I’m bummed I didn’t get a burger while out here in California.
Year: 2012
Options
The biggest mistake here is the idea that there’s something, anything Google could do in order to turn Android into a business like the ones Apple has created. There isn’t.
Reflections on Macworld
This year was my first Macworld, and to be honest, I really thought I knew what to expect. I figured there would be a big expo floor, lined with booths hawking iPhone cases that I have no interest in. I assumed I’d get to meet fellow writers, some developers and Internet heroes.
What I didn’t plan on was having an absolute blast while doing it.
The Expo
I’ve went to several sessions. I saw Merlin Mann speak with David Sparks and Brett Terpstra. I met Fletcher Penney, Mike Vardy and more. I got to hang out with developers of some of my favorite apps, and talk about what they have in the pipeline for this year.
I heard several panels with the big names in Apple journalism like Jason Snell and John Gruber. I’ve got more items in my OmniFocus inbox than ever before, with ideas and products intertwined with tasks.
The Humans
Above all of that, I got to spend time with guys like Brett Kelly, Shawn Blanc, Ben Brooks, Thomas Brand, Matt Alexander and more. Guys whose work I’ve respected of years, and with whom I’ve enjoyed friendships with across things like Twitter and iMessage.
We shared meals, walked around the city and went to Cupertino together this week. We’ve talked about having kids, writing and more. We’ve swung from serious conversations to making poop jokes.
I’ve struggled with questions concerning online friendships in the past. This week, I learned that people I know from the Internet are real people and – more importantly – that our friendships are real, even though we don’t see each other most of the time.
Having a beer in person is just icing on the cake. God, I love icing.
The Future
The future of the Macworld Expo is a big question mark, I think. The new name (Macworld | iWorld) is terrible, but it shows the very rift that is ever-expanding down the middle of the Apple community.
On one side, the old-school. The guy wearing the NeXT shirt. Guys like me, who have used the Mac basically their whole lives, and wouldn’t learn much from the Mac IT track.
On the other side, the customers all of those companies with the busty Asian chicks luring nerds into booths. While it is clear that iOS is the cornerstone of Apple’s business today, I’m not sure the community behind it will every be as tight-not as the one that formed around the Macintosh.
This event straddles the divide, trying to offer something to everyone, and thus keeping both groups happy. While Apple is trying it as well, I’m not sure that at the end of day it’s all that possible. Apple might be able to pull it off, but I’m not convinced Macworld can.
If the flashy, consumer-oriented community wins, at least I can hang out with all my friends. That’s more than enough for me.
The iOS Home Screen Problem
Remembering Apollo 1
The Apollo 1 fire might be the most horrific accident in NASA history. While it didn’t claim as many lives as either of the shuttle disasters, the gruesome death of three Apollo astronauts during a test on the ground is still shocking, 45 years later.
Jon Rubinstein Leaves HP
If you were waiting for the final death blow to webOS, wait no more.
Macworld Audio Update #4
On That iBook Author EULA
Apple is providing free tools for authors to create books. If you want to give away your book for free, you can do that. For example, if a teacher makes an iBook for students, they can give it to them at no cost and Apple doesn’t care.
If, however, you create an iBook using Apple’s tools and you want to sell it, then you have to use the iBookstore and give Apple its cut.
That sounds fair to me. Use Apple’s tools, sell your product, and give Apple the money it deserves for providing you with a way to make and sell a product.
‘Cool Guys Today’
Ben Brooks, Brett Kelly and I crashed Shawn Today at Macworld this morning.
Tim Cook Explains New Employee Benefits at Town Hall Event
While not as exciting as it could be, I’m sure Apple employees will enjoy their new discounts.
The Golden Headphone Awards
The Golden Headphone Awards are out, and might be the best podcast you’ll ever download.