Brothers in Tech

Twitter vs. Threads

In case you haven’t been following the s%!t-show that is Twitter as of late…you might not know that there is yet another attempt at replacing the social media service. Will this “newcomer” actually have what it takes to become the new social media town square? Well, 100 million users in the first week is a pretty good start…. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss Meta’s new Threads service…how it works, pros and cons, and expectations for the future. Plus, you get to see which brother Threads believes should be following Kim Kardashian. Products/Apps/Services mentioned in this episode:TwitterThreadsInstagramYour Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Calendar Apps

You may be completely happy with the native calendar app on your phone or computer…and if so, you may not need to listen to this episode (but of course you should…just for sheer entertainment). But, if you are like us, you may have a need for more than the standard features to keep up with all of your events. Features such as scheduling availability, weather integration, and natural language input may be enough to warrant trying something new. The Brothers discuss their must-haves and ideal calendar app features that you should consider, as well as two of the top calendar applications on the market. Which app do the Brothers use, and which do the Brothers wish they were using? You will have to watch/listen to find out.Products/Apps/Services mentioned in this episode:Apple Calendar: the native Apple calendar application. BusyCal ($49.99 for permanent app ownership and 18 months of upgrades, included in SetApp subscription)Fantastical ($4.75/month, if you pay for a year)Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

June 2023 BiTS

It is time for the June Brothers in Tech Suggestions (BiTS) episode, and well…let’s just say the Brothers were “greased up” and ready to go. What kind of show do you get when both of the Brothers consume a few drinks beforehand? Well, you will have to watch/listen to find out. Although we are still questioning whether Alan re-gifted one of his BiTS from earlier…he certainly seems to win this battle. Some solid suggestions along with some additional tips to make your digital life more efficient…and you have yourself a show you won’t want to miss.Alan’s PicksSwitchBot Hub 2 ($70): Matter enabled smart product controller/hub (e.g., Alan’s automatic curtain closureMoneyWiz ($4.99/month, also available as part of SetApp): Financial appk/software with bank sync, financial logging/budgetingBrian’s PicsKasa Smart Dimmer Switch ($59.99 for 3 on Amazon): Apple HomeKit (and other smart assistant) capable dimmable light switchBlack Shark Phone Cooler FunCooler 3 ($24.99 on Amazon): Mobile phone cooling fan for gamers/heavy processingOther products/services mentioned in this episode:Tyme 3: Project time tracker ($3.99-4.99/month)Harvest: Project time tracker that integrates with Asana (~$10.99/month)SwitchBot Bot: Make your “manual” button/light switch smart! ($29.99)SetApp: One subscription service for dozens of apps ($9.99/month)Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Streaming Services & Content

Which streaming services should you be subscribing to/paying for? Well, that depends on what content is available on each…and that is constantly changing. But, the Brothers are here to give you their rundown of the current quality of each of the major streaming platforms. What shows & movies do we feel are worth your attention? What services would be worth cancelling/pausing your subscription for a month? Most importantly, which service provides quality movies like the 1987 classic “Mannequin”? You will have to watch or listen to find out. Streaming services mentioned in this episode: Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Netflix, Paramount+Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apple Updates & Vision Pro

After an extended break and some soul-searching, the Brothers are back…and have decided to fully lean in to their passion for all things Apple. And what better way to kick off the Apple-focused version of Brothers in Tech than to discuss the new Apple updates! WWDC brought a number of hardware and software announcements that certainly have us intrigued, and we are here to give our initial reactions and thoughts of what you should be excited about. Time for an upgrade? Any game-changing features? Oh…and don’t worry, we spend plenty of time discussing the headliner, Vision Pro. Is it a game-changer? Should we be concerned if spatial computing catches on? Which Brother is already saving his pennies to be able to afford one? Buckle up, grab a drink (or two)…we have a lot to say in this one!Products mentioned in the episode:Macbook Air 15”Mac StudioMac ProMacOS SonomaiPadOS 17WatchOS 10iOS 17Vision ProYour Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI Headshots & More

If you watched/listened last week (and, of course you did!), you will remember the 1980’s tv show-like cliffhanger that Alan left us with. He got us so excited to see the AI-generated headshots that he ordered…but alas, we were all left unsatisfied when they didn’t arrive. But now they are here…and we get a chance to see whether they are worth the $17 he paid for them, or the trainwreck that many expect (or hope?). As a bit of a spoiler…it is the prior. But don’t worry…for those who are really interested in trainwrecks, Brian also has some to share. You are going to want to watch this one to get the full experience of the magic of AI headshots!Products/Apps/Services mentioned in this episode:Motion ($19/month for individual users): A unique service that integrates your to-do list with your calendar. Pricey, and possibly confusing/buggy cancellation (be careful on the free trial!), but a lot of potential.www.TryItOnAI.com: 100 AI-generated professional headshots for just $17.Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mixed Bag

Thanks to all of you who wrote in and expressed how much you loved having Brian as the host last week…Bueller? Bueller? Well, Alan is back…and now all is right with the world. So, you would think that this would mean we would have a well-designed and organized show right? Not…so…fast. The Brothers decided to bring a mixed bag of topics…from maps to movies, documents to headshots. How are they all connected? No idea…but some interesting topics that you won’t want to miss. The real question is whether we get to see Alan’s AI-generated glamour shots…but you will have to watch/listen to find out!Products/Apps/Services mentioned in this episode:Google Maps (free): Enhanced national park maps & informationwww.TryItOnAI.com: 100 AI-generated professional headshots for just $17.www.intellippt.com: AI service for summarizing (and presenting) document content (free for limited use, $5/month for full features)Apple TV+ ($6.99/month): Apple’s streaming service finally hitting its stride?Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

eBikes

In what some are calling the smoothest and most well-run episode we have ever done (and by “some”, we mean Brian), Brian takes the wheel as Alan is away. But, have no fear…we are still living up to the Brothers in Tech name with the addition of friend of the show (and brother from another mother), Jeff Hartman (Professor of Exercise Science @ Gardner-Webb University & tech enthusiast). The “Brothers” discuss Jeff’s recent entry into the world of eBikes/pedal assist, and provide some advice for those thinking of making the leap. What are the benefits of owning/using an eBike? Are they worth the money? Will people make fun of you when you ride it to the gym? You will have to watch/listen to find out. And, even though we are sure you would want to do so…no need to send emails to tell us how much you enjoying Brian hosting the show. We don’t want to hurt Alan’s feelings…Products/Apps/Services mentioned in this episode:Ariel Rider Grizzley eBike ($3300): Jeff’s choice for eBike due to its dual-motor, dual-battery, and bad-ass design.Missive email ($18/month for the Productive account/features): Alan’s choice for email clientMotion ($228/year): Service for dynamically integrating your tasks into your calendarYour Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

March 2023 BiTS

It is time for the March Brothers in Tech Suggestions (BiTS) episode, and well…let’s just say the Brothers were “greased up” and ready to go. What kind of show do you get when both of the Brothers consume a few drinks beforehand? Well, you will have to watch/listen to find out. Although we are still questioning whether Alan re-gifted one of his BiTS from earlier…he certainly seems to win this battle. Some solid suggestions along with some additional tips to make your digital life more efficient…and you have yourself a show you won’t want to miss.Alan’s PicksAirbuddy ($12.99 one-time purchase…but included in the SetApp subscription): Take control of your computer peripherals (e.g., AirPods).Downie ($19.99 for a one-time pass): Download YouTube videos for off-line or other usesInfiniteMac (free): Website that will allow you to emulate all of the old Mac operating systems. Brian’s PicsCityway Waterproof AirTag Dog Collar Holder ($12.98 on Amazon): Use an AirTag to keep up with your four-legged friends.Motion ($19/month for individual users): A unique service that integrates your to-do list with your calendar. Pricey…but intriguing.Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tracker & Phone Comparisons

Anytime one of the Brothers gets a new gadget…we try to put it through its paces to see if it lives up to the billing. Well, this week Brian has the new tech…and he is able to provide his initial reviews (aka, rub it in Alan’s face). How do Apple’s Airtags compare to Tiles? How does the Samsung Galaxy S23 compare to the iPhone? Brian has thoughts…Alan has questions…and you get the benefit. All of this, AND we finish the episode in “under” an hour! Email Clients Mentioned/Discussed:TileApple AirtagsSamsung Galaxy S23Apple iPhone 14Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.