The iPhone 16e launch last week came with an understated but significant advancement: Apple’s new C1 communications chip. This custom silicon represents years of development, finally replacing the Qualcomm modem that has powered iPhone communications for generations. For Apple, this marks another crucial step…
Continue reading →Mac Power Users 785: First of All, I’m David Sparks
On this episode of Mac Power Users, Stephen and I talk about failed purchase migrations, talk more about notifications, experience the power of old-school blogging, and discuss something new in the Sparks driveway. This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by: 1Password: Never forget a…
Listen & read notes →Apple Disables Advanced Data Protection in the UK
In another chapter of its ongoing battle with the UK government, Apple has pulled the plug on Advanced Data Protection for UK customers. In a statement, Apple explained, “We are gravely disappointed that the protections provided by ADP will not be available to our…
Continue reading →Knitting Your Parachute
At a recent MacSparky Labs event, a few folks started asking about career change—how to do it, when to think about it, and what it feels like to make a big shift. The questions hit home for me because, as many of you know,…
Continue reading →Streamline Your Business with Daylite: The All-in-One CRM Built for Apple Users
Transform how you run your business with Daylite – the native CRM and business management platform crafted exclusively for the Apple ecosystem. Whether at your Mac or iPhone and iPad, Daylite brings your client relationships, sales pipeline, and projects together in one elegant solution.…
Continue reading →Read Like an Artist
Austin Kleon, author of “Steal Like an Artist,” has an energy about him that I find utterly irresistible. Recently, he put together a short zine called “Read Like an Artist” that was distributed at bookstores across the country. Austin, being Austin, is also sharing…
Continue reading →Stephen Hackett’s Now Page
Several months ago, I started an experiment by publishing a “Now” page here at MacSparky. (Hat tip to Derek Sivers for the idea.) It’s my version of social media. I update you on projects, both personal and professional, and weigh in on earth-shattering topics like…
Continue reading →NotebookLM Plus
One of my most successful experiments with artificial intelligence has been with Google’s NotebookLM product. While preparing the update to the Productivity Field Guide, I fed it everything from the prior version, plus transcripts from about 50 videos I recorded, as well as twelve webinars.…
Continue reading →Apple’s Luxo
If you’ve ever watched a Pixar movie, you’re familiar with that cute little table lamp that bounces onto the screen as part of the Pixar logo. Given the extensive cross-pollination between Pixar and Apple, it doesn’t surprise me in the least that the Apple…
Continue reading →Amazon is Tightening the Screws on Kindle Books
Amazon is set to disable the “Download & Transfer via USB” feature for e-books starting February 26, 2025. You can get the full scoop at The Verge. If you feel like buying an ebook should include the ability to download said ebook, it’s time…
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