Niléane has entered her keyboard era, Chris has a consumer warning as well as a really good macropad, and then we find the best games on the Mac. Weekly Topics Logitech MX Keys Mini Volt Plus+ numberpad (but probably don’t buy it) BNK8 macropad Stream Deck Other Things Discussed Ladies and gentlemen, we got him! Adobe Enhance Speech Crazy weather in France Neva OpenEmu How to emulate on the Mac Civilization VII Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

Chris has a first look at a new iPad stand, Matt is ready to drop out and have some fun, and a our Coldplay challenges pushes some of the gang to their limits. Weekly Topics MagFlött Pro Dropout Other Things Discussed Paul F. Tompkins on Make Some Noise Christmas Lights by Coldplay (YouTube) The Scientist by Coldplay (on YouTube) Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

Matt has a lot of feelings about podcast players, Niléane has gone on an adventure where the sounds are just warmer and somehow better but she can’t quite explain why, and Chris tries to make an all-out war break out Weekly Topics Castro, Overcast, and Apple Podcasts Niléan’s MacStories article about vinyl Other Things Discussed Using Tot as sticky notes ChatWise Podcasts app not working well with chapter markers AirFoil Quanta KBD8X MKIII keyboard BCKeys×HMX Gulf Linear Switches Dybox Stablizers PBTfans Pastel Grey Mode Envoy keyboard Apple Magic Keyboard BetterTouchTool Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

Niléane is developing an obsession with remotes, but she swears she’s finally got The One, Chris has found a box that lets him store anything, and another color-based challenge leads to controversy (who saw that coming???). Weekly Topics Deutsche Telekom’s Apple TV Remote Anybox Other Things Discussed “Democracy” The terrible remote Matt & Chris ordered Castro’s blue icon Copilot Discord’s “blue” icon “Files” icon Weathergraph FediFetcher Chris’s Defer Reminders shortcut Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

Matt made an app and brings a very, very unbiased take on it, Chris has solved some of his tech paper cuts, and Niléane probably won yet another challenge by bringing a really rad Apple TV remote. Weekly Topics Quick Reviews on the App Store Announcing Quick Reviews AirPods Max charging dock Other Things Discussed Cheerwine Chris’s new USB-C cable Old Salt Apple TV remote New Salt Apple TV remote Matt’s TV GameTrack Linear Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

Matt is unable to defend himself as he’s on the lam, Chris is exploring that Mac life, and Niléane has some snazzy new headphones. Then Chris edited with AI to pretty good effect and Niléane tried using an AI search engine to much less success. This week’s episode is sponsored by Jelly, a better way to share an inbox. Go to https://letsjelly.com/comfortzone and use code COMFORTZONE15 for 15% off your first year of Jelly. Weekly Topics Samson SR850 headphones SKÅDIS Other Things Discussed Matt was on AppStories Samsung uses AI to invent…screen recording? focussedOS Dark Noise Hyperkey Raycast Text Snipper CleanShot X Pixel Perfect Final Cut Pro Riverside ChatGPT Search Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

Matt has an announcement to make (and a cool app to talk about), Chris brought a bag of goodies, and Niléane brought a fun challenge around using our mice in interesting ways. Weekly Topics Cursor Kobo Clara BW Cal Digit TS4 Dock Tomtoc Shoulder Bag James Brand Folsom Pocket Knife Other Things Discussed HelloQuitX Filter subscribed languages from individual persons you follow Federico is using Superhuman Quick Reviews coming to iOS Wii cursor Wii cursor demo GIF 1 Wii cursor demo GIF 2 Logitech MX Master 3S Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

In this very special episode, the gang makes their “Pro” and “Pro Max” predictions for tech in 2025 and oh my, does it get wild! Who’s best clued into the tech coming this year? Who is just wish-casting their way to third place? We’ll have to wait to find out. Weekly Topics Nothing, just 2025 predictions! Other Things Discussed MacStories left Meta platforms Niléane’s reporting from last year about Meta’s moderation failings DLC podcast Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

Niléane is out, so Chris and Matt are left to fend on their own. Chris steals like an artist and Matt defends a new purchase. Weekly Topics LG 32” UltraGear 4K OLED monitor Other Things Discussed Cortex Episode 162 HabitKit Foodnoms Matt’s video on the LG monitor (retina discussion starts at the 3 minute mark) What is retina? Retina calculator Pixels per degree calculator Matt’s dock setup 1 Matt’s dock setup 2 Matt’s dock setup 3 Matt’s dock setup 4 MacWhisper Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

Chris has his own Mount Rushmore of iPad apps, Matt is trying to get to terms with Discord, and the gang figures out if they’re moving the group chat to WhatsApp. Weekly Topics Obsidian Sequel Overcast Other Things Discussed Music from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Obsidian Web Clipper TV Forecast Up Ahead Remind Me Faster Drafts theme directory Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

Niléane has a new webcam, Chris is drowning in keyboards, and everyone installs some web-ass web apps. Weekly Topics Insta360 Link 2C Keychron Q1 HE Keychron K2 HE Nada Panda 65 Other Things Discussed BusyCal Niláne’s camera setup Photo 1 Niláne’s camera setup Photo 2 The Continuity Camera and ‘Unlock With Apple Watch’ Conspiracy Lemokey L4 keyboard Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

Matt felt like bringing an intentionally controversial topic, Niléane refuses to admit she’s created a sticky note-based task manager, and everyone gives the iPad some much needed love. Weekly Topics Raycast CleanShot X Final Cut Pro Google Chrome Stickies app Audio balance feature Other Things Discussed MacStories Selects 2024 Delta skins commissioned by MacStories Ice development is slowing down Timery Procreate focusedOS Ferrite Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

Niléane has taken to the skies in Flight Simulator, Chris wants to talk about yet another Mac, and the gang all looks for the best open source app (or web app!) they can find. Weekly Topics Flight Simulator 2024 M4 Mac mini Other Things Discussed [Flight Simulator documentary](URL Shadow PC Gaming BetterTouchTool Accents CleanShot X Klack Ghost Kodi Ice Raindrop.io Readwise Reader Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

The gang has so much to be thankful for, including you, dear listeners. ❤️ Oh yeah, and they find new ways to listen to music before being revealing their absolute favorite Apple app. Weekly Topics M4 iPad Pro M2 MacBook Air Libby hoopla Legion Go Steam Deck AirPods Max Sony WH-1000XM5 Peloton Row Other Things Discussed Meross Find a library near you YouTube Music Bandcamp Nintendo Music Spotify Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

Matt brings his latest obsession, Niléane wants to talk about Bluesky, and Chris challenges the gang to automate something. Weekly Topics Supercharge Bluesky Comfort Zone on Bluesky Comfort Zone Podcast Niléane Chris Matt MacStories starter pack Other Things Discussed Matt’s first Supercharge video Matt’s second Supercharge video Deckblue is Tweetdeck for Bluesky Tech Press Bluesky starter pack Pic of Chris’s “on-air” sign Pic of Chris’s smart plug Tim Cook “Good morning!” shortcut Hyperduck Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

Niléane has a fancy new way to block ads and annoyances, Chris has our first look at a bunch of Final Cut Pro updates, and then we all judge the best apps on the App Store with Orange icons. Inoreader: Build your own newsfeed with Inoreader Weekly Topics Wipr 2 Apple announced new Final Cut Prto updates Other Things Discussed Chris on AppStories Calendr Mac menu bar app Waterfield’s new Vision Pro case 1Blocker Synology Photos Home Widget HomePaper Comet Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Chris breaks down Apple Intelligence, and while Matt is under the weather, he brings the good Nintendo vibes. Then we all do our best to speak a different language, with delightful results. Weekly Topics Apple Intelligence Nintendo Music Other Things Discussed Niléane’s AppStories appearance Omnivore is shutting down The Verge full-text RSS feed Lego mugs Nintendo Alermo Apple Translate app Duolingo Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Matt buys his first ereader, Niléane has moved to a new calendar app, and for the challenge everyone did something with Stage Manager. Weekly Topics Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Fantastical Other Things Discussed The House on Mango Street Kobo ereaders Phanpy for Mastodon Libby Goodreads Readwise Dato menubar calendar (Mac App Store) Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Chris has the brand new iPad mini, Matt made a big change to his RSS, and Niléane introduces a new segment: Our Tech Stories. Then we get fun, weird, and thirsty in the game picks. Weekly Topics The new iPad mini Official Game Picks Okay…? Vampire Survivors Gubbins Other Things Discussed Lichess Balatro Zenless Zone Zero Sonos updates the Arc and Sub The Apple Pencil situation is healing BasicAppleGuy’s colorful MacBook Air concept “Margin” blog post Razor Kishi Ultra Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Niléane is fired up about the state of tech, Chris is enjoying the sweet, sweet sounds of a V12 engine, and Matt is really into a new web browser. Weekly Topics Some general examples of things sucking. Sonos Arc Sonos Sub Zen Browser Other Stuff We Discussed Matt’s northern lights over NYC photo Sonos Beam Arc browser -Amazon Astro Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Niléane is back and she’s brought the long-awaited Mastodon 4.3 update, Matt brought Omnivore, and Chris rounds out his new Apple product reviews with the Apple Watch Series 10. Then we see who took the best photo with an iPhone and introduce a fun new, accessible challenge. Weekly Topics Mastodon 4.3 is out Omnivore Apple Watch Series 10 Other Stuff We Discussed Niléane’s photo Matt’s photo Chris’s photo Tangerine UI 2.0 Chris’s Nomad watch band Matt’s Nomad watch band MacStories watchOS 11 review Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Surprise! Matt got a new iPhone (you’re shocked 😅) and Chris brings the new AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (yes, that’s the name!). Then it’s time for movie corner and a review of 2023’s film, Ferrari. Weekly Topics iPhone 16 Pro AirPods 4 Other Stuff We Discussed Chrome uses a ton more battery than Safari, right? Right??? Matt’s iPhone 16 Pro review on YouTube Chris on Letterboxd Matt on Letterboxd Ferrari Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

With Niléane out on assignment, Matt and Chris are joined by MacStories’ own John Voorhees! Chris and John bring brand new, embargoed products, while Matt brings…checking my notes here…a Thunderbolt dock from years ago (but he swears it’s cool). Weekly Topics OWC Thunderbolt Dock iPhone 16 Pro Logitech MX Creative Console Other Stuff We Discussed VIA Tailscale Longplay Things Logbook (opens in Obsidian) GoodTask Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Matt needs to praise the iPad, Chris drops some iPadOS knowledge, and Niléane is intrigued by what window management on other tablets looks like. Weekly Topics M4 iPad Pro Chris’s complete iPadOS 18 walkthrough The MacStories iOS and iPadOS 18 review Video of Android 15’s windowing mode Other Stuff We Discussed Retro Gameboy case not linked due to…well…legal issues. You can find it if you want 😉 Nick Cage case Bang!Case Clicks keyboard case Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

It’s all challenge this week as the gang brings (and defends) their phone home screens. Rules were followed by all, but of course there’s a little twist this time as well. Weekly Topics Niléane’s home screen Chris’s home screen Matt’s home screen Other Stuff We Discussed Matt explaining his iPhone on Home Screens Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Niléane and Chris have upgraded their desk setups, but Matt didn’t get the memo and brought a hard drive or something. Then we see who can bend the rules the most to survive the challenge. Weekly Topics Twelve South HiRise Pro BESIGN LSX6 Computer Holder Stand Synology DiskStation DS923+ Other Stuff We Discussed Photo of Niléane’s desk setup Photo of Chris’s stand Microsoft Remote Desktop Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition Microsoft Start Doom (2016) SpaceRex is a Synology guru MONOKEI keyboards lofree Flow84 Synology BeeStation Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Matt is trying to find the right temperature, Chris is floating on Air(table), and Niléane finds out if she’s feeling lucky about getting 10 blue links. Weekly Topics Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) Airtable Lucky for Safari Wallpapers Matt’s wallpaper Chris’s wallpaper Niléane’s wallpaper (dynamic version) Niléane’s variant 1 Niléane’s variant 2 Niléane’s variant 3 Niléane’s variant 4 Niléane’s variant 5 Niléane’s variant 6 Matt’s bonus 1 Matt’s bonus 2 Matt’s bonus 3 Matt’s bonus 4 Other Stuff We Discussed Ecobee Thermostats Things 3 Notion SwitchBot Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

The gang shares their very sane, and not at all controversial 👀 notification preferences. Then they explore some new and interesting Obsidian plugins you might not have heard of. Obsidian Plugins (links open directly in Obsidian) Projects Commander Cards View Image Captions Paste Link Home Tab Trash Explorer Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Matt has to apologize for the things he said last week, Chris tries to find out if we’re smarter than Apple Intelligence, and Niléane has a quiz nobody could predict. Weekly Topics Pocket Casts Apple Intelligence Other Stuff We Discussed Overcast Raycast Pixel Pro Golf Pile-up-Poker (Puzzmo) Star Wordle Coffee Golf Mini Metro Mini Motorways Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Chris is absent for mysterious reasons, Niléane finds clever ways to watch the Olympics, and Matt explores his podcast app feelings. Weekly Topics Plex The Olympics Overcast Other Stuff We Discussed HDHomeRun Channels app Infuse VLC Marco on the Overcast update Accidental Tech Podcast with tech details Pocket Casts Castro Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Matt is leaving you Unread, Chris is gaming on the go, and Niléane brings an addictive drug you can download from the App Store. Oh yeah, and there are several terrifying reveals. Weekly Topics Unread 4 on the App Store 8BitDo Lite 2 controller Disc Brick Other Stuff We Discussed Dark Side of the Moon on Apple Music Daft Punk on Apple Music Reeder 5 feeeed MacStories feeeed review Feedbin Inoreader The Verge full-text RSS feed Delta emulator Backbone controller 8BitDo Micro Gamesir G8 Analogue Pocket Firefox OS TCP Firefox tablet photo 1 Firefox tablet photo 2 Firefox tablet photo 3 Firefox tablet photo 4 Wordle Puzzmo Grindstone Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Niléane reviews the AirPods Max, Matt got a new GPU, and Chris keeps things non-controversial by bringing up The Acolyte. Then we get into using the Vision Pro for something new and Niléane challenges us to bring some old tech back to life. Weekly Topics AirPods Max NVIDIA RTX 4070 Super The Acolyte Other stuff we discussed Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones AirCover for Vision Pro SoloTop for Vision Pro Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Chris can finally talk about iPadOS 18, Niléane goes on a quest for great dynamic wallpapers, and Matt brought a tea kettle for some reason. Then they all say nice things about new browsers and Chris has a "visionary" new challenge. Weekly Topics iOS 18 preview on MacStories Dynaper Dynamic Wallpaper Club Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle Other stuff we discussed Arc browser Vivaldi Firefox Quiche Browser Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Niléane has a social media surprise, Matt tries to take his email to superhuman levels, and Chris blows his hair back with Wi-Fi speeds you wouldn't believe. Then we reflect on last week's very chill challenge before jumping into the next one where we must be nice. Weekly Topics Twitter (X) Superhuman Deco TP-Link WiFi 7 Router Other stuff we discussed Sidekick notepad Sanebox Mimestream Day One Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Matt goes Infinite, Chris embraces Nothing, and Niléane tries to make a Frame…work. Oh, and we discover two of the hosts have sane travel bags and the other is a maniac. Our thanks once again to ListenLater.net for sponsoring Comfort Zone and MacStories! Let them know you heard about them from us to get 20% more credits with your first purchase. Weekly Topics DC Universe Infinite Nothing Ear (a) Framework laptops Other stuff we discussed Marvel Unlimited Marvel Subscriptions Blankets Fairphone Brevite Jumper backpack A better Vision Pro carrying case Peter McKinnon backpack Camera cube pack UGREEN wall charger Zagg 3-in-1 charger 10-foot USB-C cable Apple's Thunderbolt cable Anker Power Bank Hema backpack Elago iPad accessories iPad sleeve Anker PowerCore charger Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Niléane tests the gang on their French knowledge (it goes great...), Chris adds some goblins to this productivity system, and Matt tries to connect to the other side. Our thanks once again to ListenLater.net for sponsoring Comfort Zone and MacStories! Let them know you heard about them from us to get 20% more credits with your first purchase. Weekly Topics Bartender Lenovo Legion Go FotMob Other stuff we discussed iBar Hidden Bar Vanilla Steam Deck Goblin Tools SpiritTalker Naturalisation en France Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

Matt decides to stop being so grumpy, Chris may or may not have survived WWDC, and Niléane brings a strange robot to the party. Our thanks to ListenLater.net for sponsoring Comfort Zone and MacStories! Let them know you heard about them from us to get 20% more credits with your first purchase. Weekly Topics Theater for Vision Pro DJI Wireless mic system SwitchBot Bot and SwitchBot Hub 2 Other stuff we discussed John Gruber's The Talk Show at WWDC Matt's video from The Talk Show in Vision Pro Matt's original dock Matt's new dock Chris's original dock Chris's new dock CHris's utility folder Niléane's original dock Niléane's new dock Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon

We're back! After surviving our first challenge together, the gang is back for more with new goodies, an unexpectedly heavy topic, and a new mysterious challenge we didn't see coming. Weekly Topics Perplexity Kino - Pro Video Camera Powerline Our iPad Gaming Swag NVIDIA GeForce NOW Assassin’s Creed Mirage for iPad Resident Evil Village for iPad Dead Cells for iPad Dead Cells (Apple Arcade) Moonlight Sony DualSense Controller UTM PojavLauncher GameSir G8 GameSir Extension Kit Delta PPSSPP Xbox Cloud Streaming Better Xcloud Follow us on Mastodon Matt Niléane Chris

Welcome to Comfort Zone! This is a show about exploring new and interesting tech, and stepping outside your comfort zone to expand your horizons (whether you want to or not). In this debut episode, we talk about what Apple should steal from the Meta Quest 3, how an iPad enthusiast takes advantage of a new Mac, and how precious family photos were saved from being lost to time. Then there's the challenge! We all spent a few weeks using Apple Reminders for task management, and our challenge for week 2 is something none of us saw coming… Zuck’s Vision Pro review https://www.instagram.com/p/C3TkhmivNzt/ MacPad story https://www.macstories.net/stories/macpad-how-i-created-the-hybrid-mac-ipad-laptop-and-tablet-that-apple-wont-make/ How to get a YouTube channel’s RSS feed https://danielmiessler.com/p/rss-feed-youtube-channel Google PhotoScan https://apps.apple.com/us/app/photoscan-by-google-photos/id1165525994 Things 3 https://culturedcode.com/things/ Fantastical https://flexibits.com/fantastical Jump Desktop https://jumpdesktop.com/ Screens https://edovia.com/en/screens/ Chris on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisLawley Matt on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ABetterComputer Niléane on Mastodon https://nileane.fr/@nileane Comfort Zone on Mastodon https://mastodon.macstories.net/@comfortzone

Comfort Zone is a podcast that pushes its hosts outside of their, well, comfort zone. Every week, each host will bring new technology they've tried to the show to discuss whether it worked and how it pushed them out of their comfort zone.  Then, at the conclusion of each episode, one of the hosts will issue the dreaded challenge to the others to try something new, and perhaps even something they might not like. It's a fun, fresh way to learn something new, along with the hosts every week.