Podcast Summary: iOS Today 739: Sharing the Love on iOS

Hosts: Rosemary Orchard & Micah Sargent
Release Date: February 13, 2025
Platform: TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
Duration: Approximately 43 minutes

Introduction

In episode 739 of iOS Today, hosts Rosemary Orchard and Micah Sargent delve into creative ways to "share the love" using various iOS applications. Recorded on February 11, 2025, just ahead of Valentine's Day, the discussion centers around both physical and digital methods to express affection, leveraging the versatility of Apple devices and the App Store's offerings.

Sending Physical Cards with iOS Apps

Micah Sargent kickstarts the episode by addressing the dwindling number of apps dedicated to sending physical greeting cards. He reminisces about the once-thriving market with apps like Punk Post, which offered hand-lettered, human-crafted cards but has since ceased operations.

1. Felt App

Micah introduces Felt, an app that allows users to design and send personalized physical cards. He walks through its features:

• Card Designs: Users can choose from a variety of card styles, including square cards, pair cards, accordion-style, and classic fold-over cards.
• Customization: Options to add personal messages via typing or handwriting, change typefaces, colors, and positions.
• Interactive Elements: Incorporate stickers like confetti hearts, unicorns, candy, and even seed paper hearts that can be planted to grow wildflowers.
• Ordering: Ability to order single cards or bulk orders (e.g., a box of 25 for events like graduation announcements).

Notable Quote:

Micah Sargent [07:45]: "I love that aspect of it. You can sort it between different things, so in this case, maybe I'd want to add in hearts for a dollar and then tap next."

2. Ink App

Next, Micah explores Ink (formerly Punk Post), highlighting its similarity to Felt but with added features:

• Variety of Gifts: Beyond cards, Ink offers calendars, photo gifts, socks, and coffee mugs.
• Customization: Users can add photos from their library, personalize text in various typefaces, and modify card shapes and corners.
• Gift Integration: Option to include gift cards (e.g., Taco Bell) with digital cards for an added personal touch.

Notable Quote:

Micah Sargent [13:27]: "This card would go out and you would be able to send it to anyone via your phone or via email if they're in your contacts and you can have it there."

Creating Custom Widgets with Widgetsmith

Rosemary Orchard shifts the focus to enhancing the home screen experience using Widgetsmith, an app that allows users to create personalized widgets. She emphasizes the app's role in celebrating loved ones through customizations, especially around Valentine's Day.

Key Features of Widgetsmith:

• Custom Widgets: Create countdowns to significant dates, display favorite photos, and integrate dynamic information like weather or step counts.
• Themes: A plethora of themes ranging from light and heart-themed to iridescent designs, enabling users to match their widgets with personal aesthetics.
• Photo Integration: Options to display single photos, rotating collections, or photos from specific albums, fostering a personal connection every time the home screen is viewed.
• Interactive Elements: Tap on widgets to view photos in full screen or favorite them directly from the widget.

Notable Quote:

Rosemary Orchard [11:29]: "Widgetsmith allows you to create custom widgets which have information that is important to you. So at the moment, I'm creating a countdown to Valentine's Day."

Additional Insights:

• User Engagement: Rosemary highlights the app's update features, like widget sharing, enabling users to share their custom configurations with loved ones effortlessly.
• Support & Community: Encourages users to explore the Help tab within Widgetsmith for tutorials and to join the Widgetsmith community for shared creations and feedback.

Digital Cards and Gifts with Givingly

Transitioning back to Micah Sargent, he introduces Givingly, an app designed for sending digital cards accompanied by gifts, blending traditional sentiments with modern convenience.

Features of Givingly:

• Digital Cards: A wide array of card templates themed around various occasions, including Valentine's Day, which users can personalize with messages, stickers, and photos.
• Gift Integration: Option to attach gift cards from popular retailers like Starbucks, Amazon, Target, or specific choices like Taco Bell, enhancing the gesture's impact.
• Customization: Users can modify card designs, add animated stickers, and even include voice messages to enrich the recipient's experience.
• Scheduling: Ability to schedule the sending of cards and gifts, ensuring timely delivery even if users are last-minute.

Notable Quote:

Micah Sargent [23:11]: "Givingly allows you to create and send both cards and gifts digitally, virtually. So that is Givingly — all the apps that I mentioned."

Use Case Example:

Micah demonstrates sending a "Weird Brain" themed card with an accompanying $15 Taco Bell gift card, showcasing the app's seamless integration between digital sentiments and tangible rewards.

Shortcuts Corner: Automating Sleep Schedule

In the Shortcuts Corner, Sandra reaches out with a challenge: she wants her sleep schedule in the Apple Health app to become more dynamic, tied to commands like saying "Good night" or activities like placing her phone on a bedside charger.

Solution Provided by Rosemary Orchard:

1. Setting Up Focus Modes:

   • Create a Shortcut: Utilize the "Set Focus Mode" action to activate "Sleep" focus when saying "Good night."
   • Running HomeKit Scenes: Incorporate HomeKit scenes to control smart home devices alongside activating sleep mode.

2. Automation Based on Charging:

   • Charger Trigger: Set up an automation that detects when the phone connects to a charger between specific hours (e.g., 11 PM - 8 AM).
   • Conditional Actions: Format the current time and set conditions to run the "Good Night" shortcut only during designated hours to prevent conflicts.

3. Advanced Customization:

   • Preventing Redundancy: Add conditions to check if the sleep focus is already active to avoid re-running the shortcut unnecessarily.
   • Dynamic Adjustments: Tailor the automation to personal sleep patterns, ensuring flexibility in the sleep schedule.

Notable Quote:

Rosemary Orchard [32:38]: "So what you can do is when your phone goes on charge, if it's between, in this case, 11 PM and 8 AM, then it's going to run that good night phone scene which is going to turn on sleep mode and run that good night scene in your home."

This segment underscores the power of Shortcuts in iOS, enabling users to automate routines and integrate multiple apps and devices for a cohesive smart home experience.

Conclusion

iOS Today Episode 739 offers a comprehensive guide to expressing love and appreciation through both traditional and modern digital means using iOS applications. From sending personalized physical cards with Felt and Ink to creating bespoke home screen widgets with Widgetsmith, and enhancing digital greetings with Givingly, the hosts provide valuable insights into leveraging technology for heartfelt gestures. Additionally, the Shortcuts Corner showcases the practicality of automating daily routines, further enriching the user’s interaction with their Apple devices.

Key Takeaways:

• Personalization is Key: Whether sending a card or creating a widget, personal touches amplify the sentiment.
• Integration Enhances Experience: Combining apps like Widgetsmith with HomeKit and Shortcuts can create a seamless and enriched user experience.
• Automation Simplifies Routines: Utilizing Shortcuts to automate tasks ensures consistency and efficiency in daily routines.

Final Quote:

Micah Sargent [39:53]: "Beautiful. Wow. That is, as always, thoroughly thought out and amazing."

The episode wraps up with an invitation for listeners to share their favorite apps and a reminder to join Club TWiT for an ad-free experience and exclusive content.

Connect with the Hosts:

• Rosemary Orchard: rosemarychard.com
• Micah Sargent: Instagram handle @ikasargent or visit Chihuahua Coffee

Note: This summary excludes all advertisement segments and focuses solely on the content discussed by the hosts.