In this special holiday episode of Basic AF, Jeff Battersby and Tom Anderson share their favorite picks from 2024, blending tech, books, music, and apps. The duo kicks off with lighthearted banter about recording struggles, holiday vibes, and their signature cranky humor before diving into their curated favorites.

Jeff highlights the Beetle X31 SSD, a sleek and reliable portable storage device, and shares his literary recommendations, including If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, and James by Percival Everett, each rich with thematic connections to classic literature. Tom, on the other hand, spotlights Craft 3, an app redefining productivity with database-like collections, the excellent Capital Centre: A Retrospective, and the Anker USB-C Charger, offering versatile charging solutions for multiple devices.

The episode also explores cultural gems like The Mars Volta’s self-titled album, the whimsical Festivitas app, which decks out the Mac menu bar and dock with festive holiday lights, and more!

Links:
Beetle X31 SSD https://ssd.skhynix.com/beetle_x31/

If We Were Villains: A Novel https://www.amazon.com/If-We-Were-Villains-Novel/

Demon Copperhead https://amzn.to/4iuPP2P

James https://amzn.to/3VtSuA2

The Mars Volta https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-mars-volta/1636983430

Craft 3 https://www.craft.do/v3

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
• Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Show transcripts and episode artwork are AI generated and likely contain errors and general silliness.

In our 50th episode, Chris Freitag returns to explore the world of iPhone 16 Pro photography. We discuss the new Camera Control features and usability in real-world scenarios, and how Apple’s new Photographic Styles tools can elevate your mobile photography. The conversation also covers the latest December OS updates, Apple’s acquisition of Pixelmator and its impact on creative workflows, and a closer look at Chris’s favorite gear and techniques for capturing stunning shots.

Links from the show:

A new home for Pixelmator: https://www.pixelmator.com/blog/2024/11/01/a-new-home-for-pixelmator.html

iPhone 17 'Air' Expected to Be ~2mm Thinner Than iPhone 16 Pro: https://www.macrumors.com/2024/12/06/iphone-17-air-2mm-thinner/

Chris Freitag - iPhone 16 Pro from a Fujifilm Perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyCGkREK1BE

Chris's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisFreitag

Other Places to Find Chris:

Website: https://chrisfreitag.com

Glass: https://glass.photo/freitag

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@chrisfreitag

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisfreitag/

Mastodon: https://photog.social/@freitag

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
• Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Show transcripts and episode artwork are AI generated and likely con...

In this episode of Basic AF, hosts Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby welcome back Gannon Nordberg for a jam-packed conversation. Mark Gurman says Apple is working on a more conversational Siri, similar to ChatGPT's Voice mode, plus there are new critical OS updates.

Gear up for the holidays with Gannon’s top travel tech tips, including must-have gadgets like the Anker Nano charger, Twelve South Butterly charger, and VEEKTOMX Mini Power Bank. Discover tools for better travel photography, apps to beat jet lag, and the ultimate travel bag recommendations to stay organized on the go.

Plus, Gannon shares highlights from his recent trip to Australia and introduces his FREE 5-day crash course to help you build the perfect family travel tech kit—featuring over 35 products designed to keep your travel stress-free and fun.

🎉 Get started on Lesson 1: https://buildafamilytraveltechkit.com

Sign up for Gannon's course to get his complete list of 35 great travel-friendly accessories!

Find Gannon on Threads and LinkedIn!

Links:

•Apple Readies More Conversational LLM Siri in Bid to Rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT
•Apple Support - Troubleshooting Article
•iOS 18.1.1 Update Warning Issued to All iPhone Users
•Eagle Creek Pack-It Gear Pouch
•Anker Nano 3 47W Charger
•Twelve South ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 Charger
•VEEKTOMX Mini Power Bank 10000mAh

Sorry, we ran out of room! Find the full list of links at https://basicafshow.com/49.

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
• Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Show transcripts and episode artwork are AI generated and likely con...

Join Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby in this episode as they unpack Apple’s latest announcements, with a nostalgic nod to an internet legend. Highlights include:

Farewell, Elwood “You’ve Got Mail!” Edwards

The voice that welcomed us to the internet in the ’90s, Elwood Edwards, has passed. Tom and Jeff share memories of the AOL era.

New M4 iMacs: Fresh Colors and Powerful Specs

Apple’s M4 iMac arrives with updated colors, an impressive 4.5K Retina display, and options for more RAM. Tom and Jeff discuss why this all-in-one might be ideal for families, creatives, and anyone looking for a sleek desktop.

USB-C "Magic" Accessories

The new USB-C Magic Keyboard, Trackpad, and Mouse sparked mixed feelings. Jeff gets into the eternal frustration of charging the mouse from the bottom.

A New, Smaller Mac mini

Apple’s refreshed Mac mini offers big power in a smaller package, with Jeff calling it one of Apple’s best designs yet.

Updated MacBook Pro 14” and 16” Models

Now available with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, these MacBook Pros pack serious horsepower.

Apple Intelligence: What’s Good and What Needs Work

Wrapping up with a deep dive into the latest Apple Intelligence features, Tom and Jeff explore the promise and quirks of Apple’s on-device AI. They break down highlights, including:

• Writing Tools for proofreading, adjusting tone, summaries, and list generation.
• Siri Enhancements with context awareness between requests.
• Summaries across Mail, Safari, and Notifications for quick info bites.

Links from the show:

AOL’s ‘You’ve Got Mail’ voice, Elwood Edwards, dies at age 74: https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/7/24290700/elwood-edwards-aol-youve-got-mail-voice-obituary

iMac: https://www.apple.com/imac/

Mac mini: https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/

MacBook Pro: https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/

Apple Intelligence: https://www.apple.com/apple-intelli

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
• Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Show transcripts and episode artwork are AI generated and likely con...

Ever wondered if journaling could make a difference in your life? This week’s guest, Joe Moyer, believes it can. Joe shares his personal journey with journaling and practical advice on how to build a habit—even if you only have five minutes a day. We cover gratitude journaling, the benefits of recording daily thoughts, and how to avoid the “perfect journal” trap. He also provides tips for those who are new to journaling, with simple techniques to get started

Links from the show:

• Joe Moyer on Threads - https://www.threads.net/@thejournalingguide
• The Journaling Guide - https://www.24letters.net/thejournalingguide
• 24Letters - https://www.24letters.net
• Day One Journaling App: https://dayoneapp.com
• Apple’s Journaling App: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/12/apple-launches-journal-app-a-new-app-for-reflecting-on-everyday-moments/
• Field Notes Notebooks: https://fieldnotesbrand.com

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
• Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Show transcripts and episode artwork are AI generated and likely con...

In this episode of Basic AF, Tom and Jeff cover a mix of Apple news, including minor OS updates, Apple’s immersive content plans for Vision Pro, and Submerged, Apple’s first short film for the Vision Pro. They also touch on Jeff’s new obsession—The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on the Nintendo Switch.

Here’s what you can expect:

• No Apple Ring in Sight (for Now): Jeff reacts to a report by Mark Gurman suggesting that Apple currently has no plans for a smart ring. Though it’s not official, Jeff shares his disappointment, having hoped for a wearable alternative to the Apple Watch.
• OS Updates and Battery Issues: The hosts discuss iPadOS 18.0.1 and watchOS 11.0.1, focusing on battery performance and the quirks of living with beta software. Notably, iPadOS 18 is now available again for the iPad Pro M4 after being temporarily pulled due to issues with bricking devices.
• Apple Vision Pro’s First Short Film: Tom dives into his experience with Submerged, the first short film for Apple’s Vision Pro. He describes the immersive World War II setting, where a submarine crew faces a torpedo attack, and shares his thoughts on the stunning visual details. Tom also notes how some close-up shots felt uncomfortably realistic in the Vision Pro, almost placing him in the characters’ personal space. The movement inside the sub was impressive but occasionally unsettling, with fast dolly shots that made the immersive experience intense. Despite these quirks, Tom found the film visually captivating and hints at how future VR films could push boundaries even further.
• Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom: Jeff gushes over his new favorite game on the Nintendo Switch, though he has no ability to remember the name of said game, therefore making up some other game that doesn't exist. (The Legend of Zelda: Heroes of the Kingdom? Sure, whatever you say, Jeff.) In The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the true and actual name of the game, players take on the role of Zelda instead of Link, solving puzzles and exploring vibrant environments.
• New Apple Focus Features: Jeff gives a rundown on Apple’s new “reduce interruptions” focus feature, explaining how it intelligently manages notifications to help reduce distractions.

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
• Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Show transcripts and episode artwork are AI generated and likely con...

In this episode:

• Jeff’s new iPhone case and Apple Watch band
• Tom's first impressions of his iPhone 16 Pro Max
• The new Camera Control button
• What to do with the Action button
• Tom's having fun with the new Photographic Styles
• A quick-hit on our thoughts so far on the new operating systems

Links from the show:

The Action Button Threads Post
Stephen Robles - Master Your iPhone 16 Action Button: 15 Shortcuts + Tips!

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
• Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Show transcripts and episode artwork are AI generated and likely con...

It's the Apple Glowtime event recap! Jeff and Tom are joined by Joe Moyer from 24Letters.net to recap all of the announcements at Apple's recent annual iPhone event. Is it a September to remember?

Join us as we breakdown the new AirPods and hearing related features for AirPods Pro 2, the Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 in Satin Black. The new iPhone 16 looks excellent, and the iPhone 16 Pro lineup is more "pro" even with its boring colors.

Plus, macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, visionOS 2, and tvOS 18 are all being released on September 16th!

Links from the show

Joe Moyer - 24 Letters
Joe Moyer on Threads
Apple's Hearing Aid Feature receives FDA authorization
When Ultra doesn't mean 'best' anymore
Skip the iPhone 16 Pro? Our Photographer Advice

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and @reyespoint@mastodon.sdf.org on Mastodon
• Find Tom at @tomfanderson on Twitter, and @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Show transcripts and episode artwork are AI generated and likely con...