PODCAST · news
The Context Machine
by Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet
The podcast where Bryan and Jeff talk about whatever they want.
Episodes
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Apple Goes All In on the Smart Home with HomeView
Apple is making a major push into the smart home with its new HomeView display and a lineup of accessories from LG and Schneider, including security cameras, smart locks, and thermostats. Bryan and Jeff discuss what makes these products compelling, Apple’s approach to privacy and security, and…
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Apple Is Betting on LG for the Smart Home & Full Disk Access Changes
Bryan and Jeff explore the news that Apple is partnering with LG for new smart home devices. They also look at what triggered Apple’s changes for Full Disk Access on the Mac, and Jeff has a Home Assistant update. SPONSOR: Framer - Framer is more than a site-builder. It's a true all-in-one design...
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What John Ternus Could Fix at Apple
Apple CEO John Ternus is already making changes at the company. Bryan and Jeff look at how his leadership will be different from Tim Cook and Steve Jobs, plus they talk about what they’d like to see him fix in the product lineup. SPONSOR: Origin – Origin is endpoint AI observability. See what a...
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Hands-On with iPhone 18 Pro Camera and New iPhone Setup Tips
Bryan and Jeff explore iPhone 18 Pro camera features, and Jeff shares some tips on migrating from your old iPhone to your new one. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way…
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10 Awesome iOS 27 Features
iOS 27 is officially available for the iPhone, so Bryan and Jeff take a look at ten features they think are worth calling out in the new operating system. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac – Try CleanMyMac’s new Cloud Cleanup feature to free up space on iCloud, OneDrive, and Google Drive. Try 7 days…
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iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone Duo vs. Your Old iPhone
Apple just announced the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro. Bryan and Jeff break down the choices so you can decide which model is right for you. Chapters 00:00:00 Introductions 00:00:41 John Ternus’s Debut as Apple CEO 00:01:54 Which iPhone Should You Get? It Depends! 00:09:34 iPhone Duo 00:18:14…
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John Ternus Takes Over as Apple CEO
Apple has a brand new CEO. John Ternus is taking over for Tim Cook, so Bryan and Jeff take a look at how the transition has gone so far, and speculate on how the company may fare under his leadership. Chatpermarks 00:00:00 Introductions 00:00:02 The First Apple CEO Change without Drama 00:02:22...
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Apple’s New Mac mini and Studio: More Power, Higher Prices
Bryan and Jeff break down Apple’s just announce M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini, and M5 Max and Ultra Mac Studio. They also work through which models and configurations to buy, along with how they fit in with Jeff’s new computer strategy. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true...
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Bryan and Jeff’s Mac and iPad Text Editor Showdown
Bryan and Jeff go at it on the best way to work with text files and writing when bouncing back and forth between Mac and iPad. Bryan says Scrivener is best while Jeff stubbornly clings to Obsidian. Which one is right? Sources referenced in this episode: Obsidian Scrivener Mike Schmidz Tip: Find...
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iPad Pro vs. MacBook Neo, AI Dominates Black Hat Conference
Jeff has had an epiphany, and he and Bryan talk about how an iPad Pro might be the right device for his on-the-go computer, rather than a MacBook. They also discuss Jeff’s recent Black Hat 2026 experience and how AI dominated the event. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac – Try CleanMyMac’s new Cloud...
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Apple OS 27 Updates: Genmoji Autoprompts and Getting Ready for Makers
Bryan is joined by guest host Jeff Butts to talk about Apple’s impending iOS 27 and macOS 27 updates, including Genmoji autoprompts. They also look at the maker space and how much ground Apple hardware has made with developer support. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a...
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Apple’s New iPhone Lease Program and $5T Valuation, Plus a Must-Have Mac Utility
Bryan and Jeff evaluate Apple’s new iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch least program. They also discuss Apple’s market cap topping $5 trillion, and Jeff has a cool Mac utility you need to know about. Sources referenced in this episode: Apple Upgrade launches in the United States Apple just hit $5...
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OpenAI’s Sandbox Goes Awry & the EC Dictates OS Design
Bryan and Jeff explain some of what’s wrong with OpenAI and their security efforts. They also sort out how the European Commission’s plans on dictating operating system designs will back fire for them and Google. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design...
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Apple Sues OpenAI, Apple Robots, Jeff’s AirPods Hearing Aids, and More
Bryan and Jeff dig into Apple’s lawsuit against OpenAI that accuses chatGPT’s bosses of stealing Apple intellectual property in their rush to make things. They also talk about Apple’s search for top robotics engineers, Jeff’s switcheroo on buying more iPods Pro, price increases for AppleCare+ for...
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A Major Gesture Change in iOS 27 and Fun Lunar Rover News
Bryan and Jeff discuss a major gesture change coming in iOS 27, and whether or not the world is therefore ending. They also found some fun news about a possible lunar rover! SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to…
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AI Forces Apple’s Security Hand and Price Hikes, Too
Bryan and Jeff discuss Apple’s decision to push security updates out quicker because of how much faster the bad guys are using AI to develop exploits. They also look at Apple’s recent price hikes driven by memory shortages. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true...
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Foldable iPhone Rumors, Meta’s Don Quixote Smartglasses
Bryan and Jeff check out the latest iPhone 18 rumors and talk about whether or not a foldable model makes sense. They also look at Meta’s new smartglasses, their quixotic pursuit of hardware relevance, and the potential privacy issues. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a...
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AI Slop: Cost Enters the Chat, and How AI Slop has Changed Choosing Books
Bryan and Jeff discuss how the cost of managing the influx of AI slop music may be what ultimately saves us from low quality content. They also talk about how AI content has influenced their book buying habits.
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Apple’s Hardware Choices for Siri AI, AI Doing Real Stuff, Favorite WWDC Things
Bryan and Jeff sort out Apple’s hardware requirements for Siri AI, discuss how the company is focusing on useful AI features, and share their favorite WWDC announcements.
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Apple Posters, So Long British Tech Network, and Bill Splitting with Apple Pay Cash
Bryan and Jeff pour one out for the end of the British Tech Network, check out this year's Apple Design Award winners, and discuss Apple's new EU developer center along with the upcoming Apple Pay Cash bill splitting feature. Bonus: Bryan is selling his collectable Apple posters.
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Apple’s Accessible AI, Touch Screen MacBook Pro
Dave Ginsburg joins Jeff Gamet to look at Apple's AI strategy for accessibility, and dissect touch screen MacBook Pro rumors.
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Monarch’s Crown Slips, Bartender for Mac Makes a Comeback
Bryan and Jeff share their not so flattering take on Apple TV’s Monarch season 2, plus they take a look at Bartender Pro for the Mac. Sources referenced in this episode: Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Bartender 6 and Bartender Pro Context Machine merch is now available! Bryan’s book Accidental...
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Mac Locations, Handoff Tip, and a System Settings Shortcut
Mac Locations? Not what you’re thinking. Jeff and Bryan (OK, Jeff) has the skinny. Speaking of tips, Jeff shows you how Handoff can help you with your browsing on multiple devices. For their third trick, Jeff walks us through a very nifty System Settings shortcut. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac – Get...
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Ram Shortages Cause Apple to Pull Low End and High End Mac mini/Studio
A worldwide shortage of RAM (sparked by AI data center demand) has caused Apple to pull its entry level Mac mini, as well as its highest end Mac mini and Mac Studio models. Bryan and Jeff dig into the situation.
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Search for the Ultimate Remote, App Store Subscription Update
Bryan offers Jeff moral support on his quest for the ultimate universal remote to replace his aging Harmony. They also break down what’s happening with Apple’s just announced 12-month app subscription feature for developers. Sources referenced in this episode: Logitec Harmony universal remotes...
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A Tale of Two Pens and Another Tale of Two Apple CEOs
Bryan and Jeff both have new fountain pens, but with very different prices. After comparing pens, they dive into Tim Cook announcing he’s stepping down as Apple’s CEO and John Ternus is taking over. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From...
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Bitcoin’s Satoshi Nakamoto Still Unidentified, Folding iPhone Rumors, and Kindle’s Gonna Amazon
Bryan and Jeff poke big holes in the latest claim that Satoshi Nakamoto has been identified, and they try to stay on topic talking about the latest foldable iPhone rumors. Amazon takes some heat, too, thanks to the company’s decision to block some Kindle devices from downloading books. Sources...
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A Look Back at Steve Jobs’s Days at NeXT
Bryan and Jeff invite John Kheit on to talk about his time working at NeXT. He shares some insight into the company’s successes and failures, how those years honed Steve Jobs to lead Apple, and more. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac – Try CleanMyMac’s new Cloud Cleanup feature to free up space on…
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Salute for John, Listener Feedback, Kagi, Apple’s 50th + the Next 50
Bryan and Jeff look at Apple’s cool 50th anniversary videos, and talk about where the company may be 50 years from now. They also respond to listener comments about web search engines and audio book recording. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design...
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Animated Firefly, FCC Bumble, and Audiobook Shenanigans
Bryan and Jeff have a lot to talk about today, like Firefly taking a substantial step to returning, the FCC’s Wi-Fi router ban, and narrating audio books. Turns out they both decided to start narrating audio books at the same time. Sources referenced in this episode: Firefly Reboot: Nathan…
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Tim Cook Says “Psych!” Plus Lil Finder Guy and AirPods Max 2
Tim Cook shoots down Bryan’s hypothesis about when he’ll retire from Apple, Jeff doesn’t help with Bryan cope with the emotional trauma. But on a happier note, they also get excited about Lil Finder Guy, and Jeff is interested in the new AirPods Max 2. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a...
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Apple Turns 50, Tim Cook Retirement Speculation, and the MacBook Neo
Bryan and Jeff look at Apple’s 50th anniversary plans, how the event fits with Tim Cook’s potential retirement plans, and what the company has released under his leadership. They also talk about the impact the MacBook Neo is having on the low-cost laptop market. Bonus: Jeff is speaking at…
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Jeff Prattles on about The Omni Group and Random Rosetta Issue
Bryan listens to Jeff talk about what’s coming in OmniGraffle and OmniFocus in 2026. They also look at a blog from a long-time friend, the Computer History Museum’s upcoming 50th birthday celebration for Apple, and an app Jeff won’t be able to use any more when Mac OS 27 drops Rosetta 2 support....
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Apple Vision Pro’s Retrocade Is Magical, and John’s CNC Journey
Bryan is joined by guest-host John Kheit to talk about Apple’s new Retrocade games on Apple vision Pro, and Bryan says it’s a magical experience (with a caveat). They also talk about John’s CNC journey, including a feature-rich machine he’s waiting for from Kickstarter. SPONSOR: MacPaw – Get Tidy...
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AirTags 2, Apple Buys Q.ai, Plus Jeff Needs an Ear Horn
Bryan and Jeff talk about the AirTag refresh, and Apple buying the AI startup Q.ai. They also discuss Jeff’s recent audiology checkup and resources for people with hearing loss and tinnitus. SPONSOR: Copilot Money – Copilot Money is the personal finance app to make your money yours. Start 2026…
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Apple Rumors: a Chatbot and a Wearable Pin?
Apple reportedly has a big AI chatbot upgrade in the works for Siri, and is developing a wearable pin device, too. Bryan and Jeff explore the likelihood and potential value (or not) in both. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From social...
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Apple’s Creator Studio and an EU App Store Alternative Closes
Apple announced its Creator Studio app bundle subscription, and MacPaw is shuttering its alternative iOS app store in the EU. That gives Bryan and Jeff plenty to talk about, plus they discover what’s interesting about the number 697. SPONSOR: Copilot Money – Copilot Money is the personal finance...
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Jeff’s Show & Tell: OmniOutliner 6 and AudioEngine HXL Portable DAC
It’s show and tell day on TCM! Jeff monopolized the whole show to tell Bryan about OmniOutliner 6 and Audioengine’s HXL portalbe DAC. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac – Try CleanMyMac’s new Cloud Cleanup feature to free up space on iCloud, OneDrive, and Google Drive. Try 7 days free and use our code...
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Jobs and Cook Versus the Tech Bros, Getting Down with Plexamp
Bryan and Jeff look at Steve Jobs and Tim Cook’s intentional decisions to make products that benefit their users instead of following the blind profit approach so many tech-bros follow. Jeff also tells Bryan about the ways he’s exploring music outside of Apple Music. SPONSOR: Copilot Money –...
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Google Ad Mac Malware, Festivitas, Nebula Awards Shoot Down AI
Bryan and Jeff have a PSA about Mac malware threats from fake Google ads and search results. They also look at the new AI-restrictions for the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association’s Nebula Awards, and talk about a fun holiday app Jeff found. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a...
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Turmoil or Cleaning House at Apple?
Bryan and Jeff share their take on Apple’s seeming exodus of employees, discuss why so many are ending up at Meta, and make it clear why they don’t have their own fashion consulting agency. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac – Let CleanMyMac make your holidays taste better without Mac junk on the menu.…
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Apple’s Executive Leadership & CNN’s Deep Dive into a New Hole
Bryan and Jeff set the record straight on reports of Tim Cook retiring next year, and speculate on who could become Apple’s next CEO. They also dissect CNN’s decision to pull out of Apple News+. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From...
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Don’t Dismiss Apple Pocket, Canva’s Affinity Gamble
Bryan and Jeff look at Apple’s new iPhone Pocket and share their take on whether or not it’s a design fumble for the company. They also discuss Canva’s Affinity app strategy and how it’ll impact Adobe. SPONSOR: Framer – Framer is more than a site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform....
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OmniOutliner 6, Jeff’s First Pen Show, and SPSFC 5
Bryan and Jeff take a look at Omni’s just released OmniOutliner 6 beta, and follow up on Jeff’s first pen show experience. They also talk about Bryan becoming a judge for the Self-Published Science Fiction Competition 5. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac – Try CleanMyMac’s new Cloud Cleanup feature to...
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Slow Horses Season 5 (and New Book), Jeff’s Pen Show Plans
Bryan and Jeff do their best to stay on topic and talk about the new Slow Horses season on Apple TV+. Jeff is planning on going to the Colorado Pen Show, too, so Bryan has some first-time attendee tips for him. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac – Try CleanMyMac’s new Cloud Cleanup feature to free up…
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Apple’s OS 26 Upgrades: What We Like!
Bryan and Jeff take a quick tour through what they like in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 (aka Tahoe). They also have a PSA for everyone comparing AppleCare+ and AppleCare One. SPONSOR: OpenCase – OpenCase is a patented iPhone case with a literal open space in the back of the case. Go now to...
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The Power of Quirk, and Apple’s New Watches, AirPods Pro, and Orange iPhones
Bryan and Jeff share their perspectives on Apple’s “Awe Dropping” media event, including the new AirPods Pro 3, AppleWatch 11 and AppleWatch Ultra 3, the refreshed iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, and the brand new iPhone Air. They also take a dive into the evolution of language and punctuation…
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The Rise of Kirk in Strange New Worlds, Looking Forward to Apple’s Fall
Bryan and Jeff analyze Lt. Commander Kirk’s growth in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds episode, The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail. They also explore why Bryan is more interested in Apple’s fall announcements this year than he has been in previous years. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac – Try CleanMyMac’s new...
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Neosynthesis Kickstarter and Strange New Worlds S3
Bryan and Jeff talk about the Neosynthesis Kickstarter campaign—an anthology book including two short stories from Bryan. They also take a look at the new season of Star Trek Strange New Worlds, and Jeff schools Bryan on the history of the holodeck. Sources referenced in this episode…
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Murderbot Eps Are Too Short, Department Q Is Great
Bryan and Jeff get a little short with their thoughts on the Apple TV+ Murderbot series. Bryan also tells Jeff about Dept. Q on Netflix in what turns out to be a TV show-themed Context Machine episode. SPONSOR: Bzigo Iris – Don’t wait until the next bite—protect your home with Bzigo. Go to...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The podcast where Bryan and Jeff talk about whatever they want.
HOSTED BY
Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Context Machine have?
The Context Machine currently has 256 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Context Machine about?
The podcast where Bryan and Jeff talk about whatever they want.
How often does The Context Machine release new episodes?
The Context Machine publishes regularly with 256 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Context Machine?
You can listen to The Context Machine on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Context Machine?
The Context Machine is created and hosted by Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet.
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