512 Pixels

Sponsor: The 2021 Digital Planner for iPad ⇢

From my Alma mater, The Sweet Setup, is the new 2021 Digital Planner built for the iPad.

Based on a proven system for clarity, margin, and focus.

Use the Planner to:

  • Get clear on the areas of life that matter most to you.
  • Make choices about how you will spend your time and energy each day.
  • Maintain margin and breathing room in your life.
  • Celebrate and recognize your progress.
  • Keep a manageable list of tasks (instead of an overflowing, overwhelming list).
  • Time block your day for maximum productivity and reduced stress.

Download now, and see for yourself. Comes with a 30-day, money-back guarantee.

Mac Power Users #566: Paperless Strikes Back ⇢

This week on MPU, David and I talk through paperless tools, apps, and workflows in 2020 as David has released his new Paperless Field Guide.

My thanks to our sponsors:

  • TextExpander from Smile: 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 from Smile.
  • 1Password: Have you ever forgotten a password? You don’t have to worry about that anymore.
  • The Intrazone by Microsoft SharePoint: Your bi-weekly conversation and interview podcast hosted by the SharePoint team
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to boost your job post.

On Using a Quadra 700 in 2020 ⇢

Chris Wilkinson, writing at Ars:

There’s something intangible about these old computers that makes them a pure joy to use, limitations and all. At its worst, the Quadra 700 is a vehicle for unbridled retro gaming and a fun nostalgic afternoon. At best, it’s potentially the clear frontrunner for some workflows, such as distraction-free writing and basic image retouching.

I would never go as far to say that the Quadra 700 should have a place on your desk. But step back, for just a moment, and appreciate these old computers for more than the sum of their parts. You may be surprised by what you find.

Unite 4 for Mac ⇢

My thanks to Unite 4 for sponsoring the site this week. It’s the best way that I have seen to turn any website into a lightweight, customizable app in mere seconds on your Mac. Unite 4 includes hundreds of new features and improvements. Go check it out.

Caviar Murdered an Apple I to Make $10,000 iPhone 12 Pros ⇢

Hartley Charlton with the bad news:

The custom iPhone 12 Pro is styled as a homage to the original Apple I, which was the first computer to be made by Apple. The custom casing features a back panel made of wood that resembles that used on the Apple I, a glossy titanium miniature monitor and keyboard buttons, Apple lettering in the style of the original, and most importantly, an exclusive fragment of the Apple I’s circuitry.

Update: Also the moon.

Apple Publishes Support Document on MagSafe Duo Charger ⇢

Some highlights:

  • Apple’s 29W USB-C power adapter is not compatible with the Duo Charger, as MacRumors notes.
  • The iPhone 12 mini charges at 12W, while the larger phones charge at 14W.
  • Apple says that “it is important to plug into a power source before placing your iPhone on the MagSafe Duo Charger,” so maximum power can be passed through the charger.

Additionally, there’s a bit about the device’s construction:

As with most soft materials, the covering of accessories might experience normal wear over time. The hinge area of your MagSafe Duo Charger might wrinkle over time if kept in the folded position. Leaving your MagSafe Duo Charger in a very hot environment (like the inside of a car on a hot day) in the folded position might lead to more visible, deeper wrinkles in that area. This doesn’t affect the functional performance of the accessory.

Federico Viticci picked one of these up, and spoke about it on this week’s episode of Connected if you want to hear more about it.

Apple’s Music Memos App Headed to the Great App Library in the Sky ⇢

Apple is encouraging users to use Voice Memos and GarageBand:

Use Voice Memos to quickly capture your ideas on your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch. And with GarageBand, you can take your recordings even further with powerful music creation tools.

The Music Memos app won’t be updated after Music Memos version 1.0.7, and you won’t be able to download it after March 1, 2021. If you have an iPhone with iOS 14 or an iPad with iPadOS 14, you can continue to use Music Memos. And if you’ve previously downloaded the app, you can still access it from your App Store purchase history. But you should export your Music Memos recordings to your Voice Memos library to make sure you keep all of your recordings.

Anyone out there surprised?

Connected #324: ???? CLASSIFIED ???? ⇢

This week on the show:

Stephen cleans out the follow-up folder, while Myke is reading Tumblr. Magnets, feelings and breathing are all discussed. Then, Federico dives into the AirPods Max announcement.

On Connected Pro, Ticci quizzes his cohosts, a specific style of furniture is discussed and the Showbot takes a nap.

My thanks to our sponsors:

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AirPods Max ⇢

The AirPods family has expanded to include over-the-ear headphones, powered by a set of H1 audio chips, wrapped in high-end materials:

From the canopy to the ear cushions, every part of AirPods Max is carefully crafted to provide exceptional acoustic performance for each user. The breathable knit mesh canopy, spanning the headband, is made to distribute weight and reduce on-head pressure. The stainless steel headband frame provides strength, flexibility, and comfort for a wide variety of head shapes and sizes. Telescoping headband arms smoothly extend and stay in place to maintain the desired fit.

Each ear cup attaches to the headband through a revolutionary mechanism that balances and distributes ear cup pressure, and allows it to independently pivot and rotate to fit the unique contours of a user’s head. Each ear cushion uses acoustically engineered memory foam to create an effective seal — a critical factor in delivering immersive sound. The Digital Crown, inspired by Apple Watch, offers precise volume control and the ability to play or pause audio, skip tracks, answer or end phone calls, and activate Siri.

Priced at $549, these are going to be too expensive for many, but if you want super fancy headphones with Apple magic, they’re finally here.