Chris Bailey shares his unconventional tech stack: TextEdit for writing, SimpleNote for tasks, and printing research on paper. He also tried using an iPad mini as his phone to create friction with distraction.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

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• Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.

Guest Starring:

Chris Bailey

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Welcome - Chris Bailey

Intentional Book - Chris Bailey

Focused #247: Getting Intentional, with Chris Bailey - Relay

Chris's "chamferred" MacBook Pro

Fastmail

Sanebox

TextEdit - Wikipedia

Wispr Flow

WhisperType - Mac dictation app

Bear - Markdown Notes

Simplenote

Soulver 3 - Notepad Calculator App for Mac, iPad & iPhone

TripMode - Save data, browse faster

Freedom | Block Websites, Apps, and the Internet

Subtitle: …and Apple Creator Studio

After talking through the new Apple Creator Studio bundle, Stephen shares his notes with David after switching to the Apple Weather app for a month.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• 1Password: Never forget a password again.
• Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac.

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Productivity Field Guide 2026 (Pro Edition) | MacSparky Field Guides

Productivity Field Guide 2026 (Essentials Edition) | MacSparky Field Guides

Introducing Apple Creator Studio, an inspiring collection of creative apps - Apple

Apple Creator Studio - Apple

Apple Creator Studio Announced - 512 Pixels

BMW drops plan to charge a monthly fee for heated seats | The Verge

‎The Apple Weather App - App Store

Dashboard - 512 Pixels

Apple acquires popular weather app Dark Sky and will shut down the Android version | The Verge

Get Started with WeatherKit - Apple Developer

Daring Fireball: Twitter Clients Are a UI Design Playground

Weather User Guide for Mac - Apple Support

Check the weather on iPhone - Apple Support

Check the weather on Apple Watch - Apple Support

Manage weather notifications on iPhone - Apple Support

Use Weather widgets on iPhone - Apple Support

ForecastAdvisor

CARROT Weather

Mercury Weather

Hello Weather

From fancy pens to blank screens with a blinking cursor, there are more ways to write than ever. This week, the guys discuss several of them, weighing their pros and cons, and share how they get the words out.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.

Links and Show Notes:

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David Sparks' Newsletter

DEVONthink

Keep It

GoodLinks

Readwise Reader

OmniOutliner - The Omni Group

MindNode

Mac Power Users #82: Cooking Ideas - Relay

Grok Gleefully Makes Heinous Content, but Does Anyone With the Power to Change It Actually Care? - 512 Pixels

Wispr Flow

Rubber duck debugging - Wikipedia

Tot

Proofreading with the Claude API - Dr. Drang

Grammarly

Tot 2.0: A Thoughtful Extension of an Already Elegant Note-Taking App - MacStories

Drafts | Where Text Starts

Mac Power Users #639: Software Club: Greg Pierce and Drafts - Relay

iOS 26: Import and Export Markdown Files in Apple Notes - MacRumors

Use Quick Notes on iPhone - Apple Support

Daring Fireball: Markdown

iA Writer

Syntax Highlight – iA

iTextEditors by Brett Terpstra

Scrivener

Ulysses

Track changes in Pages on Mac - Apple Support

Bare Bones Software | BBEdit 15

Checking in on Podcast Notes – Six Colors

Obsidian

NotePlan

Contextual Computing with Vision Pro: My Writing Cabin - MacSparky

ProWritingAid

MarsEdit 5

Marked - The Ultimate Markdown Preview and Converter

Change a document’s page setup: pages or pageless - Google Docs

Our phones are constantly vying for our attention. This week, David and Stephen discuss strategies for managing notifications and regaining control.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• 1Password: Never forget a password again.
• Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac.

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How to turn Do Not Disturb on or off on your iPhone - Apple Support

Set up a Focus on iPhone - Apple Support

Allow or silence notifications for a Focus on iPhone - Apple Support

Turn on or schedule a Focus on iPhone - Apple Support

Change notification settings on iPhone - Apple Support

View and respond to notifications on iPhone - Apple Support

Summarize notifications and reduce interruptions with Apple Intelligence on iPhone - Apple Support

Manage iPhone notifications and Live Activities on Mac - Apple Support

Change notification settings on Apple Watch - Apple Support

Government, Emergency, and Enhanced Safety Alerts on iPhone - Apple Support

Amber alert - Wikipedia

With the year winding down, Stephen and David reflect on what went well in their tech stacks, touching on Apple silicon, the company's default apps, AI tools, home automation, and networking.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• 1Password: Never forget a password again.
• DEVONthink: Get Organized — Unleash Your Creativity. Get 10% off.
• Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac.

Links and Show Notes:

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Give the Gift of Relay

Final call for 20% off an annual membership to MPU!

Four Winners and Losers of Apple's 2025 - 512 Pixels

Apple announces Mac transition to Apple silicon - Apple

Add a user or group on Mac - Apple Support

Safely open apps on your Mac - Apple Support

Apple in China - by Patrick McGee

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way - MacRumors

Four Mac Studios as an AI Cluster - YouTube

The M3 Ultra Mac Studio for Local LLMs - MacStories

OmniFocus - The Omni Group

The Apple Productivity Suite Field Guide - MacSparky

iWork - Apple

MacWhisper

Voice Memos transcription on iPhone - Apple Support

OmniFocus-MCP - GitHub

Automating Project Creation with MCP and OmniFocus - MacSparky Labs on YouTube

Elsewhen

OpenAI Opens Up ChatGPT App Submissions to Developers - MacStories

Apple Music app now available on ChatGPT, here’s how to use it - 9to5Mac

Set up your HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV as a home hub - Apple Support

Aqara Presence Sensor FP2 - Amazon

iRobot files for bankruptcy | The Verge

iRobot’s bankruptcy isn’t the end — it’s a reboot, says CEO Gary Cohen | The Verge

Best Robot Vacuum and Mops & Robot Mops - eufy US

Mac Power Users #802: The Ubiquiti Universe - Relay

David and Stephen talk through their uses of Keyboard Maestro, diving deep into automation, text expansion, and more.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.
• DEVONthink: Get Organized — Unleash Your Creativity. Get 10% off.
• 1Password: Never forget a password again.

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This week's episode on YouTube

Keyboard Maestro Field Guide | MacSparky Field Guides

Use code "HEARTKM" for 20% until end of 2025.

Give the Gift of Relay

Keyboard Maestro

Keyboard Maestro Wiki

Keyboard Maestro Discourse

Triggers - Keyboard Maestro Wiki

Actions - Keyboard Maestro Wiki

Clipboards - Keyboard Maestro Wiki

Clipboard History Switcher - Keyboard Maestro Wiki

Tokens - Keyboard Maestro Wiki

Palettes - Keyboard Maestro Wiki

Found Image - Keyboard Maestro Wiki

KMLink | Elgato Marketplace

Moom

Stephen's Clean Money Script

On this feedback episode, the guys revisit the smart home, iPadOS 26, the lack of a big iMac, charging stations, and much more.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• 1Password: Never forget a password again.
• DEVONthink: Get Organized — Unleash Your Creativity. Get 10% off.
• Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac. Get a free month with code mpu.

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Give the Gift of Relay

YoLink Products - Longest Range, By Far!

Microsoft Surface Studio 2

Mountain App - Software - MPU Talk

Keyboard Maestro

Amazon.com: JOXIYECLTL 2032 Rechargeable Battery

Battery Daddy

Use HomePod or HomePod mini as an intercom - Apple Support

Review: Asus ProArt Display 6K - 9to5Mac

Amazon.com: ARK Uno Charging Stand

Bamboo Charging Station for Multiple Devices - Amazon

Anker Prime Charger 200W 6-Port GaN Charging Station - Amazon

OmniFocus - The Omni Group

Mac Power Users #756: Exploring NotePlan with David Roth - Relay

Field Notes

Plotter Notebooks

GoodTask

InstaRemind | Quickly create Apple Reminders

Day One to Journal Importer Shortcut for iOS & macOS 26 : r/appleJournal

Note: I did not have great luck with this Shortcut —Stephen

Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300

Smart Dimmers & Fan Switches | Caséta by Lutron

Eufy Outdoor Security Cameras

Add your car key to Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch - Apple Support

‘EV Play’ accessory promises to bring CarPlay and more to Rivian - 9to5Mac

EV Play for Rivian – FAQs – EV PLAY

Subtitle: iPhone, Apple TV, iCloud, Other Services, and the Ecosystem

The guys wrap up their review of Apple's 2025 with a look at the iPhone, Apple TV, iCloud, and Apple's other services. They then zoom out and look at the overall ecosystem.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.
• Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
• DEVONthink: Get Organized — Unleash Your Creativity. Get 10% off.

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Give the Gift of Relay

All annual plans are 20% off through the end of the year!

Mac Power Users #824: Life After iPadOS 26 - Relay

Mac Power Users #825: 2025 State of the Platforms (Part 1) - Relay

iPhone Heir to the Throne - 512 Pixels

iPhone Air review: Back to the future – Six Colors

Report: iPhone Air 2 is delayed until 2027 so Apple can add a second camera to it - 9to5Mac

iPhone 17 Pro review: Orange you glad you’ve gone Pro? – Six Colors

Mac Power Users #822: iPhone 17 Photography with Tyler Stalman - Relay

Apple responds to iPhone 17 Pro scratch and durability concerns - 9to5Mac

Set up eSIM on iPhone - Apple Support

Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone - Apple Support

Use the Camera Control on iPhone - Apple Support

Use and customize the Action button on iPhone - Apple Support

What’s new in iOS 26 - Apple Support

‎Widgetsmith - App Store

Here’s everything new for the Phone app in iOS 26 - 9to5Mac

CarPlay's Messages App for iOS 26 is Bad - 512 Pixels

So, Three Things - 512 Pixels

Apple Intelligence - Apple

John Giannandrea to retire from Apple - Apple

Apple's New Siri Will Be Powered By Google Gemini - MacRumors

iOS 26.1 Beta 4 Adds Liquid Glass Transparency Toggle - 512 Pixels

iOS 26.2 Lock Screen Gets Liquid Glass Slider - MacRumors

Apple University - Wikipedia

The iPhone Ultra - 512 Pixels

TV & Home - Apple

Apple TV+ to Apple TV Rebrand Now Official, Here's the New Intro - MacRumors

No Ad Tier for Apple TV 'At This Time,' According to Eddy Cue - MacRumors

The Original Apple TV - Quinn Nelson on YouTube

iCloud+ - Apple

iCloud Plans - Apple

Entertainment - Services - Apple

Apple One - Apple

The future of Apple Fitness+ is 'under review' amid reorganization: report - 9to5Mac

Apple introduces AppleCare One, streamlining coverage into a single plan - Apple

Android Quick Share can now work with iOS’s AirDrop - Google

Home app - Apple

Subtitle: Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro, and Audio Products

This week, Stephen and David start their annual tour of Apple's products, beginning with the Mac, then they consider the Apple Watch, the Vision Pro, and the company's lineup of audio products.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• DEVONthink: Get Organized — Unleash Your Creativity. Get 25% off this Black Friday.
• KRCS: Apple Premium Reseller. Get free next-working-day delivery.
• 1Password: Never forget a password again.

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Mac Power Users - YouTube

Give the Gift of Relay

All annual plans are 20% off until December 31!

Mac Power Users #824: Life After iPadOS 26 - Relay

Boring Is What We Wanted - 512 Pixels

Daring Fireball: 'Boring Is What We Wanted'

About that A18 Pro MacBook rumor… – Six Colors

12-inch MacBook - Wikipedia

The Great iMac Realignment - 512 Pixels

Apple Says There Won't Be a 27-Inch iMac With Apple Silicon - MacRumors

Docks and Hubs – CalDigit US Shop

Apple Productivity Suite Field Guide (Expert) | MacSparky Field Guides

Game Porting Toolkit - Games - Apple Developer

macOS Tahoe is the end of the line for Intel Macs - Engadget

Apple Users Are Keeping Their Devices for Longer as Upgrades Slow - MacRumors

Apple introduces Apple Watch SE 3 - Apple

Change your Apple Watch band - Apple Support

Apple Watch faces and their features - Apple Support

Apple Confirms Vision Pro is Not Eligible for Trade-In - MacRumors

Marco Arment: "It's time to uncheck this box..." - Mastodon

Logitech International - Introducing Logitech Muse for Apple Vision Pro

iPadOS 26 introduced a new windowing system, improved audio recording, and more robust background tasks, making the iPad feel more Mac-like than ever. This week, David and Stephen discuss a range of workflows that benefit from these changes.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• 1Password: Never forget a password again.
• Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac. Get one month free.
• KRCS: Apple Premium Reseller. Get free next-working-day delivery.

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Give the Gift of Relay

Mac Power Users - YouTube

Thoughts on iPadOS 26: Hello, It's Good to Be Back - MacStories

iPadOS 26 - Apple

iPad Keyboards - Apple

Apple Pencil - Apple

Turn Windowed Apps on or off on your iPad - Apple Support

Work with multiple windows at once on iPad - Apple Support

Organize windows with Stage Manager on iPad - Apple Support

iPadOS 26.2 beta 3 adds key upgrade to Slide Over and Split View - 9to5Mac

Record audio and video on iPad - Apple Support

Get started with Preview on iPad - Apple Support

The end of the year is nearly upon us, so the guys are back to share their gift ideas. Stephen then goes on to share a new life philosophy, only to learn that David is already a master of it.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.
• Soulver: Notepad, meet calculator. Enjoy a free 30-day no-commitment trial.

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Give the Gift of Relay - 20% off all annual memberships

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3

Llama on Goodlett : r/memphis

iPad mini - Apple

HomePod mini - Apple

Amazon.com: Hollyland Lark M2S Wireless Microphone with USB-C Plug

40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max - Apple

Apple in China - by Patrick McGee

Prompter | All-in-one Teleprompter | Elgato

Camera Compatibility Check — Elgato Prompter | Elgato

Stream Deck | Elgato

Insta360 Link - The AI-powered 4K webcam

MX Master 4 Wireless Mouse | Logitech

The Logitech MX Master 4 - 512 Pixels

Logitech MX Vertical Ergonomic Wireless Mouse

AirTag - Apple

Setapp | Powerful apps for Mac & iOS

Insta360 X5 - Flagship 8K 360º Action Camera

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 series - Wikipedia

Bambu Labs

Original Prusa MK4S

Ugmonk

Focused #204: Analog Productivity, with Jeff Sheldon - Relay

Field Notes

Keepbook – Studio Neat

Field Notes | American Tradesman Memo Book 3-Pack

Field Notes | National Parks

BeaverCraft Ladle Carving Set - Lee Valley Tools

Benchmade Custom Knives

Leatherman ARC Multi-tools

Mac Power Users #788: Travel Tech - Relay

Packing Cube | Peak Design Official Site

Roller Pro | Peak Design Official Site

Amazon.com: Battery Daddy Storage & Organizer Case

Toyo Toolbox

NOCO - Boost Jump Starters