Apple's little-known iCloud Private Relay feature can protect your Safari browsing sessions from prying eyes. But is it any good, does it slow things down, and how do you get it? Join host Blaine Locklair to get the scoop. Get the FREE Next Level Mac app: https://www.nextlevelmac.app Official website: https://www.nextlevelmac.net…

Episode 10 walks you step-by-step through installing the Google Gemini app on your iPhone and wiring it into Siri using the Shortcuts app so Gemini can act as your voice assistant. You’ll learn how to download and sign into Gemini, create a single shortcut (Talk Live with Gemini), rename it (e.g., Gemini), and trigger it with "Hey Siri," the Action…

Learn how to use your iPhone's secret button feature to assign actions to double- and triple-taps on your phone. Blaine Locklear walks through the Settings path, shows popular shortcuts (camera, flashlight, screenshots, accessibility tools, and more), and highlights new iOS 26 additions. Get the Next Level Mac app: https://www.mextlevelmac.app Offi…

In episode 8 of the Next Level Mac Podcast, host Blaine Locklair explains how iPadOS 26.2 restores the familiar, intuitive multitasking experience by bringing back drag-and-drop functionality. Learn how to enable windowed apps, Stage Manager, and slide-over mode, plus tips for resizing, arranging, and closing windows and the minimum iPad models sup…

Host Blaine Locklair exposes how major smart TV manufacturers use automatic content recognition (ACR) to capture and send viewing data — often without clear consent — and how that data is monetized by advertisers. Find out if your own smart TV is spying on you and what you can do to protect yourself. Get the Next Level Mac app in the App Store: htt…

In this episode Blaine Locklair explains how to set up an Apple-based smart home using Matter and Thread, covering compatible hubs (HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K), Matter over Thread vs. Matter over Wi‑Fi, and pairing tips. Get the Next Level Mac app at: https://www.nextlevelmac.app Visit us on line at: https://www.nextlevelmac.net…

Episode 5 digs into the Apple Pippin — Apple’s only licensed video game console — covering its powerful PowerPC hardware, CD and modem features, and the Bandai partnership that handled manufacturing and marketing. The episode explains why the Pippin failed — and how the console later became a rare collector’s item. Get the Next Level Mac app for iP…

There's a new iPad Pro in town, and its name is M5. And it's powerful—and pricey. Is it the perfect one for you? Get the scoop in this episode, hosted by Next Level Mac founder and Chief Editor Blaine Locklair. Download the Next Level Mac app for iOS and iPadOS at: https://www.nextlevelmac.appAutor: Next Level Mac

The new Vision Pro is out, and it's rockin' the new M5 chip. What's so special about the Vision Pro? Is it REALLY worth the super high price tag? I got a demo of the new Vision Pro from one of Apple's longest-standing employees. What it revealed will surprise you! Get the Next Level Mac app at: https://www.nextlevelmac.app…

Join host Blaine Locklair in a deep dive of what Apple didn't reveal in their October 2025 announcements - and when they're coming. Get the Next Level Mac app here: https://www.nextlevelmac.app Visit Next Level Mac online at: https://www.nextlevelmac.netAutor: Next Level Mac

Welcome to the Next Level Mac Podcast! Exploring Apple tech, innovative accessories, and enhancing daily life & connections. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by ABC Trophies – visit abctrophies.com for awards and recognition. Apple News: Next-gen Vision Pro rumors point to M5 chip, enhancing spatial computing and mixed reality experiences. M5 chi…