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NOTE: I’m aware that Google Gemini/Nano Banana 2 had some kind of AI Jargon Aphasia when it created the graphical/text section about Google Auto’s upcoming Lane Advisory feature. I left it as-is for my own amusement.

I started off the podcast by noting that I’m testing yet another budget-friendly microphone, the Boya CastMic G30, which features a gaming-style “glow” that led us into a deep dive on the recently announced Googlebook and its Battlestar Galactica Cylon-like Glowbar. Announced at a pre-Google I/O Android Show, the Googlebook is an AI-first, Android-based premium device positioned above the Chromebook. While its Cylon-esque “glow bar” is a fun aesthetic touch, I’m skeptical about its potential price point; if it creeps above $599, it might make more sense to buy a MacBook Neo, especially given Android’s historical struggle with landscape-oriented tablet apps. We also touched on the future of Android Auto, which is introducing “immersive navigation” with Lane Advisory guidance to help drivers with select supported cars with front cameras navigate multi-lane roads in real-time.

The second half of our conversation turned toward the cognitive impact of AI. We debated a recent study claiming that using AI for even ten minutes can impair brain performance (Fast Company), particularly in solving math problems. Jon Westfall, drawing on his background as a cognitive scientist, was skeptical of the study’s protocol, while I noted the striking similarity to the “brain mush” warnings I heard about calculators fifty years ago. We wrapped up by discussing how to “smooth over” the friction in our personal hobbies. For Jon, this means a “buy once, cry once” philosophy with high-quality tools like professional knitting needles. For me, retirement has brought a surprising fascination with the mechanics of pencil sharpeners, where I’ve discovered that investing in a high-quality long-point sharpener is often the key to enjoying the simple act of doodling on paper. Whether it’s using AI to remove “ums” and “ahs” from speech via Gboard’s new Rambler feature or whittling a pencil to perfection, we agreed that the right tool fundamentally changes the experience.

Available via Apple iTunes.
MobileViews YouTube Podcasts channel
MobileViews Podcast on Audible.com

In MobileViews Podcast 609, Jon Westfall and I discuss the evolving landscape of AI tools and consumer technology. I start by highlighting that the Google AI Plus subscription is now shareable via the Google One family plan, which I consider a helpful step in bridging the “AI divide” for households. Then we revisit the recurring topic of the rising trend of “vibe coding,” with Jon explaining how he used AI to generate a custom workout-tracking web page to completely replace a subscription fitness app he had been using. We discuss how this newfound accessibility to coding could threaten small companies that rely on micro-subscriptions for minor app features, while also warning of the severe security risks of amateur coders leaving hardcoded secrets on platforms like Replit and Lovable. Additionally, I noted using Google’s NotebookLM to cross-reference our 2026 podcast transcripts with the Techmeme River news, which surfaced highly relevant updates for us, like the extended FCC deadline for foreign-made drones and routers.

Jon and I also explore the practical and social implications of AI in the workplace, particularly focusing on an article I found about the trend of “whispering” to AI instead of typing happening in offices. Jon shares how rambling to ChatGPT’s voice mode for five minutes helps him rapidly prototype structured op-ed pieces, essentially using it as a highly effective sounding board and editor. However, we both point out that this shift toward voice interactions makes open-plan offices—an environment I already strongly dislike—even more distracting, making modern workspaces resemble call centers. To round out the episode, we tackle a few persistent societal myths. Jon draws on his background teaching educational psychology to debunk the concept of preferred learning styles, and I acknowledge that the popular 10,000 steps a day health goal is largely an outdated pedometer marketing gimmick, even though I still try to hit that target to stay active.

Available via Apple iTunes.
MobileViews YouTube Podcasts channel
MobileViews Podcast on Audible.com

In MobileViews 608, I spent some time venting about Microsoft’s new “Windows K2” effort to fix the performance and reliability issues in Windows 11—a move that feels long overdue considering, as Jon Westfall noted, the current OS uses React for the start menu rather than native forms. I also shared a warning about expiring secure boot certificates coming in June 2026, which may require manual registry fixes for those whose hardware doesn’t receive automatic firmware updates. On the hardware front, my iPhone 15 Pro’s battery health is dipping, but I’m hesitant about replacing it with the rumored iPhone Fold. While the larger form factor is appealing, rumors suggest it may lack Face ID and a telephoto lens, both of which are dealbreakers for my mobile photography and daily convenience.

Jon shared a surprising shift in his workflow: returning to paper notebooks during meetings to improve interpersonal engagement, while using a Plaud Note device for the actual transcription. He also showcased his latest “vibe coding” success, building a card game app called “Pierogi Palace” in just 48 hours using ChatGPT and Codex to handle everything from the rule set to App Store screenshots. Meanwhile, I offered a mini-rant about Microsoft 365 Copilot, which has turned the once-simple task of scanning my daily doodles into a frustrating five-click process compared to the old, streamlined Microsoft Lens app.

Looking ahead to Google I/O, we discussed the anticipated “Aluminium OS,” Google’s AI-first operating system that aims to merge Chrome OS and Android. We wrapped up with some tech nostalgia, reflecting on the days when the original iPhone and Windows Phone 7 lacked built-in screenshot features—a sharp contrast to today’s AI tools that can generate entire apps in a weekend. I also gave a shout-out to my 2019 Anker Bluetooth keyboard, which still works perfectly for my iPad Mini typing needs, proving that some hardware really is built to last.

Available via Apple iTunes.
MobileViews YouTube Podcasts channel
MobileViews Podcast on Audible.com

Jon Westfall and I kicked off episode 607 with the news that Tim Cook is stepping down as Apple’s CEO to become Chairman, with John Ternus taking the helm this September. We speculated that his leadership might usher in a full “Neo” ecosystem—budget-friendly iPads and iPhones—that could finally bring the cost of a complete Apple setup under $1,500 for students. Jon is already leaning into this student-centric future by using NotebookLM to “chunk” his 75-minute lectures into digestible videos and activities, a strategy that is saving him hours of summer prep.

I spent some time on a “mini rant” about the state of budget Android tablets; while you can find great hardware for under $150, these devices almost never receive security or OS updates, effectively making them disposable e-waste. On the infrastructure side, the “router apocalypse” continues as the FCC’s ban on foreign-made hardware looms, though Amazon Eero recently secured an exemption through October 2027. To prepare for a post-exemption world, I’m preparing to experiment with OpenWrt on an old travel router.

We wrapped up with a look at the startling 2026 price hikes for storage—where a SSD drive that cost $350 last year is now nearly $1,000—and a discussion of encouraging  maker culture for young people. We debated whether encouraging preteens to use 3D printers and AI coding tools like Codex is better than traditional hobbies, reflecting on the Heathkits and “dangerous” chemistry sets of my own youth.

Available via Apple iTunes.
MobileViews YouTube Podcasts channel
MobileViews Podcast on Audible.com

In this podcast Jon Westfall and I were joined by our long-time friend Steve Hughes, who returned to the show after a long period of heavy travel. I used the opening of the show to test a new Boya CM40 condenser microphone, comparing its sound quality to my MacBook’s built-in mic, my 4K USB camera, and my AirPods. It is always fun to play with new toys..

I have become a massive fan of NotebookLM and the new notebooks feature within Google Gemini. I recently fed hundreds of our podcast show notes and blog posts into a Gemini notebook to see how it handled the data. We discussed how this technology is becoming popular in academia as a tool for students to engage with material, though it poses a significant threat to the textbook industry by easily creating the same supplemental materials publishers charge for,. I’ve even been using it to build animated video presentations and conduct additional research, which are features included in the $20-a-month AI Pro subscription,.

Our conversation turned toward the concept of “digital sovereignty,” a movement in the European Union to reduce dependency on U.S. tech giants. We looked into the history of open-source office suites, from StarOffice to the current fragmentation of LibreOffice,. Interestingly, the EU is now looking toward “EuroOffice,” a fork of OnlyOffice (which itself has roots in Latvian and Russian development) to replace Microsoft Office. Steve, Jon, and I debated whether this would be a cleaner transition than past attempts, especially as corporate customers grow increasingly annoyed with the “nickel and diming” of subscription services.

Jon and I revisited the “technology gap” we see in students who have grown up exclusively on Chromebooks. Many struggle with the basic concept of a file structure or how to actually download a file to a specific directory. My own daughter recently joked that Windows is for “old people,” which signals a shift Microsoft should be wary of. However, Jon shared a positive note on the democratization of app development. He built a purpose-built fitness timer for his strength training in just 20 minutes using AI. While this “one-two punch” of AI interviewing and coding is powerful, I cautioned against the “Microsoft Access problem”—the risk of non-programmers building mission-critical tools that lack documentation or error-checking.

On the hardware front, Jon shared his first impressions of the MCON controller, a slider-style mobile gaming device that features a built-in MagSafe stand. While the buttons are a bit small for some, its “pocketability” makes it a strong contender for travel,. Steve updated us on the Sea Otter Classic, essentially the “CES for bikes,” highlighting new e-bike motors that are rejuvenating the industry,. We also touched on the EV market, specifically the Scout SUV and its move toward a range-extending motor. Steve even noted a great practical tip: using an EV as a reverse-load power source to keep a refrigerator running for up to two weeks during a blackout.

Listen to the full podcast to hear Steve’s story about meeting will.i.am at CES.

Available via Apple iTunes.
MobileViews YouTube Podcasts channel
MobileViews Podcast on Audible.com