JustCast - Your Personal Podcast Feed

JustCast from Josh Chen on Vimeo.

As you know I'm a huge podcast listener. I subscribe to over 40 podcasts and use a variety of tools to get the job done. A few months ago I discovered HuffDuffer which allows me to add a variety of podcasts to my own personal feed without the need for me to actually subscribe to that podcast. It uses a handy browser extension that detects if an audio source is present on the page and allows you to add it to your HuffDuffer account. Your podcast app will pull that HuffDuff in for easy listening.

The point of this post is to introduce a free service I discovered the other day which complements HuffDuffer but also fills a hole that HuffDuffer leaves and that I had in my music listening workflow. I download a lot of free mixes off the internet, most of them being large files that are at least an hour long. Since these are typically listened too and not saved for future listening I wanted a way to get these into my iPhone without the need to tag and add them to iTunes permanently. 

Enter JustCast

JustCast uses your Dropbox account to create your own personal podcast RSS feed from the files that it monitors in the folder it creates when you connect the accounts together. The process is simple. 

Simply sign up. You have the option to go with a free account which will limit your feed to three files at a time or go with the paid option for unlimited. Connect your JustCast account to Dropbox. JustCast will automatically create a folder within your Dropbox in Apps/JustCast. Drop whatever files you want into that folder. Your JustCast account will automatically update online to show the number of files that you added. You can modify the name of the folder, the cover art, privacy settings and description. Simply copy the RSS feed URL and add it to your podcast app of choice. 

Just like that you will have access to those files directly in your podcast app of choice. 

Enjoy. 

Tapbots Nails It - Tweetbot 4.0.2

There seems to be a lot of feathers that get ruffled when the Tapbots crew releases a major iteration of their highly popular Twitter client Tweetbot. When I say feathers getting ruffled I refer to the fact that everyone expects a free handout, especially if you already bought the app. 

Version 4.0 introduced a bevy of new features and UI enhancements that establish the app as the top third party choice. The app introduced a refreshed iPad version and also introduced the need to repurchase the app. No biggie right? Check this out. I'm happy to support Tapbots. Sure they don't update as much as the competitors but they are a 2 (sometimes 3) man crew. They pay attention to detail and provide thoughtful updates when they are ready. They do not rush and they do not bloat the app with unnecessary features. They focus on the user experience. I'm happy to pay for an upgrade. As everyone says, it's the price of a cup of coffee.

The Point

iOS 9 introduced a great feature called Safari View Controller. Without getting into too much geek speak (I'll leave that to MacStories) here is what Safari View Controller has to offer. Per Apple:

The new SFSafariViewController class enables you to deliver interactive web content in your app just like Safari, including the key Safari UI elements already familiar to your users. See how to easily bring Safari features like Reader and AutoFill into your app, and provide a great web viewing experience with fewer lines of code.

Ok I lied, that was pretty geeky. When Tweetbot 4.0 was released it offered an option to use Safari View Controller when opening links within the app. The main benefit of this feature allows you to browse the link while also using Safari features such as content blockers. As seen in the above screenshot, Apple introduced a new way to close this view by using the "Done" button located at the top right of the browser window. This introduced other problems. While this can be considered a "first world problem", once you scroll down the page the "Done" button disappears, making it less than convenient to go back to Tweetbot. You need to scroll all the way back up to the top of the article to dismiss the window. Again, FIRST WORLD PROBLEM. 

The Fix

In version 4.0.2 released on Wednesday, Paul at Tapbots figured out a way to combat this issue that Tweetbot fanboy's have been complaining about since the initial release. While yesterday's update brought along support for 3D Touch, this feature, in my opinion, makes Tweetbot the cream of the crop.

View fullsize

Tapbots introduced (or brought back, depending how you look at it) a swipe gesture to the Safari View Controller that allows you to swipe to the right to go back to Tweetbot, removing the need to scroll to the top of the page and dismiss the browser using the "Done" button. This provides a much needed, better workflow. As an added bonus if the webpage you are viewing supports Reader View you can have Tweetbot automatically open the page in that mode. 

I suggest you ditch whatever Twitter client you are using for Tweetbot. Yes it costs money. The amount of value you get for the price of Tweetbot cannot be quantified. You can always use the stock Twitter app but then you are subjected to ads. 

You are a Twitter junkie, this app pays itself off after a few days of use. Grab it now from the App Store. It's currently 50% off at $4.99.

Fantastical 2.5 - 3D Touch Support, Third Party Watch Complications and More

My favorite calendar and overall app just received a big update. Fantastical 2.5 is out now with tons of new features that support the recently updated iOS 9 and watchOS 2.0. The update includes 3D Touch support, native watch app with third party complications, split view support, an improved week view, and a tap and hold shortcut for selecting which map app to open your destination in. Fantastical 2.5 is a free update. Grab it here.

Essential Apps - Workflow for iOS

I've only been a Mac user for about two years now but in those two years time I've picked up on tons of OS X tricks and shortcuts to move around the OS just as well as I did with Windows. One of those tools I find essential in OS X is Automator. Automator allows you to create recipes that perform simple or complex tasks. It allows you to complete tasks that would normally take hours, in seconds. For years now I've always wanted this ability to "chain" apps together and complete tasks in the background by initiating a "trigger". Enter Workflow for iOS.

A Welcomed Convenience

Workflow is a very easy app to get started with. From the beginning the app walks you through how to create your first workflow, an animated GIF creator. Once you complete the walkthrough you are ready to start building your library either from your own personally created workflows or from the community created workflows located in the gallery section of the app. The cool part about the gallery is you can modify the workflows you add to your collection to tailor them specifically to your needs.

Workflows can be ran in various methods. You can launch workflows from your home screen, today widget, as an action extension from the share sheet, or from your Apple Watch. 

Once you build your library you can organize them via drag and drop and also customize each one by giving it it's own color, name, and icon. These workflows will stay in sync on all devices. 

Home Screen Workflows

Home Screen launchable workflows act as "launchers" which allow you to take action such as viewing what is currently copied to the clipboard or launching a tip calculator workflow which will provide you the tip amount with the total bill. These workflows act similar to small built in apps. I like to call it the swiss army knife of my iPhone. I keep these all organized in a folder on my homescreen called "Workflows". 

Today Widget Workflows

Today widget workflows give you quick access to your most essential workflows directly in the pull down today widget view. The cool thing about these workflows is they run right from the today widget without the need to open the workflow app itself. For example, the tip calculator presents you with a keypad directly in the widget to make your input. The result is displayed right in the workflow section of the today widget.

Action Extension Workflows

Action extension workflows are launched from the share sheet that is located within most apps. This type of workflow allows you to take action on the currently displayed information in the app you are using. For example one of my favorite workflows is using Google's reverse image search to find a higher quality version of a photo. Using this extension directly from a photo page view on a webpage within safari is extremely handy and of course, automated. 

Apple Watch Workflows

The introduction of the Apple Watch allowed the Workflow developers to expand the apps support. The best part of the Apple Watch workflows actually came with watchOS 2.0 which allows the use of third party complications. You can now set a shortcut directly on the watch face to launch one of your favorite workflows. Now that the app is native to the watch loading watch workflows from within the app is faster than ever.  

Customization Options Galore

When you want to create your own workflows from scratch or modify one from the galley you have access to a treasure trove of actions ranging from app launching to taking action on contacts. Workflow presents you with a categorized list of actions to choose from or you can browse through some of the suggested actions that are recommended based on the workflow you are creating. 

Staying with the theme of this app being user friendly, pressing on an action will reveal a slide down message that explains what each action performs.

Simply drag and drop the action you want from left to right to add them to your workflow.

The Goods

I've put together a nice collection of personal workflows that I've gotten a lot of use out of. The nice thing about Workflow is its strong community of users. While there is not an official Workflow gallery website there are a few communities online with hundreds of workflows available to import into your app. Here are some of my most essential workflows.

• URL Shortener - Shortens the URL copied to your clipboard with your URL shortener service of choice.
• Expand URL - The opposite of the URL shortener. When you want to expand a short URL to see it's destination URL.
• Show Clipboard - Reveals what's currently copied to your clipboard.
• Low Power Mode - With the introduction of Low Power Mode in iOS 9 I wanted a shortcut to access this toggle from the today widget. This workflow gets that done.
• Tip Calculator - Self explanatory. You can modify the workflow to the percentage of your choice.
• Get Lyrics - Get's the lyrics from Google for the currently playing song in the Music app.
• Make PDF - Creates a PDF from the currently displayed document or website.
• Photo Grid - I made this one to help out with this website. I use this to merge screenshots together. You simply select the number of photos you want from your camera roll, run the extension, select grid view or side by side, select a border size and voila. 
• Directions to Next Event - This one is great. Launch from your today widget, select from one of the upcoming events on your calendar and the maps app will launch with directions from your current location. You can even customize this one to let you use any maps app you want including Waze.
• Shuffle Playlist - 90% of my music intake is from self created playlists. I wanted a quick way to access these from my today widget. Tap this workflow and it will pull in your playlists from your Apple account. Select one and it will play and shuffle in the music app.

Those are some of my essential self created workflows. There are thousands more on the internet to easily import into your Workflow app. Here are some resources to get you going.

• Workflow Reddit - The unofficial/official workflow page.  
• Workflow Directory - Another unofficial directory page curated by @jordanmerrick. 
• @BestWorkflows - Twitter account that tweets out some of the better workflows. Hasn't seen much action in a while.
• Good Ole Twitter Search - Exactly what it says. A simple Twitter search reveals thousands of Workflows being shared by users around the world.

Get to Automating

Workflow has proven to be an essential app to my collection and daily workflow. It speeds up processes that used to take me numerous steps in launching multiple apps and services. 

Workflow is available for iPhone and iPad and includes a free sync service which keeps all your devices up to date and organized. It also supports 3D Touch and the new iPhone 6s.

Workflow is currently on sale for $3.99 (20% off) to celebrate the launch of iOS 9 and the iPhone 6s.

In my opinion it's worth every penny of the full price.

GiF for Mac

I'm always looking for more ways to find GIF's and share them quickly. Enter GiF for Mac by Riffsy. GiF for Mac is a GIF search engine that sits in your menu bar and allows you to search for any GIFS. You can then share them directly from the app and even drag and drop them into apps such as iMessage. More impressive is the GIF saving feature which allows you to save your own GIFS directly into the app for future use.

GiF for Mac can be downloaded for free from the Riffsy site.

Purify for iOS 9

Update: This is currently on sale today for $0.99. GO GRAB IT NOW!

The mobile web is a disaster. I've been flapping my gums quite a bit on Twitter about ads and web tracking lately and with iOS 9 being released to the public, content blockers are all the rage. The concept of a content blocker is pretty simple. Install the one you choose from the app store, enable it in Safari settings and browse ad free. There are plenty to choose from and with Peace being pulled from the App Store my blocker of choice is Purify.

Purify presents you with a few options when you load the app. You can choose to block resources that include Images, Scripts and Fonts. You can also enable/disable Ads and Tracking altogether. If you have some favorite websites that you would prefer to browse without Purify enabled you can add those sites to the apps whitelist using the included share sheet extension. When you are browsing the website simply invoke the share sheet and select Purify - Whitelist to add it to your safe list.

Purify not only cleans up your browsing experience but it greatly improves page load times. Check out this handy chart comparing some of the more popular content blockers.

Purify is a universal app that supports iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. It's $3.99 in the App Store and worth every penny.

Download here. 

Power for Apple Watch

While using my iDevices I am always thinking of ways I wish they could be improved either by OS updates or with a third party app that introduces a feature I have been clamoring for. It's amazing that no more than a week before Power for iPhone and Apple Watch was released that I said to myself, "I wish I could add a new complication to my watch that displays the battery life of my iPhone".

Power by Surenix is an iOS app with a complimentary Apple Watch app which allows you to quickly check your iPhone's battery and also receive notifications at preset intervals about the status of your battery.  

With Power you can easily see, in real-time, your iPhone battery life with a single tap or swipe on your Apple Watch. Power will notify you on your Apple Watch when your iPhone battery is running low and/or is fully charged, even if it is not in the same room as you. You are also provided with useful information, including indications of when your iPhone is charging or whether it has been fully charged.

Power is set to check your iPhone battery life hourly and will only send you a notification when your iPhone battery is within the following range:  100%, 95%-85%, 55%-45%, 25%-15%, or 0%.

I'm hoping when Watch OS 2.0 is released in the fall that Power will receive an update to support third party complications.

Power is available for $0.99 on the App Store.  

Reeder 3 - Mac Public Beta Now Available →

My favorite RSS client for OS X, Reeder, is available today in Public Beta 3.  It's available for anyone to download but keep in mind it is a beta and has some missing functionality. Some of the new key features include:

• More themes

• Updated UI - OS X Yosemite

• Unread and starred counts for smart folders

• Private browsing support

Reeder supports Feedbin, Feedly, Feed Wrangler, FeedHQ, Newsblur, The Old Reader, and a whole lot more. Check out the full list of new features here along with a download link.

Covered - Album Art for Mac OS X

Since the introduction of the very first iPhone I've been rather obsessed with maintaining not only a quality library of music but a perfectly organized collection as well.  Cover Flow was introduced in iTunes back in 2006 when it was purchased by Apple from an independent Mac developer.  As soon as I noticed the ability to scroll through my library by browsing beautiful album art I was suckered into making sure all my albums had the highest quality art available.

I love digital music.  I'm so glad I do not have to buy or burn another CD the rest of my life.  I do miss everything that came with a CD package including the liner notes, credits and most importantly the album art itself.  I remember a time where it was common practice for me to fire up an album and read along either with the lyrics in the included booklet or the general liner notes and credits themselves.  

Finding a consistent source for album art on the web can be a crapshoot.  iTunes has a built in album art tool which most of the time works.  I needed a source other than random Google Image results that provided high quality (consistently) art work in a one stop shopping experience.  Enter Covered for OS X.  

Covered is an extremely easy app to use.  Simply load it up, select a section you want to search within (supports Music, Movies and TV) and search away.  Real time results provide you plenty of options.  Click the album art, preview and save to your location of choice.  The saved file can easily be imported into your tagging app of choice or directly into iTunes.  The app even has settings for different album art quality ranging from Good, Better and Best.  

Covered is a free utility.  You can download it here and it's compatible with OS X 10.7 or later. 

Text-to-Speech Now Available in Pocket

One of my all time favorite apps and services, Pocket, received a huge update today with a feature I've been envying in the Instapaper app since it was introduced in 2014.  That's right.  Text-to-speech is finally here.  If you're a dork like me and enjoy listening to articles while commuting, this update is right up your alley. 

Grab it from the AppStore here.