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# Tech Tips and Other Musings #3
- URL: https://www.philsimon.com/tech-tips-and-other-musings-3/
- Published: 2026-11-04T13:11:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-04T13:10:59.000Z
- Description: More tricks and cool tools to try.
- Author: Phil Simon
- Tags: AI, Open Source, iOS, Apple, iPhone, Notion, GitHub, Macs, Productivity

⌨️

Today's newsletter is the third in my new series passing along useful tools and tchotchkes.

## Fixing the Steps-Taken Command

I wrote a few weeks ago how [iOS27 has been a disappointment](https://www.philsimon.com/seriously-apple/). Yeah, Apple's recent cyclical fixed some bugs, but real problems remain. Here's one particularly annoying limitation: the ostensibly smarter Siri AI cannot *reliably* tell you how many steps you've taken during the day. Sometimes asking it works, but most of the time it pauses before telling you why it can't. (When it works, it takes far longer than it did in iOS26.)

[Here](https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/d3298aa61b434baaa4eefb896684311c?ref=philsimon.com) is a simple Apple Shortcut that circumvents that issue. Just say “Steps” and you're good to go. Tweak it however you like. 

## Insane Local File Conversion

Say *adios* to sketchy sites whose operators do who knows what with your data. [Filee](https://filee.sh/?ref=philsimon.com#download) offers a slew of conversion options. Even better, you can access it right from Finder or Windows Explorer. Cost: nothing.

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

Filee Finder Conversion | Click on the image to enlarge it.

## Sizing Up Local AI Models

Sure, you *can* download a 30-gig model and then see if your computer can handle it. The better method: Evaluate your hardware *first* with [llmfit](https://github.com/AlexsJones/llmfit?ref=philsimon.com).

****Mac Power Hour**

Sixty minutes with me will transform how you work and make you much more productive.

[LEARN MORE ](https://www.philsimon.com/services-mac-power-hour/) 

## Quickly Viewing Notion Metadata

Want to easily find your workspace, page, and user ID? It's easy.

Open settings.

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

Notion Settings | Click on the image to enlarge it.

Click *Developer* and go to any page.

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

Notion Page Metadata | Click on the image to enlarge it.

*Voilà!*

## Bonus: An Open-Source CleanMyMacX Alternative

I had used the popular Mac maintenance tool for years. Ultimately, it caused a minor but irritating problem that took nearly a year for me to solve. (TL;DR: It broke my Mac's Continuity features.) Calm blue oceans . . .

I'm on [Purge](https://github.com/jithin-sabu/purge-app?ref=philsimon.com) now. I couldn't be happier. 

[Explaining Notion's New AI PricingA quick visual to make sense of the three buckets of credits.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8f/b5/8fb5e321-49a6-4cf5-8a28-c6f6d5417e54/content/images/icon/300br-1-51872f9a-ba2f-46a6-88f1-3cae89acf2fa.png)Phil SimonPhil Simon![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8f/b5/8fb5e321-49a6-4cf5-8a28-c6f6d5417e54/content/images/thumbnail/a_professor_drawing_a_complicated-5744d8cd-0f52-4421-a288-8f160816c9cc.jpg)](https://www.philsimon.com/explaining-notions-new-ai-pricing/)

## Feedback

Any tips for me?