The Utility of Lock Screen Widgets

As the iOS 16 betas have continued to march out of Cupertino, I increasingly see third-party app betas add support for the new feature. While I don’t want to disclose anyone’s secret betas, I can tell you that adding third-party widgets is a level-up improvement for the lock screen. Any app developers that want to share glanceable information should be looking into it.

However, I also don’t think any of us will really understand the utility of the new lock screen until we have always-on screens. As it is, when I glance at my iPhone on my desk (even on a charger), the screen is nearly always dark. There is a widely circulated rumor that the iPhone 14 Pro will remedy that with an always-on-screen. At that point, lock screen widgets get a lot more useful.

iOS 16 Beta 6

Today we got iOS 16 beta 6 (along with watchOS beta 6). At this point in the beta process, the updates are way more about bug fixes and way less about new features. You’ll also note that this is the point in the game where the iPhone will pull ahead of iPad and Mac in terms of priority. The entire world expects new iPhones next month and that’s half of Apple’s annual revenue. You can’t blame them for focusing in on that now.

Mac Power Users 653: Workflows with Chris Christensen

Chris Christensen is a web developer, writer, and traveler with roots in 90s Apple. This week on Mac Power Users, he joins Stephen and me to discuss his work, navigating the world, and a lot more.

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.
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Lab Report and Endor Studios Update (MacSparky Labs)

Yesterday I dropped the latest Lab Report podcast. If you’re not signed up for the Labs Podcast, you can do that here. Also, this week Endor Studios went vertical! Framing is largely done, and it suddenly all feels very real. I published a video this morning showing you the update…

This is a post for MacSparky Labs Members only. Care to join? Or perhaps do you need to sign in?

Take Your Business Out Of The Dark With Daylite (Sponsor)

For small businesses, it can be difficult to stay on top of clients, leads, and projects that are evolving every day. Here’s how Daylite can help supercharge your team to shine brighter, handle more clients, close more deals, and execute more projects. Designed for Mac, iPhone, and iPad exclusively. 

Daylite empowers small businesses by improving team efficiency and making collaboration easy—everything is organized, searchable, and accessible (even offline). You can easily access information and segment data tailored to your specific client’s history. You can manage and share everyone’s schedules, project status, and next steps. 

Seamless Apple Integration 

Daylite is the only Mac CRM and productivity app that integrates with Apple devices and most of the built-in Apple apps and features, like direct Apple Mail integration. You and your team can capture all email communication in one place and create opportunities, appointments, and tasks right from Apple Mail. 

Linking 

Its linking capability is what makes Daylite shine. You can link emails, notes, tasks, projects, appointments, and other records to existing contacts in Daylite. This enables teams to quickly and clearly view an organization’s structure and access the information they need in a unique way. 

CRM + Project Management 

Daylite’s productivity-focused design helps you and your team get more done throughout the full customer lifecycle. From meeting prospects and winning business to managing the moving pieces on projects, all the way through to following up on referrals and repeat business, it’s all done in Daylite.
If you live by the mac, you’ll love Daylite. Start your free 30-day Daylite trial today!

The CHIPS Act

The CHIPS Act is now law, injecting $52B into domestic chip production. Increasing US-based chip production is a swell idea. I wonder, however, if this act will actually accomplish that. I don’t write that trying to be clever. Building a domestic chip ecosystem is both important and extremely complex. Throwing some money at it may be a good start, but it is going to take more than that.

Mac Power Users 52: Where Does the iPad Fit?

Apple refers to the iPad as a magical pane of glass that becomes whatever you need of it. On this week’s Mac Power Users, Stephen and I discuss some apps and accessories that help the iPad reach that potential. 

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • 1Password: Have you ever forgotten a password? You don’t have to worry about that anymore. 
  • Electric: Unbury yourself from IT tasks. Get a free pair of Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones when you schedule a meeting.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code MPU at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
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To Help A Teacher

I haven’t said much lately about my oldest daughter, Samantha, but I’m immensely proud of her. In the last few months she completed her Masters in Education program and now is now about to launch her career as a high school teacher. She’ll be teaching Art and Art History at Hollywood High School. (Yup, that Hollywood.) The school hasn’t had an art/art history program in years, and she is building the program from the ground up. Those kids are going to be lucky to have Sam as their teacher.

One of the facts of life here in California is that most teachers buy a lot of their own supplies. Sam is starting from scratch, so we’ll be helping her gear up. If you feel generous and want to help a teacher, you can check out her classroom wish list here.