App Intent Overload
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Podcast Rewind: Videogame Companion Apps and Handheld Homework
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AppStories
This week, John is joined by Brendon Bigley to explore the wide world of videogame companion apps from media trackers to game-specific companion apps.
On AppStories+, John and Brendon dig into 16 years of App Store history to compile a list of games that have defined gaming on the iPhone.
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week, Brendon and John cover the ONEXSUGAR Sugar 1 dual-screen handheld, Sony’s power-saving and controller updates, and the latest ES-DE update for Android. Then, John reports back on the MagicX Zero 40 homework that Brendon gave him last week.
On NPC XL, Brendon and John revisit two handhelds from the past year. Brendon explains why he loves the Ayn Odin 2 Mini even more than ever, and John rediscovers the AYANEO Pocket Micro in all of its overpowered glory.
Podcast Rewind: Everyone’s Going Bananas (and Some Tech Talk, Too)
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Comfort Zone
Someone has lost their bananas, Matt brings Perplexity back from the dead, Niléane has a fun way to use Mastodon, and Chris challenges everyone to up their widget game.
MacStories Unwind
This week, John struggles to update an old Apple TV and two HomePod minis, Federico sets up OTA TV, and they both go bananas over Donkey Kong Bananza.
This episode is sponsored by:
- Hello Weather: The Exceptionally Useful Weather App for iOS, Totally Redesigned for 2025
Magic Rays of Light
Sigmund and Devon begin one last journey to Acapulco and share their early impressions of the Games app.
Podcast Rewind: Secondary Devices and a Streaming Game Boy Camera
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AppStories
This week, Federico and John explain how they use their secondary systems, which for John is the iPad and for Federico, the Mac.
On AppStories+, Federico asks whether technologies like web-based MCP render Apple’s native App Intents irrelevant.
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week, John kicks off NPC with a return to 1998 before the crew digs into 8BitDo’s new Pro 3 controller, Thunderbolt 5 eGPU enclosures and docks, TrimUI’s ponderous Smart Pro Mini, and Federico and John’s first impressions of the MagicX Zero 40.
Then, Brendon, John, and Federico each bring a handheld they haven’t used in a while back to the show, and as you might expect, Federico’s choice is a bit of a surprise.
On NPC XL, Federico shows off the Lenovo G9 Gamepad.
Podcast Rewind: Shark Tank for Tech Accessories, the Best Shows and Films of 2025 So Far, and an Anti-Pick
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Comfort Zone
Chris has some cool new apps, Matt made some cool new apps, and Niléane challenges the dads to do their best Shark Tank impression.
MacStories Unwind
This week, Federico’s return to Apple system apps has ended, and new workflow experiments have begun. Plus, John shares a dark comedy, and Federico has an anti-pick.
Magic Rays of Light
Sigmund and Devon return to the world of Foundation for its third season and share their favorite films and shows from the first half of 2025. Then, they recap the first season on Apple Original sci-fi comedy series Murderbot.
Podcast Rewind: Apple Project Wishcasting and a Thunderbolt 5 eGPU
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AppStories
This week, Federico and John share a grab bag of projects we’d like to see Apple pursue from software to hardware and corporate acquisitions.
On AppStories+, Federico and John take their wish list further with a bunch of gadgets they’d like to see Apple make.
This episode is sponsored by:
- Notion – Try the powerful, easy-to-use Notion AI today.
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week on NPC, lots of follow-up about microSD Express cards, the Switch 2 Dock, XR glasses, and the dbrand Killswitch – plus, Retroid’s second screen accessory, Windows handhelds, a new eGPU, and more.
On NPC XL, John automates his Mac with the 8BitDo Micro, Brendon finally finds a Switch 2 Pro Controller, and Federico acquires a cozy PC controller.
Podcast Rewind: An F1 Challenge and Setup Changes
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Comfort Zone
Everyone explains their gaming setups, Niléane went to war with her computer, and Matt is very impressed with how everyone integrated F1 into their workflows.
MacStories Unwind
This week, Federico and John discuss the updates to their work and play tech gear setups.
Podcast Rewind: Review Season Tools and What’s Up with the Switch 2 Dock?
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AppStories
This week, Federico and John reflect on their preparations for the fall review season, how dealing with design changes is different from new features, and some of the tools they’re using for research and writing this year.
On AppStories+, John answers the question, “What if the Stream Deck was $20 and fit in the palm of your hand?”
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week, Federico, John, and Brendon cover REDMAGIC’s Android tablet, rumors of an Ayn Odin 3, and other news before digging into the mysteries surrounding Nintendo’s Switch 2 dock.
On NPC XL, Federico solves a Switch 2 dock problem with the help of fairies, and Brendon acquires a bucket list handheld.
Podcast Rewind: Pro Tools, HomeKit Maintenance, and Cinema’s Future
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Comfort Zone
Niléane is out on assignment, so Chris and Matt hold down the fort, discussing what “pro” tools look like, the most pro Thunderbolt dock you can buy, and how they automated their note-taking.
This episode is sponsored by:
- Ecamm Live – Broadcast Better with Ecamm Live. Coupon code
MACSTORIESgives 1 month free of Ecamm Live to new customers.
MacStories Unwind
This week, automation crimes, HomeKit gardens, tattoo crime shows, and videogames. It’s a packed episode, just in time for the long holiday weekend in the U.S.
Magic Rays of Light
Sigmund and Devon discuss what the future of the theatrical experience could look like and look back at Apple Original French culinary drama Carême.