Brothers in Tech
176 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsDo you find yourself serving as the go-to "I.T." person in your family? Or are you someone that tends to call other family members for technical support and would rather learn things on your own? Brothers in Tech is a weekly podcast focusing on home technology and provides help to the “default family IT person”. Hosted by Alan & Brian Jackson, a new topic will be discussed each month (main episode) followed by 3 weekly “deep dive” episodes (the B-sides) with additional information. Whether you are the person who everyone calls for tech support, are the person who is doing the calling, or simply interested in technology…this podcast is for you!
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Episodes
Swimming Against the Stream
November 03, 2023 14:18 - 1 hour - 60.1 MBAs much as we have loved YouTube TV as a live TV streaming service, the recent price hikes (along with several other services) have led us to look for more cost-effective ways of accessing TV content. With a few one-time purchases, some software, and a reasonable distance to some TV towers, Brian explains and shows off his plan to stick it to the man (aka, trim the services). Of course, you will also get to see & hear Alan yawning throughout the episode…but we promise it was because...
BiTS & Stories
October 26, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 77.7 MBWhat could be better than hearing about one of the Brothers’ struggles with technology-related issues?... That’s right, hearing about struggles from both Brothers! Well, if hearing us vent about our frustrations is your thing…this episode is for you. From Brian’s near-nightmare scamming situation…to Alan’s unwilling exploration of the inner workings of an Apple Watch, you will get your fill of self-loathing. But, have no fear…not only have we sprinkled some BiTS (Brothers in Tech Su...
NFC Tags
October 19, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 63.3 MBIf you have listened to the podcast before, you know that the Brothers love automation. We are all for ways of increasing our efficiency (i.e., why use 2 steps when you can do it with 1?)…especially when there is some cool tech we can use to do it. Well, this week Alan introduces NFC tags as a way of using your phone as a way of trigging automation tasks. He walks through the process of programming the tags using Shortcuts, and we brainstorm about possible uses. As a bonus, the Brot...
To-Do List Apps
October 13, 2023 12:09 - 1 hour - 74.7 MBIf you are anything like us, you have what seems to be a never-ending list of things to do. How do you keep track of it all? Sticky note? Write on your palm? String on the finger? Whatever the method…if it isn’t working for you, it might be time to look for a creative solution. Although we can’t guarantee any of them will be the solution you are looking for, the Brothers provide you with a few new approaches to staying on task and chipping away at those tasks. And the best part?...W...
iOS 17 Features
October 05, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 73.8 MBWell, it has been a while…but the Brothers are back. No, Alan’s beard has not grown any longer…and Brian still doesn’t have hair. But, they do have opinions! Watch/listen as the Brothers break down their initial thoughts on Apple’s iOS 17 release. Are there any show-stopper features? Any issues/concerns with upgrading? Any hidden features that you may need to search to find? You will hear about widgets, passwords, voicemail, AirTag sharing, Recovery/Legacy contacts, and more. Plus, ...
Introducing BYTES
August 31, 2023 18:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBTo our busy fan base…we hear you. The Brothers tend to talk…and talk. We know that some of you love to hear us ramble on and deep dive into our tech topics…but we also know that sometimes you just want a quick BYTE (you see what we did there?) of tech information that you can consume on your breaks. Well, let us introduce you to the Brothers in Tech BYTES. In addition to our regular rambling episodes…we are going to be throwing out some quick episodes where we provide you with a tip...
Updates…and Murals?
August 24, 2023 15:57 - 1 hour - 72.3 MBAfter a couple of weeks of testing out the new messaging, browser, email, and social apps we presented in the previous episode(s), the Brothers are back to give their verdicts. Which apps are still in the regular rotation, and which have been moving to app purgatory and why? Most importantly…are any of them worth your time (or money)? And, as a special treat for those who stick around to the end, we have a very important discussion of firefighters, tornados, bears…and child abductio...
Arc & Beeper
August 17, 2023 17:15 - 1 hour - 72.5 MBWe are always on the lookout for new apps/services/products that have the potential to increase our efficiency or allow us to do something we haven’t been able to do before…and there has been no shortage of those lately. But, it is rare for anything truly unique to occur in our regular, everyday computing functions. In this episode, however, the Brothers discuss not one, but two exciting new apps which aim to rethink the way you perform some of our most common computing tasks…web br...
August 2023 BiTS
August 10, 2023 14:49 - 1 hour - 83.4 MBAfter a few weeks off, the Brothers are back to share their latest tech suggestions that could benefit you and your family. Home automation, weight loss, harnessing the sun, and creating images…this episode covers some exciting apps and hardware. Although this episode runs a bit long (what’s new?), you will want to stick around to see which one of the Brothers will be a Jedi Knight riding a dragon. Spoiler alert…it’s Alan…but I think you probably guessed that. Alan’s Picks Lutron ...
HomeKit & Home Automation
July 20, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 75.8 MBAlthough home automation is not a new topic for the Brothers (see the Home Automation series from 2020…including Convenience, Security, & Safety)…there are quite a few changes that have occurred across this market that are worth discussing. With both of the Brothers having recently set up or adapted their automation ecosystems, it is time to share those experiences, successes, and frustrations. If you have been thinking about using/migrating to HomeKit, you will want to listen to th...
Twitter vs. Threads
July 13, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBIn case you haven’t been following the s%!t-show that is Twitter as of late…you might not know that there is yet another attempt at replacing the social media service. Will this “newcomer” actually have what it takes to become the new social media town square? Well, 100 million users in the first week is a pretty good start…. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss Meta’s new Threads service…how it works, pros and cons, and expectations for the future. Plus, you ge...
Calendar Apps
July 06, 2023 13:30 - 1 hour - 83.3 MBYou may be completely happy with the native calendar app on your phone or computer…and if so, you may not need to listen to this episode (but of course you should…just for sheer entertainment). But, if you are like us, you may have a need for more than the standard features to keep up with all of your events. Features such as scheduling availability, weather integration, and natural language input may be enough to warrant trying something new. The Brothers discuss their must-haves a...
June 2023 BiTS
June 29, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 64.2 MBIt is time for the June Brothers in Tech Suggestions (BiTS) episode, and well…let’s just say the Brothers were “greased up” and ready to go. What kind of show do you get when both of the Brothers consume a few drinks beforehand? Well, you will have to watch/listen to find out. Although we are still questioning whether Alan re-gifted one of his BiTS from earlier…he certainly seems to win this battle. Some solid suggestions along with some additional tips to make your digital life mor...
Streaming Services & Content
June 22, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 74.2 MBWhich streaming services should you be subscribing to/paying for? Well, that depends on what content is available on each…and that is constantly changing. But, the Brothers are here to give you their rundown of the current quality of each of the major streaming platforms. What shows & movies do we feel are worth your attention? What services would be worth cancelling/pausing your subscription for a month? Most importantly, which service provides quality movies like the 1987 classic ...
Apple Updates & Vision Pro
June 13, 2023 21:55 - 1 hour - 94 MBAfter an extended break and some soul-searching, the Brothers are back…and have decided to fully lean in to their passion for all things Apple. And what better way to kick off the Apple-focused version of Brothers in Tech than to discuss the new Apple updates! WWDC brought a number of hardware and software announcements that certainly have us intrigued, and we are here to give our initial reactions and thoughts of what you should be excited about. Time for an upgrade? Any game-chang...
AI Headshots & More
April 20, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 66.1 MBIf you watched/listened last week (and, of course you did!), you will remember the 1980’s tv show-like cliffhanger that Alan left us with. He got us so excited to see the AI-generated headshots that he ordered…but alas, we were all left unsatisfied when they didn’t arrive. But now they are here…and we get a chance to see whether they are worth the $17 he paid for them, or the trainwreck that many expect (or hope?). As a bit of a spoiler…it is the prior. But don’t worry…for those who...
Mixed Bag
April 13, 2023 14:12 - 1 hour - 71.4 MBThanks to all of you who wrote in and expressed how much you loved having Brian as the host last week…Bueller? Bueller? Well, Alan is back…and now all is right with the world. So, you would think that this would mean we would have a well-designed and organized show right? Not…so…fast. The Brothers decided to bring a mixed bag of topics…from maps to movies, documents to headshots. How are they all connected? No idea…but some interesting topics that you won’t want to miss. The real qu...
eBikes
April 06, 2023 20:07 - 1 hour - 70.8 MBIn what some are calling the smoothest and most well-run episode we have ever done (and by “some”, we mean Brian), Brian takes the wheel as Alan is away. But, have no fear…we are still living up to the Brothers in Tech name with the addition of friend of the show (and brother from another mother), Jeff Hartman (Professor of Exercise Science @ Gardner-Webb University & tech enthusiast). The “Brothers” discuss Jeff’s recent entry into the world of eBikes/pedal assist, and provide some...
March 2023 BiTS
March 31, 2023 13:51 - 1 hour - 78.1 MBIt is time for the March Brothers in Tech Suggestions (BiTS) episode, and well…let’s just say the Brothers were “greased up” and ready to go. What kind of show do you get when both of the Brothers consume a few drinks beforehand? Well, you will have to watch/listen to find out. Although we are still questioning whether Alan re-gifted one of his BiTS from earlier…he certainly seems to win this battle. Some solid suggestions along with some additional tips to make your digital life mo...
Tracker & Phone Comparisons
March 23, 2023 16:00 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBAnytime one of the Brothers gets a new gadget…we try to put it through its paces to see if it lives up to the billing. Well, this week Brian has the new tech…and he is able to provide his initial reviews (aka, rub it in Alan’s face). How do Apple’s Airtags compare to Tiles? How does the Samsung Galaxy S23 compare to the iPhone? Brian has thoughts…Alan has questions…and you get the benefit. All of this, AND we finish the episode in “under” an hour! Email Clients Mentioned/Discussed...
The Battle for Email Supremacy
March 16, 2023 23:54 - 1 hour - 80.5 MBIf you thought that the Brothers couldn’t possibly have anything else to say about email (based on several previous episodes)…well, you just don’t know us too well. We are not giving up the fight to find the best (or at least adequate) email client, and this week Alan has taken it to a whole different level. Using spreadsheets and ranking systems (yes, really), he gives us his thoughts and experiences with a variety of email clients. Did he come to a resolution? Is the search over? ...
Over The Air TV
March 09, 2023 16:01 - 1 hour - 57.8 MBBefore you say anything…yes, we know that we are always singing the praises of YouTube TV as the best way to enjoy live TV content. But, as the prices of streaming TV services continue to grow, it may be time to look for other, less expensive alternatives. Well, if local TV is one of the key reasons that you are paying for cable or streaming TV…you may want to consider taking advantage of the free over the air (OTA) TV signals that may be available in your area. But, this isn’t your...
Email Frankenstein
March 02, 2023 19:10 - 1 hour - 84 MBIt’s ALIVE..it’s ALIVE!!! Well, not really…but the Brothers are getting a chance to play mad scientists by attempting to design the perfect email application. Spoiler alert… it doesn’t exist yet. By pulling our favorite (and required) features from the countless applications we are tested…we create our Frankenstein of email apps, just waiting for someone to build it and get all of our money. What features are must-haves/deal breakers? What features would make us lean toward a specif...
Streaming Sports
February 23, 2023 19:17 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBIf you are a regular listener (and if you aren’t…it is time to step it up!), you know that we will often discuss cord-cutting and the various streaming service options. However, we haven’t specifically focused on what remains one of the most important factors in the cord-cutting decision…sports. Well, it is time to remedy that! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss the leap of several streaming services into the playing field of sports content. From broad/general...
February 2023 BiTs
February 16, 2023 21:50 - 1 hour - 77 MBIt is that time again…the time when the Brothers attempt to one-up each other with a new product, app, or service…and hopefully convince the other to spend some money. It’s the BiTs episode! This one is special, as you will get to see Alan in a rare (well, maybe not so rare) bad mood. But, being the consummate professional that he is, Alan not only puts on a semi-positive face (with help from a couple of Old Fashioneds) but actually uses his life stressors to create additional BiTs ...
Home Tech News
February 09, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 73.5 MBHave you ever wondered how Brothers in Tech would look/sound if we didn’t put in our hours or preparation for the show (cue sarcasm…)? Well, here is your chance to figure it out. Without any real topic to guide them, the Brothers use Alan’s 2-minute Google search to find some interesting home technology news to discuss, along with some home project updates. Sounds like a short show, right? Oh, bless your heart…we still managed to go for a good hour+. Come and watch/listen to find ou...
Accessibility Features
February 02, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 70.1 MBThe computing devices we carry in our pockets (or use on our laps) have developed to do some amazing things. However, the default opportunities provided by those devices may not be usable by all without some settings adjustments. Enhanced feature options are available on iOS and MacOS for those with hearing, vision, and touch impairments, so they are able to get the most out of their devices. Although these features are incredible for the audiences for which they were intended…you m...
Artificial Intelligence (AI)…Opportunities & Concerns
January 26, 2023 15:39 - 1 hour - 89.3 MBAlthough Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a part of our lives for quite some time…some of its capabilities have been front and center over the past few weeks as open-source AI engines are “showing off” what they can do. Should we be fascinated…or frightened? Inspired or intimidated? Excited for the future, or worried about our own existence? Well, we won’t answer all of your questions, but the Brothers are here to give you an overview of the two prominent open-source AI systems...
January 2023 BiTs
January 19, 2023 14:54 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBWhere has the time gone? It has been a long time since our last BiTs episode…but you don’t have to wait any longer. In the first suggestion episode of 2023, the Brothers try and one-up one another with some new products and services. Regardless of who has the better picks, we think you will find some things worth checking out. And, as a bonus…you get to hear an extra sexy voice from Alan as he takes full advantage of his phlegm. Alan’s Picks IKEA Smart Home Products (TRDFRI): We m...
External Monitors
January 12, 2023 18:13 - 1 hour - 70.6 MBWhether you are a gamer, work with a lot of windows open on your computer, or have aging eyes (which isn’t the case with either of the hosts…cough, cough), you may have an interest in expanding your computing space with an external monitor. The good news is there are a variety of types, sizes, and features in today’s monitor line-up to choose from. The bad news is there are a variety of types, sizes, and features in today’s monitor line-up to choose from. But, have no fear…the Broth...
Subscription vs. Bought Software
January 05, 2023 23:38 - 1 hour - 76.7 MBTo buy or not to buy…that WAS the question. Now, most computer/mobile software have changed the question to whether you should buy or subscribe. Which is the better option for you? Which will be more cost-effective over time? The Brothers discuss the pros and cons of software subscriptions and provide suggestions for the variables you should consider when making that decision. In addition, Alan helps to “flush” out some exciting new tech announcements, and the Brothers give updates ...
Shortcuts
December 22, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 84 MBIf you have been listening to Brothers in Tech…or happen to know us personally, you will know that we love to use technology to find efficiencies. Why spend a lot of time doing something that could be done automatically (or with little effort)? Have a task or process that you do regularly…but would like to find a way to have it occur on its own, or with minimal clicks/steps? Do you want to send a text to your partner to let them know you are on your way home? Block off an hour in yo...
DVD Back-Ups
December 15, 2022 15:22 - 1 hour - 76.3 MBWARNING: Brothers in Tech are not responsible for any actions you take following our explanation of the process of backing up (aka, ripping) your DVDs. This process may be illegal, and we are not encouraging you to do it. Of course, we encourage you to listen to us tell you how to do it…but not to actually do it. In fact, we have never done this ourselves…just read about it and are passing along the information. But, IF you knew someone who was interested in backing up their DVD col...
Features & BiTes
December 12, 2022 15:47 - 1 hour - 74.6 MBWhether it be an upgrade/improvement to a built-in app or just a cool tool that you might want to show off to friends…there are a lot of nice features that have quietly snuck into Apple products recently that deserve more attention. Well, have no fear…the Brothers have you covered! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, we discuss some of our favorite new and upcoming features in the Apple ecosystem, as well as a BiTe (Brothers in Tech Efficiency) or two. As a bonus, you get to hear w...
Cyber Monday Purchases & Passes
December 06, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBAlthough we rarely need a special occasion to shop for technology…it is nice to have some extra incentive. And, the discounts offered on Cyber Monday are usually a pretty good excuse to open the wallet. Now that the 2022 Cyber Monday has come and gone, the Brothers are ready to discuss the purchases that they made, and what was left behind in their shopping cart. Did the Brothers branch out from their go-to tech companies…or stay in their comfort zone? You will have to watch/listen ...
Online Document Sharing
November 18, 2022 21:57 - 1 hour - 80.7 MBIt is almost the holiday season…the time for sharing. And what better way to show your loved ones you care than to share some digital files with them. Ok, that was a bit of a stretch…but file sharing is an essential process in today’s digital world. The only question is, what service should you use? Well, the Brothers are acting like true brothers in this episode, as they provide conflicting views on the matter. So, listen in and see who is more convincing. Plus, we get an update on...
Social Media Alternatives & MacOS 13
November 16, 2022 20:28 - 1 hour - 78.3 MBElon Musk has purchased Twitter? Wow...we all must be super excited about that! Well, not really...so maybe it is time to talk about alternatives for your twitter-like fix. Alan breaks down some of the possible alternatives for Twitter, their potential and limitations, and what to be on the lookout for if you are trying to make the switch. In addition, we get an update on MacOS 13 (Ventura) and whether it is worth the upgrade at this point...as well as bring a couple of BiTs to the...
Network Storage (NAS) & Plex
November 07, 2022 18:39 - 1 hour - 67 MBWell, if you are a fan of the show…you will know that Alan has a real thing for back-ups. I mean…it is a borderline unhealthy relationship with backing up his files. But, for this episode, that obsession may just benefit all of us as he explains his latest step in backing up his files via a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device…and its additional use of it for a Plex server. What is a NAS? What can you do with one? Why might you want one? Will this turn you into a backup freak like ...
Tech Updates & BiTes
November 01, 2022 18:31 - 1 hour - 61.1 MBWell, you have probably heard of a “slow news week”…and for Brothers in Tech, this was our version of that. We didn’t have a new topic to cover, so we decided to update each other on our own current tech projects. Did Alan’s computer survive its bath? Has Brian had any luck setting up Homebridge to begin using Homekit? You will have to watch/listen to find out! Plus, we bring a few nice tips/suggestions that you won’t want to miss! Products/Services mentioned in the episode: Home...
Apple Announcements & BiTes
October 24, 2022 13:11 - 1 hour - 71 MBNew Apple products were announced this week, and the Brothers are here to give you the full rundown! New iPads and Apple TVs... Are they worth a purchase? Any features should you be excited about? Compatible with your current equipment? Watch/listen for the overview, and get some BiTes (Brothers in Tech Efficiencies) as a bonus! Hint, hint…one of the timely tips is to not get water close to your brand-new laptop. Trust us…one of us recently learned this the hard way. Products ment...
Mac Laptops!
October 13, 2022 15:47 - 1 hour - 73.1 MBAlthough we have discussed the Mac computer line-up before (see the “Mac Buying Guide” episode from May, 2022), now we actually have hands-on experience to share! Both Brothers have recently purchased/acquired new Apple laptops, and are ready to share their thoughts on likes, dislikes, and advice for those in the market. Do the Brothers agree on the deciding factors were on which machine they chose (hint, hint…they purchased the same model)? Were there features that would have chang...
Computer Productivity & Efficiency Tips
October 06, 2022 17:09 - 1 hour - 80.8 MBHave you ever thought about all the time that you spend on your computer...not actually doing work, but rather taking steps in order to be able to do work? Want to open or switch to an application?...there is a few steps you have to take for that. Want to add bullets in a document?...there are a few clicks needed for that. Want to do some simple (or not so simple) math?...a few more steps. What if you could cut the time that each of those steps takes? In this episode of Brothers in ...
September 2022 BiTs
September 29, 2022 20:51 - 1 hour - 75 MBOK, if you listened live to last week’s show, we are sorry! Audio issues sunk the BiTs episode, which is a bummer as we had a friend of the show Bill Carrigan back with us! But, that just means we will have to bring him back for another episode…And we get a chance to do another BiTs for you. So, listen in to the replacement BiTs episode for September 2022…and you will notice that since Alan is back in control, all went smoothly. This month’s suggestions focus a bit more on home busi...
Apple iOS 16
September 22, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 82.2 MBApple just released its latest mobile operating system (iOS 16, for iPhone), and although it is not our recommendation for you to be the first/early adopters of any software update...the Brothers have thrown caution to the wind and installed and tested the update so that we can give you a first-hand look at the new features. From editable lock screens to editing/unsending messages, to additional destinations/stops in Maps, to the new layout of notifications (which seemed to trigger ...
Printers!
September 19, 2022 14:51 - 1 hour - 69.9 MBAs much as the Brothers have tried to wean themselves off paper (see previous BiT series on “Going Paperless”), we admit that there is still a need for printed documents in our personal and professional lives. So, even though it may seem like a technology that has joined the likes of fax machines, VCRs, and CD players...the printer industry is alive and kicking (and innovating), and the Brothers are here to provide both an overview of the current home solutions and some suggestions ...
Streaming Services Revisited!
September 15, 2022 15:11 - 1 hour - 81.2 MBYou might be thinking...haven’t the Brothers already discussed streaming services? Yep...twice in fact. But, this is a topic that requires periodic revisiting...which is why the Brothers are discussing their current views on the current streaming services. How do the Brothers’ rankings compare? Well, obviously there is Alan’s list..and then the correct one. Watch or listen to see if you agree...and to see who put Disney+ at the bottom of their list! Streaming services mentioned i...
Virtual Reality Headsets
September 01, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MBHave you been wondering when we might get to watch Alan make a fool of himself by wearing a headset and exploring the virtual world that he has been living in recently? Yeah, me too. Well, our wish is finally coming true! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers (well, Alan) take Facebook’s Meta Quest VR headset for a spin, and discuss the possible current and future uses for the technology. Are there uses outside of gaming? Is it worth the price? Can you wear glasses in th...
August 2022 Brothers in Tech Suggestions (BITS)
August 26, 2022 15:42 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBWell, for all of those who were really excited to hear Brian on his own last week…I am sorry, but Alan is back. But, let’s just say…he totally made up for his absence with his BiTs in this episode. I mean, how often can you listen/watch an episode and get to watch 80’s TV…save yourself some money…determine whether you are going to watch a movie or not…and know whether or not your local McDonalds ice cream machine is down? And those are just part of the BiTs from this episode. You w...
Meal Delivery Services
August 11, 2022 11:00 - 52 minutes - 47.6 MBWell…this is either the episode you have been waiting for…or your worst nightmare. Alan is no longer with us. Well, let me rephrase that…he is still alive, just wasn’t able to join for this episode. It is all Brian. The “Brother” in Tech. So, if you are interested in trying out meal delivery services, have tried some but thinking about getting back in the game…or you just want to see whether Brian falls on his face trying to host an episode on his own, this one is for you! Learn ab...
Scam Avoidance
August 02, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBAlthough the process of bad actors attempting to scam someone has been around since the beginning of time (actually, we don’t know if that is true…but it sounds good), but the use of technology to accomplish those goals has become rampant over the past 30-40 years. From calls on your landline to see if anyone is home…to emails to suggest that the Prince of Nairobi wants to send you a lot of money…to messages claiming that you need to provide your financial information in order to st...