WEEKLY WHEATIES #2523

Desktop and Phone Automation, Apple, AI, US Spots

Jun 08, 2025

In this newsletter:

📝 Post: Empowering Your Computers and Phones with Local Automation
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Apple Updates
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: AI Updates and Headlines
😎 Pick of the Week: US Spots
📦 Featured Product: Elgato Stream Deck

📝 Empowering Your Computers and Phones with Local Automation

Last week, I talked about Automation Software that is typically used on the web and runs in the cloud. There are also third-party services that can be installed on your own local server, but this is a bit more involved and generally not suggested. However, there are also automation softwares that can run locally on a device, whether a desktop or mobile phone, as well as systems designed for home and personal use. Please keep in mind this post is meant more to share awareness of these systems rather than a complete how-to. That is a never-ending guide that I’m not experienced enough or willing to share. At least yet…

These automation systems function very similarly to the cloud automation software discussed before. They need a trigger or event to happen before performing some sort of action. Again, this is sometimes referred to as an IF-THEN statement, and many of the systems shared this week may also be referred to as an RPA (Robotic Process Automation).

On a desktop, there are a few ways to approach this. Microsoft and Apple both have built-in systems that can generally provide basic programming and automation. On Apple, the Mac OS system uses Automator. In Microsoft Windows, basic automation can happen with Task Scheduler, but Power Automate provides a more -powerful- workflow. I am not as familiar with the many third-party systems available, but popular ones include:

Mac

Windows

As you may have seen, some of these softwares mention the word “macro” or something referring to the keyboard. A macro is essentially a sequence of commands to complete. Macros are commonly built into specific software, too, with the most common examples being Microsoft Excel, Adobe Photoshop, and many video games (typically, RPGs - Role Playing Games). What becomes a bit more interesting is that these macros can be started via a keyboard shortcut.

Keyboard shortcuts can be completed by pressing a sequence or combination of keys on your keyboard. They are fairly popular and are often used to complete simple tasks without third-party software. The most common examples include “Ctrl/CMD-C” and “Ctrl/CMD-V” for Copy and Paste. However, both on Mac and Windows, users can create new keyboard shortcuts with other key combinations not already taken by the system.

In combining these, keyboard shortcuts can be used to complete a macro or other automation from any of the softwares or systems mentioned if installed and set up correctly. There are also keyboard extension-type devices that can connect to your computer and help complete similar functions. See this week’s featured product for a few examples.

On mobile phones and tablets, there are similar apps. On Apple devices, the Shortcuts app now works on desktop and mobile, but was originally developed for iOS and has a ton of features, with first and third-party apps. There are thousands of Shortcuts that can be created or developed. Meaning you can even create your own custom shortcut to do just about anything you can dream up. Matthew Cassinelli has a blog where he shares a large library of shortcuts anyone can download and use.

On Android, there are third-party options: Tasker or Macrodroid. The Google Assistant app also does a lot of the same tasks, and is both limited and more powerful at the same time. It will help automate daily routines and tasks, but is much more integrated with the rest of the Google products - including the Google Home devices. More on that next week, though…

What automations have you created either on your computer or phone?

🗞️ ICYMI: Apple Updates

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC25) begins today. Check out their site all this week, and come back here next Monday for a recap. Sme things announced already include their 2025 Apple Design Awards. With these apps, along with the thousands of others offered in their App Store, they say it has helped generate $1.3T in billings and sales, most without a commission.

In other Apple news, Apple to Support Brain-Implant Control of Its Devices, similar to the Neurolink. Lastly, CarPlay Ultra's first trial reveals a deeply integrated, Apple-like experience for vehicles that support it.

🗞️ ICYMI: AI Updates and Headlines

The question of “Will AI replace me?” has been asked a lot in the last few years. I’ve always said those who are using AI will replace those who aren’t (see also Exhibit A and Exhibit B). One of the largest accounting firms, PwC, released a report on AI, noting that AI can make workers more valuable, more productive, and enrich their skillset, all while providing more opportunities for work. So, as a whole, AI looks to be helping and aiding much more than replacing.

That said, AI is and can streamline certain areas, and may cause concern for some. For example, Meta Aims to Use AI to Fully Automate Ad Creation. This will allow AI to assist in handling content creation, targeting, and optimization across its platforms. A bit dystopian when you get an ad with yourself in it, but that may take it a bit too far.

Since a lot of other things happened in the AI space last week, how about some headlines that speak for themselves:

😎 POTW: Pick

Continuing our road trip across the US, perhaps you’d like more information on specific stops - either places to visit for a day, a week, or even if you have plans to move.

📦 Featured Product

As mentioned in this week’s post, there are multiple hardware devices that allow keyboard shortcuts, or macros, to run based on a key press. Of those available, the Elgato Stream Deck is by far the most popular and best-reviewed brand. They offer the Mini (a 6-button version), the Neo (a 10-button version), and the XL (a 32-button version). Each of their devices comes with its own software to help program the device. What’s more interesting is that he button’s programming can also change based on the currently open window or program on the computer’s desktop. For example, if a Zoom call is active, the buttons can change. If a PowerPoint is launched, the buttons can change once again. If you use a desktop with multiple windows open at any given time and repeat tasks are completed, you should consider a Stream Deck!

BONUS!

AppSumo starts its yearly Sumo Day sale this week, which brings back popular deals. If you haven’t heard from me about them before, I have something I’m working on to share more. But in the meantime, at least sign up here to win lifetime access to ChatGPT Plus, Zapier, YouTube Premium, Gamma, or Beehiiv.