Mac Power Users 476: Exploring the Mac App Store



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We talk through the ups and downs of the Mac App Store and share some of the hidden gems we have found there over the years on this week’s episode of Mac Power Users. Then, Stephen and I recap Apple’s recent media event after being interrupted by Mother Nature in the Sparks’ yard.

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. 

  • Gazelle: Sell your iPhone for cash at Gazelle! 

  • Luna Display: The only hardware solution that turns your iPad into a wireless display for your Mac. Use promo code POWER at checkout for 10% off.

  • Away: Travel smarter with the suitcase that charges your phone. Get $20 off with the code ‘mpu’.

MacStock 2019


Last year I made a last-minute decision to attend MacStock to see what it was all about. I had a great time, and this year I’m looking forward to going back. Moreover, this year I am participating. I will be giving the session, and we will be recording the Mac Power Users episode 500 live at MacStock. Stephen and I are making lots of plans, and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.

MacStock has the feel of Macworld, but at the same time, it is much more intimate. Because there are fewer people, we all get to spend more time together.

If you’re interested in attending, I can get you a small discount with the discount code “macsparky”. Regardless, if you do attend, I’ll see you there.

Ulysses, My Place For Words (Sponsor)


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This week MacSparky is sponsored by Ulysses, that powerful writing tool that works on Mac, iPad, and iPhone and I use every day. In the last year, my usage of Ulysses has only increased more. It has become for me, “the place for words”. Not only do I keep a repository of text, I call it the “text bank” that I use in my law practice in Ulysses, it has also become the place I keep notes, work on drafts, outline screencasts, plan podcasts, and write just about all the other words I make in one context or another. I love the clean design and the way it syncs everything everywhere. The image to the right is my Ulysses sidebar. There is so much contained in these categories.

The Ulysses team has been busy. Recent additions include new styles and themes and the new ability to split the view, showing you two different Ulysses notes at the same time. I’ve only been using split view a short time but already couldn’t imagine Ulysses without it. Best of all, if you sign up with the links in this blog post, you’ll get three months of Ulysses for free. 



Cardhop for iOS Release and Videos



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For a while now, I’ve been using Cardhop on my Mac to manage contacts. Today marks the release of Cardhop for iOS. Made by Flexibits, the same team behind Fantastical, Cardhop is better than the native Contacts app in just about every way. It has a smart parser that lets you find, modify, and act on contacts without diving into the button pressing hell that is the native Contacts app. It allows you to actually move contacts among groups easily, it looks beautiful, and it has wicked Siri Shortcuts support. The icon is even better looking on your home screen. You can buy it today.

I made a whole series of videos for the app that you can watch on the developer’s website. Consider it a free, mini field guide on this cool app. Here’s my overview.



Learn Ulysses 2.0

I want to publicly congratulate the Sweet Setup gang generally, and my friend and Focussed co-host Mike Schmitz specifically for shipping version 2.0 of their Learn Ulysses course today. The updated course has new materials going from basic to advanced concepts and is a great way to learn to get more from one of my favorite writing apps.

My favorite thing about the new course is the way they contextualize the app and explain how it can be used in so many different way to not only manage words, but also ideas. The new course is $57, with a discount down to $44 during the first few days.

Mac Power Users 475: Something Smells Funny



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On this week’s episode of Mac Power Users, Stephen and I work our way through some feedback, Stephen has feelings about his Apple Watch, and I have switched notes apps … again.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • The Omni Group: We’re passionate about productivity for Mac, iPhone and iPad. 

  • 1Password: Have you ever forgotten a password? You don’t have to worry about that anymore. 

  • Luna Display: The only hardware solution that turns your iPad into a wireless display for your Mac. Use promo code POWER at checkout for 10% off.

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code MPU at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.