Get Some Great Software at a Discount with WinterFest (Sponsor)

Winter is here. We have work to do. Many of us need to reimagine our workplaces and our workflows. We have kids to raise, degrees to pursue, new jobs to find, care to give, and care to take. This week’s sponsor, WinterFest 2021 is here for you.

WinterFest 2021 features 22 great tools for writers, thinkers, planners. So many of my favorite Mac app are part of WinterFest. Among this year’s bangers are:

Tinderbox ◆ Scrivener ◆ DEVONthink ◆ BBEdit ◆ Panorama ◆ Mellel ◆ Scapple ◆ Bookends ◆ Hook Pro ◆ HoudahGeo ◆ Nisus Writer Pro ◆ SmallCubed Mail Suite ◆ DEVONagent Pro ◆ Aeon Timeline 3 ◆ Easy Data Transform ◆ Trickster ◆ HoudahSpot ◆ The Tinderbox Way ◆ ImageFramer Pro ◆ HyperPlan ◆ Timing ◆ Marked

Now is the time for new plans and fresh projects and great new ideas. Whether you’re mapping out your next novel, finishing your dissertation, planning a product, or writing memories for your grandkids, these great tools will help.

These are all full versions with complete support and upgrade privileges. Just great prices for great software, right at the workshop door. Get all the tools you need at a terrific price, for a very limited time with WinterFest 2021.

Relay FM Fusion Guesting

I guested on the most recent episode of Relay FM’s member’s-only Fusion podcast. In it, we talk about how we handle the new year and Stephen’s disturbing lack of a spirit animal. If you are a RelayFM member, check it out.

The Inside Story on Apple Maps

CNN scored a nice interview with some of the Apple Maps leadership about the journey they’ve been on and where the app is now. (I found this interview via 9to5 Mac.) I wish Apple would let their project leaders talk to the press more often. Articles like this let us get a better understanding of the philosophy behind choices in Cupertino and help us make better decisions as consumers as to what is right for us. For instance, I didn’t realize how big a deal Privacy was to the Apple Maps team until reading this article.

As for me, I’ve been using Apple Maps for a long time. I like the convenience of it and I’m fortunate enough to live in California, where I think Apple has historically always had pretty good data. It has performed well for me or I wouldn’t have stuck with it. That said, I really only care about accurate directions and navigation help, like telling me what lane I need to be in. All that stuff about the 3D maps of buildings is something I never looked at until getting the image for this post. It’s nice, but I don’t have much use for it.

Focused 141: You Never Arrive

Join Mike and me on the latest episode of Focused as we discuss the arrival fallacy and the importance of finding joy in the journey.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Timing: The automatic time-tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Setapp: More than 200 powerful apps for your Mac. Try it free for a week.

Mac Power Users 619: Home Studio Updates

I had to move my home office, and Stephen built a cabin. On this week’s episode of Mac Power Users, we compare notes on how our studios have evolved over the last couple of years.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • 1Password: Have you ever forgotten a password? You don’t have to worry about that anymore.
  • Memberful: Best-in-class membership software for independent creators, publishers, educators, podcasters, and more. Get started now, no credit card required.
  • The Tech Savvy Lawyer Podcast
  • TextExpander from Smile: 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 from Smile. 

Even More Holiday Music

I’ve continued to grow my holiday “Yule” playlist on Apple Music. If you’d like an overwhelming amount of holiday jazz, here you go. My latest addition is an album from the Phat Cat Swingers, From All of Us to All of You, that has a distinct swing band/rockabilly feel. It’s an album that can really make you tap your foot. I listen to this playlist throughout December every year. Just press “shuffle” and let it rip.

Apple Display Rumors

Rumors around an Apple-branded display are heating up. 9to5 Mac reports on a reputable leaker that reports display panels are in development for Apple from LG for 24 and 27 inch Apple Displays along with a 32-inch panel including Apple Silicon for a successor to the Pro Display XDR. I have no insider knowledge, but if I were a betting man, I’d say any Apple Silicon in the new Pro Display XDR would address more I/O with more USB-C ports.

In my mind, Apple’s failure to get a quality consumer-priced display to market is the most prominent hardware miss in the immensely successful Mac lineup. They have so many great laptops now (and the M1 Mac mini) that would benefit from a quality, sub $6,000 Apple Display. This product can’t come soon enough.

Automators 91: Focus Modes, the Showdown

In this episode of Automators, Rosemary and I dive into Focus modes, how we use them, and of course, how we automate them.

This episode of Automators is sponsored by: