The Best Mac Apps for 2024!

Shu Omi
15 Dec 202308:52

TLDRIn this video, the host shares their top picks for Mac apps in 2024. Beeper is highlighted as a unified chat app that consolidates messaging services, while Beeper Mini aims to bridge the gap for Android users in iPhone-exclusive group chats. SigmaOS and Arc are praised for their productivity features, including AI companions and workspaces. Kosmik is noted for its unique whiteboard-like interface. The video also discusses ergonomic accessories by MOFT, AI assistants like Rewind, Bearly, Embra, and TextCortex, which offer personalized assistance and document summarization. Fabric is introduced as a digital filing cabinet tool that auto-organizes notes and files. Rize is recommended for productivity, with features to block distractions and track time spent. Bloks is a meeting-focused app that automates note-taking. Anytype and Heptabase are noted for their note-taking and mind-mapping capabilities, and Amplenote is mentioned for its comprehensive note and task management system.

Takeaways

  • 📱 Beeper is a unified chat app that consolidates various messaging services like WhatsApp, Slack, and iMessage into one platform.
  • 📱 Beeper Mini allows Android users to participate in iPhone-only group chats, but its long-term viability is uncertain due to potential restrictions by Apple.
  • 🌐 SigmaOS is a macOS-specific web browser with features aimed at enhancing productivity and user experience, including multiple workspaces and an AI assistant named Airis.
  • 🌐 Arc is a browser with similar features to SigmaOS, including a mobile app for on-the-go access to bookmarks and tabs.
  • 🌐 Kosmik is a unique web browser that combines a whiteboard interface with web browsing capabilities for a visual organization of web content.
  • 🖥️ MOFT's Smart Desk Mat is an ergonomic accessory that transforms any surface into a smart workspace with customizable features and NFC tags for quick app launching.
  • 🤖 AI assistants like Rewind, Bearly, Raycast, Embra, and TextCortex offer instant interaction with AI on Mac, providing functionalities like question answering and document summarization.
  • 📚 Fabric serves as a digital filing cabinet tool, automatically organizing and linking notes, files, and ideas, with an AI assistant for easy retrieval.
  • 🔍 Rize is a productivity app that helps users focus by blocking distractions, tracking time spent, and providing a focus timer with music.
  • 📝 Bloks is a meeting assistance app that automatically takes notes, creates action items, and summaries, allowing users to concentrate on the discussion.
  • 📝 Amplenote is a comprehensive note-taking app with task management and calendar features, recently released for Mac.

Q & A

  • What is Beeper and how does it function?

    -Beeper is a chat app that consolidates various messaging platforms into one interface. It allows users to switch between different messaging services like WhatsApp, Slack, and iMessage without leaving the app, streamlining communication and reducing the need to check multiple apps.

  • How does Beeper Mini differ from the main Beeper app?

    -Beeper Mini is a new app that enables Android users to participate in iPhone-only group chats. It allows sending and receiving of messages that appear as blue bubble texts on iPhones, although its long-term viability is uncertain due to potential restrictions by Apple.

  • What are the unique features of SigmaOS web browser?

    -SigmaOS is a macOS-specific web browser designed to enhance productivity and user experience. It offers features like multiple workspaces for different tasks or projects, and an AI companion named Airis that assists users while browsing, providing a personalized experience.

  • How does Arc browser compare to SigmaOS?

    -Arc is another browser with similar features to SigmaOS, including a mobile app for on-the-go access to bookmarks and tabs. However, its AI feature may not be as advanced as SigmaOS, and it focuses on providing a clean interface for users.

  • What is special about Kosmik as a web browser?

    -Kosmik is a unique web browser for Mac that functions like a whiteboard with web browsing capabilities. It allows users to save and organize favorite web pages, photos, and videos on a visual whiteboard, catering to those who prefer a visual approach to internet usage.

  • What is MOFT's smart desk mat and what are its features?

    -MOFT's smart desk mat is an ergonomic accessory that transforms any surface into a smart workspace. It comes with accessories like a wireless charger, magnetic book and tablet holders, and cable organizers. It also has NFC tags that can be customized to launch apps or activate settings like do not disturb mode when tapped.

  • What are the AI assistant options mentioned for Mac users?

    -The AI assistant options mentioned are Rewind, Bearly, Raycast, Embra, and TextCortex. Each offers the ability to interact with AI for tasks such as asking questions, summarizing documents, and providing personalized responses based on user interactions or uploaded data.

  • How does Rewind's AI feature work?

    -Rewind's AI feature works by recording everything a user does on their computer. It allows users to rewind and replay actions or ask questions about past activities, such as website visits or received emails, to receive more personalized responses.

  • What is TextCortex and how does it differ from Rewind?

    -TextCortex is a personalized AI assistant that, unlike Rewind, does not record screen activity. Instead, it allows users to upload notes, documents, and files to create a personalized database. Users can then ask questions or request AI-generated content based on the uploaded information.

  • What is Fabric and how does it serve as a digital filing cabinet?

    -Fabric is a digital filing cabinet tool that stores bookmarks, articles, videos, memos, and files. It automatically organizes and links these items, reducing the need for manual organization. Fabric can be accessed on both Mac and mobile devices, allowing for quick saving and retrieval of information.

  • How does Rize help with productivity?

    -Rize is an app designed to boost productivity by blocking distracting websites and apps, starting focus timers, and playing music. Its main feature is a time tracker that monitors computer activities to help users understand their time spent on distractions versus work, enabling them to improve focus and efficiency.

  • What are the note-taking capabilities of Bloks and how do they benefit users during meetings?

    -Bloks is an app that automates note-taking during meetings, creating a list of action items and summaries. This allows users to focus on the discussion rather than manual note-taking. It can be quickly accessed from the menu bar or via a keyboard shortcut for instant recording or note creation.

  • What sets Amplenote apart as a note-taking app?

    -Amplenote is a comprehensive note-taking app with an integrated task management system and calendar. It allows users to take notes, organize todos, and schedule tasks all within one application, making it a versatile tool for personal and professional organization.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Overview of New and Updated Mac Apps in 2023

This video discusses several Mac apps that have either been introduced or significantly updated in the current year. It starts with Beeper, a unified chat platform that consolidates various messaging apps like WhatsApp, Slack, and iMessage into one interface, enhancing organization and ensuring no messages are missed. The segment highlights SigmaOS and Arc as innovative web browsers enhancing productivity with features like multiple workspaces and AI companions. It also covers unique tools like Kosmik, a web browsing whiteboard, and introduces MOFT's smart desk mat, which integrates ergonomic and smart features for a better workspace. Additionally, several AI assistants such as Rewind, Bearly, Embra, and TextCortex are reviewed, emphasizing their capabilities in making daily computer interactions more efficient.

05:02

🗃️ Digital Organization and Productivity Tools for Mac

The second paragraph details various Mac apps aimed at organization and productivity. Fabric serves as a digital filing cabinet that organizes and links notes, files, and ideas automatically, accessible via Mac and mobile devices. Rize is featured as a productivity tool that helps track time and block distractions, while Bloks offers automated note-taking during meetings. For note-taking, Anytype and Heptabase are mentioned, with unique features such as an infinite canvas for Heptabase. Amplenote is highlighted as an all-in-one solution for note-taking, task management, and scheduling. The segment serves to showcase a variety of tools that support efficient work habits and digital organization on Mac.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Beeper

Beeper is described as a 'Swiss Army knife of chat apps' in the video. It is a multi-functional application that consolidates various messaging platforms into one interface. This allows users to switch between different chat services like WhatsApp, Slack, and iMessage without needing to open each app separately. Beeper exemplifies the theme of productivity and organization in the video by streamlining communication across multiple platforms.

💡SigmaOS

SigmaOS is a web browser specifically designed for macOS. It is highlighted for its features that aim to enhance productivity and user experience while browsing the internet. One of its key features is the ability to create multiple workspaces, which are dedicated areas for different tasks or projects. This helps users to keep work-related tabs and pages separate from personal ones. SigmaOS relates to the video's theme by showcasing how technology can be tailored to improve efficiency and organization in our digital lives.

💡Airis

Airis is an AI companion within the SigmaOS browser. It is designed to assist users as they browse the web, accessible from the sidebar, and can answer questions posed by the user. In the context of the video, Airis represents the growing trend of integrating AI into everyday tools to make tasks more efficient and intuitive. It is an example of how AI can be a personal assistant within a web browser.

💡Arc

Arc is another browser mentioned in the video that shares similarities with SigmaOS, including AI features. However, it is noted that Arc's AI might not be as advanced as SigmaOS's. Arc is distinguished by its mobile app, which allows users to access their bookmarks and tabs on the go. This relates to the video's focus on productivity and mobility, showing how technology can adapt to users' needs for accessibility and convenience.

💡Kosmik

Kosmik is a unique web browser for Mac that functions like a whiteboard with internet browsing capabilities. Users can save and organize their favorite web pages, photos, and videos on a visual canvas. This tool is particularly appealing to those who prefer a visual approach to managing their online content. Kosmik is an example of how technology can cater to different user preferences and enhance the way we interact with digital information.

💡MOFT Smart Desk Mat

The MOFT Smart Desk Mat is an ergonomic accessory that transforms any surface into a smart workspace. It comes with various accessories like a wireless charger, magnetic book and tablet holders, and cable organizers. The mat also features NFC tags that can be customized to trigger actions like playing music or enabling do not disturb mode when tapped. This product is presented in the video as a solution for creating a more organized and focused work environment, aligning with the theme of enhancing productivity through smart design.

💡AI Assistants

The video discusses several AI assistants, including Rewind, Bearly, Embra, and TextCortex. These assistants allow users to interact with AI on their Mac, perform tasks like summarizing documents, and provide personalized responses. Each app has its unique features and approach to AI integration. For instance, Rewind records computer activities for later review, while TextCortex focuses on remembering and writing based on user-uploaded notes and documents. These AI assistants are central to the video's narrative on leveraging technology for time-saving and personalized assistance.

💡Fabric

Fabric is a digital filing cabinet tool that serves as a centralized repository for bookmarks, articles, videos, memos, and files. It automatically organizes and links saved items, reducing the need for manual organization. The tool is available on both Mac and mobile, allowing for quick saving of content. Fabric is presented as a solution to the problem of information overload and disorganization in the digital space, fitting the video's theme of enhancing productivity through smart tools.

💡Rize

Rize is an app designed to help users focus and stay productive. It offers features like blocking distracting websites and apps, starting a focus timer, and playing music. Its main feature is a time tracker that monitors computer activities to help users understand their time spent on distractions versus work. Rize is highlighted as a tool for improving productivity, which is a key theme in the video.

💡Bloks

Bloks is an app used for taking notes during meetings. It automates the note-taking process and creates action items and summaries, allowing users to focus on the discussion rather than on writing. Bloks is accessible via the menu bar or a keyboard shortcut, making it easy to start recording a meeting or jotting down thoughts. This app is featured in the video as a solution for efficient meeting participation and note organization.

💡Anytype

Anytype is a note-taking app with a simple and clean design, available on multiple platforms including iPhone and Android. It is likened to Apple Notes but with enhanced capabilities, suitable for quick notes, lists, longer documents, and life organization. Anytype is presented in the context of the video as an example of how note-taking apps can be versatile and cater to various needs, from quick thoughts to detailed organization.

💡Heptabase

Heptabase is a note-taking app that allows users to take traditional notes and place them on an infinite canvas for visual organization. It is particularly appealing to those who enjoy mind mapping. Heptabase is mentioned in the video as a tool for visually organizing information, which is in line with the theme of using technology to improve the way we manage and interact with our data.

💡Amplenote

Amplenote is a comprehensive note-taking app with an integrated task management system and calendar. It enables users to take notes, organize tasks, and schedule activities within a single application. Amplenote is featured in the video as a favorite productivity app, emphasizing its all-in-one approach to managing personal information and tasks, which aligns with the video's focus on efficiency and organization.

Highlights

Beeper is a unified chat app that consolidates messaging services into one platform.

Beeper allows for seamless switching between messaging apps like WhatsApp, Slack, and iMessage.

Beeper Mini enables Android users to participate in iPhone-only group chats.

SigmaOS is a macOS-specific web browser with features designed to enhance productivity and user experience.

SigmaOS includes multiple workspaces for different tasks and an AI companion named Airis.

Arc is a browser with similar features to SigmaOS, including a mobile app for on-the-go access.

Kosmik is a unique web browser that functions like a whiteboard for organizing web content.

MOFT's smart desk mat transforms any surface into a smart workspace with customizable accessories.

The smart desk mat from MOFT includes NFC tags for quick app launching and mode toggling.

AI assistants Rewind, Bearly, Raycast, Embra, and TextCortex offer instant interaction with AI on Mac.

Embra allows the use of plugins for ChatGPT, enhancing its functionality.

Rewind records computer activity for later review and personalized responses.

TextCortex is a personalized AI assistant that remembers information from uploaded notes and documents.

Fabric serves as a digital filing cabinet tool for storing and organizing bookmarks, articles, and files.

Fabric automatically links saved items, reducing the need for manual organization.

Rize is a productivity app that helps users focus by blocking distractions and tracking time spent.

Bloks automates note-taking during meetings and creates action items and summaries.

Anytype is a versatile note-taking app with a simple design, available on multiple platforms.

Heptabase is a note-taking app that supports visual organization on an infinite canvas, ideal for mindmapping.

Amplenote is a comprehensive note app with task management and calendar features.