Mac Power Users

Join Mikah Sargent, a savvy podcaster and producer at TWiT, as he delves into the expansive world of HomeKit. He shares the platform's evolution, highlighting its journey from limited functionality to a full-fledged smart home control center. Discover essential accessories for seamless automation, like Philips Hue lighting and Eufy security cameras. Mikah also discusses integrating third-party apps for enhanced user experiences and bridging Nest devices with HomeKit using the Starling Home Hub. It's a comprehensive look at modern smart home tech!

David Metzger, an accomplished orchestrator and composer known for his work on hits like Frozen and The Avengers, shares his insights on modern music composition. He discusses his setup featuring multiple Macs and various music applications, emphasizing the crucial role of technology in enhancing creative workflow. Metzger delves into the art of film scoring, collaboration with directors, and the importance of live musicians, all while navigating the digital age's challenges and innovations in orchestration.

Discover the wonders of RSS, a tool that streamlines news and content consumption without the clutter of social media. The hosts share their favorite RSS apps, comparing their features and benefits, especially for Mac and iOS users. You'll hear about the resurgence of RSS, alternatives to discontinued services like Google Reader, and how to customize your experience. Plus, learn tips on organizing your feeds for maximum efficiency and how RSS can keep you updated effortlessly.

Brett Terpstra, a frequent guest known for his expertise in keyboard hacking and automation, shares insights on the Touch Bar and its utility with apps like BetterTouchTool. The conversation dives into mastering regular expressions for automation, enhancing text processing efficiency. Terpstra also discusses the transition to Apple Silicon, addressing compatibility challenges and the innovative uses of various software tools. Listeners are treated to a blend of tech tips and personal anecdotes, all wrapped in Brett's signature humor.

Discover the fascinating world of Markdown, a user-friendly markup language perfect for all writing needs. Dive into its evolution and why it's favored for its simplicity over rich text formats. Learn how Markdown enhances communication, from structured documents to adding hyperlinks and images. Explore innovations like MultiMarkdown, which expand its capabilities with tables and footnotes. Personal anecdotes share how Markdown streamlines workflows in everyday tasks, making it an invaluable tool for writers.

In this engaging discussion, guest Jim Metzendorf, an editor and audio expert with a rich background in music and photography, shares insights from his creative journey. He reflects on how technology has evolved in audio and photography, revealing personal equipment preferences and the nuances of podcast editing. Jim delves into essential audio recording tools and editing software, offering practical tips for novice podcasters. They also explore the balance between creativity and technicality, emphasizing the importance of maintaining audio quality.

Marty Sobo, a blind listener and expert in Apple's voice control and accessibility features, shares his insights on adapting technology after vision loss. He dives into the latest advancements in Apple's accessibility tools like VoiceOver, emphasizing their impact on daily living. The conversation also touches on challenges in remote tech support for older family members and the essential role of clear app labeling. Marty offers valuable tips for navigating the tech landscape and highlights the need for improved accessibility features in devices.

The Apple Watch has evolved significantly since its debut in 2014, transforming from a niche product to a fitness and communication essential. The hosts delve into the device's advancements in hardware, battery life, and app integration, emphasizing its role in personal health tracking. They also discuss the aesthetics of different materials and bands, as well as the challenges of watch face customization. Key third-party apps and their contributions to enhancing user experience are reviewed, showcasing the watch's growing significance in daily life.

Dive into the thriving world of note-taking apps as hosts explore various options, from simple text entries to sophisticated automation. Highlights include the evolution of Apple Notes and its user-friendly features, alongside the powerful capabilities of Drafts and the minimalist charm of Tot. The comparison of apps like Bear and OneNote showcases the strengths of each for different users. Discover innovative tools that enhance digital organization and productivity, making sense of the chaos in our digital lives!

David Smith, an independent iOS developer known for his innovative Apple Watch apps, shares his unique insights on the developer's journey during the summer. He discusses the transition to remote experiences during WWDC and the balance between accessibility and personal interaction. David dives into the excitement of building health apps, the rhythm of seasonal development, and how user feedback shapes his work. He also highlights the impact of sleep tracking updates on competition and creativity in app development.