Shorten URLs in TextExpander
If your Twitter client doesn't automatically shorten URLs for you, you can use TextExpander to shrink those long links to tweetable lengths. First, add the Internet Productivity group by choosing File > Add Predefined Group > Internet Productivity Snippets. Then, to shorten a URL using a service like TinyURL, copy the destination URL to the clipboard, and type the abbreviation /tinyurl to insert the shortened URL at the insertion point.
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Other articles in the series VidBITS
- VidBITS: Why Do We Still Support Apple? (13 Feb 13)
- VidBITS: Ways that Apple Could Improve iOS (17 Jan 13)
- VidBITS: iTunes 11 and Comparing Antivirus Apps (17 Dec 12)
- VidBITS: App.net, Photo Sharing, and Excessive Reminders (22 Aug 12)
TidBITS#1150/12-Nov-2012
The iPad mini has arrived, and Jeff Carlson immediately focused on using it in his photography — not as a camera, but for reviewing, editing, and sharing shots while in the field. In the news, Apple has now publicized the use of icloud.com email addresses for all iCloud users, and the revitalized Retrospect 10 improves backup performance and multi-platform support. Also, Kevin van Haaren contributes an article about how his family used the Glassboard app and service to create a private social network to stay in touch during a family medical crisis. We were busy with other efforts last week too, so be sure to check out our latest ebooks — “Take Control of Mail on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, Fourth Edition” and “Take Control of Networking & Security in iOS 6” — and don’t miss our staff roundtable discussing election coverage technology and whether Apple will be switching away from Intel chips in future Macs. Lastly, we’re taking next week’s issue off due to the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States — look for our next email issue on 26 November 2012! Notable software releases this week include MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Update 2.0, GraphicConverter 8.3.1, VMware Fusion and Fusion Professional 5.0.2, and LaunchBar 5.4.
(Published 31 weeks ago)
No TidBITS Issue on 19 November 2012
We’re taking the next email issue of TidBITS off to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, although we’ll continue to post articles and links on our Web site. The next email issue will be published on 26 November 2012.Show full article
VidBITS: Election Tech, Intel Chips, and Beating Glenn
Watch the latest TidBITS staff roundtable to get our take on the role of technology in election coverage, how likely it is that Apple will switch away from Intel-based CPUs in Macs, and the products we’re investigating right now.Show full article
Apple Enables icloud.com Addresses for me.com and mac.com Users
If you’ve been using either a me.com or a mac.com email address left over from MobileMe, Apple has now added the option of using the same user name with the icloud.com domain. No matter which address you use, you’ll continue to receive all your mail in the same way.Show full article
Retrospect 10 Reduces Backup Time with Instant Scan Technology
The latest version of the long-standing network backup program Retrospect backs up more quickly thanks to new Instant Scan technology, adds support for Mountain Lion, and improves various low-level behaviors.Show full article
New Take Control Books Cover iOS 6 Mail and Networking
If you’re having trouble understanding just how to integrate your iOS device into your email strategy or if you need to know how iOS networking works under the hood, we have a pair of new ebooks that will provide the information you need: “Take Control of Mail on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, Fourth Edition” and “Take Control of Networking & Security in iOS 6.”Show full article
Glassboard Keeps a Family in Touch
When illness struck Kevin van Haaren’s father, Glassboard provided the private social network that kept Kevin’s family updated with vital information, regardless of their geographic location or which computing platform they used.Show full article
Thoughts about the iPad mini for Photographers
Apple says the iPad mini is “every inch an iPad,” but does that apply for photographers who want to replace the laptop in their camera bag with the new tablet?Show full article
TidBITS Watchlist: Notable Software Updates for 12 November 2012
Notable software releases this week include MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Update 2.0, GraphicConverter 8.3.1, VMware Fusion and Fusion Professional 5.0.2, and LaunchBar 5.4.Show full article
ExtraBITS for 12 November 2012
Two quick bits for you this week — the obligatory report from Apple on how wildly popular the latest iPads have been and a nicely detailed review of the iPad mini from Dan Frakes at Macworld. Show full article




