OmniFocus 4.3

This week The Omni Group released version 4.3 of OmniFocus with several nice improvements:

  • New Focus Filters: This version introduces device Focus Filters to customize visible app data based on the current Focus mode.
  • Enhanced Automation: A new Favorite Perspective shortcut and automation options for perspective displays using Siri commands or your device focus.
  • Apple Watch Improvements: Faster, more reliable syncing with paired iPhones, and automatic sync error resolution.

However, the thing that stands out for me with this release is that it is shipping simultaneously on Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro. I know The Omni Group took heat for the delay in getting to version 4 and rebuilding the app in SwiftUI, but that’s exactly why they can ship new features to all platforms on the same day.

Also, it’s not lost on me that I’m a bit biased.

The Bartender Fumble

So the news has come out recently that one of my favorite utilities, Bartender, got sold about three months ago. In the intervening period the new owner is reported to have added user-monitoring Amplitude, but has not announced itself as the new owner or explained their intentions for their stewardship of this damn-useful app.

Ben Surtees, the original developer and prior owner, posted vouching for the new owners, but the new owners still remain silent. This all said, in a past life I dealt often with business transitions and I know how hectic they sometimes get. I’m not running for the escape hatch yet. I’m giving them a week to explain. This isn’t necessarily hijinks, but at this point I believe us customers are entitled to an explanation from the new owners if they want us to keep supporting the app.

Unite 5 – Turn Web Apps into Supercharged macOS apps (Sponsor)

Unite 5 for macOS takes your web experience to the next level, transforming websites into feature-rich Mac apps. Powered by a completely redesigned WebKit browser, Unite 5 offers a more immersive and customizable browsing experience.

What sets Unite 5 apart? They’ve gone beyond just app conversion. Their new intricate link-forwarding rules give you unparalleled control over web interactions, making your web apps smarter and more integrated than ever before.

Some highlights of Unite 5:
Advanced Link-Forwarding: Navigate your web apps like a pro.
Revamped Browser Engine: Faster, more reliable, and tailored for macOS.
Enhanced Customization: More ways to make your web apps truly yours.

Create powerful web apps in seconds, such as:

  • A Gmail client that integrates seamlessly with macOS.
  • A resource-efficient Slack or Discord app with full notification support.
  • A dedicated AI app for ChatGPT or Claude.AI
  • A Robinhood or Figma app that feels native on your desktop.

MacSparky readers get an exclusive 20% off this week. Use the promo code ‘MacSparky’ at checkout or visit http://bzgapps.com/unitesparky.

Experience Unite 5 for yourself with a 14-day free trial, or access it as part of the Setapp subscription.

Focused 205: Tasks and Calendars

Join Mike and me on this episode of Focused where we consider our use of tasks and calendars and share our workflows for how we tie these two essential productivity tools together to get things done.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Nom Nom: Healthy, fresh food for dogs formulated by top Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists. Prepped in our kitchens with free delivery to your door. Get 50% off.
  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.
  • Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.