Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast
Spilling trash, talk, tech, and tea (though Tom says no politics). Plus, games, plenty of Apple tech, or whatever else comes into our heads. It’s a show where we get to hang out and talk tech, talk shit, and have fun every couple of weeks (and sometimes more often - only your podcast app knows for sure). We'll give you the lowdown on the gear we're using, some knowledge bombs to help you use your gear better, and answer listener questions.
Episodes
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Tom and Jeff unpack the latest Apple event!
- New iPad Air and iPad Pro models: We're slicing through the details of the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models. Get the scoop on the M2 and M4 chips, color options, new display options, storage, and more.
- Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro & Apple Pencil Pro
- Apple Pencil Madness: Too many options? We're debating whether Apple's expandi...
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Links from the show
Chris Freitag on YouTube
Chris Freitag W...
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Tom and Jeff are back at it:
- An updated review of Apple News—why Jeff's come around to being a fan of the service
- Taking another look at Apple's Journal app and how it compares to Day One
- Jeff shares his initial thoughts and gameplay tips on the MARVEL SNAP
Links from the show:
Apple News+
Journal app
Day One
Search Engine: How do you make an addictive video game...
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This episode looks into the US Department of Justice's lawsuit against Apple, exploring the claims of monopolistic behavior and its implications for the company and its customers. We also navigate the virtual realms of Apple's Vision Pro, discussing the scarcity of immersive content, why Apple hasn't provided more content, and what may be ahead as part of visionOS 2. Plus, ...
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Tom had initially said he wouldn't, but he eventually gave in to temptation and bought an Apple Vision Pro to test it out. In the past several weeks, he has been using the headset to watch the Super Bowl, work in visionOS to create content for his newsletter and website, and engage in various work and entertainment environments.
From his experiences, Tom shares which access...
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Join us in this episode as Tom reviews the Clicks Creator Keyboard for iPhone, highlighting its design, usability, and whether it's a worthy addition to your tech arsenal. We also discuss Apple's decision to end its car project, speculating on what this means for the company's future directions in technology.
Links from the show:
Clicks keyboard for iPhone...
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Gannon Nordberg joins us again for the 2024 Tips & Tricks Show! Over a dozen new tips & tricks for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and more!
You can find Gannon’s work at levelonenerd.net - Simple tutorials to level up your Apple tech game, delivered straight to your inbox every 2 weeks for free. Go sign up for his newsletter!
Links from the show:
Use profil...
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Gannon Nordberg returns to the show and Jeff got his hands on the new Apple Vision Pro at the Danbury, CT Apple store! JB shares his first impressions on everything, from the initial setup experience to exploring the immersive scenes, navigating visionOS, using the Photos app, and excellent Spatial Audio performance. And answers the big question on everyone's mind - did he end up buy...
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Jeff and Tom share their go-to apps for messaging, email, tasks and calendars, notes and office suites, with a tiny bit of automations thrown in for good measure.
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 news...
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The year has just begun, and there’s a lot of news for Jeff and Tom to cover:
- The Apple Watch was banned from sale in the US just before Christmas and then given a reprieve while the case is reviewed; what’s the latest?
- Apple Vision Pro may arrive in the next 30 days
- Microsoft dropped Copilot AI apps for iOS and iPadOS. How does the service stack up against ChatGPT? And what’s this Copil...
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In this festive episode, Tom and Jeff cozy up with eggnog and share their favorite tech and media picks from the year. The duo dives into the melancholic melodies of Sufjan Stevens' Christmas music, invoking the holiday spirit. Then, they switch gears to discuss Radio Paradise, an eclectic internet radio station that's been a game-changer in their music listening routines.
As th...
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In this episode, Spotify tells us we’re a Top 10 podcast for ten listeners, a Top 5 show for eight listeners, and a Top Podcast for 4 of you! Grateful is an understatement. Thank you!
We follow that with a discussion on Itsycal, a menu bar item that extends the functionality of Apple Calendar. In episode 21, Jeff talked about Astropad’s Rock Paper Pencil, an iPad screen cover that turns w...
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Join us for a unique bonus episode as Greg Battersby follows up with us on his return journey to Southern California in his Subaru Solterra EV. Using the lessons he learned around route planning, optimizing driving techniques, and charging headaches on the first trip, was the trip home any better?
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint o...
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
In this episode, we are joined by Jeff’s brother Greg to discuss his new electric vehicle, the Subaru Solterra. This episode delves into the heart of mid-range electric vehicles' capabilities and challenges, highlighting the nuances of planning and executing a long journey in an EV. Greg’s California adventure from Orange County to the Bay Area becomes a compelling case study on the ...
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In this episode:
- The shorter shows are a hit!
- Apple has new MacBook Pros and iMacs powered by M3 chips, should you upgrade?
- RIP Touch Bar
- How Tom used the iPad to plan out his recently installed garage gym
Links from the show:
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In this episode:
- What to expect at Apple’s upcoming “Scary Fast” event
- Apple is raising the prices on some of its services again
- Managing your subscriptions and their ever-increasing costs
- A Better Writing Experience on iPad? - Rock Paper Pencil iPad Screen Protector and Apple Pencil Tips
- Jeff’s spent a month with the FineWoven case and it’s…fine?
Links from the show:
App...
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Ever wondered how to turn a passion into a successful podcast? Join us as we chat with Rafael Ruiz, the charismatic host of the Subie & YOU! podcast, which has amassed over 140 episodes and an impressive 100,000+ downloads. Discover how Rafael harnessed the power of Instagram and the enthusiastic Subaru community to create an engaging and popular podcast. We get under the hood of his ...
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Jeff upsized to the iPhone 15 Pro Max in titanium titanium (what?) and has some thoughts, and perhaps just a tiny bit of buyer's remorse. We talk Action button, new cameras, and weight and size comparisons with his previous iPhone 13 Pro. Is it all enough to justify his upgrade? Maybe not.
Speaking of remorse, Tom ain't happy with some of the changes Apple has made in w...
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Hey there tech enthusiasts! Ready to immerse yourself in a refreshing conversation about the latest Apple watches and iPhones? Good! Because we're about to recap Apple's Wonderlust event and help you understand their features and decide if they're worth your hard-earned money. We kick off with a humorous yet enlightening chat about a Washington Post quiz that questions the ...
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Are you ready for a trip down memory lane? We kick things off with a discussion on the resurgence of USENET, exploring why it's making a comeback and how it has evolved over the years. Join us as we unravel the history and significance of this online forum, shedding light on its enduring relevance in the digital age.
We'll also give you the latest news from around the A...
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