Podcast Summary: iOS Today 760: Social Media Roundup

Podcast Information:

• Title: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
• Host/Author: TWiT
• Description: Leo Laporte brings some of the most interesting personalities in technology together to discuss the most important issues. Fun, relaxed, informative, and always entertaining, count on TWiT for the best tech podcasts in the world.
• Episode: iOS Today 760: Social Media Roundup
• Release Date: July 10, 2025

Introduction

Hosts: Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard
Recording Date: July 8, 2025
Release Date: July 10, 2025

In this episode of iOS Today, Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard delve into the evolving landscape of social media apps, exploring various platforms and tools designed to streamline social interactions across multiple networks. They discuss the challenges users face with fragmented social media ecosystems and introduce solutions that aim to unify these disparate platforms.

Social Media Platforms and Tools

Mastodon and Ivory by Tapbot

Timestamp: [04:33]

Rosemary introduces Mastodon, a decentralized social media platform consisting of multiple servers (instances) like Mastodon Social, Twit Social, and Snail Social, which she helps host and run. She highlights the use of Ivory, an app developed by Tapbot, renowned for their previous creation, Tweetbot. Ivory offers a customizable user interface, allowing users to tailor the navigation menu and manage multiple accounts seamlessly.

Notable Quote:

Rosemary Orchard: "Ivory is actually free to download and use... I personally feel like it's worth paying for good development."

Micah echoes her sentiments, praising Ivory for effectively navigating the complexities of Mastodon's decentralized structure and commending the developers for their continuous improvement despite industry challenges.

Tapestry by The Icon Factory

Timestamp: [09:51]

Rosemary introduces Tapestry, an application by The Icon Factory designed to aggregate various social media platforms and content types, including blogs and podcasts, into a unified timeline. Tapestry supports Mastodon, Tumblr, YouTube, Blue Sky, Reddit, and more, aiming to simplify user interactions across multiple networks.

Key Features:

• Unified timeline combining social media, blogs, and podcasts
• Interaction across different platforms
• Customizable subscription options: $1.99/month, $19.99/year, or a one-time $79.99 purchase

Notable Quote:

Rosemary Orchard: "The name Tapestry comes from the fact that there are so many threads of social media... into a unified timeline."

Croissant for Cross-Posting

Timestamp: [14:18]

Rosemary discusses Croissant, a cross-posting tool that allows users to post simultaneously across multiple social media platforms like Mastodon, Threads, and Blue Sky without the distraction of algorithms. Croissant offers both free and premium options, enabling users to manage multiple accounts and add images with alt text to ensure accessibility.

Notable Quote:

Rosemary Orchard: "Croissant is a great little app... it just exists to do this one little thing."

Micah commends the developers for handling the intricate APIs of various social media platforms, highlighting the app’s ability to manage diverse posting requirements effectively.

Buffer for Scheduled Posts

Timestamp: [18:42]

Rosemary introduces Buffer, a robust tool for scheduling social media posts in advance. Buffer integrates with numerous platforms, including Instagram, Threads, Pinterest, Mastodon, Blue Sky, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. It also connects with automation services like Make.com and Zapier, allowing for dynamic content management and scheduling.

Key Features:

• Schedule posts for future dates
• Integrate with multiple social media platforms
• Automated workflows using services like Zapier

Notable Quote:

Rosemary Orchard: "With Buffer, you can build a buffer of social media posts and schedule it to go out in the future."

Micah adds that Buffer is a well-loved tool within the TWiT community, underscoring its effectiveness in managing social media tasks efficiently.

Apple Arcade Updates

Timestamp: [23:27]

Micah provides an update on Apple Arcade, Apple's game subscription service. He highlights upcoming game releases set for August 7th, including:

1. Play Doh World by Scary Beasties

   • Description: Craft characters and explore an open-world interactive zone.
   • Target Audience: Likely younger users, but appealing to all ages with creative character creation.

2. Worms Across Worlds

   • Description: A strategic turn-based action game where players chase a mad scientist across five different dimensions.

3. Mighty Cats

   • Description: A tower defense game where players help a kitty cat restore the cosmos under the Cat Empire.

4. Everybody Shogi

   • Description: A Shogi-based strategy game with unique pieces and customizable decks, allowing global multiplayer matches.

Subscription Details:

• Cost: $6.99/month
• Trial: One-month free with new device purchases (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV)
• Apple One Subscription Options:
  • Individual: $19.95/month
  • Family: $25.95/month
  • Higher-tier plans available

Notable Quote:

Micah Sargent: "There's something about Play Doh World that reminds me of when I was a kid playing a Lego game."

Shortcuts Corner

Timestamp: [29:43]

Listener's Request: Jack seeks assistance in creating a Shortcut to sort 300 mixed portrait and landscape photos and videos by orientation. He experiences limitations with Finder on Mac, especially with video orientation sorting.

Rosemary's Solution:

1. Select Photos Action: Enable multiple selections to handle bulk files.
2. Repeat with Each: Iterate through each file to determine orientation based on width and height properties.
3. Conditional Logic: Use If actions to compare width and height to classify as portrait or landscape.
4. Rename Files: Prefix filenames with "portrait_" or "landscape_" for easy sorting.
5. Airdrop Integration: Facilitate quick transfer post-organization.

Notable Quote:

Rosemary Orchard: "This is going to give you a portrait and a landscape... so that you can sort alphabetically and it will give you all of the landscape first and then all of the portrait afterwards."

Rosemary acknowledges the complexity of handling various file types and assures that the provided Shortcut offers a solid foundation for Jack’s needs, with the potential for further customization based on specific requirements.

App Caps

Micah Sargent's App Recommendation: Knots 3D

Timestamp: [37:45]

Micah highlights Knots 3D, an app priced at $5.99, ideal for enthusiasts who need detailed guidance on tying various knots. The app offers:

• Categories: Essential knots, arborist knots, boating, camping, caving, climbing, decorative, diving, fire and rescue, fishing, military, neckties, rope care, scouting, and theater/film.
• Features: 3D animations of knot-tying processes, adjustable animation speeds, rotation controls, and full-screen viewing for enhanced learning.
• Practical Use Case: Rosemary shares a personal experience of using Knots 3D for costume enhancements at the Oregon Ren Faire, demonstrating its practical application.

Notable Quote:

Micah Sargent: "I just think every nerd should have this app as one of their options on their phone. A nice little guide to tying knots."

Rosemary Orchard's App Recommendation: Capsule (Medication Tracker)

Timestamp: [42:13]

Rosemary promotes Capsule, a medication tracking app currently available for pre-order and soon to be released. Key features include:

• Free Tier: Track up to two medications.
• Premium Subscription: $12.99/year (rising to $14.99/year) for unlimited medications, multiple schedules, tags, and enhanced notification options.
• Customization: Set due dates, multiple schedules per medication, reminders, and color-coded icons.
• Accessibility: Features like alt text for images to support screen readers.

Notable Quote:

Rosemary Orchard: "Capsule is free to download. You can track two medications for free... subscribe and it is a family sharing subscription of $12.99 a year at the moment."

Rosemary emphasizes the app’s utility for caregivers managing medications for multiple people and its customizable notification system to ensure timely medication intake.

Conclusion

Community Engagement: Micah and Rosemary encourage listeners to share their favorite social media tools and app recommendations, fostering a collaborative and informed community.

Club Twit Membership: Micah promotes Club Twit, offering members ad-free content, exclusive feeds, access to a Discord server, and special shows like Micah's Crafting Corner and Coffee Time. Membership supports the work of TWiT and enhances the listener experience.

Final Remarks: Rosemary provides links to her personal website, rosemaryarcher.com, where listeners can find her apps, books, podcasts, and social media profiles, particularly on Mastodon via Snaildit Social. Micah shares his online presence as ikasargent, directing listeners to Chihuahua Coffee for further engagement.

Notable Quote:

Micah Sargent: "Thanks so much for tuning in. We'll catch you again for another episode of iOS Today next week. Bye Bye."

This episode of iOS Today offers valuable insights into managing and unifying various social media platforms through innovative apps. It also provides practical solutions for everyday challenges, like organizing media files and tracking medications, alongside engaging community highlights and exclusive app recommendations.