posts

The Future of Castro⇢

⌘ Permalink

After the very bad week the Castro app had, there’s a new blog post up sharing more details:

First and foremost, we sincerely apologize for the app downtime and any distress it has caused. Initially, we had believed it was a quick backend fix, but unfortunately, the issues turned out to be more complex than anticipated, requiring extensive work.

During this time, there were rumors circulating about Castro’s future. We want to make it clear that any communication or publication regarding the app’s future is not official and does not represent Castro’s views.

Continue reading ⇢

Castro on the Outstro?

⌘ Permalink

Jason Snell:

Castro has been a popular iOS podcast app for many years, but right now things look grim.

The cloud database that backs the service is broken and needs to be replaced. As a result, the app has broken. (You can’t even export subscriptions out of it, because even that function apparently relies on the cloud database.) “The team is in the progress of setting up a database replacement, which might take some time. We aim to have this completed ASAP,” said an Xtweet from @CastroPodcasts.

Continue reading ⇢

On Flashing 90s Mac ROMs⇢

⌘ Permalink

Doug Brown:

After I wrote about the possibility of programmable Mac ROM SIMMs in Quadras a couple of months ago, I suspected that there had been a way for developers at Apple in the 68k Mac era to reflash the ROM in their Macs during development, just like BIOS updates on PCs. The reason I believed this is because the ROM SIMM socket in the Quadras brought out pins for 12V (VPP) and write enable (/WE). I had verified that the write enable pin was going into the memory controller chip in several Mac models, so I was pretty confident that in-system programming was possible.

Continue reading ⇢

Apple Looks Back at 2023 Across Podcasts, Books & Music

⌘ Permalink

It’s been a busy morning for Apple’s content teams.

Up first, we have the top shows from Apple Podcasts. All I want is to see Ungeniused will crack these lists one day!1

Over in Apple Books, there’s a new Year in Review feature that I think is really pretty neat:

Today, Apple Books unveiled the top books and audiobooks of 2023 and launched Year in Review, a new in-app experience that helps readers to celebrate the titles, authors, and genres that defined their year. With Year in Review, users can view personalized reading highlights about the books and audiobooks they enjoyed in 2023, including their total time spent reading, the longest book or audiobook they read, the series they completed, their most-read author and genre, and their highest-rated book — all presented in a simple and engaging experience with visuals that are easy to share.

Continue reading ⇢

Sponsor: Infinity Loops⇢

⌘ Permalink

Infinity Loops is where style meets substance, right here in the USA. As a proud veteran-owned business, Infinity Loops not just about upgrading your Apple Watch; they’re about making a difference. Every band you buy from their collection helps support the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, making every purchase a step towards aiding the children of fallen heroes.

Infinity Loops understands that your Apple Watch is more than just a tech piece – it’s a part of your daily ensemble. That’s why their bands are designed to perfectly complement your Apple Watch, whether it’s the newest Ultra 2 or the classic Series 9. Their focus is blending impeccable style with unbeatable comfort.

Continue reading ⇢