Mac Power Users 743: The Current AI Moment

AI is suddenly everywhere, from online services and software to bespoke hardware products. On this episode of Mac Power Users, I take Stephen on a journey to talk about the tools I have found useful, as well as what is not yet ready for prime time.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • 1Password: Never forget a password again.
  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.
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Automators 153: Shortcuts Update with Matthew Cassinelli

Shortcuts guru Matthew Cassinelli joins Automators to discuss the state of shortcuts and some of his favorite automations.

This episode of Automators is sponsored by:

  • LinkedIn Jobs: Find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free today.
  • Computex: Grow your career, expand your business, and discover the infinite possibilities of technology. Register now or find out more info.

Apple’s Looming International Struggles

As I continue to follow news reports about the regulations arising from Europe and decreasing sales in China, in Q1 2024, Apple experienced a 25% year-over-year decrease. I can’t help but think that Apple has some heavy rowing ahead with respect to international markets. As governments are starting to take an active role in regulating smartphones and related technologies, Apple is increasingly under scrutiny.

I expect it’s only a question of time before some government demands that Apple give them a backdoor into user privacy as a condition of selling in their market. At that point, I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple just pulled out of that market. Indeed, I would expect it.

For years, smartphone (and social media) businesses were allowed to expand without regulation or oversight. It looks as if that is coming to an end.

Fixkey: Grammar Correction Anywhere with One Keystroke (Sponsor)

Grammar correction is, in my opinion, one task where AI shines. This week’s sponsor, Fixkey.ai, is an excellent implementation of grammar-correcting AI that you can use anywhere on your Mac. Fixkey is an app on your Mac that, with a single keystroke, will grab your text and check it against an artificial intelligence grammar checker. It can then rewrite an entire sentence, without you having to click on individual issues; it just fixes them. It can even show you what it’s changing. You don’t need to click on single words to correct them. Just trigger Fixkey and let it do its work.  

I’ve been using Fixkey for several months, and I’m impressed. I love that it works everywhere and gives me a way to quickly clean up and improve my writing. Its ubiquity is what really makes it work. Type anywhere on your Mac, and you have the Fixkey AI copilot at your back.

With Fixkey Pro, you can access all the new features, get 24-hour support, as well as unlimited use of AI models to translate many languages into English. You can even set up custom prompts. Best of all, the gang at Fixkey.ai will give you a 30% discount with coupon code MACSPARKY30.