Mac Power Users 804: From NeXT to Liquid Glass, with Ken Case
28 snips
Jul 6, 2025 
Ken Case, CEO of The Omni Group, shares his rich history in tech, tracing his journey from Atari to NeXT computers. He delves into the evolution of productivity apps, highlighting the successful launch of OmniFocus. The discussion touches on his favorite Apple devices, the growing importance of password security in the wake of data breaches, and his thoughts on Apple's upcoming WWDC, including innovations like Liquid Glass. Ken also shares insights on integrating AI into app development while ensuring ethical user practices.
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Early Next Experience at University
- Ken Case's deep connection with Next started at the University of Washington as a systems programmer managing Unix and Next systems.
- He helped transition Next from isolated media usage to a networked system, laying groundwork for future software development.
From Games to Founding Omni Group
- Omni Group started by working on a game called Omni and collaborating with Wizards of the Coast during Magic: The Gathering's early days.
- They also developed apps for Lighthouse Design and Next, marking key early client projects.
Ken's Apple Hardware Setup
- Ken Case uses a maxed-out Mac Mini as his primary machine despite owning a faster Mac Pro.
- He frequently uses the Apple Vision Pro paired with his MacBook for immersive work and media experiences.