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Apple Context Machine
Summary: The Apple Context Machine is Mac, iPhone, and iPod news and analysis that puts the facts in perspective, brought to you with a sense of humor. Hosts Jeff Gamet and Bryan Chaffin put the Apple world into context.
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- Artist: Bryan Chaffin from The Mac Observer
- Copyright: The Mac Observer, Inc. 2022
Podcasts:
Adam Christianson joins Bryan Chaffin to discuss why he's happy he downsized to the iPhone 6s, content blockers and ad-blocking, and Apple's in-app purchase cut when it comes to streaming music. Plus, Adam commits-with all of you as witness-to only using the iPad Pro instead of his laptop when he leaves his office to work. Check it out!
Comments from the automotive industry drive home why it's time for Apple to step in with some big time disruption. Jeff and Bryan dive into comments from a former GM executive, plus they offer up some thoughts on iOS 9's Proactive feature and how it compares to Google Now.
Jeff and Bryan have more to say about Apple TV and where it fits in the streaming entertainment market, plus they look at Steve Wozniak's reaction to the Steve Jobs movie starring Michael Fassbender, and they dig into some reader comments.
Apple hosted its "Hey Siri, give us a hint" media event today where the iPad Pro, new Apple TV, and updates iPhone models were introduced. Jeff and Bryan dive into the Apple Watch's new colors, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro's features and companion Apple Pencil, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, 3D Touch, updated cameras, and more.
Apple is reportedly looking to create original content for Apple TV in the form its own TV shows and movies. Jeff and Bryan offer up their thoughts on whether or not Apple is in a position to make that happen, plus they look at Ian Rogers' unexpected departure from Apple Music, and why jailbreaking your iPhone may not be such a good idea.
Bryan is on vacation this week, so Jeff asked Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus on as a special guest. Bob offered up some advice on when it's time to replace your Mac, and they also talked about Logic Pro and Alchemy, music subscription services, Bob's home grown TV show, and more.
Bryan is on vacation this week, so Jeff asked John Martellaro on as a special guest and they had plenty to talk about. First up was the status of Apple Pay and it's impact on credit card transactions, then they looked at Google's just announced OnHub Wi-Fi router and smart home hub, and finally MusicWatch's data on Apple Music subscribers. Jeff also slips up and mentions that Bryan is really in the Witness Protection Program.
Google shook up the tech world this week when it announced it's new parent company: Alphabet. Jeff and Bryan offer up their thoughts on Alphabet and what it means for the companies under its umbrella, as well as Google's founders. They also share their experiences trying out HomeKit gear, and using Apple Watch on a long road trip.
Despite reports to the contrary, Apple says it doesn't have plans to launch its own MVNO service for iPhone owners. Jeff and Bryan look at the report and Apple's denial, and discuss why an Apple MVNO could be cool. They also offer up their take on digital privacy and the role the government is trying to push onto Apple and other software makers, plus they revisit the Lexus hover board.
T-Mobile is shaking up the mobile phone contract market again with a really great deal for potential customers looking for a new iPhone. Jeff and Bryan dive into why T-Mobile's JUMP! On Demand plan is so cool for its customers, and could lead to better deals at Verizon and AT&T, too. They also talk about why they like fitness trackers even though they have accuracy issues, and they respond to listener comments.
Apple reported another record breaking quarter over US$49 billion in revenue, 4.8 million Macs sold, and 47.5 million iPhones sold. Jeff and Bryan look into Apple's numbers-and lack of numbers, in the case of Apple Watch-plus Bryan explains why the company's stock can drop even when the figures it reports are so good. They also have some complaints about iTunes 12.
Is Apple spread too thin? Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet explore that thought in this episode of the Apple Context Machine. They also look at software agents, Facebook's Moneypenny virtual assistant, and the state of current virtual assistant technologies like Apple's Proactive, Google Now, and Microsoft's Cortanna. Lastly, they take a look at Neil Young's Assertion that cassette tapes and AM radio offer better sound quality than today's streaming services.
Slice Intelligence says that sales of Apple Watch are declining. Precipitously. Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet look at those numbers and talk about what they might mean. Spoiler: Bryan thinks Apple Watch is failing to delight most customers. They also look at PHATASS, a new album from Prince Harvey recorded entirely at an Apple Store during business hours. And just for fun they they take dig into Apple's recent failed antitrust appeal.
After getting to play with Apple Music for a day Jeff and Bryan have some thoughts on the latest entry into the streaming music market. They share what they like, what's working well, what isn't, and more. They also have plenty to say about the just released trailer for this fall's Steve Jobs movie.
The music industry is changing, and artist's work isn't worth what it once was. Jeff and Bryan look at how the music market has changed over the years, why music has been devalued, and what some artists are doing to stay in the industry. They also check out a really cool hoverboard prototype from Lexus.