Episode 30 - My Thoughts On The S26 Ultra

In this episode of Tek With Josh, I share my honest thoughts on the newly announced Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. On paper, it’s easily one of the most powerful Android flagships Samsung has ever released — but specs don’t always tell the full story.

I break down what’s actually new this year, from the Snapdragon Gen 5 for Galaxy and the updated display with built-in privacy features, to the shift in materials, improved cooling, and faster charging. I also talk through the areas where Samsung played it safe, especially with the camera system and design choices that may not justify an upgrade for everyone.

We also get into Samsung’s latest AI direction, the new software features coming with One UI, and why the lack of built-in magnets for wireless accessories is a bigger miss than it should be. If you’re in the U.S., I explain why the S26 Ultra still makes sense for certain buyers — and why it doesn’t if you already own a recent Ultra model.

This isn’t a spec sheet rundown. It’s a real-world take on who this phone is actually for, who should skip it, and where Samsung could have pushed things further.

If you enjoy thoughtful tech conversations like this, be sure to check out Books By Josh Audio Immersion and Manga With Josh as well.

Episode 29 - HTC, I Miss You

Before smartphones became slabs of glass that all felt the same, there was a company that made phones feel experimental, personal, and genuinely fun. That company was HTC.

In this episode of Tek With Josh, I take a step back from news, rumors, and specs to talk about the brand that made me fall in love with smartphones in the first place. From Windows Mobile devices like the T-Mobile Dash and HTC Mogul, to the early days of Android with the G1, Hero, and the legendary EVO, this is a personal walk through an era when phones invited you to tinker, customize, and actually learn how they worked.

I talk about rooting phones, swapping batteries, kickstands, trackballs, physical keyboards, early 4G launches, and what it felt like working retail when HTC phones could stop a city block. We also look at how HTC helped shape Android itself, their role in Google’s Nexus lineup, and how pieces of HTC’s DNA still live on in modern Pixel phones.

More than anything, this episode is about why phones felt different back then—and why innovation sometimes costs companies everything.

If you’ve ever missed when phones had personality, or if HTC was part of your journey into tech, this one’s for you.

For more episodes, blog posts, and deep dives into tech past and present, visit BooksByJosh.com and check out the Tek With Josh section. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and stick around — there’s more reflective tech history and commentary coming.

Episode 28 - Apple Creator Studio

In Episode 28 of Tek With Josh, I break down Apple’s newly launched Creator Studio plan and why it feels different from the usual subscription fatigue. Apple is not just bundling apps. They are trying to pull an entire creative workflow into one connected ecosystem, covering video editing, music production, image work, and upgraded productivity tools under a single plan.

I walk through what you actually get, including Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage, plus premium features inside Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. I also explain why the price is the real headline. At $12.99 a month or $129 a year, Apple is offering pro level creative software at a cost that is hard to ignore, and for students the value becomes almost unreal at $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year.

The standout for me is what Apple is doing on iPad. Final Cut Pro for iPad works alongside the Final Cut Camera app, letting you use your iPhone as a more serious camera and feed footage directly into your iPad workflow. I talk about why that matters for creators, especially anyone doing interviews, podcast style video, or content days where speed matters.

To keep it real, I also compare Apple Creator Studio to Adobe Creative Cloud, including pricing, app scope, and the biggest tradeoff: Adobe’s cross platform flexibility versus Apple’s tight hardware integration and optimization on M series devices. I wrap up with why this is one of the few subscriptions I can actually get behind, especially for students and new creators who want access to professional tools without spending hundreds or thousands up front.

If you’ve tried Apple Creator Studio, let me know what you like and how you would use it in your own workflow.

Episode 27 - Clicks Communicator

In this episode of Tek With Josh, I explore the growing appeal of minimalist tech and distraction-free devices. From phones designed to do less on purpose to hardware that brings back physical keyboards, notification lights, and a more intentional relationship with technology, this conversation is about reclaiming focus in a world built to pull at our attention.

We talk about why modern smartphones make it so easy to slip back into old habits, how features like signal LEDs and tactile keyboards once helped us stay present, and whether today’s minimalist devices can realistically fit into modern life. This isn’t about rejecting technology, but about using it with more awareness and control.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by constant notifications, endless apps, or the pressure to always be online, this episode is a quiet reflection on what technology could look like when it serves us instead of distracting us.

Episode 26 - The iPhone Foldable Rumors: Apple’s Next Big Bet?

   Rumors of a foldable iPhone are making the rounds again, and this time they feel closer to reality. In this episode of Tek With Josh, I take a step back from the hype and look at what an iPhone Fold would actually mean for Apple and for everyday users.

   I talk through Apple’s history with first-generation products, why foldables still come with real tradeoffs, and why price, software maturity, battery life, and durability matter more than flashy form factors. As someone who uses both Apple devices and a foldable phone, this isn’t an anti-Apple take. It’s an honest one.

   The iPhone Fold could be Apple’s next big bet, but being first doesn’t always mean being best. Sometimes waiting is the smarter move.

   If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Tek With Josh for weekly conversations about technology, devices, and the choices that actually matter beyond the spec sheet.

Episode 25 - Last-Minute Tech Gifts I'd Actually Buy

Let’s be honest — if you’re listening to this episode, there’s a good chance you either forgot to buy a gift… or you bought something and immediately started questioning your decision.

In this episode of Tek With Josh, I break down last-minute tech gifts that I actually use and recommend. No sponsored picks, no gimmicks, and no “tech drawer” junk. These are practical, real-world tech gifts you can still grab at the last minute and feel good about giving.

I cover a wide range of categories, from everyday productivity gear and charging essentials to audio, phones, desk setups, and beginner-friendly creator tech. I also give MSRP pricing in USD, so this episode stays useful beyond just the holidays.

Whether you’re shopping for a tech-savvy friend, a creator, someone who works at a desk, or honestly just yourself, this episode is designed to help you make a solid last-minute choice without overthinking it.

If this episode helped you out, make sure to follow or subscribe to Tek With Josh.

You can find my other shows, writing, and projects at booksbyjosh.com.

Episode 24 - Flagships of Yesteryear: Phones That Still Hit Different

In this episode of Tek with Josh, Josh takes a nostalgic deep dive into the “flagships of yesteryear” — the phones that truly hit different and helped shape the modern smartphone era. Drawing from his years working in the wireless industry, he revisits four standout devices across BlackBerry OS, Palm OS, iOS, and Android, sharing what made each one special and why they left such a lasting impact.

From BlackBerry’s legendary keyboards and business-first features to the Palm Pre’s revolutionary cloud backups, gesture navigation, and true multitasking, Josh explains how early smartphones pushed boundaries long before today’s devices. He breaks down why the iPhone 4 changed the game with its Retina display and FaceTime, and how Samsung’s Galaxy S4 delivered features, hardware, and polish that set the standard for Android flagships.

If you’ve ever owned one of these classic phones — or you just love hearing about the tech that paved the way for what we use today — this nostalgic throwback episode is for you.

Enjoy this episode?

Check out Josh’s other shows: Books by Josh Audio Immersion and Manga with Josh, or read his work at booksbyjosh.com and explore titles like Private Eye: The First Adventure of Jason Streak and Still Here Somehow: Poetry From A Dark Place by Joshua A. Rodriguez.

Episode 23 - Holiday 2025 IOS vs Android OS

In this episode of Tek with Josh, Josh breaks down the real-world differences between iOS and Android OS after more than a decade of using both. With an iPhone 17 Pro Max as his daily driver and a Samsung foldable in his pocket, he shares what each platform actually does better in day-to-day life.

From Apple’s polished ecosystem, iMessage, and seamless device integration to Android’s customization, faster charging, work profiles, foldables, and emulator-friendly gaming, Josh explains where each side shines—and where they still fall short. He also talks about app quality and exclusives, bloatware on cheaper Android phones, battery tech like silicon carbide, and why iPhone setup still feels unmatched.

If you’re thinking about picking up a new phone this holiday season or just love mobile tech, this episode is for you.

Enjoy this episode?

Check out Josh’s other shows: Books by Josh Audio Immersion and Manga with Josh, or read his work at booksbyjosh.com and search for his books like Private Eye: The First Adventure of Jason Streak and Still Here Somehow: Poetry From A Dark Place by Joshua A. Rodriguez.