MacBreak Weekly Episode 954: "Lickable Interface"

Release Date: January 8, 2025
Hosts: Leo Laporte, Andy Ihnatko, Alex Lindsay, and Jason Snell
Podcast Network: TWiT.tv

Introduction and Episode Highlights

Leo Laporte opens the episode by celebrating an important milestone for Mac users—the 25th anniversary of OS X. The hosts, including Andy Ihnatko from WGBH Boston, Alex Lindsay from OfficeHours Global, and Jason Snell of Sixcolors.com, delve into various topics ranging from Apple's recent $95 million fine to the latest developments in Vision Pro and AI-related features in macOS.

Apple's OS Updates and Security

Discussion on macOS 18.2 and 18.1 Updates:

The conversation begins with the announcement of macOS 18.2, highlighting its significant size increase from 4GB to 7GB, attributed to enhanced Apple Intelligence features.

• Jason Snell (02:32):
  "I think that the size of it has to do with Apple Intelligence that from now on there just aren't going to be any compact updates because they got to shove a new on-device model to you."

Security Implications:

The hosts discuss the opaque nature of Apple's security patches, noting that while updates are recommended, Apple rarely discloses the specifics to avoid informing potential bad actors.

• Leo Laporte (03:48):
  "Apple's never very open about what kinds of security patches they're providing."

Andy emphasizes the importance of applying these updates despite uncertainties:

• Andy Ihnatko (04:32):
  "But clearly when they say you should update it, that means there's something there."

25th Anniversary of OS X: Reflections on Apple's Evolution

Historical Significance:

Andy shares his deep connection with the 2000 Mac World Expo where Steve Jobs unveiled the Aqua interface, marking a pivotal moment in Apple's history.

• Andy Ihnatko (07:40):
  "It all turned around when they brought Steve Jobs back. And along with Steve Jobs, they brought the next step."

Impact of Unix Foundation:

The discussion highlights how OS X's Unix-based foundation has ensured its robustness and adaptability over the years.

• Leo Laporte (26:52):
  "The real reason this is still an operating system 25 years later is based on Unix Darwin and the Darwin kernel."

• Jason Snell (27:05):
  "Unix, by the way, invented in 1970, is also still in widespread use."

Software Evolution:

The transition from classic Mac OS to OS X introduced crucial features like protected memory and real multitasking, addressing previous system instability issues.

• Andy Ihnatko (09:17):
  "You can see he demos that that too. And you can see his delight in it because he loved that app."

Privacy Concerns and Apple's Siri Settlement

$95 Million Fine:

Apple has agreed to a $95 million fine related to unintentional Siri activations, where Siri was reportedly triggered without user prompts.

• Leo Laporte (39:00):
  "Apple has agreed to pay a $95 million fine. Actually, the fine is, is de minimis from Apple's point of view."

Public Reaction and Conspiracy Theories:

The hosts discuss public skepticism regarding Apple's handling of Siri data, with allegations of misuse despite Apple's denials.

• Andy Ihnatko (39:14):
  "Apple said unequivocally told Ars Technica, Siri data has never been used to build marketing profiles."

Technological Surveillance vs. Data Profiling:

Alex Lindsay offers insights into how data profiling occurs without audio surveillance, emphasizing that extensive data collection already enables accurate user profiling.

• Alex Lindsay (42:35):
  "They don't need to listen. And also Apple, I mean, like, Apple doesn't even know what apps you're using in the App Store."

Antitrust Issues: Apple and Google's Search Engine Battle

Apple's Position on Developing a Search Engine:

Apple has opted not to develop its own search engine, citing economic risks and potential loss of revenue from Google partnerships if antitrust rulings are unfavorable.

• Jason Snell (58:57):
  "Apple actually filed a brief in this is that they may lose their $20 billion or so a year from Google if the court rules that Google has to stop those payments."

Impact on Users and Market Dynamics:

The discussion explores how AI advancements are shifting the landscape of search, with tools like ChatGPT reducing reliance on traditional search engines.

• Alex Lindsay (61:33):
  "I think we've also got to a point where operating systems are a little... it's a pretty mature operating system."

Future of Search:

The hosts debate whether search as we know it is evolving beyond traditional search engines, with AI-driven tools becoming primary sources of information retrieval.

• Jason Snell (61:09):
  "I also think that the appetite for iPhone sales is not going to go down anytime soon and Apple has plenty of time."

Apple Intelligence and AI Missteps

Faulty Summarization in News Apps:

Apple's AI-driven summarization feature for news apps like BBC has led to factual inaccuracies, causing misinformation and frustration among news organizations.

• Andy Ihnatko (74:11):
  "It's a broken feature that spreads misinformation and an era where misinformation online is one of the biggest crises."

Calls for Feature Termination:

Critics argue that Apple should disable the flawed summarization feature until it can be perfected to prevent the spread of false information.

• Jason Snell (76:43):
  "They need to terminate this feature and come back with it in 18.3, 18.4."

CES 2025 Insights and Technology Trends

Micro LED Displays:

Foxconn announced the mass production of Micro LED displays, signaling advancements in display technology suitable for VR headsets and other high-resolution applications.

• Leo Laporte (101:24):
  "It might make a lot of sense in a VR headset of various kinds."

Nvidia and Vision Pro Integration:

Nvidia revealed that GeForce Now, its cloud gaming service, will support Apple's Vision Pro, allowing users to stream games directly to their headsets.

• Jason Snell (102:40):
  "Nvidia's GeForce now, which is their cloud gaming service, are going to get supported."

Picks of the Week

Software Recommendation: GhostTTY

Leo recommends GhostTTY, a new terminal for macOS that offers advanced features like Metal integration, multiple shell support, and built-in nerd fonts.

• Leo Laporte (118:21):
  "GhostTTY.org if you aren't using the terminal you ain't MacKin."

Hardware Recommendation: Anker's 140W 4-Port Charger

Jason endorses Anker's latest 140W 4-port charger, praising its efficiency, OLED display for monitoring power distribution, and compact design.

• Jason Snell (117:24):
  "140 watt, 4 port power delivery...It's a little bit bigger than this, but not terribly bigger than this."

Closing Remarks

The hosts wrap up the episode by reflecting on the ongoing challenges and advancements in Apple's ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of community feedback in shaping future updates. They also celebrate the longevity and evolution of MacBreak Weekly, promising continued insightful discussions in upcoming episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Leo Laporte (02:58):
  "When are the days end where we would, like, pay attention to the size of files and like, the Internet."

• Andy Ihnatko (07:40):
  "It really was a remarkable moment."

• Jason Snell (27:05):
  "Unix, by the way, invented in 1970, is also still in widespread use."

• Alex Lindsay (26:43):
  "There's so many things that Apple does that are in that little world that are subconscious things people make decisions about."

• Andy Ihnatko (74:11):
  "It's a broken feature that spreads misinformation and an era where misinformation online is one of the biggest crises."

• Jason Snell (76:43):
  "They need to terminate this feature and come back with it in 18.3, 18.4."

This detailed summary captures the essence of Episode 954 of MacBreak Weekly, providing listeners with an insightful overview of the discussions on Apple's software updates, privacy concerns, antitrust issues, and technological advancements showcased at CES 2025.