Jon shared a surprising shift in his workflow: returning to paper notebooks during meetings to improve interpersonal engagement, while using a Plaud Note device for the actual transcription. He also showcased his latest "vibe coding" success, building a card game app called "Pierogi Palace" in just 48 hours using ChatGPT and Codex to handle everything from the rule set to App Store screenshots. Meanwhile, I offered a mini-rant about Microsoft 365 Copilot, which has turned the once-simple task of scanning my daily doodles into a frustrating five-click process compared to the old, streamlined Microsoft Lens app.

Looking ahead to Google I/O, we discussed the rumored "Aluminium OS," an AI-first operating system that aims to merge Chrome OS and Android. We wrapped up with some tech nostalgia, reflecting on the days when the original iPhone and Windows Phone 7 lacked built-in screenshot features—a sharp contrast to today's AI tools that can generate entire apps in a weekend. I also gave a shout-out to my 2019 Anker Bluetooth keyboard, which still works perfectly for my iPad Mini typing needs, proving that some hardware really is built to last.

I spent some time on a "mini rant" about the state of budget Android tablets; while you can find great hardware for under $150, these devices almost never receive security or OS updates, effectively making them disposable e-waste. On the infrastructure side, the "router apocalypse" continues as the FCC's ban on foreign-made hardware looms, though Amazon Eero recently secured an exemption through October 2027. To prepare for a post-exemption world, I’m preparing to experiment with OpenWrt on an old travel router.

We wrapped up with a look at the startling 2026 price hikes for storage—where a SSD drive that cost $350 last year is now nearly $1,000—and a discussion of encouraging  maker culture for young people. We debated whether encouraging preteens to use 3D printers and AI coding tools like Codex is better than traditional hobbies, reflecting on the Heathkits and "dangerous" chemistry sets of my own youth.

We also tackled the 8GB RAM debate, finding that the MacBook Neo performs remarkably well for most users because Apple optimizes its OS for its hardware so efficiently. We compared this to the increasingly bloated experience of Windows 11, which forces users to have 16GB or more of RAM. Jon shared his experience upgrading to Google One AI Pro to leverage NotebookLM for his university courses, transforming long lectures into concise, AI-generated study materials. He even demonstrated the value of paid AI tiers by building a custom Strength Tempo Trainer web app in just 20 minutes using Codex. We discussed the "AI divide" comparing free AI tiers to paid ones. Finally, I’ve found Alexa Plus surprisingly useful for troubleshooting Amazon specific and Echo device glitches through its browser-based interface.

I have become a massive fan of NotebookLM and the new notebooks feature within Google Gemini,. I recently fed hundreds of our podcast show notes and blog posts into a Gemini notebook to see how it handled the data. We discussed how this technology is becoming popular in academia as a tool for students to engage with material, though it poses a significant threat to the textbook industry by easily creating the same supplemental materials publishers charge for,. I’ve even been using it to build animated video presentations and conduct additional research, which are features included in the $20-a-month AI Pro subscription,.

Our conversation turned toward the concept of "digital sovereignty," a movement in the European Union to reduce dependency on U.S. tech giants. We looked into the history of open-source office suites, from StarOffice to the current fragmentation of LibreOffice,. Interestingly, the EU is now looking toward "EuroOffice," a fork of OnlyOffice (which itself has roots in Latvian and Russian development) to replace Microsoft Office. Steve, Jon, and I debated whether this would be a cleaner transition than past attempts, especially as corporate customers grow increasingly annoyed with the "nickel and diming" of subscription services,.

Jon and I revisited the "technology gap" we see in students who have grown up exclusively on Chromebooks. Many struggle with the basic concept of a file structure or how to actually download a file to a specific directory. My own daughter recently joked that Windows is for "old people," which signals a shift Microsoft should be wary of. However, Jon shared a positive note on the democratization of app development. He built a purpose-built fitness timer for his strength training in just 20 minutes using AI,. While this "one-two punch" of AI interviewing and coding is powerful, I cautioned against the "Microsoft Access problem"—the risk of non-programmers building mission-critical tools that lack documentation or error-checking,.

On the hardware front, Jon shared his first impressions of the MCON controller, a slider-style mobile gaming device that features a built-in MagSafe stand. While the buttons are a bit small for some, its "pocketability" makes it a strong contender for travel,. Steve updated us on the Sea Otter Classic, essentially the "CES for bikes," highlighting new e-bike motors that are rejuvenating the industry,. We also touched on the EV market, specifically the Scout SUV and its move toward a range-extending motor. Steve even noted a great practical tip: using an EV as a reverse-load power source to keep a refrigerator running for up to two weeks during a blackout.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Steve's story about meeting will.i.am at CES.

I’ve been getting a lot of mileage out of Google AI Pro, and they recently gave their subscription service more value by bumping the storage from 2TB to 5TB for the same $200-a-year price. One of the most impressive new features is NotebookLM’s cinematic video creation, which I used to analyze and summarize 18 years of our own podcast history. We also discussed Google Flex OS, which now offers a three-dollar bootable USB stick for people who want a low-barrier way to try Chrome OS on their existing hardware.

We shared our "origin stories" with Apple, and it was a fun look back at how the technology evolved:.

I also recounted my favorite customer service story from 2010, where an email to Steve Jobs' office resulted in me getting a launch-day iPad despite a UPS delivery delay—and UPS actually made its first-ever Saturday delivery in my region just to get it to me and other iPad pre-order customers..

We revisited the MacBook Neo. While critics focus on the 8GB RAM limit, the build quality is miles ahead of the "plasticky, bendy" Chromebooks that dominate the budget market. Jon noted that his students are the real target for this device; they want to be in the Apple ecosystem but often can't afford the Pro models, making the $499 education price a potential game-changer.

We closed out the episode with discussions of the WiFiPorter Sven bought to provide guests to his home with a seamless guest WiFi connection and the MCON magnetic transforming game controller that Jon recently purchased.

What I found truly remarkable was that Jon was able to build a working model in only 90 minutes. He used what he calls a "one-two punch" with AI tools:

• The Interview: He first used regular ChatGPT to "interview" him about his specific requirements and ideas.
• The Build: Once the requirements were fleshed out, he had the AI write a high-quality prompt for OpenAI Codex, which then built the actual application using TypeScript and React.

The project is currently hosted on GitHub Pages, which Jon set up so that the site automatically rebuilds and deploys in about a minute every time he pushes a change to his repository. To make the tool more accessible, he included real-world examples, such as independent t-tests for tutoring programs and chi-squared independence tests for marketing surveys

Todd shared his experience dealing with a severe storm system that swept through Hawaii, knocking out power for roughly 138,000 customers. The 36-hour outage put local infrastructure to the test.

• The Good: Hawaiian Electric (HECO) deserves credit for vastly improved communication during the crisis, providing necessary updates.
• The Bad: The cell phone providers struggled. T-Mobile (and consequently Google Fi) went down within 10 to 14 hours, and AT&T followed shortly after. This highlights an ongoing issue with insufficient battery backups at cell sites.
• The Workaround: To keep lifeline devices running, Todd relied on multi-function devices with large batteries built into devices like portable fans and tire inflators.

Thanks to some expert advice from previous guest Sven Johansson regarding weight limits and non-commercial trust certificates, Jon is flying his new DJI Neo 2 legally. A standout feature for travelers is that the Neo 2's three-battery charging station can act as a reverse charger for other devices.

On the production side:

• Apple Creative Suite: Jon noted that educators and students can get the Apple Creative Suite (including Final Cut Pro and Logic) for just $30 a year. He used Final Cut to successfully reduce background noise on drone footage.
• Adobe Podcasts: Todd discussed Adobe Podcasts' new video recording feature. It records individual video and audio tracks locally for each participant, allowing for much easier syncing and enhancement compared to traditional methods.

Todd provided his initial thoughts on his new Apple MacBook Neo. He opted for the $699 model in Indigo, which includes a 512GB SSD and a fingerprint sensor. Note: All aspects of this podcast including recording, editing, and publishing was performed using the MacBook Neo.

• The "iPhone Companion": Reminiscent of the old Windows CE "PC companion" devices, the MacBook Neo serves as an excellent companion to the iPhone for those integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
• Hardware Impressions: Despite a lack of a fan, the aluminum unibody device runs incredibly cool under everyday loads, contrasting sharply with older Intel-based Macs. It also features a solid keyboard and a highly responsive fingerprint reader.
• The Verdict: It successfully replaces both an aging Chromebook and a 2019 Intel MacBook Pro as a reliable, everyday lower-end access device. While tech power-users might complain about its limitations, it is perfect for its target audience.

Jon has been exploring modern AI coding methods using OpenAI's Codex tool, Git version control, and Apple's Xcode Cloud for immediate compiling. For veterans who started programming in assembly language or Unix, today's continuous deployment pipelines feel like absolute magic.

Looking ahead to Apple's WWDC in June, Jon shared his primary wish: an "all-you-can-read" subscription service for Apple Books and Audiobooks. Additionally, early signs point to iOS 27 being a refinement-focused update, similar to the legendary Mac OS X Snow Leopard release.

Frank first joined us all the way back on Podcast #2 on Nov. 28, 2008, when the hot topic was the T-Mobile G-1—the very first Android phone. Jon hopped on board with Podcast 69 on Dec. 22, 2013, to discuss the transition from Windows Mobile/Phone to other platforms and Microsoft Project Siena.

We also mentioned frequent guest panelists Sven Johannsen and Jack Cook on Podcast 109 in Feb. 2015, discussing the state of Windows Phone two years before it was discontinued.

Our discussions included Apple's upcoming 50th anniversary on April 1, my anticipating the delivery of the new "budget" MacBook Neo A18 Pro powered laptop, Frank's skeptic's few on "what is low cost?", and the Google March 2026 Pixel Drop. A key part of our discussion was how Android devices extend seamlessly to connected displays. This feature was previously enabled only in developer mode but is now a standard capability.

Frank had some specific thoughts about Android desktop mode on his blog. I noted that while my Pixel 10 Pro supports this, I was disappointed to find that neither the Pixel Tablet nor the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE does.

Jon showed off his latest project: an Elecrow e-Ink screen which will be a remotely programmable office door sign. We also discussed the Elecrow CrowView Note, which is an interesting portable monitor with keyboard that functions as a "phone-to-laptop" device (somewhat reminiscent of the old Celio REDFLY Mobile Companion).

Next, we discussed Apple's upcoming multi-day March product announcement event. I noted my amusement over tech pundits already debating the performance merits (or lack thereof) of the rumored A18 Pro budget MacBook. Sven brings some smart home tech to the table, discussing the Matter-enabled EVE Motion sensor and the frustrations involved in setting it up outside of the native EVE or Apple Home ecosystems. They also touch on the DJI Neo 2 drone, highlighting that a smartphone is required for initial setup and reminding listeners about the necessary FAA TRUST Certificate for recreational flyers.

Finally, we took a nostalgic turn, pondering what we lost when media went digital. Jon discusses his recent eBay purchases of old, inexpensive CD box sets—not just to rip hard-to-find tracks, but to reclaim the physical artwork and ephemera that used to accompany music. This leads to a broader reflection on physical media, including coffee table books, and Todd’s perspective on the tangible value of ownership as a comic book collector.

• Apple's Upcoming Events: We discussed the rumors surrounding the Apple March 4 launch event, including the highly anticipated A18 Pro budget MacBook, which is expected to bring fun colors and a more accessible price point.
• Google's Latest Offerings: We touched on the Google Gemini Lyria 3 music creation feature. I was able to try it out a couple of times.  Additionally, we looked at the news that Google launched a Snapseed camera for iPhone, bringing pro manual controls and retro film effects to iOS.

I provided an update on the Boox Note Air5 C and a frustrating e-ink lag problem when using Microsoft OneNote. This writing lag is a known issue. The current solution when dealing with OneNote's infinite scrolling is simple but annoying: don't write near the very bottom of the display. Note that this specific issue doesn't seem to happen on the iPad or conventional Android tablets—it is strictly an e-ink quirk.

We moved into a deeper discussion about evaluating work and the ongoing challenges of providing workplace feedback. Jon has been evaluating the work of his peers lately in OneNote, and to say it's not going well would be an understatement. We debated whether the fault lies with the tool itself or the user, leading into a wider conversation about the lack of attention to detail in professional environments.

This tied perfectly into the difficulty of giving feedback to coworkers, especially when unreadable formatting or poorly optimized code directly impacts your own workflow. Finding that reasonable middle ground to deliver criticism without causing unnecessary friction remains a constant challenge.

We introduced some new terms to frame this phenomenon, comparing Mark Zuckerberg's old "move fast and break things" mantra against the reality that carelessness often speaks directly to competency. We coined phrases like Minimally Viable Product / Deliverable, Vibe Working, and Generation AI to describe these modern workplace dynamics.

Jon detailed his upgrade to the Backbone Pro gaming controller—praising its integrated battery and Bluetooth versatility—while looking forward to a future M5 Mac Mini to handle local LLM heavy lifting. I’m personally keeping an eye on rumors of an affordable A18 Pro-based MacBook that Jon noted could potentially disrupt the education sector. Between my nostalgia for coding in a 208-byte space on an Apple II and Jon’s modern Python toolkit involving pyenv and PyInstaller, we emphasize that efficiency must remain a priority, even as software becomes more bloated. Whether it's navigating the "AI search" changes in Google Photos or finding ways around "vibe coding" errors, we're still looking for tech that just works.

In my retirement, I’ve started using mechanical keyboards—I have several now. Surprisingly, I broke my first keycaps ever this month on a <strong>Royal Kludge</strong> board. The stems on the "O" and "3" keys actually cracked. I’ve been replacing them with a set of <strong>Warmier</strong> PBT shine-through keycaps, doing about three a day so it doesn't feel like a chore. Jon is still rocking a 15-year-old Apple keyboard, but I’m trying to convince him to try a 75% mechanical layout with a volume knob.

We had a discussion about the recent tech stock dip following <strong>Anthropic’s</strong> new Claude plugins. Major players like Microsoft and Oracle saw massive hits, and I can't help but wonder if CEOs are overreacting to AI's current capabilities. I see a parallel to the "Advanced Intelligent Networking" (AIN) of the late 80s. Back then, we were told visual "drag-and-drop" programming would replace coders, but that path failed because non-techies didn't account for error conditions or governance. Jon agreed, noting that while the sky is changing, it isn't necessarily falling, and companies may soon regret the mass layoffs they've justified in the name of AI.

My <strong>Boox Note Air 5C</strong> journey continues. I recently picked up a <strong>Staedtler Noris Digital Jumbo</strong> stylus. It looks just like a traditional pencil and features a digital eraser on the end. Interestingly, erasing with the physical end of the stylus is actually faster than hitting "undo" on an e-ink screen. My current workflow involves syncing my daily doodles from the native Boox app to <strong>OneNote</strong> as PDFs, though I’m still struggling with how OneNote for Android handles the mixture of handwriting and text.

Jon shared his progress on a mobile "Hyflex" setup for his psychology classes at Delta State. He’s using a combination of gear to allow students to participate in-person, synchronously online, or via recording. One software highlight he mentioned is <strong>Better Display</strong> (the $21 Pro version), which allows for a picture-in-picture view of an extended display. It’s a lifesaver when the classroom projector is positioned at an awkward angle behind the presenter.

Finally, Jon is planning his hardware roadmap for the year. He’s debating between a DIY Linux box for local LLM work, a Unify storage appliance, or waiting for a <strong>Mac Mini with an M5 chip</strong>. Personally, I’m keeping an eye on the rumor mill for a touchscreen MacBook—I might actually buy one if it ever surfaces.

We kick off the podcast with storm-related tech notes, including lessons learned about external batteries and the effects of power surges on IoT devices. On the gear front, Jon shared his creative solution for a broken Xbox headset by replacing it with a Twelve South AirFly Pro and a lav mic, allowing him to use his existing AirPods. We also discussed, what else, AI, and the intriguing concept of OpenClaw Moltbook, a "social network" for AI agents, and the challenge of "AI slop" drowning science publishing. We also noted that my Google One 2TB subscription now includes the Gemini Plus tier, which is better defined in our reference notes as the Gemini AI Pro (Advanced) plan that bundles with the 2TB storage.

The featured device this week is the Onyx BOOX Note Air5 C color e-ink Android OS 15 tablet that I bought recently. Our deep dive explores the mindset of e-ink users, often seeking a minimalist, distraction-free tool and embracing "mindfulness" in their writing. I compare the Air5 C to my only previous e-ink experience (a 2010 Kindle) and the non-e-ink TCL NXTPAPER (which I am considering to purchase). While acknowledging known issues—like the case and the display’s color limitations—the appeal lies in rethinking note-taking in retirement, the low friction of a digital pen, and the ability to use apps from the Google Play store.

We kicked things off by discussing a fascinating trend in East Asia: micro dramas. Specifically, a TikTok subsidiary called Pine Drama is producing miniseries with episodes lasting only 30 to 90 seconds. These "video comic strips" are designed to be highly addictive, and while I have a short attention span, I’m curious to see if this ultra-short format translates well to global audiences.

On a more serious note, we touched on a security vulnerability called Whisper Pair. This bug affects several major Bluetooth headset brands—including Sony, Google, JBL, and Jabra—allowing for potential location tracking if an attacker is within 14 meters. If you use earbuds from these brands, I recommend checking the specific lists online to see if your hardware is vulnerable.

I’ve been testing Google Gemini’s personal intelligence features lately, which are surprisingly good at "buttering you up" by knowing your interests in Star Trek or Star Wars. This led to a broader discussion about the AI Divide. With subscriptions like Gemini Pro or Copilot Pro costing around $20 a month, we are quickly moving toward a society of "haves and have-nots" regarding high-level tech tools. We also noted how this digital divide manifests in the real world.

The heart of our conversation was a deep dive into color E-ink tablets, led by Frank, who has become a true connoisseur of the medium. We compared several major players in the market:

Frank emphasized that for him, writing is about memory and engagement during meetings. While an iPad has more utility, E-ink offers reflective technology that is easier on the eyes and provides a battery life that lasts for days rather than hours.

After hearing Frank's breakdown, I’m strongly leaning toward the Boox Note Air 5C. It’s available on Amazon for about $530 and includes a stylus that uses Wacom EMR technology, meaning I won't even need to charge the pen.

In the second half of our conversation, we looked at the evolution of e-ink, including the TCL "NextPaper" tablet, which uses 120Hz LCD technology to mimic a paper-like display. Frank explained that he prefers writing by hand on these devices for memory retention, while we debated whether the $2,000 Samsung Trifold is too bulky to be practical. I speculated that the thinness of the iPhone Air could be the precursor to a future Apple foldable. We were also quite interested in mobile accessories from Clicks, specifically the Power Keyboard with an integrated battery that Jon pre-ordered and the Communicator, a purpose-built Android device that restores the physical keyboard and SD card slot. To wrap up, we touched on the return of the Pebble Round 2 with its two-week battery life and Claude AI integration, the stair-climbing Roborock Saros vacuum, and the Rocket Smart Glasses which feature built-in diopter adjustments.

Episode Highlights:

• The Oscars Move to Streaming: The Academy Awards has signed a deal to move video distribution exclusively to YouTube starting in 2029. Todd notes that many viewers already consume the content via clips on the platform rather than the full terrestrial broadcast.
• The Digital Divide: A look at the 4-6% of US households completely without internet access and the 15-20% lacking fixed broadband. The hosts discuss the lingering presence of DSL compared to cable and fiber.
• Evolving Home Design: Jon highlights a design trend where living rooms are no longer centered around the television, reflecting a shift toward personal consumption on mobile devices rather than communal viewing.
• 2025 Tech Retrospective: The hosts reflect on how AI dominated the conversation throughout the year.
  • Jon's Experiment: Using ChatGPT with memory to create a "cognitive time capsule," documenting his current psychological state and preferences to review in ten years.
  • Todd's Experiment: Using Google NotebookLM to analyze and summarize PDF transcripts of the podcast's history.
• iPadOS 26: Todd notes that despite improved windowing features in iPadOS 26, his personal workflow has remained largely unchanged.

Next Week: Todd plans to release an automated summary created via AI tools to close out the year.

• Disney & OpenAI: The Walt Disney Company has reached an agreement to license characters to OpenAI’s Sora.
• Google Labs: Todd joined the waitlist for "Google Disco," a tool that uses "GenTabs" to create interactive web apps and complete tasks using natural language without coding.
• Visual Podcasting: Todd discussed using "Nano Banana Pro" and Gemini to create visual whiteboard summaries for podcast notes.

• watchOS 26.2: Features updates to Sleep Scores, which Jon notes can feel "judgmental" regarding sleep quality.
• iPadOS 26.2: Reintroduces multitasking features like slide over and enables "Auto Chapters" for podcasts.
• macOS 26.2: Introduces "Edge Light" (a virtual ring light for video calls) and "low latency clusters" for local AI development on M5 Macs.

• PowerShell Origins: Jeffrey Snover, creator of PowerShell, revealed in a blog post that "cmdlets" were originally named "Function Units" (FUs), reflecting the "Unix smart-ass culture" of the era.

The hosts discuss the tendency to overcomplicate setups, such as using Docker for RSS feeds or complex SSO for home use. They recommend the following simplifications:

Hardware

• KableCARD: A credit-card-sized kit containing multiple adapters, a light, and a phone stand to replace carrying multiple cables.
• Presentation Remotes: Use a simple dedicated remote ($20–$30) or repurpose a Surface Pen via Bluetooth instead of relying on complex software solutions.

Software

• Pythonista (iOS/macOS): Run simple local scripts (e.g., GPA calculators) rather than paying for dedicated subscription apps.
• Homebridge: A lighter-weight alternative to Home Assistant for connecting IoT devices (like Sonos) to Apple HomeKit.

• Pixel Tablet YouTube Glitch: If the YouTube app on the Pixel Tablet displays unusable, giant thumbnails, the fix is to clear both the app's cache and storage/memory.

On the hardware front, the rumor mill is spinning regarding an Apple HomePod with a screen (potentially the "HomePod Touch"), with speculation pointing toward an 11-inch display. The hosts compare smart display pricing, weighing the Echo Show 11” ($194-$219) against the Pixel Tablet and Dock bundle ($250 + $129).

Sven's new accessories are also highlighted, including the DJI Mic Mini at a competitive $80 and the new clip and card versions of Pebblebee Trackers.

Todd’s Segment features the Goovis G3 Max headset, praised for its individual diopter adjustment that allows eyeglass wearers to use the device without custom prescription lenses. The show wraps up with a mention of the Google Pixel 10 Pro and its headline feature: 100x ProRes zoom.