John Siracusa joins the podcast to discuss Apple/Masimo patent dispute, Beeper Mini/iMessage saga, iOS 17.3’s Stolen Device Protection, Apple's new Journal app, and an ode to big-ass tower desktops.
Beeper Mini will no longer try to circumvent Apple's restrictions on integrating messaging apps, acknowledging the difficulty of competing with Apple.
Senators' criticism of Apple's treatment of Beeper lacks consideration for the technical complexities of opening iMessage to third-party apps.
Apple's Infinite Loop company store in Cupertino, a symbol of Apple's culture and history, is set to close, marking the end of an era.
Apple's new journal app offers a simple and intuitive interface for users to create and organize personal journals.
Privacy and security are prioritized in Apple's journal app to enhance user trust and confidence, with options for exporting or backing up data.
Deep dives
Beeper Mini to discontinue cat-and-mouse game with Apple
Beeper Mini, the messaging platform that allows users to integrate various messaging apps, has announced that it will stop trying to circumvent Apple's restrictions. The company acknowledged that it cannot compete with a trillion-dollar company like Apple. Users can still access iMessage on Android phones through a jailbroken iPhone being used as a server, or by using Beeper's cloud service or command line tool on a Mac. However, these options have limitations and are not ideal for most users.
Government hearings on Beeper's case unlikely to yield results
Senators Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, and Mike Lee have expressed concern about Apple's treatment of Beeper, claiming anti-competitive behavior. However, their argument lacks grounding as iMessage is not a dominant messaging service like Windows was for PCs in the 90s. The senators' stance fails to consider the technical complexities involved in opening up iMessage to third-party apps. It is unlikely that these government hearings will have a significant impact on the situation.
The Closure of the Infinite Loop Company Store
Apple's Infinite Loop company store, located in Cupertino, is set to close next month. The store, which first opened in 1993, has been a popular destination for Apple fans and employees alike. It has offered a variety of Apple-branded merchandise, from t-shirts to accessories, and has become a symbol of Apple's culture and history. The closure of the store marks the end of an era, as Apple continues to evolve its retail strategy and focuses more on its global chain of Apple Stores.
The Introduction of Apple's Journal App
Apple recently launched its new journal app, which allows users to create and organize their own personal journals. The app provides a simple and intuitive interface, with a timeline of journal entries ordered chronologically. Users can add text, images, and even location information to their entries. While the app is currently only available on iPhone, it offers the potential for third-party integration and expansion in the future. The journal app aims to provide users with a private and personal space for documenting their thoughts, memories, and experiences.
The Importance of Privacy and Security in the Journal App
Privacy and security are crucial aspects of Apple's journal app. With the ability to store personal thoughts and memories, users need assurance that their information is safe and protected. While the app syncs with iCloud for data preservation, Apple must also ensure that users have control over their own data and provide options for exporting or backing up their journals. By prioritizing privacy and security, Apple can enhance user trust and confidence in the journal app.
The Need for Export Functionality and Data Portability
As users invest time and effort into creating content within the journal app, it is essential to have the ability to export or transfer that data if desired. An export functionality would provide peace of mind to users, knowing that their memories and experiences can be retained even if they choose to move to a different platform or application. Implementing export features would enhance user control and further promote user adoption and trust in the journal app.
New $130 travel charger by 12 South
12 South has released a new travel charger that retails for $130. The compact charger features a USB-C port for high-speed charging, as well as an Apple Watch charger and an AirPods case charger. It is designed for convenience, lightweight travel, and efficient charging for multiple devices.
Apple's previous charger design limitations
Apple previously offered a similar charging product, but it had limitations such as being designed for smaller iPhones and having compatibility issues with newer models due to the size and position of the cameras. The 12 South charger addresses these issues with a larger size and better design, allowing for compatibility with future iPhone models.
Importance of expanding gaming capabilities on Macs
While Apple has made strides in improving gaming performance on its devices, there is still a significant gap between Apple Silicon and high-performance GPUs like Nvidia cards. Expanding gaming capabilities on Macs is crucial to attract more gamers and increase the addressable market for Mac gaming.
Challenges in enhancing Mac gaming
Improving Mac gaming involves addressing hardware and software limitations, collaborating with game developers, and supporting popular gaming platforms. Apple needs to overcome internal barriers, bridge the gap between GPU performance, and invest in the gaming market to make Macs a reputable gaming platform.
Special holiday guest: John Siracusa. Special holiday topics: the Apple/Masimo patent dispute over the blood oxygen sensors in Apple Watches, the ongoing Beeper Mini/iMessage saga, iOS 17.3’s upcoming Stolen Device Protection feature, Apple’s new Journal app. Also, an ode to big-ass tower desktops.
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