The return of upgradable storage and the Touch Bar!? (CultCast #676)
Dec 6, 2024
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Get ready for an exciting discussion around Apple's upcoming innovations! The hosts explore the anticipated iPad Pro with the M5 chip and a HomePod featuring a screen. Dive into the surprising return of upgradable Mac storage and even the potential revival of the Touch Bar, with a quirky Kickstarter twist. They also share transformative experiences with Notion's AI, enhancing productivity, and touch on maximizing smartphone button functionality. Plus, enjoy humorous anecdotes about vintage tech and contrasting dining experiences!
01:14:28
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Quick takeaways
The nostalgia-driven market for retro computing devices like the Apple Pippin shows a significant increase in collectibility and value.
Reselling vintage video games can be a lucrative side hustle, showcasing the potential for financial independence through recognizing hidden value in old tech.
Anticipated Apple products, such as the new iPad Pro and HomePod with a display, focus on enhancing user experience and smart home integration.
Deep dives
The Resurgence of Vintage Tech
The discussion highlights the resurgence of interest in retro computing devices, such as Apple's Pippin gaming console. The vintage tech market has seen pricing increase significantly, with examples showing Pippins selling for hundreds to over a thousand dollars on platforms like eBay. This revival is attributed to nostalgia among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the uniqueness of these retro devices. The conversation suggests that while the initial value of these items may seem excessive, they represent a rare segment of computing history.
Financial Freedom Through Reselling
One participant shares their personal experience of earning a significant income by reselling vintage video games online, particularly during their college years. They recount how buying and selling Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64 games allowed them to escape a less fulfilling job at Olive Garden. This transition highlights the lucrative potential of recognizing value in old tech and using that knowledge to build a profitable side hustle. It emphasizes the importance of understanding market trends and leveraging passion to create financial independence.
Upcoming Apple Product Insights
The podcast reveals insights about the anticipated release of new Apple products, such as the M5 chip scheduled for the iPad Pro in 2025. This update is expected to provide minor improvements over the M4 chip, but experts suggest that it may not signify a significant leap in performance. The discussion reflects on Apple's product cycles, noting that while some updates may appear minor, they still contribute to overall user experience and software enhancements. Anticipation builds as details emerge about potential enhancements in design and functionality for upcoming devices.
HomePod's Future with Display
Expectations build around the rumored HomePod with a built-in display, which aims to enhance smart home capabilities. This new device is predicted to feature an A18 processor and a six or seven-inch touchscreen, positioning it as a multifunctional smart home hub. It suggests an evolution in how Apple integrates display technology within its audio products, potentially creating a seamless experience for controlling smart devices. The conversation also touches on the compatibility of this product with existing technologies like HomeKit, fortifying Apple’s commitment to advancing smart home functionality.
Innovative Mac Storage Solutions
The podcast discusses a recent breakthrough in upgrading Mac storage, particularly through a company that reverse-engineered Apple's proprietary SSDs. This revolutionary development allows users to purchase aftermarket storage options, offering substantial cost savings compared to Apple's pricing models. The conversation reveals a growing trend in making computer components more accessible for upgrades, contrasting with Apple's traditionally soldered designs. This shift empowers users to personalize their devices more affordably and effectively, advancing the modding culture within the tech community.
This week we’re talking about what’s in store for the next iPad Pro, when to expect the HomePod with a screen, the RETURN of upgradable Mac storage… and the Touch Bar? Also, an all-new Under Review!
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The next big iPad Pro refresh will arrive in the second half of 2025 at the earliest, according to a new report. The upgraded M5 iPad Pro reportedly will be the first product to use the next-gen Apple silicon chip.
The HomePod with a built-in 6- to 7-inch display that’s been the subject of previous rumors will launch after Apple’s developer conference in June, according to a report on Wednesday from a reliable source.
The French company Polysoft reverse engineered Apple’s proprietary NVMe SSDs for the Mac Studio and put them on the market at prices well below Apple’s.
Flexbar, developed by Hong Kong startup Eniac Technology, reimagines the controversial MacBook Pro feature as a standalone accessory that promises to deliver on the Touch Bar’s original potential.
