Navigating My App Usage: January 2024 Insights and Updates
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Chapter 1: Overview of My App Usage
As January 2024 comes to a close, I've taken some time to evaluate the applications I rely on. Here’s a summary of the tools I’m currently utilizing and the reasons behind my choices.
Section 1.1: Yoink vs. Dropover
For a long time, I have been a fan of Yoink, an application that facilitates easy file transfers, and it’s always one of the first apps I install on a new Mac. It’s also featured on Setapp, which has likely contributed to its popularity. However, I recently transitioned to a new app called Dropover that serves a similar purpose.
With Yoink, I configured the shelves to appear when I dragged files to the left edge of my screen. Unfortunately, the shelves would often pop up unexpectedly, which became a hassle. While it is possible to customize the settings for each app, I found it tedious to manage multiple exclusions and preferred a more streamlined experience.
This led me to discover Dropover, a game-changer that utilizes gestures to display shelves only when necessary. There’s no need to set exclusions or use special keyboard shortcuts; I simply drag the file, perform a gesture, and the shelf appears. Once I’ve moved the file, the shelf disappears immediately, allowing for a smoother uploading process without distractions.
Dropover offers a 14-day free trial, after which you can continue using it for free, albeit with delayed shelf appearances. Upgrading to the Pro version is a one-time cost of $4.99, which I believe is reasonable given the convenience it provides.
The first video titled "12 INCREDIBLE Android Apps: January 2024!" showcases some impressive applications that could enhance your productivity.
Section 1.2: Exploring Tana
Tana has emerged as my go-to note-taking app due to its sleek design and bullet-style format, appealing particularly to those who favor organized notes. While I initially leaned towards Supernotes for my second brain, I felt compelled to rediscover Tana’s unique tagging system and vibrant community.
I decided to use Tana for meeting minutes, a to-do list for action items, and notes from external meetings. Previously, I stored meeting minutes in Craft, another Setapp offering, which features a block-style interface similar to Notion. Craft allows for header images and card-style management, making notes visually appealing. However, I realized I could achieve the same with Tana, prompting me to manually transfer my data.
Revisiting Tana has proven beneficial; its sophisticated design and the ability to publish pages for sharing meeting notes have added significant value. I’m excited about upcoming updates and the active community that fosters engagement and sharing of ideas.
Currently, Tana requires a waitlist registration, and I possess only two invitation codes. If you're interested in trying it, feel free to drop your X account in the comments, and I’ll send you a direct message.
Chapter 2: Calendar Applications Revisited
In my previous writing, I mentioned seeking a calendar app to replace Cron. Aware that I could revert to the prior Dock icon using a command, I realized a new calendar solution was still necessary. Thus, I began using Amie, which has gained attention this month.
Amie underwent a significant update, merging a todo list with calendar functionality and introducing features like an email client and Pomodoro timer (available on paid plans), making it a true productivity enhancer. The site’s design, featuring unique motion graphics, captivated me, enhancing my user experience.
Despite initial reservations about Amie disappearing from the Dock upon pressing ⌘+W, I found a workaround that keeps it accessible. Amie has also updated its app icon to a more appealing design, particularly in pink, which I adore.
Although I have concerns regarding Amie’s email client, I currently utilize Superhuman for emails and Things for task management, so I'm content for now without integrating everything into Amie.
Lastly, I’ve recently become enamored with Arc Browser, which has become indispensable on my Mac. I’ve also tried the Windows version and found it equally impressive. The latest update allows users to switch the default search engine from Google to Perplexity, which I did immediately. This adjustment has made my browsing experience more efficient, especially as a marketer utilizing Google Ads.
While I still utilize Google for specific searches, I’ve streamlined my approach using Raycast’s Quicklink feature for quick access to Google search results. My current workflow efficiently combines Arc for AI summaries and Raycast for Google searches.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my app journey. If you discover any new and remarkable applications, please share them with me; I’m eager to explore them! 🫶