iiiDIY has a great video about getting a LC630 cleaned up and running again:
Running an LLM on a 12-inch PowerBook ⇢
Andrew Rossignol has done what I was sure was impossible:
I have been diving into the world of large language models (LLMs), and a question began to gnaw at me: could I bring the cutting-edge of AI to the nostalgic glow of my trusty 2005 PowerBook G4? Armed with a 1.5GHz processor, a full gigabyte of RAM, and a limiting 32-bit address space, I embarked on an experiment that actually yielded results. I have successfully managed to achieve LLM inference on this classic piece of Apple history, proving that even yesteryear’s hardware can have a taste of tomorrow’s AI.
Andrew has the TinyStories 110M Llama2 LLM up and running inference on a 12-inch PowerBook. As hot as those things got running AppleWorks, I am in awe that he got this working. I’ve got a couple of 12-inch PowerBooks… maybe I should get one off the shelf…
Connected 545: Initially, I Was Happy ⇢
WWDC 2025 has been announced, so it’s time to get silly and read too much into the event’s artwork.
In other news: Federico goes on a quest for the perfect earbuds for dictation, and Stephen asks him about his Mac mini usage.
On Connected Pro, a look at Apple’s upcoming deal with Nvidia and why the companies had a falling out years ago.
Lumon Terminal Pro
There’s a new (old?) computer at apple.com/mac:
(It’s nice to have such a colorful finish on a Pro device!)
The page links to a new video showing how the Mac is at the heart of Severance’s production.
I really think this is the best show I’ve watched since Breaking Bad or Mad Men ended. I love it, and can’t wait for the third season.
WWDC25: June 9-13 ⇢
The event will basically follow the template Apple set after the COVID years:
Developers and students will be able to discover the latest Apple software and technologies by tuning in to the Keynote. They can also experience WWDC25 throughout the week on the Apple Developer app, Apple Developer website, and Apple Developer YouTube channel. This year’s conference will include video sessions and opportunities to connect with Apple engineers and designers in online labs.
To celebrate the start of WWDC, Apple will also host an in-person experience on June 9 that will provide developers with the opportunity to watch the Keynote and Platforms State of the Union at Apple Park, meet with Apple experts one-on-one and in group labs, and take part in special activities. Space will be limited; details on how to apply to attend can be found on the WWDC25 website.
Terminology 5 ⇢
Greg Pierce’s excellent dictionary and research app Terminology has received a major update, as John Voorhees writes:
I’m glad to see Terminology get such a comprehensive update. It’s the sort of focused app that I love using even if I could search for definitions with Google or drop a word into ChatGPT. Those methods work, but in both cases, they’re less precise than Terminology’s approach. Plus, Terminology works with both Google and ChatGPT out of the box. The advantage of choosing Terminology is that both of those services – and many others – have been set up in the app to make retrieving exactly what you want work better than any generalized search can, whether you’re using a search engine or LLM. That’s why I use Terminology and wholeheartedly recommend it.
It is exciting to see how far this app has come over its lifetime. The app is free to download and use, with the Pro version running $4.99/year (or a $19.99 lifetime purchase) for a limited time.
Upgrade 556: This Photo Is Not 2000 Years Old ⇢
I joined Jason Snell on today’s episode of Upgrade to discuss A.I. fallout, the EU’s moves to expand device interoperability, Jason’s recent shootout of TV streaming boxes, and more.
USB-C AirPods Max to Gain Lossless Audio Support ⇢
Next month, a new software update will bring lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio to AirPods Max, delivering the ultimate listening experience and even greater performance for music production. With the included USB-C cable, users can enjoy the highest-quality audio across music, movies, and games, while music creators can experience significant enhancements to songwriting, beat making, production, and mixing.
The update will enable 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio over the included USB-C cable. If the headphone jack is more your jam, Apple has an option for you as well.
Sponsor: Magic Lasso Adblock: Incredibly Private and Secure Safari Web Browsing ⇢
Online privacy isn’t just something you should be hoping for; it’s something you should expect. You should ensure your browsing history stays private and is not harvested by ad networks.
By blocking ad trackers, Magic Lasso Adblock stops you being followed by ads around the web.
As an efficient, high performance and native Safari ad blocker, Magic Lasso blocks all intrusive ads, trackers and annoyances on your iPhone, iPad and Mac. And it’s been designed from the ground up to protect your privacy.
Users rely on Magic Lasso Adblock to:
- Remove ad trackers, annoyances and background crypto-mining scripts
- Browse common websites 2.0x faster
- Block all YouTube ads, including pre-roll video ads
- Double battery life during heavy web browsing
- Lower data usage when on the go
With over 5,000 five star reviews; it’s simply the best ad blocker for your iPhone, iPad and Mac.
And unlike some other ad blockers, Magic Lasso Adblock respects your privacy, doesn’t accept payment from advertisers and is 100% supported by its community of users.
So, join over 350,000 users and download Magic Lasso Adblock from the App Store, Mac App Store or via the Magic Lasso website.
Mac Power Users 789: Back to the Mac, with Matt Gemmell ⇢
Author Matt Gemmell joins Stephen and David to talk about using an iPad as his only computer for eight and a half years and why he recently switched back to the Mac.
On More Power Users, Matt shared his views on AI and creative work.
Connected 544: Myke’s Nightmares ⇢
The fallout over Apple’s AI efforts have led to changes within the company, while its App Store policies have allowed PWAs to shine on the iPad. Stephen and Federico also discuss the return of Pebble and what the next iPhone may look like.
A Boulevard of Broken Dreams ⇢
The most recent episode of Decoder covers what’s going on with Tesla, and how the company’s problems are bigger than just Elon’s current work dismantling the federal government. Nilay Patel:
Today we’re talking about the protests against Tesla, which have been branded on social media under the hashtag Tesla Takedown. The protests are, of course, a reaction to Elon Musk, who has managed to install himself as basically a not-so-shadow president who is tearing the federal government apart, leaving confusion and destruction in his wake.
A lot of people are deeply unhappy with this state of affairs. And because Musk is not an elected official but is, on some level, a car salesman, many of those frustrated and angry people are taking aim at the most visible and accessible symbol of his power and wealth: Tesla itself.
While we’re here: LOL.