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Category: Opinion

Adam Engst 16 comments

Nick Heer Peers Through Liquid Glass

Nick Heer offers a detailed critique of Liquid Glass, Apple’s controversial new translucent interface design in iOS 26 and macOS 26 Tahoe, finding it more successful in iOS but still problematic across both platforms.

Adam Engst 30 comments

BasicAppleGuy’s macOS Icon History

BasicAppleGuy chronicles the evolution of Mac system icons from 2001 to the present, revealing how Apple’s new Liquid Glass design in macOS 26 Tahoe compares—often unfavorably—to earlier versions.

Adam Engst 12 comments

Cloudflare’s “Pay-Per-Crawl” Points to a New Model for Paying Content Creators

As AI threatens traditional publishing business models, Cloudflare proposes a solution that could ensure content creators get paid when AI crawlers ingest their work—and potentially revolutionize how we pay for online content.

Adam Engst 49 comments

Switching from a 27-inch iMac to a 14-inch MacBook Pro: A Fresh Start

After more than a decade using a 27-inch iMac and a 27-inch Thunderbolt Display, Adam Engst shares his experience transitioning to a 14-inch MacBook Pro, exploring how differences in input devices, cloud storage, and modern display options shaped his approach to setting up his new Mac.

Adam Engst 4 comments

From Animals to AI: Neal Stephenson on Coexisting with Non-Human Intelligences

Science fiction author Neal Stephenson offers a fresh perspective on AI by pointing out that we have long figured out how to coexist with non-human intelligences: animals.

Adam Engst 94 comments

Apple Should Align Its Corporate Behavior with Its Stated Values

Despite Apple positioning itself as a force for good, the company’s App Store policies and grudging compliance with court orders reveal a company prioritizing profits over developer partnerships. Now is the time for Apple to realign the less attractive aspects of its corporate behavior with its values of excellence and care.

Adam Engst 94 comments

Why TidBITS Will No Longer Post to X/Twitter or Facebook

In keeping with our desire to model the behavior we want to see in the world, we have stopped posting TidBITS to X/Twitter and Facebook in protest against the harm they cause to civil society. Many other channels remain available, including Bluesky and Mastodon.

Adam Engst 38 comments

Apple Delays “More Personalized” Siri

In a rare move, Apple said it is delaying enhanced Siri features that would have offered awareness of personal context and the capability to perform complex actions across apps. Adam Engst argues that Apple should instead prioritize ensuring Siri works more reliably and consistently across devices.

Adam Engst 15 comments

I Don’t Understand Quantum Computing Either

Amidst fantastical announcements from tech giants about quantum breakthroughs, Adam Engst explores his struggle to grasp quantum computing. It’s hard not to view quantum computing claims as teetering on the edge of science fiction.

Adam Engst 12 comments

Could Apple’s Research Robot Bring Personality Back to Hardware Design?

Apple’s Machine Learning Research group has published a paper and a corresponding video showcasing the importance of expressive qualities in robots created for human interaction. Adam Engst wonders whether this could signal a revival of Apple products displaying some personality.

Adam Engst 31 comments

Apple Intelligence to Be Enabled on All Compatible Devices

Apple’s upcoming operating system updates will make Apple Intelligence the default, sparking widespread reactions. Adam Engst delves into why Apple is making this decision and offers guidance on the implications of embracing or deactivating the broad feature set.

Adam Engst 32 comments

When Are Summaries Valuable?

In light of Apple Intelligence’s notification missteps, Adam Engst examines the value of summarization, overcoming an initial skepticism to argue that summaries are intrinsic to human expression but should be used judiciously.

Adam Engst 22 comments

Functional and Conceptual Pitfalls in Siri’s ChatGPT Integration

Despite Apple's efforts to improve Siri with ChatGPT integration, Adam Engst finds that the new feature presents more challenges than solutions. Functional hiccups and broader concerns cast doubt on its effectiveness.

Adam Engst No comments

Sharing Location Tracking Outrage and Solutions on CCATP

On the Chit Chat Across the Pond podcast, Adam Engst and Allison Sheridan explore how a company called Babel Street can track the location of millions of people and how you can keep yourself from ending up in their data set.

Adam Engst 35 comments

Bill Atkinson Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer

Bill Atkinson, one of the key figures beyind the Macintosh and the developer of HyperCard, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Keep him in your thoughts.