Casey Liss, software developer, joins John Gruber to discuss topics such as the history of Mac OS naming conventions, a new user-friendly alternative to IMDB called Call Sheet, pricing options for apps, nostalgic memories of old technology, Apple's performance in 2023, buyer's remorse, the second generation HomePod, the delay of Grand Theft Auto, the ongoing animosity between Apple and Meta, using Square Space to create websites, the convenience of a physical camera button, upgrades in Apple Watch OS 10, the impact of Apple Silicon, and the future of technology.
Apple had a strong finish in the year with impressive hardware releases like the M3 Macbook Pros and iPhone 14s.
The M2 Macbook Pros and Mac Mini were delayed due to COVID-19, but still offered solid performance.
Apple's hardware releases were limited in the first half of the year, possibly due to pandemic challenges and chip shortages.
Apple introduced new products like the 15-inch MacBook Air and Mac Pro, showcasing a wide range of options for customers.
The upcoming release of Apple's Vision Pro headset generates excitement as a major computing platform for the future.
Deep dives
Apple's Year: Thumbs Up
Overall, Apple had a positive year with notable highlights in the later half. The first half of the year was relatively quiet, but the momentum picked up after WWDC and the announcement of Vision Pro. The hardware releases in the latter part of the year, including the M3 Macbook Pros and the iPhone 14s, were impressive and well-received. The M3 Macbook Pro, in particular, has garnered praise for its performance and features. While the beginning of the year may not have been as eventful, the strong finish and the overall quality of Apple's products lead to a thumbs up for their year.
Delayed M2 Macs
The year began with the release of the M2 Macbook Pros and Mac Mini in January, which were met with excitement. However, these releases were delayed due to the impact of COVID-19, causing them to arrive later than anticipated. The delay resulted in a shorter lifespan for these models, as the M3 Macbook Pros were introduced just a few months later, making them the more advanced option. Despite the delay, the M2 models still offered solid performance and features for users.
Limited Hardware Releases
In the first half of the year, Apple's hardware releases were limited, with only a few notable offerings like the M2 Macbook Pros and the yellow iPhone 14s. This restraint in hardware releases may have been influenced by the challenges caused by the pandemic and the industry-wide chip shortages. Nonetheless, the products that were released received positive feedback, but it wasn't until later in the year that Apple's hardware lineup truly excelled.
Podcast Recap: Key Points on Apple's New Products
Apple's new product lineup includes the 15-inch MacBook Air, which fills a long-standing gap in their consumer laptop offerings. The MacBook Air with a larger screen size is aimed at users who want a bigger display and portability. Additionally, the M2 Mac and Ultra models were introduced, offering more power and features than previous models. The highly anticipated Mac Pro was also released, although some consider it to have fallen short of expectations. The focus on these new products highlights Apple's commitment to providing a wide range of options for their customers.
Implications of the Vision Pro
The upcoming release of Apple's Vision Pro, a spatial computing headset, has generated great excitement. While the specifics of the product are still unknown, it is positioned as a major computing platform for the future. The ability to watch immersive movies, work in privacy, and experience cutting-edge technology indicate its potential appeal to business travelers, entertainment enthusiasts, and professionals requiring secure computing. The Vision Pro's high price point, starting at $3,500, may not deter those looking for innovative and advanced technology experiences.
Reflections on Thread as an Emerging Platform
Thread, a social media platform gaining traction, shows promise as an alternative to Twitter. With features reminiscent of older iterations of Twitter, it has garnered interest from users dissatisfied with the current state of Twitter. While Thread's usage may not rival that of Twitter, it offers a niche space for specific communities. It provides a platform for engaging with specific topics, in contrast to the algorithmic timeline of other platforms.
Improved Autocorrect in iOS 17
iOS 17 has significantly improved autocorrect, addressing issues that were present in previous versions. Users have experienced fewer mistakes and frustrations with the autocorrect feature, making typing on the iPhone more enjoyable and accurate.
WatchOS 10 Upgrade and Apple Watch Changes
The release of WatchOS 10 brought several changes and improvements to the Apple Watch. The new operating system introduced features like the ability to swipe between watch faces, a redesigned notification center, and a smart dock. Although there were no major hardware changes to the Apple Watch, rumors suggest that the next generation may include a change to the strap adapters, potentially leading to a more significant visual transformation.
Spatial Video and Panoramic Photos in the Vision Pro
One of the notable features introduced this year is the ability to shoot spatial video and panoramic photos with the Vision Pro headset. While the resolution may not be as high as expected and the graininess is more noticeable in larger displays, these features provide an immersive and engaging experience. Spatial video allows for a personal and intimate perspective, while panoramic photos offer a wider and more intriguing view. Although the technology may still have room for improvement, the potential for reliving cherished moments in 3D is truly fascinating.
The Impact and Utility of Journaling Apps
The introduction of the Journal app by Apple brings attention to the concept of personal journaling. While the app itself is simple, it serves as a gracious and effective storytelling platform for individual users. It allows for capturing and organizing various events and experiences, presenting them in a social media-like timeline. The API integration with other apps adds to the convenience, enabling users to seamlessly incorporate journal-worthy activities. Furthermore, the Journal app's simplicity opens the door for users to explore more feature-rich and established journaling apps available in the App Store.
