About this episode
Belkin is ending support for most Wemo smart home devices, raising fresh concerns about IoT e-waste and long-term reliability. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Marty Jencius, Jim Rea, Norbert Frassa, Guy Serle, Jeff Gamet, and Eric Bolden also react to a new generation of AirTags with louder alerts and longer range, share real-world tracking and wallet stories, and explains Apple Cash's higher instant transfer fees. MacVoices is supported by Squarespace. Check out https://www.squarespace.com/MACVOICES to save 10% o? your first purchase of a website or domain using offer code MACVOICES. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:28 Welcome and panel intro 09:19 Wemo support shutdown and what still works 12:50 Standards-based devices and open-source alternatives 16:07 Sponsor message 17:44 New AirTags: louder sound, longer range, setup requirements 23:10 Real-world "unknown AirTag" tracking alert story 25:23 Wallet trackers and bag-tracking use cases 28:48 Apple Cash instant transfer fee increase explained Links: PSA: Belkin ending support for most Wemo smart home accessories this week https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/27/psa-belkin-ending-support-for-most-wemo-smart-home-accessories-this-week/ Bose made the consumer friendly move to open source its SoundTouch speakers https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/bose-made-the-consumer-friendly-move-to-open-source-its-soundtouch-speakers-163459024.html Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/26/apple-announces-new-airtag/ Apple Cash Users Will See Instant Transfer Fees Increase in February https://www.mactrast.com/2026/01/apple-cash-users-will-see-instant-transfer-fees-increase-in-february/ 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
