A cool tool can be any book, gadget, software, video, map, hardware, material, or website that is tried and true. All reviews on this site are written by readers who have actually used the tool and others like it. Items can be either old or new as long as they are wonderful. We post things we like and ignore the rest. Suggestions for tools much better than what is recommended here are always wanted.
Tell us what you love.Here’s a new hack for me. I occasionally want to capture a moment I heard while a podcast is playing on my phone. I’d like to keep that passage as a note. So when I hear something I want to keep I yell to my phone “Siri (or Google), take a screenshot.” It captures an image of my podcast app (Overcast) with a timestamp showing. Later I forward that image to a certain email and within a minute I get back the text transcript of the previous 90 seconds, which I can file. This service, called Podcast Magic, requires no app, no sign-in, no ongoing subscription. In the beginning they are free; at some point they ask for a one-time $20 lifetime fee if you use it a lot. — KK
While exploring Berlin, my phone battery was draining fast from constant Google Maps use and museum audio guides. I had a portable charger and cable, but they were awkward to use while walking. I stepped into Berlin’s Apple Store and walked out with an Anker 621 MagGo magnetic portable charger. This slim 5,000mAh power bank magnetically snaps to newer iPhones. No more fumbling with cables and separate battery packs. It warms slightly during use, but the convenience far outweighs this minor issue. Perfect for travel, it slips easily into any pocket. — MF
Directories like the OpenWebcam Database always help me reset between tasks. This website has more than 2,000 live cameras streaming daily from over 50 countries, all searchable by category. You’ll find natural landscapes, airports, construction sites, and warehouses like this one. I love these windows into everyday life around the world. — CD
Adolescence, on Netflix, is one of the most intense, surprising, and satisfying dramas I’ve ever seen. It deserves all the Emmys it’s won. The story explores the consequences of crime on an accused family. Filmed in northern England, you should keep the subtitles on. The drama’s self-imposed, innovative constraint of containing no cuts, no editing (!), for each of its four hours, means that each episode is like a theatrical performance but incredibly intimate via a camera. It is mesmerizing and heartbreakingly memorable. Highly recommended. — KK
Scriber Pro is a $3.99 macOS app that delivers incredibly fast, private audio recording transcription. It processes everything locally on my Mac. Unlike cloud services charging $10+ monthly, Scriber Pro requires no subscriptions and never uploads your files. It supports all common audio/video formats and has multiple export options. — MF
I’m enjoying Curated Supply’s once-a-week email because I get to discover beautiful tools and objects selected by Justin, the curator, who prioritizes design and utility over disposable consumer goods. While there are always links to buy, I don’t feel like that’s the purpose of this newsletter. It’s an appreciation of craftsmanship, timeless design, and beautiful form. — CD
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