MacChat: LaunchBar Deep Dive and Finder Preferences Unlocked

Summary: Chris and Michael catch up on the latest macOS Sequoia 15.4 update, sharing what’s working better—and what still needs a workaround. From new Braille fixes to ditching Apple’s Mail categories, they cover practical improvements for VoiceOver users. Michael walks through how LaunchBar has become his go-to for blazing-fast app launching and file actions, and Chris breaks down tips for customizing Finder views to better suit your workflow. You’ll also hear about a hidden setting that makes Windows behave more like macOS inside Parallels, plus browser tricks for reading ChatGPT messages more reliably with VoiceOver. Shortcuts & Tips Mentioned: LaunchBar: Command + Space: Open LaunchBar Type abbreviation → Hold last letter to launch app instantly Command + Option + A: Assign abbreviation Tab: Open file actions Command + Option + \\: Open clipboard history Command + C → Command + CC: Clip merge for copying multiple items Finder View Modes: Command + 1: Icon View Command + 2: List View Command + 3: Column View Command + 4: Gallery View Finder → Preferences (Command + ,) → Advanced → Check “Keep folders on top when sorting by name” Parallels Desktop: Command + , → Shortcuts → Set “Mac system shortcuts” to Always Use SharpKeys to remap Command and Alt keys in Windows Command + F4: Closes a Windows window if you’ve adjusted key mappings VoiceOver & ChatGPT: Command + Shift + C: Copy last ChatGPT message (Web) Shift + Escape: Jump back to ChatGPT input field VO + Shift + C: Copy last spoken phrase VO + Shift + Z: Save last spoken phrase as audio to desktop Emoji Access: LaunchBar → Type emo → Right Arrow to browse categories On Windows: Windows + . opens emoji picker Other Tips: Safari echo bug? Try Chrome for better typing feedback Want all your emails back in one place? Mail > View > Uncheck “Show Categories” F1–F12 not doing what’s printed on the key? System Settings → Keyboard → Enable “Use F1, F2, etc. as standard function keys” Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/cd2060d0-3649-4099-a52b-49c9b0d96b79 This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Unmute Presents.Read transcript