Podcast Summary
Disk management tools for developers: Daisy Disk is a disk analysis tool for Mac users that helps identify large files and folders to free up disk space, while Marta is a file browser with a developer-friendly interface and efficient file management features
Staying productive and managing digital space effectively are crucial for developers. Two applications mentioned during the discussion that can help with this are Daisy Disk and Marta. Daisy Disk is a disk analysis tool for Mac users that allows users to quickly identify where their disk space is being used. It provides a visual representation of the disk usage and can help users free up space by identifying large files and folders. Daisy Disk is particularly useful for those with limited storage or for those who frequently run out of space. Marta is a file browser for macOS that offers a developer-friendly interface with good keyboard support and a built-in terminal. It is fully extendable and can be customized with themes. Marta's dual pane view and keyboard shortcuts make it a more efficient alternative to Finder for managing files. Both Daisy Disk and Marta are valuable tools for developers looking to increase productivity and manage their digital space more effectively. While Daisy Disk helps identify and free up disk space, Marta offers a more efficient way to manage files and navigate directories.
Mac applications for productivity and organization: Marta is a text editor with built-in themes, plug-in API, quick search, disk usage features, and terminal for developers. Easy Find is a powerful search tool for Mac users with features like Regex and fuzzy matching. Chikavka is a Polish open-source duplicate finder that works on various operating systems.
There are several useful applications mentioned during this discussion that can enhance productivity and organization for Mac users. The first application is a text editor called "Marta," which is similar to a DSL for modifying text and comes with built-in themes, a plug-in API, quick search, and disk usage features. The development of this app had stalled for a while but has recently resumed, and users are excited about its potential. Marta also has a terminal built in, making it a great tool for developers. Another application discussed was "Easy Find," which is a powerful search tool designed to help users find files more efficiently. It offers features like Regex and fuzzy matching, and users can create presets to search for specific types of files. Easy Find is especially useful for developers who deal with large numbers of files and struggle with Mac OS's search function. Lastly, a Polish open-source application called "Chikavka" was mentioned as a duplicate finder. It can search for and remove duplicate files across multiple locations and works on various operating systems. However, it requires significant computer resources and may not be the most user-friendly app. Overall, these applications can help Mac users streamline their workflows, find files more efficiently, and manage their digital content more effectively. While some of these tools may require a learning curve or additional steps to set up, the benefits they offer can make the effort worthwhile.
Automation and Backups: Automation and backups tools like Backblaze and Hazel save time, prevent data loss, and improve overall file management experience by automatically backing up files to the cloud and automating file organization and transfer to NAS drives based on specific rules.
Automation and backups are essential for managing digital files effectively. The speaker uses tools like Backblaze for cloud backups and Hazel for file automation on their Mac. Backblaze automatically backs up the entire hard drive to the cloud, while Hazel automates the organization and transfer of files to a NAS drive based on specific rules. These tools save time, prevent data loss, and improve the overall file management experience. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having multiple backups and remote backups for added security. They also mention the issue of Mac OS struggling to load large folders and recommend using AutoMounter to keep NAS drives permanently mounted for improved performance. Overall, these tools offer powerful solutions for managing and backing up digital files, making the process more efficient and less prone to errors.
Media file management automation: The speaker values automation and convenience in managing media files on their Mac, using scripts for converting and duplicating files, and preferring media players and open-source software for added functionality.
The speaker values automation and convenience when it comes to handling media files on their Mac. They use an automated script to convert and duplicate media files as they are saved, particularly WebP files which they feel Apple should provide better support for. The speaker also expressed frustration with the lack of quick view functionality for certain file types, such as .ts files, and their desire for a DVD menu interface in the browser. They mentioned their preference for media players like VLC and Ina, and their use of open-source software like Chikawa for media duplication. Additionally, they recommended Capture One as a Lightroom alternative for photographers and Enhancer for YouTube as a Chrome extension for additional YouTube features. Overall, the speaker's key takeaway is the importance of having efficient and convenient tools for managing media files on their Mac.
Customizations for Enhanced User Experience: Customizing software settings can significantly enhance the user experience for individuals with specific requirements, such as faster playback speeds for ADHD users. Examples include YouTube's 2X feature and TikTok's press-and-hold-to-speed-up function. Additionally, tools like Handbrake, MakeMKV, and Overkill help with media backup and Mac OS issue resolution.
Customizing software settings to suit individual needs can significantly enhance the user experience, especially for those with specific requirements like ADHD users who benefit from faster playback speeds. The YouTube player's 2X feature and the TikTok's press-and-hold-to-speed-up function are examples of such customizations. Additionally, software like Handbrake and MakeMKV are essential for backing up old media, but their interfaces could use improvement. Lastly, apps like Overkill for Mac help address specific Mac OS issues by automatically closing unwanted applications. Overall, these customizations and tools make media consumption and file management more efficient and enjoyable.
Mac preferences, Chrome extension: Speaker prefers Mac for its user experience and ease of fixing holes, recommends 'Search by Image' Chrome extension for finding image origins, and mentions EQ Mac for audio tone adjustment and Stats for cost-effective stats.
Despite the ongoing debate about which operating system is superior between Linux, Mac, and Windows, the speaker in the discussion expresses a preference for Mac due to its general user experience and the ease with which he can fix its holes. He also shared his enthusiasm for a specific Chrome extension called "Search by Image," which he finds incredibly useful for finding the origin of images. The extension works by opening tabs for every search result from multiple search engines, increasing the chances of finding the source of an image. The speaker also mentioned his admiration for a Mac app called EQ Mac, which allows users to adjust the tone of their audio outputs. Another utility mentioned was Stats, an open-source alternative to the expensive I-STAT menu, which the speaker recommends as a cost-effective option. Overall, the discussion highlighted the importance of finding tools and operating systems that cater to individual needs and preferences.
Open-source alternatives for macOS apps: Consider iStat Menus, ICE, Pear Cleaner, Bartender, and NuMe for free alternatives to popular paid macOS apps, offering similar functionalities for system statistics, managing files, and performing quick calculations.
There are several open-source alternatives to popular paid apps for macOS, providing similar functionalities at no cost. Among these, iStat Menus and ICE are mentioned for their ability to display system statistics, including CPU, GPU, memory, and network usage. Another alternative, Pear Cleaner, is recommended for managing orphaned files and identifying startup processes. The speaker also expresses a preference for Bartender for hiding menu bar apps, despite its recent sale to another company. Lastly, NuMe is introduced as a useful tool for performing quick calculations and conversions directly within VS Code. Overall, these open-source applications offer significant cost savings while delivering essential features, making them worth exploring before investing in paid alternatives.
Applications for designers and developers: Explore unique applications like BTM and SIP to monitor system processes and pick colors efficiently. Consider business models and personal needs when choosing between one-time payments and subscriptions.
There are several useful and unique applications that can significantly enhance productivity and streamline workflows for designers and developers. Two such applications mentioned in the discussion are BTM (Bottom), a rust-based command line utility for monitoring system processes, and SIP (Color Picker), a color picking tool with various export options and keyboard shortcuts. BTM is a cool, beautiful, and efficient alternative to the traditional top command, perfect for keeping on the screen as a server or background monitor. SIP, on the other hand, is a versatile color picker that can be bound to a keyboard shortcut and export colors in various formats, making it an essential tool for designers and developers who frequently work with different color spaces. Another important point raised in the discussion was the contrasting business models of these applications and the potential implications for users. While some applications offer a one-time payment for lifetime access and updates, others employ a subscription-based model. The preference for one model over the other depends on individual needs, budget, and the perceived value of updates and ongoing support. Overall, the discussion underscores the importance of exploring various applications and tools to find the ones that best fit your workflow and meet your specific needs. Whether you're a designer, developer, or both, there are numerous options available to help you work more efficiently and effectively.
Apple TV discoveries: Discovered unique content on Apple TV like 'Severance' and Wild Protein Chips, impressed by its diverse offerings and innovative technologies
Apple TV offers a wealth of unique and intriguing content, from documentaries about scams and cons to thought-provoking shows like "Severance." The recommendation from the speaker's wife, Tim from Next Jazz, led them to discover Apple TV and its diverse offerings. One such show is "Severance," where employees have a chip implanted in their brains that separates their work and personal memories. The show is slow-paced but smart and intense, with a great cast and cool aesthetics. Another discovery was the Wild Protein Chips, made of chicken breast, which are thin, crispy, and high in protein. The speaker was impressed with the website's design, which is built on Shopify Oxygen 2 and uses React and GSAP for animations. Overall, Apple TV and its discoveries, including "Severance" and Wild Protein Chips, have brought a breath of fresh air and excitement to their entertainment consumption.