This Week's Sponsor:

Copilot Money

The Apple Editor’s Choice Award App for Tracking Your Money. Start Your Free Trial Today

Posts tagged with "ruminate"

Podcast Rewind: Tracking Apps, Switch 2 Pre-Order Chaos, and Setting Up a New Mac

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, Federico and I tackle tracking apps. From database apps to media trackers, we consider what makes a good tracking app no matter what you’re tracking.

This episode is sponsored by:

  • WaterMinder – The Best Water Tracker App for Your Hydration Needs!

NPC: Next Portable Console

This week, looming tariffs cause more handheld makers to pause shipments to the U.S., demand for the Switch 2 outstrips supply, I explain what the U.S. pre-order process was like, and we marvel at the restoration of a vintage Game Boy kiosk.

This week on NPC XL, Brendon shares his brief time with the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 and all three hosts compare videogame streaming notes from GeForce NOW on handhelds to Game Pass on an LG TV.

Ruminate

I have a hot headphone tip, then we discuss the Slate EV truck, and finally how we go about setting up new Macs.

Read more

Podcast Rewind: Calendar Apps, Switch Discoveries, and Alternatives to Terminal

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, Federico and I survey our favorite calendar apps, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

NPC: Next Portable Console

This week on NPC, the trio analyzes how tariffs have disrupted Nintendo Switch 2 preorders in the U.S. Then Federico, Brendon, and I dissect new details that have emerged about the upcoming console, debate Nintendo’s game pricing, ponder what console exclusivity means in 2025, and share their excitement for the Retroid Pocket Flip 2.

NPC XL

In this episode of NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and I dig into the details of Nintendo’s newly announced Zelda Notes companion app for the Switch 2. Also this week, I weigh in on the Ayn Odin 2 Portal TPU Grip and we discover that Federico is a Collector not a Builder.

Ruminate

This week I try yet another Kettle chip flavor, Robb bought more mystery Pringles, I play Prince of Persia on all the platforms, Robb bought a pen, and they both discuss terminal apps.

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Rogue Amoeba: Makers of incredibly useful audio tools for your Mac. Use the code MS2504 through the end of April to get 20% off Rogue Amoeba’s apps.

Read more

Podcast Rewind: Automation, Nintendo Today and Virtual Game Cards, Fanta, and Games

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, Federico and I take listeners on a tour of the wide variety of automations they’ve been working on so far this year, including shortcuts, Claude projects, and Zapier zaps.

This episode is sponsored by:

NPC: Next Portable Console

This week, Brendon, Federico and I analyze the latest Nintendo Direct and what it reveals about the Switch 2’s rumored June launch. Then, we dissect the many questions that Nintendo’s upcoming Virtual Game Cards system raises, explores the features of the Nintendo Today app, and debate the reported three-phase launch strategy for the next console. In the latest handheld news, we also cover an EmuDeck update, AYA NEO’s confounding mini PC, and an intriguing foldable from Huawei that’s perfect for DS emulation.

NPC XL

This week, Brendon and I share our first impressions of the 8BitDo Ultimate Controller 2, Brendon has additional thoughts about the Ayn Odin 2 Portal as a streaming device and details his living room docking setup, and I take the Mechanism gaming pillow plunge.

Ruminate

Robb brings a huge bag of snacks while I considers signature drinks, then we discus a gaming and stationery collab, followed by some Switch 2 hopes and dreams.

Read more

Podcast Rewind: Shortcuts Apps, Retroid Drama, Xbox Handhelds, Traveling in Japan, and the Pebble Returns

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, Federico and I explore a collection of Shortcuts helper utilities that extend functionality beyond the built-in system actions, sharing how these apps address gaps in Apple’s Shortcuts implementation across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Incogni – Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code APPSTORIES with this link and get 60% off an annual plan.

NPC: Next Portable Console

This week, Brendon, Federico, and I dive into the ongoing Retroid Pocket Mini controversy, discussing the scaling issues, community reactions, and what it means for consumers in the retro handheld space. After addressing Retroid’s troubles, they explore the Retroid Pocket Classic and pricing information for the Flip 2. To wrap up the week’s news, they cover SteamOS news, AYANEO’s confusing new teaser for the “Pocket Ace,” examine important new reports of Microsoft’s collaboration with ASUS on an Xbox-branded Windows handheld.

NPC XL

This week, Brendon prepares for a two-month trip to Japan and needs advice on assembling the perfect portable gaming setup. Federico and I lend a hand, suggesting which handhelds to take along and how to maintain a podcast recording workflow away from home.

Ruminate

I bring the snacks, Robb brings the Lego news, and we both get excited for new Pebbles for the second time in ten years.

Read more

Podcast Rewind: The Disappearing Prosumer App Market, Retroid Flip 2 Specs, NPC XL Debuts, and Tony Hawk Remakes Announced

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, Federico and I examine the widening gap between consumer and enterprise apps, asking what happened to prosumer and small business app market.

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Incogni – Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code APPSTORIES with this link and get 60% off an annual plan.

NPC: Next Portable Console

This week, Retroid Pocket Flip 2 specs are out, the Legion Go S disappoints, and we try to decipher what AYANEO is doing before reminiscing over a PictoChat clone on the iPhone and discussing the benefits of having a personal videogame shopper in Japan, and Brendon’s experience with the black Miyoo Flip.

NPC XL

Then on NPC XL for Patreon backers, Federico, Brendon, and I share our love of the Sony PSP, from Federico’s long-time obsession to Brendon’s more recent journey down the rabbit hole, to my very first PSP, the gang covers the PSP’s history, their experiences, and the PSP’s impact on handheld gaming.

Back NPC on Patreon for a new episode of NPC XL every week.

Ruminate

Robb is hyped for a new Tony Hawk game, I launched NPC XL, and finally, Robb has a pen and paper update.

Read more

The Latest from AppStories and Ruminate

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, Federico and I each pick two apps you may or may not have heard of or considered using and explain why you should give them a try.

On AppStories+, we extend our picks with several more apps we’ve been testing recently.

This episode is sponsored by:

  • Memberful – Easy-to-Use Reliable Membership Software
  • Incogni – Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code APPSTORIES with this link and get 60% off an annual plan.

Ruminate

A live snack test, some new task managers, and I bought a 15 year old handheld.

Read more

The Latest from AppStories and Ruminate

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, Federico and John look ahead to WWDC and beyond to consider how Apple Intelligence could be used to change the way we use our iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

On AppStories+, Federico has grievances about the lack of Apple software compatibility on Android.

Ruminate

I brings the snack, Robb tries the BuJo life, and they both discuss web apps.

Read more

The Latest from Comfort Zone, Ruminate, Magic Rays of Light, and MacStories Unwind

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

Comfort Zone

Niléane is out, so Chris and Matt are left to fend on their own. Chris steals like an artist and Matt defends a new purchase.

Ruminate

Some snack reviews from the festive period, Robb was on another podcast, and John is on his way to CES.

Sponsored by Pika: Use code RUMINATE20 for 20% off your first year of Pika Pro

Magic Rays of Light

Sigmund and Devon share one Apple TV wish each for 2025 and recap season two of Shrinking. Devon also reviews Sigmund’s Christmas gift to him, A Real Pain.

MacStories Unwind

This week, John fills in Federico about pod people, creepy robots, light masks, AI BBQ, and other weird and wonderful sights from CES 2025.

Read more

The Latest from AppStories and Ruminate

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, Federico and John reveal the winners of the 2024 MacStories Selects Awards, which celebrate the exceptional design, innovation, and creativity of apps across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.

Ruminate

Snackfishing, digital chicken pets, AI video. Plus adorable 3D-printed Mac Mini enclosures.

  • Pika: Use code RUMINATE20 for 20% off your first year of Pika Pro.

Read more