Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, Federico and John share a grab bag of projects we’d like to see Apple pursue from software to hardware and corporate acquisitions.
On AppStories+, Federico and John take their wish list further with a bunch of gadgets they’d like to see Apple make.
This episode is sponsored by:
Notion – Try the powerful, easy-to-use Notion AI today.
NPC: Next Portable Console
This week on NPC, lots of follow-up about microSD Express cards, the Switch 2 Dock, XR glasses, and the dbrand Killswitch – plus, Retroid’s second screen accessory, Windows handhelds, a new eGPU, and more.
On NPC XL, John automates his Mac with the 8BitDo Micro, Brendon finally finds a Switch 2 Pro Controller, and Federico acquires a cozy PC controller.
AppStories, Episode 445, ‘Imagining Apple’s Next Big Thing’ Show Notes
Two Random Hardware Recommendations
Federico:
iFi hip-dac3 – Portable Hi-Res DAC/Headphone Amp
John:
Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station, 1800W
Things We’d Like to See Apple Do
Assigning Apple Some Big Ticket Projects
A Siri Chatbot
A Shortcuts Helper Bot
Apple Glasses
OS Dictation Tools
Rethinking iPadOS and macOS’s Relationship
Acquisitions Apple Should Make
What’s the Deal with Google Gemini?
AppStories+ Post-Show
Gadgets We’d Like to See Apple Make
New Displays
A MagSafe Battery
A Game Controller
Folding Phone
Soundbar
Also Mentioned:
Kuxiu K1 Pro 10,000 mAh (MagSafe and Batteries widget compatible)
NPC, Episode 41, ‘Joy-Lock™: Dbrand Trademarks Its Do-Over’ Show Notes
The Latest Portable Gaming News
Follow-Up
Follow up on microSD Express cards
1TB microSD Express from Lexar briefly showed up on Amazon for $184 but sold out now – much less than we expected.
Meanwhile SanDisk’s 512GB card is showing August shipping dates on Amazon
Switch 2 Dock Follow up
Nintendo Switch 2 Travel Dock by CAD_is_my_Bane Download free STL model Printables.com
I tested every 3rd party Nintendo Switch 2 dock so you don’t have to – Mono
Confirmed Nintendo’s Switch 2 can work with existing docks and webcams after replacing their firmware The Verge
XR Glasses and the Switch 2
Hagibis 8K 60Hz USB-C to HDMI 2.1 Cable
PeakDo 4K HDMI To USB-C Adapter
dbrand Killswitch followup
dbrand has fixed their Switch 2 Joy-Con grips
Retroid 2nd Screen Accessory
Retroid Shows Off 3DS Emulation with Dual Screen Add-On
Retroid Dual Screen Add-on Demo – YouTube
Handheld News
Miyoo Mini Flip Announced
MSI Claw A8 with Ryzen Z2 Extreme tested performance rival for Lunar Lake – VideoCardz.com
Xbox ASUS ROG Ally / Ally X Prices Leaked – $700 / $1050
Thunderbolt 5 eGPU
ONEXGPU Lite eGPU with Thunderbolt 5 is on the way
An Epilogue Update
RetroAchievements and SNES later this year
From the epilogue community on Reddit
NPC XL Links and Show Notes:
John repurposes the 8BitDo Micro controller.
My Latest Mac Automation Tool is a Tiny Game Controller – MacStories
Why Med Students Love 8BitDo’s Micro Controller
Brendon finds a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller at Best Buy
Federico gets the Razer Wolverine v.3 Pro for his gaming PC
Subscribe to NPC XL
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.
You can subscribe here.
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, 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;
Club MacStories+: Everything that Club MacStories offers, plus an active Discord community, advanced search and custom RSS features for exploring the Club’s entire back catalog, bonus columns, and dozens of app discounts;
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.