Today I dive into why I think framing the conversation a certain way is really important, and why I've taken time to make sure we're talking about "small and medium businesses" rather than "developers" and iPads in addition to iPhones in the recent App Store debates.

Framing the Conversation (the iPad is a General Purpose Computer)

The show is back! Well, sort of, I just had to talk about a concern I’ve been having in recent years, which has only amplified in recent months. Short version: Apple fans in 2020 are reminding me more and moe of Microsoft fans in the 90s.

Bean Counters and Microsoft Fanboys in the 90s

At this point, I think I may have had my say on what is or isn’t a podcast, as well as what open podcasting should be focused on if it wants to stay the default option for podcasters in the future.

The “What is a Podcast?” Podcast

Does using an iPad require you to buy into it’s philosophy? Yes, but so does every other platform out there. We can debate the merits of the features there today, but I think it’s a fool’s errand to put your chips on this philosophy argument as to why the iPad has a fundamentally different problem than any other platform.

Buying Into a Philosophy

iPadOS 13.4 added a cursor, and I finally have time to talk about it!

The iPad’s Cursor

My review of Doom Eternal, the latest game in the classic franchise.

Doom Eternal Review

9to5Mac and MacRumors have dueling iOS 14 and watchOS 7 leaks this week, and I do my best to address as many as I can.

WWDC in March

Watch the video version of this trip down memory lane here https://youtu.be/UYHTbQSDcuU

Watch the video version of this trip down memory lane here <a href="https://youtu.be/UYHTbQSDcuU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/UYHTbQSDcuU</a>

Playing the Original Halo in 2020

Inspired by the book, Start With Why, and The Verge’s review of the Mac Pro.

Value, Values, and More Value

I don’t think I was prepared for just how good Forza Horizon 4 is.

Forza Horizon 4 Might be my Favorite Racing Game Ever

A micro-podcast about tech, Apple, and design.

The BirchTree Podcast

The biggest question surrounding the Surface Go since its launch a few weeks ago is how well it performs. I didn't want to weigh in too early on this one, but I feel like I know what this device is and I need to talk about this.

118: The Surface Go Performance (or lack thereof)

There is a reason I keep going back to OmniFocus.

079: What I Value Most in a Task Manager

I’ve had the HomePod for almost a year and wanted to take a few minutes and talk about how it fits into both my life and the larger speaker ecosystem.

152: One Year With HomePod

Headphone Jacks

How I produce my podcast, why I think the iPad is great for content creation, and why needing to use a headphone jack is actually kind of inconvenient these days. Unco episode 14: https://www.unco.fm/unco/014

How I produce my podcast, why I think the iPad is great for content creation, and why needing to use a headphone jack is actually kind of inconvenient these days. Unco episode 14: <a href="https://www.unco.fm/unco/014" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.unco.fm/unco/014</a>

086: Podcasts, iPads, and Headphone Jacks

There was some news about Pocket Casts yesterday, and people are a bit conflicted on what to think about it. Also, my one dollar month of Spotify is almost up and I had to make a decision about if it would replace Apple Music for me. The answer was a resounding no.

083: Pocket Casts Changes and Cancelling Spotify

On iteration and making time for those features that don't make money on their own, but make your experience better so that people stick around.

082: Prioritizing "Quality of Life" Features

It’s been a few weeks and I’m finally back to talk tech!

151: It’s Been a While, So Let’s Talk iTunes

Apple updated the MacBook Pro lineup today and I'm just over here doing my best to generate any personal excitement for these new machines. My heart just isn't in it for the Mac right now, it's all iOS for me right now.

108: Trying to Muster Up Enthusiasm for New Macs

Sometimes I fail to understand why people make the tech decisions they make. It seems so clear to me what the best smartphone or laptop is, but most of the world gets something different. I always have to remind myself that the way I look at a hammer is how many people look at computers: I need one, but I don’t really care that much about getting “the best,” I just need something that works.

111: Buying a Hammer

Keyboard Maestro is a wonderful app that I app for the Mac that I took way too long to embrace. https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/main/

Keyboard Maestro is a wonderful app that I app for the Mac that I took way too long to embrace. <a href="https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/main/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/main/</a>

146: The Magic of Keyboard Maestro

There are tons of good phones out there, but for the first time in years, my picks are not the most expensive phones money can buy.

148: The BirchTree Smartphone Awards

I've been using Android P for 2 weeks and it might just be the least painful time with Android I've ever had. I'm not switching any time soon, but if I were an Android fan I think I'd be happy with this update. Also, it was basically a monsoon outside this morning, so pardon the rain in the background.

090: Android P Isn't That Miserable After All

God of War was my favorite game of 2018 and I felt compelled to share why that was the case. I also talk briefly about 5 other games that I loved this year.

150: Why God of War was My Favorite Game of 2018

Apple will announce their Q3 2018 financials, and I am as mildly interested as always. So instead of talking about the numbers (they're not out yet!) today I'm talking about how those numbers can and can't be used in debates on how good specific products that Apple makes.

113: Arguing With Myself About Apple Financials

Castro 3, Spark 2, OmniFocus 3, Apollo, and Pocket-Run Pool all came out for iOS since I switched to Android 16 days ago. In that same time there have been zero updates or new apps for Android that have me really exacted.

092: Why I've Already Switched Back to the iPhone

The year is half over and I thought it was a good time to reflect on some of the best media I've enjoyed so far this year. ## Video Games God of War Celeste Hollow Knight ## Movies Annihilation Blockers ## Music Pusha T - Daytona Kanye West - Ye Kids See Ghosts - self-titled Courtney Barnett - Tell Me How Your Really Feel CHVRCHES - Love is Dead

106: My Favorite Movies, Music, and Games of 2018 (so far)

Apple announced they are doing a major overhaul of their map data and it reminded me that there is a ton going on in the world that we have no visibility to, even at companies we follow intensely. Smart to give yourself a little wiggle room and stay away from definitive statements when it comes to future plans.

105: Remembering We Don't Have All the Information

I got a Nest Thermostat over the weekend. It's my first foray into smart thermostats and my initial impressions are really positive.

104: Nest Thermostat First Impressions

People have different ideas for what "automation" means on iOS and Android, and it can have a negative impact on how we talk to each other about our respective automation services. As someone who lives in both worlds, hopefully I can clear things up a little.

107: What Automation Means on iOS and Android

Ulysses has been my writing app of choice for years, and I get questions about it all the time. I know writing apps are very personal, and what makes an app great for me might not make it great for you, but here are some of the things that make Ulysses the undisputed king of writing apps for me. Download from the App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ulysses/id1225571038?mt=8&amp;uo=4&amp;at=10l8rH

Ulysses has been my writing app of choice for years, and I get questions about it all the time. I know writing apps are very personal, and what makes an app great for me might not make it great for you, but here are some of the things that make Ulysses the undisputed king of writing apps for me. Download from the App Store: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ulysses/id1225571038?mt=8&amp;uo=4&amp;at=10l8rH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ulysses/id1225571038?mt=8&amp;uo=4&amp;at=10l8rH</a>

110: Why I Love Ulysses

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Non-Current Politics Podcasts

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!