Yes! The new e-reader is here and by the looks of it, everything I wanted. I purchased a book from the Kobo bookstore that has been on hold at the library for 27 weeks (half a year!) and got it for 50% cheaper than Amazon. In case you are wondering, the cat is a sarcastic metaphor1
I was able to synchronize the reader to my Pocket “read-it-later” account so any article from the web I want to save for later can be synced to the device.
Successfully added .txt documents, .pdf books and installed .epub books from a variety of sources like Gutenberg Press, Standard E-books and Global Grey Ebooks all titles are generally classics and in the public domain.
The ability to highlight text and make notations was great as those sync to my personal FoxOS database for references. W00t!
For those of us who are embedded inside the Apple hardware and ecosystem, we are past due for a dedicated e-reader with an Apple logo on it.
Look, I enjoy my Amazon Kindle and think it is a fantastic device, but I detest having an Amazon account and giving them money in order to read and/or purchase a license to read a book.
Apple has the resources to build a competing device and the software chops to make it compelling to read. Apple currently has the “Books” software application which doubles as a reading app and a bookstore all in one. Why are they not taking advantage of a missed opportunity for a new, dedicated hardware device? I’ll come back to this.
Yes, it is true book readers can read a book on their iDevices but it is not a pleasant experience. Yes, you can read a book with their software on an iPhone, an iPad or a MacBook, but these non-dedicated book reading devices are cumbersome. An iPad is heavy, unwieldy and has way too much glare on its screen. A dedicated e-reader using the best e-ink technology is a more enjoyable format. A dedicated reading device with an Apple logo on it must not, can not, have a way of disrupting the reading experience with distracting notifications such as a phone, call, text, or email alerts. The temptation to stop reading a book and switch to a social media site instead is too tempting more most users. No, eliminate the chance for these distractions.
About ten years ago, Apple took a hit against Amazon over price-fixing electronic books and has yet to fully recover, allowing Amazon to be the dominant force in e-books. Even today, yes, you can read a book from Amazon in the Kindle app installed on your iPad but you are not permitted to purchase anything inside that iOS Kindle app. You have to go to the Amazon website, purchase and send the book to the Kindle app. What a time-consuming and frustrating experience!
Currently, Apple has no option to connect with the local library reading app called Libby. Sure, you can use the Libby app on iOS but that library loan is sent to either A Kindle or a Kobo reading device, not Apple. Why? What a missed opportunity to foster reading and books sales!
Let’s be honest, the Apple Books reading experience is horrible. The user interface looks and feels cheap, almost as an afterthought.
Apple can also gain huge market share by allowing easier access for authors to submit their own books and promote these authors into the community. Take it a step further and create a haven for readers to comment, share and promote books in a social book club or commentary system.
As I mentioned previously, there is a missed opportunity for Apple to create a dedicated e-reader device with no distractions, the best hardware/software experience and then partner with Libby and local libraries to foster more reading. Beef up their UI and book store shopping experience for more sales and create a community where book lovers can discuss and share. All of this is a huge opportunity to focus on the book reading experience. Your move, Apple.
A new year means a fresh start with new goals. In addition to the 365/2024 photo project and 24 books read in 2024, I want to add another resolution: no new technology. I am confident that all of my hardware will not need to be replaced or upgraded. Now, if anything should happen to a device, I’ll have to make an exception. As for now, I am content.
It’s finally here and the hype does not live up to the anticipation. It is basic and definitely not a Day One journal killer yet but it is close. Will it take me away from journaling in my FoxOS database or field notes using pen and paper? Not yet, but its on the iPhone and convenient.
My first exposure to Tesla was a shop in the Galleria Mall featuring shiny new cars. At the time I thought this will never work because they can’t afford to have their own dealership lots and whatever orders they sold, the buyers would have to wait and have them delivered without a test drive. Well I was wrong and happy to admit it. Since then, I’ve watched Tesla expand and become the name brand synonymous with electric vehicles.
Flash forward 15 years later and I finally had an opportunity to drive a fully electric sports car this past weekend. I love this technology and would absolutely own a Tesla given the chance.
One of Tesla’s claims to fame is an instant, seamless, and silent surge of power when you stab the accelerator. The Model 3 is a thrill ride, and on the Gulf Freeway stretch from the airport to the beach, I went from 0-100mph in about 5 seconds. With no combustible engine and no gears to shift the Tesla, silently sliced through the speedometer. I even raced a Porsche down the seawall and it wasn’t even close. Sorry, Porsche.
Tech amenities for this rented model was pretty stocked and did not have the self-driving feature but it did include an eight-speaker audio system; a 15-inch touch screen with a web browser and navigation capabilities; and a wireless charging pad for two smartphones. Driver assists such as adaptive cruise control; automatic emergency braking; blind-spot warning; lane-keeping assist; and front and rear parking sensors are standard.
The interior has a very modern, almost austere feel because Tesla doesn’t use traditional gauges and includes only a few physical controls. The 15-inch touch screen handles nearly every vehicle setting, and you use the steering wheel’s scroll and push controls to change settings such as audio volume, as well as to adjust the side mirrors and headlights. This control setup is a departure from traditional switches and dials, and requires a bit of an adjustment. It took me twenty minutes in the rental agency lot to get the driving setup settings the way I needed which is not bad because new owners have guided instructions through the sales people.
When it came time to recharge the vehicle all I had to do was push the “charging stations” button on the large screen and it suggested over 20 locations near me. I picked the closest one as it told me how much energy I had, how much it would use to get there and then to my final destination. Charging was a cinch and very quick with the Tesla supercharger stations. 47% charge to 100% capacity took 15m. There were 8 other Teslas parked and sipping electricity so we all hung out and chatted up our cars and how brilliant they are.
In a short time and with advancements in already brilliant technology, I see Tesla as a threat to any competitor including the traditional fuel-powered cars that manufacturers are still putting out. The model 3 is a technophile’s dream with it’s range, performance and technology.
I’m continually looking for methods to utilize my devices and software to maximize productivity and today I am focused on utilizing the M1 iPad Pro. Combined with the Magic Keyboard I’ve transformed this into a dedicated writing device, much like a typewriter.
I’ve established the perfect writing environment by organizing my writing apps and customizing my settings. Currently I am using two writing platforms, the first being my very own Fox OS database. Everything goes in here and is backed up to the cloud in .txt files. Text files stand the test of time and are readable on any device. The second platform is a subscription service (yuck) called Ulysses. iCloud based storage helps keep my chapters and verses organized and backed up.
Typewriter mode, Editor Focus and dark mode all help eliminate distractions and helps me crank out words more effectively.
When I’m ready to sit down and start writing I automatically pick up Maximus and I am great to go.
After a third-party seller fiasco on Amazon, I have finally secured a refurbished 2014 Mac Mini desktop. Of course her new name is simply “Minnie.”
Let’s hope that Apple will support this outdated operating system for a few more years
Minnie will have a renewed purpose in life as a file and media server which includes these functions:
store and serve photo, music and video files to access remotely for friends and family
external hard drive for backups
Time Machine backups
host and support this website as well as the FoxCast audio files
serve as a normal desktop for me and the significant other
With a hard wired ethernet cable to the 5G modem, a static IP address I can call up files even when I am away from home, which is more frequent lately.
After purchasing a new monitor, keyboard, mouse, ethernet and HDMI cables, she now has a head and input devices to interact with.
This will serve as my ultimate backup and storage solution for years to come. I’ve been wanting to do this forever and finally have the opportunity to do it.
A recent trend going around the fediverse and blogosphere is showing off what your default software tools are so now it is my turn. In the past, I would try the latest shiny software to see if I could incorporate it into my daily digital workflow. But that got exhausting because there was always a shiny new toy later. Over time, however, I’ve settled on what works and to limit my subscription dollars going out. Therefore, I find that for the most part, Apple’s default software applications are good enough.
What works for you doesn’t always work for me, so don’t come at me with “what about ?” I won’t hear it.
📨 Mail Client: Apple’s Mail on both Mac and iOS.
📮 Mail Server: iCloud.
📝 Notes: I use an home-grown database for everything which I call “FoxOS.” Formerly known as “Grey Matter” and “Pensieve.” Apple’s Notes for collaborating with the missus.
✅ To-Do: Apple’s Reminderd
📷 iPhone Photo Shooting: Apple’s Camera app, usually with ProRAW enabled.
🟦 Photo Management: Apple’s Photos app, and editing in Lightroom
📆 Calendar: Apple Calendar
📁 Cloud File Storage: iCloud Drive
📖 RSS: Feedbin
🙍🏻♂️ Contacts: Apple Contacts
🌐 Browser: Safari on iOS and Mac.
💬 Chat: iMessage
💁🏻♂️Social: N/A
🔖 Bookmarks: Safari
📑 Read It Later: Feedbin and Matter.
📜 Word Processing: The aforementioned FoxOS
📈 Spreadsheets: Numbers.
📊 Presentations: N/A
🛒 Shopping Lists: Apple Reminders
📰 News: RSS and Apple News
🎵 Music: Apple Music
🎤 Podcasts: Apple Podcasts
🔐 Password Management: Apple KeyChain
The Point Of All This
Apple’s apps are pretty darn good for everything I want to accomplish. I’m also a bit of a purist, so I tend to default to defaults, even if they aren’t quite as robust as other options. There was a time in my life when I was a bit more adventurous, but I largely cannot be arsed.
Since the migration to the new accounts are almost complete, I did have to start fresh with a new Apple ID and recreate the FoxCast channel on Apple Podcasts. I am also podcasting on Spotify if you are so inclined.
The FoxCast is updated every weekend and covers photography, book reviews, geocaching and more.
For back episodes, you can always click on the FoxCast page here. Thanks for listening!
