WEEKLY WHEATIES #2533
Keyboard Shortcuts, Apple, Streaming, Tesla, Game Picks
In this newsletter:
📝 Post: The Secret Key to Your Most Powerful Shortcuts
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Apple Leaks
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Streaming Updates
🗞️ In Case You Missed It: Tesla’s Takeover
😎 Pick of the Week: Game Picks
📦 Featured Product: TP-Link WiFi Extender and Router
📝 The Secret Key to Your Most Powerful Shortcuts
Although much of the online space is now browsed from mobile devices, Desktops don’t appear to be going away anytime soon. I’ve mentioned this in the past, but when I taught high school for a few years, I had multiple students write entire papers from their cell phones. And that was before ChatGPT. I would imagine it’s just as true today in schools, but I still haven’t seen that much in the workplace. At some point, a mouse and keyboard are just that much more productive than an onscreen keyboard and/or voice-to-text.
So if we’re using desktops, or at least a mouse and keyboard, to be more productive, how about some tips and tricks to make them as productive as they can be? That all starts with keyboard shortcuts. Chances are, the keys you are most familiar with are the 26 letters of the alphabet, the number row, and possibly some other punctuation keys - along with the space bar, shift, and enter keys.
I know Mac and PC share most of the same layout and names of keys, but keep in mind, they do call a few keys by a different name, and at least one — very important — key is not in the same location. This is about to become your favorite key regardless of your operating system in use. This is also arguably the most powerful button on the keyboard, too.
On a Mac, it is called the Command Key (⌘) and on a PC, it is called the Windows Key (denoted by a Microsoft logo).
While these two keys provide similar functions, they also have their own OS-specific shortcuts. For example, on a PC, the Ctrl key is used in conjunction with X, C, and V, for Cut, Copy, and Paste. On a Mac, the Command key is used here. There are learning curves for each, with a laundry list of other shortcuts shared in the link to the OS below. However, I would like to highlight some of my favorite OS specifics of this key.
Cmd-M — minimizes the current window
Cmd-Q — force quits an open program
Cmd-Option-D — hides or shows the Dock
Cmd-Control-Spacebar — opens the Emoji window
Win-E — opens Windows File Explorer
Win-(any arrow key) — moves and snaps the active window to a different part of the screen
Win-P — opens display settings to mirror/extend screens (especially useful when sharing a PPT)
Win-I — opens settings
Universal Shortcuts
Cmd-H/Win-D — hides all open windows and shows the desktop
Cmd-Space/Win — opens Spotlight Search/Start Menu to find a file or program (just start typing)
Cmd-F/Ctrl-F — find items in the open program
Cmd-Tab/Alt-tab — switch between open programs (hold the Cmd/Alt key, and continue to press Tab to cycle through)
Cmd-T/Ctrl-T — opens a new tab (mostly in web browsers)
Cmd-Shift-5/Win-Shift-S — opens a screenshot/snipping tool
Cmd-Control-Q/Win-L — locks the Computer
I mentioned the shortcut to switch between open programs, but both systems also allow a quick glance at all open programs, too. On a Mac, it’s called Mission Control. It can be accessed in a few ways: The Mission Control icon on the dock (if added), typically the F3 key, or by pressing Control-Up Arrow Key. On a PC, this is referred to as Task View, and it can be accessed by pressing Win-Tab or clicking on the icon in the taskbar (if added).
Keep in mind, there are tons of other keyboard shortcuts utilizing other keys, so make sure to check them out. Each system also utilizes Function Keys (F1-F12 typically), and these keys’ shortcuts change from brand to brand of computer, as well as the open program. Generic F-keys may change keyboard or screen brightness, volume, or other media controls.
In the productivity realm, one of my other favorite quick tips on either Mac or PC is to add your most used Folders to the Favorites of your Finder or Explorer windows. This allows quick access regardless of what folder is currently open, and you can change it as quickly as your projects change.
Lastly, it’s important to note that there are tons of ‘underground’ apps and shortcuts being built on both systems that can change the way each of them looks and functions. I just wanted to highlight a couple that fit this topic, should you wish to go a bit deeper.
Magnet - a Mac app to help organize your workspace
Stardock - Windows desktop enhancement products (highly suggest Fences if it looks the least bit interesting)
What’s your favorite Mac or PC shortcut?
🗞️ ICYMI: Apple Leaks
I don’t normally like to talk about technology leaks. The nuances of them are very difficult to weed through, and it’s just not an area of the web I follow. However, there’s been enough leaks in the Apple space that I feel it’s necessary to reference them - for one main reason: new products on the horizon.
Typically, every September, Apple releases new iPhones. Sometimes they also release new iPads, Watches, MacBooks, and updates to other devices in their lineup. With the beta versions of their operating systems in the hands of thousands of developers, Fortune reported Apple accidentally leaked its own top-secret hardware in software code. This includes updates to their HomePod, Apple TV, Studio Display, iPads, Vision Pro, and Watches. There are also plenty of rumors about Apple's New $599 MacBook.
All this to say, if you plan on buying any of these devices anytime soon, you may want to wait until the end of November at the latest. Any new products will typically be sold at the same price as the current devices and lower the prices of the older models. So you would either save money on the current device or purchase a better product at the same price. Or get an even better deal around Black Friday. While we’re at it, the Pixel 10 will be announced soon, so don’t buy a Pixel 9, either.
🗞️ ICYMI: Streaming Updates
Following last week’s streaming updates, we had a few more announcements that may change your fall sports viewing. First up, Fox ONE and ESPN announce a new $39.99 streaming bundle partnership. Through this, “Viewers will have access to an incredible portfolio of content, including NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, College Football and Basketball, NASCAR, INDYCAR, UFC, as well as the upcoming FIFA World Cup.” This won’t include all UFC fights, as Paramount+ will become the new U.S. Home to UFC, including PPV events.
As an industry first, Sling TV Launches a Day, Weekend, and Weekly Pass. This will allow users to access content in a 24-hour span, Friday-Sunday, or for 7 days. Catch a movie, binge a TV series, watch a single event, or a slew of games. This includes all channels on the Sling Blue and Orange plans.
🗞️ ICYMI: Tesla’s Takeover
Just in case you hadn’t seen it, there was a viral post on Instagram where an owner of a Tesla Cybertruck stated his vehicle had deactivated in the middle of the roadway. Others commented that because he had a song (warning: language) about the Cybertruck that Tesla sent him a cease and desist order and then shut his vehicle down. Part of the post had been removed after users pointed out that it appeared to be fiction. Tesla has since responded - “That’s not our screen. Tesla does NOT disable vehicles remotely.”
It is important to note a few things. First, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Tesla could absolutely do this. The technology is there. But remember, just about every car since the 1970s has been produced with some type of computer chip, which, if taken over, could shut down the car. And a lot of cars produced in the 2010s and on are produced with cellular connections similar to Tesla and are capable of the same type of overtaking. I can’t speak to the legalities around this, but if I had to guess, I’d bet it’s highly illegal for a manufacturer to shut down a car remotely like this.
😎 POTW: Game Picks
Who doesn’t like to play games? Board games, car(d) games, or games on your phone. There are tons to choose from, no matter where you are and who you’re with. Last week I talked about Staple Games and what they have to offer, but this week I wanted to share some odd game picks.
Lastly, did you know many of your popular social media and/or streaming apps offer a gaming section?
📦 Featured Product
If you are having WiFi signal issues in parts of your home, consider an extender. I’ve shared the TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Extender before, but it only works within the current WiFi range. Meaning, it needs to have a signal to your main router and extends it further, or ‘around a corner’, reaching a dead spot. The TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router has a feature in the settings to choose “Extended Network” that allows it to function as a switch and WiFi extender. The only issue, however, is that it would require a hard-wired Ethernet connection to work. But you can run a cable through your attic or outside to places that may never otherwise receive a half-decent WiFi signal. The switch feature allows other Ethernet-connected devices, extending your original router’s limitations.
