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…
Continue reading →Mac Power Users 784: Exploring AI & Productivity, with Michael Hyatt
Michael Hyatt returns to talk with Stephen and me on this episode of Mac Power Users about the various tools in ChatGPT, including the ability to build custom GPTs. Michael also shares about some of his other favorite AI-powered tools, and some of his…
Listen & read notes →The UK’s Encryption Backdoor and Apple’s Privacy Crossroads
For a long time, I felt it was only a matter of time before some nation called Apple’s bluff on iOS security and demanded a secret backdoor into user data. While the United States has made several threats over the years without following through,…
Continue reading →History of the Screen Saver
I fell down this delightful rabbit hole giving the full history of the screen saver. There is a lot more to those flying toasters than you’d think.
Continue reading →Focused 223: Solving the Actual Problem, with Ian Byrd
Ian Byrd is back on Focused to talk about flexibility, focus traps, and finding balance. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.
Listen & read notes →Simple Scan: From Documents to PDFs in Seconds (Sponsor)
Scanning apps on iOS have taken a turn for the worse. Many have become bloated with features. Monetization schemes have multiplied. That’s what Greg Pierce (maker of Drafts) realized when he wanted to scan a document to a PDF. The good news is that…
Continue reading →Thunderbolt 5 Devices
As Apple increasingly moves to Thunderbolt 5, some interesting devices are emerging that take advantage of this new interface. A couple that stand out, both from OWC: the OWC Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 Drive (in 2- and 4-terabyte capacity), the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub. There’s also the CalDigit…
Continue reading →