Podcast Rewind: Understanding MCP, Computer Coasters, and an Interview with Andrew Fyfe

This week, Federico and John demystify Model Context Protocol (MCP), covering how it works, where it’s heading, and practical examples of what it can do.

On AppStories+, Federico and John experiment with whether AI can make sense of the information firehose.

NPC: Next Portable Console

This week, John and Brendon get excited about the rumors of an Anbernic DS clone, dig into weird and interesting news from Xiaomi, debate the merits of computer coasters, and update listeners on more pricey Windows handhelds and Lego’s Game Boy set.

On NPC XL, John shares his first impressions of GeForce Now’s NVIDIA 5080 performance, and he and Brendon wonder what Microsoft is thinking with recent changes to Game Pass.

First, Last, Everything

Andrew Fyfe is a musician originating from Scotland. After starting out gigging in bands and crossing paths with the likes of Biffy Clyro and Lewis Capaldi, Andrew started learning about artificial intelligence. Now living in Japan, Andrew is the CTO and co-founder of Neutone, a company introducing AI to the music-making process, aiming to do so in a way that respects artists and doesn’t replace creativity.

AppStories, Episode 455, ‘Making Sense of MCP: The Standard Connecting AI to Apps’ Show Notes

Links and Show Notes

Background

Model Context Protocol (MCP)

MCP Documentation

MCP GitHub Repository

Claude Desktop Extensions One-click MCP server installation for Claude Desktop

Getting Started with Custom Connectors Using Remote MCP

ChatGPT Developer mode

Simon Willison on MCP Security

Apps and Services

Smithery.ai

Zapier MCP Integration

Shortwave Email Client

Notion MCP Server

Club MacStories on MCP

HyperContext

Behind the Scenes of My iOS and iPadOS 26 Review

Why I Landed on Shortwave for Email and Stuck with It

AppStories+ Post-Show

FeedBin RSS Service

Kagi News

NPC, Episode 51, ‘Anbernic DS and Nose-Bleed Windows Handheld Prices’ Show Notes

The Latest Portable Gaming News

The Anbernic RG DS is “Almost Ready” for Prime time

Xiaomi Turns Camera Bump into Retro Handheld

The Xiaomi Pad Mini is the best Android tablet you can’t buy - here are my hands-on thoughts

Qualcomm’s ultrathin Snapdragon X2 mini PC prototypes feature AirJet solid state cooling

OneXfly Apex handheld gaming PC with AMD Strix Halo is on the way

ASUS’ ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X Are Coming Soon: Here’s What You’ll Pay

The Most Powerful Handheld in the World

Lego Nintendo Game Boy review: a brick masterpiece just shy of perfection

Behold: The Lego Game Boy has already been modded to play games for real

NPC XL

GFN Thursday GeForce RTX 5080 Coming to GeForce NOW

Updates to Xbox Game Pass: Introducing Essential, Premium, and Ultimate Plans

Xbox Cloud Gaming comes out of beta with improved 1440p resolution

Subscribe to NPC XL

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Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes.

You can subscribe here.

First, Last Everything, Episode 5, ‘Andrew Fyfe, CTO of Neutone’ Show Notes

Andrew and Neutone

Official Neutone website

Neutone Blog

Neutone on Instagram

Neutone on TikTok

Neutone on YouTube

Introduction to Tone Morphing with Neutone Morpho – YouTube

Andrew on X

Andrew on LinkedIn

Andrew’s Picks

Andrew’s ‘First’: The Electric Guitar on Wikipedia

Andrew’s ‘Last’: BEAM by Lunacy Audio

Andrew’s ‘Everything’: VoxAC30 handwired

Something

The JooJoo Tablet