With the proliferation of cloud-based storage, it’d be easy to think you don’t need local backup anymore. I disagree. I make regular backups of my data to big, slow, inexpensive spinning hard drives that I store away from the computer (with one going offsite).…
Continue reading →The HomePod Mini Experiment
Recently, Jason Snell wrote about using a stereo-paired set of HomePod mini speakers with his Mac. I reported on a similar experiment on the latest episode of Mac Power Users. Specifically, I wanted to see if AirPlay-paired HomePod minis could replace my existing wired…
Continue reading →Focused 139: Soundtracks and Self-Talk
Join us for the latest episode of Focused. Mike and I consider the source of negative self-talk, the power of positive thinking, and taming the rebellious brain. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Privacy: Smarter payments. Get $5 to spend on your first purchase. Timing:…
Listen & read notes →MacSparky Field Guides Thanksgiving Sale
As a lot of Americans prepare to spend some time off tomorrow, I do think the idea of setting aside time to give thanks is a good one. One of the biggest things I have to give thanks for is the success of MacSparky.…
Continue reading →SaneBox (Sponsor)
My thanks to MacSparky’s sponsor this week, SaneBox. My plate is full enough as it is, but I’ve got SaneBox to help me clear my plate by managing my inbox. I’ve tried using rules before, but things would slip through that weren’t supposed to,…
Continue reading →PIxelmator 2.3, Uses AI to Remove Backgrounds
Today Pixelmator dropped version 2.3 of Pixelmator Pro. There are a few highlights of note: • AI-powered automatic background removal: With just a click, users will now be able to remove the background from any image • AI-powered automatic subject selection: Again with just…
Continue reading →Mac Power Users 615: The Clipboard Manager Roundup
There is a range of applications to supercharge your copy-and-paste game. This week’s Mac Power Users has Stephen and me exploring some of the best options for macOS and even the iPad and iPhone. This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by: Hullo: A simple,…
Listen & read notes →Automators 89: Kelly Guimont, iPhone Automator
In this episode of Automators, Rosemary and I are joined by Kelly Guimont and dive into getting started with automation, fun seasonal lighting, and the trouble with tribbles, er HomePod mini multiplication. This episode of Automators is sponsored by: LinkedIn Jobs: Post a job for free…
Listen & read notes →Time Track with Timing (Sponsor)
This week MacSparky is sponsored by the Timing App, the time tracking app that tracks time for you automatically. It’s that “automatic” part you should really pay attention to. Because I do so much work at my Mac these days, I’ve been using Timing…
Continue reading →Hazel 5.1
I’ve longed talked about Hazel being one of the best tools available to automate using your Mac. Noodlesoft, the makers of Hazel, have released an update with Hazel 5.1, which now supports macOS Monterey. Features include: New “Run Shortcut” action to run Shortcuts workflows…
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