Federico
AppStories Episode 414 - Assistive AI Automation Tools
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47:53
47:53
This week, Federico and John consider the differences between assistive and generative AI and cover the sort of automation tasks for which assistive AI is useful.
App Debuts
Scribe There are plenty of AI-based transcription apps on the App Store (believe me, I must have tried at least 10 different ones this week, and I barely scratched the surface), but how many of them use a plastic-wrapped CD as their whole aesthetic? Scribe does. The app does the same thing as dozens...
ChatGPT’s Last Mile Solution for Apple Frames: ImageMagick
Interesting Links
Microsoft has wanted to open a smartphone-based game store for years and finally got an opening earlier this year thanks to a court ruling against Google. Microsoft is ready to go, but Google got a reprieve this week from the judge in the case, who has given the company more time to comply with...
The Latest from Comfort Zone, Magic Rays of Light, and MacStories Unwind
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
Comfort Zone
“The gang has so much to be thankful for, including you, dear listeners. ❤️
Oh yeah, and they find new ways to listen to music before being revealing their absolute favorite Apple app.”
Magic Rays of Light
Sigmund and Devon discuss Steve McQueen’s Blitz, new Apple Original documentary Bread & Roses, and the first episode of Concert for One featuring an immersive performance by RAYE.
MacStories Unwind
This week, a Thanksgiving guessing game, neighborly pies, NotebookLM, the Infamous Cousin Dave’s emoji habits, and getting started with retro gaming.
The Future is Matte
Long ago, Apple made MacBook Pros with matte displays. But more than a decade ago Retina Displays were introduced, and the MacBook Pro’s matte finish was no longer offered. For years afterward, the MacBook Pro’s and every other Mac’s displays were glossy. That began to change with the introduction of the Pro Display XDR in...
Over 400 Indie Apps On Sale From Black Friday Through Cyber Monday→
It’s almost Black Friday, and Matt Corey gathered indie developers to organize an app sale that runs from November 29 to December 3rd, 2023. Corey, the maker of Bills to Budget, Signals for HomeKit, and other apps that are part of the sale, has put together a collection of over 400 apps that will be offered at a discount tomorrow and Wednesday. The list is too long to publish here but includes many we’ve covered here on MacStories and on Club MacStories in the past, including:
- Darkroom
- TextSniper
- Weather Up
- PastePal
- Lingon X
- PowerPhotos
- Plinky
- Sunlitt
- World Clock Widgets
- Dropshare
- Home Widget
- Bezel
- Everlog
- Screens
- Sequel
- Shareshot
- Taskheat
- Longplay
There are a lot of great deals, and many more than what’s listed above, so be sure to visit Indie App Sales for all the details and support these great indie apps.
The Latest from AppStories and Ruminate
Enjoy the latest episodes from MacStories’ family of podcasts:
AppStories
This week, John is joined by his NPC: Next Portable Console co-host Brendon Bigley for a conversation about Control Ultimate Edition coming to the Mac, Bluesky, a friendly interrogation about the apps and gear Brendon uses, and more.
On AppStories+, Brendon and John talk about videogame tracking apps and services.
This episode is sponsored by:
- Capacities – A novel approach to note-taking.
Ruminate
John and Robb consider the legal ramifications of telling people to drink McRib sauce, John nearly gets caught up in notebook hype, then they both discuss Sill, Bluesky, and cross-posting.
The Best Amazon Black Friday Gadget Deals, as Selected by the MacStories Team
There’s a lot on sale during Amazon’s weeklong Black Friday event. I’ve been combing through the deals and found some great gadget buys, which I’ve summarized below. For even more deals, Club MacStories+ and Premier members should visit our Black Friday Discord channel, where members are sharing the deals they find throughout the week, too.
Apple and Beats Hardware
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (32% off)
This isn’t quite the best deal I’ve seen on AirPods Pro 2, but it’s close. With Apple’s new hearing protection and assistance features, the AirPods Pro 2 are more capable than ever, so it’s a good time to refresh an aging pair or pick up your first.
Apple AirTag Four-Pack (26%)
I have AirTags on my luggage, on my backpack, and in my glasses cases. Amazon’s Black Friday deal is one of the lowest prices for a four-pack that I’ve seen.
Apple Watch Series 10 (18% off)
It’s wild to me that the Apple Watch Series 10 is already 18% off on Amazon, which is the best deal available since the wearable’s launch according to CamelCamelCamel. I’m sticking with my OG Apple Watch Ultra, but the Series 10 is tempting at this price.
Beats Solo 4 (50% off)
Beats is going all out for Black Friday with 50% off the Solo 4 headphones in various color. I haven’t used either model myself, but Devon recently reviewed the Beats Solo 4 in the Club MacStories Monthly Log. I’m a fan of the Beats Fit Pro, which I’ve been using for about a year whenever I run outdoors; unfortunately, the Fit Pro model isn’t on sale this week.