Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

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Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Tom Anderson & Jeff Battersby

70 episodes

5 days ago

If you’re wondering whether it’s finally safe (or fun) to jump into the Apple public betas, this episode is for you. From iPadOS 26’s dramatic windowing overhaul to macOS Tahoe’s subtle UI tweaks — plus new features in iOS 26 and watchOS 26 — we’ve lived with them all and have thoughts. You’ll hear why the new iPad multitasking feels like macOS (in a good way), how Liquid Glass adds personality, and where the Mac beta stumbles hard (spoiler: Tom's disk filled up fast). We also dive into CarPl...

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If you’re wondering whether it’s finally safe (or fun) to jump into the Apple public betas, this episode is for you. From iPadOS 26’s dramatic windowing overhaul to macOS Tahoe’s subtle UI tweaks — plus new features in iOS 26 and watchOS 26 — we’ve lived with them all and have thoughts. You’ll hear why the new iPad multitasking feels like macOS (in a good way), how Liquid Glass adds personality, and where the Mac beta stumbles hard (spoiler: Tom's disk filled up fast). We also dive into CarPl...

Show more...

Episodes (20/70)

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Beta Tested: Apple’s Big Software Updates

If you’re wondering whether it’s finally safe (or fun) to jump into the Apple public betas, this episode is for you. From iPadOS 26’s dramatic windowing overhaul to macOS Tahoe’s subtle UI tweaks — plus new features in iOS 26 and watchOS 26 — we’ve lived with them all and have thoughts. You’ll hear why the new iPad multitasking feels like macOS (in a good way), how Liquid Glass adds personality, and where the Mac beta stumbles hard (spoiler: Tom's disk filled up fast). We also dive into CarPl...

6 days ago

50 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Psychokinetics, Celsius 7, Brother, MC, Friend: Jacob Battersby

What happens when hip-hop meets theater, satire, and sibling bond? In this episode, we meet Jacob Battersby — artist, MC, and the man behind Celsius 7 — as he joins his brother Jeff and Tom for a funny and sometimes unfiltered journey through decades of DIY artistry. From early freestyle circles and cassette-tape beats to the lyrical power of Psychokinetics and the wild, lounge-rap theatrics of Kalri$$ian, Jacob reflects on how music became both an identity and a lifeline. Links: Celsius 7 - ...

2 weeks ago

52 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

An AI Diagnosis, iPadOS 26 First Look, and How to Beta Test Without Breaking Everything

If you’re itching to try iPadOS 26, or just curious how far AI has crept into everyday life, this episode is for you. Tom and Jeff share how well (or not) AI played doctor, deliver a first look at the iPadOS 26 developer beta, and break down how to beta test like a pro (without nuking your device). You’ll get honest impressions of the new floating windows, updated UI, Preview on iPad, the surprise “Games” app—and what it all feels like in day-to-day use. Plus: how Jeff tested it, what crashed...

1 month ago

37 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Our Summer Vibes Check

We’re in between WWDC and the Public Betas, and it’s the perfect time for a summer vibe check! Tom and Jeff break down what they’re reading, watching, listening to, and playing with this summer. Books, newsletters, podcasts, the new Reply All Time and Top Songs playlists in Apple Music, and more. Additionally, Tom gets nerdy with Claude, Readwise, and MCP, while Jeff plans to dabble in sketching and watercolors. Links: White Noise – Don DeLillo Crudo – Olivia Laing Wellness – Nathan Hil...

1 month ago

48 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

90 Days of Forever*Notes and Stress Awareness with Athlytic & Apple Watch

Tom and Jeff dive into three fun segments: Tom’s updated Mac recommendations for students, Jeff's update on his Forever Notes system using Apple Notes, and how both hosts are using health tracking apps to better understand their stress and recovery. Tom unpacks how Athlytic and Apple Watch are helping him recognize stress and reduce habitual tension, while Jeff shares how Gentler Streak has helped him optimize sleep and workouts. It’s a mix of tech tips, personal stories, and wellness insight...

2 months ago

42 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

WWDC 2025 Recap with Joe Moyer

Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby are joined by returning guest Joe Moyer for a comprehensive breakdown of Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote: Exploration of the new "Liquid Glass" design language unifying all Apple platformsNew Apple Intelligence featuresAnalysis of simplified version numbering (everything is now version 26)iPadOS 26's new windowing system and advanced featuresiOS 26's customizable interface and enhanced CarPlay featuresmacOS Tahoe's powerful Spotlight improvements and Journal app expa...

2 months ago

1 hour 10 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

WWDC 2025 Preview with Riley Hill

Riley Hill returns to the show to join Jeff and Tom for a preview of WWDC 2025. What's coming from Apple? What kind of AI company should Apple be? And is there less hype than normal for this year's event? The guys also throw around some thoughts on the big announcement that Jony Ive and OpenAI are working on a new type of AI-centered device. It doesn't sound like it's a phone or glasses, so what might it be? Is there a market for a new type of device? Also, they sprinkle in some highlights fr...

3 months ago

56 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Tom Gets Snipd, Siri Lawsuit Settlement, and More Bruises on Apple

Tom’s queued up an AI podcast app experiment, and Jeff’s wondering if it’s really worth the $85 price tag. This week, the guys dive into Snipd’s AI-powered podcast magic, how it pairs with Readwise for smart highlights and spaced repetition, and Tom’s sneaky new trick for “listening” to podcasts while he sleeps. Plus, they talk about the Siri lawsuit that might earn you a few bucks, Apple’s App Store rule changes, and why longtime fans (and cranky nerds) are raising eyebrows at Apple’s ...

3 months ago

50 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Subscription Madness!

It’s easy to lose track of subscriptions, and Tom and Jeff are feeling it too. In this episode, they unpack the apps, services, and streaming platforms they’re paying for — the good, the bad, and the ones they forgot they even had. They swap stories about accidental renewals (looking at you, $250 “oops”), spotlight useful apps, and talk through a few tricks for managing subscriptions smarter. It’s a fun and slightly painful look at modern digital life. Links from the show: Setapp Question or ...

3 months ago

54 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Beyond Features and Functions: Is Technology Missing What Humans Really Need? with Leah Reich

We sit down with writer and user researcher Leah Reich to explore the complex relationship between technology and the humans who use it. Leah shares insights from her newsletter and writing career before diving into the evolving landscape of user research in tech companies, including her time at Slack, Spotify, and Meta/Instagram. We discuss the delicate balance between serving user needs and business goals, and examine the concerning industry shift away from comprehensive user research. Leah...

4 months ago

1 hour 1 minute

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

WWDC Announced, Gentler Streak Workout Tracker, and "The Cybernetic Teammate" by Ethan Mollick

In this episode: Apple announces WWDC will be June 9-13Jeff is experimenting with Gentler Streak and having a bit of nostalgia with Notebook ArtilleryA subtle AirPods Pro experienceThe boys continue to argue over AIEthan Mollick highlights study that finds legit benefits of AI at work Links from the show: Mac - Lumon Terminal Pro‘Severance’ editor was all-in on Apple hardware, but not Final Cut Pro‎Workout Tracker Gentler Streak‎Notebook ArtilleryChatGPT Starts Blocking Studio Ghibli-Style I...

4 months ago

52 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Apple Immersive Metallica and What's Going on at Apple with Siri?

Apple has updated the iPad Air, iPad, MacBook Air, and Mac Studio. The new Apple Immersive Metallica experience is phenomenal; is it a turning point for Apple's immersive content? And what in the world is going on at Apple with Siri? Links from the show: iPad Air iPad MacBook Air Mac Studio Apple Immersive Metallica Something Is Rotten in the State of Cupertino Apple’s (AAPL) Siri Chief Calls AI Delays Ugly and Embarrassing, Promises Fixes AI search engines cite incorrect sources at an ...

5 months ago

58 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

iPhone 16e, New Betas, and a Love of Forever*Notes

There’s a new iPhone 16 family member, new betas, a new Apple News+ feature, and Jeff has a new thing going in Apple Notes using the Forever*Notes framework. Links from the show: iPhone 16e Apple News+ Food Brace yourself for Deep Water Solo. The next episode of Adventure. Highland Pro Forever*Notes 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.bsky.social on Bluesky Find To...

5 months ago

52 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Who Pays for Calendar Apps & Next-Level Notes with Bill McLean

Jeff and Tom are joined by Bill McLean for a great discussion on third-party calendar app subscriptions, extending the capabilities of Apple Notes with Forever Notes, and a round-up of AI tools that Bill uses. Where to find more from Bill McLean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BillMcLean Web: https://www.williambmclean.com Threads: https://www.threads.net/@williambmclean Links from the show: About migrating Apple Account purchases between accounts - Apple Support Fantastical Morgen - D...

6 months ago

1 hour 1 minute

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Dungeons in the Attic

There's not a lot of tech in this one, but there's a ton of nerdy goodness as Jeff and Tom are joined by the fabulous cast of the Dungeons in the Attic podcast! Where to find Dungeons in the Attic: Website Podcast Instagram 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.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple cove...

6 months ago

1 hour 2 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Apple TV+ with Benjamin Jancewicz and Joe Moyer

The boys are joined by Benjamin Jancewicz and Joe Moyer for a fun discussion on Apple TV+. Looking for something to watch? Benjamin, Joe, and Jeff have plenty of recommendations. In fact, so many they wouldn't fit here, so we've posted them on our website: https://www.basicafshow.com/apple-tv-with-benjamin-jancewicz-and-joe-moyer/ Where to find Benjamin: BenJancewicz.com (icons on bottom list all socials) Art: Art.Zerflin.com Design: Zerflin.com Patreon: Patreon.com/BenJancewicz Where to ...

7 months ago

1 hour

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Grading Apple Intelligence with Adam Jones

In this episode of Basic AF, hosts Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby welcome back guest Adam Jones to discuss the latest features of Apple Intelligence. Topics include: • Privacy Concerns • Integration of ChatGPT • Evolving Role of Siri • Genmojis • Image Playground • Summaries in Messages and Mail • Audio Recording and Transcription in Notes • Visual Intelligence Features of iPhone 16 Series • Overall Impressions and Grades of Apple’s Intelligence Features More from Adam Jones: https:...

7 months ago

59 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things (2024 Edition)

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 Copperhea...

8 months ago

52 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

iPhone 16 Photography with Chris Freitag

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 s...

8 months ago

45 minutes

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Conversational Siri, ChatGPT, and Travel Gear & Tips with Gannon Nordberg

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...

9 months ago

49 minutes