Password Management Change

I'm currently trying to make a change. It's one that I've been feeling in the background for a while now, and it makes objective sense: use a third-party password manager. For years, I enjoyed the convenience of the default, the native platform solution. That was iCloud Keychain before and, more recently, Google Passwords. And, yes, it's also been just my current browser's password tool, like in Firefox. But I'm trying to make a permanent switch.

Loosening The Phone Grip

Digital hi-tech is kind of my playground. Yet I've been exploring more analog and lo-tech lately. It's part of my ongoing desire to keep things simple. It's also my aim to avoid smartphone addiction — like endless scrolling, checking, and YouTube rabbit holes. Most important is fleeing from tech idolatry too.

Obsidian Rabbit Hole

Recently, I was reviewing the main productivity apps I use. I noticed which ones created discreet (local) files and which ones didn't. That sparked renewed interest in Obsidian - it was kind of a "light-bulb" moment. Like, why am I not using this great tool? Now I'm going down the rabbit hole with it...for maybe the third time?

Big Tech In Big Trouble

Most folks probably aren't aware or concerned that the Big Tech companies have seen something like a reckoning lately. Most of it is related to regulation and trials about antitrust and monopoly. Google and Apple are especially in the hot seat. Might we see a world where Google no longer has the Chrome browser? What if Apple loses control of its App Store? Has Big Tech peaked?

The Push And Pull From Mac To Windows

In January 2024, I had a quasi-resolution: No New Tech. And I mostly kept it, sort of. But then not at all. My iPhone gave way to a new Android phone that year. And at the very end of last December, I ordered a Windows gaming computer to replace my MacBook. Yeah, instead of no new tech, I, uh, totally switched my entire tech platforms. Why though? Good question.

RAW Phone Snaps In Affinity Photo 2

I'm happy to share newfound facts. First, my 2024 Moto Razr can shoot RAW pictures natively; I didn't know that before! It makes .dng files. Second, those pictures automatically open in the RAW developer part of Affinity Photo 2, where edits are made easily. And the icing on the cake: I was wide-eyed when I first saw how good Affinity's noise reduction and detail enhancement are. Sure, these are tiny-sensor, tiny-lens phone snaps. Yet being able to shoot RAW provides a little more leverage to make the most of pictures.