Episodes
It 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 for the...
Published 02/16/23
Have 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 out whether...
Published 02/09/23
The 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 may not...
Published 02/02/23
Although 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, show you...
Published 01/26/23
Where 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.
Published 01/19/23
Whether 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 Brothers (well,...
Published 01/12/23
To 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 on their...
Published 01/05/23
If 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 your...
Published 12/22/22
WARNING: 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 collection...
Published 12/15/22
Whether 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 which of...
Published 12/12/22
Although 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 to find out!
Published 12/06/22
It 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 Alan’s...
Published 11/18/22
Elon 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 table. A...
Published 11/16/22
Well, 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 Alan?...
Published 11/07/22
Well, 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!
Published 11/01/22
New 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.
Published 10/24/22
In this week's episode, the Brothers talk about their new MacBook Pros and some of their likes and dislikes. Plus, how do these laptops fit into the current line of Mac laptops? If you're in the market for a new laptop, which one should you get?
Published 10/13/22
Have 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 Tech,...
Published 10/06/22
OK, 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 business needs...
Published 09/29/22
Apple 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 some of...
Published 09/22/22
As 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 for...
Published 09/19/22
You 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 in this...
Published 09/15/22
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 the headset? Why doesn’t Alan’s avatar have legs?
Published 09/01/22
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 won’t want to miss this one.
Published 08/26/22
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 about the types of services, the process of signing up and using, and some tips for making the most of them.
Published 08/11/22