Episode Details

The panel covers multiple tech updates, starting with another Plex data breach and the importance of password hygiene, passkeys, and MFA. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencuis, Web Bixby, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, Jeff Gamet, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Norbert Frassa discuss FDA clearance for Apple Watch hypertension detection and its impact on health monitoring. The group reviews the latest Apple Sports app improvements, including CarPlay integration and live updates. The show wraps with analysis of TikTok's uncertain U.S. future and broader concerns over social media algorithms.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV25244.mp3

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Chapters:

[0:00] Intro and sponsor mention [0:40] Another Plex data breach and password advice [2:38] Passkeys, MFA, and password hygiene humor [3:47] FDA clears Apple Watch hypertension detection [4:49] Health monitoring stories and awareness [6:08] Plex security reminders and MFA [6:33] Apple Sports app update and widgets [8:06] CarPlay integration and live activities [8:54] Score updates, delays, and fan frustrations [11:29] TikTok's uncertain U.S. future [15:30] Algorithm control and political concerns [17:12] Broader social media manipulation discussion [19:57] Privacy, platforms, and user data debates [21:35] Social platforms, cookies, and tracking anecdotes [22:55] Closing notes and support links

Links:

Another Plex data breach sees company urge users to change their password https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/09/another-plex-data-breach-sees-company-urge-users-to-change-their-password/

Apple Watch hypertension alerts feature receives FDA clearance https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/11/apple-watch-hypertension-alerts-feature-receives-fda-clearance/

Apple Sports app gets widgets for live scores and schedules on your home screen https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/16/apple-sports-app-gets-widgets-for-live-scores-and-schedules-on-your-home-screen/

TikTok's U.S. future rests on Trump–Xi meeting this week https://searchengineland.com/tiktok-us-future-trump-xi-462002

Guests:

Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky.

Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast.

Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact