Podcast Summary: iOS Today 796 — "Apps From Other Platforms"
Hosts: Micah Sargent & Rosemary Orchard
Release Date: April 2, 2026
Theme: Exploring useful apps that originated on non-iOS platforms (Mac, Windows, web, Android, etc.) but have since become valuable and well-integrated tools on iOS and iPadOS.
Episode Overview
This episode spotlights apps that successfully migrated from other platforms to iOS/iPadOS, offering users the chance to enjoy their favorite tools across Apple's ecosystem. Micah and Rosemary discuss practical examples, sharing their experiences and workflows with these cross-platform apps, offering tips and recommendations for seamless productivity.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Cross-Platform Apps and Why They Matter
- Platform Agnosticism: Many apps now support multiple platforms, letting users unify their workflows and data regardless of the device they're using.
- Ease of Transition: Micah jokes about the myth that porting an app is just "checking a little checkbox," acknowledging developer effort required (01:24).
- Personal Relevance: Both hosts focus on apps they use daily, emphasizing real-world utility.
2. App Highlights
Devonthink To Go 3
- Origin: Began as a Mac app, now powerful on iOS/iPadOS (02:36).
- Main Use: Personal knowledge management (everything from D&D manuals to recipes to home maintenance).
- Features:
- Multiple databases (folders called "groups")
- High-powered search (including scanned PDFs, OCR)
- Indexed folders for partial syncing with iCloud Drive
- Great for storing various file types (not just documents)
- Quote:
"Devonthink can be a complex application. It does not need to be a complex application." — Rosemary (02:41)
- Practical Example: Used to store appliance manuals and recipes; helps quickly answer questions like, “What battery does my water leak sensor need?”
- Notable Moment: Rosemary on why her washing machine manual is in Devonthink:
"My washing machine's in my kitchen. It's quite common in the UK." (04:43)
Tot
- Origin: Simple text editor by IconFactory, exists on Mac as Tot and on iOS as Tot Pocket (07:54).
- Purpose: Lightweight, fast text syncing between Mac and iOS/iPadOS.
- Key Point: “It’s not special, but it works for me and it works for what I need it to do.” — Micah (09:33)
- Workflow Example: Used for podcast guest info and show links, persists due to its sheer simplicity and reliability.
Drafts
- Origin: Started on iOS, expanded to Mac (12:31).
- Main Use: Fast note capture, manipulation, and automation.
- Notable Features:
- Robust action system (send notes as messages, sort lists, etc.)
- Community-driven library of actions and themes
- Available as a watch complication for dictation on the go
- Ephemeral and permanent notes
- Quote:
"Drafts is not necessarily designed for a place to be where text lives...it's the place where text starts." — Rosemary (15:30)
- Practical Example: Dictating quick reminders while driving using the Apple Watch.
Firefox (and Chrome)
- Browser Migration: Both hosts recommend trying non-Safari browsers on iOS for feature parity with desktop (17:39).
- Firefox Strengths:
- Syncs bookmarks, open tabs, and history across devices.
- Unique layout & additional options (e.g., force dark mode, easy desktop site request).
- Quote:
"If something's not working in Safari, it sometimes works in Firefox Mobile." — Rosemary (18:34)
- Chrome Mention:
“Google does do a good job of keeping these apps updated and taking advantage of new platform options when they come.” — Micah (19:39)
Festivities
- Origin: Fun Mac app that adds festive lights/effects, later brought to iOS (20:35).
- Purpose: Seasonal widgets and decorations for your device.
- Quote:
“It’s a little bit of a silly gimmick, but in the best way that a silly gimmick can exist because it’s just a lovely app.” — Rosemary (21:17)
- Shout-out: Developer Simon Støvring for porting to iOS.
3. Community Picks & Interaction
- Listeners are invited to email their own suggestions for apps that originated on other platforms but thrive on iOS to iOS Today feedback (21:53).
4. News: WWDC Announced
- WWDC 2026: Scheduled for week of June 8.
- Host Expectations:
- Rosemary is looking for clues about layout frameworks that could hint at future foldable iPhones (25:14).
- Micah wants to see Apple’s plans for on-device AI:
"I am interested in seeing Apple's latest sort of commentary on its AI offerings frankly, to see where the company is headed and how it positions itself." (27:16)
5. Shortcuts Corner (Automation Q&A)
Q: Can I have my Apple Watch prompt to start a walk or bike ride when I leave home?
A: Yes, using the Shortcuts app's Automation feature.
- How-to Steps (29:30):
- In Shortcuts app, create a new automation triggered by leaving a location.
- Use a Menu action in the shortcut to pick between "Walk" and "Bike Ride".
- Each menu option starts the corresponding workout (using "Start Workout" as an action).
- Limitation: The prompt appears on iPhone, not directly on Apple Watch; workaround involves third-party notification services, but results may vary.
- Quote:
"I hope, John, you're comfortable pulling your iPhone out of your pocket so that you can just tap on a couple of things and then your workout will get started. But this is how I would do it." — Rosemary (34:03)
6. App Caps (Personal Recommendations)
Micah: Aqara Presence Sensor
- Device: Hardware sensor integrating IR and mmWave, makes home automation more reliable by precisely detecting if someone is present in a room (35:44).
- Quote:
"It can rely on multiple means of input to determine if a person has truly left a space." — Micah (37:03)
Rosemary: Pokémon Go
- Reason: Fun, free way to get outdoors, walk, and engage with family (38:09).
- “It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the world that is out there, especially as over here, it’s springtime.” — Rosemary (39:56)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On App Simplicity (Tot):
"It's not special, but it works for me and it works for me for what I need it to do." — Micah (09:33)
- On Drafts' Community:
"There is a community of nerds around Drafts. Now, you don't have to be a software developer or a programmer of any kind to write and create your own Drafts actions, because these nerds have created so many...» — Rosemary (13:35)
- On Platform Transition:
"Now browsers have become first class citizens on iOS, so you can set them as a default. There's no reason not to try it at the very least. And I personally do really enjoy Firefox." — Rosemary (19:19)
- On Festivities:
“10 out of 10 to Simon Støvring for creating the app, first of all for Mac and the second of all for iOS and bringing it out last year, because it definitely has a place on my phone seasonally at any rate.” — Rosemary (21:28)
Key Timestamps
- 00:21 — Episode Introduction (“Apps from Other Platforms”)
- 02:36 — Devonthink To Go 3 deep dive (Rosemary)
- 07:54 — Tot: Simple Text Sync (Micah)
- 12:31 — Drafts: Quick Note Capture & Actions (Rosemary)
- 17:39 — Firefox: Cross-device Browsing (Rosemary), Chrome Mention (Micah)
- 20:35 — Festivities: Seasonal Decorations (Rosemary)
- 21:53 — Listener Feedback Invitation
- 25:14 — WWDC 2026 Announcement & Hopes
- 29:30 — Shortcuts Corner: Automated Workout Prompt (Rosemary)
- 35:44 — App Caps: Aqara Presence Sensor (Micah)
- 38:09 — App Caps: Pokémon Go (Rosemary)
- 40:10 — Closing Remarks & Contact Info
Tone & Style
- Friendly, informal, and helpful.
- Both hosts share personal anecdotes and practical uses for each app, mixing practical advice with light-hearted jokes.
- Strong “try it yourself” encouragement and user empowerment.
Final Thoughts
For listeners seeking to bridge their experiences across platforms, this episode is overflowing with actionable recommendations for cross-platform apps, delivered with personality and plenty of expertise. Whether your focus is knowledge management, quick note taking, web browsing, seasonal fun, or getting outdoors, there are takeaways for every kind of user.
Contact Information:
- Email: iowad@twit.tv
- Rosemary: rosemaryorchard.com
- Micah: chihuahuacoffee.com
- Stay tuned for another episode next week, and share your own cross-platform app favorites!