Next Level Mac

Next Level Mac

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New podcast weblog Next Level Mac makes Apple gear simple, powerful, and personal. Plain-English how-tos, smarter workflows, and gear picks that improve daily use across Mac, iPhone, iPad, Watch, and Home. Hosted by Reagan Allen

12/04/2025

iCloud Private Relay: Apple's Anti-Spying Power Setting

Apple's little-known iCloud Private Relay feature can protect your Safari browsing sessions from prying eyes. But is it any good, does it slow things down, and how do you get it? Join host Blaine Locklair to get the scoop. Get the FREE Next Level Mac app: https://www.nextlevelmac.app Official website: https://www.nextlevelmac.net

16 min
11/29/2025

Ditch Siri: How To Make Gemini Your New Voice Assistant On iPhone

Episode 10 walks you step-by-step through installing the Google Gemini app on your iPhone and wiring it into Siri using the Shortcuts app so Gemini can act as your voice assistant. You’ll learn how to download and sign into Gemini, create a single shortcut (Talk Live with Gemini), rename it (e.g., Gemini), and trigger it with "Hey Siri," the Action button, or Back Tap. The episode also notes the difference between Gemini’s free Flash model and paid Pro/Ultra tiers. Follow the short, hands-on instructions to test the assistant and customize activation so you can replace Siri with Gemini immediately. Get the Next Level Mac app: https://www.nextlevelmac.app Official website: https://www.nextlevelmac.net

11 min
11/23/2025

Your iPhone Is Hiding A SECRET Button: Here's How To Reveal It

Learn how to use your iPhone's secret button feature to assign actions to double- and triple-taps on your phone. Blaine Locklear walks through the Settings path, shows popular shortcuts (camera, flashlight, screenshots, accessibility tools, and more), and highlights new iOS 26 additions. Get the Next Level Mac app: https://www.mextlevelmac.app Official website: https://www.nextlevelmac.net

6 min
11/20/2025

Multitasking Resurrection: iPadOS 26.2 Fixes Drag & Drop Chaos

In episode 8 of the Next Level Mac Podcast, host Blaine Locklair explains how iPadOS 26.2 restores the familiar, intuitive multitasking experience by bringing back drag-and-drop functionality. Learn how to enable windowed apps, Stage Manager, and slide-over mode, plus tips for resizing, arranging, and closing windows and the minimum iPad models supported. Get the Next Level Mac app here: https://www.nextlevelmac.app Official website: https://www.nextlevelmac.net

10 min
11/14/2025

Is your smart TV spying on you?

Host Blaine Locklair exposes how major smart TV manufacturers use automatic content recognition (ACR) to capture and send viewing data — often without clear consent — and how that data is monetized by advertisers. Find out if your own smart TV is spying on you and what you can do to protect yourself. Get the Next Level Mac app in the App Store: https://www.nextlevelmac.app Official website: https://www.nextlevelmac.net

14 min
11/12/2025

Apple Home Deep Dive: Set Up Your Smart Home with Matter & Thread

In this episode Blaine Locklair explains how to set up an Apple-based smart home using Matter and Thread, covering compatible hubs (HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K), Matter over Thread vs. Matter over Wi‑Fi, and pairing tips. Get the Next Level Mac app at: https://www.nextlevelmac.app Visit us on line at: https://www.nextlevelmac.net

14 min
11/06/2025

Apple Pippin: The Game System Apple Wishes It Never Made

Episode 5 digs into the Apple Pippin — Apple’s only licensed video game console — covering its powerful PowerPC hardware, CD and modem features, and the Bandai partnership that handled manufacturing and marketing. The episode explains why the Pippin failed — and how the console later became a rare collector’s item. Get the Next Level Mac app for iPhone and iPad: https://www.nextlevelmac.app

10 min
11/03/2025

Is the new iPad Pro M5 the PERFECT iPad for you?

There's a new iPad Pro in town, and its name is M5. And it's powerful—and pricey. Is it the perfect one for you? Get the scoop in this episode, hosted by Next Level Mac founder and Chief Editor Blaine Locklair. Download the Next Level Mac app for iOS and iPadOS at: https://www.nextlevelmac.app

16 min
10/31/2025

Secrets of the Vision Pro M5 Revealed

The new Vision Pro is out, and it's rockin' the new M5 chip. What's so special about the Vision Pro? Is it REALLY worth the super high price tag? I got a demo of the new Vision Pro from one of Apple's longest-standing employees. What it revealed will surprise you! Get the Next Level Mac app at: https://www.nextlevelmac.app

11 min
10/23/2025

When Are New Apple Products Coming?

Join host Blaine Locklair in a deep dive of what Apple didn't reveal in their October 2025 announcements - and when they're coming. Get the Next Level Mac app here: https://www.nextlevelmac.app Visit Next Level Mac online at: https://www.nextlevelmac.net

17 min
10/11/2025

M5 Is Alive!

Welcome to the Next Level Mac Podcast! Exploring Apple tech, innovative accessories, and enhancing daily life & connections. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by ABC Trophies – visit abctrophies.com for awards and recognition. Apple News: Next-gen Vision Pro rumors point to M5 chip, enhancing spatial computing and mixed reality experiences. M5 chip expected for MacBook Pro & iPad Pro models, boosting performance for creative and professional tasks. AirPods Pro 3 recognized as a top invention: Featuring adaptive audio, noise cancellation, transparency mode, and immersive spatial audio for enriched interactions. Personalize your tech: Custom ColorWare AirPods Pro 3 allow for unique style and deeper connection with your devices.

8 min

11 Episodes

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

New podcast weblog Next Level Mac makes Apple gear simple, powerful, and personal. Plain-English how-tos, smarter workflows, and gear picks that improve daily use across Mac, iPhone, iPad, Watch, and Home. Hosted by Reagan Allen

Creator

Next Level Mac
Years Active

2K
Episodes

11
Rating

Clean
Copyright

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Next Level Mac