Latest news with #Raycast
Digital Trends
3 days ago
- Business
- Digital Trends
Apple needs to fix the basics for macOS 26, or let AI run the show
The Mac apps community is a wonderful place to find utilities that can supercharge your computing experience. Alfred, Raycast, AlDente, and Rectangle are some of the most highly recommended apps for macOS users these days. The open-source community has also produced a few utilities (and their forks) that I use on a daily basis. If you read between the lines, you'll notice that these apps fill a functional gap that Apple has yet to offer natively. On the other side of the computing ecosystem, Windows has served those perks for years. Will the next big software upgrade, macOS 26, finally give users an in-house fix? We'll only get the answer at WWDC 2025 in just over a week from now. Recommended Videos What if Apple is still reluctant? In that case, I hope macOS 26 delivers something even bolder, preferably with AI taking the lead and easing up mundane tasks. Apple doesn't have to weave some cosmic quantum-tier magic to achieve that. It just needs to look around and build a few tricks of its own. Imagine Copilot, but under the Apple Intelligence banner. Why should Apple even care? That's a pertinent question. I'll keep things tethered to the very fundamental levels of computing here. Remember clipboard history? Well, macOS still lacks a native clipboard. Why does the world's most consolidated computing OS lack something as basic as a clipboard? Only the Apple overlords know. What I do know is that an absent clipboard is deeply frustrating. For someone whose life revolves around words, copy-pasting terms such as CVE-2025-24126 and a half dozen variations of it, dealing with research citations, and more such repetitive chores, I am exhausted with the Cmd+C and Cmd+V cycle. I hate it. On Windows, the universal clipboard copies text as well as media assets. It's a huge relief, and anyone who works with tools such as Office and Workspace would vouch for that. Some users argue that a clipboard can save sensitive information. Well, first of all, you shouldn't be copy-pasting passwords. Second, you can selectively delete sensitive entries or set up an auto-delete protocol for the clipboard. Apple is known for its privacy-first approach, and it certainly has the world-class talent to work on an elegant solution that offers the best of both worlds. Until then, I'll keep recommending excellent third-party alternatives such as Maccy. The problems run deep Window management in Mac still feels extremely limited, especially if you are working on external screens. On the other hand, the resizing and tiling approach in Windows is far ahead. Once again, the developer community comes to the rescue. So far, Swift Shift has been my go-to app for window management in macOS. It's a free, open-source app that makes the process of tiling and resizing app windows far less frustrating than the vanilla macOS experience. Lately, I've also experimented with Loop and have fallen in love with its intuitive approach. It's surprising that Apple is yet to find a utilitarian side to the MacBook's notch. Free apps, such as the Boring Notch, have turned it into an activity hub that handles everything from music playback and calendar viewing to file sharing and camera preview. Apple hasn't paid any attention to the cluttered menu bar situation, and once again, it's third-party apps that help fix the mess. Apple has seemingly condemned even basic facilities like a scratch pad for macOS. I recently tried Antinote and realized just how much ground macOS still has left to cover. Also, when are screenshots going to appear on my clipboard, ye trillion-dollar company? It's pretty surprising, especially when you notice that Apple sees macOS and iPadOS as somewhat of a wannabe proxies that deliver their own unique flavor of computing. And yet, macOS is deprived of even the most basic iPadOS features. Native icon theming, lock screen customization, and deeper widget controls are a few features that should've appeared on macOS by now. Likewise, I could use the flexibility of setting different dock layouts for each desktop or work profile. Once again, a third-party app will let you do just that. And while at it, Apple should simply port over the control center adjustments from iPadOS to Mac, and go a step further by giving a similar treatment to the Menu bar. AI to the rescue? Alright, that's a long wishlist. In hindsight, given how basic those feature gaps are, if Apple hasn't addressed them so far, it's unlikely that WWDC 2025 will see a solution for them all. I am not holding my breath, either. So, what next? Well, macOS 26 is reportedly getting a design overhaul. Moreover, Apple is also rumored to make some big AI announcements. macOS desperately needs some of that. Now, I am not riding the AI hype train. But there are scenarios where it proves to be helpful almost on a daily basis. Deep Research is my favorite. A close second is NotebookLM. I regularly rely on Gemini to break down complex research papers and turn them into interactive podcasts for better knowledge gathering. MacOS could use some of that magic, but baked at a more fundamental level, and with some guardrails in place. Apple already has a partnership in place with OpenAI, one that has integrated ChatGPT within the Apple Intelligence stack. Apple needs to shift gears now and expand AI access within other apps, both in-house and third-party. Look no further than Gemini's integration within Workspace and Copilot fingerprints across the Windows 11 OS. I recently tried Windows Recall on a Copilot PC and couldn't stop dreaming about a similar system for macOS. Apple's M-series silicon definitely offers enough firepower to bring a 'memory bank for Macs' to life. Apple is reportedly in talks to extend its in-house models to developers, so I'm hopeful of some positive developments coming out of WWDC 2025. With the current state of macOS, Apple desperately needs to pay attention. It can either fill the existing gaps or develop breakthrough features, or piggyback on the AI race and redefine how we get work done in the age of AI. We are already at a point where AI agents like ChatGPT Operator, Project Astra, and Mariner are redefining how we interact with phones and get work done across the internet. macOS 26 needs that eureka moment. I'd be happier if Apple took the latter route and offered it with a privacy-first approach. Apple certainly can pull it off. It's just a matter of how and when that happens.
Geeky Gadgets
12-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
15 FREE iPhone Apps You'll Actually Use
Maximize your iPhone's potential with these 15 free apps that cater to productivity, creativity, and entertainment. While some offer optional premium upgrades, their free versions are robust enough to meet everyday needs. These iPhone apps featured in the video below from Stephen Robles are designed to simplify your life and enhance your digital experience, making your iPhone an even more powerful tool. Watch this video on YouTube. AI Tools to Boost Productivity Artificial intelligence is transforming how you manage tasks and access information. These AI-powered apps stand out for their efficiency and versatility: Raycast: A comprehensive productivity app that combines shortcuts, search functionality, and AI tools to streamline your workflow. From launching apps to automating repetitive tasks, Raycast helps you save time and stay organized. A comprehensive productivity app that combines shortcuts, search functionality, and AI tools to streamline your workflow. From launching apps to automating repetitive tasks, Raycast helps you save time and stay organized. ChatGPT: Powered by OpenAI, ChatGPT provides quick answers, generates content, and offers creative solutions. Whether you're brainstorming ideas or solving problems, this app is a reliable assistant on the go. Powered by OpenAI, ChatGPT provides quick answers, generates content, and offers creative solutions. Whether you're brainstorming ideas or solving problems, this app is a reliable assistant on the go. Perplexity: More than just an AI assistant, Perplexity integrates seamlessly with Apple Music, reminders, and other tools, offering a personalized and intuitive experience. Effortless Video Editing Creating professional-quality videos is now more accessible than ever. Edits is a user-friendly app tailored for vertical video creation, making it ideal for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. With features like captions, overlays, and music integration, you can produce polished and engaging content with minimal effort. Customizable Widgets for Quick Access Widgets can enhance your iPhone's functionality and aesthetic appeal. These apps make the most of this feature: Cheat Sheet: Keep essential notes, reminders, or lists accessible directly from your lock or home screen. This app is a simple yet effective way to stay organized and efficient. Keep essential notes, reminders, or lists accessible directly from your lock or home screen. This app is a simple yet effective way to stay organized and efficient. Pretty Progress: Track countdowns or progress toward goals with visually appealing widgets. Whether you're preparing for an event or working on a personal milestone, this app keeps you motivated and on track. Retro Gaming for Nostalgia Relive the charm of classic games with Delta Emulator. Supporting retro favorites like Smash Bros. and Pokémon, this app offers an intuitive interface and wide compatibility. It's a must-have for anyone looking to revisit childhood gaming memories or explore timeless classics. Seamless File Sharing Sharing large files has never been easier than with WeTransfer. This app allows you to send files effortlessly without relying on cloud storage. Whether you're sharing work documents or personal media, WeTransfer ensures a smooth and reliable transfer process. Streamlined Grocery and Meal Planning Simplify your meal prep and shopping with AnyList. This app organizes your grocery lists and integrates with Instacart for easy online ordering. It's a practical tool for anyone looking to save time and reduce stress in the kitchen. Custom Notifications and Automations Take control of your iPhone's notifications with Push Cuts. This app enables you to create custom alerts and automations using Apple's Shortcuts. Whether you need reminders, task triggers, or personalized notifications, Push Cuts helps you stay on top of your schedule. Efficient Link Management If you frequently share links, OneTap is an indispensable tool. Its third-party keyboard simplifies saving and sharing URLs, keeping your digital resources organized and easily accessible. Polished Screenshot Editing For those who regularly share screenshots, Share Shot is an invaluable app. It frames your screenshots neatly, making them more presentable for social media posts, professional use, or personal sharing. Media Organization for Entertainment Keep track of your favorite books, movies, and shows with Sofa. This media organization app allows you to catalog your entertainment choices, making sure you never lose track of what you want to watch, read, or revisit. Stylish Note-Taking For a clean and efficient note-taking experience, Bear is a top choice. Its minimalist interface and organizational features make it ideal for jotting down ideas, creating to-do lists, or writing detailed notes. High-Quality Podcast and Video Recording Whether you're a seasoned content creator or just starting out, Riverside is a powerful app for recording podcasts and videos. Optimized for remote interviews, it ensures high-quality recordings with minimal effort, making it a valuable tool for creators. Enhance Your iPhone Experience These 15 free iPhone apps cater to a variety of needs, from productivity and creativity to entertainment and organization. By incorporating these tools into your routine, you can simplify tasks, stay organized, and unlock your iPhone's full potential. Explore these apps to elevate your digital experience and make the most of your device. Explore further guides and articles from our vast library that you may find relevant to your interests in Free iPhone apps. Source & Image Credit: Stephen Robles Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
