John Voorhees

5561 posts on MacStories since November 2015

John is MacStories' Managing Editor, has been writing about Apple and apps since joining the team in 2015, and today, runs the site alongside Federico. John also co-hosts four MacStories podcasts: AppStories, which covers the world of apps, MacStories Unwind, which explores the fun differences between American and Italian culture and recommends media to listeners, Ruminate, a show about the weird web and unusual snacks, and NPC: Next Portable Console, a show about the games we take with us.

The Latest from NPC: Next Portable Console

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

In the latest episode, Brendon and John go it alone without Federico with Powkiddy V10 follow-up, a report on Brendon’s first week with the Nothing CMF Phone 1 and a first look at the Ayn Odin2 Mini. Along the way, they also consider the less-than-stellar sales of AAA games on the iPhone, Analogue’s spendy aluminum Pocket, and the Xreal Beam Pro, before veering into a philosophical discussion of gaming on phones versus dedicated devices, comparing notes on their Miyoo Mini A30 setup experiences, and mulling over whether to start modding handhelds.

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macOS Sequoia Preview

AppStories+ Deeper into the world of apps

AppStories Episode 396 - macOS Sequoia Preview

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AppStories+ Deeper into the world of apps

This week, John tours the highlights of the macOS Sequoia public beta.

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Three Favorite Mac Menu Bar Apps

Not long ago, I spent some time trimming my Mac’s menu bar. Among the apps that I kept are three relatively recent additions that I wanted to share today. Mercury Weather I use Mercury Weather differently on my iPhone, iPad, and Mac. On the iPhone and iPad, I usually start by checking the app’s widget...


Previously, On MacStories

Stories Apple Announces New Immersive Video Content for the Vision Pro Chris Lawley’s In-Depth Interview About Smart Script and Math Notes Federico’s Updated Setup Is Designed for Modular Simplicity New Projects, New Setup My Top Amazon Prime Day Picks Overcast Celebrates Its Tenth Anniversary with a Redesigned Interface iOS 18 After One Month: Without AI,...


Interesting Links

I have no idea how actually useful this accessory that promises to turn the Apple Watch into an iPod will be (my understanding is that you’ll either have to disable passcode authentication on the Watch or enter your passcode every few minutes?), but, let’s be honest, did anyone think I could resist the temptation...


In This Issue

John shares three Mac menu bar apps that he likes and Jonathan canvases the entire lineup of (Not Boring) apps, plus the usual Links, App Debuts, the latest happenings in the Club MacStories+ Discord community, a recap of MacStories articles, and a preview of next week’s episodes of AppStories and Magic Rays of Light....


No MacStories Weekly Next Week

As we mentioned in last week’s issue, we won’t be publishing Weekly on July 26th. I’ll be traveling, so we figured it would be a good time for everyone to take a break and recharge. We’ll be back with the Monthly Log at the end of the month and a new issue of Weekly on...


The Latest from Magic Rays of Light, Comfort Zone, and MacStories Unwind

Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

This week on Magic Rays of Light, Devon is joined by guest co-host Jonathan Reed to discuss Jonathan’s first impressions of Apple Vision Pro, new Apple Original documentary series Omnivore, 72 Emmy Awards nominations for Apple Originals, and Devon’s experience seeing Fly Me to the Moon in theaters.


This week, Chris can finally talk about iPadOS 18, Niléane goes on a quest for great dynamic wallpapers, and Matt brought a tea kettle for some reason. Then they all say nice things about new browsers and Chris has a “visionary” new challenge.


This week, John decides to take the iPad-only travel plunge, and Federico advises on which gaming handhelds to bring on a trip.

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Apple Announces New Immersive Video Content for the Vision Pro

Source: Apple.

Source: Apple.

Beginning today, Apple says it will begin releasing a series of films, documentaries, music, sports, travel, and other video content for the Vision Pro.

First up is ‘Hot Air Balloons,’ which will be available beginning at 6 PM Pacific today, and is part of a series dubbed Boundless. That will be followed in August by a new installment of Wild Life, and a new travel series called Elevated in September. Later this year, Apple will release an immersive concert experience with The Weeknd, a scripted short film called Submerged by director Edward Berger, a behind-the-scenes and court-side look at the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, and Big-Wave Surfing, part of a new sports series with Red Bull.

According to Tor Myhren, Apple’s vice president of Marketing Communications:

Apple Immersive Video is a groundbreaking leap forward for storytelling, offering Apple Vision Pro users remarkable experiences with an unparalleled sense of realism and immersion. From soaring over volcanoes in Hawaii and surfing huge waves in Tahiti, to enjoying performances by the world’s biggest artists and athletes from all-new perspectives, Apple Immersive Video revolutionizes the way people experience places, stories, sports, and more by making viewers feel like they’re truly there. It’s the next generation of visual storytelling, and we’re excited to bring it to more people around the world.

I’m really looking forward to these new immersive videos. There’s been a real dearth of content produced for the Vision Pro since its release, but with the device available in more countries, it’s great to see new content available for the growing audience.