You’ll come away from this episode with a faster, smarter iPhone and Mac workflow dialed in. You learn how to boss Siri around for brightness, Dark Mode, CarPlay directions, and per‑source audio levels, so your phone actually behaves in the car and on the couch. You tap into power‑user gestures like two‑finger‑tap to open links in a new Safari tab, Quick Actions to spin anything into a PDF, and Option‑click display rotation on the Mac. You even get sneaky with ad‑supported games by flipping Airplane Mode, and peek at where on‑device AI is heading with tools like Locally AI from the SXSW “more personal computer” session.
Then you shift into solving real listener problems so your Apple gear finally stays in sync with you. You clean up contact groups, fix that iPad Mail inbox that doesn’t match your other devices, and fight back against toll‑free robocalls. You hear which iPhone cases and glass protectors the geeks actually trust, plus protection options like Verizon Home Protect and automation tools like Crank to trigger actions based on what you’re doing. The whole way through, you’re reminded of the Mac Geek Gab mantra: Don’t Get Caught missing the tweaks, tricks, and Cool Stuff Found that make your Apple life smoother.
- 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1134 for Monday, March 23rd, 2026
- Quick Tips
- 00:00:01 Ian-QT-Hey Siri, turn up the brightness
- 00:03:50 Scott-QT-1133-Tell Siri to toggle Dark Mode
- 00:10:08 Vira-CSF-Locally AI – run models on your iPhone locally
- 00:11:58 Bill-QT-Spoken Directions in CarPlay
- Adjusting the volume of the different sources on your iPhone (Siri, Music, Maps, more)
- “Hey Siri, speak louder”
- 00:17:06 Henry-QT-Two-finger-tap to open links in a new Mobile Safari tab
- 00:18:03 ETC-QT-Use Quick Actions to create a PDF
- 00:22:44 Mickey-QT-Hold Option to get Display Rotation options in System Settings
- 00:23:40 Adam’s wife-Stop Ads with Airplane Mode in ad-supported games
- Sponsors
- 00:28:37 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at gusto.com/MGG
- 00:29:53 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.
- 00:31:23 SPONSOR: Shopify. In 2026, stop waiting and start selling with Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/MGG
- 00:32:49 SXSW: Phil Schiller & David Pogue Fireside Chat
- Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
- 00:43:49 Joe-Question about Contact groups
- 00:48:32 Bill-How come my iPad shows different Mail than everything else?
- 00:54:45 Craig-Robo Calls showing up from Toll Free Numbers
- 00:59:52 Scott-What iPhone cases does everyone use?
- Cool Stuff Found
- 01:14:02 Steve-CSF-Verizon Home Protect for $25/month is a great AppleCare+ alternative
- 01:16:35 Joe-CSF-1133-Crank can launch actions based upon user-configurable criteria
- 01:19:23 MGG 1134 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.
