The discussion kicks off with a look at the evolution of productivity apps over the years. They share favorites and must-haves for optimizing digital spaces, including task management tools and fitness apps. The challenges of customizing watch faces and efficient time management tools make for engaging exchanges. They also tackle the quirks of email apps and communication platforms. From the humorous frustrations of measurement conversions to highlighting the utility of AI tools, the episode is packed with insights that enhance everyday workflows.
Timelines is a helpful time tracking app that allows goal-setting and better organization, despite occasional syncing issues.
Spark remains the go-to email app for collaboration, but the user may consider exploring alternatives due to quirks and lacking features.
Notion has become the preferred project management tool for Cortex brand information and collaboration, despite initial hesitation.
The user admires Obsidian as a writing tool but expresses frustration with its limitations in collaboration and syncing.
Using AI-powered Chat GPT has been beneficial for the speaker in writing assistance and they are interested in an AI-powered email composition feature in Spark.
Deep dives
Different focus modes represented by different planets
The focus modes of the user are represented by different planets, such as Earth for open mode and sleep mode being associated with Mars.
generated title of the paragraph
generated body text of the paragraph
generated title of the paragraph
generated body text of the paragraph
Summary of Timelines
Timelines is an offline time tracking app that helps with intentional decision-making. It allows the user to set goals for tasks and categorize them for better organization. The app works well on both Mac and iPhone, although there are some syncing issues between the two. The developer's focus on providing a better time tracking experience aligns with the user's needs, making it a preferred choice.
Summary of Spark
Spark remains the primary email app for the user, despite some frustrations with the app's new features and design changes. The team sharing feature is the standout component of Spark, making it valuable for collaboration. However, the app still has quirks and issues, such as regular large updates, the absence of certain desired features, and occasional syncing problems between devices. In the future, the user may consider exploring other options or changing their email management approach.
Summary of Notion
After trying multiple project management tools over the course of the year, the user has settled on Notion. Initially skeptical of using Notion due to its feel and interface, the user now recognizes its power and versatility. Notion has become the go-to tool for Cortex brand information and collaboration. Despite the initial hesitation, the user now values the app's robust features and capabilities, prioritizing function over the initial aesthetic concerns.
Difficulty with Collaborating in Obsidian
The speaker discusses their experience with using Obsidian for writing and notes. They express frustration with not being able to easily collaborate with their assistant in the app due to limitations with sharing and syncing. The speaker explains that while they could use Dropbox to share a folder, it creates complications with the structure and cross-linking of their notes. The speaker acknowledges that collaboration might not be a priority for Obsidian and mentions the possibility of using the app's sync system in the future. Overall, they express their admiration for Obsidian as a writing tool, but highlight the challenge of collaborating within the app.
Using Chat GPT for Writing Assistance
The speaker shares their experience using Chat GPT for writing assistance, specifically in crafting longer and descriptive podcast episode descriptions. They explain that they first write a verbose draft of the description and then use Chat GPT to rewrite it in a style that matches their desired tone. The speaker finds this approach helpful in alleviating the challenges they face in concise writing and punctuation. They mention that using Chat GPT for email drafting could be beneficial and express interest in exploring an AI-powered email composition feature in the Spark email client. The speaker reflects on the increasing role of AI in their writing process throughout the year.
Home Pass: Organize and Manage Home Kit Codes Easily
Home Pass is an app that helps you keep track of all your Home Kit codes for your smart home devices. It allows you to store and categorize the codes, making it easy to find and use them when needed. You can also share and sync the codes with friends, making it convenient for everyone to access and control the devices. With Home Pass, you can eliminate the frustration of searching for codes or resetting devices and streamline the management of your smart home.
Clean Shot X: Enhance Your Screenshot Workflow
Clean Shot X is a powerful app that improves your screenshot workflow on the Mac. It allows you to easily capture, annotate, and share screenshots with a range of useful features. You can quickly mark up screenshots, add annotations and graphics, and instantly share them with others. Clean Shot X also offers convenient tools for organizing and managing your screenshots, making it a must-have app for anyone who frequently takes screenshots on their Mac.
Grey and Myke discuss the apps essential to their workflow over the past year. They showcase the tools that are pivotal for their productivity. They offer insights, share their favorites, and grant listeners an exclusive view of their varied home screens.
This episode of Cortex is sponsored by:
Memberful: Best-in-class membership software for independent creators, publishers, educators, podcasters, and more. Get started now, no credit card required.
Fitbod: Get stronger, faster with a fitness plan that fits you. Get 25% off your membership.
Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code CORTEX.
