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# Tech Tips and Other Musings #1
- URL: https://www.philsimon.com/tech-tips-1/
- Published: 2026-10-21T13:07:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-21T13:26:05.000Z
- Description: Five cool things to try during the week and other potpourri.
- Author: Phil Simon
- Tags: AI, Apple, GitHub, Breaking Bad, Open Source

⌨️

Today's newsletter marks the start of a new series. I'll be passing along useful tools and tchotchkes every week.

## Dictation With a Twist

Want to dictate in one language but write in another? 

[Lispr](https://lispr.ai/p/c7m83bqc?ref=philsimon.com) is an advanced dictation app that just dropped this insane feature. (I was one of the first people to sign up for it.) Note that right now the only three real-time translation options are English, Spanish, and French. I'd be shocked if more don't arrive soon.

## An Invitation to the Hot New AI App

I wrote recently about [the Siri AI that Apple should have launched](https://www.philsimon.com/the-ai-assistant-apple-should-have-shipped/). If you'd like in on Instinct, click [here](https://app.instinct.com/invite?t=esege2o235vtn4c3ab5raw6uiy&preview=imessage&ref=philsimon.com). (First come, first served.)

## DIY Software

Want to roll your own version of \[insert name of app or program\]? Go nuts with [Reverse Engineer Anything](https://github.com/morluto/rea?ref=philsimon.com) that's currently [terrifying Adobe's senior management](https://www.kdnuggets.com/the-rise-of-ai-software-clones-why-rea-and-artcraft-are-going-viral?ref=philsimon.com). Every exec at every software vendor ought to be paying attention to this powerful GitHub. 

## Access Your Mac Anywhere

Want to dial in to your Mac via your iPhone, iPad, or another Mac? Go nuts with [Screens 5](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/screens-5-vnc-remote-desktop/id1663047912%20Screens%205:%20VNC%20Remote%20Desktop?ref=philsimon.com) (paid) or go the open-source route with [Sill](https://github.com/Saffsanity/sill?ref=philsimon.com). I tried the latter. It worked like a charm. 

## Feed Me

Finally, looking to score a deal on food while preventing it to go to waste? Check out [the Too Good to Go app](https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-us?ref=philsimon.com).

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## A Rant

Last week Apple dropped [the HomePod mini v2](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/10/apple-announces-the-next-generation-of-homepod-mini/?ref=philsimon.com). Better chip? Check. More expensive than its 2022 predecessor? Check.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8f/b5/8fb5e321-49a6-4cf5-8a28-c6f6d5417e54/content/images/2026/10/image.png)

HomePod mini, v2: Source: Apple

A complete product? Crickets.

Evidently, it's acceptable these days to ship a product without a key feature: Siri AI. 

Would I like a new home speaker–and a smart one, to boot? Sure, but I'll pass on Apple's latest product for now.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8f/b5/8fb5e321-49a6-4cf5-8a28-c6f6d5417e54/content/images/2026/10/image-1.png)

Source: **Entertainment Weekly*

## Remembering RJ Mitte

On a sad note, the actor best known for *Breaking Bad* [died](https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/rj-mitte-mother-speaks-breaking-bad-stars-death-rcna603700?ref=philsimon.com) far too young last week at 34\. Damn shame.

---

See you next week. 

## Feedback

Any tips for me?