Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:

AppStories

This week, Federico and I explore a collection of Shortcuts helper utilities that extend functionality beyond the built-in system actions, sharing how these apps address gaps in Apple’s Shortcuts implementation across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

This episode is sponsored by:

• Incogni – Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code APPSTORIES with this link and get 60% off an annual plan.

NPC: Next Portable Console

This week, Brendon, Federico, and I dive into the ongoing Retroid Pocket Mini controversy, discussing the scaling issues, community reactions, and what it means for consumers in the retro handheld space. After addressing Retroid’s troubles, they explore the Retroid Pocket Classic and pricing information for the Flip 2. To wrap up the week’s news, they cover SteamOS news, AYANEO’s confusing new teaser for the “Pocket Ace,” examine important new reports of Microsoft’s collaboration with ASUS on an Xbox-branded Windows handheld.

NPC XL

This week, Brendon prepares for a two-month trip to Japan and needs advice on assembling the perfect portable gaming setup. Federico and I lend a hand, suggesting which handhelds to take along and how to maintain a podcast recording workflow away from home.

Ruminate

I bring the snacks, Robb brings the Lego news, and we both get excited for new Pebbles for the second time in ten years.

Links and Show Notes

Shortcuts Utility Apps

AppStories+ Post-Show

On AppStories+, John interviews Federico about his recent story that concludes web applications often provide superior experiences to native apps on iPad, examining how this trend reflects broader challenges in the iPad ecosystem.

We deliver AppStories+ to subscribers with bonus content, ad-free, and at a high bitrate early every week.

To learn more about the benefits included with an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.

NPC, Episode 24, ‘Retroid’s Rocky Road and Microsoft’s Portable Plans’ Show Notes

Listener Question

Retroid Follow-Up

The Latest Portable Gaming News

NPC XL, Packing for Japan: Gaming on the Go

NPC XL is a weekly members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon for $5/month. Each week on NPC XL, Federico, Brendon, and John record a special segment or deep dive about a particular topic that is released alongside the “regular” NPC episodes.

Ruminate, Episode 204, ‘Chamoy!’ Show Notes

Kettle’s New Potato Chip Flavor Tastes 10x Better than the Original

The Wirecutter Is Wrong About The Best Plain Potato Chip

Haribo Classic Clog

LEGO Pokémon coming in 2026!

Nintendo’s next Lego console will be a Game Boy

Mario Kart™ – Mario & Standard Kart 72037

Ruminate Podcast: 21 – Collision Symbol, Thinking Face

Get your new PebbleOS watch

A Lucky Lamy Listing

Echo Show 8

Wispr Flow | Effortless Voice Dictation

MacStories launched its first podcast in 2017 with AppStories. Since then, the lineup has expanded to include a family of weekly shows that also includes MacStories Unwind, Magic Rays of Light, Ruminate, Comfort Zone, and NPC: Next Portable Console that collectively, cover a broad range of the modern media world from Apple’s streaming service and videogame hardware to apps for a growing audience that appreciates our thoughtful, in-depth approach to media.

If you’re interested in advertising on our shows, you can learn more here or by contacting our Managing Editor, John Voorhees.