Riley is an iOS developer best known for building the Delta game emulator and AltStore, expanding how apps can be distributed and enjoyed outside Apple’s App Store.
Stepping Outside of the Apple Enthusiast Gaze
This week saw the release of Apple’s latest tranche of products, which were unveiled last week during a three-day flurry of announcements. The Studio Displays and MacBook Pros look fantastic. The iPad Airs and MacBook Airs are as good as ever. But it was the MacBook Neo that took most of the spotlight. This announcement...
An AI-Built Task Manager and Getting Weird with OpenClaw
Among the highlights on the Club MacStories+ Discord: Member t3chn3ric showed off a task manager they built specifically for their needs using an AI chatbot. (Link) T.G. Cid is getting weird with OpenClaw… (Link) Want to join the Club MacStories+ Discord? Upgrade to Club MacStories+ or Club Premier, then visit the Account page....
First, Last, Everything Season Two Launches Today
In September of last year, MacStories launched a brand new podcast, ‘First, Last, Everything,’ in which I interviewed guests about their relationship with technology through their first loves, latest obsessions, and the piece of tech that meant everything to them.
In its eight-episode first season, I had some great conversations with people like celebrated icon designer Michael Flarup, Pok Pok founder Esther Huybreghts, YouTube creator Tom Hitchins, and Futurama co-creator David X. Cohen, to name a few.
We covered a huge range of topics from Waymo cars to the Amiga 2000, electric guitars to the Macintosh Plus, and beyond. I also enjoyed taking listeners on a weekly journey with the ‘Something’ segment, during which I talked about a piece of tech that flopped, was ahead of its time, or has simply been forgotten.
I’m looking forward to doing it all again with a whole new bunch of guests. Kicking off the new season is Emmy and Webby award-winning YouTube creator Becca Farsace. You may recognize Becca from her time at The Verge, but since 2024, she’s been striking out on her own. Becca is such fun to talk to and a true inspiration. You can listen to that episode right now.
New episodes will continue to be released every Wednesday through April 29, featuring guests such as AltStore creator Riley Testut, Mac Power Users host David Sparks, our own Niléane, and more. And, for the first time, you’ll can listen to First, Last, Everything, access the show notes, and subscribe right from the show’s brand-new dedicated page on MacStories.
Let’s go.
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Becca Farsace - YouTube Creator
Instant Note
I’m gradually moving more and more of my workflows into Notion after years of hanging around the fringes. The company’s continued push into useful AI with their custom AI chatbot and, as of last week, Custom Agents has made it quite exciting to be around the Notion community. However, Notion can become a little unwieldy...
Choosing an AI Subscription and Raycast Feelings
Among the highlights on the Club MacStories+ Discord: Member Chris asked for advice on which AI subscription to take the plunge with. Members had plenty of advice. (Link) Members shared thoughts on Raycast’s pivot into generating apps and whether it’s worth switching back to Spotlight. (Link) Want to join the Club MacStories+ Discord? Upgrade to Club MacStories+...
App Crossroads, Bookmarking Cool Kids, and More
Among the highlights on the Club MacStories+ Discord: Is Raindrop still the bookmarking cool kid? Members had suggestions for interesting alternatives. (Link) Tommertron found himself at a crossroads with his Claude Code-built iOS app. (Link) After writing about it this week, John answered a few questions on how he’s been using Claude Code Remote Control....
The Apple Watch Is Right There
There’s been some chatter recently about wearable AI products that Apple might be developing. AirPods with cameras, smart glasses, and an AI pendant are all rumored to be possibilities. Apple’s AI efforts have been discussed and re-discussed so much over the past few years that I don’t need to bore you by repeating the details,...