I follow The Loop and a recent post caught my eye. It is a simple Shortcut automation that almost everyone can try and use. This automation detects when your iOS device is connected to a charger and speaks “Charging”. While this is a trivial automation I can see where it will be useful.
Sometimes when I place my iPhone on my W-18 Thunder Plus Qi charging pad it isn’t aligned correctly. This will give a good audio feedback that I have positioned it for charging.
Open Shortcuts app on your iPhone
Tap the Automation tab in the center of the bottom of the screen
Tap the + in the top right corner of the screen
Tap “Create Personal Automation”
Scroll to the bottom and tap “Charger”
Make sure “Is Connected” is selected
Tap “Next”
In the search field that appears (bottom of screen), type “Speak”. The action “Speak Text” should appear. Tap on it.
Tap the “Text” area and type some text to speak, like “Charging”
Tap “Next”
Tap to turn off “Ask Before Running”.
Tap “Done”
I followed these easy instructions and created the Shortcut on my iPhone8. I placed it on my charging pad and after a moment I heard my phone say “Charging”. If you want to start exploring Shortcuts, this is a great first project.
(See my other Space and iOS related posts) – If you are interested in space, particularly SpaceX, you might like the new iPhone wallpapers. The available wallpapers are:
I think my favorite is “SpaceX SAOCOM-1B launch with moon on a dark blue sky”. That is the one that I have set as my wallpaper. The two I included at the top of this post are close runners up. Visit the links above to see the full size wallpapers.
You might also want to visit the SpaceX Flickr site. There are larger format photos there. I really like the one shown above. I think it will become one of the wallpapers on my Mac.
I discovered these cool wallpapers on the iDownload Blog. If you visit their site they offer many different iPhone wallpapers.
macOS software is now being compiled in a large, cumulative table. Many titles were appearing repeatedly in this list. I think the directory will both take less time for me and provide users with a better way to discover Mac software.
The macOS Software directory is updated frequently and currently contains more than 710 entries. More than 230 of those entries are available for FREE download.
Please give me feedback if this expanded list is valuable to you.
This is NOT a curated list. All I know about these titles is what you see below. None have been tried or tested by me.
October 2020
Games – Independent developer Pixamo is today proud to announce the release and immediate availability of Pixel Pro Golf, its entertaining and easy-to-play arcade golf game for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. Pixel Pro Golf combines realistic physics with pixel-based retro gameplay, creating a zen-like experience that can be played anytime and anywhere. Pixel Pro Golf 1.0.2 is free and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category. Convenient in-app purchases are available to remove ads, unlock all courses, and unlock all equipment. Pixel Pro Golf 1.0.2
Education – The best selling algebra app for iOS, Algebra Touch, has unveiled a brand new logarithms manipulative in collaboration with teacher Bryan Bazilauskas. Logarithms are part of standardized curriculums across the country and are notoriously difficult to grasp. Most students squeak by and enter adulthood without fully understanding what they are. This new math manipulative demonstrates their fundamental relationship to exponents, and will help students even after passing their tests, especially in understanding graphs for world events. Algebra Touch 1.1 is Free (With In-App Purchases) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Education category. There’s two versions of Algebra Touch. One is free to try. The other is made to support Apple’s Schoolwork app, which allows teachers to assign remote activities to students and track their progress. Download from the App Store
Productivity – Nexcopy Inc., a leading provider of copy protection solution, is proud to announce the release and availability of Project Viewer 1.2.1, its copy protection solution for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. Nexcopy provides a security solution for those looking to share files on the iPhone and iPad and keep those files copy protected for unwanted distribution. Project Viewer 1.2.1 is a free download and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Productivity category. Contact Nexcopy for setting up the mobile copy protection management tools after downloading the Project Viewer application from the Apple App Store. Download from App Store
Utilities – Independent developer 359 North Inc. is proud to announce the release and availability of Saving Daylight, its new app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. Ever get in trouble for coming home after dark? Saving Daylight can help you avoid that troubling situation. Saving Daylight is free and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Utilities category. Download From the App Store
Photo & Video – Creaceed today releases Emulsio version 3.5, a major update to their video stabilization app for iPhone and iPad. Emulsio 3.5 adds a new video encoding pipeline that gives more advanced users full control on generated output video, a ‘Transcode’ extension as well as iOS 14 improvements. Emulsio 3.5 requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 13.0 or later. It can be freely downloaded on the App Store, and is localized in 14 languages. The stabilization can be tried out as well as video editing features. Pro Pack 2 offers support for 4K videos, improved correction of rolling shutter distortion including third-party sensor calibration, and removal of the watermark. It can be purchased within the app for $10.99/11,99 Euro. This update is free for existing users. Download from the App Store
Music – Independent developer, Georgios Trigonakis today is proud to announce the release of WidgeTunes 2.0, the new version of the successful Notification Center widget for iPhone. WidgeTunes 2.0 offers support for iOS 14 Home Screen Widgets. Listen easily to your favorite music with just a tap on your iPhone home screen. WidgeTunes 2.1.2 is available as free download worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Music category. The free version is limited to one widget profile, a pro version is available as an In-app purchase for only $1.99 USD (or an equivalent amount in other currencies). Download from the Apple Store
Games – Vertex Arts is proud to announce the release of Risky Wars 1.0.13, their exciting new Risk strategy game for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. Risky Wars 1.0.13 is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Games category. Download from App Store
Music – Independent developer Mike Clay announced today the release of PlayTally, a new app that lets users easily see the music they love most. It is his second Apple Music “expansion pack”, following popular smart playlist generator Miximum. Download from the App Store
macOS software is now being compiled in a large, cumulative table. Many titles were appearing repeatedly in this list. I think the directory will both take less time for me and provide users with a better way to discover Mac software.
The macOS Software directory is updated frequently and currently contains more than 700 entries. More than 230 of those entries are available for FREE download.
Please give me feedback if this expanded list is valuable to you.
This is NOT a curated list. All I know about these titles is what you see below. None have been tried or tested by me.
September 2020
Utilities – Ben Software today announced a major update of their iOS app for viewing and managing SecuritySpy CCTV systems. SecuritySpy is a video surveillance solution for macOS that turns any Mac into a CCTV recording station (NVR). With the iOS app, customers can use their iPhone or iPad to view live video and audio, play back captured footage, control Pan/Tilt/Zoom, and control recording, all from over a local network or over the Internet. The SecuritySpy iOS/tvOS app is a free download from Apple’s App Store that offers most of its features for free. To access the Multiplex and Browser features, there is an in-app purchase that costs GBP 4.99 (USD $6.99). This is a one-time payment that covers all devices linked to the same Apple ID account. A counterpart tvOS app is also available, which provides a similar viewing experience for Apple TV. Please note you will need a Mac running SecuritySpy to use this app. SecuritySpy itself can be trialled for 30 days before purchase, with no demo limitations whatsoever. Download from the App Store
Education – iThinkdiff today introduces Onedic Dictionary Translator for iPhone and iPad devices. Onedic Dictionary Translator supports over 30 languages including English, Arabic, Bangla, Hindi, Hebrew, Spanish, Tamil, Thai, Filipino, and more. This useful app helps to learn details of a word, a special translator that helps to translate long sentences and phrases, as well as helps to learn common phrases in foreign countries. Additionally, word of the day, phrase of the day, quotes and flashcard helps to learn words, phrases, and wisdom. Onedic Dictionary Translator 0.6 is Free (With In-App Purchases) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Education category. Download from the Aoo Store
Music – Independent developer, NOKKEUSI Inc. today is proud to announce the release and immediate availability of Chorus Lesson 1.0, its choral practice app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. The worldwide COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has put an end to group choir practice in many areas of the world. Chorus Lesson allows choral members to practice individually, while still being able to sing along with the other parts of the choir. Chorus Lesson 1.0 is free and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Music category. The app offers a 30-day free trial and can be unlocked following the trial for $3.99 USD (or an equivalent amount in other currencies) Download from App Store
macOS software is now being compiled in a large, cumulative table. Many titles were appearing repeatedly in this list. I think the directory will both take less time for me and provide users with a better way to discover Mac software.
The macOS Software directory is updated frequently and currently contains more than 680 entries. More than 230 of those entries are available for FREE download.
Please give me feedback if this expanded list is valuable to you.
This is NOT a curated list. All I know about these titles is what you see below. None have been tried or tested by me.
August 2020
Graphics & Design – One of the essential needs for businesses, brands, products, and websites is having a catchy logo. Unfortunately, having a logo done by professionals can be quite costly and take some time to complete. The good news is there’s a new solution that can help. Independent app developers, App Power recently celebrated the launch of Logo Maker – Logo Design App, a logo creation app that’s easy to use and produces logos in a flash. Both iOS and Android versions of Logo Maker – Logo Design App are available. The new app has been greeted with enthusiasm from happy users. Logo Maker – Logo Design App 4.1 is Freemium app and available worldwide on the Apple App Store. Download from the App Store
Photo & Video – Authentik, Inc. developers have launched a new app, Once Photos 1.2.3 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices, on July 22. To celebrate the launch, Authentik, Inc. is offering a one week free trial of the unlimited package to all users who download the app. Once Photos 1.2.3 is free and is available worldwide from the App Store in the Photo and Video category. Download From the App Store
Odessa, Ukraine – Xwavesoft today is happy to announce a Back-to-School sale on their entire range of macOS and iOS applications. Starting on August 31, all their applications on Mac and iOS App Stores will be offered at a 60% discount. The range consists of widely known applications, where the most effective productivity techniques are incorporated to help people maximize their time, avoid burnout, and get rid of procrastination.
Acknowledging the worldwide research about Work-Life balance, the Xwavesoft team are excited about the chance to help people manage their time more effectively, and easily align their daily routines in order to achieve better results. These apps increase personal productivity and helps to focus on things that really matter naturally organizing plans, projects, and ideas in a clear way for faster goal achievement.
* Be Focused Pro (Mac) – $4.99 (USD) – now $1.99 (USD)
* Be Focused Pro (iOS) – $1.99 (USD) – now $0.99 (USD)
*Focus Matrix (Mac) – $9.99 (USD) – now $3.99(USD)
* Focus Matrix (iOS)- $4.99 (USD) – now $1.99 (USD)
* Cloud Outliner (Mac) – $9.99 (USD) – now $3.99 (USD)
* Cloud Outliner (iOS) – $2.99(USD) – now $0.99 (USD)
* eXtra Voice Recorder (Mac) – $4.99 (USD) – now $1.99 (USD)
* eXtra Voice Recorder (iOS) – $1.99 (USD) – now $0.99 (USD)
* Chrono Plus (Mac) – $4.99 (USD) – now $1.99 (USD)
* Chrono Plus (iOS) – $1.99 (USD) – now $0.99 (USD)
* Daily Habits (iOS) – $2.99 (USD) – now $0.99(USD)
* Christmas Gift List (iOS) – $2.99 (USD) – now $0.99(USD)
* Guest List Organizer (Mac) – $9.99 (USD) – now $3.99 (USD)
* Guest List Organizer (iOS) – $4.99 (USD) – now $1.99 (USD)
* Top Contacts (Mac) – $9.99 (USD) – now $3.99 (USD)
* Top Contacts (iOS) – $4.99 (USD) – now $1.99 (USD)
* Magic Cutter (Mac) – $9.99 (USD) – now $3.99 (USD)
The discount in the Mac App Store and iOS App Store is valid from Monday, August 31 through Saturday, September 5.
macOS software is now being compiled in a large, cumulative table. Many titles were appearing repeatedly in this list. I think the directory will both take less time for me and provide users with a better way to discover Mac software.
The macOS Software directory is updated frequently and currently contains more than 630 entries. More than 220 of those entries are available for FREE download.
Please give me feedback if this expanded list is valuable to you.
This is NOT a curated list. All I know about these titles is what you see below. None have been tried or tested by me.
June 2020
Lifestyle – Azure Mir is proud to announce the release of SameSame, its connection app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. Every person has different thoughts. Because we are born as different beings, it is quite difficult to know and understand each other’s preferences. Some may like dogs, and another may like pineapple on pizza. SameSame is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Lifestyle category. Download From the App Store
Social Networking – The first release of iBlogger 3 is available now on the iOS App Store. iBlogger 3 has been completely redesigned to support native screen sizes on iPad for the first time, as well as on iPhone. This is an all-new implementation of iBlogger written from scratch in Apple’s Swift 5 programming language for iOS 13 for dramatically improved performance, stability, and security in the product. iBlogger 3 is a free download available worldwide exclusively through App Store for iPhone and iPad in the Social Networking category. After you download iBlogger, tap the ” ” button to add your first blog. iBlogger’s financial model has been modernized to a free download and a subscription offering via In-App Purchase. Download from the App Store
Games – Zwinzler Games is proud to announce the release of Make Ends Meet 1.2, a mobile puzzle game for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Android devices, set in the Roaring Twenties, complete with smooth jazz and sleazy businessmen. Each level involves a fun drawing mechanic, where you draw around the screen to collect enough colors to continue. And not only does the title of the game represent the message, it also represents the mechanic – make sure you make the ends of your drawing meet! Make Ends Meet 1.2 is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Games category in the App Store. Download From the App Store
Food & Drink – No sector is as competitive as the restaurant business. The coronavirus pandemic has forced many eateries to pull down their shutters. Y the Wait has introduced a “digital waiter” feature for restaurants for the post COVID world. Y the Wait 1.18 is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Food and Drink category. Download from App Store
Productivity – Sixbytes, a technology company focused on developing applications to improve sharing of files across multiple devices, has announced the launch of HibiDo update version 1.3.0, a new To-do list & Notes application that helps synchronize across all devices. Developed expressly to help improve your productivity, HibiDo offers a new and unique way to schedule your personal and work activities in the most efficient manner. Apart from scheduling personal activities and projects, one can also collaborate with their team to get tasks completed. HibiDo: To do list & Notes 1.3.1 is free and is available worldwide exclusivel through the App Store in the Productivity category. HibiDo: To do list & Notes 1.3.1
Social Networking – California based Lugelo Inc. has launched the Lugelo app for journal or daily diary writers. The social network-based website Lugelo lets their users write and share their daily life with their near and dear ones. Download from App Store
macOS software is now being compiled in a large, cumulative table. Many titles were appearing repeatedly in this list. I think the directory will both take less time for me and provide users with a better way to discover Mac software.
The macOS Software directory is updated frequently and currently contains more than 570 entries. More than 200 of those entries are available for FREE download.
Please give me feedback if this expanded list is valuable to you.
This is NOT a curated list. All I know about these titles is what you see below. None have been tried or tested by me.
May 2020
Utilities – Smartphones accompany us everywhere in daily life. Often the first item we grab in the morning and the last we put down before bed, today’s smartphones are constantly emitting damaging non-ionizing radiation from 4G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth signals. The research is clear, this overexposure hurts.Overexposure occurs in all facets of daily life as we navigate city centers, fitness centers, hotels, and more. Hundreds of signals from smartphones live in symbiosis with us at any given moment. MGT Alert, a revolutionary new application developed by Futurix Lab, seeks to empower individuals in the digital world, permitting them to monitor their exposure index under recommendations by the European Council’s Resolution 1815 and best practices from the ICNIRP-IEE. Mgt 9.1 is free, and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Utilities category.Mgt 9.1
Business – The COVID-19 outbreak is affecting the life of millions of people and businesses globally as countries are going on lockdown, and business operations are challenged. With more people working from home, avoiding going outside and looking for better solutions to improve their working efficiency, finding the right remote work tools has suddenly become very important. Fax from Phone – Easy Fax 1.0.1 is free and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Business category. Convenient in-app purchases are available. Fax from Phone – Easy Fax 1.0.1
Photo and Video – Whatever Apps development team is proud to announce the release of Instaz, “swipe only” photo editor for iPhone and iPad devices. The app makes editing images as simple as a swipe of a finger. The app’s built-in artificial intelligence analyzes each photo and automatically performs complex edits. It improves colors, composition and adds popular Instagram effects, such as frames, collages, dust, stickers and many others. Instaz is free and is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Photo and Video category. The free version has a limit of saving 1 edit per photo. Unlimited edit saves are available upon subscription purchase. Subscriptions are available as a convenient in-app purchase of $2.99 per month or $22 per year (A yearly subscription saves $14.00 USD). Instaz 1.5.3
Shopping – Oyes Labs is proud to announce the release of Shared Basket 2.5, their grocery shopping app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. Shared basket currently supports 8 US Grocery stores:
1. Walmart
2. Costco
3. Safeway
4. Target
5. 99 Ranch Market
6. Indian Grocery Stores (All generic Indian grocery stores)
7. Sprouts Farmers Market
8. Whole Foods
Shared Basket 2.5 is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Shopping category. Shared Basket 2.5
macOS software is now being compiled in a large, cumulative table. Many titles were appearing repeatedly in this list. I think the directory will both take less time for me and provide users with a better way to discover Mac software.
The macOS Software directory is updated frequently and currently contains more than 530 entries. More than 190 of those entries are available for FREE download.
Please give me feedback if this expanded list is valuable to you.
This is NOT a curated list. All I know about these titles is what you see below. None have been tried or tested by me.
April 2020
Social Networking – PeerModel, LLC today launched version 1.3 of its eponymous iOS app, an innovative fashion marketplace that matches people of similar builds in order to recommend clothing that fits. Users can browse fashion items, friend models, and tag items for purchase at an online retailer. The app’s built-in marketplace even allows users to sell their gently-used fashion items for extra cash. The underlying goal of the app is to help fashion consumers purchase the right size the first time, reducing online returns, shipping, and environmental waste. PeerModel 1.3.0 is Free and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Social Networking category. Download from the App Store
Utilities – Jordan Hipwell today released Plant Daddy, a simple and modern app that helps you care for your plants. The app is built with SwiftUI and includes modern features including dark mode, a customizable app icon, and iCloud sync. Plant Daddy is free and is available today exclusively on the App Store in the Utilities category for devices running iOS 13. It is free with an option to tip the developer. Download on the App Store
Graphics & Design – Pearapps is proud to introduce Content Creator 1.0.2, a brand new content creation tool for producing, creating, and sharing for the iPhone. Content Creator is a low effort way to create, produce, and share high-quality content for any need, right from your phone. Whether you want to create an invitation, a collage of a vacation, a square image for social media, text-based image, or anything else – Content Creator has you covered. Content Creator 1.0.2 is absolutely Free and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Graphics & Design category. Content Creator 1.0.2
Social Networking – California-based startup, Collabspace, Inc., has recently announced the launch of the latest version of its popular cross-platform collaboration app for social media content creators, Collabspace 2.5. Available in iOS and Android versions, the app enables thousands of online content creators, influencers, and freelancers to collaborate and keep their audiences growing around the world. Collabspace 2.5 is free and is available worldwide through the App Store in the Social Networking category. Pro and Elite subscriptions are available as a convenient in-app purchase. Download from the App Store
(See my other Tech Tips posts) – I have AirPods and use them every day. Being stuck at home ‘sheltering-in-place’ I have been using them on my iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
The described solution is to create a ‘Shortcut’ on your iPhone. When you open one of the designated Apps on your iPhone the Shortcut is triggered. The Shortcut will then connect your AirPods. I won’t repeat the detailed steps listed in the article. It is well written and easy to follow.
I have created that Shortcut (my first) and it seems to work well. You do have to have at least one of your AirPods in your ear. Wait until you hear the tone, then you can open the App on your iPhone.
John's Notes 