The Context Machine

Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet

4.4 (13)
Tech News
Updated weekly

The podcast where Bryan and Jeff talk about whatever they want.

3 days ago

iPhone Duo Reviews Are In & Affinity Comes to iPad

The first iPhone Duo reviews are in. Bryan and Jeff discuss Apple’s new folding phone, including its cameras, durability, and impressive display technology. They also explore Apple’s decision to keep HomeView out of Europe, the company’s $5 trillion valuation, and why Affinity Studio coming to iPad could be a game changer for people looking to replace their Mac laptops. SPONSOR: Origin – Origin is endpoint AI observability. See what a trace looks like at originhq.com/contextmachine. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:29 Apple's October 28 Event 02:42 Apple Reaches a $5 Trillion Valuation 04:26 Early iPhone Duo Reviews 08:03 Joanna Stern's iPhone Duo Folding Test 10:58 iPhone Duo Display Animations 13:13 Apple Won't Sell HomeView in Europe 16:55 Sponsor: Origin 18:57 Affinity Studio Is Coming to iPad 23:00 Affinity Studio vs. Pixelmator Pro vs. Photoshop 25:47 Adobe Creative Cloud and Apple's Creator Studio 29:46 Closing Sources referenced in this episode: Apple announces special event for October 28: ‘Pro and tell’ https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/19/apple-announces-special-event-for-october-28/ Apple just closed the day above $5 trillion for the first time https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/14/apple-just-closed-the-day-above-5-trillion-for-the-first-time/ iPhone Duo review roundup: Mostly positive opinions unfold https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/10/21/iphone-duo-review-roundup-mostly-positive-opinions-unfold iPhone Duo review: The future is foldable https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/21/iphone-duo-review/ Joanna Stern's iPhone Duo Review https://youtu.be/bxDTWuL9GxY MKBHD's iPhone Duo Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESABTN4VtrA Apple HomeView Won't Be Available in the European Union https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/13/apple-homeview-wont-be-available-in-eu/ Canva's Affinity Studio coming to iPad https://www.affinity.studio/download Review the show on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-context-machine/id107629726 Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/contextmachine.bsky.social The Context Machine on Threads https://www.threads.com/@contextmachinepodcast The Context Machine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/contextmachinepodcast/ The Context Machine on Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@contextmachine@mstdn.social The Context Machine on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ContextMachineShow The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/contextmachine/
15 Oct

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 why the company should consider bringing back AirPort with a modern twist. SPONSOR: MacPaw CleanMyMac - Try CleanMyMac's new Email Cleanup feature to free up space and clear out messages you don't want in your GMail. Try 7 days free and use our code CONTEXTMACHINE for 20% off at clnmy.com/CONTEXTMACHINE. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Apple HomeView 22:30 Sponsor: MacPaw CleanMyMac 25:15 LG Video Doorbell 28:14 LG Security Cameras 32:51 LG and Schneider Smart Thermostats 35:05 LG Smart Lock 38:59 Apple's Smart Home Accessories and Pricing 40:49 The Case for a New Apple AirPort 42:28 Closing Sources referenced in this episode: Meet Apple HomeView, a new way to enjoy entertainment, stay connected, and manage the home https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/10/meet-apple-homeview-a-new-way-to-enjoy-entertainment-and-manage-the-home/ Introducing Apple Home Collection, a new lineup of smart home accessories https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/10/introducing-apple-home-collection-a-new-lineup-of-smart-home-accessories/ Review the show on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-context-machine/id107629726 Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/contextmachine.bsky.social The Context Machine on Threads https://www.threads.com/@contextmachinepodcast The Context Machine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/contextmachinepodcast/ The Context Machine on Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@contextmachine@mstdn.social The Context Machine on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ContextMachineShow The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/contextmachine/
8 Oct

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 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 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan. Chapters 00:00:00 Introductions 00:00:20 An Update on Home Assistant's Easy Setup 00:04:32 Apple Taps LG for Smarthome Push 00:23:24 SPONSOR: Start creating for free at Framer.com/TCM 00:24:45 Apple to Tighten Up Full Disk Access 00:33:16 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: Home Assistant https://www.home-assistant.io/ Apple to Launch Doorbell, Lock, Thermostat Developed With LG https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-10-06/apple-s-smart-home-push-includes-doorbell-lock-thermostat-codeveloped-with-lg Apple says it’s tightening macOS privacy controls amid the rise of AI agents https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/02/apple-says-its-tightening-macos-privacy-controls-amid-the-rise-of-ai-agents/ AI Just Crossed the Terrifying Line - Now What? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujkD4SxPKOI Review the show on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-context-machine/id107629726 Where to find us: The Context Machine on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/contextmachine.bsky.social The Context Machine on Threads https://www.threads.com/@contextmachinepodcast The Context Machine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/contextmachinepodcast/ The Context Machine on Mastodon https://mastodon.social/@contextmachine@mstdn.social The Context Machine on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ContextMachineShow The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/contextmachine/
1 Oct

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 trace looks like at originhq.com/contextmachine. Chapters 00:00 Intro00:30 How John Ternus Could Change Apple10:47 Sponsor: Origin13:03 What John Ternus Could Fix at Apple34:28 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: Apple’s New CEO Seeks to Make Company Run Faster and Leaner 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 on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post What John Ternus Could Fix at Apple appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.
24 Sept

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 to a live site. Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm, and use code TCM for 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan. Chapters 00:00:00 Introductions00:01:07 Hands-on with iPhone 18 Pro’s Camera00:12:20 SPONSOR: Start creating for free at Framer.com/tcm00:14:14 New iPhone Setup Tips00:32:20 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: iPhone 18 Pro Jeff’s favorite Spigen iPhone case Special Deal: Get Accidental Intelligence for just $0.99 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 on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post Hands-On with iPhone 18 Pro Camera and New iPhone Setup Tips appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.
17 Sept

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 free and use our code CONTEXTMACHINE for 20% off at clnmy.com/CONTEXTMACHINE. Chapters 00:00:00 Introductions00:01:50 Describe a Shortcut00:04:38 iMessage Voice Recorder Button Moved00:07:17 Photos Cleanup Removes More Stuff00:11:07 Extend a Photo Beyond Its Original Edges00:12:37 Safari Can Watch a Website For You00:15:15 SPONSOR: Try CleanMyMac’s new Cloud Cleanup00:17:51 Call Context Exists00:19:05 Eliminating Liquid Glass00:21:52 Siri AI Waitlist00:23:31 Readiness00:27:07 AirPods Custom EQ Settings00:31:37 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: iOS 27 Major updates for Apple’s software platforms are now available Siri AI, a profoundly more capable and personal assistant powered by the next generation of Apple Intelligence, is here 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 on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post 10 Awesome iOS 27 Features appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.
10 Sept

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 Introductions00:00:41 John Ternus’s Debut as Apple CEO00:01:54 Which iPhone Should You Get? It Depends!00:09:34 iPhone Duo 00:18:14 More on the Duo and 18 Pro00:24:00 Other Considerations00:29:20 New Apple Watches00:34:59 AirPods5 00:40:18 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: iPhone Duo iPhone 18 Pro Apple Watch Ultra 4 Apple Watch 12 AirPods 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 on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone Duo vs. Your Old iPhone appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.
3 Sept

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 Introductions00:00:02 The First Apple CEO Change without Drama00:02:22 What John Ternus Means for Apple00:03:00 Why Steve Jobs Chose Tim Cook00:13:14 What Changes Under John Ternus00:17:08 The First Products of the Ternus Era00:28:08 Bryan’s Accidental Intelligence Wins Silver at Readers’ Favorite00:30:18 Apple’s $10 Billion Foldable iPhone00:33:58 Outro Sources referenced in this episode: John Ternus, Apple CEO iPhone Killer: The Secret History of the Apple Watch IDC: Smartphone Shipments Set for Record 16.7% Drop in 2026, as the Memory Crisis Hits Full Force Bryan’s Accidental Intelligence wins Readers Favorite silver medal award 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 on Threads The Context Machine on Instagram The Context Machine on Mastodon The Context Machine on YouTube The Context Machine Facebook Group on Facebook Bryan’s Instagram Bryan’s Mastodon Bryan’s Threads Bryan’s blog: GeekTells Jeff’s Bluesky Jeff’s Mastodon Jeff’s Pixelfed Jeff’s blog: jeffgamet.com Jeff’s blog: YouTube Channel The post John Ternus Takes Over as Apple CEO appeared first on The Context Machine Podcast.

See All (258)

4.4

out of 5

13 Ratings

One of the podcasts I never miss.

30/04/2017

Ban Rua

The Mac Observer gang are maybe not always the most organised when it comes to producing this podcast but they are always sincere in their attempts to engage with technology from an Apple user perspective and in their attempts to examine the effects of technology on society and our daily lives.
Best informed, entertaining, in-depth audio discussion of Apple-centric current affairs

20/02/2016

Geoff Taylor

For the best informed, entertaining, in-depth audio discussion of Apple-centric current affairs, Bryan and Jeff are top men. With their long-term experience of Apple / Mac / iOS device universe, they provide deeper insights into key events of the week. And they do this with passion leavened with dry wit and droll good humour, so that their company is welcome. Occasional foul-ups by the two long-term interns, Ashley/Ainsley and Sierra/Sienna (in-joke), fail to tarnish the quality of this thinking-person’s tech discussion show.
Apple greatness

21/08/2015

Ian Lewis

A great weekly podcast with insightful and thought through discussion. It's not all Apple news but other tech news that may impact Apple such as competitor activity. Jeff and Bryan are experts in their field. They don't take themselves too seriously with the odd bit of humour thrown in for good measure.
Insightful and Entertaining

08/10/2013

@QuentinJames

Take two long time Apple users, add into the mix some Apple and Apple related news, shake vigorously in a bag and out pops the Apple Context Machine podcast! An entertaining and insightful look at the the technology landscape from the Apple point of view. Hosts Jeff and Bryan offer up their informed opinion mixed in with fun, informative and lively debate. An added bonus for me is that the sound of Jeff's voice is an incredibly calming influence on my bonkers dog!