Smart home automation enhances convenience through integration of smart lights, robot vacuums, and garage door openers.
Shortcuts on the Mac, especially in image processing, provide quick action menus and increased productivity.
Lutron Caseta offers reliable smart lighting control with future integration possibilities for blinds.
Transitioning from iPad to Mac allows for video editing capabilities and convenient Mac features.
Deep dives
Finding convenience with smart home automation
Chris discusses his growing use of smart home automation and the convenience it brings, including the integration of smart lights, robot vacuums, and garage door openers.
Exploring shortcuts on the Mac
Chris highlights the benefits of using shortcuts on the Mac, mentioning the quick action menus and their usefulness, especially for image processing.
Lutron Caseta as a smart lighting solution
Chris expresses interest in using Lutron Caseta for smart lighting control, mentioning the reliability and future integration with blinds as factors influencing his decision.
The shift towards using the Mac for work
Chris shares his transition from primarily using the iPad for work to a more balanced usage between the iPad and the Mac, driven by the need for video editing capabilities and the convenience of certain Mac features.
Mechanical Keyboards and Macro Pads
The speaker talks about their interest in mechanical keyboards and macro pads. They share how they got into mechanical keyboards and the enjoyment they find in assembling and customizing them. They mention using keycron keyboards and the VIA software to reassign keys and program macros. The speaker also discusses the advantages of macro pads for running shortcuts and how they integrate them into their workflow. They briefly mention the Stream Deck and the potential of using BetterTouchTool to enhance its capabilities.
Ultimate Hacking Keyboard
The speaker mentions the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard as a keyboard they have considered buying but haven't committed to yet. They discuss the appeal of this keyboard with its modular design and programmability. They express an interest in the translucent keycap set that allows visibility of the RGB lights underneath the keys. They also mention the Apple keyboard's Touch ID feature and the possibility of 3D printing a housing to use the Touch ID button outside of the keyboard.
Stream Deck and BetterTouchTool
The speaker discusses the Stream Deck and Stream Deck Plus, including its ability to display visual representations of buttons to provide quick reference. They mention using it for tasks such as controlling streaming software and customizing folders of buttons for different purposes. They highlight the potential of using BetterTouchTool to expand the capabilities of Stream Deck and enable more interactions and automation possibilities.
Joining the Keyboard Community
The speaker encourages listeners to join the keyboard community and mentions the Relay FM Discord channel, where enthusiasts can share their keyboard experiences and seek advice. They emphasize the supportive and friendly nature of the keyboard community and recommend sharing budget constraints when seeking recommendations. They share their positive experience with the Keychron keyboards and express enthusiasm for exploring more options in the future.
Chris Lawley, YouTuber, nerd, and photographer joins David and Rosemary to talk about moving house and what that means for his smart home, as well as his journey back to the Mac.
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