Post Category → not-labs

Fix Your Photos with PowerPhotos 2.0 (Sponsor)

We’re heading into a new year, and I’m guessing over the holidays you took a few pictures. How’s your Photos library doing? If it’s anything like mine, it’s a mess right now. 

Did you know there is an app to help you out with that? PowerPhotos is here to the rescue.

PowerPhotos works with the built-in Photos app on your Mac, providing an array of tools to help you get your photo collection in order. Find and eliminate duplicate photos, split up your library into smaller ones, merge libraries together, open libraries in separate windows, export photos/albums, and more. 

Best of all, PowerPhotos 2.0 is now available! There are some great new features in version 2.0: 

– Convert your old iPhoto or Aperture library to an equivalent Photos library
– Advanced export of photos/albums
– Full support for iCloud Photos
– New visual duplicate detection engine library groups
– Global menu bar item
– Multiple windows 

PowerPhotos adds all the features to Photos that Apple never will. You can download PowerPhotos for free to check it out, and purchasing a license will unlock all the features of the program. MacSparky readers can get a 20% discount with the coupon code MACSPARKY23, and existing iPhoto Library Manager and PowerPhotos 1.0 users can also use their old serial number to receive upgrade pricing, 50% of the normal price.

So make the Photos app work harder for you with PowerPhotos 2.0. You can get it today.

Apple Licensing Data for its AI Training

The New York Times reports Apple is in negotiations to license published materials for training their generative AI model. This shouldn’t be a surprise. A few years ago, when image processing was the big thing, everyone thought Apple would fall behind because they weren’t collecting all our images for data processing. Then I saw Craig Federighi explain how Apple could get pictures of mountains and that they didn’t need mine.

This is similar to how Machine Learning requires a data set to train. Again, Apple is looking to buy data as opposed to setting its AI loose on the Internet. I really wish I had a better idea about what Apple is thinking to do with AI.

A Different Take on Apple and AI

William Gallagher is a pretty clever guy, and I enjoyed his take on Apple and AI over at AppleInsider. Based on Apple’s latest paper, they seem (unsurprisingly) interested in looking for ways to run Large Language Models (LLMs) on memory-constrained local devices. In other words, AI without the cloud. We saw this a few years ago with image processing. Apple wants to have the tools while preserving user privacy. Just from speaking to Labs members in privacy-conscious businesses, I expect this will be very popular if it works.

Mac Power Users 724: Catching up with Mikah Sargent

Mikah Sargent returns to Mac Power Users to update us on his Apple hardware, talk about how he prepares for his various audio and video podcasts, and help explain what’s going on with the Matter smart home standard.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • 1Password: Never forget a password again.
  • Things: Now updated for Apple’s new operating systems. Try it today.
  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.

Get Your 2024 Focused Wall Calendar (There’s Still Time)

Focused 2024 Wall Calendar

There are a few days left in 2023, so why not get your Focused 2024 wall calendar today?

I’ve had mine for a while now and it looks great. This calendar puts your entire year on the wall so you can see how you’re doing and when you’re busy. I’ve been using them for years, and I find them an excellent way to control the flow of my year.

It’s also been nice for my wife to come into Endor Studios and look at the calendar to see at a glance when I’m available. This would be an excellent tool for anybody working at home or with a team.

We’ve put a lot of work into the design of this calendar over the years, and it’s both functional and attractive.

I always mount mine on foam in the vertical orientation and hang it on the wall.

You can get yours now.

Focused 193: The Problem with Mise en Place, with Justin Khanna

Chef, creator, and entrepreneur Justin Khanna joins Mike and me on this episode of Focused to share focus lessons from the culinary world.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Factor: Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door.

Mac Power Users 723: State of the Platforms (December 2023)

2023 proved to be very busy for Apple, with updated hardware and software shipping, as well as a look at an entirely new platform coming early next year in the form of visionOS. This week on Mac Power Users, Stephen and I take a survey of the company’s year.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • TextExpander: 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.
  • Electric: Unbury yourself from IT tasks. Get a free pair of Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones when you schedule a meeting.
  • NetSuite: The leading integrated cloud business software suite. Download NetSuite’s popular KPI Checklist, designed to give you consistently excellent performance.