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Trapped in the Apple ecosystem

May 16th, 2022

I’m seriously looking at switching platforms for at least one device and I realise I’m trapped in the Apple ecosystem. I can’t find an iPhone that sits well with my RSI so I’ve been looking at for at least my phone switching to an alternative. My problem is that over the years I’ve locked myself into iOS and macOS.

Most of the people I communicate with are on iOS and between messages, find my and photo sharing I’m left stuck.

I’m starting to switch from Apple apps now over to third parties that are cross platform and I’m using Signal more and more but I still think I’m trapped on iOS for now.

As iPhone users we are very reliant on Apple producing products we’re comfortable using, when that falls down we are left with devices we aren’t all happy with or can actually use on a day to day basis.

I’m also of the view that writing about tech gets boring and your opinion isn’t pushed unless you come out of that walled garden of Apple occasionally.

I switched from PlayStation to Xbox and have been loving it, maybe I’ll do the same to Android and at least I’ll have a more balanced view of what I like and dislike about iOS or an iPhone. Hmmm, decisions.
Reserving an item for pick up doesn’t mean Apple still won’t sell it

May 15th, 2022

I try not to rant too much on this blog but I wanted to share something I discovered today whilst shopping at the Apple Store. If you reserve an item for pickup it doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily yours. I discovered this fact today, going in store and reserving an iPhone for pick up 45 minutes later. I returned to the store, waiting another 20 minutes whilst I had service only to find out they sold it to someone else before I got there.

I wouldn’t recommend using this service, just buy online for delivery if you really want the item.
Apple News is the worst service

May 15th, 2022

After looking at Apple One I decided to go in with a monthly subscription to test whether it would be worth it but I’ve already cancelled.

Removing the individual services I don’t need and just moving to Apple Music and iCloud is still the best option for me.

On looking at the individual services and removing them I laughed out loud when I saw £9.99 for News. In the past day of testing across my iPad and iPhone it’s a terrible experience.

The main feed serves the worst kinds of ads, there are news suggestions you can’t opt out of, the magazine list is less than the last time I used it and I’ve never got it working properly on my iPhone.

Great ad! Feels like buzzfeed or my local newspaper

Here’s what happens even after lots of restarts and debugging on my iPhone

I honestly can’t work out how Apple are charging £9.99 a month on top of making money from those terrible ads.

Anyone?
iFixit take a look at Apple self service repair

May 14th, 2022

I always look forward to what iFixit think about the repair ability of Apple products and this time they’re looking at the self service repair tools and process.
The pull of cross platform apps

May 12th, 2022

I’m thinking a lot about the devices I currently use and it’s got me thinking about cross platform apps again.

I’ve been pretty settled on Apple Notes, Mail and Reminders but am I locking myself into an ecosystem?

The obvious benefit of using cross platform apps is that I can use them regardless of the device I’m using. I’m not liking my iPhone 13 and may even give the Pixel a go but Reminders and Notes wouldn’t work on it. I could switch back to apps like Google Keep and Todoist to make sure I’m not locked in.

Decisions decisions.
Is the iPhone 13 the most uncomfortable iPhone ever made?

May 12th, 2022

I’m really struggling with the design of the modern iPhones. Whilst the 12 and 13 look absolutely amazing on a table using them is one of the most uncomfortable experiences I’ve had with any iPhone. I hate using cases but feel with the 13 you have to use one. I’ve had to put on the silicone case to even use it.

The squared off corners with no chamfered edges (like the 5) dig into my palm and make me fidget it around whilst I use it. I’m also starting to experience RSI like I’ve never had on any previous iPhone and may ultimately result in me moving away from an iPhone or switching to an older model.

Posts like this at least help me realise I’m not alone.

Of all of the phones I’ve used in the last few years the clear stand outs for comfort were the Pixel 3a and iPhone 7 and I might end up back on one of them or I may swap to an iPhone 13 Mini to test.

How do you find using a 12 or 13? Do you use a case?
Google Pixel Watch vs Apple Watch

May 12th, 2022

The rumours were true and yesterday Google officially announced the Pixel Watch. To me it looks nice, kind of like a round Apple Watch. In fact if Apple changed the design of the current square Watch this is what I’d imagine it would look like.

As someone that loves mechanical watches I find the current design of the Apple Watch boring, a square slab that’s both too thick and square to really look like a cool Watch.

I think though that in terms of functionality, especially when it comes to fitness it’ll be hard to beat what Apple have established and it’s the main reason I still look over at Apple Watch and wonder if I could wear one again.

Watching Google I/O I think Google are definitely taking a lot of inspiration from Apple with Apple Pay like features, integrating Fitbit as a fitness brand and and also having similar changeable bands.

It’s hard to fully compare though because neither play well with each other. If you’re on iOS then Apple Watch is the only real choice and if you’re on Android then you’d have to say even though it’s not out yet to hold off and get a Pixel Watch.

You wouldn’t switch platforms just for a wearable but I’m hoping Apple and Google are successful and push each other. The Apple Watch needs some competition to push it forward.
How to watch Google I/O 2022

May 11th, 2022

Even though I focus mainly on Apple stuff I’m always looking over at Android with interest. I also look forward to I/O, their WWDC.

I do believe that you use the platform that works for you and you shouldn’t be completely loyal to one company. As a tech enthusiast I think it’s important to know what’s going on in other ecosystems so you’re ready to move should the time come.

You can follow along from 6pm if you’re in the UK like me or 10am PDT.
The iPod was my way into Apple

May 11th, 2022

It had to happen eventually but Apple have confirmed that it’s to discontinue the iPod. For me it was my introduction to using Apple products and I loved my click wheeled original. I used it in work everyday and in the car. I didn’t own a Mac back then but it got me on my path to where I am now with using Apple products.

I wonder if they will use iPod for their rumoured new HomePod product? Be nice to see the name come back at some point.
Growth above all else

May 11th, 2022

As I feared growth above all else wins and this’ll be the straw that broke the camels back for my use of Twitter should it happen.