Brothers in Tech

Mac Buying Guide

If you have listened to the show before, you know that we make no secret that at our core, we are Mac guys. Although we appreciate and have had plenty of experience with other platforms, when it comes to buying a computer for ourselves…we are buying a Mac. So, as Brian is currently in the market for a new computer, we thought it would be helpful to go through the Apple computer line-up to determine what features/options are available (and expected soon). If you have been considering buying a Mac, or are just interested in the current state of the Mac line-up, this episode is for you! Or, if neither of those apply, and you just want to spend an hour listening to the Brothers window shop…we are here for you!Products discussed in this episode: Mac Mini, Mac Pro, Mac Studio, Macbook Air, Macbook Pro, iMacYour 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 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.

May 2022 Brothers in Tech Suggestions (BITS)

Although we love diving into a tech topic each week…let’s be honest, we really love our BiTs episode! In the first live airing of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers try and impress each other by bringing a couple of tech suggestions, and see how much money they can make each other spend. Not to give it away…but Brian’s pics really heat things up, while Alan makes sure we stay organized. Brian’s Pics· HX HECLX Mug Warmer ($22): Keep that coffee warm/hot throughout the day with this desk accessory. 3 temperature options, auto shutoff, and digital screen. · Atomi Smart WiFi Ceramic Tower Heater ($120): Space heater with smart features (phone app, schedules, Alexa/Google Home compatible). Alan’s Picks· 4-in-1 Multi-Port & Apple Watch Charger ($18): Tired of carrying multiple cables with you when you travel? Four connections in one cable!· Gemini 2 ($45 for one-time purchase, $20/year subscription): Efficiently search for and delete duplicate files from your Mac (or iPhone, for a separate fee).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 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.

Essential Computer Apps

What do we do when we don’t have a pressing topic to talk about? We improvise, and talk about what is right in front of us! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers compare their “essential computer apps”…aka, the apps we use on a daily basis and can’t (or prefer not to) live without. FYI, the Brothers’ apps are so similar, you would think they were related… We also play the “desert island game”, and discuss who could live (and work) with the fewest apps if pressed. Spoiler alert…Brian wins. Apps mentioned in this episode: 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 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.

Podcasts & Podcast Players

We know what you are thinking…why would you need a podcast to tell you about podcasts? Well, although you might be a regular consumer of podcast media, if you are like most, you are just scratching the surface of how to enhance your listening experience, and the Brothers are here to help. From the basics of what is a podcast, to the features that you might want to look for in a podcast player, we are here to assure that you don’t miss a beat (or word). **Of course, the most important step in the process is to click “subscribe” to Brothers in Tech if you haven’t already…and the rest will fall in place. In fact, subscribe from all your devices/apps, as you can never be too safe.Apps mentioned in this episode: Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Google Podcasts, SpotifyYour 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 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 2022 Brothers in Tech Suggestions (BITS)

Oh yeah…it’s that time again. The BiTS episode! Time for the Brothers to try and impress each other with a recommended technology (e.g., app, device, service), and see who might have to break out their wallet. However, unlike most other BiTS episodes, Alan is the one who actually brings the expensive item to the table…and even Brian admits that it is pretty cool. Brian’s Pics· Duplicate File Finder by Nektony (Free, or Pro for $19.99): An app that can help you clean out your duplicate files on you Mac.· Firefox Browser by Mozilla (Free): With the ability to sync bookmarks and history across multiple (cross-platform) devices, Firefox may be worth another look!Alan’s Picks· Stream Deck by Elgato ($80-250): An external usb device with programmable physical buttons for all of your computer’s repetitive tasks (and even a magic 8-ball!).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.

Extending Your Smart Home

Advances in home automation have opened up a lot of opportunities to integrate your devices and voice throughout your home…but the three main automation platforms (Amazon, Google, Apple) have not always played nicely together. Those who have chosen to use HomeKit (Apple) as their platform have been more limited in their options for peripherals/devices, and not easily able to integrate with the other platforms. But, Alan is here to save the day (or confuse the heck out of you…)! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, Alan walks us through a way to integrate non-HomeKit devices into your HomeKit ecosystem…and as a bonus, how to bring your older IR/non-wifi devices into your automation world. This one geeks out a bit…but if you can get through it, can save you a lot money and frustration!Products mentioned in this episode: BroadLink IR/RF Universal Remote, HomebridgeYour 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.

TV Features

The television has long been one of the cornerstones of our home technology lives…but if you haven’t shopped for a TV recently, you might be a little overwhelmed by the features to choose from. Do I need 4K? 8K? LCD? LED? HDR? Well, the Brothers are here to help. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, we discuss the features that you should be considering when searching for that new TV. You can hear what choices Brian made in his recent TV purchase, and whether Alan is supportive of those decisions. BONUS MATERIAL…Why does Alan have a bone to pick with Brian about a previous product/company suggestion? Does it look like something is really weighing Alan down these days? You will have to watch/listen to find out!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 Watch

Over the past several years, the Apple Watch has challenged the way we think about wearables…but does it have the same use and allure as it did when it was first introduced? With both Brothers owning the device (Brian’s is newer, by the way), we wanted to discuss what we view as the most valuable features of the watch, what features would lead us to upgrade, and some hidden tricks that you may not have known about. So, whether you are already an Apple Watch devotee, or thinking of making the plunge…this episode is for you!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.

February 2022 Brothers in Tech Suggestions (BITS)

It is the episode that needs no introduction…but we are going to require Alan to do it anyway, just so he can remind us who came up with the name. It’s the BiTS episode! Time for the Brothers to see if they can one-up each other by introducing a new tech that will not only gain brotherly approval…but potential lead them to spend some (or a lot of) cash!Brian’s Pics· Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbell system ($399): A way to have access to a wide range of dumbbell weights without the need for large square footage.· MagBak MultiCharger ($129) & Car Charger ($79): For those in the MagBak phone case ecosystem, these are sleek solutions for charging. Expensive, so look for sales!Alan’s Picks· Detail App: A slick way to switch between camera sources while on video calls…even using your phone’s camera!· Fantastical by Flexibits ($3.33/month): Our favorite calendar app, recently adding a number of great new features. 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.

Furniture Tech

That sofa you have in your living room…it’s not just for sitting anymore! Well, actually it is…but it may have some cool new features to enhance your sitting pleasure. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss some of the ways that technology has been making its way into your furniture. From shopping to design, from power to lighting…we are here to provide you with some pros and cons of some of these new advancements. And, you will get a (very early) sneak peak at Alan’s holiday wish list (of which he will not be getting from his brother). Products mentioned in this episode: FreeMotion Recliner Battery, Farmhouse Murphy Cabinet Bed, IKEA Place App, Tabula Sense Smart desk, Digital Habits Open Mirror, Miliboo Smart Sofa,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.