MacVoices
The talk of the Apple community

Meta’s subscription experiments, Epic’s financial deal with Google and antitrust implications top the list of items addressed in this MacVoices Live! show. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-ArthursMarty JenciusJim ReaNorbert FrassaGuy Serle, Jeff Gamet, and Eric Bolden discuss concerns about AI guidelines and chatbot impacts on mental health, and the evolving future of platforms like Vimeo since their acquisition. The conversation also touches on foldable phone pricing and broader industry shifts shaping user experiences and competition. 

MacVoices is supported by Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/MACVOICES to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using offer code MACVOICES.

Show Notes:

Chapters:

00:05 Introduction and overview
07:38 Meta’s subscription plans debate
09:54 Epic Games and Google deal implications
11:02 Concerns about AI guidelines and Claude
21:09 Chatbots and mental health discussion
26:55 Squarespace sponsor segment
28:37 Vimeo’s future and market positioning
30:21 Galaxy Z tri-fold pricing analysis
35:02 Closing thoughts and wrap-up

Links:

Meta to test premium subscriptions on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/26/meta-to-test-premium-subscriptions-on-instagram-facebook-and-whatsapp/

Meta Is Being Sued Over Whether WhatsApp Really Encrypts Your Messages
https://lifehacker.com/tech/meta-sued-whatsapp-encryption-claimsl

Anthropic rewrites Claude’s guiding principles—and entertains the idea that its AI might have ‘some kind of consciousness or moral status’
https://fortune.com/2026/01/21/anthropic-claude-ai-chatbot-new-rules-safety-consciousness/

A-List creatives sign up to fight AI, say it enables 'theft at a grand scale'
https://www.engadget.com/ai/a-list-creatives-sign-up-to-fight-ai-say-it-enables-theft-at-a-grand-scale-140000475.html

TikTok is officially US-owned for American users, here’s what’s changing
https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/23/tiktok-is-officially-us-owned-for-american-users-heres-whats-changing/

Newsom says California is investigating TikTok for censoring ‘Trump-critical content’
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/gavin-newsom-tiktok-investigate-trump-epstein-minnesota/3836701/

Epic hypocrisy -- Google gets $800 million in 'Fortnite' antitrust settlement
https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/01/23/epic-hypocrisy----google-gets-800-million-in-fortnite-antitrust-settlement

How Vimeo Betrayed the Filmmakers Who Built It
https://www.cined.com/how-vimeo-betrayed-the-filmmakers-who-built-it/

Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold U.S. Price Is Not at All Surprising
https://gizmodo.com/samsung-galaxy-z-trifold-u-s-price-is-not-at-all-surprising-2000714196

Guests:

Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitterby email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast.

Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud.

Norbert Frassa is a technology “man about town”. Follow him on X and see what he’s up to.

Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer’s Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @jgamet@mastodon.social on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet.

David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud.

Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,’ including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC).

Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He’s been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon.

Guy Serle, best known for being one of the co-hosts of the MyMac Podcast, sincerely apologizes for anything he has done or caused to have happened while in possession of dangerous podcasting equipment. He should know better but being a blonde from Florida means he's probably incapable of understanding the damage he has wrought. Guy is also the author of the novel, The Maltese Cube. You can follow his exploits on Twitter, catch him on Mac to the Future on Facebook, at @Macparrot@mastodon.social, and find everything at VertShark.com.

Support:

     Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon
     http://patreon.com/macvoices

     Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal

Connect:

     Web:
     http://macvoices.com

     Twitter:
     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner
     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices

     Mastodon:
     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner

     Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner

     MacVoices Page on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/

     MacVoices Group on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice

     LinkedIn:
     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/

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

Subscribe:

     Audio in iTunes
     Video in iTunes

     Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:

     Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss
     Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Direct download: MV26071.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:51pm EST

On the show floor at CES, Malindi Strydom, Senior Content Manager for Shokz,  discussed their latest open-ear audio innovations, led by the OpenFit Pro earbuds. With improved comfort, situational awareness, and premium sound in a lightweight design, the OpenFit Pro balance performance and safe. Shokz continues expanding its lineup of wearable audio solutions built for active lifestyles and everyday use. 

Show Notes:

Support:

     Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon
     http://patreon.com/macvoices

     Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal

Connect:

     Web:
     http://macvoices.com

     Twitter:
     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner
     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices

     Mastodon:
     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner

     Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner

     MacVoices Page on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/

     MacVoices Group on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice

     LinkedIn:
     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/

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

Subscribe:

     Audio in iTunes
     Video in iTunes

     Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:

     Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss
     Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Direct download: MV26070.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:52pm EST

In Las Vegas at CES 2026, EarFun showcases its award-winning audio lineup. Lynn L., Marketing Professional - Brand Growth, highlight their CEO’s engineering background and the team’s focus on performance and value, explaining how development and attention to user needs have built the brand’s reputation. Pricing and availability are positioned to make their premium audio features accessible to a wider audience. 

Show Notes:

Links:

EarFun on Amazon
https://www.myearfun.com/

Support:

     Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon
     http://patreon.com/macvoices

     Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal

Connect:

     Web:
     http://macvoices.com

     Twitter:
     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner
     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices

     Mastodon:
     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner

     Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner

     MacVoices Page on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/

     MacVoices Group on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice

     LinkedIn:
     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/

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

Subscribe:

     Audio in iTunes
     Video in iTunes

     Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:

     Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss
     Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Direct download: MV26069.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:49pm EST

A multi-topic discussion in this MacVoices Live! session starts with a Luxshare cyberattack that may have exposed Apple product plans, raising concerns about ransom demands and security implications. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-ArthursMarty JenciusJim ReaNorbert FrassaGuy Serle, Jeff Gamet, and Eric Bolden also examine Camo’s lawsuit against Apple over Continuity Camera, Utah’s proposal to make Android its official OS, Pantone’s affordable color-matching kit, and Adobe Acrobat’s AI-generated presentations and “podcasts,” debating the value and risks of AI-created media. 

MacVoices is supported by Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/MACVOICES to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using offer code MACVOICES.

Show Notes:

Chapters:

00:30 Luxshare cyberattack and Apple product leaks
05:45 Camo lawsuit against Apple
15:56 Utah’s Android “official OS” proposal
17:48 Pantone’s affordable color-matching kit
22:41 Adobe AI presentations and audio generation
33:29 Broader thoughts on AI and media creation

Links:

Apple's Secret Product Plans Stolen in Luxshare Cyberattack
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/21/apple-product-plans-stolen-in-luxshare-cyberattack/

Camo developer sues Apple for copying its tech with Continuity Camera
https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/27/camo-developer-sues-apple-for-copying-its-tech-with-continuity-camera/

Utah senator has nothing better to do than officially troll iPhone users
https://www.macworld.com/article/3040234/utah-senator-has-nothing-better-to-do-than-officially-troll-iphone-users.html

Pantone just made a color matching starter kit for only $99
https://www.fastcompany.com/91478571/pantone-capsule-the-ultimate-color-matching-starter-kit

Adobe Acrobat can now generate presentations and audio podcasts from your documents
https://www.engadget.com/ai/adobe-acrobat-can-now-generate-presentations-and-audio-podcasts-from-your-documents-140000146.htm

Guests:

 

Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitterby email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast.

Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud.

Norbert Frassa is a technology “man about town”. Follow him on X and see what he’s up to.

Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer’s Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @jgamet@mastodon.social on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet.

David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud.

Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,’ including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC).

Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He’s been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon.

Guy Serle, best known for being one of the co-hosts of the MyMac Podcast, sincerely apologizes for anything he has done or caused to have happened while in possession of dangerous podcasting equipment. He should know better but being a blonde from Florida means he's probably incapable of understanding the damage he has wrought. Guy is also the author of the novel, The Maltese Cube. You can follow his exploits on Twitter, catch him on Mac to the Future on Facebook, at @Macparrot@mastodon.social, and find everything at VertShark.com.

Support:

     Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon
     http://patreon.com/macvoices

     Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal

Connect:

     Web:
     http://macvoices.com

     Twitter:
     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner
     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices

     Mastodon:
     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner

     Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner

     MacVoices Page on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/

     MacVoices Group on Facebook:
     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice

     LinkedIn:
     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/

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

Subscribe:

     Audio in iTunes
     Video in iTunes

     Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:

     Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss
     Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Direct download: MV26068.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:00pm EST