Episode Details

The first live show of 2026 kicks off with CES reflections, a quick scam warning about fake Instagram reset emails, and highlights from the show floor. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Norbert Frassa, Marty Jencius, and Jim Rea discuss into LEGO's new NFC "smart bricks" and why they won't kill creativity. Chuck also shares impressions of Xreal display glasses as a travel-friendly "monitor," then Norbert and Chuck talk about the 360° Antigravity drone demo.

MacVoices is supported by Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/MACVOICES to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using offer code MACVOICES.

MacVoices is supported by Hello Fresh. Go to HelloFresh.com/macvoice10fm to gett 10 free meals + a FREE ZwillingKnife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.

Chapters:

[0:00] Show open and topics preview [0:10] Sponsor mentions [0:38] Welcome back / first show of 2026 [5:35] PSA: fake Instagram reset scam [7:42] CES recap setup and context [8:10] LEGO "smart bricks" explained (NFC, Star Wars kits) [10:13] Backlash and why LEGO isn't "abandoning" classic building [13:54] Engadget livestream kerfuffle and discussion [14:46] Mindstorms comparison and future "programming" possibilities [22:37] Xreal glasses impressions vs. Vision Pro [27:20] Anti-Gravity 360° drone goggle experience [31:30] Visual observer requirement and goggles details [34:23] Wrap-up

Links:

PSA: Reminder: Ignore Instagram password reset messages if you didn't request one https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/01/12/reminder-ignore-instagram-password-reset-messages-if-you-didnt-request-one CES and related discussion: LEGO Says Smart Brick Is 'Here to Stay,' and Responds to 'Questions and Concerns' Around Abandoning Non-Digital Play https://www.ign.com/articles/lego-says-smart-brick-is-here-to-stay-and-responds-to-questions-and-concerns-around-abandoning-non-digital-play

XREAL Glasses https://amzn.to/4bC5gFk

Antigravity Drone https://www.antigravity.tech/drone/antigravity-a1/buy?utm_term=macvoices

Guests:

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 Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud.

Norbert Frassa is a technology "man about town". Follow him on Twitter and see what he's up to.

Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he w