Your iPhone's Secret AI Note Taker — No Code!

How to Create an AI-Powered Note-Taking System on iOS

Introduction to Note Taking Challenges

• Mike introduces himself and discusses the common challenge of capturing ideas quickly for later action.

• He emphasizes that while there are many methods available, he will focus specifically on iOS due to its more locked ecosystem compared to Android.

Required Apps for Note Taking

• The note-taking system requires four apps: Apple Shortcuts, Apple Notes, Apple Voice Memos, and optionally ChatGPT for AI assistance.

Creating a Basic Shortcut

• Mike demonstrates how to create a new folder in the Apple Shortcuts app named "note taker."

• He explains the process of adding actions such as recording audio and transcribing it within the shortcut setup. Suggestions include using normal audio quality to avoid large file sizes.

Integrating ChatGPT into the Shortcut

• The next step involves integrating ChatGPT by selecting a model (e.g., GPT-4) and setting it up to summarize transcribed audio input. This is done by creating a variable that captures the transcribed text.

• Mike tests this shortcut live, demonstrating its functionality as an AI-powered note-taker without needing third-party apps or coding skills. He highlights its ease of use with just one button click.

Enhancing Functionality with Storage Options

• After testing, Mike discusses how users can store their notes effectively rather than just receiving notifications from ChatGPT. He duplicates the initial shortcut for further customization.

• Changes made include switching off continuous chat in ChatGPT settings and adding an action to create a note in Apple Notes with content derived from ChatGPT's response.

Finalizing and Using the Enhanced Shortcut

• Mike runs through another test of his updated shortcut, successfully creating a new note in Apple Notes that includes bullet points summarizing his thoughts efficiently.

• He mentions saving this shortcut to his home screen for quick access, allowing him immediate entry into his automated note-taking system whenever needed.

Conclusion on Automation Benefits

• In closing, Mike reflects on how this automation allows him to capture thoughts seamlessly using native iOS applications without additional complexity or external tools like Notion at this stage but hints at future enhancements involving other platforms like Notion for document creation as well.( t = 333 s)

Creating an Efficient Note-Taking System with Apple Shortcuts

Setting Up the Note-Taking Process

• The process begins by creating a note with a title derived from the current date and a body generated by ChatGPT, which is then stored in a selected database (e.g., Magic Ideas).

• Notes are recorded and transcribed simultaneously, being saved in both Apple Notes and Notion, providing dual storage for easy access.

Challenges with Screen Lock Settings

• A significant issue arises when using the record audio action; if the screen locks during recording (after 30 seconds), it halts the shortcut, resulting in lost notes.

• Disabling screen lock entirely is not optimal; alternatives like guided access mode are cumbersome and disrupt workflow.

Developing a Workaround

• To address these challenges, a new shortcut is created that utilizes clipboard contents to summarize notes via ChatGPT while keeping actions simple.

• The shortcut involves getting clipboard data, summarizing it through ChatGPT, and saving it into either Apple Notes or Notion under an AI notes folder.

Utilizing Voice Memos for Transcription

• By leveraging Apple Voice Memos on iOS 18 or later, users can record their voice notes while benefiting from automatic transcription features.

• After recording, users can copy the transcript directly from Voice Memos to use as input for the shortcut that summarizes their spoken content.

Streamlining the Workflow

• The goal is to create an efficient system where recording and summarizing notes happens seamlessly without third-party apps.

• Users can customize their control center to include shortcuts for quick access to voice memos and note-taking functions.

Final Thoughts on Efficiency

• This streamlined approach allows users to record voice memos even when their device's screen locks without interrupting the process of taking notes.

• The method emphasizes native iOS capabilities over third-party applications for better data security and ease of use.