Topics discussed in the podcast include comfortable clothes, Apple vs. Beeper battle for iMessage access, security risks of third-party apps, on-die ECC implementation in LPDDR memories, Sonos room stutters with AirPlay, government spying through push notifications, enabling stolen device protection, OLED burn-in on iPhones, night time phone settings, and reminiscing about the Palm Pilot.
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Quick takeaways
Apple's implementation of ECC RAM in their current chips is not as robust as Intel's Xeon processors.
Sonos is aware of the stuttering issue and is working on a firmware update to fix it.
Semiconductor companies are building fabs in the US to meet the growing demand for semiconductors and ensure a secure supply chain.
AWS S3 Glacier storage achieves cheaper costs by using over-provisioned hard drives and powering on/off based on demand.
OLED screens in iPhones have shown minimal burn-in issues, thanks to conservative implementation and usage patterns.
Deep dives
ECC RAM in Apple Silicon
ECC RAM is not implemented in the same way in Apple Silicon as it was in Intel's Xeon processors. Apple uses on-die ECC and link ECC in their RAM, but it is not clear if they are using it in their current chips. The on-die ECC corrects single bit errors, but does not have end-to-end SECDED (single bit error correction, double bit error detection) capability. Link ECC does not have the ability to correct or detect two-bit errors. Apple's implementation of ECC in their current chips is not as robust as the ECC in Intel's Xeon processors. However, Jonathan Deere's Jr. mentioned that Apple is likely aware of the problem and is working on a solution.
Sonos Room Stuttering Issue
The Sonos Room stuttering issue has been reported by many users and is known to Sonos. It is being worked on, but no firmware update has been released yet to fix the problem. Various workarounds have been suggested, such as restarting the room, restarting the phone, or using the 'reset media services' feature in developer settings. Users are advised to stay tuned for a future firmware update from Sonos to address the issue.
Expansion of Fabs in the US
There is a trend of semiconductor companies building fabs in the US, including Intel, TSMC, and Micron. This is likely due to the need for more wafer production in order to meet the growing demand for semiconductors. As semiconductor technology advances, the reliance on process shrinks as a way to increase transistor output is decreasing. Instead, companies are looking to build more fabs and increase wafer production to keep up with demand. This trend also helps to ensure a more diversified and secure supply chain for critical components.
AWS S3 Glacier Storage
AWS S3 Glacier storage uses hard drives, not optical media or tapes, to achieve its cheaper storage costs. The storage racks are over-provisioned, meaning that only a fraction of the drives are powered on at any given time to save on power costs. AWS manages the powering on and off of drives based on demand. It is a cost-effective solution for long-term storage where data is written more frequently than it is read.
The benefits of using OLED screens and always-on display
OLED screens in iPhones have not shown significant burn-in issues, even with the introduction of the always-on display feature. The implementation of this feature has been conservative in terms of brightness and duration, minimizing the risk of burn-in. Additionally, the usage patterns of smartphones, such as screen sleep mode and varying brightness levels, contribute to the prevention of burn-in.
Minimalist approach to using third-party libraries
The speaker, Marco, maintains a minimalist approach to using third-party libraries, even with the adoption of Swift and Swift UI. The preference for minimalism remains, and the speaker continues to minimize reliance on third-party code in their projects. The transition to using Swift and Swift UI has not changed this approach.
Potential advantages of Swift and Swift UI for third-party libraries
While Swift and Swift UI offer numerous benefits and possibilities for third-party library usage, the speaker's aversion to using third-party code remains. The focus is on developing and utilizing their own code in projects.
Future developments for the action button
The effectiveness and usefulness of the action button may vary depending on personal preference. Some may find it useful, while others may consider it gimmicky or irritating. Feedback on accidental activations or potential improvements for future upgrades is not provided. Its relevance and attention from Apple in future updates are uncertain.
Nostalgic Delight of Using a Palm Pilot
The speaker expresses their fondness for the Palm Pilot, specifically the Palm 5X model, and highlights its revolutionary design and form factor that were well ahead of its time. They praise the Palm OS's interface design, usability, and style, stating that it was superior to competitors like Pocket PC. The speaker shares their delight in rediscovering their old Palm games and emphasizes the joy and satisfaction derived from using the device, even in its limited functionality. They recommend purchasing a Palm Pilot for nostalgic purposes, as it can be a fun desk toy or a collector's item.
Impressive Storage Efficiency and Game Size
The speaker marvels at the small file sizes of games on the Palm Pilot, highlighting examples such as their version of "Mealborn" being only 25 kilobytes. They compare it to modern games on devices like Playdate, which also have incredibly small file sizes. The speaker finds it fascinating that games with such tiny file sizes could still provide enjoyable experiences. They note the eight-megabyte storage capacity of the Palm Pilot and remark on the efficient use of space on the device.
