Brothers in Tech

Cables, Cords, and Dongles… oh my!

As we brainstormed about what topics would be the most exciting and engaging for our audience, we couldn’t think of anything better than…cables. No, not cable (as in TV)…just cables…you know, the wires. Well, it may not be the most exciting topic…but we know that it is a topic that has led to pain and frustration for man (including ourselves). So, the Brothers poured a drink (or two), and tried to get to the bottom (untangle, if you will) of the wild world of computer cables. From the USB alphabet to HDMI, we try and provide some tips for making sure you are properly tethered. And, you certainly won’t want to miss Brian trying to explain the difference between a male and female cable connection. Your Hosts:Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson 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)? 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.

Video Sharing

Picture this…you happen to have your phone out when the most amazing thing happens (e.g., your cat opens the refrigerator), and you capture it on video. Of course, you want others to be able to see and appreciate this amazing experience with you…but how should you share it? Well, the Brothers are here to help (well, at least Alan)…so that your cat gets the attention it deserves. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers (no guests…old school) discuss the best strategies for sharing your videos…whether it be with just friends and family…or the entire world. From visibility to format to copyright…we have you covered. Services Mentioned: YouTube, VimeoYour Hosts:Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson 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)? 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.

Digital Legacy

What could be more exciting than an episode discussing the day when we permanently “leave the building” (aka, die)? Well…an episode about death and technology, of course! In all honestly, this may be one of the more important topics we have discussed on Brothers in Tech…as we should all be thinking of taming the digital mess we leave our family following our demise. In this episode, the Brothers discuss strategies for managing your digital legacy…including, but not limited to who might get control of your ever-popular technology podcast when you are gone. Do your loved ones a favor and give it a listen.Your Hosts:Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson 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)? 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.

Mobile Gaming

It is estimated that around 2.5 billion people (~1/3 of the world’s population) play videogames…a market size of over $170 billion in 2020. But, these are no longer the videogames where you needed an expensive game console or a pocket full of quarters…you actually have a fantastic gaming device right in your pocket. Mobile gaming has become the preferred gaming platform for the casual gamer, and it doesn’t look like that is going to change anytime soon. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers welcome back John Mims (Professor of the Practice of Communication at High Point University) to discuss (aka, educate Brian) the pros and cons of mobile gaming and subscription services. Did they convince Brian to join the masses and subscribe? You will have to listen to find out…but let’s just say that Sneaky Sasquatch certainly got his attention.Services Mentioned: Google Play Pass, Apple ArcadeYour Hosts:Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson 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)? 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.

News Apps & Services

Whether you are interested in good news, bad news, or fake news…there is no shortage of news content for our consumption and no shortage of methods for consuming it. However, the Brothers believe there are some apps/services that are better than others for you to access quality information. With an expert on communication by our side (John Mims, Professor of the Practice of Communication at High Point University), the Brothers discuss their suggestions and “must-haves” for apps and services to help you take hold of your information intake. Not to give it away…but Facebook was not at the top of that list.Apps/Services Mentioned/Discussed: Apple News, Flipboard, SmartNews, Google News, Pocket, Morning BrewYour Hosts:Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson is a 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)? 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’s ”Unleashed” Announcements

Another Apple announcement!?! Well, we had to cover that! The Brothers welcome long-time friend and tech enthusiast John Mims (Professor, Public Relations & Social Media @ High Point University) to join them in dissecting the new products and services announced during Apple’s “Unleashed” event. Whether you are a Mac fan, or just want to know what is on the tech horizon…we are here to let you know what you should be excited (and not so excited) about. And, can you guess which of the Brothers is already taking out a 2nd mortgage to order one of the announced products? Your Hosts:Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson is an 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)? 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.

Cell Phone Service

Although on the surface it may not sound like the sexiest of topics...this is certainly a topic that most of us have a vested interest in. From the early days of long-term contracts and counting minutes, to today’s data-filled packages, cell phone services may have evolved…but continue to be an essential part of our lives (or necessary evil!). With cell phone companies vying for your business with countless promotions, the Brothers are here to break down the must-haves and deal-breakers when searching for your next cell phone service. Will we also answer the age-old question of whether your car warranty really is about to expire? You will have to listen to find out.Your Hosts:Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson is an 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)? 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.

The October Brothers in Tech Suggestions (BITS) Episode

You know, sometimes you just have to give the audience what they want…and we know you want more BiTs! So, we are here to please. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers each provide two BiTs (Brothers in Tech Suggestions) that we think you will enjoy. This round is all about apps and services to save time and increase efficiency (although the video browser could be used for evil as well...). Brian’s Picks· Cardhop: App (Mac/iOS) for managing your contacts. Easy access in menu bar (Mac). $3.33/month (which includes Fantastical…a Fantastic calendar app!)· YouCanBook.me: Appointment scheduling service to allow clients/students to grab a time on your schedule and make an appointment without bothering you! Free for basic use (which Brian does), and $10/month for premium features.Alan’s Picks· Bartender: App (Mac) for managing your menu bar. Hide, reorganize, and create rules for your menu bar apps in order to make the most of them. $15 (one time) or SetApp subscription.· Lift Browser by Yac: App (Mac) that will keep your videos (e.g., Netflix, YouTube) front and center while you work. $5. Your Hosts:Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson is an 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)? 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 Features… Requirements & Aspirations

Although we try not to repeat topics on Brothers in Tech…there are some topics that are just need more attention…or are the bane of our existence. Revisiting our earlier series on email, the Brothers discuss numerous features that should be considered when searching for email bliss. Features we have to have…features we like to have…and features we would love to have…we have you covered. Which Brother has “gone dark” (and has no interest in going back)? Which Brother has a serious snooze problem? You will have to listen to find out. Your Hosts:Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson is an 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)? 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.

The iOS 15 Update

Apple recently released an update to their mobile operating system (iOS 15), and as usual…the Brothers are early-adopters. What’s to like? What’s not to like? The Brothers break down the key new features in this upgrade, and whether they are ready for primetime. Although we always recommend waiting for the 2nd or 3rdupdate to a new OS before upgrading to allow for any major kinks to work out …you will have to listen in to see if iOS 15 follows suit. Plus, hear about a new feature (Focus) that will make it even easier for Alan to ignore Brian’s texts throughout the day. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.Alan Jackson (the older brother) lives in works in Hickory, North Carolina as the Strategic Director of Jackson Creative and Jackson Insight. Alan specializes in creating marketing campaigns and resources for a variety of clients as well as consulting on marketing research and satisfaction surveys. In his free time, Alan runs a film society and annual film festival in Western North Carolina. Alan started his technology journey at a young age, learning to program in BASIC on an Apple IIE and being one of the first people in his area to use and master the original Macintosh. He earned extra lunch money by drawing pictures of superheroes in MacPaint and selling printouts to friends for a quarter each, officially earning him the title of the nerdiest kid at school. Alan has always enjoyed learning new technologies and helping others incorporate tech into their everyday home and work lives. Oh, and he is definitely the favorite child… no matter what his siblings suggest.Originally from Hickory, North Carolina, Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) currently lives just outside of Portland, Oregon where he works a professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University. Academically, he is a “motor behaviorist” (studying motor skill learning and performance) who has used his passion for technology to research the use and effectiveness of a number of fitness and learning devices. He is a former coach (tennis), craft beer connoisseur (well…at least a consumer and admirer), and competitive dart player (yes…darts). Although admittedly deeply connected/invested in the Apple ecosystem, Brian enjoys finding, researching, and critiquing all types of new and creative technology solutions…and consulting others on educational and home technology practices (including trying to correct any mistakes that Alan has made with family advice). Oh, and he is definitely the favorite child…no matter what his siblings suggest.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.