MacVoices

Joe Kissell continues discussing Take Control of Apple Contacts, focusing on third-party app integration, outdated social media and messaging fields, and security concerns. He explains how apps can access contact data, why the Mac version lags behind iPhone and iPad, and why CardDAV-based syncing lacks true end-to-end encryption. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV26134.mp3 MacVoices is supported by NordLayer. Secure […]

The MacVoices Update for April 2026 reviews the week’s activity, including extensive coverage from NAB in Las Vegas and the growing accessibility of professional video tools. Chuck explains the temporary disruptions to live programming due to conflicting travel, outlines improvements to show notes and Patreon benefits, and thanks supporters.

MacVoices Live! returned after a brief hiatus to discuss the leadership transition from Tim Cook to John Ternus, exploring timing, succession planning, and potential impact. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Web Bixby, Guy Serle, Jim Rea, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs and Eric Bolden debate whether the move is surprising, how it aligns with product cycles, and Apple’s strategic stability. They highlight strong internal leadership, ongoing success across hardware and services, and why it points to a well-managed transition plan.

At NAB in Las Vegas, OBSBOT introduced their new Tiny 3 series, a new AI-powered 4K PTZ webcam lineup is showcased, emphasizing improved built-in audio to reduce reliance on external microphones. Dreami Li, Influencer Partnership Manager, walked us through the collection that features multiple audio modes, advanced tracking (human, voice, and animal), and gesture controls for zoom.

From NAB 2026 in Las Vegas, Broadcast Blinds’ CEO Rick Smith reviews their expertise in controlling natural light for video production and introduces a new portable solution. Designed for mobile crews and prosumer creators, the unit uses layered gels and scrims to manage brightness and background exposure. Quick setup and adjustable light reduction make it practical for changing conditions, expanding its use beyond studios to sports, field reporting, and on-location content creation.

Apple quietly removed legacy Pages, Numbers, and Keynote apps, noting they remain accessible but hidden for compatibility reasons. The panel of Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Guy Serle, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius and Jim Rea discusses the implications for new and existing users, then turn their attention to Apple Store closures, including a unionized location, weighing […]

Sumit Rai, Chief Product Officer, introduces us to elevate.io, a browser-based video editor built for team collaboration. He demonstrates a laundry list of impressive features, including real-time shared editing, reviewer feedback, cloud processing, proxy-based performance, stock media licensing, AI transcription, subtitle handling, and voice cleanup. Sumit also gives us a peek at their future translation tools that mimic the speaker’s voice, but in different languages. A free option and affordable pricing tiers help you try it and use it as needed for your projects.

Jeff Carlson discusses the pros and cons of third-party iPhone photography accessories, from grips and cages to ND filters and lenses. While these tools can enhance control, ergonomics, and video quality, they often add complexity that detracts from the iPhone’s simplicity. He also highlights new iPhone features, including improved selfie cameras, AirPods as shutter triggers and microphones, and practical shooting tips that expand creative possibilities. Details on all this and more can be found in his new Take Control of iPhone Photography. (Part 3)

Jeff Carlson discusses the second edition of Take Control of iPhone Photography, explaining how it helps users move beyond basic snapshots to more deliberate, higher-quality images. He highlights changes in Apple’s camera app, new features in recent iOS versions, and the challenges of hidden controls. The part of the conversation emphasizes understanding settings, resolutions, and techniques to fully use the iPhone’s powerful camera system. (Part 1)

Digital privacy and the uneasy tradeoffs behind commercially available location data take center stage, sparked by reports that the FBI is buying Americans’ data again. Chuck Joiner, Guy Serle, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Web Bixby examine legal versus ethical lines, data brokers, and whether public movement should equal public information. The discussion shifts to Microsoft’s rollback of unwanted Copilot features, highlighting growing frustration with forced AI tools in workplace and education settings.

This discussion centers on Apple’s record Mac launch driven by the MacBook Neo, highlighting uncertainty in measuring first-time users. The panel ofChuck Joiner, Guy Serle, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Web Bixby explores Apple’s quiet but profitable AI revenue, a key App Store legal ruling reinforcing Apple’s control over app listings, and the emergence of Claude Code as an automation tool.

The MacVoices Live! panel examines Apple’s new unified business platform, focusing on device management, email, calendars, directories, and small-business support. Chuck Joiner, Guy Serle, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Web Bixby see it as a long-overdue effort to simplify Apple’s fragmented business tools, with possible benefits for schools and smaller organizations. While it won’t displace Microsoft in enterprise settings, it could strengthen Apple’s position in business, education, and mobile device management.