Upgrade

A panel of longtime Mac users celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Mac by discussing their first Mac experiences, limitations of early models, the impact of the original iMac, and the evolution of Mac keyboards and computer displays. They also reflect on the disappointment of the 2023 Mac Pro and share amusing stories of unrehearsed keynotes and the 'apology mouse' incident.

Apple's announcement strategy for the Vision Pro product and reactions to it, Apple's approach to new product introduction, rumors and anticipation for upcoming Apple Arcade features, booking a session at an Apple store, availability of software and third-party content for the Vision Pro, prescription for Vision Pro purchase, and the excitement and potential of new developments in app-making for iOS and Mac.

Topics discussed in the podcast include borrowing library e-books, exploring library apps for digital content, excitement for 'Killers at the Flower Moon', Apple's talks with publishers, training AI models on copyrighted material, speculating on the release of Vision Pro, exploring the potential of Apple's Vision Pro, anticipation and dog nutrition, MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro, and the limitations of VR for TV viewing.

The hosts pick their favorite Upgradies winners in each category of the past ten years. They discuss the advantages of Carrot Weather, Overcast, Slack, and Workflow. The impact and success of Widget Smith and Workflow as an indie app are explored. Various app releases including Audio High Jack and Fantastical are discussed. They debate the best game and favorite movies, ultimately choosing Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse. They discuss their favorite Apple product, devices, and non-Apple products. The influence of iPhone and AirPods Pro on a teenager's life is discussed. They also talk about special episodes, feedback, and sponsors.

The podcast explores the rise and fall of the Color Czars, the Ghost Of Apple Future, Holiday Ask Upgrade, and the presence of a history podcast. The chapters cover the history of Kupertonia, the transition to ARM processors and the iPad as a laptop replacement, the future of TV technology and the launch of Apple TV Plus, 8K TV, Apple TV, and predictions, iPhone naming scheme and Notion Q&A, holiday ornaments and traditions, and holiday cookies and beliefs about Santa Claus.

The hosts announce the winners of the Upgradies awards in various categories, including mac apps, games, TV shows, favorite books, and non-Apple products. They also discuss disappointing gadgets and express frustration with threads and blue sky.

John Siracusa discusses Beeper, Apple OS updates, future Apple hardware, and the power of defaults on macOS. They also debate pouring milk and cereal, express excitement for OLED iPad Pro, and criticize Apple's product strategy.

They discuss chip packaging and the potential of AI models. They talk about how they got into this business. Apple's partnership with Goldman Sachs is explored. They share experiences and offer guidance for aspiring Apple reporters and content creators. Discussion on spatial audio and adaptive mode. They discuss accepting the Apple Watch as a computer watch and app ideas for instant checklist and custom shortcut actions.

Upgrade 488: The New Numbers - James Thomson joins Jason to celebrate Cyber Monday, discuss subscription burnout, explore spatial videos and visionOS development, and talk about the challenges of running big sales and experiments on products.

The podcast features Qualcomm, a technology company known for its development of wireless communication technologies. They discuss Apple's difficulties in building a 5G radio to rival Qualcomm, the possibility of a lower-cost MacBook, Apple's adoption of RCS, and the challenges faced by OpenAI.