Total Mikah (Audio)

In this episode of Hands-On Tech, Mikah answers Denise's question about whether her smart TV is tracking what she watches and how to stop it. Send in your questions for Mikah to hot@twit.tv, and he'll answer them in a future episode! Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsors: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT shopify.com/hot

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge joins the show this week! Is Google's AI Search failing kids? OpenAI could be releasing its first device: a proactive AI-smart speaker. OnePlus is exiting the US & European market. And Microsoft's Comic Chat is now open source. Common Sense Media finds Google's AI Overviews and AI Mode miss warning signs like suicidal ideation and validate disordered eating, especially concerning. Bloomberg reports that OpenAI is building a screen-free, proactive smart speaker for the home. Katie Collins from CNET joins the show to talk about OnePlus's withdrawal from the US & European market. And Microsoft releases the code for its iconic mid-90s comic-strip IRC client (birthplace of Comic Sans) on GitHub. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guest: Katie Collins Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT rippling.ai/tnw framer.com/tnw zscaler.com/security

Ready to install the iOS 27 public beta? Skip common mistakes and learn Mikah's straightforward method for filing some reports that may actually get results. Back up devices and expectations for public beta testers Step-by-step guide to enrolling in Apple's public beta program Understanding your role and responsibilities as a beta tester The importance of submitting clear, actionable feedback to Apple How to use the Feedback app and provide diagnostic data Attaching screenshots and recordings to feedback for clarity When to refile persistent bugs and avoid reporting third-party app issues Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT

If you're the person who packs weeks early and triple-checks every detail, this episode is your tactical guide to using iPhone apps for travel planning, collaboration, and on-the-ground navigation. Vacation planning tips and why offline maps are essential Downloading and managing offline Apple Maps for travel Using shared Apple Notes and Reminders for trip organization Comparing Notes, Reminders, and Freeform for vacation planning Top travel apps: TripIt, Tripsy, and Wanderlog privacy considerations Flight tracking and airport anxiety reduced with Flighty Data choices abroad: eSIM setup and Citymapper for urban navigation Feedback: Autoplay settings in Apple Podcasts Shortcuts Corner: Automating photo sharing, saving, and cleanup workflow Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsors: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT shopify.com/ios

In this episode of Hands-On Tech, Mikah answers Doug's question about why identical-looking USB-C cables can have wildly different charging and data speeds, and how to tell them apart. Send in your questions for Mikah to hot@twit.tv, and he'll answer them in a future episode! Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT

Dan Moren joins Mikah Sargent this week! XBOX resets itself. Wealthy families are leaning towards AI tutors to better prepare their kids. AI is starting to get into the "Wrapped" trend with users' data. And New York is the first US state to ban the use of smart glasses in courthouses. Microsoft laid off thousands more Xbox employees this week, and spun off gaming studios such as Compulsion Games and Double Fine, as the division struggles with thin margins & rising hardware costs. Wealthy families are pulling kids from public school for pricey new programs like Alpha School and Forge Prep that swap teachers for AI "guides" and lessons in business skills, despite no data proving they work. Anthropic debuted a new tool called Reflect, reminiscent of Spotify's "Wrapped" feature, that gives Claude users a usage dashboard with quiet hours, break reminders, and insights into their habits, though it requires memory to be turned on. And New York became the first US state to ban the use of smart glasses in courthouses, following a trend of Illinois drivers and major cruise lines prohibiting the use of camera-equipped smart glasses over recording and safety concerns. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT bitwarden.com/twit rippling.ai/tnw framer.com/tnw joindeleteme.com/twit-biz

Apple's sports app puts the World Cup and every major match at your fingertips, with live activities and seamless Apple TV integration. Discover how your iPhone can keep you in the loop, even if sports aren't your thing. In-depth look at the free Apple Sports app and top features Apple Arcade and mobile soccer games: EA Sports FC, Mini Football Legends, Score! Hero, eFootball Using Apple News to stay updated on World Cup events and scores News: Apple's Siri AI gains integration with third-party apps in new betas Feedback: accessibility apps, VoiceOver favorites, and accessory habits Shortcuts Corner: automation for Apple Card transaction notifications App Caps: Make-roscope mobile microscope and Anker Nano Power Bank picks Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT

Ever wish your iPhone could capture your photos with a look that actually feels like you? Learn how Apple's photographic styles hand you control over color, tone, and even skin tones, with no generic filters required. Differences in photographic styles between older and newer iPhones How to set up and select photographic styles in iOS settings Exploring and customizing style presets like amber, gold, and rose gold Using the control pad to fine-tune tone, color, and intensity Adjusting or resetting styles, plus limitations on older versus newer devices Saving and editing photo styles after capture on latest iPhones Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT

On this episode of Hands-On Tech, Marcus asks Mikah whether Matter and Thread are the real solution to smart home ecosystem lock-in, or just more marketing hype. Don't forget to send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show! hot@twit.tv Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsors: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT NetSuite.AI/HOT

Abrar Al-Heeti of CNET joins Mikah Sargent on the show this week! Do Americans trust driverless vehicles? Safety tools for Social Media are failing kids. Sony is ceasing the production of physical games in January 2028. And a Supreme Court ruling guts the government's use of geofence warrants. A new Pew Research survey finds only 5% of U.S. adults have ridden in a driverless car, and 71% say they wouldn't feel comfortable riding in one in the first place. An audit conducted by the Cybersafety Research Center showcases that, within Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, the research center found 51 of 86 advertised child-safety features were either broken, buried, or missing. Sony announced it will stop making physical discs for new PlayStation games starting in January 2028. And in Chatrie v. United States, which reached the Supreme Court, the Court ruled 6-3 that police need a warrant to obtain Google location-history data, further extending Fourth Amendment protections for Americans. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT framer.com/tnw hipebl.ai threatlocker.com/twit rippling.ai/tnw

Transform your iPhone interaction with a neat double-tap feature that most users have never noticed in the settings menu. Find out how to program the back of your phone for quick actions like taking a screenshot, launching your favorite app, or automating nighttime routines. Finding and enabling Back Tap in Accessibility settings Double tap and triple tap back actions explained How Back Tap uses sensors, not physical buttons Assigning system, accessibility, and device actions to Back Tap Using Back Tap to trigger shortcuts for custom automations Practical uses and avoiding accidental activations Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT

As heat waves and storms reshape daily life, see how localized weather tech and smart notifications are becoming essential tools for staying safe, planning ahead, and getting your forecast with a side of fun. Apple Weather app evolution from basic utility to Dark Sky integration Localized weather data, alerts, and hourly forecasting explained Shortcut automations for Weather: capabilities and app integration Changes in third-party weather app APIs post-Dark Sky acquisition CARROT Weather: customizable data sources, achievements, and unique personality (Not Boring) Weather: design-driven, interactive weather visualization Met Office Weather Forecast: official UK alerts and specialized app benefits Mercury Weather: cross-platform support, trip planning, and rain forecasting Acme Weather: US-only, feature-rich app from Dark Sky creators App Caps: Spigen TapZip MagSafe organizer and ESR CryoBoost charging station Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsors: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT NetSuite.AI/IOS

On Hands-On Tech, Eleanor asks Mikah how to transition away from her long-standing ISP email address without losing access to the important accounts tied to it. Don't forget to send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show! hot@twit.tv Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge joins Tech News Weekly with Mikah Sargent! Matter 1.6 is unveiled. A federal probe has been opened into Tesla. Snap and Meta are making major moves in smart glasses this week. And is the rising cost of tech becoming too much? Jennifer talks about Matter 1.6 and some of the new features that come with the newest version of the technical standard for smart home devices. Mikah shares how another federal probe has been opened into Tesla, this time a Model 3 vehicle that slammed into a Texas home and killed a 76-year-old in the house. Scott Stein joins the show to talk about Snap and Meta's newest smart glasses. And both Mikah and Scott talk about the increasing cost of tech as Steam's new Steam Machine is given a starting price point of $1,049, and Apple just announced a price hike across its Mac, iPad, and home devices. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guest: Scott Stein Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Simply CX zscaler.com/security hoxhunt.com/securitynow framer.com/tnw

Your iPhone can quietly transform into a customizable bedside clock, calendar, and smart photo frame with just a simple orientation tweak. Discover how StandBy mode reveals features you probably didn't know your device had. StandBy requirements: charging, landscape mode, and settings toggle Always-on display boosts StandBy, but older iPhones work too Configure StandBy's display options, night mode, and motion to wake Explore StandBy's three main views: widgets, photos, clocks Customizing widget stacks, adding photos, and picking clock styles Now Playing and live activity controls integrate with StandBy Night mode tips for lower brightness and red-tinted display MagSafe enables location-based StandBy view preferences StandBy integrates with Sleep Focus for smarter nighttime use Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: threatlocker.com/twit

From accessible guitar toolkits to games tackling mental health and body image, discover the Design Award contenders that are reinventing what "inclusive design" means for the entire Apple ecosystem. Delight and Fun Category — Grug app and Is This Seat Taken? game winner Inclusivity Category — Guitar Wiz, accessibility features, and game highlights Innovation Category — VisionOS experiences, NBA Live Games & Scores, and Blue Prince Interaction Category — Moonlitt app, kid-friendly game design Social Impact Category — Health, cultural, and mental health apps/games Visuals and Graphics Category — Stunning app interfaces and graphics-intensive games Where to download these award-winning apps and games Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

In this episode of Hands-On Tech, Jim asks Mikah how to effectively reduce the overwhelming volume of spam texts and robocalls he's been receiving on his iPhone, and for advice to help his wife with the same issue, who uses Android. Send in your questions for Mikah to hot@twit.tv, and he'll answer them during the show! Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit

Dan Moren of Six Colors is in this week for Tech News Weekly with Mikah Sargent. Apple will likely raise the prices of its products in the future. Roku is being bought by Fox. Android 17 arrives for your smartphone! And could your devices come pre-installed with backdoor software? Dan talks about an interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook in the Wall Street Journal and how it's unavoidable that the company will have to raise the price on its devices in the future due to memory chip costs fueled by AI demand. Mikah laments the potential acquisition of Roku by Fox in a $22 billion cash-and-stock deal. Patrick Holland of CNET joins the show to talk about Android 17 and the new features within the operating system. And Mikah shares an investigation by the Wall Street Journal on how many cheap smart home devices have been secretly hijacked by a Chinese company to create a massive residential proxy network used by state-backed hackers from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren Guest: Patrick Holland Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit Simply CX outsystems.com/twit

Are you overlooking a classic built into every Mac? Mikah Sargent challenges you to give Stickies a week and find out if it deserves a permanent spot on your desktop. Fast, frictionless note taking without accounts or setup Formatting features: fonts, colors, graphics, and text enhancements Color-coded Stickies for easy organization and quick reference Advanced options: floating notes, translucency, keyboard shortcuts Stickies' limitations: local-only, no device syncing or security features Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit

WWDC 2026 brought much more than AI hype. Get the recap on the overlooked updates to watchOS, CarPlay, iPadOS, and tvOS that could totally change how you use your Apple devices. Plus, Shortcuts just leveled up with powerful new triggers and AI-built automations! Siri AI waitlist and early impressions of New Siri WatchOS 27: Workout Buddy upgrades, Find My app, Siri app, & more iCloud+ adds AI feature limits and smarter home camera notifications CarPlay updates: video playback (when parked), audio scrubbing, wireless reliability iPadOS 27 changes driven by platform convergence and folding devices iPadOS improves multitasking, file transfers, and app name display in status bar tvOS updates: faster AirPlay, accessibility, podcast video support Shortcuts Corner: AI-powered shortcut creation and expanded automation triggers Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

In this week's episode of Hands-On Tech, Clint wants to know whether Telegram is truly safe to use or not. Don't forget to send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show! hot@twit.tv Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: shopify.com/hot

Amanda Silberling of TechCrunch joins Mikah Sargent this week! Anthropic launches Fable 5, its newest AI model. The FCC seeks to end the use of burner phones in the US. And everything Apple unveiled at WWDC 2026. Amanda talks about Anthropic's newest AI model, Fable 5, its first consumer-accessible version of its powerful Mythos model. Mikah shares a story from 404 Media about the FCC's push to end anonymous "burner phones," raising significant concerns about the privacy implications for people who rely on them for legitimate reasons. And Dan Moren of SixColors joins the show to break down WWDC 2026's latest announcements, including a revamped AI-powered Siri and a privacy-first approach to its new intelligence features. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Amanda Silberling Guest: Dan Moren Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT bitwarden.com/twit hipebl.ai

Your iPhone has a powerful translation toolkit built right in, ready to tackle menus, emails, and street signs (in over 20 languages) without any extra apps or subscriptions. Discover how to get the most out of features you might not even know exist, from real-time conversation mode to camera translations. Supported languages and translation options overview Translating and pronouncing text, saving phrases for quick access Utilizing conversation mode for real-time bilingual communication Switching between side-by-side and face-to-face translation views Activating auto-translate and automatic language detection features Live camera translation for menus, signs, and printed text Translating photos and system-wide text using the context menu Translation capabilities in Safari for web pages Downloading offline language packs for travel or privacy Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Apple is handing parents unprecedented control with new child safety and parental approval features. Rosemary Orchard and Mikah Sargent break down what's changed, how it works, and more iOS goodness during WWDC26 week! Apple's WWDC keynote reveals iOS 27 and platform-wide focus on AI, privacy, and performance Liquid Glass transparency and appearance now user-adjustable for accessibility Toolbars and UI restored for improved navigation and vision support Performance boosts: faster photos, AirDrop, and Spotlight search highlighted Intelligent networking promises smarter Wi-Fi and cellular switching Maps overhaul: more vivid detail with AI and satellite imagery New child safety features: granular app, contact, and website approvals Siri gets personal context, deeper app integration, and smart replies Advanced developer APIs and app intents previewed for on-device AI features Generative photo editing arrives: extend, clean up, and a new Reframe tool System-wide suggestions and information surfacing in Mail, Messages, and calls Quality-of-life updates: independent alarm/ringer/music volumes, swipable now playing Shortcuts Corner: Natural language shortcut creation and changes to automation workflows Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: shopify.com/ios

Apple held its big WWDC 2026 keynote and introduced the new Siri AI for iOS 27, with sign-ups now available for the iOS 27 beta. However, Siri AI will be delayed in the EU for iOS and iPadOS 27. Liquid Glass has some opt-in options to roll back elements of the design. And Apple highlights its commitment to child safety with new child-safety features in its operating systems. WWDC 2026: Everything announced on Siri AI, iOS 27, Apple Intelligence and more. iOS 27 tidbits: share a phone number on two iPhones, independent alarm volume, faster AirPlay and more. OS overview - top OS features. Apple previews new child safety features. Introducing the third generation of Apple's foundation models. New dummy units give our closest look yet at the iPhone Fold. visionOS 27 features a new Thórsmörk Environment. Due to DMA, Siri AI delayed in EU for iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. No tech rule exemption for Apple, EU regulators say amid spat over Siri AI delay. Picks of the Week Leo's Pick: Optimized Pancakes Andy's Pick: PhotoRec Christina's Pick: Chipotlai Max Mikah's Pick: "The Chaos" (1922) by Gerard Nolst Trenité Hosts: Leo Laporte, Andy Ihnatko, and Christina Warren Guest: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: hipebl.ai helixsleep.com/macbreak

On this week's episode of Hands-On Tech, listener Lenny asks Mikah for advice on how to get the best performance out of an external SSD connected to his MacBook Pro. Don't forget to send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show! hot@twit.tv Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: NetSuite.com/hot

Abrar Al-Heeti joins Mikah Sargent this week on Tech News Weekly! Google & Microsoft held developer keynotes the past few weeks, with Apple's WWDC conference happening soon. The growing crisis of AI-generated deepfakes in schools. And China's dominance in actuator manufacturing. Abrar & Mikah chat about the stretch of major tech conferences with Google & Microsoft's tech conferences that happened in the past few weeks, as well as Apple's WWDC that is right around the corner. Samantha Cole of 404 Media joins the show to talk about the disturbing rise of AI-generated deepfakes that are targeting students in schools and the ongoing challenges facing lawmakers, parents, and app stores in responding to the crisis. And Mikah looks into America's growing actuator problem, with China dominating the market and the U.S. struggling to bring the manufacturing of actuators back home. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti Guest: Samantha Cole Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: zscaler.com/security Simply CX webroot.com/twit

Tired of Google's AI overviews? This episode breaks down your actual options for search alternatives on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, including tips most Apple fans have never tried. See just how easy it is to reclaim your Safari searches with an alternative engine and take back control on your Apple devices. How to change Safari's search engine on iPhone Limitations: can't remove Google everywhere, only in Safari Search engine options: Google, Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia explained Private browsing: set different search engines for privacy Tuning search suggestions and privacy settings in Safari Changing your default browser for wider search control Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

With Apple pushing on-device AI and deep personal context, can they actually outmaneuver privacy concerns while matching Google's aggressive advancements? This episode breaks down the tension between convenience and user trust in the next wave of iOS. Smarter Siri rumors: Personal context and on-screen awareness explained Apple's AI promises, missed deadlines, and looming class action suit Siri vs. third-party AI assistants: The integration and privacy trade-offs The challenge of delivering on-device AI vs. cloud-powered models Rumored AI-powered writing and grammar tools for iOS Photos app upgrades: "Extend," "Enhance," and "Reframe" features Expected camera app customization and Apple Intelligence image tools Shortcuts overhaul: Natural language support and system shortcomings iOS 27 design tweaks: Liquid Glass looks and animation updates Wallet app additions and "Create a Pass" Satellite features for Maps, Messages, and third-party app connectivity tested Standalone Siri chatbot app speculation and competition with ChatGPT, Claude News: Shortcuts Playground is a Claude/Codex plugin for building automations App Caps: Anker Nano travel adapter and Cassette Home Video Player apps Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: NetSuite.com/ios

On this week's episode of Hands-On Tech, David asks Mikah whether his old, out-of-service Windows Home Server is worth bringing back online now that he has a fast fiber internet connection, and what the best way to set it up would be. Don't forget to send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show! hot@twit.tv Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Dan Moren from sixcolors.com joins Mikah Sargent this week on Tech News Weekly. A new report from Mark Gurman highlights new details for iOS 27. A look into a trend in London involving phone thefts & the lengths they go to unlock stolen devices for resale. And the Vatican unveiled its new papal encyclical on artificial intelligence. Dan talks about a new report from Mark Gurman on Bloomberg about new details for Apple's upcoming iOS 27, which highlights a revamped Siri, a new system-wide search interface, and a standalone chatbot-style Siri app with support for third-party AI models. Mikah shares a New York Times investigation that looks into a disturbing trend in London where phone thieves are escalating beyond simple theft to pressure the victim and their family members into unlocking their stolen devices for resale. And Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah to break down the Vatican's new papal encyclical on artificial intelligence that was unveiled earlier this week. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren Guest: Jacob Ward Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: Simply CX

Most Apple Watch users never bother to customize the screen they check dozens of times a day. This episode shows how a quick face makeover can actually streamline your routines and keep you focused. Customizing Apple Watch faces using the Watch app on iPhone How to switch and organize Apple Watch faces Restoring swipe-to-switch watch face option in settings Editing and reordering watch faces in the Watch app Complications turn watch faces from decorative to functional Building a rotation of faces for different activities or moods Syncing watch faces to Focus Modes for dynamic switching Sharing custom watch faces with friends New watch faces in watchOS 26 Smart Stack as a complement to complications on Apple Watch Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: threatlocker.com/twit

Why do iMessage apps feel like a forgotten experiment, and what buried gems are still hiding behind that plus button? Dan Moren joins the show to unpack which built-in features now outshine their third-party predecessors and what that says about Apple's approach to messaging. iMessage apps' evolution, developer challenges, and user engagement declines Default iMessage features vs. true apps Sticker packs, sharing GIFs, and gameplay in Messages lose relevance Apple's default iMessage tools—photos, polls, cash, check in, send later Nuances of audio messages, dictation, and in-app differences Tips for faster photo sharing and rearranging iMessage features Real-world uses and practical limitations of iMessage's check-in feature Notable third-party iMessage app recommendations and personal favorites New: Apple's 2026 accessibility updates, including voice control, real-time captions, and AI-powered magnifier Picks of the Week: Indigo cross-network social app and Wipr 2 content filter Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

In this week's episode of Hands-On Tech, Robert asks Mikah for help choosing a new Windows laptop suited for heavy photo and video editing work, including guidance on GPU and VRAM requirements for his specific software stack, as well as advice on whether switching to a Mac is a viable option after a disastrous previous migration experience. Don't forget to send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show! hot@twit.tv Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit shopify.com/hot

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy joins Mikah Sargent on Tech News Weekly! Amazon is directly implementing Alexa into its flagship shopping website. Bambu Lab is in hot water over direct messages it sent to an independent developer regarding third-party software access. Google's set to release its Android XR smart glasses later this year. And Apple unveils new accessibility features for its products, now including Apple Intelligence. Jennifer talks about Amazon integrating Alexa into Amazon.com, where you'll be able to ask Alexa questions and get more personalized answers. Mikah discusses how Bambu Lab, maker of popular 3D printers, is facing criticism from the 3D printing community after it sent a cease-and-desist letter to a developer over a third-party app that bypassed some of Bambu's proprietary software. WIRED's Julian Chokkattu joins the show to talk about Google's upcoming Android XR smart glasses and his hands-on experience with the device on how it handled tasks such as translation, navigation, and on-the-fly information lookup. And Mikah shares Apple's latest announcements of new accessibility features that will be coming to its OS's later this year. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guest: Julian Chokkattu Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

Learn why Activity Monitor is the macOS tool experienced users trust first to diagnose hidden memory drains, runaway CPU usage, and behind-the-scenes energy hogs. Mastering a single built-in tool can put real-time answers and expert-level control right at your fingertips. Quick Access Methods: Spotlight, Finder, and Utilities Folder Five Main Tabs: CPU, Memory, Energy, Disk, and Network Explained Sorting and Identifying Resource-Heavy Processes in CPU Tab Understanding Percent CPU, Multi-Core Macs, and High Usage Scenarios Spotting and Managing Frozen or Runaway Apps via Activity Monitor The Importance of the Kind Column: Rosetta Support and Apple Silicon Transition Using Memory Tab and Pressure Graph to Gauge RAM Health Sorting by Memory to Find Leaky or Misbehaving Apps Energy Tab Insights: Finding Battery-Draining and Power-Hungry Apps Disk Tab: Diagnosing Read/Write Issues and Competing Background Tasks Network Tab: Tracking Data-Heavy Apps and Monitoring for Security Live Dock Icon Graphs for CPU, Network, and Disk Usage How to Force Quit or Inspect Troubled Processes in Activity Monitor Homework: Add Activity Monitor to Dock and Monitor Rosetta Apps Before Support Ends Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: outsystems.com/twit

Is your Apple Watch doing all it can for you? Explore how advanced features like multi-watch setups, app grids versus lists, and watch-based security tools can seriously level up your experience. Apple Watch independence, multiple watches per iPhone, and family setup Pros and cons of owning and using two Apple Watches Apple Watch as fashion item versus functional device Passing down and reusing Apple Watches in families Managing Apple Watch apps, notifications, and widgets for a personalized experience Apple Watch Mirroring on iPhone and accessibility features Using Apple Watch to find your iPhone (and vice versa) Apple Watch for unlocking Macs, authenticating purchases, and identity confirmation Running Apple Watch solo, even without cellular—music, workouts, and safety News: End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging arrives via carrier support in iOS update Shortcuts Corner: Exporting Apple Health data (weight) to CSV App Caps: MagSafe wallets with Find My and pop socket support Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

On this week's episode of Hands-On Tech, George asks Mikah whether he should set up a mesh router system or install multiple wired access points throughout his multi-floor home as he prepares to run ethernet cables. Send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show! hot@twit.tv Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit

Jacob Ward joins Mikah Sargent on Tech News Weekly! More insights into the Musk vs. OpenAI trial. Everything unveiled at The Android Show: Google I/O Edition 2026. And the Canvas cyberattack. Jacob has been covering the Musk vs. OpenAI trial since he was last on the show. He talks about the trial and some of the more interesting things that have occurred during the trial. Jason Howell stops by to talk about everything that was unveiled at The Android Show: Google I/O Edition, a lead-up to the big Google I/O event that is taking place on May 19th. And Mikah talks about the Canvas cyberattack that occurred on May 7th and how the company paid the ransom that the attackers were demanding from the organization. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guest: Jason Howell Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT hoxhunt.com/securitynow zscaler.com/security bitwarden.com/twit

iOS 26.5 raises the bar with end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging and bakes in a slew of security upgrades that could change how you think about your texts and device safety. Find out what's improved on your iPhone! iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 security fixes and privacy updates End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging finally arrives on iOS New customizable Pride Lumina wallpapers debut for Pride Month Reminders app snooze options now display specific times Apple Maps adds suggested places based on popularity and search history New annual subscription option with monthly payments for apps Chatbot voice assistant support comes to CarPlay with tighter safeguards Magic Keyboard, Mouse, and Trackpad get plug-and-pair feature on iPadOS EU users get expanded third-party wearable features, AirPods-style pairing Few major changes expected as Apple shifts focus to WWDC and Siri upgrade News: Apple Developer app adds WWDC stickers — Clarus the dogcow walks App Caps: Anker's clamp-on power hub and Dog Vision camera app picks Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: shopify.com/ios

Apple Music's Playlist Playground does more than just pick songs; it curates playlists that actually flow together, tailored to your mood or activity. Mikah shows how to craft and customize dynamic playlists with minimal effort. How Playlist Playground differs from classic playlist and Siri options Step-by-step demo: Creating playlists with plain language prompts Editing and customizing AI-generated playlists, adjusting song choices Adding, removing, and refreshing songs within Playlist Playground Changing playlist artwork and privacy sharing options Organizing Playlist Playground creations for easy access Playlist flow and song order improvements with AI Age, subscription, and device requirements Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Apple at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-apple Want access to the ad-free audio and video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit

On this week's episode of Hands-On Tech, a listener asks why Android Auto has stopped displaying message banners and why voice commands are no longer working across multiple vehicles. Send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show to hot@twit.tv! Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. Sponsor: outsystems.com/twit