The Context Machine

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 assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm, and use code TCM for a free month of Framer Pro. Sources referenced in this episode: Apple plans to integrate an AI chatbot into its operating systems Apple said to be working on wearable pin HP plans to acquire Humane assets, but not its AI pin Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on Post Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Instagram Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s YouTube Channel The post Apple Rumors: a Chatbot and a Wearable Pin? appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

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 app to make your money yours. Start 2026 with clarity and confidence. Copilot Money helps you understand your finances, stay organized, and make better decisions—no matter your starting point. Get 26% off your first year when you sign up for Copilot Money, and get two months free with our code: CONTEXT Sources referenced in this episode: Apple introduces Apple Creator Studio Setapp Mobile shutting down About The Number 697 Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on Post Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Instagram Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Threads Jeff’s YouTube Channel The post Apple’s Creator Studio and an EU App Store Alternative Closes appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

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 CONTEXTMACHINE for 20% off at clnmy.com/CONTEXTMACHINE. Sources referenced in this episode: OmniOutliner 6 Audioengine HXL Portable DAC Jeff’s Audio Test Playlist Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on Post Bryan’s Instagram Bran’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Instagram Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Threads Jeff’s YouTube Channel The post Jeff’s Show & Tell: OmniOutliner 6 and AudioEngine HXL Portable DAC appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

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 – Copilot Money is the personal finance app to make your money yours. Start 2026 with clarity and confidence. Copilot Money helps you understand your finances, stay organized, and make better decisions—no matter your starting point. Get 26% off your first year when you sign up for Copilot Money, and get two months free with our code: CONTEXT Sources referenced in this episode: Cook commits to health and well-being as Apple Watch adds new programs to Fitness+ Plex Plexamp soma fm Lofi Girl Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on Post Bryan’s Instagram Bran’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Instagram Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Threads Jeff’s YouTube Channel The post Jobs and Cook Versus the Tech Bros, Getting Down with Plexamp appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

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 site-builder. It’s a true all-in-one design platform. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/design, and use code TCM for a free month of Framer Pro. SPONSOR: Copilot Money – Copilot Money is the personal finance app to make your money yours. Start 2026 with clarity and confidence. Copilot Money helps you understand your finances, stay organized, and make better decisions—no matter your starting point. Get 26% off your first year when you sign up for Copilot Money, and get two months free with our code: CONTEXT Sources referenced in this episode: Google ads funnel Mac users to poisoned AI chats that spread the AMOS infostealer Festivitas AMENDED RULES for the Nebula Awards Neosynthesis: 12 Stories of Code, Consciousness, and Survival Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads The post Google Ad Mac Malware, Festivitas, Nebula Awards Shoot Down AI appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

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. Try 7 days free and use our code CONTEXTMACHINE for 20% off at clnmy.com/CONTEXTMACHINE. Sources referenced in this episode: Meta hires away Apple’s top design exec Apple hires former Google engineer Subramanya to help shore up AI goals; Giannandrea retires Meta hires two Apple AI researchers for Superintelligence push, Bloomberg News reports Another Apple exec leaves for Meta as AI talent war heats up, Bloomberg News reports Meta just hired Apple’s head of foundation models Apple Is a Master of Acqui-Hire as It Quietly Grabs Top Talent in A.I. Race Neosynthesis: 12 Stories of Code, Consciousness, and Survival Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on Post Bryan’s Instagram Bran’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Instagram Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Threads Jeff’s YouTube Channel The post Turmoil or Cleaning House at Apple? appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

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 social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/design, and use code TCM for a free month of Framer Pro. Sources referenced in this episode: Apple intensifies succession planning for CEO Tim Cook Gurman: ‘Few signs internally’ point to Tim Cook stepping down as CEO early next year Bloomberg on Tim Cook’s retirement reports John Ternus CNN drops out of Apple News feed, for now Apple News just lost a major media partner after a decade As clicks dry up for news sites, could Apple’s news app be a lifeline? Neosynthesis: 12 Stories of Code, Consciousness, and Survival Cancel Spotify Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on Post Bryan’s Instagram Bran’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Instagram Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Threads Jeff’s YouTube Channel The post Apple’s Executive Leadership & CNN’s Deep Dive into a New Hole appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

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. From social assets to campaign visuals to vectors & icons, all the way to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/design, and use code TCM for a free month of Framer Pro. Sources referenced in this episode: iPhone Pocket Affinity Sleestak Colorado Pen Show Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on Post Bryan’s Instagram Bran’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Instagram Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Threads Jeff’s YouTube Channel The post Don’t Dismiss Apple Pocket, Canva’s Affinity Gamble appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

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 free up space on iCloud, OneDrive, and Google Drive. Try 7 days free and use our code CONTEXTMACHINE for 20% off at clnmy.com/CONTEXTMACHINE. Sources referenced in this episode: OmniOutliner 6 Colorado Pen Show The Self-Published Science Fiction Competition 5 Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on Post Bryan’s Instagram Bran’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Instagram Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Threads Jeff’s YouTube Channel The post OmniOutliner 6, Jeff’s First Pen Show, and SPSFC 5 appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

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 space on iCloud, OneDrive, and Google Drive. Try 7 days free and use our code CONTEXTMACHINE for 20% off at clnmy.com/TheContextMachine. Sources referenced in this episode: Slow Horses Clown Town Slough House book 9 Foundation Silo Severance Firefly Colorado Pen Show Neosynthesis on Kickstarter Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on Post Bryan’s Instagram Bran’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Instagram Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Threads Jeff’s YouTube Channel The post Slow Horses Season 5 (and New Book), Jeff’s Pen Show Plans appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

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 TheOpenCase.com and use our special code tcm for 10% off your order. Sources referenced in this episode: iCare —  AppleCare Plan Calculator iOS 26 iPadOS 26 macOS 26 Neosynthesis on Kickstarter Bryan’s book Accidental Intelligence Bryan’s short story King Liam, First of His Name Mason Truman on Threads Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky The Context Machine Facebook Group – Facebook The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on Post Bryan’s Instagram Bran’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Instagram Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Threads Jeff’s YouTube Channel The post Apple’s OS 26 Upgrades: What We Like! appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

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 thanks to Bryan’s mostly-pedantic lifestyle. […] The post The Power of Quirk, and Apple’s New Watches, AirPods Pro, and Orange iPhones appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

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 Cloud Cleanup feature to free up […] The post The Rise of Kirk in Strange New Worlds, Looking Forward to Apple’s Fall appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

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: Review the show on Apple Podcasts Where to […] The post Neosynthesis Kickstarter and Strange New Worlds S3 appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

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 bzigo.com/discountBUZZ10 to […] The post Murderbot Eps Are Too Short, Department Q Is Great appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Bryan and Jeff dive into the AI debate and the impact it’s having on content creators today. They look at the rumor that Apple is considering buying Perplexity.ai, and Judge Alsup’s ruling saying it’s fair use for AI companies to train their models on content as long as it isn’t pirated. SPONSOR: Bzigo Iris – […] The post Apple’s into Perplexity.ai, Judge’s Perplexing Ruling on Copyright AI Training appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Bryan and Jeff’s highlights for Apple’s WWDC 2025 are in, and their mostly pleased with what they saw. In this episode, they talk about all the new “26” OSes, Liquid Glass, the fact that Apple remembered they have a phone, and much more! Sources referenced in this episode: Jeff is speaking at Macstock 9 July […] The post Bryan & Jeff’s WWDC 2025 Highlights appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Bryan and Jeff do their best to come up with some thoughts on OpenAI’s purchase of Johnny Ive’s io company. They also take a look at the new Murderbot series on Apple TV+. SPONSOR: Insta360 X5 Camera – Score a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your Insta360 X5 standard package purchase, head to […] The post OpenAI Buys Jony Ive’s io, Murderbot on Apple TV+ appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Bryan schools Jeff on the Ghor language in the Star Wars Andor series. They also take a look at a cool new Mac utility and CarPlay Ultra. SPONSOR: Rogue Amoeba – Rogue Amoeba has a wide array of apps to harness audio on the Mac, from recording and routing audio to gaining complete control over […] The post Jeff’s Andor Faceplant, a Fun Mac Utility, and CarPlay Ultra appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

Star Wars: Andor. Season 2, amiright? Bryan and Jeff go deep on this amazing show, and there are still three more episodes to go! They couldn’t wait, and Bryan needed Jeff to fill in the blanks, anyway. Sources referenced in this episode: Jeff is speaking at Macstock 9 July 11, 12, and 13 — Use […] The post Going Deep on Andor S2 appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.