Customizing the iPhone 15 Pro's Action Button, using 'Stop This Shortcut' and 'If' statements for conditional actions, segmenting the day and formatting dates, setting up automations with triggers, using focus mode automation, exploring the ultra button and its use with shortcuts, discussion on Toolbox Pro and automation.
Customizing the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro through focus modes allows for quick access to specific functions based on context.
Using the time of day as a context for the action button enables the creation of contextual actions such as playing music, sending reminders, and changing focus modes.
Customizing the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro using shortcuts and automation allows for personalized actions and menus beyond the default functions.
Deep dives
Using Focus Modes to Customize the Action Button
The podcast episode discusses using focus modes to customize the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro. The hosts explain how they have set up different actions and menus for each focus mode, allowing them to quickly access specific functions based on their current context. They provide examples such as opening apps, capturing thoughts, sending text messages, and even controlling smart home devices. The focus modes provide a convenient way to tailor the action button's functionality to different situations and tasks.
Creating Contextual Actions Based on Time of Day
The podcast episode also explores the possibility of creating contextual actions for the action button based on the time of day. The hosts explain how they have implemented this by using the 'Format Date' action in shortcuts to extract just the time and using that information to trigger specific actions. For example, they mention creating options for playing music, sending reminders for calendar events, changing focus modes, and even checking the battery status of other devices. By leveraging the time of day as a context, users can enhance the versatility of the action button.
Utilizing the Power of Shortcuts and Automation
In this episode, the hosts highlight the power of shortcuts and automation in customizing the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro. They emphasize the flexibility and creativity that this feature offers, allowing users to go beyond the default functions and incorporate personalized actions and menus. The podcast discusses using if statements, choose from menu actions, and stop shortcut connections to create dynamic and context-aware actions. The hosts share examples of how they have used the action button for various tasks, including capturing thoughts, controlling smart devices, checking print status, and much more.
Segmenting the Day and Using DataJAR
The podcast discusses the importance of segmenting the day into different time brackets and using DataJAR to manage these brackets effectively. By creating separate shortcuts for each time segment, such as morning, lunchtime, and evening, users can easily trigger specific actions based on their current focus mode and time of day. DataJAR is mentioned as a useful tool for storing and reusing these time brackets across multiple shortcuts, allowing for efficient management of different contexts.
Customizing Actions and Prioritizing Contexts
The podcast emphasizes the power of customizing actions based on different contexts, such as focus mode, location, and time of day. Users are encouraged to create simple shortcuts with sensible default settings and gradually expand their automation based on specific needs and preferences. By prioritizing contexts in the action button, users can ensure that the most relevant and useful actions appear first. The podcast also suggests using prompts in the action button to remind users of important tasks, and the importance of ordering checks based on priority within the shortcut.