Fantastical: The Superhero of Calendar Apps (Sponsor)

I’m thrilled to once again have Flexibits and their fantastic calendar app as a MacSparky sponsor. I use Fantastical every day at MacSparky HQ, and I’m constantly blown away by how much it can do for me.

Some of my favorite features are the meeting setting and Zoom integration. Openings and Proposals links got a lot better and I can now add contact details in the URL link. Some more great Fantastical features:

  • Live Activities — for those of us with a Dynamic Island-equipped iPhone, seeing your upcoming Fantastical event in this prime spot is so handy, and you can get right to it with a tap.
  • The Quarter view was added to the Mini Window on Mac. This is my favorite view in Fantastical and one that I’m convinced they added just for me.

With iOS 17 came interactive widgets, including SmartStack and StandBy on iPhone. Fantastical was ready, and took advantage of these new features in September. I use widgets all the time. They also made the Apple Watch app so much nicer and easier to use.

I could go on and on…but I think you’re getting it: Fantastical has never been better, and if you’re wondering whether it’s right for you, head over there now and give it a spin! Managing your events, tasks, and meetings has never felt as good.

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.
  • Tailscale: Secure remote access to shared resources. Sign up today.

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.