Author: Matthew Cassinelli

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Newsletter

What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #039

Welcome to Issue #39 of “What’s New in Shortcuts” – the public betas are out!

The brave-hearted can sign up here on Apple’s website, but be cautious as there are many Shortcuts-related bugs specifically that you are almost guaranteed to run into.

That being said, the more Feedback filed to Apple, the merrier we’ll be with a fully-operational version of Shortcuts – I’m submitting my own regularly, so I hope you are too.

Along with that, I’ve got a lot of links to share, updates on more Mac apps getting Shortcuts support, and a preview of how Mac users can script Shortcuts itself:

Continue reading “What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #039”
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Links

Bartender beta for macOS Monterey

If you’re like me and have long relied on the Bartender app for macOS to clean up your Menu Bar, plus you tend to live on the dangerous side and install macOS betas, then you’ll want to grab the beta of Bartender so it works on your Mac again.

Looks like it won’t support every feature of Monterey until the full release, but it’s still worth grabbing now to clean things up as best it can.

Get the update here.

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Newsletter

What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #038

Welcome to Issue #38 of “Welcome New in Shortcuts”!

We’re now two weeks out of WWDC and, with the second developer beta now out, there’s plenty to learn about Shortcuts before the public betas come out in July.

This week, I’ve got a new interview, tons of information about Shortcuts for Mac, great ideas from r/Shortcuts, more podcast coverage, tweets about the betas from Ticci, and one previously unknown feature coming to the Mac:

Continue reading “What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #038”
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Siri Shortcuts

All 25 of the Mac-Only Actions Coming to Shortcuts for Mac ?

In macOS Monterey, Apple has added 5 sets of actions to the Shortcuts app that are Mac-only – these aren’t available for iPad or iPhone users as they require specific features/apps (see my piece about the cross-platform actions).

Mac users can now easily automate their window management, interact with Finder, make disk images, perform actions taken from Automator, and take advantage of deeper Mac automation – plus there’s two actions not yet found in the betas.

In macOS Monterey, Apple has added 5 sets of actions to the Shortcuts app that are Mac-only – these aren’t available for iPad or iPhone users as they require specific features/apps.

Mac users can now easily automate their window management, interact with Finder, make disk images, perform actions taken from Automator, and take advantage of deeper Mac automation – plus there’s two actions not yet found in the betas.

In this 4,800-word piece (about 20 minutes average reading time), I’ll explain each of them in detail, plus give you my initial thoughts on what bringing this functionality to macOS means for the transition to Shortcuts as Apple’s main automation platform.

Become a member to get access to the post, plus:

  • New shortcuts on an ongoing basis
  • Extra ways to browse the catalog when you’re signed in
  • Prerelease notes & workflows I’m putting together
  • Exclusive livestreams teaching you more about Shortcuts
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Newsletter

What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #037

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Welcome to “What’s New in Shortcuts?” Issue 1 of the iOS 15 season!

Before we dive in to all the exciting changes announced at Apple’s WWDC, some housekeeping:

  • First, I wasn’t able to send one of the previous week’s newsletter as I was travelling to visit my family – if you can take time off to be with family once you’re vaccinated, I highly recommend it.
  • Second, I have moved my newsletter to Revue, hence the design changes and subsequent delay this last WWDC week (I foolishly waited until the last minute to import my subscribers and they put my account under review for the weekend).
  • Third, the newsletter will be send out regularly on Fridays starting June 25th as well – I’ve experimented with multiple schedules and think this will work best along the changes to the Shortcuts User Group (more below).

And finally, thanks for reading!

I love sharing what’s happening with Shortcuts, passing along everything new I’m creating for the Catalog and Membership, and hearing from readers about what you’re learning – I hope you get something useful from it every week.

With all that said, here’s everything you need to know about Shortcuts coming out of Apple’s annual developer keynote – let’s dig in:

Continue reading “What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #037”
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Actions Shortcuts Siri Shortcuts

All the New Cross-Platform Actions in Shortcuts for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS ?

With the release of iOS 15 and the associated betas across Apple’s platforms, the Shortcuts app has received 2 automation types and 22 new actions that work across iPhone, iPad, and macOS.

With the release of iOS 15 and the associated betas across Apple’s platforms, the Shortcuts app has received 2 automation types and 22 new actions that work across iPhone, iPad, and macOS as well as 21 Mac-only actions.

This piece (4,700 words, about 20 minutes average reading time) includes my write up of the cross-platform actions, reordered into custom groups I’ve created – I’ll be covering the Mac-only actions next week.

I’ll also be adding screenshots and example shortcuts in a future version, so members can read up now and I’ll post the full guide once the public betas release.

Become a member to get access to the full post, plus:

  • Members-only shortcuts
  • Extra ways to browse the catalog when you’re signed in
  • Prerelease notes & workflows I’m putting together
  • Exclusive livestreams teaching you more about Shortcuts
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Offsite Podcasts

Smart Tech Today 80: 2021 Smart Home Predictions ?

On episode 80 of Smart Tech Today, Mikah and I talked about the following:

Follow-ups from Google IO, Google Assistant tweaks, and smart home changes this week. Plus HomeKit gear, Apple Watch apps, and our thoughts on the latest Apple products. And our smart home predictions and picks of the week.

Continue reading “Smart Tech Today 80: 2021 Smart Home Predictions ?”
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Membership Offsite

Stream: Working with the Notion API (pt. 2)

On Friday, May 28, I hosted another stream teaching people how to use Shortcuts with the Notion API.

Last time we covered the basics, got our database IDs, pulled & opened posts, and created new entries – check out the member post to get the shortcuts we created in the first session.

On Friday, May 28, I hosted another stream teaching people how to use Shortcuts with the Notion API.

Last time we covered the basics, got our database IDs, pulled & opened posts, and created new entries – check out the member post to get the shortcuts we created in the first session.

This time, we went into more specific data objects as well as updating pages and creating more of a Shortcuts system on the front-end.

Become a member to get access to the stream, plus you’ll get:

  • New shortcuts on an ongoing basis
  • Extra ways to browse the catalog when you’re signed in
  • Prerelease notes & workflows I’m putting together
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Newsletter

What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #036

Welcome to Issue 36 of “What’s New in Shortcuts”!

I’ve had the new iPad Pro and the Siri remote for Apple TV in my hands for a few days now and I wanted to give members a digest of my thoughts before I create videos on each.

Plus, I’ve got a new set of shortcuts to go along with Flexibits’ apps, new Notion shortcuts, and a bundle of good links for you all – plus how I’m using Shortcuts with Apple TV:

Continue reading “What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #036”
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Offsite Podcasts

Smart Tech Today 79: A Very Googley I/O Episode ?

On episode 79 of Smart Tech Today, Mikah and I talked about:

  • Global Accessibility Awareness Day
  • Apple’s new hardware releases
  • Google IO
  • Our latest picks
Continue reading “Smart Tech Today 79: A Very Googley I/O Episode ?”
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Newsletter

What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #035

Hello folks,

This week we’ve got new iMac and iPad Pro reviews, my iPad Pro is arriving Friday, and we’re just weeks away from WWDC and new announcements for the next year of software for Apple devices.

Plus, there are new APIs to tap into, a new IDE for Shortcuts that more coding-oriented folks can use to build shortcuts, and I’ve been playing around with several fun shortcuts as I prepare for my last few videos before the beta season – check it all out:

Continue reading “What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #035”
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Membership Offsite

Member stream: Working with the Notion API

Hey members!

Here’s my livestream for the Notion API where I guide you through how to use Shortcuts with the Notion API.

Hey members!

Here’s my livestream for the Notion API where I guide you through how to use Shortcuts with the Notion API.

We covered API basics, learned details on Notion’s specific JSON architecture, and experimented with the type of content we create in Notion – we ended up with three shortcuts (linked for members):

  • Copy Notion Database ID
  • Open Notion Page
  • Add Notion Page

Catch the replay below to go back through everything – and check out part 2 as well.

Access the stream by becoming a member – plus you’ll get access to all the members-only shortcuts plus:

  • New shortcuts on an ongoing basis
  • Extra ways to browse the catalog when you’re signed in
  • Prerelease notes & workflows I’m putting together
  • Exclusive livestreams teaching you more about Shortcuts
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Newsletter Offsite Podcasts

Smart Tech Today 78: Project CHIP Rebrands as Matter ?

On episode 78 of Smart Tech Today, Rosemary (in for Mikah) and I talked about:
– Project CHIP’s new name – Matter
– Amazon’s Sidewalk network and new product releases
– Apple’s AirTags and Rosemary’s 3D printing adventure

Continue reading “Smart Tech Today 78: Project CHIP Rebrands as Matter ?”
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Newsletter

What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #034

Hello folks,

This week we’re in the shortcut dip between new Apple products shipping – but that just leaves more room for Shortcuts fun really.

Next week I’ll have more fun stuff to share, especially as we head towards the summer beta season – and be on the lookout for new streams in the calendar too:

Continue reading “What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #034”
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Offsite Siri Shortcuts Video

Automation for AirTags: what the U1 chip means (beyond finding lost devices)

Apple’s new AirTags are their cheapest standalone product, yet I think they’re one of the most interesting released in a while.

And that’s because of the U1 chip inside – now the fourth Apple product besides iPhone, Apple Watch, and HomePod mini to include one.

This ultra-wideband technology has super-precise tracking technology, which I think could enable a whole new wave of automation capabilities for Apple devices.

I made a video that explains my thoughts on what I’m calling “Spatial Awareness for Siri” – you can watch the whole thing on YouTube in under 3 minutes:

Continue reading “Automation for AirTags: what the U1 chip means (beyond finding lost devices)”
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Offsite Podcasts

Smart Tech Today 77: Interview with Jonathan Hui, Google & Thread ?

On episode 77 of Smart Tech Today, Mikah and I talked to VP of Technology for The Thread Group, Jonathan Hui – plus:

Laptops as smart displays, Nanoleaf’s smart remote, and ceiling fans with HomeKit

Continue reading “Smart Tech Today 77: Interview with Jonathan Hui, Google & Thread ?”
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Newsletter

What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #033

Last Friday, the iPad Pro went up for pre-order as AirTags were arriving – I’m getting the 12.9” 1TB model to review and will be sharing my thoughts with members soon after I get my hands on one.

As for AirTags, there’s not a whole lot related to Shortcuts—Chris Lawley determined that they can indeed be used for NFC automations—but I’ve got an inkling of how they might be useful in the future… I’m making a whole video on it, so stay tuned to the YouTube channel this week.

Otherwise, I’ve got productivity shortcuts, conversations from the User Group, and quick links for you to check out this week – plus a blurb about the return of Get Variable:

Continue reading “What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #033”
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Offsite Podcasts

Smart Tech Today 76: Explaining Thread Enthusiasm ?

On episode 76 of Smart Tech Today, Mikah and I talked about:

iOS 14.5’s changes to Apple Maps, Siri voices, default music services, and Fitness+ – plus AirTags, HomeKit devices, and Thread.

Continue reading “Smart Tech Today 76: Explaining Thread Enthusiasm ?”
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Newsletter

What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #032

iOS 14.5 is out!

That means the three new actions for Shortcuts (that I originally shared about two weeks ago) are now available: Set Voice & Data Mode, Set Orientation Lock, and Take Screenshot.

I’ve got new pieces out explaining how to use them all, so read on for everything new this week:

Continue reading “What’s New in Shortcuts – Issue #032”
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Offsite Podcasts

Smart Tech Today 75: Project CHIP Nears ?

On episode 75 of Smart Tech Today, Mikah and I talked about:

Project CHIP, the Apple event, Google Assistant tweaks, WearOS, HomeKit products, and Homebridge. Plus, Mikah’s new iPad stand and upcycled smartphones.

Continue reading “Smart Tech Today 75: Project CHIP Nears ?”