there.

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1084 for Monday, April 7th, 2025
      • April 7th: Metric System Day
      • Police Code 10-84 – Advise ETA – In Metric Form Today!
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a CleanMyMac Membership!
      • Swatch Internet Time
      • The MGG Merch Store is Live!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 Lisa-QT-Tell your homeowners’ insurance company about your smart home devices
      • 00:04:51 Dan-QT-Use UK Plugs on airplanes to avoid power socket fallout
      • 00:09:27 Ben-QT-Notes: Change focus between list and editor
        • Command+Return
        • Command+Option+F
      • 00:12:54 Andrew-QT-Create gestures that you can trigger with your voice
      • 00:15:21 Ian-QT (and thanks) for bringing an Apple TV on vacation
      • 00:17:22 Mike-QT-Get plenty of memory with your M4 MacBook
      • 00:19:50 John-Considering options for a new MacBook Air
        • Dave’s Discord Thread about CPU Usage
        • Target Display Mode
        • Luna Display
    • 00:35:56 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.
    • Don’t Get Caught
      • 00:37:51 Allan-DGC-Mail Send Button turns Gray and Won’t Send
      • 00:39:54 Dominic-DGC-1083-macOS 15.4 (temporarily) breaks MakeMKV
        • MakeMKV Downloads
      • 00:42:19 Larry-DGC-Check ACTUAL toner (and ink) levels before changing cartridges.
        • QT-When printing black-and-white on a color printer, set your print driver to black-and-white (to save your color cartridges)
        • QT-Beware third-party toner
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:50:13 Does my browser need access to devices on my local network?
        • Amnesia to prevent (some) macOS 15’s monthly notifications
      • 00:57:51 Give LLMs as much information as you can with your requests
      • 01:00:39 Kent-Adjusting the size of iPhone-scanned photos
      • 01:06:53 Pogo Kelly – Battery Optimization for AirPods?
    • Cool Stuff Found
      • 01:13:19 DLH-CSF-INIU 10k Qi2 15W/30W charger with cable strap
      • 01:15:15 CSF Lutron Caseta Shades – CES
    • 01:20:42 MGG 1084 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
    Backups, Passwords, and Creedence Cryptex Mar 31, 2025
    Show notes Backups, Passwords, and Creedence Cryptex — Mac Geek Gab 1083 episode image

    You’re not really celebrating World Backup Day unless you’ve got Time Machine humming, Backblaze backing, and Synology syncing. In this week’s Mac Geek Gab, you, Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton dig deep into layered backup strategies with tools like Arq, Hazel, and iDrive e2—plus the always-timely reminder to check your backups. Then it’s on to Quick Tips: did you know iPhone timers can start or stop audio playback? Or that you can quickly reload Safari without blockers? You’ll even learn how naming your AirTags strategically makes Find My a breeze.

    Security’s in the spotlight, too. Make your password manager ironclad, freeze your credit at the big three bureaus, and finally unravel the mystery of the Creedence Cryptex. Got Mac quirks? Learn how to stop macOS windows from auto-resizing and find the best media tools for ripping Blu-Rays. Cool Stuff Found includes gadgets like the FeatherSnap bird feeder cam, Warp.dev for AI terminal magic, HazeOver to tame your desktop, and the punchy 1More Sonoflow cans. Tune in, geek out, and most importantly… Don’t Get Caught.

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1083 for Monday, March 31st, 2025
      • March 31st: World Backup Day
      • Police Code 10-83 – Work/school crossing detail
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Unite 6 from BZG Apps!
    • 00:03:46 March 31st: World Backup Day
      • Time Machine
      • Backblaze
      • iCloud Drive Desktop & Documents
      • Synology Drive (sync, with versioning)
      • CCC Backup
      • Hazel
      • Arq Backup
      • iDrive e2
      • Monthly reminder to “Check Backups”
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 Perry-QT-iPhone timers can stop AND start audio playing
      • 00:25:59 Carsten-QT-Number your AirTags and just name them in the Find My app
      • 00:28:09 Bill-QT-Reload Safari without Blockers
        • 1Blocker
      • 00:34:20 Carsten-QT-Make your password manager even more secure
      • 00:43:15 Freeze your accounts at credit bureaus (it’s free!)
        • Equifax
        • Trans Union
        • Experian
    • Show Business
      • 00:46:01 MGG Reviews
        • MGG Review-SimonLock
        • MGG Review-rn_doug
      • 00:48:54 MGG Premium Listener Contribution Appreciation Moment
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:50:46 David-Creedence Cryptex-What is this?
      • 00:56:14 Joe-How do I stop windows from enlarging when I drag them in macOS 15?
      • 00:58:01 Mac-Media and Optical Drive Recommendations-A Few Things
        • MakeMKV to Rip Blu-Rays on Your Mac
    • Cool Stuff Found
      • 01:06:08 CSF-FeatherSnap BirdFeeder with Camera
      • 01:09:17 Rob in STL-CSF-Warp.dev, an AI-powered Terminal
      • 01:11:50 n-Tony-CSF-HazeOver to dim inactive windows on your Mac
      • 01:13:25 CSF-1More Sonoflow HQ51 Over-Ear Headphones
    • 01:16:35 MGG 1083 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Unite 6 from BZG Apps!
      • 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
    Don’t Get Caught: iCloud, VPNs, and the Future of AI Mar 24, 2025
    Show notes Don’t Get Caught: iCloud, VPNs, and the Future of AI – Mac Geek Gab 1082 episode image

    This week, you’re loaded with Quick Tips to streamline your Apple life. You’ll learn how to nest Notes folders, edit Siri Reminders from your Lock Screen, and why your iPhone needs to stay locked for Continuity Camera magic. Discover how to whip up Wi-Fi QR codes with ease, subscribe to ICS calendars instead of juggling downloads, and harness your Apple Watch’s crown like a pro. Adam and Dave help you stay ahead of Plex Pass price hikes and unlock unsigned apps in macOS 15 Sequoia. Just Don’t Get Caught by iCloud’s aggressive junk filter or Tailscale’s Terminal-only Lock requirement—they could trip you up.

    Your questions kept things rolling, from backing up iCloud Drive with Backblaze to finding the right VPN—whether it’s PIA, ExpressVPN, or Tailscale exit nodes. Photo Exifer tricks help you sync titles and captions in your iCloud Photo Library, and Cool Stuff Found delivers: pop your public IP into your menu bar, snag a MoFT Snap Flow Note for your iPhone, and hear why Claude Code tops the LLM game for developers.

    What’s that about the future of AI? Yeah, we’re going there. It’s national cocktail day, after all! Press play and enjoy.

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1082 for Monday, March 24th, 2025
      • March 24th: National Cocktail Day
      • Police Code 10-82 – Reserve Lodging
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Unite 6 from BZG Apps!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 Andrew-QT-You can put Notes folders into Subfolders
      • 00:04:50 Todd-QT-Edit Siri Reminders Entries on Lock Screen
      • 00:06:15 Josh-QT-IPhone needs to be locked for Continuity Camera to work
      • 00:09:56 Terri-QT-Create WiFi QR Codes with the Passwords app
      • 00:12:08 DLH-QT-Subscribe to ICS files in Calendar instead of Downloading them once
      • 00:14:03 Bern-QT-Remember to use Apple Watch’s Crown
      • 00:17:54 WillRun4Fun-QT-Plex Pass pricing increases coming in April
      • 00:20:56 PorthosJon-QT-Run Unsigned Apps in macOS 15 Sequoia
    • 00:23:11 SPONSOR: OWC’s Envoy Ultra The first and fastest Thunderbolt 5 portable SSD. Fanless, bus-powered, and over 6,000 MB/s.
    • Don’t Get Caught
      • 00:24:33 Russell-DGC-iCloud’s Junk Mail Filtering Keeps Messages from Forwarding
      • 00:34:46 Ed-DGC-Tailscale Lock requires a Terminal-based device to work
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:38:32 Ron-1081-Does using iCloud Drive and BackBlaze cause problems?
      • 00:40:31 Kirschen-Is there a monthly VPN I could sign up for?
        • PIA VPN
        • ExpressVPN
        • Tailscale Exit Nodes
      • 00:53:39 Charles-Sync Titles and Captions with iCloud Photo library
        • Photo Exifer
        • ResEdit
    • Show Business
      • 01:00:40 MGG Premium Listener Contribution Appreciation Moment
    • Cool Stuff Found
      • 01:04:59 Russell-CSF-Public IP for your menu bar from Zenwheel
      • 01:07:23 CSF-MoFT Snap Flow Note Stand-A MagSafe notepad for your iPhone (found at SXSW!)
      • 01:12:45 Bill-CSF-Claude Code is the best LLM for coding
    • 01:15:00 What’s the future of humanity with AI in the mix?
    • 01:27:02 MGG 1082 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Unite 6 from BZG Apps!
      • 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
    Green Bubbles Strike Back: RCS vs. SMS Smackdown! Mar 17, 2025
    Show notes Green Bubbles Strike Back: RCS vs. SMS Smackdown! — Mac Geek Gab 1081 episode image

    Tired of your hotel room feeling like a sterile box? Discover how to make it feel like home on the go!

    This week on Mac Geek Gab, Dave shares his travel tip for adding ambiance to hotel rooms using the JBL Pulse speaker. Learn how this lava lamp-like device can transform your temporary living space. The hosts also dive into the perils of double syncing folders to different cloud services, offering valuable advice to avoid potential data disasters.

    From calendar booking solutions to secure DNS options, the episode covers a range of tech topics. Explore the Nomatic Travel Pack, a versatile backpack that expands into a weekender bag. Plus, get the scoop on Quad 9, a privacy-focused DNS service. Don’t get caught with boring hotel rooms or syncing mishaps – tune in for these tips and more!

    Ready to upgrade your tech knowledge and travel game? Listen to this episode of Mac Geek Gab for a wealth of practical advice and cool stuff found!

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1081 for Monday, March 17th, 2025
      • March 17th: Corned Beef & Cabbage Day
      • Police Code 10-81 – Traffic stop initiated / Breathalyzer request
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Unite 6 from BZG Apps!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 Val-QT-Drop a file into ChatGPT with instructions to shrink it down
      • 00:02:41 CSF-BACTrack
      • 00:03:23 Eddy Cue and Ben Stiller @ SXSW 2025
        • Norton Utilities…The Pink Shirt Treatment
      • 00:07:02 JanLandy-QT-Quickly access Crop on iPhone Photos
      • 00:08:20 Adam-QT-Hide Screenshots in Photos
      • 00:10:15 There’s also a “Hidden” Album in Apple Photos
      • 00:11:08 Andrew-QT-Create a Smart List of Undated Reminders
      • 00:12:09 Pilot Pete-QT-Instant Info about your Current WiFi
      • 00:14:09 Dave-Check your WiFi details when you check-in to your hotel$
      • 00:17:58 n-Gene-QT-Enable Safari’s Debug Menu to Configure Specific Options
        • OnyX
    • 00:19:55 SPONSOR: Coda, the one Doc to rule them all. Bring your text and tables together! Sign up at Coda.io/mgg for FREE.
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:21:22 Bob-How to Be Sure a Drive is Ejected Before UnPlugging
      • 00:26:55 Karl-1080-Logging in with Apple ID versus using Hide My Email
      • 00:32:09 David in Texas-Mixed-RCS and SMS Cage Match: Platform Message Groups Keep Getting Duplicated
      • 00:42:01 Fr. John-Restoring Mail’s Badges to Normalcy
      • 00:44:30 Bill-Domain Registrar Advice?
        • Hover
        • Namecheap
        • CloudFlare Domain Name Registrar
      • 00:52:18 Brian-I got caught double-syncing!
        • ChronoSync
    • 00:55:47 SPONSOR: ScreenCastsONLINE. Each week, ScreenCastsONLINE publishes two Apple-related videos to its ever-expanding library of over 1,400 tutorials. Visit ScreenCastsONLINE.com/mgg to try it FREE for 7 DAYS, then get a lifetime 20% discount on your subscription.
    • Cool Stuff Found
      • 00:57:17 Dave-CSFR-JBL Pulse for your Hotel Room
      • 00:59:51 Andrew-CSF-1080-TidyCal to book appointments on your calendar
      • 01:02:05 Dave-CSF-Nomatic Travel Pack Backpack is what Dave used for SXSW
      • 01:06:13 Pilot Pete-SF-Quad9 DNS – 9.9.9.9
      • 01:11:59 Adam-CSF-Jaipur 2-Player Board Game
    • 01:14:30 MGG 1081 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Unite 6 from BZG Apps!
      • 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
    Reminders That Actually Work, CarPlay Hacks, and Why Siri Hates You Mar 10, 2025
    Show notes Reminders That Actually Work, CarPlay Hacks, and Why Siri Hates You – Mac Geek Gab 1080 episode image

    SXSW is in full swing, and Dave is multitasking like a pro—grabbing his SXXpress passes mid-recording while keeping the geeky goodness rolling. Quick Tips flood in, from clicking your scroll wheel to copy text in Terminal to checking CPU usage per Safari tab in Activity Monitor. Need hands-free Siri? Just activate her from your steering wheel. Speaking of hands-free, snagging a wireless CarPlay screen for just $45 sounds like a no-brainer. Adam even took ChatGPT for a spin, using it to summarize scenes in a play he’s doing. You’ll even find your three favorite geeks diving into smarter ways to manage reminders with tags, projects, Kanbans, and location-based alerts. And don’t forget to test your UPS quarterly—Carsten’s got his EcoFlow power station pulling double duty.

    Apple dropped some fresh gear, and Ken Case describes how he’s using his Vision Pro daily. The M4 MacBook Air, new Mac Studio, and M3 iPad Air made waves, but let’s not ignore the everyday wins—like OpenIn giving you control over mailto links and Thunderbird’s (somewhat broken) indexing. Security gets its moment with a deep dive into “Sign In With Apple” and why padding your passwords matters. Oh, and if you’ve ever raged at Siri for not appending text to an existing note, Adam’s got you covered. Whether it’s tech, tricks, or troubleshooting, one thing’s for sure: Don’t Get Caught!

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1080 for Monday, March 10th, 2025
      • March 10th: Fill Our Staplers Day
      • Police Code 10-80 – Pursuit in progress
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Unite 6 from BZG Apps!
      • Special Promo: HelloFresh is running a 50% off special this month at HelloFresh.com with promo code HELLOFRESHPODCAST.
      • Special Promo: Factor is running a special this month at FactorMeals.com with promo code FACTORPODCAST.
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a copy of CCC Backup from Bombich Software!
    • 00:03:26 SXSW This week, and today Dave needs to get SXXpress passes during the MGG recording. Fun!
      • Eddy Cue & Ben Stiller talk Severance (and more) @ SXSW
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 Nick-QT-Click your scroll wheel to copy text in Terminal
      • 00:04:58 Crampy-QT-Activate Siri from your steering wheel
      • 00:06:06 Activity Monitor will show you CPU per Safari webpage usage
      • 00:07:29 Siri Ignores you when she’s face down
        • CarLinKit Adapter
        • Wireless Aftermarket CarPlay Screen (only $45 today)
      • 00:11:20 Adam used ChatGPT!
      • 00:15:25 Andrew-QT-Tips to Make Reminders Even More Useful
        • Previously-used Alternatives: OneNote, Evernote, Trello, ToDoist, Goodlinks
        • Save Bookmarks
        • Projects (with Kanban boards)
        • Groups
        • Tags
        • Repeating
        • Setting Location
        • Shopping List
        • Siri
      • 00:20:41 Mark R-QT-Test your UPSes Quarterly
      • 00:22:22 Carsten-CSF-EcoFlow Power Stations as UPSes
        • Jackery makes Adam’s
    • 00:26:57 SPONSOR: Rogue Amoeba Software makes some of the best Mac Audio software on the planet, and we couldn’t produce MGG this way without it! Just visit MacAudio.com/MGG and use code GEEKGAB to save 20% on anything they make. Download free trials, then buy online to receive the discounted price.
    • New Apple Stuff
      • 00:29:03 Ken Case-How I use my Apple Vision Pro every day
      • 00:32:33 New M4 MacBook Air
      • 00:39:46 New Mac Studio
      • 00:41:06 New M3 iPad Air
    • 00:46:29 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!
      • 00:47:52 Andy-Offer a Choice of Clients to Intercept mailto links
        • OpenIn
      • 00:51:22 DGC-Thunderbird Mail’s indexing is broken on the Mac
      • 00:54:57 David-Scheduling Meetings with Multiple Calendars (here’s ChatGPT’s thoughts)
      • 01:00:17 GW-Is Sign In With Apple safe?
      • 01:07:35 Using padding on your passwords
      • 01:10:04 David-Any Way to Auto Alphabetically Sort Apple Mail (GC?)
        • BASIC Line numbers by tens
      • 01:14:03 No Mail Client Is Perfect
      • 01:15:44 Adam-How do I get Siri to add text to an existing note on iOS?
    • 01:20:03 MGG 1080 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Unite 6 from BZG Apps!
      • 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
    Cool Stuff Found: Monitors, Dash Cams, AI Tools & More! Mar 03, 2025
    Show notes Cool Stuff Found: Monitors, Dash Cams, AI Tools & More! – Mac Geek Gab 1079 episode image

    This week’s Mac Geek Gab with Pilot Pete and Dave Hamilton is packed with Quick Tips and Cool Stuff Found to keep your tech life running smoothly. Discover hidden battery drains on your iPhone by sorting battery usage by time, then take ChatGPT customization to the next level—give it a full list of your installed apps for smarter suggestions! Want faster Terminal work? Just Cmd-Right-Click to paste selected text instantly. Always be tweaking, always be learning… and as always, Don’t Get Caught without the best tech tricks at your fingertips.

    Cool Stuff Found is on fire this week, from tools that supercharge your workflow to gear that levels up your setup. Rectangle Pro lets you save entire workspaces of apps and windows, while BetterDisplay gives you ultimate control over your virtual desktops. Need more? Planck SSD expands your iPhone storage, and the ShiftCam SnapGrip Pro transforms it into a photography powerhouse. For research, Perplexity LLM might just outshine ChatGPT. Oh, and if you want a killer backpack, the Portland Gear Cascade has you covered. Whether it’s monitors, media converters, or dash cams, MGG delivers—so geek out and grab what works for you!

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1079 for Monday, March 3rd, 2025
      • March 3rd: National If Pets Had Thumbs Day
      • Police Code 10-79 – Notify Coroner / Bomb threat
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Unite 6 from BZG Apps!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 QT-Sort iPhone battery usage by time and scroll down to find hidden consumers
      • 00:05:38 Scott-QT-Give ChatGPT a list of your apps to help better craft solutions!
        • sudo ls -R /Applications > ~/Desktop/Installed_Applications.txt
      • 00:11:58 Customize ChatGPT’s Behavior
      • 00:17:45 Google Notebook Podcast
      • 00:19:53 Ventmore-QT-Quickly paste selected text in Terminal with Cmd-Right-Click
    • 00:22:24 SPONSOR: ScreenCastsONLINE. Each week, ScreenCastsONLINE publishes two Apple-related videos to its ever-expanding library of over 1,400 tutorials. Visit ScreenCastsONLINE/mgg to get a lifetime 20% discount on your subscription.
    • Cool Stuff Found
      • 00:24:34 Dan-CSF-Rectangle Pro stores entire workspaces of apps and windows
      • 00:25:55 Jim-CSF-BetterDisplay for Virtual Desktop and More
      • 00:28:34 Kent-CSF-Planck SSD for iPhone
      • 00:30:56 Pilot Pete=CSF-ShiftCam SnapGrip Pro
      • 00:33:53 CSF-OhSnap SnapGrip Wallet
      • 00:37:31 Dan-CSF-Aeon Timeline for creating gantt charts
      • 00:38:55 Russ-CSF-Perplexity LLM is better than ChatGPT at research
      • 00:43:31 DLH-CSF-Portland Gear Cascade Backpack
    • 00:48:41 SPONSOR: Factor. Save time with Factor’s fresh, never-frozen meals, ready to heat and eat in just 2 minutes! Head to FactorMeals.com/FACTORPODCAST with code FACTORPODCAST to get 50% off your first box.
    • MOAR Cool Stuff Found
      • 00:50:08 Deborah-CSF-Reeder consolidates Social Media, RSS, Reddit, and More
      • 00:51:13 MarkK2473-CSF-BenQ PD32 4K Monitor/Display
      • 00:58:03 MarbleWraith-CSF-Acer Predator XB323QX 32″ 5K Display
      • 00:59:00 CSF-NextBase Piqo 2K Dash Cam
      • 01:04:43 ourstanley-CSF-1078-MagSafe case for iPhone 16e for less than $10
      • 01:06:07 CSF-Speck Presidio Lux MagSafe clear case with flowers
      • 01:07:55 Mark M-CSF-SuperClick, an all-in-one media converter
      • 01:09:38 Corky-CSF-vSeeBox to watch…anything?
        • Formuler Z11 Pro
      • 01:14:52 ShiftCam Lens Kits
    • 01:19:05 MGG 1079 Outtro
      • 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
    Siri, I Want My T Back! Feb 24, 2025
    Show notes Siri, I Want My T Back! — Mac Geek Gab 1078 episode image

    Ever wished you could customize your iPhone’s lock screen with your name? This week’s Mac Geek Gab has you covered!

    Discover how to add your name or custom text to your iPhone’s lock screen using a clever Focus mode trick. Pete, Adam, and Dave dive into a variety of Quick Tips, including running multiple Terminal commands at once and exploring the powerful SIPS command for image processing. They also discuss the new iPhone 16e, weighing its pros and cons against its pricier siblings.

    The episode covers troubleshooting network share issues with Synology drives, debates the merits of Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, and shares insights on parental controls using Screen Time. Don’t miss the accidental Cool Stuff Found segment featuring YT-DLP, a versatile command-line tool for downloading videos. Remember, don’t get caught without these handy tech tips and tricks!

    Ready to geek out and learn at least five new things? Click play now and join the Mac Geek Gab crew for episode 1078!

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1078 for Monday, February 24th, 2025
      • February 24th: National Tortilla Chip Day
      • Police Code 10-78 – Need assistance / Send ambulance
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a copy of CCC Backup from Bombich Software!
      • Special Promo: Factor is running a special this month at FactorMeals.com with promo code FACTORPODCAST.
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 Eliot-QT-Customize Bottom of Lock Screen iOS
      • 00:04:00 Mark-QT-You can now manually select your Preferred Home Hub
      • 00:06:01 Pilot Pete-QT-Run more than 1 Command at a time in Terminal
        • sips – Scriptable Image Processing System
      • 00:12:24 pbcopy – put the output into the clipboard
        • Setapp
      • 00:16:40 ADD Tod-1077-QT-Dock Shortcut for accessing AppleCare Status on Mac
      • 00:17:55 Ahkeens-QT-Clean up your iCloud Storage every year
      • 00:20:37 Andrew-QT-Use your Beats Pill 2 as a USB Speaker for your Mac
      • 00:23:35 Geek Challenge: Sync Alexa To–Do List with iCloud (or anything that gets to BusyCal)
      • 00:28:11 Matt-QT-Turn off icons in iOS Mail
      • 00:29:39 Todd-QT-Swipe right (and left) in Reminders on Mac for quick(ie) options
    • Don’t Get Caught
      • 00:31:43 Dan-DGC-If You Migrate – Migrate ALL Devices!
      • 00:34:11 John-DGC-Know what your Mail dock count means
      • 00:34:54 You CAN get logs on iOS
      • 00:38:17 Bart-DGC-Multiple account woes
    • Sponsor
      • 00:39:55 SPONSOR: OWC’s new Thunderbolt 5 hub is available and is compatible with Macs, PCs, and iPads Pro
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:41:42 New iPhone 16e vs. iPhone(s) 16 and Pro
      • 00:47:47 Gary-Do you use or recommend Advanced Data Protection?
        • Apple pulls data protection in UK
      • 00:54:24 Fist Shake about Apple’s AI Rollout
        • Siri, I want my T back!
      • 00:57:40 Carlos-Troubleshooting missing files in the Finder
        • yt-dlp – Terminal command to download YouTube files (and Vimeo, and others)
        • tldr – Terminal command
      • 01:08:05 Ian-1077-More on Screen Time and Contacts management
      • 01:09:36 Ben-1077-Comcast hack resulted in trashed email for some users
      • 01:10:56 The Motives of Script Kiddies
    • 01:14:06 MGG 1078 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a copy of CCC Backup from Bombich Software!
      • 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
    From Power Failures to Plex: Tech Tips Galore Feb 17, 2025
    Show notes From Power Failures to Plex: Tech Tips Galore – Mac Geek Gab 1077 episode image

    This week’s Mac Geek Gab is packed with smart strategies to optimize your Apple gear and tech setup. Want to control which iPhone Pro lenses your camera uses? Dive into Fusion Camera settings. Keep your network alive longer by putting your router on a dedicated UPS. Apple Silicon’s insane battery life keeps you going, while a quick double-tap in Apple Mail lets you switch views like a pro. Got a travel routine? Packing a universal remote and an Apple TV can make your trips way smoother. Plus, Apple finally lets you migrate purchases to a new Apple ID—because it’s about time.

    Security and efficiency take center stage as Dave, Pete, and Adam explore Apple’s Activation Lock Request site, a free alternative to Keyboard Maestro, and a clever fix to stop your sister’s email from vanishing into the void. Find out why AA AirTag cases might not be the battery solution you’re looking for, and don’t get caught without AppleCare—check all your covered devices in one place. Whether it’s SharePlay, Plex Pass discounts, or leveling up your keyboard shortcuts, this episode is packed with smart, surprising, and satisfying solutions.

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1077 for Monday, February 17th, 2025
      • February 17th: Analog to Digital TV Day
      • Police Code 10-77 – Estimated Time of Arrival, Directing Traffic at a Fire
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a copy of CCC Backup from Bombich Software!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 RandyWalker-Go into Settings > Camera > Fusion Camera to control which lenses your iPhone Pro uses
      • 00:03:09 Keeping your router and network gear on a separate UPS to keep them running longer
      • 00:05:27 Doctor Lee-Use Accessibility to Trigger iPad Shortcuts with Keyboard
      • 00:08:36 The benefits of Apple Silicon battery life
    • 00:12:53 SPONSOR: Coda, the one Doc to rule them all. Bring your text and tables together! Sign up at Coda.io/mgg for FREE.
    • MOAR Quick Tips
      • 00:14:09 Darrin-QT-Double Tap Apple Mail Categories QUICKLY solves Category -v- List View!
      • 00:16:56 Bob-QT-1074-Put Feet on your Dock to keep it cool
      • 00:18:11 Steve-Apple now allows purchases to be migrated to a new Apple ID
    • About migrating Apple Account purchases between accounts
      • 00:29:54 PorthosJon-QT-Apple’s Activation Lock Request web site
      • 00:32:26 DJ MAC-QT-Bring an Apple TV with you when you travel
        • Beryl AX
        • SoundSource
    • Don’t Get Caught
      • 00:39:30 Andy-DGC-CSF-Elevation Labs AirTag Cases with AA Batts – Alkaline -v- Lithium
    • 00:42:44 SPONSOR: Indochino. For all your 2025 plans, look your best in INDOCHINO. Visit Indochino.com and use code MGG to get 20% off any purchase of $499 or more.
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:44:07 MACE-Why is all my sister’s mail being deleted?
      • 00:49:05 Rob-How to see all your Apple Care device coverage Account.Apple.Com -> Support.Apple.Com
      • 00:57:10 Matthew-Keep a small, cheap universal remote in your travel bag
      • 00:58:27 Steve-What’s the actual resolution of a 5K Display?
        • VP2768a-4K 27″ Display
        • Philips Creator Series 27E2f7901 27″ 4K display
        • LG 5K Display
        • Viewsonic VP2788-5K 27″ display
    • 01:04:35 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support.
    • Cool Stuff Found
      • 01:05:52 Mark M-CSF-Keyboard Cowboy – a free alternative to Keyboard Maestro/Better Touch Tool
      • 01:06:46 P2-CSF-Plex Pass Discounts Now
      • 01:10:30 Chris-CSF-Outsmarted, a remote and interactive board game
        • JackBox Games
      • 01:14:37 Using SharePlay…Gotta Try it!
      • 01:16:42 RandyWalker-DeskPad for sharing a smaller screen
    • 01:20:03 MGG 1077 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a copy of CCC Backup from Bombich Software!
      • 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
    From Garage Lights to Geeky Delights Feb 10, 2025
    Show notes From Garage Lights to Geeky Delights – Mac Geek Gab 1076 episode image

    Are you tired of fumbling with your iPhone to undo actions? Discover a game-changing Quick Tip that will revolutionize your mobile experience!

    This episode of Mac Geek Gab is packed with time-saving hacks and tech insights. Learn how to undo on your iPhone without shaking, customize your Finder tabs, and supercharge your Apple Notes with ProNotes. The hosts dive into the world of AI-generated music and explore the potential of ChatGPT’s Canvas feature for collaborative work.

    Don’t get caught off guard by scam texts or emails! Dave, Adam, and Pete share valuable advice on staying safe online and discusses the latest developments in social media apps. Plus, get the scoop on innovative gadgets like motion-sensing garage lights and puzzle games that will challenge your problem-solving skills.

    Ready to elevate your tech game and stay ahead of the curve? Don’t get caught missing out on these essential tips and tricks. Click to listen now and join the Mac Geek Gab community!

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1076 for Monday, February 10th, 2025
      • February 10th: National Clean Out Your Computer Day
      • Police Code 10-76 – En route to location
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a copy of CCC Backup from Bombich Software!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 Ventmore-QT-Use three-finger swipe (or tap) to undo on iPhone (and iPad)
      • 00:02:17 Steve-QT-Say “Cancel” to shut Siri up!
      • 00:04:37 Steve Hammond-QT-Use Option to set default app to open a file
      • 00:06:12 Rod L-QT-Tailscale says to install the standalone version on macOS
      • 00:08:50 PorthosJon-QT-Use pbcopy to send stuff directly from Terminal to Clipboard
        • cat /etc/hosts | pbcopy
      • 00:10:44 Alex-QT-Deselect Category view in iOS Mail
      • 00:15:13 Ed-QT-1075-Select the tab with the same Shift+Command+\ again!
      • 00:16:19 Porthos Jon-QT-1075-More Finder Window Management Tips
    • Don’t Get Caught
      • 00:20:41 Niceville Steve-DGC-Beware Texts that appear to be Apple wanting to change your password
      • 00:25:09 Lucas-DGC-Don’t Accidentally Invite People to an Event!
    • Show Business
      • 00:26:35 MGG Premium Listener Contribution Appreciation Moment
      • 00:29:58 MGG Reviews 1/22/2025
      • 00:30:32 MGG Reviews 12/20/24
      • 00:30:59 MGG Reviews 12/25/2024
      • 00:32:15 MGG Reviews 2025-01-02
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:33:43 Uncle Jamie-Which 2.5Gb Switches should I get?
        • UniFi Flex Mini 2.5G
        • GoodTop 16-port Web Managed 2.5G Switch
        • XikeStor 8-Port 2.5G Switch
      • 00:39:30 TP-Link’s China Connection
      • 00:43:10 Larry-How do I control what audio plays when my phone connects to my car?
    • Cool Stuff Found
      • 00:48:44 Adam-CSF-Suno AI Song Generator
        • Fletcher Makes – “Is Die Hard A Christmas Movie” voting machine (2024)
        • 00:51:55 ChatGPT Canvas
      • 00:57:42 Paul Conaway-CSF-HiDock to control exactly where the Dock appears
      • 00:58:51 RandyWalker-CSF-Tapestry From iconfactory pulls all your socials into one timeline
        • Friendly for Twitter
      • 01:03:32 Mark M-CSF-ProNotes, adding formatting, AI, Templates, and Markdown to Apple Notes
      • 01:05:38 CSF-Apple Invites now available for iCloud+ users
      • 01:07:39 CSF-Motion Sensing LED Garage Light
      • 01:10:51 Steve-CSF-StopTheMadness to keep those Safari Form Fills from driving you mad
      • 01:11:50 Adam-CSF- Box Two by Neil Patrick Harris
        • Box One by Neil Patrick Harris
        • Myst
        • The Room, The Room Two, and The Room: Old Sins
        • Blackbox
        • Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2
    • 01:17:22 MGG 1076 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a copy of CCC Backup from Bombich Software!
      • 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
    Time To Get Past 300 Baud – Mac Geek Gab 1075 Feb 04, 2025
    Show notes Time To Get Past 300 Baud – Mac Geek Gab 1075 episode image

    Are you tired of your smart home devices failing when your internet goes down? Don’t get caught unprepared!

    In this episode of Mac Geek Gab, Pete, Adam, and Dave dive into the world of home automation and network stability. They discuss strategies for keeping your smart home running smoothly, even when your internet connection fails. From setting up local control with Home Assistant to configuring DNS settings, you’ll learn valuable tips to maintain your smart home’s functionality.

    The episode also covers a range of other tech topics. Learn about updating AirPods firmware, managing battery life on MacBooks, and the ins and outs of AirTags. Plus, discover a Cool Stuff Found with the Remote app for controlling your Mac from your iPhone, and get a Quick Tip on using keyboard shortcuts in Finder tabs.

    Don’t Get Caught without these essential tech insights and more. Tune in to Mac Geek Gab episode 1075 and arm yourself with the knowledge to keep your smart home running smoothly, no matter what challenges arise.

    • 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1075 for Tuesday, February 4th, 2025
      • February 4th: National Stuffed Mushroom Day (also Facebook’s Birthday and National Hemp Day… coincidence? You decide!)
      • Police Code 10-75 – Severe weather statement
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a copy of CCC Backup!
    • Quick Tips
      • 00:00:01 Bern-QT-Save Micro-Seconds on your iOS LogIn
      • 00:03:01 Brian-QT-Display Finder Tabs with SHIFT + ⌘ + \ then type a letter for a bonus tip!
      • 00:06:45 Craig-QT-Apple’s Official Instructions to Update AirPods Firmware
      • 00:09:00 Bern-QT-Conversation Awareness Airpods Pro – Cool Use Case!
      • 00:15:00 Alex-QT-Export Notes to RTFd by dragging in the exactly right way
      • 00:18:00 Allison-1074-M3 MacBook Pro’s always-plugged-in battery ranges between 80%-76%
    • Sponsors and Podcasts
      • 00:19:22 SPONSOR: Factor. Save time with Factor’s fresh, never-frozen meals, ready to heat and eat in just 2 minutes! Head to FactorMeals.com/MGG50OFF with code MGG50OFF to get 50% off your first box.
      • 00:20:55 PODCAST: Unmute Presents connects blind and sight-impaired individuals through engaging podcasts and live discussions. Together, they share knowledge, answer questions, and build a stronger community.
    • Don’t Get Caught
      • 00:22:05 Muneesh-DGC-AirPods Pro in the Shower – NOT recommended!
    • Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
      • 00:28:27 Joe-Q-independent Cellular Watch Plans Available?
        • US-Mobile Standalone Plan for Apple Watch
      • 00:31:15 Using Parental Controls on your Child’s iPhone
      • 00:38:28 David-Car issues with AirTag followers and wireless CarPlay
        • CarLinKit 5.0 Adapter
      • 00:43:32 Mace-Q-Need to Reset an Airtag With a Dead Battery?
        • Replacement AirTAG CR2032 Batteries
        • Purdy Neat Things Crew Bag
      • 00:55:19 Wilco-Q-IoT stability when Internet Connection is down
        • HomeAssistant
    • Cool Stuff Found
      • 01:07:26 CSF-Vietnam: The War That Changed America Series on Apple TV+
        • Mythic Quest Season 4 is out…and Side Quest is coming in March
      • 01:10:21 CSFR-Remote for Mac’s peer-to-peer mode works as requested!
    • More Questions!
      • 01:12:35 How do I print when on a connection-limited Wi-Fi network?
      • 01:15:22 Is AirPrint Peer-to-Peer?
    • 01:18:31 MGG 1075 Outtro
      • MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a copy of Carbon Copy Cloner!
      • 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
      • The Mac Geek Gab iPhone app
      • Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
      • BackBeat Media Podcast Network
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