Over the years, I have tried out different products and configurations to boost my productivity and be more organized, and finally found a system that works best for me using Apple products. Here are my 7 tips to maximise your productivity with Apple products.
Use Siri to Create Reminders for Upcoming Tasks or Events
It’s easy to forget essential tasks or upcoming events. But with Siri, you can create reminders for yourself to never forget anything again. Just ask Siri to remind you to do something at a particular time or place, and she’ll ensure you get it done. Plus, setting up reminders with Siri is quick and easy – perfect for when you’re on the go!
Store frequently used documents in iCloud so that you can access them from anywhere
If you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you probably know that Apple offers a service called iCloud. iCloud is a cloud storage system that allows you to store frequently used documents so that you can access them from anywhere. This can be highly convenient if you need to access your documents from multiple devices.
Save websites as bookmarks or Reading List items to revisit later
When you find an article or website that you want to read but don’t have time for right now, you can save it as a bookmark or reading list item in Safari. That way, you can easily find and revisit the page later. To save a webpage as a bookmark, tap the Share icon and tap Add Bookmark. To keep it on your Reading List, tap Add to Reading List. Want to access your bookmarks or reading list from another device? Just sync iCloud Keychain (Settings > Safari).
Take advantage of keyboard shortcuts whenever possible
If you’re s Mac user, plenty of keyboard shortcuts can help make your life much easier. Many people don’t realise just how many different shortcuts are available to them, and as a result, they miss out on some major time-saving opportunities. Take advantage of keyboard shortcuts whenever possible – you’ll be glad you did!
There’s a nifty little app named CheatSheet that shows you all the shortcuts of the app you are using. It runs in the background and is very light so it doesn’t affect your Mac’s performance. Here’s how you can get it: Download the app from here and install it. After installation, add it to the Application folder and give it access in Preferences.
Now, all you need to do is open the window you want to see the shortcuts for and hold the ⌘ (Command key). It’ll show all the shortcuts you can use and it works on every app.
Ask Siri to announce callers while hands-free
Picture talking to your client or performing a mid-day workout with your phone inside your pocket, which is connected to your Bluetooth speakers or headphones. Picking up the call isn’t a hassle during these conditions, but drifting your attention away from what’s in front of you can disconnect you from the moment as you glance at your screen to see who is calling you.
Well, in iOS, you can enable an option that will allow you to hear the call of the person calling you so you can decide whether you can pick up the call or, if it’s less important, wait until it’s more convenient to return the call.
You can enable this setting by going to Settings > Phone > Announce Calls and selecting what best suits your needs: Always, Headphones & Car, Headphones Only, or Never, and you’ll never wonder who’s calling you again.
More Siri tips
Siri can be helpful when it listens. These commands might be useful for you:
- Screen too dark? Ask Siri to increase or decrease the brightness for you. It can also raise and lower volume.
- AirPlane mode? Siri can enable and disable this on request.
- Share content swiftly: When you’re on a webpage you want to share with someone, you can ask Siri to “Send this to [a named person from your Contacts book)”, and Siri will create a Message with that content. You can add a short note in the comment field.
If you are in a crowd, typing to Siri can be easier. You can enable Type to Siri in Settings>Accessibility>Siri. In the future, you’ll need to press the side button to wake Siri up and then type your request. It’s quite handy.
If you want to see your conversation with Siri in the transcript: open Settings>Siri & Search>Siri Responses. Now, turn on the Always Show Speech toggle, and you’ll now see your convo with Siri while talking.
Share screenshots fast
Consider you come across a webpage or section of a document you need to share. The fastest way to do this is to take the screenshot of your screen, tap, hold, and then release the preview at the lower left of your display, which will then take you directly to the Share menu.
Now you no longer need to open the full annotation screen and tap Share, as you are already in the sharing space.
Conclusion
So here were some tricks that could help you become more productive in your everyday life and make the most of your gadgets.