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Hi Subscriber First Name,
One day late this week…sorry about that. We’ve been sort of binge-watching the iconic 90’s sitcom Frasier over the past months. It’s our there’s nothing on so let’s watch a few of these series of the moment. Besides the often brilliant writing and comedic nature of the show, we’re getting one hell of a flashback into the crazy, technological acceleration of that era: pagers and huge car phones turning into Nokia flips; green screen monitors giving way to white Compaq laptops that look like boat anchors—and Surf The Internet™. I get a kick out of identifying the stuff. We’re up to season 8 or 9 now and last week I spotted an orange iMac G3—circa She’s a Rainbow. I couldn’t help myself. I turned to Cynthia and said awwww…I miss those…. Thing is, I really meant it. So damn, people. Here I am a week later and I’m kind of head over heels about the new M1 iMacs. I hadn’t realized how much I missed the fun in Apple design until Tuesday’s announcement (s). This morning, my Space Grey MacBook Air feels a teeny bit sadder for it too (1). I’m most impressed by what feels like a renaissance at Apple. As if the company is truly emerging from under Steve Job’s shadow, finally articulating his original vision, but under new terms, with all pieces connecting clearly. And all due respect, Jony Ive’s departure was probably instrumental to the transition too (2). The past can be a heavy burden to carry. Oh and the iPad Pro now running on M1? Anyone else seeing possibilities here? Perfection doesn’t exist, but for better or worse we’re seeing Apple unshackled. Embracing their legacy but daring to play again. I knew Apple Silicon would be a game changer. But as it turns out, it’s changing everything. (3) We just know these colours are headed for the entire consumer lineup right? But gray IS beautiful…all together now… The symbolism in FINALLY killing off the dreadful Siri Remote…it’s almost sacrificial. As brilliant as Ives was, he’ll forever be tied in my mind to the worst piece of design ever released by Apple. I use it every day. I curse at it every day (and this is with an added silicon sleeve, to prevent using it upside down). At least the round mouse could still point and click most of the time. Apple products will never be cheap but they seem to have turned a corner on this as well: watching the presentation, I expected a MUCH higher price increase for that Liquid Display iPad Pro, considering the insanity of the XDR (or in an entirely different universe, the Mac Pro Wheels Kit). This trend of not-completely-nuts prices extends to the new iMacs, the AirTags and the recent HomePod Mini too. Good to see.
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