Looking for the best way to turn speech into text? Adam Engst compares audio transcription capabilities in Apple’s Notes, Rogue Amoeba’s Audio Hijack, and Jordi Bruin’s MacWhisper to see which delivers the best accuracy. If you ever demonstrate software, check out KeyCastr, a free keystroke visualizer that makes it easier for viewers to follow along with your clicks and keystrokes. We also welcome back the text-to-podcast service Listen Later as a TidBITS sponsor. Finally, we briefly cover Microsoft shutting down Skype, and Adam ponders the often impenetrable world of quantum computing. Notable Mac app releases this week include Alfred 5.6, BusyCal 2025.1.1, FastScripts 3.3.6, OmniFocus 4.5.2, Parallels Desktop 20.2.2, Timing 2025.2.2, and Unite 6.0.
Please welcome Listen Later, our latest long-term TidBITS sponsor. Listen Later converts any text into an episode of a personalized podcast feed, making the service ideal for catching up on your reading while commuting, exercising, or doing chores.
Struggling to make your software demos clear? KeyCastr, a free, open-source utility, displays your keyboard shortcuts and highlights mouse clicks with customizable visuals, making it easier for viewers to follow along during presentations.
Wondering which transcription tool works best? Adam Engst tests Notes, Audio Hijack, and MacWhisper against an NPR podcast, discovering accuracy differences, platform variations, and key features to help you choose the right solution.
Watchlist
Brings a long list of improvements to the keyboard-driven launcher. (Free for basic use, £34 for Powerpack, free update, 5.5 MB, macOS 10.14+)
Brings new features and improvements to the calendar app. ($49.99 new, free update, 67.3 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Restores live updating of task progress information for the running script in the menu. ($39.95 new, free update, 5.3 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Brings a variety of improvements and bug fixes to the task management app. ($74.99 new, free update, 32.7 MB, macOS 14+)
Strongly recommended update fixes a critical security issue that affects Intel-based Macs. ($99.99 Standard Edition, free update, macOS 10.14.6+)
Improves creation and management of time entries with several new features. ($108/$132/$192 annual subscriptions, free update, 27.4 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Major upgrade for the site-specific browser that enables you to turn websites into full-featured apps. ($29.99 new, free update, 26.5 MB, macOS 12+)
