John Voorhees

5638 posts on MacStories since November 2015

John is MacStories' Managing Editor, has been writing about Apple and apps since joining the team in 2015, and today, runs the site alongside Federico. John also co-hosts four MacStories podcasts: AppStories, which covers the world of apps, MacStories Unwind, which explores the fun differences between American and Italian culture and recommends media to listeners, Ruminate, a show about the weird web and unusual snacks, and NPC: Next Portable Console, a show about the games we take with us.

Imagining the Perfect Research App

AppStories+ Deeper into the world of apps

AppStories Episode 165 - Imagining the Perfect Research App

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48:44

AppStories+ Deeper into the world of apps

This week, Federico and John, who have been spending too many of their waking hours investigating research apps on iPadOS and the Mac, discuss the features and approaches they’d like to see in an ideal research app or suite of apps.

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MacStories Unwind – MacStories Shortcuts Icons Updated, a New App for Music Nerds, and a Drafts Update

AppStories+ Deeper into the world of apps
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35:14

AppStories+ Deeper into the world of apps


This week on MacStories Unwind:

MacStories

Club MacStories

  • MacStories Weekly
    • NetNewsWire
    • Creating file launchers with GizmoPack and Shortcuts
    • Member shortcut requests answered
    • A research workflow using Instapaper, IFTTT, and Shortcuts
    • Safari tab controls in iPadOS
    • Q&A, links, and more

AppStories

Unwind Picks



Q&A

Question: I’m a long time user of PDF Expert on both iOS and Mac. While it works well for me, I tried Highlights after your strong recommendation. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with PDF Expert, but it seems to do everything Highlights does (most importantly, it can have a side by side window with...


App Debuts

Usage I recently came across this excellent iOS and iPadOS utility for checking the current usage of your device across metrics like CPU, memory, network activity, battery, and more. The app is a free download, but with an In-App Purchase you can compare your device specs to those of similar models, whether they’re older...


Apple to Release Tom Hanks WWII Drama on TV+

Initially slated for release by Sony next month, Apple has picked up a WWII navy drama starring Tom Hanks called Greyhound that will stream on the company’s TV+ service. The movie that Hanks wrote was originally scheduled for theatrical release next month by Sony Pictures on Father’s Day weekend in the US. Instead, the film will debut on TV+. There’s no word from Apple yet about when Greyhound will become available to its subscribers.

According to Deadline, which broke the story:

For Apple, this is further indication the company is becoming a major player in features, as this marks its biggest picture commitment. The Apple TV+ slate includes Beastie Boys Story, the docus Dads from director Bryce Dallas Howard and the Sundance acquisition Boys State as well as On the Rocks starring Bill Murray, Rashida Jones and directed by Sofia Coppola. Streaming now is 2019 Sundance Film Festival selections Hala and The Elephant Queen. The service also premiered the George Nolfi-directed The Banker, which stars Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson and Nia Long.

With the COVID-19 pandemic closing movie theaters worldwide, movie studios have released many smaller-budget films straight to video streaming services. However, those movies have primarily appeared on multiple streaming services simultaneously. Greyhound is unique because it’s a big-budget film featuring a big-name actor, which will be available to TV+ subscribers only.

With the economic pressures facing the movie studios, video streaming is poised to play an even larger role in the industry. By picking up Greyhound, Apple has made it clear that it intends to play a leading role in the film industry’s evolving future.

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Our iPadOS WWDC Wishes

AppStories+ Deeper into the world of apps

AppStories Episode 164 - Our iPadOS WWDC Wishes

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50:05

AppStories+ Deeper into the world of apps

This week, Federico and John share their wishes for iPadOS including audio source control, multitasking, external display support, Search, keyboard and trackpad support, and more.

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