The Latest iPad Videos Get It Right

Last week Apple released a collection of new videos about getting work done on the iPad. I finally got around to watching them today and they are really good. What I like about them is that each video takes its time demonstrating actual workflows. I think that is what we need to see if we are looking to get more out of the iPad. They even call out specific non-Apple apps.

I also appreciate how they demonstrate more real-world uses. Instead of using the iPad with scuba gear to map an ancient wreck, they have people taking notes and making presentations. Not nearly as sexy as prior “iPad use” videos but so much more relevant to most of us.

These are some of my favorite tutorial-ish content that I’ve seen from Apple in years. They even have a film showing how they shot the videos with the iPad itself. Keep them coming Apple.






Mac Power Users 467: Fitness Apps & Tech



Mac Power Users Artwork.png


On this week’s episode of Mac Power Users, Stephen and I discuss how the iPhone and Apple Watch can be helpful in managing health and fitness, and coupled with the breadth of options in the App Store, they can become powerful tools in improving our well-being. 

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. 

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

  • 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.

Automate Your Text with TextExpander (Sponsor)


icon_TextExpander512.png

This week MacSparky is sponsored by TextExpander. Copy and paste is an inefficient way to keep track of the things you type again and again. TextExpander makes you more productive by taking care of all those words and phrases for you. TextExpander works in all your apps so you can use it everywhere, like Microsoft Word and Excel, Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, and Apple’s Pages.

TextExpander does way more than that. With TextExpander you’ll see your snippets everywhere. It syncs between your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Windows PC instantly.

They’ve got free snippet groups for all sorts of folks including job recruiters, freelancers, airport codes, brand names, and more at the TextExpander website (or you can download some of mine).

TextExpander even lets you run AppleScripts. For example, I use TextExpander to auto address emails with Apple Mail.

Best of all, with TextExpander you don’t have to work alone: TextExpander for Teams lets you manage and share snippets with your coworkers or the entire company. Use this link to get 20% off. 

The Future of Twitter

Stephen Hackett wrote a short post last week about a couple of data points that make him worry about the future of Twitter. In addition to Stephen’s points, I’d add to the list a concern that Twitter is trying way too hard to turn itself into a Facebook-level revenue generator when, fundamentally, that’s just not the Twitter we all originally signed on for. It is this limited scope that makes me like Twitter, and the harder they try to become a huge ad-selling platform, the more turned off I get.

I’m not certain the service is doomed. This is probably wish-casting, but I believe Twitter could be more successful in the long run if it simply went back to he original vision.

Speaking of Passwords

SplashData released their list of top 100 worst passwords of 2018. “123456” tops the list and “password” is a close second. Take a look at the list and make sure you’re not making it easy for the hackers.

I happily use 1Password (full disclosure: sometimes an MPU sponsor) for this. There are plenty of password options out there. Just please use one of them. Digital security is under increasing threat. Don’t walk around with your fly down.

Hackers Now Sharing 773 Million Compromised Emails

Troy Hunt did some digital spelunking and found a group of shared files, “Collection #1,” with 773 million emails and passwords. Yikes!

I bang on about password security a lot; this is why. Read this article and check your email against the database to see if you are on the list. It doesn’t necessarily mean your current password is exposed (unless you never change it). My podcast listeners are already familiar with my practice of routinely changing all of my critical passwords every time we change the clock for daylight savings. If you are on the Pwned list, change yours today.

Focused 65: Hyperfocused with Chris Bailey



focused_artwork.png.jpeg


Author and productivity experimenter Chris Bailey is on this week’s episode of Focused to share ideas and strategies for getting your focus on.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • FreshBooks: Online invoicing made easy.

  • Hover: Celebrate Hover’s 10-year anniversary with awesome promotions for a limited time only.

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

Introductory Pricing Ending on OmniFocus and Siri Shortcuts Field Guides

When I announced the Siri Shortcuts and OmniFocus Field  Guides, I explained the introductory price of $24 would eventually go up to $29. That’s going to happen on January 27 so it is the last call if you want to get in on the entry price. 

The Siri Shortcuts Field Guide is getting a nice 1.1 update pretty soon. I’ve got hours of video shot that needs editing down and there is some more to follow. There is going to be both entry level and high-end content with the update. It’s nice to see how much Apple has improved Siri Shortcuts since it launched. 

The OmniFocus Field Guide is also getting an update to include, among other things, OmniFocus for the web. That is still several months off though.

Mac Power Users 466: John Gruber Returns



Mac Power Users Artwork.png


John Gruber of Daring Fireball and The Talk Show join Stephen and me on this week’s Mac Power Users’ episode for a discussion about writing and podcasting, WWDC, and what the future may hold for the iPad and Mac.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • Gazelle: Sell your iPhone for cash at Gazelle! 

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • eero: Never think about WiFi again. Get $100 off the ‘Eero base unit and 2 beacons package’, and a year of eero Plus.