Dark Noise developer Charlie Chapman joins me on this episode of Automators to explain how he implemented automation in his application and how he uses Automation himself.
The Lab Report for September 20, 2024
In this week’s edition of The Lab Report: Today is the day! The new iPhone has arrived. Did you get yours today? Also: Apple Card rumored to go from one bank to another, more iPhone 16 features, and I share a timeless piano work from Claude Debussy.
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The New iPad Tab Bar
The new iPad Tab Bar hasn’t gotten much coverage but it could end up being a big deal. It’s a new iPad menu-type interface that falls somewhere between the Mac and the iPhone.… This is a post for MacSparky Labs Members. Care to join? Or perhaps you need to sign in?
iOS Security Features
There are quite a few important security features that were introduced with iOS 18:
Passwords App
Lock and Hide Applications
Contacts Access Limitations
Recorded Phone Call Notifications
Private Cloud Compute…
This is a post for the Early Access and Backstage MacSparky Labs Members. Care to join? Or perhaps you need to sign in?
The Lab Report for September 13, 2024
In this week’s episode of The Lab Report: details on the iPhone 16 line, all OS updates releasing on Monday September 16, software update to AirPods Pro 2 adds basic hearing aid functionality, and my Labs video on a useful app for finding and deleting duplicates on your Mac.
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Focused 212: Living the Llama Life, with Marie Ng
Llama Life founder Marie Ng joins Mike and me on this episode of Focused to talk about the relative time-boxing, the importance of systems, and eating your productivity vegetables.
This episode of Focused is sponsored by:
- Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.
- Vitally: A new era for customer success productivity. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting.
The Waterfield Shield Case for Vision Pro
When it comes to protecting my Vision Pro, the apt word for my approach is anal retentive. The thing is amazing, but also very delicate with expensive screens and the most cutting-edge tech Apple has to offer. So I am careful when moving it, I keep a little cover over the monitors when not in use, and I keep it in a secure bag.
The question I faced was, “What bag?” The Apple bag didn’t appeal to me. It seemed overpriced and oversized. I wanted something of equal quality but smaller. That’s what led me to the Waterfield Shield Case, a product that promises not only to safeguard your Vision Pro but to do so with style, durability, and a thoughtful design that makes it an ideal companion for anyone on the go.
Waterfield Designs, a company that does both design and production in San Francisco, is known for its thoughtful design and craftsmanship. I first bought a Waterfield bag at Macworld nearly two decades ago. I’ve since given that bag away but it is still in daily use and looks only better with the years on its leather.
Their Vision Pro case is no different, with ballistic nylon or waxed canvas variants, the materials feel premium and substantial. The ballistic nylon variant has that high-tech, no-nonsense vibe, while the waxed canvas option offers a more classic, timeless look that I prefer.
The Shield Case design is compact enough to fit into larger bags or be carried on its own, yet it’s spacious enough to hold the Vision Pro and its essential accessories. The exterior is designed to withstand the rigors of travel, with water-resistant materials and tough enough to handle the occasional bump or scrape.
The case features a semi-rigid shell that offers excellent protection without being overly bulky. It strikes a balance between being lightweight enough to carry around all day and sturdy enough to give you peace of mind that your Vision Pro is well-protected. The leather accents are probably not necessary, but they seem appropriate for this amazing Vision Pro.
As with all Waterfield products, the zippers and pockets are well-designed and executed. The main compartment has plush padding to cradle your Vision Pro, ensuring it stays scratch-free and secure. One of the standout features is the smart organization inside the case. There’s a dedicated slot for the Vision Pro itself, along with pockets for the charger, cables, and other small accessories. These pockets are strategically placed to prevent items from shifting around during transport, which is a thoughtful touch that frequent travelers will appreciate. There’s even a zippered pocket for storing more delicate items, like a cleaning cloth or extra lenses.
The interior is lined with soft material that feels gentle against the Vision Pro’s delicate components, yet durable enough to handle the wear and tear of regular use. The attention to detail is evident in the way the interior compartments are sized and positioned; there’s a place for everything, and everything has its place.
If you are on the road, this thing is sized for travel. It comes with a removable shoulder strap, allowing you to sling it over your shoulder or carry it by hand using the sturdy top handle. Whether you’re heading to the office, traveling across the country, or simply moving between rooms in your home, the Shield Case is ready to go wherever you go.
One of the things I appreciate most about the Shield Case is how it seamlessly integrates into my workflow. The case’s design makes it easy to pack and unpack my Vision Pro, and the organized interior means I’m not wasting time rummaging around for cables or accessories. Everything has its place, and that level of organization is something I really value, especially when I take my Vision Pro on the go.
I’ve been using the Shield Case for four months and there are no signs of wear. The zippers are as smooth as the day I got it, and the materials still look and feel as premium as ever. If you’re looking for a case worthy of your Vision Pro, check this one out.
The Clean Up Photos Feature in 18.1 Beta
The Apple Intelligence-driven Clean Up feature in Photos is simple and quite impressive. Here’s a demonstration, featuring my dog Ahsoka.
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Mac Power Users 762: It’s Glowtime
Apple’s September event brought new iPhones, updated AirPods, and a revised Apple Watch line. Stephen and I sort through the news and share our thoughts on this episode of Mac Power Users.
This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:
FOD Conversation with Dave Myhre
For this Friends of Dave conversation, David invited fellow Labs member Dave Myhre to demo how he uses the Snippets feature in Alfred to generate date-and-time calculations, among other uses.… This is a post for the Early Access and Backstage MacSparky Labs Members. Care to join? Or perhaps you need to sign in?