Join experts like Josh Jezza, a tech journalist covering undersea cables, and Riley Testa, founder of AltStore, as they dive into fascinating tech topics. They discuss the critical role of undersea cables in global connectivity and explore the challenges of app development in the iOS ecosystem. Alison Johnson shares insights on smartphones as ultimate AI gadgets, while Roland Allen examines the cultural significance of notebooks. Ben Sandofsky and Sebastian DeWitt reveal the artistry behind the Halide camera app, and they all reflect on the fast-evolving world of tech.
The podcast features a compilation of favorite segments, offering listeners a diverse mix of insights from the year's discussions.
Topics covered include the impact of undersea cables on global communication, showcasing technology's intricate role in connectivity.
The segment on AI gadgets emphasizes how smartphones have evolved to become central tools in our daily lives and interactions.
Exploring the history of notebooks reveals their significance in documenting thoughts, creativity, and intellectual pursuits throughout different eras.
A discussion on the tactile nature of handwriting versus typing highlights how physical writing fosters deeper memory retention and engagement.
Deep dives
The Importance of Paper
Paper is considered a crucial invention that revolutionized communication and record-keeping. Its permanence allows for reliable documentation, which was vital in supporting the rise of modern capitalism. Unlike earlier materials such as papyrus, which easily deteriorated, paper enabled individuals to securely maintain business records, contracts, and personal notes over time. This ability to record information accurately and sustainably contributed significantly to the advancement of trade, governance, and individual expression throughout history.
Zibaldoni: The Personal Notebook
The Zibaldoni, a form of personal notebook popular in early modern Florence, served as a chaotic, informal collection of thoughts, poetry, and daily life experiences. Unlike systematic account books used for business, Zibaldoni allowed people to capture their experiences and ideas without rigid structure. This mixing of personal experiences reflects a raw, authentic approach to life during that era, showcasing people’s interests and relationships with literature, recipes, and their daily activities. The enduring nature of the Zibaldoni emphasizes the timeless human desire to document one’s personal journey.
Leonardo da Vinci's Notebooks
Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks are famous for their intricate sketches, scientific observations, and personal reflections. Unlike the Zibaldoni, da Vinci's notebooks were meant for his explorations and experiments, containing plans for inventions and studies in anatomy, fluid dynamics, and art. These notebooks were private and not intended for future publication, making their eventual discovery and study a remarkable testament to his genius. The way in which the notebooks reveal da Vinci's thought processes has made them invaluable resources for understanding the developments in art and science during the Renaissance.
The Commonplace Books
Commonplace books, which flourished during the Renaissance, represented a shift towards more structured documentation of knowledge. These were meticulously organized collections of quotes, texts, and ideas gathered from various sources that reflected their creator's intellectual pursuits. Unlike Zibaldoni or Leonardo’s notebooks, commonplace books were often intended for reference and study, serving as tools to help individuals engage with literature, philosophy, and other disciplines. The format provided an ongoing interaction with the material, allowing readers to actively re-engage with their ideas and insights.
The Resurgence of Note-taking
In recent years, the resurgence of interest in note-taking has been fueled by digital tools as well as analog methods. Systems like the Bullet Journal help individuals better organize their thoughts, tasks, and lives through creative flexibility. This demand for organization arises out of a desire to manage the overwhelming information present in our daily lives, leading to a revival of notebooks and writing as practical tools for record-keeping. As people navigate the chaotic digital world, the act of writing remains a deeply personal and reflective exercise.
Moleskine: A Cultural Icon
Moleskine emerged as a cultural icon for notebooks by elevating the simple writing tool into an object of desire. Its minimalistic design combined with cultural references to famous artists and intellectuals connected with users on a deeper level. Moleskine's branding strategy, coupled with its high-quality materials, created a narrative around the notebook, making it not just a tool but a lifestyle choice. This cultural impact has led to a significant market presence, where Moleskine notebooks symbolize creativity and thoughtful living.
Comparative Value of Notebooks
The enduring popularity of blank notebooks over specialized notebooks indicates a fundamental human desire for creativity and personalization. People prefer blank canvases that allow them the freedom to create, rather than ones that dictate how they should organize or document their lives. This preference suggests that individuality and personal expression are at the heart of why people engage with notebooks. The ability to design one's own notebook experience has great value, fostering deeper connections to the content within.
The Art of Writing by Hand
Handwriting has a unique cognitive impact that sets it apart from typing and entering text into digital devices. Studies indicate that writing by hand engages different areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus, associated with memory and spatial awareness. This added dimension allows individuals to better retain information and understand concepts more deeply, as penning thoughts down requires a more thoughtful process than merely typing. The tactile experience of writing also contributes to a more personal connection with the content, reinforcing its significance in an individual's life.
Future of Digital Note-taking
Despite advancements in digital note-taking applications, many people prefer the tangibility and simplicity of paper notebooks. Digital tools have yet to match the sensory experience and emotional connection that comes with writing by hand on paper. The lack of permanence and the easily erasable nature of digital notes can hinder deep engagement with ideas and concepts. While technology continues to evolve, the physical notebook remains a beloved choice for many seeking a more meaningful and personal method of capturing their thoughts.
Cultural Shift in Note-taking Practices
As society continues to evolve in response to digital advancements, the cultural significance of notebooks and handwriting has not diminished. The act of writing remains a deeply personal process, embedded in our routines, even as newer technologies emerge. Today, we are seeing a revival of analog note-taking methods, as people express a desire for simplicity and mindfulness in their lives. This cultural shift reinforces the idea that paper notebooks represent a unique technology, effectively balancing personal expression and permanence.
Happy Holidays! The Vergecast is off this week, but we also know you might be doing a lot of traveling and / or avoiding of your family this time of year, so we figured we'd do something a little different. We compiled a bunch of our favorite Vergecast segments and moments from this year — a full six hours of them! — in case you need something to listen to. You may have heard them all before! They might all be new! Maybe it'll be a mix! This one's an easy skip if you're looking for one, but if you need some Verge in your ears this holiday season, we've got you covered. We'll be back for real in January, starting at CES. If you'll be in Vegas, come see us live on Wednesday, January 8th! https://voxmediaevents.com/vergecast And in the meantime, have a great holiday, and rock and roll.
Here are the segments we picked, in order, with timestamps (because we can't do chapters, we know, we hate it too):
