This MacVoices Live! session starts out with an usual discussion of Panorama’s database program. Then, Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Jim Rea, Jeff Gamet, Web Bixby, and Mark Fuccio consider SanDisk's lack of response to reported issues with their SSDs, and advise backups and alternatives. They highlight Western Digital's history of silence in face of customer problems. Then, the dispute between Epic Games, Apple, and Google regarding in-game purchases and App Store guidelines is takes center stage. As if that wasn’t enough, a passionate discussion about the UK's proposed changes to App Store payments and Setapp's plans for an alternative app store in Europe kicks off. (Part 1)  This edition of MacVoices is supported by The MacVoices Slack. Available all Patrons of MacVoices. Sign up at Patreon.com/macvoices. Show Notes: Chapters: 0:01:32 Guests Introductions and Expectations 0:02:35 Goat Scoring System: Milk, Butterfat, and Protein Content 0:07:17 Webb's New Hardware and Stunning Background 0:09:12 Mark's Black and White Sonoma Theme 0:12:28 Western Digital's silence and potential firmware update for Sandisk SSDs 0:16:51 Firmware Upgrade Issue with Western Digital SSDs 0:18:29 Epic Loses Bid to Change Apple's App Store Payment Rules 0:24:08 Apple's challenge with multiple stores and rules 0:25:01 Difficulty in App Store Rules 0:26:30 Seizing the Business Opportunity: Apple's Unique Advantage 0:27:47 Contemplating the impact of app purchases and SetApp 0:29:15 SetApp subscribers and the potential for an alternate app store in Europe Links: Insta360 Link - PTZ 4K Webcam with 1/2" Sensor, AI Tracking, Gesture Control, HDR, Noise-Canceling Microphones https://amzn.to/45HG9L6 SanDisk’s silence deafens as high-profile users say Extreme SSDs still broken https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/08/sandisk-extreme-ssds-are-still-wiping-data-after-firmware-fix-users-say/ Epic loses bid to make Apple change its App Store payment rules right now https://www.engadget.com/epic-loses-bid-to-make-apple-change-its-app-store-payment-rules-right-now-174924222.html SetApp Setapp Planning to Launch Alternative App Store for iOS in Europe https://www.macrumors.com/2023/08/15/setapp-to-launch-alternative-app-store/ Apple is ‘working with EU’ on third-party app stores for iPhone, iPad, etc. https://macdailynews.com/2023/06/14/apple-is-working-with-eu-on-third-party-app-stores-for-iphone-ipad-etc/ Guests: Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. 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, and on his blog, Trending At Work. 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 contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Mark Fuccio is actively involved in high tech startup companies, both as a principle at piqsure.com, or as a marketing advisor through his consulting practice Tactics Sells High Tech, Inc. Mark was a proud investor in Microsoft from the mid-1990's selling in mid 2000, and hopes one day that MSFT will be again an attractive investment. You can contact Mark through Twitter, LinkedIn, or on Mastodon. Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer’s Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big S