They Can't Slalom, But They're Good at Downhill

This week, as we approach the release of Apple’s updated OSes, Federico and John check in on where their reviews stand and the one distraction they’ve both allowed themselves in the final stretch. Links and Show Notes An OS Review Vibe Check Coming Soon on MacStories Picks Federico and John’s Joint Pick: Astro Bot on the PS5 Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees  

This week, a surprise apology for rain, an update on our annual OS reviews and what we plan to do with our free time once they’re finished, and a TV pick. Links and Show Notes Italy apologizes for the weather 3BMeteo chiede scusa: “Abbiamo sbagliato troppo. Tanti errori, previsioni talora inaffidabili. Miglioreremo”. I commenti: “Poverini, qualcuno li abbracci” Weather On The Way Apps for Your Next Road Trip Federico and John are nearing the OS review finish line and have some feelings John: Good, but frustrated and tired Federico: Feeling great Saved media for after review season: Federico Balatro+ coming to Apple Arcade September 26, 2024 The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Games to finish: Dragon’s Quest XI Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Dragon’s Dogma Hades II 1,000x Resist Minishoot Adventures Steamworld Heist II Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Another Crab’s Treasure Unicorn Overlord Editor’s Note: Yes, Federico is planning to play all the games of 2024 this fall John Lady in the Lake on Apple TV+ The Plucky Squire The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Ace Attorney Investigations Collection Also mentioned: Sofa Sequel TV Forecast James Turner Rebecca Stone Home Screen: Rebecca Stone CRKD Nitro Deck+ Mobapad M6HD Sunny on Apple TV+ Picks Federico’s Pick: Only Murders in the Building, Season 4 on Disney+/Hulu Trailer Steve Martin to retire soon Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees

This week, John researches a local dive bar, as you do, before recommending gadgets that aren’t computers or videogame consoles and chatting about Loot, Season 2. Links and Show Notes Too Dive-y It doesn’t get much divier than . Favorite Gadgets That Aren’t Computers or Videogame Consoles John’s Picks LG C2 55" OLED TV Breville Precision Brewer Drip Coffee Machine Federico DeLonghi EC9355M La Specialista Prestigio Espresso Machine Picks John’s Pick: Loot, Season 2 on Apple TV+ Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees

This week, John and Federico discuss peanut butter, the limits of testing gadgets in public, and Federico’s latest Spotify experiment before turning to a movie and two music recommendations. This episode is sponsored by: FastMinder –  The popular app designed for tracking intermittent fasting, created by Funn Media, the developers behind other successful health & fitness apps like WaterMinder,  Calory or FitnessView. Links and Show Notes Peanut Butter Sandwiches The Limits of Public Gadget Testing Insta360 X4 Insta360 Chest Strap Revisiting Spotify Spotify Picks John’s Pick: Furiosa Streaming on Max For purchase or rent Federico’s Picks: F–1 Trillion by Post Malone Forever by Charly Bliss Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees

This week, Federico and John discuss alligator races and distraction free E-Ink thermostats for writers, plus a TV show pick and three videogame recommendations. Links and Show Notes Alligator and E-Ink Follow-Up How to survive an alligator attack – or better yet, avoid one entirely Here are some more survival tips from various wildlife departments and other experts: If you can escape on land, run away in a straight line. Experts debunk the advice to zig-zag. Gators can move really fast on land, but only in short bursts and distances before they tire out. BYOK Picks John’s Pick: Presumed Innocent on ATV Federico’s Picks: 1000x Resist Steamworld Heist II Minishoot Adventures Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees

This week, John and Federico return to the animal kingdom and share their E-ink device hot takes, along with a movie pick. Snakes, Alligators, and Bears, Oh My! Alligator found on dark road north of Charlotte, far from its known range, NC cops say E-Ink Readers Boox Tab Ultra Boox Palma Boox Go Color 7 Picks John’s Pick: Civil War Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees

This week, John is joined by Devon Dundee to talk about media tracking strategies and share three TV series picks. Links and Show Notes Media Tracking Strategies Sequel Sofa GameTrack MusicHarbor TV Forecast Devon’s Shortcut:Watch History Journal 2 Also mentioned: Collections Picks Devon’s Picks: Lessons in Chemistry Trailer Mr. Robot Trailer John’s Pick: Sunny Trailer  Follow Devon Dundee’s Work Website: devondundee.com Podcast: Magic Rays of Light Mastodon: @devondundee Threads: @devondundee Follow John and Federico on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow John and Federico on Threads MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow John and Federico on Instagram MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees

This week, John decides to take the iPad-only travel plunge, and Federico advises on which gaming handhelds to bring on a trip. Links and Show Notes Summer Travel and Tech John’s Tavel Setup 11" iPad Pro Magic Keyboad Case EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter with GaN 75W Charger Airalo eSIMs (Use JOHN64205 for $3 off) Nintendo Switch OLED Miyoo Mini A30 Federico’s Travel Setup Waterfield City Slicker for the Steam Deck Plugable 5-in–1 Thunderbolt 4 Hub XREAL Air AR Glasses The latest update to the MacStories Setups page Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees

This week, John is joined by Jonathan Reed for some travel picks for John’s upcoming trip to London, plus a movie, TV show, and Irish band. Links and Show Notes Jonathan’s London Travel Picks Walk down the Southbank, from Greenwich to Westminster Introducing London: a walk along the South Bank Thames Clipper, from Greenwich to Westminster Official website The view from Primrose Hill Apple Maps location The Royal Parks: Primrose Hill Abbey Road Apple Maps location Wikipedia Tate Modern Apple Maps location Official website Four Quarters Official website The Barbican Apple Maps location Official Website Slough House - Spy Write Columbia Flower Market Apple Maps location Official website London Fields Apple Maps location Wikipedia Pophams Bakery – around the corner from the Hackney Empire Apple Maps location Official website John’s Pick: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Trailer Stream on Max Rent or buy on Apple TV Jonathan’s Picks: We Are Lady Parts Trailer Fontaines D.C. On Apple Music Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees

This week, the Umarell return and a bay leaf mystery must be solved with technology. Plus, we have summertime movie and TV picks. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment The Umarell Eufy Cameras Home Base 3 Eufy Cam 2C Eufy Cam 2C Pro Eufy Cam 2 Pro Picks John’s Pick: Trigger Warning on Netflix Trailer Federico’s Pick: The Bear, Season 3 on Hulu Trailer Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Threads MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Instagram MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees