Podcast Rewind: Shortcuts Apps, Retroid Drama, Xbox Handhelds, Traveling in Japan, and the Pebble Returns

This week, Federico and I explore a collection of Shortcuts helper utilities that extend functionality beyond the built-in system actions, sharing how these apps address gaps in Apple’s Shortcuts implementation across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

This episode is sponsored by:

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NPC: Next Portable Console

This week, Brendon, Federico, and I dive into the ongoing Retroid Pocket Mini controversy, discussing the scaling issues, community reactions, and what it means for consumers in the retro handheld space. After addressing Retroid’s troubles, they explore the Retroid Pocket Classic and pricing information for the Flip 2. To wrap up the week’s news, they cover SteamOS news, AYANEO’s confusing new teaser for the “Pocket Ace,” examine important new reports of Microsoft’s collaboration with ASUS on an Xbox-branded Windows handheld.

NPC XL

This week, Brendon prepares for a two-month trip to Japan and needs advice on assembling the perfect portable gaming setup. Federico and I lend a hand, suggesting which handhelds to take along and how to maintain a podcast recording workflow away from home.

Ruminate

I bring the snacks, Robb brings the Lego news, and we both get excited for new Pebbles for the second time in ten years.

AppStories, Episode 427, ‘Our Self-Imposed Tech Deadlines’ Show Notes

Links and Show Notes

Shortcuts Utility Apps

AppStories, Episode 145: Shortcuts Utility Apps

Shortcuts Helper Apps

Actions

MenuBot

AI Actions

Shortery

Actions for Obsidian

Browser Actions

Alex Hay’s Apps, now developed by Snailed It

Toolbox Pro

Nautomate

Logger

Menu Box

BarCuts

Text Workflow

Also mentioned

Googly Eyes

AppStories+ Post-Show

The iPad’s Sweet Solution

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On AppStories+, John interviews Federico about his recent story that concludes web applications often provide superior experiences to native apps on iPad, examining how this trend reflects broader challenges in the iPad ecosystem.

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NPC, Episode 24, ‘Retroid’s Rocky Road and Microsoft’s Portable Plans’ Show Notes

Listener Question

Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3

Retroid Follow-Up

Joey’s Retro Handhelds

NPC and the Retroid Controversy - Wavelengths

Retroid reportedly backtracks Pocket Mini return limits. The Verge

Screen teardown here

The Latest Portable Gaming News

SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview

In better Retroid news

Retroid Pocket Classic specs

What is going on with AYANEO?

AYANEO Pocket Ace

AYANEO Pocket S2 announced soon

Is Anbernic About to Shake Up the Retro Handheld Space - Retro Handhelds

Photo

An ‘Xbox’ handheld in 2025?:

Xbox’s new hardware plans begin with a gaming handheld in 2025

Microsoft isn’t launching its Xbox handheld this year, but Asus might be

NPC XL, Packing for Japan: Gaming on the Go

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. 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.

Ruminate, Episode 204, ‘Chamoy!’ Show Notes

Kettle’s New Potato Chip Flavor Tastes 10x Better than the Original

The Wirecutter Is Wrong About The Best Plain Potato Chip

Haribo Classic Clog

LEGO Pokémon coming in 2026!

Nintendo’s next Lego console will be a Game Boy

Mario Kart™ – Mario & Standard Kart 72037

Ruminate Podcast: 21 - Collision Symbol, Thinking Face

Get your new PebbleOS watch

A Lucky Lamy Listing

Echo Show 8

Wispr Flow | Effortless Voice Dictation