Tim Stringer, an OmniFocus expert and founder of Learn OmniFocus, shares insights on how to enhance productivity using Apple devices. He discusses the upcoming OmniFocus 4 and its new features, including automation capabilities with AppleScript and plugins. Tim also emphasizes the importance of personal productivity versus team collaboration and how to navigate task overload. Additionally, he reveals his journey in developing a community-focused learning platform, underscoring the significance of structured workflows in achieving personal transformation.
Learn OmniFocus was created based on the founder's personal experience with cancer, emphasizing the importance of productivity and support for users.
Web-based automation offers convenience and peace of mind by automating tasks in Learn OmniFocus and enhancing functionality within OmniFocus.
OmniFocus 4, with its beta testing phase, exceeds expectations with a more mature feel and potential for seamless user experience.
Notable plugins for OmniFocus, such as 'Templates for OmniFocus' and 'Task Date Controls,' enhance functionality and ensure efficient tag management.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Learn OmniFocus
This podcast episode explores the journey and growth of Learn OmniFocus, a platform that teaches productivity skills and focuses on using OmniFocus. The founder, Tim Stringer, shares how his personal experience with cancer led him to discover the power of productivity and inspired him to create Learn OmniFocus. He discusses the international community formed around the platform and emphasizes the importance of providing guidance and support for users.
The Power of Web-Based Automation
Tim highlights the benefits of web-based automation and the use of platforms like Zapier. He describes how automating certain tasks in Learn OmniFocus, such as payment reminders and order notifications, brings convenience and peace of mind. He also mentions the versatility of automation within OmniFocus, enabling users to double-click file plugins and enhance functionality. Tim encourages users to explore the potential of web-based automation and embrace the possibilities it offers.
OmniFocus 4 Beta and SwiftUI
The conversation delves into the upcoming launch of OmniFocus 4 and its beta testing phase. Tim shares his experience with the beta version of the app, noting that it has a more mature feel with features that exceed expectations. He acknowledges the use of SwiftUI in OmniFocus 4 and its potential to provide a seamless and consistent user experience across all platforms. Tim also mentions the continued scriptability of OmniFocus, allowing users to leverage AppleScript, shortcuts, and Omni Automation.
Notable OmniFocus Plugins
Tim highlights a few notable plugins for OmniFocus that enhance its functionality. He mentions Caitlin Salski's 'Templates for OmniFocus,' which allows users to easily create and customize project templates within the app. Another plugin he mentions is 'Task Date Controls' by Christian Bryant, which facilitates date manipulation with keyboard shortcuts. He also touches upon Josh Hughes' plugins for toggling and generating tags, ensuring efficient tag management within OmniFocus.
Managing YouTube videos with RSS and Play
One of the recommendations is to use an RSS reader, such as Inoreader, to subscribe to YouTube channels. This allows users to gather all the videos from their favorite channels in one place, eliminating the overwhelm of YouTube's watch later list. Play, a browser app, can then be used to create playlists for YouTube videos, providing a more intentional and organized way to manage the video queue.
Using Arc as an Alternative Browser
Arc is a chromium-based browser that offers a unique browsing experience. It takes an opinionated approach to web browsing, especially with its sidebar placement for tabs. While not the primary browser, Arc is useful for running web apps and YouTube watching. The OpenIn app can be used to redirect requests from other apps to open in Arc, making the transition seamless.
Improving Writing with Grammarly Desktop
Grammarly Desktop, even though historically known for its performance issues compared to the web version, can improve writing by being accessed through a Finder keyboard maestro script. This allows users to easily check grammar and style suggestions for emails and other content without the need to copy and paste it into the web version. By quitting the Grammarly app and activating it only when needed, it minimizes interference during the writing process.
OmniFocus expert Tim Stringer drops by the show to catch David and Stephen up on his businesses, his use of multiple Macs and how OmniFocus 4 is shaping up while in beta.
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