Episodi

  • Pro & Tell Review What did we get right?
    Oct 29 2026
    Key Points

    Keywords

    Apple, Touchscreen Mac, MacBook Pro, M5 Pro, M6 Chip, OLED, Technology, Innovation, Pricing, User Experience

    Summary

    In this episode of Hooked On Tech, M Hooks discusses the recent Apple event where the company unveiled its first touchscreen MacBook Pro. He highlights the features, pricing, and the technology behind the new models, including the M5 Pro and M6 chips. The conversation also delves into the software integration and user experience, emphasizing that the touchscreen is an additional feature rather than a replacement for traditional input methods. M Hooks concludes with thoughts on the implications of these innovations for the future of Apple's product lineup.

    Takeaways

    Apple has introduced its first touchscreen MacBook Pro.
    The new MacBook Pro features a Pro LED XDR screen.
    Pricing for the 14-inch model starts at $2,899.
    The touchscreen Mac is designed to enhance user experience, not replace traditional input.
    The M5 Pro and M5 Max chips power the new touchscreen models.
    The M6 chip is used in the entry-level models instead.
    The glowing Apple logo has made a comeback on the new MacBook Pro.
    Touch functionality is an optional feature, not mandatory.
    Apple's recent innovations signal a shift in their product strategy.
    The upcoming hardware releases are set for November 6th.

    Sound Bites

    00:00 "The glowing Apple logo is back on the lid."09:11 "Touchscreen Mac, gimmick, or future."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Apple's Touchscreen Mac02:29 Features and Pricing of the New MacBook Pro04:58 Chip Technology and Design Choices06:41 Software Integration and User Experience08:37 Conclusion and Future Predictions

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    9 min
  • Apple's Game-Changing Event Preview
    Oct 27 2026
    Key Points

    Keywords

    Apple event, MacBook Pro, touchscreen, iPad Mini, technology news

    Summary

    In this episode of Hooked On Tech, M Hooks previews Apple's upcoming event, discussing confirmed details and expectations for new products, including the first touchscreen MacBook Pro and a new iPad Mini. He emphasizes the significance of these announcements and encourages listeners to make predictions about the event.

    Takeaways

    Apple is holding an event tomorrow with a unique name.
    The event will showcase confirmed products and expected announcements.
    The first touchscreen MacBook Pro is anticipated with significant redesigns.
    Apple's previous stance on touchscreens has changed.
    The new iPad Mini features an OLED touchscreen and is water-resistant.
    Pricing for new products remains uncertain ahead of the event.
    The event could mark a pivotal change in Apple's product strategy.
    Listeners are encouraged to make predictions about the event.
    The touchscreen MacBook Pro may come with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.
    The event is set for 10 AM Pacific time.

    Sound Bites

    00:00 "Still no number from Apple.

    "10:24 "What did everybody get wrong?"

    Chapters

    00:00 Apple's Upcoming Event Preview

    02:21 Touchscreen MacBook Pro Expectations

    05:17 New iPad Mini Announcement

    06:51 Uncertainties Ahead of the Event

    09:25 Predictions Challenge

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    10 min
  • The Future of Smart Glasses: A New Perspective
    Oct 24 2026
    Key Points

    Keyword

    ssmart glasses, technology, recording ethics, privacy, personal boundaries, AI, design considerations, social implications

    Summary

    In this episode of Hooked on Tech, M Hooks explores the world of smart glasses, discussing their features, ethical implications, and practical applications. The conversation delves into the social dynamics of recording with smart glasses, emphasizing the importance of consent and personal boundaries. M Hooks presents three scenarios where the use of smart glasses raises ethical questions and concludes with reflections on the design considerations that could enhance user respect and privacy.

    Takeaways

    Smart glasses can change how we perceive recording in social situations.
    The presence of a camera on someone's face raises ethical questions.
    Recording and sharing content are two distinct actions that require different considerations.
    Consent is crucial in environments like classrooms and family gatherings.
    Public spaces do not automatically grant permission to film others.
    Smart glasses can serve valuable purposes beyond entertainment.
    Designing smart glasses should prioritize clear indicators for recording.
    Respectful behavior should be integrated into the use of smart glasses.
    Personal boundaries must be respected when using recording technology.
    Conversations about technology should include the perspectives of all involved.

    Sound Bites

    00:00 "Hands-free tools can also be valuable.

    "12:08 "Ask before making someone the focus."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Smart Glasses

    05:06 Ethical Considerations in Recording

    09:13 Practical Applications and Design Considerations

    12:14 Conclusion and Personal Reflections

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    11 min
  • iPhone Duo Opening Day
    Oct 24 2026
    iPhone Duo Opening Day: What the Reviews Actually Agree On

    The iPhone Duo is officially out, and opening day brought the usual Apple-store lines, sold-out walk-in stock, and resale chaos. But the real story is the first wave of reviews, where one phone is being praised as a major foldable breakthrough and criticized as an expensive first-generation compromise.In this episode, A M Hooks compares the early verdicts from multiple reviewers and explains why the scores differ so much. The big debate comes down to three things: the crease, durability, and battery life.

    Key topics
    • The iPhone Duo launched to opening-day demand, with some stores selling out of walk-in units and resellers asking up to $10,000.
    • Gadget gave the phone an 8.8 out of 10 and called it a first-class foldable.
    • The Verge rated it 7 out of 10 and described it as one of Apple’s messiest first-generation products in years.
    • 95Mac did not assign a score, but highlighted the $1,999 price and called it an expensive proposition.
    • The Wall Street Journal’s Jonah Stern framed the phone as too much iPhone and too little iPad.
    • The crease is the first major point of agreement: most reviewers say it is essentially invisible head-on.
    • The inner display uses a matte nano-texture finish that hides the crease well, but it can still be felt and sometimes seen at an angle or in darker conditions.
    • Durability looks promising: Joanna Stern’s robot test folded the phone 32,000 times overnight without hinge failure.
    • Gadget praised the hinge as one of the nicest on any foldable.
    • The inner-screen matte layer is a removable film, and Apple will replace it for $49, but users should not peel it off.
    • Battery results vary widely depending on use: Gadget reported 28 hours and 48 minutes of video playback, while Tom’s Guide got 13 hours and 20 minutes in web browsing.
    • The Verge found that heavy use can still trigger heat and battery drop-offs during the day.
    • At 254 grams, the Duo is the heaviest iPhone ever, which makes it feel substantial in the pocket.
    • Camera performance is seen as a step back by some reviewers because there is no telephoto camera.
    • App support for the larger foldable screen is still uneven.
    • The overall split is not really about whether the phone is good, but about what criteria matter most in judging a first-generation foldable.
    Timestamps

    00:00 - Opening day launch, sold-out stock, and resale hype
    01:30 - Quick scoreboard: the first review ratings
    02:38 - The crease verdict and why it matters most
    04:31 - Joanna Stern’s 32,000-fold durability test
    05:27 - The hidden film layer and the peel warning
    05:57 - Battery results: why the reviews split hard
    07:19 - Heaviest iPhone ever, camera tradeoffs, and app gaps
    07:49 - Why the 8.8 and the 7 are both defensible
    09:07 - How review testing changes the score

    Notable quotes
    • “The crease is basically gone.”
    • “Camouflage, not invisibility.”
    • “The reviews aren’t disagreeing about the phone, they’re disagreeing about what matters.”
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    9 min
  • Should Kids Have Smartphones?
    Oct 22 2026
    Key Points

    Keywords

    smartphones, kids, parenting, technology, mental health, safety, social media, alternatives, family rules, decision making

    Summary

    In this episode of Hooked On Tech, M Hooks explores the complex issue of whether kids should have smartphones. The conversation begins with the prevalence of smartphones among children and the reasons parents consider giving them one. Hooks discusses both the benefits, such as safety and social connection, and the risks, including mental health issues and sleep deprivation. He also presents alternatives to traditional smartphones and emphasizes the importance of setting rules and understanding the maturity of the child before making a decision. Ultimately, the episode encourages parents to make informed choices rather than following trends.

    Takeaways

    By age eleven or twelve, about 60% of kids in the US have smartphones.
    Safety and staying in contact are major reasons for giving kids phones.
    Phones can help kids gain independence and manage small emergencies.
    Group chats are essential for social connections among kids.
    Research links smartphone use to higher odds of depression and obesity.
    The US Surgeon General warns about the risks of social media for teens.
    Many states are implementing laws regarding phone use in schools.
    Parents should consider alternatives like dumb phones or limited-use devices.
    Setting family rules before giving a phone is crucial for healthy usage.
    Maturity is more important than age when deciding to give a child a smartphone.

    Sound Bites

    00:00 "Is giving a kid a smartphone actually okay?

    "08:38 "Maturity matters more than a birthday."

    Chapters

    00:00 The Smartphone Debate Begins

    02:11 Pros of Giving Kids Smartphones

    03:33 The Risks of Smartphones for Kids

    05:18 Exploring Alternatives to Smartphones

    07:17 Guiding Principles for Parents

    09:06 Making Informed Decisions About Smartphones

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    10 min
  • Excitement Builds for Apple Duo Launch
    Oct 21 2026
    Key Points

    Keywords

    Apple, Duo, launch, reviews, foldable, technology, pre-orders, user experience, battery life, smartphone

    Summary

    In this episode of Hooked On Tech, M Hooks discusses the upcoming launch of the Apple Duo, detailing pre-order information, in-store availability, and initial reviews. The excitement builds as the launch day approaches, with insights into the product's features, user expectations, and the challenges of being a first-generation device.

    Takeaways

    The first wave of pre-orders for the Duo is launching soon.
    Apple stores will have limited walk-in availability for the Duo.
    The inner screen of the Duo is highly praised by reviewers.
    Battery life varies significantly based on usage.
    The hinge of the Duo has been stress-tested successfully.
    Initial reviews are mostly positive but highlight first-generation issues.
    The Duo is considered a great foldable device despite its challenges.
    Users waiting for their devices can still stay informed through reviews.
    The excitement around launch day is palpable with long lines expected.
    The Duo's pricing reflects its status as a first-generation product.

    Sound Bites

    00:00 "The best part is the inner screen."

    Chapters

    00:00 Launch Day Excitement

    04:55 Review Insights and User Expectations

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    6 min
  • The Curious Case of iOS Version Skipping
    Oct 20 2026
    Key Points

    Keywords

    iOS update, Apple, iPhone Duo, health app, Siri, beta installation, software update, technology news

    Summary

    In this episode of Hooked On Tech, M Hooks discusses the recent developments in Apple's iOS updates, particularly the unusual skipping of version 27.1 in favor of 27.2, which introduces significant features like a redesigned health app and expanded Siri language support. The conversation also covers the implications of beta testing and the importance of understanding software updates on devices.

    Takeaways

    Apple skipped iOS 27.1 for the iPhone Duo.
    iOS 27.2 features a redesigned health app.
    Siri will support more languages in the update.
    FaceTime now allows dual capture during calls.
    Apple TV gets user profiles for personalized recommendations.
    Podcast layout has been improved for better usability.
    App tracking permissions are changing in the EU.
    The beta version is nearing its final release.
    Installing a beta can lead to bugs and issues.
    Understanding your device's update history is crucial.

    Sound Bites

    00:00 "FaceTime gets dual capture."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to iOS Update Dynamics

    02:23 Key Features of iOS 27.205:11 Beta Installation Insights

    07:06 Conclusion and Hook Challenge

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    8 min
  • Apple's Foldable Phone: A Long-Awaited Entry
    Oct 17 2026
    Key Points

    Keywords

    Apple, iPhone Duo, foldable phones, technology, innovation, smartphone, Samsung, market trends, product launch, consumer electronics

    Summary

    In this episode, M Hooks discusses Apple's long-awaited entry into the foldable phone market with the iPhone Duo. After observing competitors for seven years, Apple finally unveils its first foldable device, highlighting its innovations and addressing common concerns associated with foldable technology. However, the episode also delves into the uncertainties surrounding the device's performance and market acceptance, questioning whether consumers will embrace this new form factor.

    Takeaways

    Apple took seven years to enter the foldable phone market.
    The iPhone Duo is priced starting at $1999.
    Apple prefers to learn from competitors before launching products.
    The device features a matte nanotexture to reduce crease visibility.
    The iPhone Duo is Apple's thinnest iPhone ever when unfolded.
    Touch ID returns on the side button of the Duo.
    The device supports eSIM only, with no physical SIM tray.
    Apple claims impressive battery life for the Duo.
    Pre-orders for the Duo saw shipping estimates slip quickly.
    The acceptance of foldable phones by consumers remains uncertain.

    Sound Bites

    00:00 "Apple doesn't like being first."

    03:08 "What did they do differently?"

    Chapters

    00:00 The Long Wait for Apple's Foldable Phone

    03:08 Innovations in the iPhone Duo

    06:25 Uncertainties and Challenges Ahead

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    10 min