It’s time for the latest Lab Report from MacSparky, covering this week’s Apple news and updates…This is a post for MacSparky Labs Members only. Care to join? Or perhaps do you need to sign in?
The New Apple Pencil
This week, Apple released a new budget Apple Pencil ($79 US) that dumps the Lightning connector for USB-C. I like that they took the trouble to change the design. The old Lightning pencil had the plug at the top, leaving me with a (nearly) irresistible desire to turn my iPad into the world’s most expensive and precarious lollipop. This new design saves us from the temptation.
This also marks another step in Apple removing the Lightning connector from the line. When considering what is next for the transition to USB-C, my money’s on keyboards, trackpads, and Magic Mouse. Wouldn’t it be nice if the Apple Mouse got a redesign in the process to something that doesn’t have to be turned on its side to charge?
Portable Zoom Station
I recently moved my “fancy” video camera mounting point to make better videos for the Labs. But putting it away from my screen made participating in Zoom calls difficult.
… This is a post for MacSparky Labs Members. Care to join? Or perhaps you need to sign in?
Testing Lex, an AI-driven Word Processor
I’ve been hearing from a lot of folks about lex.page, a Google Docs-like word processor with AI tools baked in. While I’m not a fan of having AI write for me, I will use it to analyze and help me improve my words.… This is a post for the Early Access MacSparky Labs Members. Care to join? Or perhaps you need to sign in?
Mac Power Users 714: Catching up with John Siracusa
John Siracusa returns to Mac Power Users to discuss his iPhone usage, window management philosophies, best practices for troubleshooting, and a lot more.
This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:
The Lab Report – 13 October 2023
It’s time for the latest Lab Report from MacSparky, covering this week’s Apple news and updates…This is a post for MacSparky Labs Members only. Care to join? Or perhaps do you need to sign in?
Contextual Email
I’ve been trying an experiment where I sort my email contextually. It’s working for me and in this video I share the details.… This is a post for the Early Access and Backstage MacSparky Labs Members. Care to join? Or perhaps you need to sign in?
Focused 188: Q4 Planning and the PKM Stack
Join Mike and me on this episode of Focused as we revisit the topic of toxic productivity, discuss choosing apps and tools that support your intentions, and share our plans for the last quarter of 2023.
This episode of Focused is sponsored by:
- Electric: Unbury yourself from IT tasks. Get a free pair of Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones when you schedule a meeting.
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- CleanMyMac X: Your Mac. As good as new. Get 5% off today.
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Exploring Default Folder X 6
Default Folder X has long been my go-to app for upgrading the save and open dialog boxes on my Mac. With version 6, Default Folder X got several new tricks, and I demonstrate some of them in this video.… This is a post for MacSparky Labs Members only. Care to join? Or perhaps do you need to sign in?
Mac Power Users 713: Photography with Tyler Stalman
Tyler Stalman joins Mac Power Users to share the details on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro camera systems. Tyler also shares some of his favorite tips for better iPhone photography and videography.
This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:
- TextExpander: Get 20% off with this link and type more with less effort! Expand short abbreviations into longer bits of text, even fill-ins, with TextExpander.
- Electric: Unbury yourself from IT tasks. Get a free pair of Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones when you schedule a meeting.
- Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.
- Factor: Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door.