Brothers in Tech

The Battle for Email Supremacy

If you thought that the Brothers couldn’t possibly have anything else to say about email (based on several previous episodes)…well, you just don’t know us too well. We are not giving up the fight to find the best (or at least adequate) email client, and this week Alan has taken it to a whole different level. Using spreadsheets and ranking systems (yes, really), he gives us his thoughts and experiences with a variety of email clients. Did he come to a resolution? Is the search over? You will have to listen/watch to find out. You won’t want to MISS his conclusion (hint, hint). Plus, as a bonus…you get some friendly words of advice regarding online shopping and lost keys!Email Clients Mentioned/Discussed:SparkMicrosoft OutlookApple MailCanary MailEdison MailAirmailPolymailMissiveYour 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.

Over The Air TV

Before you say anything…yes, we know that we are always singing the praises of YouTube TV as the best way to enjoy live TV content. But, as the prices of streaming TV services continue to grow, it may be time to look for other, less expensive alternatives. Well, if local TV is one of the key reasons that you are paying for cable or streaming TV…you may want to consider taking advantage of the free over the air (OTA) TV signals that may be available in your area. But, this isn’t your parents’ (or grandparents’) OTA TV…can you say 4k?!?! Listen or watch as the Brothers (well…Brian) discuss OTA options, and what you need to take advantage of it. Oh, and of course Alan contributes to the episode by complaining about some of his own technology drama. Products/Services Mentioned/Discussed:NextGen TV: The new OTA TV signal that provides 4k content (and more features)Channels DVR: Service to record and stream OTA content from your local server.Plex: All in one content storage and delivery service.HD Homerun: Digital tuner and storage box for recording OTA content.Synology: Storage/backup system (home server)YouTube TV: Still our choice for a streaming TV serviceYour 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.

Email Frankenstein

It’s ALIVE..it’s ALIVE!!! Well, not really…but the Brothers are getting a chance to play mad scientists by attempting to design the perfect email application. Spoiler alert… it doesn’t exist yet. By pulling our favorite (and required) features from the countless applications we are tested…we create our Frankenstein of email apps, just waiting for someone to build it and get all of our money. What features are must-haves/deal breakers? What features would make us lean toward a specific client over another? How can AI be used to provide some interesting email workflow efficiencies? The Brothers have you covered. Plus, you get to see a “Hell Yeah” version of James K. Polk, which you obviously don’t want to miss.Services Mentioned/Discussed:MLS Season Pass (Apple TV+)T-Mobile (perks)Email clients/apps mentioned in the episode:SparkMicrosoft OutlookApple MailCanary MailEdison MailGmailYour 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 Sports

If you are a regular listener (and if you aren’t…it is time to step it up!), you know that we will often discuss cord-cutting and the various streaming service options. However, we haven’t specifically focused on what remains one of the most important factors in the cord-cutting decision…sports. Well, it is time to remedy that! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss the leap of several streaming services into the playing field of sports content. From broad/general sport delivery to specific sports leagues, there are a number of options to consider…and we have you covered. Plus, you can sit back and smile that you can still find your keys (unlike Brian). Services Mentioned/Discussed:Amazon Prime VideoApple TV+ESPN/ESPN+HBO MaxHulu LiveParamount+SlingYouTube TVProducts mentioned in the episode:Tile TrackersApple AirTagsYour 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.

February 2023 BiTs

It is that time again…the time when the Brothers attempt to one-up each other with a new product, app, or service…and hopefully convince the other to spend some money. It’s the BiTs episode! This one is special, as you will get to see Alan in a rare (well, maybe not so rare) bad mood. But, being the consummate professional that he is, Alan not only puts on a semi-positive face (with help from a couple of Old Fashioneds) but actually uses his life stressors to create additional BiTs for the listeners. Legend. We just won’t talk about how Brian inadvertently causes Alan additional frustration…you will just have to watch/listen for that. Brian’s PicsHiDock (MacOS, free): Simple, but effective app for assigning MacOS dock attributes per display setting (e.g., having your dock in a different place when you plug in an external monitor).Edison Mail iOS (free, w/paid pro options): Email client which (at least initially) seems to check most of our required boxes…snooze, AI integration, templates, one-hand navigation….BUT, be aware that if you are in need of a consistent mobile and desktop the MacOS version does not have all of the features (e.g., no snooze!).Alan’s PicksAtlas Obscura (website): Want to find the non-touristy places to visit/see when traveling? Here is a website guide to the “world’s hidden wonders”. Freeform (free/built-in for MacOS/iOS): A brainstorming/collaboration app for whiteboarding ideas.Abode Water Sensor ($39.99, additional hub required): Wireless sensor for detecting water leaks. Take it from Alan…these work well, and can come in handy.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.

Home Tech News

Have you ever wondered how Brothers in Tech would look/sound if we didn’t put in our hours or preparation for the show (cue sarcasm…)? Well, here is your chance to figure it out. Without any real topic to guide them, the Brothers use Alan’s 2-minute Google search to find some interesting home technology news to discuss, along with some home project updates. Sounds like a short show, right? Oh, bless your heart…we still managed to go for a good hour+. Come and watch/listen to find out whether you are going to need a lawyer for sharing your Netflix password…if someone is coming to take your Saturday afternoon lawnmowing job from you…how your smart speakers might have just gotten even smarter…and more. Plus, we find out exactly how much time Alan spends on the rowing machine. Hint…the number is a LOT less than the length of this podcast. News Articles Shared/Discussed:Robot lawnmowerNetflix password sharingSamsung SmartThingsHomePod Mini gains temperature/humidity functionalityProducts/Services mentioned in the episode:iFit Apple Watch Battery Replacement KitYour 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.

Accessibility Features

The computing devices we carry in our pockets (or use on our laps) have developed to do some amazing things. However, the default opportunities provided by those devices may not be usable by all without some settings adjustments. Enhanced feature options are available on iOS and MacOS for those with hearing, vision, and touch impairments, so they are able to get the most out of their devices. Although these features are incredible for the audiences for which they were intended…you may not have realized how useful they could be for you. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, in addition to helping Alan with his “fitness problem” and providing some of the latest tech news, the brothers discuss some useful settings/features hidden in the Accessibility menus that you may not even have known existed. Oh, and you might even learn why Alan is drinking more bourbon (Dr. Jackson’s orders). Products/Services mentioned in the episode:iOS & MacOS AccessibilityAmazon Echo ShowGoogle Nest HubMeta PortalNews Articles Shared/Discussed:Apple Smart Home DisplayArtificial Intelligence Solution for Retail StoresYour 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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)…Opportunities & Concerns

Although Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a part of our lives for quite some time…some of its capabilities have been front and center over the past few weeks as open-source AI engines are “showing off” what they can do. Should we be fascinated…or frightened? Inspired or intimidated? Excited for the future, or worried about our own existence? Well, we won’t answer all of your questions, but the Brothers are here to give you an overview of the two prominent open-source AI systems, show you some examples of what they can do, and help you to know what to be on the lookout for. A Brothers in Tech haiku, an estimation of what Alan might look like after a face transplant, how to knock your next anniversary card out of the park, and an Edgar Allen Poe-style sign-off are just a few of the highlights that you won’t want to miss.Products/Services mentioned in the episode:ChatGPT: Open source AI engine for creating written word (e.g., explain information, tell a story, etc.) from input questionsDALL-E 2: Open-source AI engine for creating images from descriptorsYour 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.

January 2023 BiTs

Where has the time gone? It has been a long time since our last BiTs episode…but you don’t have to wait any longer. In the first suggestion episode of 2023, the Brothers try and one-up one another with some new products and services. Regardless of who has the better picks, we think you will find some things worth checking out. And, as a bonus…you get to hear an extra sexy voice from Alan as he takes full advantage of his phlegm.Alan’s PicksIKEA Smart Home Products (TRDFRI): We may not be able to pronounce them, but we can tell you that they work, and won’t break the bank. And, you won’t have to struggle through the instructions of how to put them together.Asana (free with limits, $11/month for Premium features): Great project management software including communication, task, and timeline features.Brian’s PicsFeedly (Free with limits, $7/month for Premium): Looking for a beautifully made news reader without too many annoying ads? This might be your jam.Wyze Pan Cam v3 ($33.99): Wait…Brian recommending something from Wyze? Really? May be predictable, but we are liking this updated camera.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.

External Monitors

Whether you are a gamer, work with a lot of windows open on your computer, or have aging eyes (which isn’t the case with either of the hosts…cough, cough), you may have an interest in expanding your computing space with an external monitor. The good news is there are a variety of types, sizes, and features in today’s monitor line-up to choose from. The bad news is there are a variety of types, sizes, and features in today’s monitor line-up to choose from. But, have no fear…the Brothers (well, in this case, the younger brother) are here to help. In this episode, one Brother discusses the decision process for purchasing an external monitor…while the other Brother complains about losing their voice (which we still believe is due to the yelling that he did during the recent loss of his basketball team). Watch or listen to hear about flat vs. curved, wide vs. ultrawide, refresh rate vs. response time, and of course UNC vs. UVA. Products/Services mentioned in the episode:LG 35” UltraWide Curved Monitor (35BN75C): Monitor used for example specs.Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight. and graduate of the University of North Carolina (who recently lost again to UVA).Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc. and graduate of the University of Virginia (who recently beat UNC…again). 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.