I could NOT keep it Bill McLean 2026-01-17 | iPad Pro 13" vs 11": I Forced Myself to Choose OneI spent three weeks testing the 13-inch M5 iPad Pro against my 11-inch M4 iPad Pro, forcing myself to return one of them. But the decision didn't feel like a victory—it felt like a compromise.In this video, I break down the real differences between these two sizes that Apple doesn't put on the spec sheet. We'll cover use cases, the dramatic size impact on productivity, my unexpected gaming setup, whether the iPad can truly replace a laptop, and ultimately which one I kept and why.If you're trying to decide between the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro, this is the honest comparison I wish I had before buying both.The price gap makes this decision about more than just screen size. It's about understanding how you actually work, not how you think you'll work.Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or someone trying to simplify their tech setup, this video will help you make the right choice for your workflow and budget.Amazon Affiliate Links:13" iPad Pro: amzn.to/3LsL0LY13" Magic Keyboard: amzn.to/4sAwvGF11" iPad Pro: amzn.to/4552Awc11" Magic Keyboard: amzn.to/4sEDVIJPatreon for channel support and member benefits:patreon.com/cw/BillMcLeanAd-free videos and more in my new weekly newsletter The Digital Pulse!billmclean.substack.comCheck me out on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleanhttps://bsky.app/profile/billmclean.bsky.socialMust-have affiliate links:☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Tech Feels Boring Now Bill McLean 2026-06-28 | I watched Apple's WWDC keynote this year and felt nothing. Not angry, not disappointed in the usual way — just flat. Around the same time, I bought a five-year-old camera and couldn't stop thinking about it. That contrast made me start asking a bigger question: is tech actually getting boring, or is it me?In this video I dig into why hardware has outpaced what most of us actually need, why software keeps adding features without making daily life feel any better, and why AI still feels more like a demo than something genuinely useful. I also talk about the FX3, why an "old" camera reignited something Apple's biggest event of the year couldn't, and what I'm actually looking for from technology going forward.This isn't a WWDC reaction video. It's a more honest look at creator fatigue, tech fatigue, and what's actually worth caring about right now.The Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter The Digital Pulse!newsletter.williambmclean.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
My Entire Apple Ecosystem Bill McLean 2026-06-07 | This is everything I actually use, every day, to run a YouTube channel, a newsletter, and a podcast. My full Apple setup, the apps I live in, and the workflows that tie it all together. I'm not holding anything back: the Mac, the iPad, the iPhone, the watch, the accessories, and the productivity and notes apps doing the real work behind the scenes. If you've ever wondered how I get it all done, this is the complete tour.The Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter The Digital Pulse!newsletter.williambmclean.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
The Sensible Apple Setup Bill McLean 2026-06-06 | This is the setup most people actually have, or should have. No bargain-hunting, no nerd flexing, just the mainstream Apple lineup that makes everyday life click: the current iPhone, an everyday MacBook, AirPods, an Apple Watch, and the few features that genuinely change how you work. I'll walk through what the average person gets out of going all-in on Apple, and where the ecosystem quietly earns its keep. If you want the "just works" experience without thinking too hard about it, this is your guide.Budget setup!youtu.be/UfZv5XvW4oQThe Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter The Digital Pulse!newsletter.williambmclean.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Apple Is Not Expensive Bill McLean 2026-06-05 | You don't need to spend five grand to get the Apple ecosystem working for you. In this video I build out the cheapest setup that still gives you the real magic: Handoff, AirDrop, Universal Clipboard, iMessage on everything. I'll show you exactly which older and entry-level devices to buy, where to save, and the corners that are actually fine to cut. If you've been Apple-curious but the price tag scared you off, start here.The Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter The Digital Pulse!newsletter.williambmclean.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Are you enjoying the new safari layout or have you switched back to the old one? Bill McLean 2026-05-28 | ...
Stop Rushing. Do This Instead. Bill McLean 2026-05-20 | More deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter!williambmclean.comForget the 5 AM cold plunge. Forget the meditation cushion and the gratitude journal with the leather cover. This is what actually worked for me.Every morning I open my iPad, pull up Apple Notes, and write. No system, no word count, no rules. Just thoughts on a screen until my brain stops fighting itself. It's boring. That's the point.This is my version of morning pages — a concept Julia Cameron wrote about back in 1992 — adapted for someone juggling a full-time job, a family, and a creative outlet all at once.In this video I cover:- Why I stopped trying to build the perfect morning- How 10-15 minutes of writing replaced every other habit I've tried- My exact iPad setup in Apple Notes (including the iPadOS 26 bugs that make it annoying)- How the weekly review ties the whole thing togetherIf you're dealing with overthinking, stress, or just feeling like your mornings are running you instead of the other way around — this one's for you.The Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Tech Keeps You in Debt Bill McLean 2026-05-13 | I've been thinking about all the years I financed tech and all of the stupid money decisions I've made along the way.I recently ranked the 18 phones that I have had over the last 16 years and it had me thinking about the role media and marketing plays when it comes to the yearly upgrade cycles.This is Press Pause Season 3, Episode 10!More deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter!newsletter.williambmclean.comThe Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Ranking Every Phone Ive Ever Used Bill McLean 2026-05-07 | 18 Phones in 16 years.From early android in 2010 to the current iPhones and everything in between.Take a trip back down memory lane as I rank every smartphone I've ever used!The Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter The Digital Pulse!newsletter.williambmclean.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Switching to Obsidian after 1,000 hours in Apple Notes Bill McLean 2026-04-29 | I spent the last 30+ days with Obsidian. There is a lot to like but as an Apple Notes purist, there is also a lot of frustration involved.Customization, plugins, themes, syncing, there are a ton of things to setup and figure out and basically none of it is productive.Have you tried Obsidian?Theo's video:youtube.com/watch?v=h6ukrWyqOm4The Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter!newsletter.williambmclean.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
AI Chat is a Distraction Bill McLean 2026-04-22 | Most people are using AI the same way they use Google — type a question, get an answer, move on. I did the same thing and the novelty wore off fast. But after spending real time with these tools, I figured out what actually makes AI useful. It's not the chat interface. It's context. Whether that's Google's access to your Drive and Gmail, or Claude running inside your files — when AI knows your stuff, it stops feeling generic. In this video I walk through the mess that is the current AI subscription landscape, how I went from skeptic to actually building a website with zero coding experience, and why Obsidian + Claude Code actually became useful to me.Internet Vin's commands: internetvin.com/Obsidian+CommandsThe Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter The Digital Pulse and Perspective Shifts!billmclean.substack.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
What Every Podcast App Gets Wrong Bill McLean 2026-04-20 | Get 1 Month free: link.snipd.com/Cx7S/mcleanAre you tired of hearing brilliant insights on podcasts only to forget them by the time you reach your desk? Today, I sit down with Kevin Smith, co-founder of Snipd, an AI-powered podcast player that completely fixes this problem. We discuss how a 3-person team built the ultimate audio note-taking tool, the future of AI agents managing your second brain, and why we are currently living in the "AI slop" era.Snipd allows you to save podcast highlights with a tap of your headphones and syncs them directly to Obsidian, Notion, or Readwise. Plus, Kevin gives us a sneak peek into the next iteration of their AI DJ feature.Follow Kevin: https://x.com/KevinBenSmithMy previous Snipd video: youtu.be/Bl-poQ0fDCAThe Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter The Digital Pulse and Perspective Shifts!billmclean.substack.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Building a Business on Metas Twitter Clone Bill McLean 2026-04-06 | 🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler(affiliate link): https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLlDiscover the unfiltered reality of indie app development and how to drive real audience growth on Meta's Threads. When Twitter (X) completely shifted its platform and skyrocketed API pricing to $42,000 a month, independent developers Luca and Mattia watched their profitable SaaS side projects get wiped out almost overnight. Instead of walking away from software development, they pivoted and built Black Twist, a premier scheduling, analytics, and community growth platform engineered specifically for Meta's Threads. Whether you are trying to understand the Threads algorithm, build a SaaS product, or simply grow your personal brand online, this conversation breaks down the exact strategies working right now.In this episode, we dig into the raw truth of building a tech startup while balancing a demanding 9-to-5 job, family commitments, and avoiding burnout. We discuss the massive organic reach discrepancy between X and Threads—including how the exact same content got 100 views on Twitter but exploded to 200,000 views on Threads. We also get honest about the psychological toll of dealing with app copycats and how to build a moat around your business using community.Finally, we pull back the curtain on the exact productivity and tech stacks we use to ship products and content fast. From managing ideas in Obsidian and Apple Notes to coding web apps with AI using Claude Code and Cursor, you will get a behind-the-scenes look at the tools powering modern creators and developers.Chapters00:00 - Intro & Welcome08:32 - Leaving X and the $42k API Shock18:19 - The 200k View Secret on Threads26:36 - The Brutal Reality of the 9-to-5 Juggle42:23 - How to Handle App Copycats48:29 - The Threads 100 Challenge52:13 - Our Indie Dev Tech & Productivity Stack01:02:41 - Coding with AI & Markdown FilesFollow Luca on Threads: threads.com/@luca.restagno.devFollow Mattia on Threads: threads.com/@heymattiarighettiThe Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter The Digital Pulse and Perspective Shifts!billmclean.substack.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
The quickest way to get information into Apple reminders! Bill McLean 2026-04-03 | The quickest way to get information into Apple reminders!
Get info into Apple Notes quickly from the Control Center! Bill McLean 2026-04-01 | Get info into Apple Notes quickly from the Control Center!
Apple Won Bill McLean 2026-04-01 | MacBook Neo (Amazon Affiliate link): amzn.to/4c27pcgApple recently released the MacBook Neo, a $599 laptop that changes the conversation around budget computers. After years of dealing with cheap, disposable Windows machines, we finally have a well-built Mac at an entry-level price.In this video, we look at the new MacBook Neo to see if it actually lives up to the hype. I cover the surprising performance of the A18 Pro chip, the design compromises like the physical trackpad and non-backlit keyboard, and how it compares to the MacBook Air, older Macs, and the iPad. If you are on a budget and trying to figure out if this is the right laptop for your needs, this breakdown will help you decide.The Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter The Digital Pulse and Perspective Shifts!billmclean.substack.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
A shortcut to enter multiple reminders at once Bill McLean 2026-03-30 | A shortcut to enter multiple reminders at once
Using Apple Shortcuts with Obsidians Daily Note Bill McLean 2026-03-27 | Using Apple Shortcuts with Obsidian's Daily Note
iPadOS 26 Killed the iPad Bill McLean 2026-03-27 | Apple finally gave us what we asked for, and it ruined the iPad. In this video, I break down why the new windowing features in iPadOS 26 and the changes to multitasking have completely broken the iPad experience for power users.For years, the iPad was my go-to productivity device. From the early days of iPadOS 15 with simple split view and slide over, it was the perfect companion to my Mac Studio. But with the introduction of Liquid Glass and forced windowed mode, Apple tried to turn the iPad into a Mac, and the result is a frustrating, finicky mess. I recently tested the 13-inch M5 iPad Pro hoping the larger screen would fix the multitasking issues, but it only proved that the iPad has lost its unique identity. Whether you turn windowed mode off or leave it on, you are left with an objectively worse experience.Here is why I am putting my M4 iPad Pro down and going back to my MacBook.The Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter The Digital Pulse and Perspective Shifts!billmclean.substack.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Setting up shortcuts to run when you press the action button Bill McLean 2026-03-25 | Setting up shortcuts to run when you press the action button
Using Apple Shortcuts to run other shortcuts Bill McLean 2026-03-23 | Using Apple Shortcuts to run other shortcuts
The Verge Hates Tech Bill McLean 2026-03-23 | In this episode, we cover the latest Apple news including hands on thoughts with the new blush MacBook Neo. We also discuss why the AirPods Max 2 feel like a disappointing upgrade. Then we dive into the current state of AI in note taking apps. We compare Obsidian, Notion AI, and Apple Notes to find the best productivity workflow. Plus, we discuss the tech community's growing frustration with AI products that fail to deliver real consumer value.Here is a breakdown of what we talk about this week:- We discuss The Verge's critical coverage of the AI bubble. I share why regular consumers are not adopting these expensive new tools.- I detail my ongoing 30 day experiment using Obsidian with Claude Code. We also cover the headaches of relying on community plugins and unreliable sync. - We review why the new AirPods Max 2 missed the mark. Apple kept the same heavy design and controversial charging case.- I give my first impressions of the highly anticipated MacBook Neo in blush. We talk about its compact footprint and the return to a traditional clicking trackpad.- We look at rumors surrounding a new premium MacBook. I also explain my internal debate about consolidating my Mac Studio and MacBook Pro into one expensive machine.- We cover what to expect in the iOS 26.4 release. This includes crucial keyboard fixes and testing for end to end encryption for RCS messages.- I highlight recent app updates from Notion like custom AI skills and dashboard views. We also take a quick look at Craft's new focus on performance and reliability.If you want more context and extra articles, you can find my weekly newsletter on Substack at billmclean.substack.com. You can also find the link in the video description.Chapters00:00 - Start00:32 - The Verge Hates Tech?07:17 - Obsidian (again)15:53 - Airpods Max 2 - more of the same17:38 - Macbook Neo20:24 - My nex Mac is…22:34 - A Gemini Mac App(finally)23:00 - iOS26.424:20 - PKM App UpdatesThe Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter The Digital Pulse and Perspective Shifts!billmclean.substack.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
I Tested Every To-do App So You Dont Have To Bill McLean 2026-03-21 | What is the best to-do list app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac in 2026? I compared Apple Reminders vs Todoist vs Things 3 vs TickTick vs Notion vs Stuff to find out which task manager is actually worth using. After years of switching between paid and free to-do apps, I landed on a surprising answer: the best to-do list app might already be on your phone for free.In this video I go through each app one by one, covering features like natural language input, Kanban boards, calendar integration, recurring tasks, Siri support, and pricing. I also talk about what I actually need from a task manager and how that stacks up against what each app offers. Whether you want the best free to-do app or you're deciding if a paid option like Todoist or Things 3 is worth the money, this should help you figure that out.But this video is about more than just app reviews. I also share the pattern I noticed that was quietly killing my productivity. Switching apps had become its own form of procrastination, and I kept falling for it with both task managers and notes apps. If you've ever caught yourself spending more time setting up a new system than actually getting things done, you'll probably relate to this one.Chapters00:00 - Start01:01 - Apple Reminders05:27 - Things 307:43 - Todoist11:06 - TickTick13:00 - Notion13:23 - Stuff14:19 - What Now?The Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter The Digital Pulse and Perspective Shifts!billmclean.substack.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyYouTube Gear(Affiliate Links)Best bang for buck camera bodies!Sony FX30: amzn.to/3IXxGxVSony ZV-E1: amzn.to/4qda4pKReasonably Priced Lenses with Professional Quality!Sigma 24-70mm: amzn.to/3W7P6uKSigma 24mm: amzn.to/4o09NFiSigma 16-28mm: amzn.to/47f9uz9My Audio Gear Picks!Sennheiser MKE600: amzn.to/47mFUc9Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th gen): amzn.to/3LcRPR5Sony MDR-M1 Headphones: amzn.to/46Xyn2QDJI Mic 3: amzn.to/4s6KhQ3Shure SM7db: amzn.to/46reGArSamsung T9 SSD: amzn.to/4kSM9tkWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
The Apps Behind 8 Billion Views Bill McLean 2026-03-14 | Description:I spent my entire Saturday comparing note-taking apps, task managers, and building requirements documents—only to end up right back where I started. It made me wonder: how do the most successful tech creators actually get their work done?In this video, we dive into the productivity systems behind over 8 Billion combined views. From MKBHD’s shockingly simple 3-app stack to Austin Evans' custom AI workflows, David Pierce’s chaotic shortcut hacks, and John Gruber’s old-school markdown methods. The secret to their success isn't the tools they use—it's something completely different.Podcast mentioned: https://www.relay.fm/cortexThe Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter The Digital Pulse and Perspective Shifts!billmclean.substack.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Everything Apple Announced this Week Bill McLean 2026-03-09 | Apple just dropped a massive wave of new hardware, and we need to talk about it. The star of the show is definitely the new MacBook Neo, bringing the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone to a laptop starting at just $599. But there is a lot more to cover.In this episode, I break down the entire release schedule. We start with the M4 iPad Air, which gets a bump to 12GB of base memory and Wi-Fi 7. We also look at the new iPhone 17E, which finally ditches the 128GB storage tier, adds MagSafe charging, and features a 48-megapixel fusion camera.For your desk setup, Apple refreshed the standard Studio Display with Thunderbolt 5. They also introduced the 27-inch Studio Display XDR, which features a mini-LED panel, a 120-hertz refresh rate, and HDR brightness capabilities.Finally, we cover the quiet spec bumps to the M5 MacBook Pro and M5 MacBook Air , before diving into why the new MacBook Neo might be the most popular laptop Apple has made in years.Chapters:00:00 - Start00:41 - iPad Air04:55 - iPhone 17e07:30 - Studio Displays14:17 - M5 Pro and Max Chips14:32 - MacBook Pro15:15 - MacBook Air16:01 - Macbook NeoThe Essential Apple Notes Guidebillmclean.gumroad.com/l/wdsjzMore deep dives on apps, tech and life lessons in my Newsletter The Digital Pulse and Perspective Shifts!billmclean.substack.comConnect with me on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleantiktok.com/@williambmclean?_t=ZT-8zridiJJmIP&_r=1instagram.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:🧵BlackTwist Threads Scheduler: https://blacktwist.app?aff=9mjXLl🎙️Voice Dictation with Wispr wisprflow.ai/r?WILLIAM1193🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite cross-platform todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
The Only Parenting App You Actually Need Bill McLean 2026-02-28 | When we brought our baby home, everyone wanted to give us advice. But none of it prepared us for the actual exhaustion and sleep deprivation that followed.In this video, I break down the one tool that actually helped: the Huckleberry app. My wife and I have lived inside this app for the last 9 months. I walk through the features that gave us our sanity back, from the algorithm that predicts exactly when your baby needs to sleep, to having a single shared source of truth for feeding and medicine. Even as someone who usually argues against app subscriptions, I explain why paying for Huckleberry Plus was the best investment we made as new parents.Sign up for my new weekly Newsletter The Digital Pulse!billmclean.substack.comCheck me out on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleanhttps://bsky.app/profile/billmclean.bsky.socialMust-have affiliate links:☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Use automations to trigger actions Bill McLean 2026-02-25 | like turning the screen to black and white mode when the kindle app is opened!
Instant buyers remorse LG Ultrafine 6k display Bill McLean 2026-02-24 | Instant buyer's remorseLG Ultrafine 6k display
My most used shortcut for linking Apple Notes and Reminders Bill McLean 2026-02-23 | My most used shortcut for linking Apple Notes and Reminders
Will this be Obsidians Downfall? Bill McLean 2026-02-23 | In season three, episode 5 of Press Pause, we look at the broken state of productivity systems and why I am sticking with Apple Notes over Obsidian. The AI wars are heating up again as we discuss the performance of Claude 4.6 against Google's Gemini 3.1 Pro. We also break down the latest Apple rumors from Mark Gurman regarding the massive Siri delay. It looks like those highly anticipated features might be pushed back to iOS 26.5 or even iOS 27, proving once again that the tech rumor mill often ruins the fun.Managing content across YouTube, a podcast, a newsletter, Threads, X, and TikTok is overwhelming. I talk about why having files on your hard drive sounds great in theory, but apps with good user interfaces usually win out for most people. Notion gets a lot of complaints because of its subscription model, but its AI implementation is currently the most useful one I have tested. We also touch on the recent AI summit and why we need more likable people in charge of these tools.Kepano: stephango.com/aboutSign up for my new weekly Newsletter The Digital Pulse!billmclean.substack.comCheck me out on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleanMust-have affiliate links:☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
You Own Nothing Bill McLean 2026-02-21 | I recently sat down to do a financial audit and realized I was spending over $2,800 a year on software subscriptions. From cloud storage and AI tools to writing apps and password managers, the costs had quietly piled up. Worse, I realized I did not even own any of it.In this video, I break down my exact subscription list and how I managed to cut $800 from my yearly expenses. More importantly, we look at the hidden cost of the subscription model. We have traded ownership for access and focus for endless features. I share why falling into the feature loop with paid productivity apps often feels like work but actually ruins our flow state.Instead of paying rent to software companies, I explain why I rely heavily on free built-in Apple apps like Apple Notes and Reminders. When you stop worrying about complex databases and plugins, you can finally focus on getting things done. We explore the idea of finding what is "enough" for your workflow and why simple tools usually beat out the expensive alternatives.If you are tired of the subscription epidemic and want to simplify your digital life, this video is for you.Subscribe for more videos on the Apple ecosystem, simple productivity, and taking back control of your digital tools.Sign up for my new weekly Newsletter The Digital Pulse!billmclean.substack.comCheck me out on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleanMust-have affiliate links:☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Creating Daily Note functionality within Apple Notes using Shortcuts Bill McLean 2026-02-20 | Creating Daily Note functionality within Apple Notes using Shortcuts
Who leaves notification badges on?! Do You? Bill McLean 2026-02-19 | Who leaves notification badges on?! Do You?
Apple shortcuts gallery view is a great place to get started! Bill McLean 2026-02-18 | Apple shortcuts gallery view is a great place to get started!
Free vs paid apps, what does your system look like? Bill McLean 2026-02-16 | Free vs paid apps, what does your system look like?
Two easy ways to customize your iPhone home screen Bill McLean 2026-02-13 | Two easy ways to customize your iPhone home screen
I had to return it! Goodbye 13 M5 iPad Pro Bill McLean 2026-02-09 | I had to return it! Goodbye 13" M5 iPad Pro
Is Apple Notes Holding You Back? Bill McLean 2026-02-09 | Where to find Tom:Web/newsletter: tomfanderson.comThreads: threads.com/@tomandersonPodcast: basicafshow.comIn this episode of Press Pause, I am joined by Tom Anderson from the Basic AF show to discuss the reality of being a tech enthusiast who just cannot stop switching apps. We talk about the "infinite loop" of productivity tools and why the search for the perfect setup never really ends.Tom shares exactly why he moved his entire workflow into Craft Docs, including how he managed to replace a dedicated task manager like Things 3 to keep his tasks and notes in one place. We also discuss why Apple Notes is fantastic for 90% of people but why it often falls short for power users who need features like nested documents and better export options.We also dive into the current state of AI and the potential risks of giving "agent" tools like OpenClaw unfiltered access to your computer. We debate whether installing these local bots is a productivity hack or a massive security trap waiting to happen.Finally, we cover our hardware setups. Tom explains how he uses the 13-inch iPad Pro as his main computer for 75% of his work. We also look at his home screen which reveals a shocking number of unread notification badges that somehow do not stress him out at all.1Password Article Referenced:1password.com/blog/from-magic-to-malware-how-openclaws-agent-skills-become-an-attack-surfaceChapters:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest02:09 Exploring Notes Apps and Productivity07:45 Craft vs. Other Notes Apps12:02 Task Management and Productivity Tools18:00 The Role of AI in Note-Taking25:59 The Future of AI and Personal Data Management35:44 Integrating AI into Everyday Tools39:08 Specialized AI Applications in Project Management40:33 The Future of AI and Privacy Concerns42:50 Exploring Open Source AI Tools45:07 Navigating AI Usage Limits and Workflows48:35 The Debate on Upgrading Tech Devices49:28 Personal Computing Preferences and Experiences56:18 Notification Management and Personal PreferencesSign up for my new weekly Newsletter The Digital Pulse!billmclean.substack.comCheck me out on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/williambmcleanMust-have affiliate links:☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Apple Notes is Faster Than you Think Bill McLean 2026-02-07 | Everyone says Apple Notes is "too simple" compared to Notion or Obsidian. But they’re missing the point: Friction is the enemy of creativity.Apple Notes is already on every device you own. When you master these quick capture shortcuts, it becomes the fastest way to get thoughts out of your head and into your system before they disappear. In this video, I’m breaking down every high-speed input method for iPhone, iPad, and Mac—including the "hidden" shortcuts most people overlook.Sign up for my new weekly Newsletter The Digital Pulse!billmclean.substack.comCheck me out on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleanhttps://bsky.app/profile/billmclean.bsky.socialMust-have affiliate links:☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Are Paid Notes Apps a Trap? Bill McLean 2026-02-02 | We spend so much time searching for the perfect notes app that we often forget to actually use the notes and do the work.In this episode of Press Pause, I’m looking at why I’ve moved away from the complexity of tools like Obsidian and Notion to go back to the most obvious choice: Apple Notes. For a long time, the "graph view" and complex linking were the gold standard, but for most of us, they’ve become more of a distraction than a utility.Simplicity is winning the personal knowledge management game right now and Apple’s deep integration gives it an edge that third-party apps struggle to match.We also dive into the current state of AI. While many are looking at Claude and Anthropic as the leaders, there are signs they may have fumbled their chance to unseat Google. I discuss why this might be the year Apple Intelligence changes the landscape and what it means for the future of these AI startups.Sign up for my new weekly Newsletter The Digital Pulse!billmclean.substack.comCheck me out on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleanMust-have affiliate links:☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Why I Quit Paid Apps Bill McLean 2026-01-31 | I wasted 10 years and hundreds of dollars chasing the "perfect" productivity setup in Notion and Todoist. Then I realized the most powerful system was already on my apple devices for free. In this video, I’m breaking down the exact 4-app loop—Notes, Reminders, Calendar, and Mail—that killed my app fatigue and let me actually get back to work. We’ll explore how to link these "basic" tools into a professional-grade dashboard for personal goals and running a creative business. No subscriptions, no fancy dashboards, just a low-friction system that stays out of your way.Chapters:0:00 Start0:48 benefits of a paid system1:53 Gripes for Apple3:32 Apple Notes6:16 Apple Reminders8:44 Apple Calendar11:41 Apple Mail13:38 ConclusionSign up for my new weekly Newsletter The Digital Pulse!billmclean.substack.comCheck me out on Social:threads.net/@williambmcleanhttps://x.com/wbmcleanhttps://bsky.app/profile/billmclean.bsky.socialMust-have affiliate links:☀️Raycast Pro Free for 14 days: raycast.com/?via=william-mclean💻CleanMyMac Free for 7 days: macpaw.audw.net/c/6052342/263631/1733🎵 2 Months Free! Music, Footage, and More from Artlist: artlist.io/referral/4646734/William☁️ Backblaze computer and NAS backup: secure.backblaze.com/r/05ckce✅ My favorite todo app(todoist): get.todoist.io/ucypxtigr1jyWebsite:www.williabmclean.comFor business inquiries:contact@williambmclean.com
Use Airpods as a wireless mic while recording on iPhone! Bill McLean 2026-01-26 | Up your audio quality on the go!
