Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

Dave Hamilton, Pilot Pete & Adam Christianson

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Episodes

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Get answers to your Apple tech questions every week! Dave Hamilton, Adam Christianson, and Pilot Pete share tips, tricks, and troubleshooting advice for your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and more — all delivered in a fun, friendly way that helps geeks and everyday users alike. Don’t Get Caught without your tech working right!

Recent Episodes

Siri, It's Time For an Intercontinental Misunderstanding
DEC 15, 2025
Siri, It's Time For an Intercontinental Misunderstanding
<img width="750" height="750" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/intercontinental-misunderstanding-mgg1120.jpg?fit=750%2C750&amp;ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Siri, It&#039;s Time For an Intercontinental Misunderstanding — Mac Geek Gab 1120 episode image" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/intercontinental-misunderstanding-mgg1120.jpg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/intercontinental-misunderstanding-mgg1120.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/intercontinental-misunderstanding-mgg1120.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/intercontinental-misunderstanding-mgg1120.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/intercontinental-misunderstanding-mgg1120.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/intercontinental-misunderstanding-mgg1120.jpg?resize=1536%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/intercontinental-misunderstanding-mgg1120.jpg?resize=2048%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/intercontinental-misunderstanding-mgg1120.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/intercontinental-misunderstanding-mgg1120.jpg?resize=230%2C230&amp;ssl=1 230w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/intercontinental-misunderstanding-mgg1120.jpg?resize=160%2C160&amp;ssl=1 160w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/intercontinental-misunderstanding-mgg1120.jpg?resize=50%2C50&amp;ssl=1 50w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/intercontinental-misunderstanding-mgg1120.jpg?w=2250&amp;ssl=1 2250w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><p class="p1">You jump straight into a rapid-fire run of Quick Tips that quietly level up how you use your devices every day. You learn how iOS 26 now shows charging time right on the lock screen, how to build polished collages in Pages or Canva without paying a dime, and how to finally extract and archive your full iMessage history using proper database tools instead of hacks. Along the way, you tweak haptics for better feedback, realize the iOS Stocks app works just fine on a Mac, and discover how a simple Command-Shift-2 move inside ChatGPT can instantly pull screenshots into your workflow. The throughline is efficiency without sloppiness, because convenience is great until it compromises control. Don’t Get Caught.</p> <p class="p1">Then things get deeper, and more fun. You wrestle with real-world troubleshooting, from intermittent freezing in Tahoe to why subjective sleep scores still matter if you want to manage what you monitor. Siri’s growing confusion about dates and times turns into a full-blown intercontinental misunderstanding, and the team breaks down the alphabet soup of 5G variants so you know what your phone is actually using. The final stretch becomes a live, unscripted tech support jam session, digging into creative AirTag placement, pasting clipboards as keystrokes, and reorganizing applications with surgical precision. It’s messy, methodical, and exactly how real problem-solving happens when the mics are on and the answers are not obvious.</p> <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:00 <a href="https://mgg.fm/1120">Mac Geek Gab 1120</a> for Monday, <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/december-15">December 15th</a>, 2025 <ul> <li aria-level="1">December 15th: <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/international-tea-day/">International Tea Day</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway">MGG Monthly Giveaway</a> &#8211; Enter to win a copy of OpenIn!</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/merch">The MGG Merch Store is Live!</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors: <ul> <li aria-level="1">BusyCal (with code <a href="https://www.busymac.com/">MACGEEK10</a>)!</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://eero.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor2_WDWEZ-NAdmOYr5dvHEh8hbAs7d7iR92fZNceTNnL5kpBS0D">Eero</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://ecamm.com/macgeekgab">Ecamm</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macpaw.com/">MacPaw</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://bombich.com/">CCC Backup</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Quick Tips <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:01 QT-iOS 26 lock screen has charging time</li> <li aria-level="1">00:04:38 Jim-QT-Use Pages to Make a Collage! Don&#8217;t Pay! <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.canva.com/">Canva</a>, too.</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:07:37 Chris-QT-Get a useable complete iMessage History <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://sqlitebrowser.org/">DB Browser for SQLite</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://menial.co.uk/base/">Base for SQLite </a>on Setapp</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:09:33 Robert-CSF-<a href="https://mgg.fm/1118">1118</a>&#8211;<a href="https://github.com/ReagentX/imessage-exporter">iMessage-Exporter</a> to archive your iMessages</li> <li aria-level="1">00:12:46 Todd-QT-<a href="https://mgg.fm/1119">1119</a>-Increase Haptic Prominence</li> <li aria-level="1">00:14:15 Bill-QT-<a href="https://support.apple.com/guide/stocks/change-the-chart-display-stc4cfc704df/mac">Stocks App iOS QT Works on a Mac too</a>!</li> <li aria-level="1">00:15:52 QT-Command-Shift-2 in ChatGPT immediately adds a screenshot of your most-recent window <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://shottr.cc/">Shottr</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">A discussion about using ChatGPT, et al, and finding your place on the continuum between privacy and convenience. <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.perplexity.ai/join/p/paypal-subscription">One year free Perplexity subscription if you have PayPal</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://chatgpt.com/g/g-ZpZUQbCxM-vs-code-copilot">VS Code CoPilot ChatGPT integration</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://antigravity.google/">Google Antigravity</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:26:16 QT-ChatGPT, use these screenshots to help me build a formula for Google Sheets</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Sponsors <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:27:27 SPONSOR: <a href="https://udacity.com/mgg">Udacity</a> is an online learning platform with courses in AI and Tech. For 40% off your order, head to <a href="https://udacity.com/mgg">Udacity.com/MGG</a> and use code MGG.</li> <li aria-level="1">00:28:44 SPONSOR: <a href="https://clnmy.com/MACGEEK">CleanMyMac</a>. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use our code MACGEEK for 20% off at <a href="https://clnmy.com/MACGEEK">clnmy.com/MACGEEK</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:29:59 Kirit-<a href="https://www.macworld.com/article/2999630/macos-tahoe-freezing-crashing-macbook-pro-fix.html">Tahoe, freezing from time to time</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:34:19 Bob, MD-<a href="https://mgg.fm/1119">1119</a>-If sleep score is so subjective, why use it? <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.mopsnmoes.com/articles/what-gets-measured-gets-managed">That which is monitored is managed</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:41:17 Antony-Does Siri Know What Day It Is?</li> <li aria-level="1">00:48:19 What’s the difference between 5G, 5G+, 5G UC, and 5G UW?</li> <li aria-level="1">00:51:48 Time For an Intercontinental Misunderstanding</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Sponsors <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:53:32 SPONSOR: <a href="https://on.auraframes.com/MGG">Aura Frames</a>. Relive your favorite holiday traditions—every day. Visit <a href="https://on.auraframes.com/MGG">AuraFrames.com</a> and get $45 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames &#8211; named #1 by Wirecutter &#8211; by using promo code <a href="https://on.auraframes.com/MGG">MGG</a> at checkout.</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">MOAR Quick Tips <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:55:30 Scott-QT-Creative Air Tag Locations</li> <li aria-level="1">00:57:42 Pilot Pete-QT-Paste Clipboard as Keystrokes &#8211; Native to Mac OS</li> <li aria-level="1">01:09:20 Chris-QT-Add folders to label Applications</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:19:43 <a href="https://mgg.fm/1120">MGG 1120</a> Outtro <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway">MGG Monthly Giveaway</a></li> <li aria-level="1">Bandwidth Provided by <a href="https://cachefly.com/">CacheFly</a></li> <li aria-level="1">MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors</li> <li aria-level="1">Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: <a href="http://sothereiwas.us/">So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://debutfilmpodcast.com/">The Debut Film Podcast</a> &#8211; Adam’s new podcast!</li> <li aria-level="1">Dave’s <a href="https://businessbrain.show/">Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs)</a> and <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/">Gig Gab (for Working Musicians)</a> Podcasts</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="http://macgeekgab.com/merch">MGG Merch is Available!</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q">Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/calendar">Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/premium">This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/reviews">MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="tel:224-888-GEEK">224-888-GEEK</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors">Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="http://www.backbeatmedia.com/">BackBeat Media Podcast Network</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul>
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83 MIN
Scoring the Sleep Scores
DEC 8, 2025
Scoring the Sleep Scores
<img width="750" height="750" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/scoring-sleep-scores-mgg1119.jpg?fit=750%2C750&amp;ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Scoring the Sleep Scores – Mac Geek Gab 1119 episode image" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/scoring-sleep-scores-mgg1119.jpg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/scoring-sleep-scores-mgg1119.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/scoring-sleep-scores-mgg1119.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/scoring-sleep-scores-mgg1119.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/scoring-sleep-scores-mgg1119.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/scoring-sleep-scores-mgg1119.jpg?resize=1536%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/scoring-sleep-scores-mgg1119.jpg?resize=2048%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/scoring-sleep-scores-mgg1119.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/scoring-sleep-scores-mgg1119.jpg?resize=230%2C230&amp;ssl=1 230w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/scoring-sleep-scores-mgg1119.jpg?resize=160%2C160&amp;ssl=1 160w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/scoring-sleep-scores-mgg1119.jpg?resize=50%2C50&amp;ssl=1 50w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/scoring-sleep-scores-mgg1119.jpg?w=2250&amp;ssl=1 2250w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><p>You dive into a packed Cool Stuff Found episode this week, moving fast from sensor-powered tinkering with phyphox to smarter dictation using Wispr Flow, altitude readouts in CarPlay, and Emby’s upgraded media management. You get practical wins too: safer file sharing with MetaWipe, smoother workflows through PopClip, a road-tested Nomatic backpack, and Picmal for quick local media conversions. Then the conversation flips to your questions: which sleep score app you can trust, how the new Journals app handles multiple journals, and how to make notifications behave when your Apple Watch is on your wrist. Don’t Get Caught missing the deep cuts.</p> <p>You also hear clear guidance on backup safety, with SuperDuper, Carbon Copy Cloner, ChronoSync, and Backblaze each playing a different role depending on how you protect your data. To wrap things up, the crew tackles border ID differences between REAL ID and passports, whether upgrading to macOS Tahoe or Sequoia is the smarter move, and a listener warning about bottom-filled beers that’s both funny and useful. It’s a full tour of tech insight and practical nerd wisdom, delivered at MGG speed.</p> <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:00 <a href="https://mgg.fm/1119">Mac Geek Gab 1119</a> for Monday, <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/december-8">December 8th</a>, 2025 <ul> <li aria-level="1">December 8th: <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/take-it-in-the-ear-day/">Take it in the Ear Day</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway">MGG Monthly Giveaway</a> &#8211; Enter to win a copy of OpenIn!</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/merch">The MGG Merch Store is Live!</a></li> <li aria-level="1">MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors: <ul> <li aria-level="1">BusyCal (with code <a href="https://www.busymac.com/">MACGEEK10</a>)!</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://eero.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor2_WDWEZ-NAdmOYr5dvHEh8hbAs7d7iR92fZNceTNnL5kpBS0D">Eero</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://ecamm.com/macgeekgab">Ecamm</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macpaw.com/">MacPaw</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://bombich.com/">CCC Backup</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Cool Stuff Found <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:01 Ian-CSF-<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/phyphox/id1127319693">phyphox</a> gives you ALL the Sensors on your Phone to play with!</li> <li aria-level="1">00:07:44 David-CSF-<a href="https://wisprflow.ai/">Wispr Flow</a> for Dictation</li> <li aria-level="1">00:10:02 Bob-CSF-<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/altimeter-barometer-pro/id1601138859">Altimeter &amp; Barometer Pro</a> shows your altitude in a CarPlay widget</li> <li aria-level="1">00:11:56 P2-CSF-<a href="https://emby.media/">Emby Media Server</a> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://emby.media/support/articles/Metadata-manager.html">Emby Metadata Enhanced Plugin</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.plex.tv/">Plex</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:16:29 Michael-CSF-<a href="https://mgg.fm/1117">1117</a>&#8211;<a href="https://www.securemac.com/metawipe">MetaWipe</a> to safely send files</li> <li aria-level="1">00:20:17 Tony-GG-<a href="https://www.popclip.app/">Popclip app</a> is super handy and affordable</li> <li aria-level="1">00:22:04 Dave-GG-<a href="https://www.nomatic.com/collections/all-backpacks-bags/products/the-nomatic-travel-pack">Nomatic Travel Backpack</a> been using all year</li> <li aria-level="1">00:27:58 Alberto-CSMade-<a href="https://picmal.app/">Picmal</a> converts and compresses images, videos, and audio files locally on your Mac</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Sponsors <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:30:11 SPONSOR: <a href="https://framer.com/design">Framer</a>. Ready to design, iterate, and publish all in one tool? Start creating for free at <a href="http://framer.com/design">Framer.com/design</a>, and use code MGG for a free month of Framer Pro.</li> <li aria-level="1">00:31:51 SPONSOR: <a href="https://gusto.com/MGG">Gusto</a>. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at <a href="https://gusto.com/MGG">gusto.com/MGG</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:33:10 Tony-Which App’s sleep score is best? <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://sleepplusplus.app/">Sleep++</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.withings.com/us/en/sleep/shop?srsltid=AfmBOoqX-gY6AIYl7vD-khJ-FaesKy-IePUN92al2hlNiv0BQwJJ_lrH">Withings Sleep</a></li> <li aria-level="1">Apple Sleep Score</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:48:33 Journals app now supports multiple journals</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Sponsors <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:49:31 SPONSOR: <a href="https://superhuman.com/PODCAST">Superhuman</a>. Get AI that works where you work. Unlock your Superhuman potential. Learn more at <a href="https://superhuman.com/PODCAST">Superhuman.com/PODCAST</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:50:54 SPONSOR: <a href="https://drinkag1.com/MGG">AG1</a>. Head to <a href="https://drinkag1.com/MGG">DrinkAG1.com/MGG</a> to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe.</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">MOAR Questions <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:52:23 Brian-How to Get Notifications on my Phone With an Apple Watch on My Wrist</li> <li aria-level="1">00:59:25 Raptor-Is it OK to run backups in the background on your Mac? <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/">SuperDuper!</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://bombich.com/">CCC Backup</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.econtechnologies.com/chronosync/overview.html?srsltid=AfmBOopYVn7xwjd5plT2ULJi127JwkJNHZDuADA3zWcg6Sn2qFp6z0Iq">ChronoSync</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.backblaze.com/">Backblaze</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:03:57 WPooka-<a href="https://macgeekgab.com/review">MGG Review</a>-Great show</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Don’t Get Caught <ul> <li aria-level="1">01:08:49 Dave-DGC-Differences between REAL ID and US Passport at Land Borders</li> <li aria-level="1">01:12:12 SonoMacGuy-DGC-Update Sequoia -v- Upgrade to Tahoe</li> <li aria-level="1">01:16:20 Gray-DGC-Beware the bottom-filled beers!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:17:30 <a href="https://mgg.fm/1119">MGG 1119</a> Outtro <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway">MGG Monthly Giveaway</a></li> <li aria-level="1">Bandwidth Provided by <a href="https://cachefly.com/">CacheFly</a></li> <li aria-level="1">MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors</li> <li aria-level="1">Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: <a href="http://sothereiwas.us/">So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://debutfilmpodcast.com/">The Debut Film Podcast</a> &#8211; Adam’s new podcast!</li> <li aria-level="1">Dave’s <a href="https://businessbrain.show/">Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs)</a> and <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/">Gig Gab (for Working Musicians)</a> Podcasts</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="http://macgeekgab.com/merch">MGG Merch is Available!</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q">Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/calendar">Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/premium">This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/reviews">MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="tel:224-888-GEEK">224-888-GEEK</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors">Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="http://www.backbeatmedia.com/">BackBeat Media Podcast Network</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul>
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80 MIN
Treat Your TV Like a Monitor
DEC 1, 2025
Treat Your TV Like a Monitor
<img width="750" height="750" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tv-monitor-mgg1118.jpg?fit=750%2C750&amp;ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Treat Your TV Like a Monitor — Mac Geek Gab 1118 episode image" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tv-monitor-mgg1118.jpg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tv-monitor-mgg1118.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tv-monitor-mgg1118.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tv-monitor-mgg1118.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tv-monitor-mgg1118.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tv-monitor-mgg1118.jpg?resize=1536%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tv-monitor-mgg1118.jpg?resize=2048%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tv-monitor-mgg1118.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tv-monitor-mgg1118.jpg?resize=230%2C230&amp;ssl=1 230w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tv-monitor-mgg1118.jpg?resize=160%2C160&amp;ssl=1 160w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tv-monitor-mgg1118.jpg?resize=50%2C50&amp;ssl=1 50w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tv-monitor-mgg1118.jpg?w=2250&amp;ssl=1 2250w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><p class="p1">You kick off this episode with a rapid-fire blast of Quick Tips that sharpen how you use your Mac, iPhone, and apps every day. You learn how to tame iOS typing quirks, get the most out of dictation in ChatGPT’s Mac app, clean up Safari’s sidebar, and jump straight into System Settings with an alphabetical view. Then you dive into the spam-text battlefield, where forwarding to 7726, filtering, and blocking help you stay ahead. And because it’s Mac Geek Gab, you’re reminded: Don’t Get Caught letting your smart TV monitor more than you expect.</p> <p class="p1">From there, you get practical answers to real listener questions: backing up external Photos Libraries, deciding whether you trust Tailscale (and your relatives!), keeping network drives mounted in macOS 26, and dealing with the fact that Messages aren’t included in your Apple Data Archive. You round things out with a strong Cool Stuff Found segment covering tools to clean your menu bar, manage your watch history, secure your Mac, replace Bento, and more. It’s a full week of tips that tighten your workflow and expand what your Apple gear can do for you.</p> <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:00 <a href="https://mgg.fm/1118">Mac Geek Gab 1118</a> for Monday, <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/december-1">December 1st</a>, 2025 <ul> <li aria-level="1">December 1st: <a href="https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-eat-a-red-apple-day-december-1">Eat a Red Apple Day</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway">MGG Monthly Giveaway</a> &#8211; Enter to win a copy of OpenIn!</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/merch">The MGG Merch Store is Live!</a></li> <li aria-level="1">MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors: <ul> <li aria-level="1">BusyCal (with code <a href="https://www.busymac.com/">MACGEEK10</a>)!</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://eero.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor2_WDWEZ-NAdmOYr5dvHEh8hbAs7d7iR92fZNceTNnL5kpBS0D">Eero</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://ecamm.com/macgeekgab">Ecamm</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macpaw.com/">MacPaw</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://bombich.com/">CCC Backup</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Quick Tips <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:01 Darrin-QT-Set Amazon Auto Buy</li> <li aria-level="1">00:04:47 Susan-QT-Maybe disable &#8220;slide to type&#8221; to tame iOS typing?</li> <li aria-level="1">00:07:09 QTR-Dictating to ChatGPT’s Mac App is really handy</li> <li aria-level="1">00:07:59 Bruce-QT-<a href="https://mgg.fm/1116">1116</a>-Manage Safari&#8217;s Sidebar to your liking</li> <li aria-level="1">00:09:11 Gene-QT-System Settings Alphabetical List</li> <li aria-level="1">00:13:28 DGC-Dealing with those SPAM Text Messages <ul> <li aria-level="1">Forwarding to 7726 Reports SPAM to your carrier</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/screen-filter-report-and-block-texts-iph203ab0be4/ios">Screen, filter, report, and block text messages on iPhone</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Don’t Get Caught <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:18:09 Todd-DGC-Beware of your TV selling data about you</li> <li aria-level="1">00:22:45 ATC-DGC-Know about <a href="https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-your-keyboard-like-a-mouse-mh27469/mac">Mouse Keys</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Sponsors <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:27:02 SPONSOR: <a href="https://on.auraframes.com/MGG">Aura Frames</a>. Relive your favorite holiday traditions—every day. Visit <a href="https://on.auraframes.com/MGG">AuraFrames.com</a> and get $45 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames &#8211; named #1 by Wirecutter &#8211; by using promo code <a href="https://on.auraframes.com/MGG">MGG</a> at checkout.</li> <li aria-level="1">00:28:39 SPONSOR: <a href="https://shopify.com/MGG">Shopify</a>. For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at <a href="https://shopify.com/MGG">Shopify.com/MGG</a> and upgrade your selling today!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:29:48 Larry-How to back-up an external Photos Library? <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://bombich.com/en/kb/ccc/5/task-organization">Task Organization &#8211; Bombich Software</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:33:25 Allison-How MUCH do you believe in <a href="https://tailscale.com/">Tailscale</a>&#8230;and your relatives? <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.splashtop.com/">Splashtop</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:37:23 DLH-<a href="https://mgg.fm/1117">1117</a>-Messages are not a part of your <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/102208">Apple Data Archive</a> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://imazing.com/">iMazing</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:44:14 Uncle Jamie-Keep Network Drives Mounted on MacOS 26? <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.pixeleyes.co.nz/automounter/">Automounter for macOS</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/discord">MGG Discord</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:46:45 SccrHallways-CSF-<a href="https://antigravity.google/">Google Antigravity</a> agentic IDE for coding</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Sponsors <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:54:32 SPONSOR: <a href="https://www.rula.com/mgg">Rula</a> patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/mgg #rulapod</li> <li aria-level="1">00:56:14 SPONSOR: <a href="https://www.barebones.com/products/bbedit/">BBEdit</a>, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support.</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Cool Stuff Found <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:57:36 Terry-CSF-<a href="https://moonlock.com/">Moonlock Security Suite by MacPaw</a> (Setapp)</li> <li aria-level="1">01:00:43 Allison-CSF-<a href="https://icemenubar.app/">Ice for managing your Mac&#8217;s menu bar</a></li> <li aria-level="1">01:02:00 n-Greg from LA-CSF-<a href="https://matthewpalmer.net/vanilla/#vanilla-pro">Vanilla to Manage your Mac&#8217;s Menubar</a></li> <li aria-level="1">01:04:44 TheDaveAbides-CSF-<a href="https://support.plex.tv/articles/universal-watchlist/">Plex Universal Watchlist</a> and <a href="https://getchannels.com/stream-links/">Channels Stream Links</a> <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://github.com/babsonnexus/stream-link-manager-for-channels">Stream Link Manager for Channels</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:06:53 Joe-QT-<a href="https://mgg.fm/1115">1115</a>&#8211;<a href="https://trakt.tv/">Trakt</a> only stores your passwords on your local device(s)</li> <li aria-level="1">01:12:08 Mark M-CSF-<a href="https://mgg.fm/1112">1112</a>&#8211;<a href="https://www.tapforms.com/pricing/">Tap Forms Pro</a> as a great Bento/Filemaker replacement <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.airtable.com/">AirTable</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="http://www.provue.com/">Panorama X</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:14:16 <a href="https://mgg.fm/1118">MGG 1118</a> Outtro <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway">MGG Monthly Giveaway</a></li> <li aria-level="1">Bandwidth Provided by <a href="https://cachefly.com/">CacheFly</a></li> <li aria-level="1">MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors</li> <li aria-level="1">Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: <a href="http://sothereiwas.us/">So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://debutfilmpodcast.com/">The Debut Film Podcast</a> &#8211; Adam’s new podcast!</li> <li aria-level="1">Dave’s <a href="https://businessbrain.show/">Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs)</a> and <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/">Gig Gab (for Working Musicians)</a> Podcasts</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="http://macgeekgab.com/merch">MGG Merch is Available!</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q">Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/calendar">Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/premium">This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/reviews">MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="tel:224-888-GEEK">224-888-GEEK</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors">Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="http://www.backbeatmedia.com/">BackBeat Media Podcast Network</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul>
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77 MIN
Call Haptics, Photo GeoData Warnings, and Space-Saving iPhone Tricks
NOV 24, 2025
Call Haptics, Photo GeoData Warnings, and Space-Saving iPhone Tricks
<img width="750" height="750" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-photos-warnings-space-saving-tricks-mgg1117.jpg?fit=750%2C750&amp;ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Call Haptics, Photo GeoData Warnings, and Space-Saving iPhone Tricks — Mac Geek Gab 1117 episode image" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-photos-warnings-space-saving-tricks-mgg1117.jpg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-photos-warnings-space-saving-tricks-mgg1117.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-photos-warnings-space-saving-tricks-mgg1117.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-photos-warnings-space-saving-tricks-mgg1117.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-photos-warnings-space-saving-tricks-mgg1117.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-photos-warnings-space-saving-tricks-mgg1117.jpg?resize=1536%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-photos-warnings-space-saving-tricks-mgg1117.jpg?resize=2048%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-photos-warnings-space-saving-tricks-mgg1117.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-photos-warnings-space-saving-tricks-mgg1117.jpg?resize=230%2C230&amp;ssl=1 230w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-photos-warnings-space-saving-tricks-mgg1117.jpg?resize=160%2C160&amp;ssl=1 160w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-photos-warnings-space-saving-tricks-mgg1117.jpg?resize=50%2C50&amp;ssl=1 50w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-photos-warnings-space-saving-tricks-mgg1117.jpg?w=2250&amp;ssl=1 2250w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><p class="p1">You kick off this week’s episode on D. B. Cooper Day with a rapid-fire mix of fresh iOS 26 tricks and Mac power-moves. You learn how iOS 26&#8217;s haptic call alerts work, how Alfred can shut down your Mac faster than any menu, and how Forklift’s sync feature rivals DeltaWalker without any hassle. Shortcuts get smarter with automated sleep tracking, Command-P becomes your instant PDF escape hatch, and you get clarity on when you do and <i>don’t</i> need to hand over your phone as a digital ID. Listener follow-ups keep the energy rolling, including a reminder to rethink long-held holiday assumptions and a shoutout to Tailscale for keeping your tech effortlessly connected.</p> <p class="p1">Then it’s time to sharpen your defensive instincts so you Don’t Get Caught. You hear how to avoid being stranded without a wireless charger, why sending photos can leak your location, and what to do when the Mac App Store refuses to update your apps. You dig into undeleting Mail quirks, discover where your iPhone hides space-hogging files, and pick up smart workflows for offloading Messages media with CCC, iMazing, and Apple’s GDPR archive. You close with a simple breakdown of SSH so you can finally understand what’s happening when you open that mysterious Remote Login switch.</p> <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:00 <a href="https://mgg.fm/1117">Mac Geek Gab 1117</a> for Monday, <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/november-24">November 24th</a>, 2025 <ul> <li aria-level="1">November 24th: <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/d-b-cooper-day/">D.B. Cooper Day</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway">MGG Monthly Giveaway</a> &#8211; Your own OpenCase!</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/merch">The MGG Merch Store is Live!</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:11:12 MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors: <ul> <li aria-level="1">BusyCal (with code <a href="https://www.busymac.com/">MACGEEK10</a>)!</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://eero.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor2_WDWEZ-NAdmOYr5dvHEh8hbAs7d7iR92fZNceTNnL5kpBS0D">Eero</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://ecamm.com/macgeekgab">Ecamm</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macpaw.com/">MacPaw</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Quick Tips <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:01 Alex-QT-iOS 26 adds haptic vibrations for connected and dropped calls</li> <li aria-level="1">00:05:18 MoeCoffee-<a href="https://mgg.fm/1116">1116</a>-Use <a href="https://www.alfredapp.com/">Alfred</a> to Shut Down your Mac</li> <li aria-level="1">00:06:30 <a href="https://binarynights.com/">Forklift</a> has a Sync Function &#8211; Much like <a href="https://www.deltawalker.com/">Delta Walker</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:07:59 Paul-Create a shortcut to automatically Start Sleep Analysis</li> <li aria-level="1">00:11:32 Todd-QT-<a href="https://www.macsparky.com/blog/2017/10/fixing-the-print-to-pdf-trick-for-high-sierra/">Add Command-P to Save as PDF</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:13:52 Pilot Pete-QT-Follow Up &#8211; No Need to Hand Over Phone Digital ID</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Sponsors <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:17:42 SPONSOR: <a href="https://on.auraframes.com/MGG">Aura Frames</a>. Relive your favorite holiday traditions—every day. Visit <a href="https://on.auraframes.com/MGG">AuraFrames.com</a> and get $45 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames &#8211; named #1 by Wirecutter &#8211; by using promo code <a href="https://on.auraframes.com/MGG">MGG</a> at checkout.</li> <li aria-level="1">00:19:44 SPONSOR: <a href="https://udacity.com/mgg">Udacity</a> is an online learning platform with courses in AI and Tech. You can try Udacity risk-free for seven days. Head to <a href="https://udacity.com/mgg">Udacity.com/MGG</a> and use code <a href="https://udacity.com/mgg">MGG</a> for 40% off your order.</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Follow-ups and Reviews <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:21:10 Paul &amp; Ben-Was the last episode Wednesday or Monday?</li> <li aria-level="1">00:23:41 <a href="https://macgeekgab.com/review">MGG Review-</a>T. Hongo-An Apple Geeks home for tips and tricks</li> <li aria-level="1">00:25:51 Brian-Tell us the story about the Santa mind-shift, Dave!</li> <li aria-level="1">00:32:22 Joe-Let&#8217;s Hear It for <a href="https://tailscale.com/">Tailscale</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Don’t Get Caught <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:35:42 ATC-DGC-Without A Wireless Charger</li> <li aria-level="1">00:43:09 GW-DGC-Sending Photos Sends GeoData!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Sponsors <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:47:16 SPONSOR: <a href="https://gusto.com/MGG">Gusto</a>. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at <a href="https://gusto.com/MGG">gusto.com/MGG</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:48:36 SPONSOR: <a href="https://go.pakaapparel.com/MGG">PAKA</a> makes performance apparel from sustainable alpaca fiber, softer than cashmere, warmer than wool. To grab your PAKA hoodie and free pair of alpaca crew socks, head to <a href="https://go.pakaapparel.com/MGG">PAKAapparel.com/MGG</a> and use code MGG.</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:50:12 Rob-Why doesn&#8217;t Mac App Store update all my apps?</li> <li aria-level="1">00:53:50 ED-Why does mail sometimes undelete my emails? <ul> <li aria-level="1">Mail &gt; Mailboxes &gt; Rebuild Mailbox</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:57:58 Steve-How can I clean up my iPhone storage? <ul> <li aria-level="1">[home]/Library/Photos/Libraries/Syndication.photoslibrary/</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:02:48 A solution for offloading your Messages media <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://bombich.com/">CCC Backup</a> to sync photos to a new destination</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://imazing.com/">iMazing</a> to archive messages</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/102208">Request a data archive from Apple for your data</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:09:49 Steve-What is SSH-ing? <ul> <li aria-level="1">System Settings &gt; General &gt; Sharing &gt; Remote Login</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:18:19 <a href="https://mgg.fm/1117">MGG 1117</a> Outtro <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway">MGG Monthly Giveaway</a></li> <li aria-level="1">Bandwidth Provided by <a href="https://cachefly.com/">CacheFly</a></li> <li aria-level="1">MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors: BusyCal (with code <a href="https://www.busymac.com/">MACGEEK10</a>)!</li> <li aria-level="1">Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: <a href="http://sothereiwas.us/">So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://debutfilmpodcast.com/">The Debut Film Podcast</a> &#8211; Adam’s new podcast!</li> <li aria-level="1">Dave’s <a href="https://businessbrain.show/">Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs)</a> and <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/">Gig Gab (for Working Musicians)</a> Podcasts</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="http://macgeekgab.com/merch">MGG Merch is Available!</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q">Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/calendar">Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/premium">This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/reviews">MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="tel:224-888-GEEK">224-888-GEEK</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors">Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="http://www.backbeatmedia.com/">BackBeat Media Podcast Network</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul>
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79 MIN
iOS 26 Hidden Gems, Gift Guide Favorites, and the Return of Your Old Nest Thermostat
NOV 17, 2025
iOS 26 Hidden Gems, Gift Guide Favorites, and the Return of Your Old Nest Thermostat
<img width="750" height="750" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-hidden-gems-gift-guide-nest-thermostat-mgg1116.jpg?fit=750%2C750&amp;ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="iOS 26 Hidden Gems, Gift Guide Favorites, and the Return of Your Old Nest Thermostat — Mac Geek Gab 1116 episode image" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-hidden-gems-gift-guide-nest-thermostat-mgg1116.jpg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-hidden-gems-gift-guide-nest-thermostat-mgg1116.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-hidden-gems-gift-guide-nest-thermostat-mgg1116.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-hidden-gems-gift-guide-nest-thermostat-mgg1116.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-hidden-gems-gift-guide-nest-thermostat-mgg1116.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-hidden-gems-gift-guide-nest-thermostat-mgg1116.jpg?resize=1536%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-hidden-gems-gift-guide-nest-thermostat-mgg1116.jpg?resize=2048%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-hidden-gems-gift-guide-nest-thermostat-mgg1116.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-hidden-gems-gift-guide-nest-thermostat-mgg1116.jpg?resize=230%2C230&amp;ssl=1 230w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-hidden-gems-gift-guide-nest-thermostat-mgg1116.jpg?resize=160%2C160&amp;ssl=1 160w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-hidden-gems-gift-guide-nest-thermostat-mgg1116.jpg?resize=50%2C50&amp;ssl=1 50w, https://i0.wp.com/www.macgeekgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ios26-hidden-gems-gift-guide-nest-thermostat-mgg1116.jpg?w=2250&amp;ssl=1 2250w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><p class="p1">You kick off with a blast of rapid-fire tips: instantly saving PDFs from Google Docs, digging photos out of Messages, moving your playlists into Apple Music with iOS 26, tightening up your Digital ID setup, wrangling mail right inside a message, and even retraining Siri when she goes off the rails. Then you dig into listener questions: how to avoid phishing traps, whether segmenting IoT gear actually improves security, and how to bypass that annoying shutdown confirmation. Sleep-tracking follow-ups, auto-opening Safari’s sidebar, and a perfectly absurd detour into fattening up backyard squirrels keep things moving. Through it all, you avoid the pitfalls and, of course, Don’t Get Caught.</p> <p class="p1">From there, the next iteration of the Gift Guide rolls out, finding those products that are so embedded into our lives we forget about them: Hue bulbs for whole-home color, the Snap Grip for better shooting on the go, the Olight for serious flashlight needs, AirPods Pro with live translation tricks, single-ear noise canceling, and Comply tips for comfort. You wrap with Cool Stuff Found, including What Three Words for location smarts and the clever NoLongerEvil workaround to resurrect aging Nest thermostats. Punchy, practical, and full of the good bits you can use right now.</p> <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:00 <a href="https://mgg.fm/1116">Mac Geek Gab 1116</a> for Monday, <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/november-17">November 17th</a>, 2025 <ul> <li aria-level="1">November 17th: <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/national-homemade-bread-day/">National Homemade Bread Day</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway">MGG Monthly Giveaway</a> &#8211; Your own OpenCase!</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/merch">The MGG Merch Store is Live!</a></li> <li aria-level="1">MGG CES 2026 Sponsors: BusyCal (with code <a href="https://www.busymac.com/">MACGEEK10</a>)!</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Quick Tips <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:00:01 QT-Command+P in Google Docs immediately saves a PDF</li> <li aria-level="1">00:04:57 P2-QT-Find a Photo in Messages</li> <li aria-level="1">00:08:45 n-JKDawson-QT-<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/118249">iOS 26 lets you transfer music from other services to Apple Music</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:10:53 QT-<a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/11/apple-introduces-digital-id-a-new-way-to-create-and-present-an-id-in-apple-wallet/?1762965032">Set up your Apple Digital ID</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:16:30 QT-iOS Mail management from within the message</li> <li aria-level="1">00:18:10 Ben-QT-<a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/105026">Retrain Siri if She&#8217;s Not working on your Watch</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Sponsors <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:24:22 SPONSOR: <a href="https://framer.com/design">Framer</a>. Ready to design, iterate, and publish all in one tool? Start creating for free at <a href="http://framer.com/design">Framer.com/design</a>, and use code MGG for a free month of Framer Pro.</li> <li aria-level="1">00:26:07 SPONSOR: <a href="https://drinkag1.com/MGG">AG1</a>. Head to <a href="https://drinkag1.com/MGG">DrinkAG1.com/MGG</a> to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe.</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:19:23 Paul-How best to avoid phishing scams?</li> <li aria-level="1">00:28:27 Dan DXZDB-<a href="https://fediscience.org/@Rush_Motttram/11547862196222059">What are the impacts of putting IOT devices on a separate Wi-Fi network?</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:36:37 Steven-Q-Getting Around the &#8216;Are You Sure&#8217; prompt when shutting down</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/102650">Shutdown and Restart Keystrokes</a> <ul> <li aria-level="1">sudo shutdown -h now</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">00:41:52 OurStanley-<a href="https://sleepcycle.com/">Sleep Cycle</a> Follow-up</li> <li aria-level="1">00:44:46 Fattening Up The Squirrels</li> <li aria-level="1">00:45:26 Dick-How to auto-open Safari with the Bookmarks Sidebar visible?</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Sponsors <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:49:06 SPONSOR: <a href="https://clnmy.com/MACGEEK">CleanMyMac</a>. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACGEEK for 20% off at <a href="https://clnmy.com/MACGEEK">clnmy.com/MACGEEK</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:50:38 SPONSOR: <a href="https://nordlayer.com/macgeekgab">NordLayer</a>. Get an exclusive offer: up to 22% off NordLayer yearly plans plus 10% on top with the coupon code: macgeekgab-10. Try it risk-free—14-day money-back guarantee.</li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Gift Guide <ul> <li aria-level="1">00:52:15 GG-<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B088KR6KZN/giggab-20">Philips Hue Full Color Bulbs</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:56:15 GG-<a href="https://ohsnap.com/collections/grips/products/snap-grip">OhSnap Snap Grip</a></li> <li aria-level="1">00:58:41 GG-<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0FGMNQ2JP/macgeekgab-20">Olight ArkPro</a> Flashlights</li> <li aria-level="1">01:02:31 GG-<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0FQFB8FMG/macgeekgab-20">Airpods Pro 3</a></li> <li aria-level="1">01:02:49 AirPods Pro Live Translation review</li> <li aria-level="1">01:04:22 AirPods Pro single-ear noise canceling</li> <li aria-level="1">01:05:51 <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B088KQKYSC/macgeekgab-20">Comply AirPods Foam Tips</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">Cool Stuff Found <ul> <li aria-level="1">01:08:08 Jeff-CSF-<a href="https://what3words.com/">What Three Words</a> &amp; Some Use Cases</li> <li aria-level="1">01:10:25 CSF-<a href="https://github.com/codykociemba/NoLongerEvil-Thermostat?tab=readme-ov-file">NoLongerEvil-Thermostat</a><a href="https://nolongerevil.com/about"> brings Nest thermostats back online</a></li> </ul> </li> <li aria-level="1">01:19:19 <a href="https://mgg.fm/1116">MGG 1116</a> Outtro <ul> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/giveaway">MGG Monthly Giveaway</a></li> <li aria-level="1">Bandwidth Provided by <a href="https://cachefly.com/">CacheFly</a></li> <li aria-level="1">Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: <a href="http://sothereiwas.us/">So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://debutfilmpodcast.com/">The Debut Film Podcast</a> &#8211; Adam’s new podcast!</li> <li aria-level="1">Dave’s <a href="https://businessbrain.show/">Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs)</a> and <a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.com/">Gig Gab (for Working Musicians)</a> Podcasts</li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="http://macgeekgab.com/merch">MGG Merch is Available!</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw4n7jezVHKzJJW7MykDu7Q">Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/calendar">Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/premium">This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://macgeekgab.com/reviews">MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="tel:224-888-GEEK">224-888-GEEK</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.macgeekgab.com/sponsors">Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List</a></li> <li aria-level="1"><a href="http://www.backbeatmedia.com/">BackBeat Media Podcast Network</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul>
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81 MIN