The podcast covers topics such as reviews of the Vision Pro, obtaining eye prescriptions in different countries, Apple's response to EU DMA compliance, options for app developers in the EU, challenging the Apple App Store, EU's efforts to improve business agreements, Apple's angry release and efforts to minimize damage, wearing AirPods in both ears or using a single ear, exploring app ideas and challenges, hearing tests and missing features, and virtual Mac screen resolutions and functionality.
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Quick takeaways
Developers will have new options for distributing their iOS apps on alternative app marketplaces.
Developers will have new options for using alternative payment service providers in their apps.
iOS apps on the app store will pay a reduced commission of either 10% or 17% for transactions of digital goods and services.
Developers have the choice to either stay in the app store under the existing terms or opt into the new EU rules.
The Vision Pro headset allows users to connect to their laptop and create a virtual screen.
Deep dives
Options for distributing iOS apps on alternative app marketplaces
Developers will have new options for distributing their iOS apps on alternative app marketplaces. This includes APIs that allow apps to be downloaded from these marketplaces and frameworks for creating these marketplaces. Developers will also have the option to use alternative browser engines for browser apps and APIs for contactless payments in the European Economic Area.
Changes in App Store policies
Developers will have new options for using alternative payment service providers in their apps, as well as processing payments through external links or in-app purchases. They can also inform EU users of promotions and deals available outside of the app. App analytics will be expanded and developers can request and transfer app store account data. Additionally, there will be new business terms reflecting the EU's requirements for alternative distribution and payment processing.
Reduced commissions and payment processing fees
iOS apps on the app store will pay a reduced commission of either 10% or 17% for transactions of digital goods and services, depending on the payment processing system selected. Developers can also use the app store's payment processing for an additional 3% fee. For high-volume apps, there will be a core technology fee for every first annual install over 1 million in the European Economic Area.
Exclusive options for developers
Developers have the choice to either stay in the app store under the existing terms or opt into the new EU rules. If they choose the new rules, they can remain in the app store or distribute apps in third-party marketplaces. They can also link out to external payment processors or use their own system. However, opting into the new EU rules is irreversible and involves paying the core technology fee for app installations over 1 million.
Oversaturation in the App Store Market
Due to oversaturation in the app store market, there are certain app ideas, such as camera apps with manual controls or checklist journals, that I would have considered creating but ultimately decided against. The market for such apps is already saturated, and existing options like camera apps with manual controls and to-do apps like AnyList and Todoist already meet my requirements. Given the intense competition and saturation in these markets, I believe it's more practical to explore other app ideas where there may be more room for innovation and less competition.
Constraints of the Mac App Store for System Extension Apps
As a developer interested in creating system extension apps for the Mac, I have encountered obstacles related to the constraints of the Mac App Store. While I have ideas for useful system extension apps, the limitations imposed by the Mac App Store, such as disallowing private API usage, restrict the full potential and functionality of these apps. Despite potential oversaturation in other markets, the Mac App Store's restrictions and the limited sales volume of small apps make it challenging to pursue these ideas outside of the Mac App Store.
Hesitations in Game Development
While I have considered game development, I have hesitations due to the complex nature of the process. Game development involves much more than just writing a game engine. It requires significant creative content creation and a deep understanding of game design principles. As a programmer, I am aware of the challenges and complexities involved in game development and recognize that it is a skill set that I may not possess. Thus, I have refrained from pursuing game development projects.
Overview of Vision Pro's Virtual Screen
The Vision Pro headset allows users to connect to their laptop and create a virtual screen. The laptop's actual screen goes dark, and users can view a virtual screen that is downscaled to 4K resolution. The Mac thinks it is connected to a 5K display but streams a downscaled 4K video to the headset. The virtual screen can be made larger or smaller, but the total space for placing windows remains at 2560 by 1440 pixels. The resolution is not pixel perfect, but 4K content runs at native 4K resolution. The ability to control the virtual screen using a Mac's keyboard and mouse offers precision despite some limitations and compression layers involved.
Interacting with Vision OS and Display Limitations
Vision OS allows users to interact with a virtual screen through their laptop and a Vision Pro headset. While precise pixel-level work might be challenging due to compression layers and the downscaled resolution, users can still control the virtual screen using a mouse or trackpad. The ability to bring the virtual window close to the user's face allows for enlargement of pixels and precise input targeting. However, it's important to note that Vision Pro is not designed for pixel-perfect work and utilizes various techniques like image manipulation and projection to create the virtual screen experience.
Resolution and Effective Visual Experience
The exact resolution of the virtual screen in Vision Pro is not provided, but it is downscaled to 4K resolution. While the Mac's screen is rendered at a pixel-doubled 5K resolution, the streamed video to the headset is a downscaled 4K video. It is important to remember that the virtual screen does not offer a pixel-perfect experience, and there may be limitations in achieving high-resolution visuals. Additionally, the ability to bring the virtual screen close for a more immersive experience may impact the effective resolution depending on how the OS handles window opacity and fading.
