

Mac Power Users
Relay
Learn about getting the most from your Apple technology with focused topics and workflow guests. Creating Mac Power Users since 2009, one conversation at a time. Hosted by David Sparks and Stephen Hackett.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 27, 2020 • 1h 29min
568: Looking Toward 2021
The hosts reflect on the unexpected achievements of Apple during 2020 and the shift to remote work. They discuss the Mac's resurgence as a productivity tool, emphasizing improvements in performance and reliability. Insights into the challenges of navigating software in macOS Big Sur and the push for a slower macOS release cycle emerge. Aspirations for enhanced note-taking apps and hardware innovations, including a potential hybrid iMac, highlight their hopes for 2021. The conversation wraps with anticipations for Apple Silicon advancements and a more integrated ecosystem.

Dec 20, 2020 • 1h 35min
567: The M1 Honeymoon Continues
Dive into a lively discussion about personal holiday traditions and Christmas trees. Discover the M1 Mac experience, highlighting battery life and performance upgrades. The hosts explore managing digital bookmarks and the woes of Apple Mail. They also share insights on memory choices in M1 systems, and cover the importance of privacy features. Additionally, learn about the latest improvements in productivity apps and the seamless integration of smart home technology. Don't miss personal anecdotes about tech repairs and community gaming adventures!

7 snips
Dec 13, 2020 • 1h 18min
566: Paperless Strikes Back
The hosts dive into the world of paperless tools and workflows, discussing the benefits of multimedia platforms and mobile scanning. They share insights on managing sensitive information with 1Password and the evolution of PDF management, emphasizing effective organization strategies. Personal stories illustrate the ease of maintaining a paperless office and navigating document management within cloud services. A behind-the-scenes look at producing a field guide reveals iterative processes and the importance of video content in enhancing user experience.

Dec 6, 2020 • 1h 35min
565: The 2020 Holiday Gift Guide
Join two tech enthusiasts as they share amusing tales of holiday preparations and their fascination with the year’s standout tech gifts. From the M1 Mac to innovative chargers, they provide recommendations to delight any gadget lover. Discover secrets for enhancing AirPods Pro and tips for mobile photography. They discuss the charm of the HomePod mini and explore unique gifts like the Day One app for preserving memories. Finally, they tap into the nostalgia of pop culture collectibles and the joy of meaningful giving, all wrapped in laughter.

9 snips
Nov 29, 2020 • 1h 34min
564: Taking Pictures and Enriching Lives with Austin Mann
Austin Mann, a renowned travel photographer known for his stunning mobile photography and insightful iPhone camera reviews, joins the discussion. He dives into the impressive features of the iPhone 12 Pro Max, spotlighting its low-light performance and advanced capabilities. Mann shares tips on silhouette photography and mastering exposure techniques, along with the revolutionary ProRAW feature that enhances creative control. He emphasizes the importance of daily practice, experimenting with settings, and connecting with subjects, inspiring listeners to elevate their iPhone photography skills.

Nov 22, 2020 • 2h 8min
563: macOS Big Sur
Discover the sleek redesign and new features of macOS Big Sur, including the excitement of the M1-powered MacBook Air. The hosts discuss compatibility issues, offering anecdotes on transitioning to newer hardware. Visual updates and user interface changes spark debates about usability and customization. Safari 14's innovations around performance and privacy take center stage, while enhancements to the Mac App Store and Mac Catalyst redefine app experiences. The transformative power of Apple Silicon is also spotlighted, signaling an exciting future for Mac users.

Nov 15, 2020 • 1h 47min
562: The First Apple Silicon Macs
Kurt Knight, Senior Director of Platform Product Marketing at Apple, shares insights on the revolutionary M1 chip and macOS Big Sur. He discusses the performance breakthroughs in the new Macs, highlighting the unified memory architecture and system-on-a-chip design. The conversation also delves into the challenges of running Windows on M1 devices and the exciting integration of iOS apps into macOS. Listeners will appreciate Knight's perspective on how this new era of Apple Silicon not only enhances user experience but also transforms app development.

Nov 8, 2020 • 1h 49min
561: iPad Check-In with Federico Viticci
Federico Viticci, Founder of MacStories, dives into the evolving capabilities of the iPad, sharing insights on its journey from a consumption device to a professional tool. He discusses the importance of user experience in app integration, particularly between touch and mouse inputs. The conversation highlights the practical use of the iPad Mini for media, the advantages of innovative accessories, and the challenges of multitasking. Federico offers thoughts on writing workflows and the future of automation, all while celebrating how these advancements reshape the Apple ecosystem.

12 snips
Nov 1, 2020 • 1h 57min
560: Workflows with Luc Beaudoin
Join Luc Beaudoin, a cognitive scientist and the mind behind the Hook app, as he shares insights on the intersection of technology and human cognition. He discusses how we gather and process data and reflects on his journey from psychology to cognitive productivity. The conversation dives into concepts like effectance and motivation, and Luc offers strategies to enhance efficiency with tools like Hook. Discover practical tips for mastering knowledge organization and the future of productivity apps that cater to creative professionals.

Oct 25, 2020 • 1h 41min
559: Research Apps
Dive into the world of research apps, where innovative tools like Roam Research and Notion are changing the game. Discover how these applications streamline information organization, enhance collaboration, and support unique workflows. Learn about the power of backlinking in apps like Obsidian, and see how efficient document management can elevate your research skills. With insights into app functionalities and pros and cons, this journey through digital tools equips you with the knowledge to boost your productivity.


