Mike and I revisit some old workflows (time blocking, weekly review, reading, and writing) and talk about what’s changed on this episode of Focused.
This episode of Focused is sponsored by:
This week I’m pleased to welcome a new sponsor to MacSparky, Focus Firewall.
We all know the feeling. You sit down to work, crack open your Mac… and somehow 20 minutes vanish into the black hole of news sites, social media, or some link a friend just texted you. That’s where Focus Firewall comes in.
It’s a lightweight, distraction-blocking app built specifically for macOS. Flip a switch, and it instantly hides the usual suspects – over 140 pre-configured websites and apps – so you can stay on task. There’s no need to fiddle with settings or build elaborate profiles. You just open your Mac and get to work.
What I like most about Focus Firewall is that it strikes a thoughtful balance. It doesn’t nag you or enforce a strict lockdown. Instead, it takes a more mindful approach: encouraging focused time while still giving you a guilt-free “pause” button when you need it. I think of it as an invisible safety net; I don’t have to think about it, but it’s there when I need it. Most days, I only touch it during breaks, when I allow myself a quick jaunt into something like YouTube woodworking.
This app is special because it works with your habits, not against them. And over time, it really adds up. Even if I only use it for a few hours, that’s a few hours without getting pulled into algorithm-driven rabbit holes. I’d much rather have a tool that builds sustainable focus than one that forces it.
If you’ve been looking for a simple, respectful way to block distractions without turning your Mac into a digital prison, I highly recommend giving Focus Firewall a try. It takes less than a minute to set up – and could save you hours down the line.
With rumors — and complaints — swirling about the state of the iPad and iPadOS, Stephen and I take some time to talk about our usage of the platform and share where we think Apple should take its tablet next on this episode of Mac Power Users.
This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:
April was a busy month in the MacSparky Labs as we dug deeper into where artificial intelligence can help (and where it can’t) and I made several videos about automating your Mac.
If you’d like to be a part of the MacSparky Labs, you can get more information and join right here.
In this week’s episode of The Lab Report: Apple didn’t have a good week, Google’s Gemini gets iOS widgets, iPhone 17 rumors continue, and I can’t get over Dearly Blossom’s scatting chops.
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I love so much about my Apple Watch. It nudges me toward better health, stands ready to detect a crash or a heart event, and fits seamlessly into my daily life. But after 10 years on wrists everywhere, it still baffles me how few truly useful watch faces Apple has shipped.
The first face I ever found acceptable was Utility. It’s clear, uncluttered, and, most importantly, its hands contrast sharply with the background so you can tell the time at a glance. Many of Apple’s later analog faces, like California, outline the hands but keep them the same color as the dial. It looks neat, but it compromises legibility.
For years, Apple offered Explorer, another clean, high-contrast option, then removed it without explanation. Since then, most analog faces have swung between “overly busy” and “aesthetically interesting but practically useless.” On the digital side, the Modular Ultra face is probably the best at a glance, but it’s exclusive to the most expensive Apple Watch.
I get that Apple treats watch faces as an artistic canvas (fire, galaxies, intricate patterns) that you can’t replicate on a traditional watch. But in doing so, they’ve ignored the basics: readability and utility. There are countless incredible analog designs in the physical watch world that prioritize clarity first. Why can’t we have those same choices on our wrists with Apple Watch?
Even better would be an Apple Watch Face Store, where classic watch makers and indie designers can sell digital versions of their iconic dials. Apple could take a cut, we’d get endless variety, and everyone would win.
After wearing an Apple Watch since day one, I admit I’ve been tempted to switch back to a mechanical watch, to feel that moment of, “Yes, this is a watch!” every time I glance at my wrist. As WWDC approaches with no rumors of a Face Store or major face updates, I have little hope of this improving.
The audio from two book club sessions on Oliver Burkeman’s 4,000 Weeks is now in the MacSparky Labs podcast feed. This pick was a hit…
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Today, Apple took a shellacking in the Epic lawsuit with the court finding the company in violation of its earlier 2021 App-Store-related injunction. The 80-page ruling did not mince words:
“Internally, Phillip Schiller had advocated that Apple comply with the injunction, but Tim Cook ignored Schiller and instead allowed Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri and his finance team to convince him otherwise. Cook chose poorly.”
– Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers
ChatGPT released the o3 Reasoning model and I’ve been impressed. In this video, I show you why.…
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I’ve always had a soft spot for indie Mac developers — especially those who build tools that quietly make your Mac better. Eternal Storms Software is a great example, and right now they’ve got a special bundle deal that’s worth checking out.
This bundle includes four of their best-loved apps:
What I love about all four of these apps is that they solve small, real-world annoyances in elegant, Mac-native ways. They’re lightweight, thoughtfully designed, and just… helpful. You won’t find bloat or subscription nags here — just solid utilities that do their job well.
And right now, you can grab all four at a discounted price in the Eternal Storms Bundle. Whether you’re already a fan of one or two of these apps, or just want to explore some new Mac superpowers, it’s a great deal.