This service is new to me, but it’s been baked in to OS X for years. And it’s accurate. (If you don’t see it in the Services menu, you may have to check the box for “Summarize” under System Prefrences → Keyboard → Services → Text.)
(Via Ben Brooks.)
Linked
Link Posts
Custom-Made iPad Cases →
These look cool. They’re handmade, custom iPad cases. You get to pick the design and color of your case’s material as well as which type of pockets you want. You could make a very fun case for your iPad.
I asked Simon Barker, who runs Slotzz, if he was running any deals and he set up the coupon code “sblanc10” so you can get 10% off.
“The Future of the Instapaper iPhone App” →
Want to know how Instapaper grew into such a wildly popular app for so many iPhone and iPad users? Read this article from Marco Arment, written two years ago, just after the release of Instapaper Pro in the App Store:
Right now, I face a fork in the road: do I continue iterating and improving Instapaper.app, or do I start making other applications and hope for multiple income streams? Instapaper.app is at a relatively stable point. I can stop here and be proud of where I’ve taken such a simple idea. And, theoretically, I’d keep making some money with Instapaper Pro while I work on something else.
But I’m not going to stop here. […]
I want Instapaper to be the essential app for every iPhone and iPod Touch user. I want it to be on every Apple geek’s short list when their friends and family ask them what apps to install. I want it to be one of your bottom four icons.
Birdhouse 1.0.5 [iTunes Link] →
Birdhouse was quietly updated on Thursday to support the Retina Display and fast app switching. So now it’s pretty much perfect.
Blancspot iPhone App →
A new “visual news” app that cycles through hi-res photos and headlines while playing music in the background. The app has a ton of personality, and a lot of the UI elements are pretty fun. But unfortunately, it looks like they put more energy into promoting the app than they did to build it. It is brand new yet not optimized for the Retina Display. If you try to buy one of the cool songs that the app comes with, an in-app browser opens up and sends you to the iTunes website.
But shortcomings aside, how could I not link to this app?
“Then this happened:” →
A scintillating smartphone retrospective by Marco Arment.
Speaking of iPad Stands →
I’ve had one of these book study stands for years. And though I usually have my iPad in its Apple case, this stand works fine for propping my iPad up when it’s not in a case.
There are nothing but great reviews for Twelve South’s Compass. And feature-for-feature the Compass is a better stand. It’s built better, too.
But if price is a factor, this book study stand is a quarter the cost shipped. Which means if portability is a factor, you could buy four of these study stands for the price of one Compass and keep one in each room. (And if you buy one using this Amazon link, I’ll get a small kickback.)
Simple Productivity Task: Write A Thank You Note →
This is clever (and thoughtful) for two reasons. For one, taking a break to write a thank-you note changes your focus and context which can help get you and your mind out of the rut you’re stuck in. Also, accomplishing something simple like this helps build momentum — it’s much easier to steer a moving car.
John Rust Reviews the Sharpie Liquid Pencil →
Bummer: *”[T]here’s a significant tradeoff in quality for extra functionality.”*
Beta Testing →
Astute advice from Mr. Mrgan. And he’s right: beta testing is hard. I’ve always followed Brent’s advice on how to submit a bug report: (1) What I did; (2) What I was expecting to happen; (3) What actually happened.
The Craftsman, the Novice, the Professional, the Bogger, and the Inspiration Curator →
Is the new Virb right for you?
How to Disable the Default iPhone-Optimized Theme on a Tumblr Website →
For those who would prefer that visitors on iPhones see their actual website design, there is an option to disable the default mobile theme in tumblr. Go to Customize → Advanced → and uncheck “Use optimized layout on mobile devices”. Another option is to design and upload your own iPhone-optimized theme.
Up next: how to not install the WPtouch theme on your WordPress blog.
How to use TextMate →
Great list of links from Ethan Marcotte via Zeldman. Also: this one-line zinger: “A screenshot of the TextMate interface is like a photograph of snow.”
Talking Tools with Shawn Blanc →
Brett Kelly interviewed me, and I think it came out pretty darn well.