Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, Federico and I explore a collection of Shortcuts helper utilities that extend functionality beyond the built-in system actions, sharing how these apps address gaps in Apple’s Shortcuts implementation across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
This episode is sponsored by:
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NPC: Next Portable Console
This week, Brendon, Federico, and I dive into the ongoing Retroid Pocket Mini controversy, discussing the scaling issues, community reactions, and what it means for consumers in the retro handheld space. After addressing Retroid’s troubles, they explore the Retroid Pocket Classic and pricing information for the Flip 2. To wrap up the week’s news, they cover SteamOS news, AYANEO’s confusing new teaser for the “Pocket Ace,” examine important new reports of Microsoft’s collaboration with ASUS on an Xbox-branded Windows handheld.
NPC XL
This week, Brendon prepares for a two-month trip to Japan and needs advice on assembling the perfect portable gaming setup. Federico and I lend a hand, suggesting which handhelds to take along and how to maintain a podcast recording workflow away from home.
Ruminate
I bring the snacks, Robb brings the Lego news, and we both get excited for new Pebbles for the second time in ten years.
AppStories, Episode 427, ‘Our Self-Imposed Tech Deadlines’ Show Notes
Links and Show Notes
Shortcuts Utility Apps
AppStories, Episode 145: Shortcuts Utility Apps
Shortcuts Helper Apps
Actions
MenuBot
AI Actions
Shortery
Actions for Obsidian
Browser Actions
Alex Hay’s Apps, now developed by Snailed It
Toolbox Pro
Nautomate
Logger
Menu Box
Also mentioned
Googly Eyes
AppStories+ Post-Show
On AppStories+, John interviews Federico about his recent story that concludes web applications often provide superior experiences to native apps on iPad, examining how this trend reflects broader challenges in the iPad ecosystem.
We deliver AppStories+ to subscribers with bonus content, ad-free, and at a high bitrate early every week.
To learn more about the benefits included with an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.
NPC, Episode 24, ‘Retroid’s Rocky Road and Microsoft’s Portable Plans’ Show Notes
Listener Question
Retroid Follow-Up
Joey’s Retro Handhelds
NPC and the Retroid Controversy – Wavelengths
Retroid reportedly backtracks Pocket Mini return limits. The Verge
Screen teardown here
The Latest Portable Gaming News
SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview
In better Retroid news
Retroid Pocket Classic specs
What is going on with AYANEO?
AYANEO Pocket Ace
AYANEO Pocket S2 announced soon
Is Anbernic About to Shake Up the Retro Handheld Space – Retro Handhelds
Photo
An ‘Xbox’ handheld in 2025?:
Xbox’s new hardware plans begin with a gaming handheld in 2025
Microsoft isn’t launching its Xbox handheld this year, but Asus might be
NPC XL, Packing for Japan: Gaming on the Go
NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes.
Ruminate, Episode 204, ‘Chamoy!’ Show Notes
Kettle’s New Potato Chip Flavor Tastes 10x Better than the Original
The Wirecutter Is Wrong About The Best Plain Potato Chip
Nintendo’s next Lego console will be a Game Boy
Mario Kart™ – Mario & Standard Kart 72037
Ruminate Podcast: 21 – Collision Symbol, Thinking Face
Wispr Flow | Effortless Voice Dictation
MacStories launched its first podcast in 2017 with AppStories. Since then, the lineup has expanded to include a family of weekly shows that also includes MacStories Unwind, Magic Rays of Light, Ruminate, Comfort Zone, and NPC: Next Portable Console that collectively, cover a broad range of the modern media world from Apple’s streaming service and videogame hardware to apps for a growing audience that appreciates our thoughtful, in-depth approach to media.
If you’re interested in advertising on our shows, you can learn more here or by contacting our Managing Editor, John Voorhees.
Access Extra Content and Perks
Founded in 2015, Club MacStories has delivered exclusive content every week for nearly a decade.
What started with weekly and monthly email newsletters has blossomed into a family of memberships designed every MacStories fan.
Club MacStories: Weekly and monthly newsletters via email and the web that are brimming with apps, tips, automation workflows, longform writing, early access to the MacStories Unwind podcast, periodic giveaways, and more;
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Club Premier: All of the above and AppStories+, an extended version of our flagship podcast that’s delivered early, ad-free, and in high-bitrate audio.