With the latest update to Things 3, version 3.17 to be precise, users have been given what feels like super powers to automate a crazy amount of the ways they use Things thanks to the wonderful integrations with Shortcuts that the fine folks at Cultured Code have introduced. It was enough for me to scrap my previous system, which I explained on episode 63 of Inner Dialogue.

If you've been following these monthly Home Screen updates you know that I've been on a mission to find the perfect Home Screen setup. Each month has been an iteration getting closer to what I want. Sometimes in these iterative cycles you see small changes, sometimes you see huge ones. This month definitely falls into the latter category...huge change.

“Hey I know we’ve proven ourselves to be incapable of keeping your information secure, that we’ve allowed fake news to possibly sway the outcome of a Presidential election, that 50 Million users’ information just got stolen two weeks ago, and that we logged an additional 40 million users out of their accounts just in case their info was stolen as well…but hey, we’ve got this fancy new Portal thing that puts a microphone and camera inside your home. You should totally try it out, I mean what could go wrong?”

My favorite update rolling out in the new Google Maps is the ‘Mixed-Mode Commutes’ feature. This allows you to customize your commute to include driving, walking, and using public transit. Using this mode will give you traffic info for the driving leg, departure times for the next train, and give you a time estimate for any walking portions. In addition to this, you will be able to see in real-time on the map where your bus or train is, so you’ll know if can finish reading this article or if you need to head to your pickup location.

Since last month’s Home Screen article I’ve moved 500 miles, stopped working at the Coffee Shop, and begun focusing more intently on my Podcast Network, Super Mega Corp, and this website. As such, my Home Screen has changed to accommodate this major shift in my life. 

My apps are still arranged by color but due to the number of changes this month I’ve had to get a little creative with the finish product. My white row is now vertical, leaving room for four rows of three apps to complete the square. I now have a red/orange row as well as the ever present green row, purple row, and now an almost perfect blue row.

I love photography, and while I prefer shooting with my DSLR, there is no denying that the cameras on today’s smartphones are incredibly capable, especially when paired with high quality apps that allow you to shoot, edit, and share all on the same device. Recently, there have been a few articles on the App Store aimed at helping you get better at photography with your phone that I have found helpful:

Long Exposure

Urban Photography 

Monument Valley 2 is a stellar game and this little behind the scenes editorial article on the iOS App Store is a neat look at the concepts and designs that didn’t make it into the final game. Highly suggest clicking the title of this article to go read the App Store editorial.