You’ve got quick tips galore this week: if your iPad battery’s draining mysteriously, your Apple Pencil might be the culprit, so pop it off when you’re not using it. Want custom emoji? Now you can create your own. LaunchBar fans, there’s a slick way to jump straight into System Settings, and if you’re self-hosting Bitwarden, the guys walk you through adding a local server with Cloudflare Tunnels. Pilot Pete also breaks down getting your digital ID working at TSA — and makes a compelling case that it’s actually more secure than handing over your physical license — plus there’s a look at TSA’s new Touchless ID system.
On the AI side, if agentic browsing still makes you nervous, Dave and Pete have practical advice for easing in, and they dig into why the app you use matters just as much as the LLM behind it — including a look at Claude’s upcoming Mythos model. You’ll hear how to tighten your AI agent’s Security awareness (Don’t Get Caught slipping on that one), use Comet to become the ultimate “Reply Guy,” let your LLM tell you which apps are available in Setapp, and even have your chatbot generate QR codes . Wrapping up, there’s a fix for Mail not seeing updated Contacts Groups, a cost breakdown of building your own 2026 27-inch iMac, and an honest conversation about whether Plex is getting worse. Press play and enjoy learning at least five new things, folks!
- 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1137 for Monday, April 13th, 2026
- Quick Tips
- 00:00:01 Ian-QT-1136-Apple Pencil can drain an iPad battery
- 00:03:37 PilotPete-QT-Create Your Own Emoji
- 00:06:24 Ben-1136-CSF-Use LaunchBar to launch System Settings
- 00:08:22 Adding a local Bitwarden server
- 00:21:39 PilotPete-QT- getting digital ID to work at TSA & why it’s likely more secure than your license
- 00:25:59 TSA Touchless ID
- Sponsors
- 00:30:28 SPONSOR: CleanMyMac. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use our code MACGEEK for 20% off at clnmy.com/MACGEEK
- 00:32:01 SPONSOR: Pocket Hose. For a limited time, you can get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Just text MGG to 64000.
- AI Side Quest
- 00:33:40 The Flora-Bama Club
- 00:35:59 Andy-What can I do if I’m not yet comfortable with agentic browsing?
- 00:41:20 Your AI app matters as much as the LLM
- 00:45:08 What’s up with Claude’s new Mythos LLM?
- 00:48:42 Jason-QT-Tighten Your AI Agent’s Security Awareness!
- 00:51:32 Using Comet to help you be “Reply Guy”
- 00:53:46 Todd-QT-Let your LLM tell you which apps you can get in Setapp
- 00:55:49 Roy-QT-Let your chatbot create QR codes
- Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
- 00:58:33 Joe-Why is Mail not seeing my updated Contacts Group?
- 01:04:12 Brent-Cost breakdown of the 2026 27″ iMac
- 01:06:16 Matt-Is Plex getting worse? If so, can it get better?
- 01:19:31 MGG 1137 Outtro
Dave Hamilton, a seasoned tech enthusiast, podcaster, and publisher, has dedicated the past three decades to aiding computer users globally. Known for his insightful advice and valuable product recommendations on the Mac Geek Gab podcast, Dave also enjoys an esteemed reputation as the founder of BackBeat Media, a network of fiercely independent publishers. His online publishing journey took off with The Mac Observer, an acclaimed Apple news site he co-founded in 1998 and led to its successful acquisition in 2021.
Beyond his tech-savvy persona, Dave embraces a vibrant life filled with music and family in the New Hampshire seacoast. He passionately performs with bands Bitter Pill and Fling, among other musical projects, creating a harmonic balance between his love for technology and music. Alongside his wife, Lisa, he raised their two children amidst this symphony of innovation, passion, and independent spirit, showcasing the power of embracing one's interests and using them to make a meaningful impact in the world.
