Experimenting with Google Bard (MacSparky Labs)

I’ve been spending some time experimenting with Google Bard, Google’s competitor to ChatGPT. It got a few things right and a few things wrong, but this is an easy platform if you want to experiment with large language model artificial intelligence… This is a post for MacSparky Labs Level 3 (Early Access) and Level 2 (Backstage) Members only. Care to join? Or perhaps do you need to sign in?

Focused 175: The To-Don’t List

Join Mike and me on this episode of Focused as we get caught up on listener feedback. We discuss journaling data, power naps, and choosing the things you aren’t going to do.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • CleanMyMac X: Your Mac. As good as new. Get 5% off today.
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Mac Power Users 687: Revisiting Contacts and Calendars

Contacts and calendars are a constant for almost everyone. This week on Mac Power Users, Stephen and I revisit our setups, discuss alternatives to Apple’s first-party apps, and 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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Automators 125: AppleScript Events and more with James Thomson

In this episode of Automators, Rosemary and I are joined by creator of PCalc, Dice, and About by PCalc, James Thomson. We talk about James’ first implementations of automation in his apps, as well as what automations he is using now, and AppleScript versus Shortcuts.

This episode of Automators is sponsored by:

  • TextExpander: Your Shortcut to Efficient, Consistent Communication. Get 20% off.
  • Network to Code: Your Network Automation Strategy Begins with Data. Explore Nautobot now.
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Dark Noise 3.0

This week we got a nice update to my favorite white noise app, Dark Noise. I suffer from tinnitus, which means I hear a high pitch ringing in my ears constantly (in my case a minor third interval between my two ears). As such, I’ve nearly always got some background noise, whether it be a podcast, music, or some white noise. As such, Dark Noise may very well be the app I use most. (The thunderstorm is my favorite.)

The reason us nerds are such fans of Dark Noise is because it was the first app of this genre to really do it right with automation hooks, customizability, and tasteful design. This latest iteration ups the game with higher quality sounds and better features. The business model has also changed with a free version, which is probably enough for most people, and a subscription tier, Dark Noise Pro, with more sounds and features.

Users who purchased Dark Noise before the 3.0 update will have all current Dark Noise Pro features unlocked automatically. There may be features in the future that require Dark Noise Pro, but for now original users will get all of the same features Dark Noise Pro.

Whether you go with the free or paid version, in my opinion you’re getting the best background noise app available.