The Fundamental Keypad for Improved Efficiency on My Mac

# Delegating Keyboard Shortcuts to a Programmable Macro Keypad: A Productivity Revolution

Delegating keyboard shortcuts to a programmable macro keypad represents the most effective productivity strategy I have ever adopted. This article examines the path to boosting productivity via keyboard shortcuts and the revolutionary benefits of utilizing a macro keypad.

## Into the Keyboard Shortcut Abyss

My exploration of keyboard shortcuts commenced with simple macOS triggers, such as using `@@` for my main email address and similar shortcuts for my complete name, home address, phone number, and zip code. This foundational step paved the way for a more streamlined workflow.

As I grew more adept with shortcuts, I progressed to utilizing Keyboard Maestro, an exceptional automation tool. I began assigning keyboard shortcuts to commonly accessed folders and applications, revolutionizing my workflow. Pressing `Fn+F1` through `Fn+F6` to navigate to various locations that previously demanded several clicks became instinctive. I also assigned other function buttons to launch vital programs and websites, along with accessing Keyboard Maestro’s Clipboard History Switcher.

This evolution led me to automate segments of my workflow, such as starting QuickTime for audio recordings and opening Shure PlusMOTIV when connecting a particular USB-C microphone. Additionally, I crafted custom shortcuts for tools and settings in Adobe Audition, which significantly boosted my editing speed by incorporating these shortcuts into my Logitech MX Master mouse.

## Elevating the Experience

My configuration worked well until I discovered a compact, 12-key and 3-knob macro keypad from Gui Rambo of 9to5Mac. Curious, I chose to purchase one. Once it arrived, I found that setting it up for macOS required some additional effort. Thankfully, a GitHub project delivered the essential tools, and I enlisted ChatGPT for further support in the setup process.

The appeal of this macro keypad lies in its ability to trigger Keyboard Maestro shortcuts without the necessity of memorization or sacrificing ergonomic comfort. With the option of having up to three layers of 12 keypad shortcuts, along with knobs that can act as buttons, I can personalize its functionality for various applications. For example, while working in Adobe Audition, I can accelerate tasks such as switching tools, exporting files, and applying effects significantly faster than depending on traditional keyboard shortcuts.

During system interactions, I can switch to a different layer on the same keypad to modify audio input, manage volume, adjust display brightness, mute or unmute the microphone, and access frequently used folders effortlessly. Although it required some time to memorize these commands, they soon became second nature, making it feel like my Mac was lacking without the macro keypad.

There are limitless configurations offered for macro keypads, showcasing diverse shapes, sizes, keys, knobs, and lighting alternatives. This exploration into macro keypads is a journey that seems infinite, and for anyone whose work involves repetitive tasks, I strongly suggest delving deeper.

## Accessory Offers on Amazon

For those keen on boosting their productivity through macro keypads, there are a plethora of choices available on Amazon. Investing in a programmable macro keypad can greatly enhance your workflow and elevate your productivity to unprecedented levels.

Enhancing Charging Velocity for Your Apple Watch

# Rapid Charging for Apple Watch: All You Should Know

A notable upgrade in recent Apple Watch iterations is the launch of rapid charging. This capability enables users to swiftly replenish their Apple Watch batteries, offering greater convenience to maintain device power. With the newest models, such as the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, charging rates have advanced even more.

## Which Apple Watch Models Offer Rapid Charging?

Rapid charging is functional on multiple Apple Watch models. The versions that support this capability include:

– Apple Watch Series 7
– Apple Watch Series 8
– Apple Watch Series 9
– Apple Watch Series 10
– Apple Watch Series 11
– Apple Watch Ultra

Apple offers a comprehensive support document detailing the particulars of rapid charging for these versions.

## What Do You Need for Rapid Charging Your Apple Watch?

To utilize rapid charging, you will require the following:

1. **Apple USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable**: This cable comes with the Apple Watch Series 7, Series 8, Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra. The primary distinction with this cable is its aluminum shell surrounding the magnetic charger, which boosts resilience. The cable measures 1 meter in length and can also be acquired separately for $29. If purchasing from third-party sellers, ensure to check for the model number A2515.

2. **USB-C Power Adapter**: Apple has ceased including a power adapter in the package to lessen its environmental impact. You will need to use a current adapter or obtain a new one. Any USB-C power adapter that supports USB Power Delivery of 5W or greater will suffice for rapid charging. Reputable brands such as Anker provide these adapters for under $20.

It is essential to understand that utilizing the now-obsolete Apple MagSafe Duo or the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock will not facilitate rapid charging, irrespective of the cable or adapter used. However, you can utilize the rapid charging puck with third-party docks.

## Additional Charging Options

For those seeking more charging solutions, various products are available:

– **[Twelve South Butterfly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger](https://geni.us/3iX4o3s)**
– **[Belkin Apple Watch Fast Charger Dock](https://geni.us/THnMQA)**
– **[Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger – Fast Charging Stand](https://geni.us/SxEw)**
– **

9to5Mac Daily: November 18, 2025 – Continual Legal Conflict Between Apple and Masimo, Developments on iPadOS 26.2

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To Source for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping up with the most recent news is vital, particularly for fans of Apple. 9to5Mac Daily provides an easy way to get up to speed on the most important developments impacting Apple and its ecosystem. This daily podcast aims to deliver listeners a summary of the top stories, insights, and conversations regarding Apple products, software updates, and industry happenings.

**Podcast Accessibility**

Listeners can access 9to5Mac Daily on numerous platforms, guaranteeing that everyone can find a suitable way to listen in. The podcast can be found on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080)
– [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily)
– [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/)
– [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily)
– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast players

New episodes are produced every weekday, making it simple for listeners to stay updated consistently.

**Sponsorship and Special Deals**

9to5Mac Daily is backed by Backblaze, a cloud backup service that guarantees users will never lose a file again. By using the code “9to5daily” at the checkout, listeners can enjoy a 20% discount or try the service for free, presenting an additional motivation for podcast listeners to investigate dependable data backup options.

**Exclusive Material and Subscription Choices**

For those wishing to directly support the podcast, 9to5Mac Daily provides a subscription service through [9to5Mac Daily Plus](https://9to5mac.com/join/). Subscribers receive access to ad-free versions of every episode and extra content, enhancing the listening experience and offering deeper insights into Apple-related issues.

**Interaction and Feedback**

Listeners are invited to express their opinions and suggestions. They can get in touch via email at

The M4 MacBook Air Delivers Outstanding Value: Important Factors Discussed

# The Worth of the M4 MacBook Air: An In-Depth Analysis

Apple launched the M4 MacBook Air in March 2025, and although it hasn’t brought any revolutionary features compared to former models, it delivers substantial value for its cost. Currently priced below $750, the M4 MacBook Air showcases an impressive mix of power, efficiency, and capabilities. This article will delve into its features, performance, and overall worth.

## Main Features

To grasp the value of the M4 MacBook Air at its price level, let’s look at its specifications:

– **M4 Chip**: 10-Core CPU, 8-Core GPU, 16-Core Neural Engine
– **Memory and Storage**: 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage
– **Display**: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display
– **Build**: 2.7 lbs, premium unibody aluminum design
– **Charging**: MagSafe charging
– **Ports**: Two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, headphone jack
– **Connectivity**: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
– **Battery Life**: Up to 14–16 hours of real-world usage

Unlike the M4 Mac mini, which needs additional accessories, the M4 MacBook Air includes everything necessary to begin using it, comprising a trackpad and keyboard. This feature makes it a desirable choice for those wanting a complete setup.

## Performance in Daily Use

In day-to-day tasks, the M4 MacBook Air shines. It manages communication applications like Gmail, Slack, and Discord effortlessly, alongside web browsing and research via platforms like Chrome and ChatGPT. Users can multitask efficiently, juggling numerous tabs and applications without performance slowdowns. For casual users, this laptop is designed to endure for years.

## Performance for Creatives

For creators, the M4 MacBook Air excels in video editing. It can manage various layers of 4K footage in software like iMovie and Final Cut Pro, rendering projects seamlessly. Although it may face a few challenges with 8K files or large RAW footage, it remains a dependable option for editing standard video formats, particularly with an external SSD connected.

## Battery Life and Portability

The M4 MacBook Air claims a battery life of up to 18 hours for video playback. In practical usage, users can typically expect around 12 to 14 hours of operation, making it suitable for an entire workday. Even during demanding tasks like video editing, it shows impressive battery endurance compared to pricier options.

## Design and Build Quality

The design of the M4 MacBook Air is both elegant and high-end, competing well with more costly devices. Its lightweight and slim profile enhance its portability, appealing to users focused on mobility without compromising quality.

## Drawbacks

While the M4 MacBook Air stands out in the laptop arena, it does have some drawbacks. The base storage of 256GB may seem limiting for some, especially as software and file sizes expand. Additionally, the reduced number of ports implies users might require adapters for HDMI, SD cards, or Ethernet connections.

## Conclusion

After several months of use, the M4 MacBook Air continues to impress with its performance, aesthetics, and battery efficiency. It represents an exceptional choice for students, remote employees, and creators with moderate demands. For those seeking more screen real estate, the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air is also offered at a reasonable price. Overall, the M4 MacBook Air is one of the best values in today’s laptop market.

Black Friday Promotion: Enjoy 60% off on pCloud Lifetime Secure Cloud Storage

# pCloud: The Intelligent Choice for Permanent Cloud Storage

In the current digital era, handling numerous subscriptions can be daunting, particularly regarding cloud storage services. Replacing ongoing payments with a single pCloud lifetime subscription can not just streamline your budget but also improve your data protection.

## Security

pCloud provides strong security features, including end-to-end encryption (E2EE), ensuring that only your devices can access your information. With a stringent zero-knowledge privacy policy, even pCloud itself cannot decrypt your files, allowing you to securely store sensitive data like passwords and financial documents.

## Convenience

Getting access to your data is simple and adaptable. pCloud accommodates various devices, including Apple products (iPhone, iPad, Mac), Windows, and Linux platforms, as well as a web interface. The pCloud Drive desktop application establishes a virtual disk, facilitating effortless file management. The iOS application features an automatic upload option, which frees up storage on your device.

## Easy Sharing

Sharing files using pCloud is uncomplicated. You can generate shareable links for single files or entire folders, regardless of whether the recipient has a pCloud account. You maintain complete authority over what you choose to share, and pCloud also supports automatic backups and synchronization with other cloud platforms such as Dropbox and Google Drive.

## pCloud Photos Included

The pCloud Photos feature arranges your pictures into a smart gallery, allowing for easy browsing by date. You can personalize your gallery view by hiding certain folders, making it convenient to locate your cherished memories.

## Built-in Photo Editing

pCloud comes with a photo editing tool that enables you to make enhancements directly on the platform. With professional-grade tools and one-click filters, you can improve your photos without relying on additional software.

## Black Friday Deals on Lifetime Subscriptions

This Black Friday, pCloud is presenting notable discounts on their Lifetime Plans, permitting you to remove monthly charges. Options include a Limited Edition 3-in-1 Bundle with 5TB of storage, encryption, and a password manager, alongside individual subscriptions ranging from 1TB to 10TB.

– **3-in-1 Bundle – $599 (-60%)**
– **1TB – $199 (-54%)**
– **2TB – $279 (-53%)**
– **10TB – $799 (-58%)**

Enhance your digital security this Black Friday with pCloud’s lifetime subscriptions, available from November 17 to November 29.

For further details and to benefit from these offers,

Resident Evil Survival Unit for iOS Now Open for Pre-Order; Inside Information on Launch

**Resident Evil: Survival Unit – A Fresh Chapter in the Legendary Franchise**

**Update, November 18, 4:11 p.m. ET:** The app is [currently accessible](https://apple.co/4nJ8xq3) on the App Store. The initial story is detailed below.

Sony’s subsidiary Aniplex Inc. has launched [Resident Evil: Survival Unit](https://apple.co/4nJ8xq3) for pre-order on the App Store, in anticipation of its upcoming release. It’s set to arrive much sooner than expected. Here are the insights.

### Pre-order Now, Expected Release… December 31 (But Probably Sooner)

Earlier this month, developer Aniplex unveiled [Resident Evil: Survival Unit](https://apple.co/4nJ8xq3), a brand-new mobile strategy game for iOS and Android, set in the renowned zombie-laden universe that has persisted for nearly thirty years across consoles and PCs, numerous remakes, and various film and TV adaptations.

When the announcement was made, the only information provided was that Resident Evil: Survival Unit was in the works and targeting a late 2025 launch.

Now, after a YouTube broadcast event, we have more clarity: the game occurs in an alternate storyline during the happenings of Resident Evil 2 and 3, and its expected release is set for December 31, though it’s very likely that this date is a placeholder.

### Iconic Characters, Innovative Gameplay

Developed by JOYCITY and supervised by longtime series producer Masachika Kawata, the game transitions Resident Evil into a full-fledged strategic experience for the first time. Players will need to collect resources, navigate treacherous areas, and guide familiar characters like Leon, Jill, Claire, and Carlos through tactical confrontations with restricted supplies.

Here’s what executive producer Shinji Hashimoto, well-known for his extensive tenure at Square Enix, expressed during the YouTube stream regarding the chosen format:

> “We believed that the game’s unique ‘survival element’ of managing with only limited resources aligns perfectly with strategy games. Consequently, we opted for the strategy genre that enables players globally to experience the world of Resident Evil from a unique viewpoint.”

In addition to pre-ordering the game on the [App Store](https://apple.co/4nJ8xq3) and [Google Play](https://resu.onelink.me/dbuH/vch34l5i), you may also

Apple Card Unveils Two New Exclusive Merchants Providing 5% Daily Cash Rewards

Apple Card holders can now benefit from new limited-time promotions offering 5% Daily Cash back on purchases made at Ace Hardware and Booking.com. These deals are part of Apple’s ongoing initiative to improve the rewards program for its credit card users.

### Current Offers

1. **Ace Hardware**: The 5% Daily Cash promotion is active until December 15, 2023, and is applicable to purchases totaling up to $500.

2. **Booking.com**: This promotion also has a limit of $500 and is available for bookings made and settled by December 5, 2023.

These offers are especially advantageous for users engaged in holiday shopping or arranging future travel, enabling them to earn additional cash back on their expenditures.

### Recent Updates

Alongside these 5% rewards, Apple has recently included Hertz as a new partner, offering a permanent 3% Daily Cash back on rentals. This development underscores Apple’s approach to consistently enhance the value of the Apple Card program for its clientele.

### How to Check Offers

To remain informed about the latest offers accessible via the Apple Card, users can conveniently check within the Wallet app:

1. Launch the Wallet app.
2. Choose your Apple Card.
3. Tap the three-dot icon in the top corner.
4. Select ‘Rewards & Offers’ to see the current promotions and their expiration dates.

This functionality enables users to monitor their earnings from limited-time offers and ensures they can optimize their rewards.

### Conclusion

The Apple Card continues to advance with new partnerships and offers, giving users chances to earn substantial cash back on their purchases. Whether for holiday shopping or travel arrangements, these limited-time promotions can elevate the overall value of using the Apple Card.

Apple Unveils Enhanced Firmware for Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Other Devices

New Firmware for Apple Accessories Now Released

In today’s world, we’re all quite accustomed to seeing our computers, smartphones, and tablets receiving software updates. However, you might not realize that even a simple Apple accessory like a power adapter can also receive a firmware update.

This is precisely what has occurred today, along with new firmware for various other popular Mac accessories.

Aaron Perris was the first to announce these updates, with a humorous post on X:

BREAKING: Apple has just unveiled SIGNIFICANT software updates for its devices:

1. 140W USB-C Power Adapter Firmware – 1.4.84 (Increased from 1.4.73)

2. Magic Keyboard (USB-C) Firmware – 3.1.9 (Increased from 3.1.4)

3. Magic Trackpad (USB-C) Firmware – 3.1.9 (Increased from 3.1.3)

4. Magic Trackpad 2… pic.twitter.com/pYZgPBXccd

— Aaron (@aaronp613) November 18, 2025

It remains unclear what specific changes these new firmware updates have made for each accessory.

They likely enhance compatibility with certain devices, or possibly correct some other unique limitations in the products.

Most likely, as a user you won’t detect any new changes the next time you begin typing on a Magic Keyboard or connect your 140W power adapter.

Firmware updates for accessories like these are intended to install automatically in the background, so if you keep using your devices as usual, they should receive the updates shortly.

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