AppStories

Discover the intriguing world of design with a focus on apps embracing Apple’s Liquid Glass aesthetic. Highlights include Denim's stunning playlist editor, Locally AI's sleek model management features, and Longplay's creative album display. Federico and John explore Matter's exceptional reading experience and delve into automation with agentic browsers like Manus. They also review wellness app Gentler Streak's vibrant visuals and Todoist's thoughtful UI enhancements. Join their engaging conversation on innovative indie apps!

Discover the evolving landscape of the App Store as hosts dive into recent changes and the rise of mini apps, including fascinating AI integrations. They discuss the shift from one-time purchases to subscriptions, altering developer strategies and user experiences. The duo also explores how Web commerce was centralized by app ecosystems and the impact of design standardization with iOS updates. With venture capital flooding into AI categories, predictions of consolidation and the future of app development are buzzing with excitement!

This week explores exciting app and automation experiments as Federico and John delve into the challenges and innovations surrounding Claude Skills. They discuss the complexities of self-hosting AIs and highlight the impressive speed of Kimi K2 on Grok. John shares insights on using Bloom for efficient file management and revisits Superhuman for faster email workflows. Federico introduces Firecrawl as a top-notch web parser and outlines his automation strategies with Pushover and Notion. Don't miss their take on browser testing and the future of Shortcuts!

This week, the hosts dive into the nitty-gritty of digital decluttering. They discuss strategies for managing app overload and the nuances of cloud versus local backups. Frustrations with Backblaze lead to recommendations for Carbon Copy Cloner and SSDs for efficient backups. Tools like DaisyDisk and Hazel are highlighted for visualizing disk use and automating junk cleanup. The conversation wraps up with insights on personal file organization preferences and the balance between manual cleanup versus AI automation.

Explore the exciting world of AI browsers with a deep dive into advanced options like Comet and Atlas. Learn about the impact of Claude and Gemini on workflows, and hear a debate on the practicality of agent modes amid security concerns. The hosts share insights on creating a seamless user experience, fostering a debate on whether AI integration will redefine browser features. With predictions on agents evolving into essential tools, this discussion sheds light on the future of browsing and AI's role in it.

Explore whether the M5 iPad Pro truly supports local LLMs and gaming. Discover Apple's claims about a 3.5x performance boost, as the hosts dive into the technicalities of MLX. They highlight the current limitations of iPadOS for gaming, discussing why major titles like Cyberpunk are absent. Federico shares insights on gaming performance and the necessity for Apple to enhance compatibility. Finally, find out who should consider upgrading to the M5, weighing the real benefits against existing models.

Discover the exciting possibilities of Apple Intelligence as the hosts explore its role in the ever-evolving AI landscape. They dive into Apple's perceived lag in AI, discuss AI as a tool for enhancing productivity rather than replacing creativity, and examine the balance between deterministic and non-deterministic models. Key topics include the future integration of smarter Siri, specialized AI models tuned for Apple's services, and the potential paths Apple could take in the AI space, from web search integration to third-party collaborations.

Anticipations for Apple products in 2025 take center stage, as the hosts discuss upgrades like the M5 iPad Pro and a revamped Studio Display. Final Cut Pro for iPad could benefit from third-party plugin support, enhancing creator workflows. Exciting ideas for Apple TV include better Wi-Fi and game streaming. They also delve into improving AirTags for better indoor location tracking. The potential launch of an M5 MacBook Pro sparks speculation, while an official Thunderbolt 5 cable is highly requested.

Uncover the mysteries of Model Context Protocol (MCP) and how it connects AI to apps. Discover its client-server model and the difference between local and remote setups. Dive into security risks like prompt injection and data exfiltration. Learn about notable MCP integrations with services like Notion and Zapier. Explore unique use cases enhancing data portability, plus the evolving landscape across various LLMs. The future of MCP looks promising, though it currently skews toward desktop capabilities.

Dive into the latest with new Apple hardware, including the AirPods Pro 3, praised for their improved fit and active noise cancellation. Discover hands-on impressions of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, featuring a stunning deep blue finish and impressive camera upgrades. Explore watchOS 26's customizable smart stack and health tracking insights, while venturing into visionOS 26's capabilities and cable compatibilities for gaming setups. It's a tech enthusiast's dream with hardware discussions and usability tips galore!