This makes using a stylus (e.g., Apple Pencil) on your iPad more like writing on paper. It provides more control and helps to prevent oversliding. I’m using Paperlike principally for learning to draw in Procreate, based on advice on YouTube from the incredible Sinix. Please note that you should watch this how-to video to install Paperlike correctly, and be SURE to use the credit card instead of your fingers.

New tech tool I am enjoying — I’ve always used my built-in MacBook lens for podcasting, Zoom, and so on. I looked into getting a prosumer setup with a great Sony camera, but I wasn’t motivated enough to fuss with lots of setup on a laptop that is by definition going to move a lot. This BRIO webcam was the middle ground I found, and I love it. What’s most remarkable and surprising is that, although I bought it to improve the other side’s experience, it makes my own experience of video chats much pleasanter and much easier on the eyes. Here’s the official description: “Brio is a remarkable piece of technology that streams crystal-clear video with superb resolution, frame rate, color, and detail, including autofocus and 5x HD zoom. Brio delivers 4K Ultra HD video at 30 fps, HD 1080p at either 30 or 60 fps, and HD 720p at 30, 60, or an ultra-smooth 90 fps for outstanding clarity, smoothness, and detail.”

I wrote about the health benefits of using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) more than ten years ago in The 4-Hour Body. At the time, CGMs were primitive and hard to use. Levels has now made this technology, and the unique insights that come from it, easy and available to everyone. Levels is making glucose monitoring simple, helping you see how food affects your health through real-time feedback. I started tracking my glucose years ago to learn more about what I should and shouldn’t be eating (including quantities, time of day, etc.), based on objective data from my own, unique physiology. Keeping my blood sugar stable is critical to my daily and long-term health and performance goals. Furthermore, poor glucose control is associated with a number of chronic conditions like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and obesity. It’s important.

SaunaSpace Photon: This device emits near-infrared light for health benefits. Tim uses it for skin health, inflammation reduction, and detox. He recommends the brand SaunaSpace.

On the road, I spotted a coder using one of these in a Starbucks. I crept over and waved to get his attention. Once he’d taken off his headset, I asked him how much he liked the ultralight laptop stand. He answered with a dead-serious stare and a poker face, “I LOVE this laptop stand. My posture has immediately improved, and I complete many more actions per minute.” Gotta love engineers… and he was right. This is a fantastic device. I’m using it in combination with the wireless Apple Magic Trackpad 2 and Magic Keyboard. It’s the perfect size for on-the-go work or travel.

These are wireless headphones that offer noise cancellation, voice control, and balanced sound. Tim uses these to block out distractions, listen to music or podcasts, and control his devices with his voice. He recommends the brand Bose.

These are wireless earbuds that offer noise cancellation, transparency mode, and adaptive EQ. Tim uses these to listen to podcasts, audiobooks, and music, as well as to make phone calls and record voice memos. He recommends the brand Apple.

Tired of carrying around that gigantic brick of a MacBook charger? Check out the photos at either of the above links. This tiny replacement is incredible. Huge thanks to our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, Kevin Rose (@KevinRose)! Description: “Anker Nano II has the power you need to fast charge your phone, tablet, and USB-C notebook from a single, tiny charger. Charge a 2020 MacBook Air in less than 2 hours, a MacBook Pro 13ʺ at full speed, an iPhone 12 up to 3× faster than with an original 5W charger.…”

“Autofocus” for your voice! Check out this cool demo on YouTube from the link below. If it delivers even 50% of the features, it’ll be one to watch. The description: “RAY is the first microphone with our new sensor-based AURA technology to dynamically adapt your levels and tone according to your distance to the microphone. It’s like autofocus but for your voice. Instead of making perfectly sharp pictures, you’re getting perfectly balanced recordings.” Has anyone used this? If so, what are the pros and cons? Please let me know at @tferriss on Twitter with #RAY. I’m considering sending this to remote podcast guests going forward, as it will save us all tons of fussing with levels, gain, “could you get a little closer to the mic,” etc. https://www.amazon.com/Lewitt-RAY-Large-Diaphragm-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0D1GWSKJX/