Table Flip

A few weeks ago indie developer Christian Tietze released a new app called Table Flip that simplifies the process of making tables in Markdown. A few days ago I was working on a project where I had an excuse to use the app and it’s great. Table Flip replaces a poorly written script I was using to make Markdown tables that felt like it was held together by rubber bands and scotch tape. Now I use Table Flip. My only gripe is the text size, which is too small. I understand that’s getting fixed soon.

I know that Markdown, by its very nature, shouldn’t require an app to create but for those of us on deadlines, having apps like Table Flip and Marked sure helps.

Siri vs. Google Assistant

The below MKBHD video compares Siri and Google Assistant. It’s interesting to see how Apple and Google are approaching several common-type questions to their digital assistants. My overall impression is that they are pretty close except Google is better at follow-up questions. Apple needs to work on that. I think Google pushing the envelope with their own digital assistant is going to be great for Siri users. Apple’s at its best when there’s healthy competition. 

This is one of those emerging areas of technology that will be fascinating to watch.

October 27 Mac Event – It’s Official

Since posting this morning Apple made it official announcing its “Hello Again” event. As Stephen Hackett explains, the “Hello Again” moniker has been used before to announce new Macs. I expect the reason we’re getting it here is the much rumored newly designed MacBook Pro. I know a lot of people that have been waiting to upgrade their MacBook Pros. I suspect they’ll be happy next week. 

New Macs Next Week?

Except for the MacBook, the entire Mac line is overdue for an update. We’ve been hearing rumors about new MacBook Pros and other goodies now for close to a year but suddenly things seem to be happening. Recode reports that Apple’s going to have an event on October 27 where, among other things, new MacBook Pros get released. I’d not be surprised if the iMac, MacBook Air, and even Mac Pro  get updates as well. Either way, if you were thinking about buying a Mac this week, put your wallet back in your pocket and wait until the 27th. If that event happens, I’d guess the Air Pods will go on sale that day too. I really like those Air Pods.

Whither Apple Car?

Once again Mark Gurman delivers an Apple scoop, this time explaining that Apple’s automobile plans are getting scaled-back. There have been rumors for some time now about layoffs on Apple’s car project. Some day there will be some great stories about the early days and revisions to this project. I imagine there are a lot of reasons why Apple has backed off on its never-announced car project but I’m certain that at least one of them would be the tremendous amount of attention it would take (away from Apple’s other products) to launch such a thing. I also can’t help but think that it’s too early for Apple to get into the car game. Everything is turning over right now and the laws haven’t even been written yet for self-driving cars. Apple usually shows up after the market has had awhile to mature and they can see a way they can improve upon existing products.

 

Sponsor – MindNode for Delightful Mind Mapping

This week MacSparky is sponsored by MindNode. By now you’ve probably heard repeatedly how useful mind mapping can be to help you brainstorm and organize your thoughts. The trouble is, mind mapping applications are–as a breed–generally frustrating and complicated.

That’s not the case with MindNode. MindNode has a simple, easy to use interface that makes creating mind maps a breeze. It uses iCloud to sync your data across all of its platforms so you can use the application on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. I love using MindNode to brainstorm. When I’m getting ready to start a new book or presentation, I create a mind map for in MindNode. Then, as ideas come to me I constantly update the mind map, whether I’m sitting at my desk with my iMac or taking a walk with my iPhone. You’d be amazed at how many problems your subconscious mind can solve if you keep a mind map to hold your ideas as they percolate to the surface. This little practice is super-useful and anyone can do it.

Why don’t you turn MindNode into your own secret weapon? Head over to MindNode.com to learn more. They’ve even got a series of videos (by yours truly) that walk you through the basics of creating mind maps with MindNode. Below is the introductory video just to whet your appetite. Thank you MindNode for supporting MacSparky.


MPU 345 – iCloud vs. Dropbox for File Storage

Starting in March I began running experiments with using iCloud vs. Dropbox for cloud-based file storage. This week’s episode of Mac Power Users reports in my findings. We’re also joined by David Chartier, who recently switched from Dropbox to iCloud. I could tell you which service I ultimately chose but where’s the drama in that?

Sponsors include:

  • TextExpander from Smile Type more with less effort! Expand short abbreviations into longer bits of text, even fill-ins, with TextExpander from Smile.
  • Fracture Bring your photos to life.
  • Casper: Because everyone deserves a great night sleep. Get $50 off with the code ‘MPU’
  • Squarespace: Enter offer code MPU at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.