
Supercomputer
Supercomputer is a show with Alex Cox and Matthew Cassinelli – join in as they figure out how to make sense out of a mess of technology..
Alex Cox and Matthew Cassinelli · Alex Cox
Show overview
Supercomputer launched in 2018 and has put out 40 episodes in the time since. That works out to roughly 35 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 48 min and 1h 5m — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Technology show.
The catalogue appears to be on hiatus or wound down — the most recent episode landed 6.7 years ago, with no new episodes in over a year. Published by Alex Cox.
From the publisher
Supercomputer is a show with Alex Cox and Matthew Cassinelli – join in as they figure out how to make sense out of a mess of technology.
Latest Episodes
View all 40 episodesEp 40See You Later, Nerds
Alex and Matthew talk about the close of the beta season – and the close of the show.Both tried to test iOS as best they could, but bugs and real life took their toll. That being said, Siri Shortcuts and the updates coming soon look to be exciting as ever.Please stay tuned towards the end of the episode for a raw conversation about the future of Supercomputer.Find us elsewhere:Join the Shortcuts User Group chat Alex Cox (@AlexCox)Alex's podcasts Two Headed Girl, Roboism, & The Robot and the UnicornMatthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew on YouTube and TwitchMatthew’s website ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 39Android Just Smells Like Home (feat. Julia Skott)
Matthew hosts special guest Julia Skott – quite literally in his home. Julia's all about Android, but uses an iPad and Mac, so the two have a lot to talk about. Plus Julia is just a blast.Links from the show:How I Edit Podcasts on the iPad using Ferrite | MacStoriesWhy we don’t want you and your Android green bubbles in our iMessage chat | Fast CompanyFollow Julia Skott (@JuliaSkott) on TwitterListen to Julia's podcast Make Do on Relay FMFind us elsewhere:Supercomputer (@_supercomputer)@_supercomputer on InstagramAlex Cox (@AlexCox)Alex's podcasts Two Headed Girl, Roboism, & The Robot and the UnicornMatthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew on YouTube and TwitchMatthew’s websiteEpisode summary:Julia starts by explaining how she turned off all of Matthew's lights, then details her relationship with Bixby and her experience with work iPhones. But—thankfully—she's part of the "larger format iOS world" thanks to apps like Procreate and the Apple Pencil. Matthew prods Julia about which apps are really keeping her on Android, and she mentions often it's the time cost that prevents major changes. Which of course leads to ways Matthew spends too much effort on projects at the wrong time, before refocusing on the various little apps that still work on Android while iOS breaks compatibility.Matthew holds his first Android phone in years and examines it as Julia mentions all the little things that make the experience in the face of, say, corporate decisions. Matthew also cedes that much of the customization is baked-in instead of requiring developer adoption, especially since Julia is from Sweden and she quite literally needs products rebuilt with different letters.Then the conversation steers towards Matthew's accidental but not really but well-meaning iMessage shaming of Julia, which leads to some pondering of how much real-world fallout there actually is over Android vs iOS.The two head towards the end of the discussion talking about learning iPad by way of necessity for work, the mix of natural intuitiveness alongside gestures you'd almost never discover, and getting moisture in the input of oversized smartphones.From there, Julia espouses the benefits of her pop socket, Matthew brings back the pinky ledge conversation, and Julia ends with a great point: you can predict what tech might be like, but you can't predict the world and how much people have learned yet. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 38Interview w/ Greg Pierce, creator of x-callback-url
While Alex was away, Matthew interviewed developer Greg Pierce, creator of Drafts and the x-callback-url spec that kicked off deeper interest in iOS automation.The show starts with the basics of deep linking & how URLs are traditionally used, before diving into the good stuff straight from the source.Greg explains the benefits and drawbacks of early mobile automation, plus potential adoption of what’s soon to come, then covers how he’s using the new Siri Shortcuts capabilities alongside his own automation app Drafts.He also has thoughts on ways to extend Siri Shortcuts to run from other apps, plus sneaks in some details about what’s coming to Drafts for Mac.Then Matthew is embarrassed he doesn’t know JavaScript but commits to learning some new tricks, plus shares how almost everything he’s done has gone through Drafts at one point.Look for updates Drafts for iOS and Mac coming this fall with iOS 13 and macOS Catalina – make sure to sign up for a Drafts Pro subscription too, because it’s well worth your money and you get to support a great guy like Greg too.Links from the show:GetDrafts.comDrafts for iOSDrafts for MacAction DirectoryDrafts CommunityGetting Started with DraftsDrafts referenceAgileTortoise.comx-callback-url specMacStories archive of Drafts coverageFind us elsewhere:Supercomputer (@_supercomputer)@_supercomputer on InstagramAlex Cox (@AlexCox)Alex's podcasts Two-Headed Girl, Roboism, and The Robot & The UnicornMatthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew on YouTube and TwitchMatthew's website ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 37Your Phone, Your Choice
After a few weeks, Alex & Matthew are back to talk about the beta experiences so far. Matthew hung out in Apple Business Chat, Alex gets excited about Automation triggers, and everyone is assigned a book for summer reading.Links from the show:ATP #332: Fuzzy Muppet Felt | Accidental Tech PodcastDamonLight AirPods ear thingiesHome Screen Icon Creator: A Shortcut to Create Custom Icons for Apps, Contacts, Solid Colors, and More | MacStories #11: Shortcuts Homescreens! | Automators"Starting my entire Home Screen from scratch for the new iOS/iPadOS" | @mattcassinelli#74: Fixing John’s Mixed Up, Messed Up, Broken Home Screen | AppStoriesShortcuts Actions table | MatthewCassinelli.comAutomation triggers table | MatthewCassinelli.comTwo-Headed Girl, a podcast by Alex and Mattie CoxShow notesStarting out, Matthew tried out Business Chat in Messages for his defunct left AirPod and Alex recommends ear thingies if yours don't fit. This led to a quick aside on the name HomePod.Matthew's world blends across the iOS beta lines, especially since he needs to import .shortcut files that can't be added in iOS 13. After drastic measures, Matthew saved all his shortcuts as iCloud links—for his work—and organized them all with own information.In reference to URL scheme-based shortcuts being irrelevant soon, Alex asks for clarification on what's now possible for apps who want to use Siri Shortcuts. Matthew gives some details before accidentally triggering Siri, which turns into a discussion about how broken the betas are.Both hosts get into it over the Public Beta – should you install it? Is it responsible to recommend that? Matthew reveals how many radars he's filed in the past, while Alex might be the model beta citizen.Alex ponders what it means for iPadOS to be its own thing, and Matthew mentions how Pocket didn't take iPad seriously for too long. This leads to mention of Instapaper and an classic improper explanation of what GDPR means, and apps now gone from Shortcuts that might be coming back in iOS 13.Both your hosts then dive into the Automation trigger capabilities, including what will and won't work in the background – NFC is the most fun so far. This also leads into Personal vs. Home automations & what's new for the Home app, before "in theory" triggers Siri again.Finally, Matthew assigns the book Atomic Habits to everyone as a summer reading project. Both hosts will be reworking their devices for the new updates and Home Screen shortcuts, so read along too before reconvening to discuss learnings from the book & how the experiments went.We'll be doing a few guest episodes coming up soon, so stay tuned for those as well. Otherwise, the show is on a slower summer schedule – feel free to tweet us anytime though 😎Find us elsewhere:Supercomputer (@_supercomputer)@_supercomputer on InstagramAlex Cox (@AlexCox)Alex's new show Two-Headed GirlMatthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew on YouTube and Twitch ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 36A Billion Pockets, Y'all!
Alex and Matthew are back from WWDC (for real this time) and are VERY excited about Shortcuts. Alex also briefly shouts about the Mac Pro, and Matthew needs a monitor. Find us elsewhere:Supercomputer (@_supercomputer)Alex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew on YouTube and TwitchMatthew’s website@_supercomputer on Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 35WWDC 2030 Predictions
Matthew and Alex share their insights into neo-modern Apple from the year 2030.Listen in as they discuss what to expect from the upcoming WWDC, and reflect on how far things have come since 2019.Find us elsewhere:WWDC 2019 in San JoseSupercomputer (@_supercomputer)Alex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew on YouTube and TwitchMatthew’s website@_supercomputer on Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 34A Freaky Friday Situation
This week, Alex and Matthew realize that they are slowly becoming each other. Matthew describes his whole interconnected mess of apps, time tracking tools, and shortcuts. Alex only has three emotions. Matthew turned Things into Omnifocus. Links from the show:OmniFocus - task management for Mac, iPad, and iPhoneAsanaThe all-new Things. Your to-do list for Mac & iOSToggl - Free Time Tracking SoftwareTimeryAgenda - Date-focused Note Taking.HURRY SLOWLY is a podcast about pacing yourself, hosted by Jocelyn K. GleiNotebooks for iPad, iPhone, Mac and PC • NotebooksUlyssesOpen Agenda shortcutAgenda Projects shortcutFind us elsewhere:Supercomputer (@_supercomputer)Alex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew on YouTube and TwitchMatthew’s website@_supercomputer on Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 33AppleScript Wasn't Born in a Day
Following last week's after one day, a discussion of Matthew's morning routine sparks discussion about how Apple is changing.Plus, how order of operations matters, what the intersection of Arts and Technology means, and being funny on the internet.Alex had so much caffeine. Matthew swallowed a frog.Links from the showHome - MindNodeDrafts. Where Text Starts.Nebo | MyScriptThe Talk Show ✪: Ep. 248, With Special Guest Peter KafkaFocused - Relay FMJust Press RecordFind us elsewhere:Supercomputer (@_supercomputer)Alex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew on YouTube and TwitchMatthew’s website@_supercomputer on Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 32A Little Circle to Poke
It’s a real grab bag of topics on this very special Emergency Pod™️. Home screens are rearranged, task management apps are debated, and there are even some challenges assigned.Matthew hates tapping into folders. Alex got excited about the mafia. Neither of them can say the word “prescient.”Links from the show:Drafts. Where Text Starts. | DraftsThe all-new Things. Your to-do list for Mac & iOSOmniFocus - task management for Mac, iPad, and iPhoneHow to Configure Your iPhone to Work for You, Not Against YouYearly Themes | Fundamentally BrokenA Tumbleweed of Pubes and Dust | Do By FridayClockwise #292: The Drums are the Worst Part - Relay FMToggl Desktop App - Track Time On Your DesktopTwo Headed GirlThe Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right: Atul Gawande - Amazon.com: BooksIt's All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff: Peter Walsh - Amazon.com: BooksTikTok - Real Short VideosFocused - Relay FMMatt D'Avella - YouTubeBrella - Personal Weather on the App StoreFind us elsewhere:Supercomputer (@_supercomputer)Alex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew on YouTube and TwitchMatthew’s website@_supercomputer on Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 31The Notes and Friends We Made Along the Way
Matthew and Alex finally have The Talk. About notes.Alex is shocked by text bundles, Matthew spreads his notes' ashes across a bunch of apps, and they both talk about the long-term sustainability of various notes databases.Links from the show:Field Notes | Memo Books, Notebooks, Journals & PlannersNebo | MyScriptCaptio for iOSThink with Paper by FiftyThreePlanet Irony | A Comic That Happens to Be Self AwareUlyssesWelcome to TextBundle.org!Notebooks for iPad, iPhone, Mac and PCNotion | The all-in-one workspace for your notes, tasks, wikis, and databasesSo Long, And Thanks for All the “i”sAirtableMindNodeAgenda | Date-focused Note TakingAgenda for iOS Review | MacStoriesSupercomputer 24: The Video Production Can of WormsTickTick | Todo list, checklist and task manager app for Android, iPhone and WebShortcuts actions gallery | Matthew CassinelliSlugline. Simply Screenwriting.Find us elsewhere:Supercomputer (@_supercomputer)Alex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew on YouTube and TwitchMatthew’s website@_supercomputer on Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 30Snacking On Digital Minimalism
This week, Alex and Matthew cover Cal Newport’s new book Digital Minimalism and its impact.Alex is thirsty, Matthew becomes one with nature, and both recommend different books by women in addition (instead?).Links from the showDigital Minimalism by Cal NewportWhy you should allow yourself to buy booksHow to be BoredBen McCarthy tweet about using notebooksLizzo’s new album Cuz I Love YouLizzo’s debut EP Coconut OilDeciding to Stan myselfBored and Brilliant by Manoush ZomorodiWhy We Automate | Dr. DrangTally by Greg PierceHow to use Tally by Joe CieplinskiShortcut for not using Twitter when you want to Do SomethingShortcut to Process ThoughtsStephen’s private Twitter from Journaling with Day One on Mac Power UsersFind us elsewhereAlex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew Cassinelli on YouTubeMatthew Cassinelli on Twitch.TV@_supercomputer on Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 29It's Pretty Much All My Fault
This week, Alex invites a DIFFERENT Matthew onto the show to talk about their home automation setup. Show NotesChicago Weather Alexa and Other Amazon Tube FriendsSiriGoogle AssistantGoogle Home HubGoogle PixelAmazon Echo ShowAmazon Fire PhoneFyre FestivalFind us elsewhereMattie Cox (@mattiercox)Alex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew Cassinelli on YouTubeMatthew Cassinelli on Twitch.TV@_supercomputer on Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 28So Mini Problems, So Little Time
Alex and Matthew review the new iPad mini! Find out where the Mini fits in their lives.Both tried out the Logitech Crayon, integrated it into their workflow, and came to the same conclusion...(If your version has uneven audio levels, re-download for a fixed track)Find us elsewhereAlex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew Cassinelli on YouTubeMatthew Cassinelli on Twitch.TV@_supercomputer on Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 27Into The Weeds (feat. Rosemary Orchard)
The fabulous Rosemary Orchard joins as the first guest on Supercomputer – and she blows your hosts’ minds.Rose talks about how she became an Automator, Matthew gets convinced to use Airtable again despite Alex’s protests, and everybody loves Drafts.Links from the episodeDrafts for Mac: The MacStories Review | by Rosemary OrchardDrafts 5.4 coverage from Tim Nahumck | MacStoriesThe Sweet Setup Images shortcut for saving images to use alongside DraftsSave Article to Dropbox | Drafts Action DirectoryWhen And Why I Automate | Dr DrangIdentifying Opportunities for Automation | Workflow DocumentationIdentifying Opportunities for Automation in Shortcuts | Shortcuts User GuideMixed Automation: iOS Shortcuts for macOS Automation | MacStories, part of iPad Diaries seriesZapierFind us (and Rose!) elsewhereRosemary Orchard (@RosemaryOrchard) on TwitterRosemaryOrchard.comAutomators on Relay.FMAlex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew Cassinelli on YouTube@_supercomputer on Instagram ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 26Shortcuts 2.2: All About Your Notes
Matthew tells Alex all about Shortcuts 2.2 – including a secret hidden in the Notes actions.Links from the showBaidu Maps Quick Capture into Ulysses using Shortcuts | The Sweet SetupMocktail by Jordan MerrickFind Us ElsewhereAlex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew Cassinelli on YouTubeSupercomputer on YouTube@_supercomputer on InstagramSupport the show on Patreon ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 25I Get Most Work Done On My Phone
Your hosts discuss the primary computer of most people: their phones.Alex does most of her work from the phone, Matthew is trying, and both agree that a paired-down version of a desktop app is unacceptable in 2019.Links from the show:Roboism live at C2E2PAX EastUse Tabs In Safari on iPad | Apple SupportDrafts for Mac coming March 26Using Spotlight on iPad to drag apps into Split View | RedditAirtableNotionFind Us ElsewhereAlex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew Cassinelli on YouTubeSupercomputer on YouTube@_supercomputer on InstagramSupport the show on Patreon ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 24The Video Production Can Of Worms
This week, Alex shows Matthew how little he knows about video production.Alex drops film school knowledge, it becomes clear why Matthew should have stuck with Final Cut, and both fumble around with LumaFusion's limitations.Links from the showAvid media composerAdobe PremierFinal Cut ProLumaFusioniMovieFerrite updateSanDisk SD Card USB Type-C Reader (old model)Apple’s updated USB-C to SD Card ReaderKingston MobileLite Wireless G3 for wireless audio SD card transfer (via @TimChaten)RodeVideoMic Pro+ shotgun microphoneFinal Cut Pro X: What are libraries?LaCie 1 TB USB 3.0 and USB-C portable hard drive for storing librariesLaCie 4TB rugged hard drive, Thunderbolt that's stationary with Matthew’s iMacCards Against Humanity Weed PackVLC media playerHandbrakeFinal Cut Pro X: Assign camera names and multicam anglesFinal Cut Pro X: Multicam editing workflowFinal Cut Pro X: Apply color lookup tables (LUTs)Use color correction tools in Final Cut Pro X and MotionShutter Speed, Frame Rate, and the 180° Rule (in regards to shutter angle)Errol MorrisAlex GibneyBattleship PotemkinThe Mixing Secrets Behind Cardi B’s Grammy-Winning Album | The VergeFilmic ProLevelatorAuphonicAdobe AuditionIzotopeFinal Cut Pro X: Audio editing overviewTyler Stalman on YouTubeThe Stalman podcast with Matt D’Avella: How To Be A Minimalist CreatorMatt D’Avella on YouTubeIn The Blink Of An Eye by Walter MurchMacStories Shortcuts ArchiveFind Us ElsewhereAlex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew Cassinelli on YouTubeSupercomputer on YouTube@_supercomputer on InstagramSupport the show on Patreon ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 23I Have Control Issues
Alex and Matthew discuss the disappearance of Control Center – and how it overlaps with Shortcuts.Links from the showTim Cook tweet100 Apps That Work With Siri ShortcutsApple Support page on Control CenterFind Us ElsewhereAlex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew Cassinelli on YouTubeSupercomputer on YouTube@_supercomputer on InstagramSupport the show on Patreon ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 22The Case of the Last Case
Alex and Matthew reflect on the month’s Apple-related news, giving the hot takes some room and seeing how we’re feeling after some extra context. Plus, there’s a celebrity appearance.February News: Meet the 30-year Apple veteran who's taking over the company's stores around the worldWWDC 2019 Dates Confirmed: June 3-7 in San Jose [Updated]Exclusive: First look at unreleased Apple Smart Battery Case for iPhone XSHow did Apple’s AirPods go from mockery to millennial status symbol?Apple fails to block porn & gambling ‘Enterprise’ appsApple tells app developers to disclose or remove screen recording codeTwo New iPad Pro Models, 10.2-Inch iPad, and iPad Mini 5 Said to Launch in 2019Apple Plans on Combining iPhone, iPad, Mac Apps by 2021Open Supercomputer On YouTubeOur youngest fan ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Ep 21There Are Many Like It, But This Home Screen Is Mine
Alex and Matthew cover their home screens, so get ready to check show notes.Both hosts share their general approach to organizing the apps on their "iOS devices", plus why it matters – a little bit at least. Alex has more Shortcuts than Matthew, neither have that great of iPad setups, and both are hoping for more from Apple soon.Next week we're doing a new segment, so stay tuned.Links from the show:Alex's iPhone home screenMatthew's iPhone home screenAlex's iPad home screenWhat are iOS devices? | 9to5MacMatthew's reply to Stephen's tweet about iOS devicesObscuraOK VideoAudible audiobooks & originalsPokémon GOOvercastSlackFantastical 2 for iPhoneBearOmniFocus 3Launch Center ProToggl: Time Tracker for WorkFocusDay One JournalTrelloMindNode 5EvernoteYouTube: Watch, Listen, StreamCopiedDrafts 5: Capture ‣‣ ActThings 3ShortcutsJust Press RecordAdobe Lightroom CC@Peel on InstagramInstapaperReviews | Tools & ToysJosh Ginter | Tools & Toys Alvaro Serrano | Tools & ToysUlyssesTikTok - Real Short VideosHeadspace: MeditationLumaFusionPanasonic Image AppStitchPicsHow to make a full-page screenshot of an app or website with StitchPics | Matthew CassinelliFerrite Recording StudioBrusfriAuphonicFind Us ElsewhereAlex Cox (@AlexCox)Matthew Cassinelli (@mattcassinelli)Matthew Cassinelli on YouTubeSupercomputer on YouTube@_supercomputer on InstagramSupport the show on Patreon ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★