∞ Epic Removed the Infinity Blade Trilogy from App Store
Epic removed the Infinity Blade Trilogy from App Store because:
With the development of Spyjinx and other projects, it has become increasingly difficult for our team to support the Infinity Blade series at a level that meets our standards.
I enjoyed Infinity Blade when it was first released. It has truly pushed iOS gaming as a platform. It's a shame that they can no longer keep them on the App Store.
∞ On Switching from an iPad Pro and a Macbook to a Pixelbook
Fraser Speirs, who designed and deployed the world's first whole-school 1:1 iPad deployment, talking about their work and Chromebooks:
Fast forward to 2018 and virtually all of the work I do at school is now in Google Docs. I don’t think I’ve created anything new outside Google Docs for a couple of years now.
...
As for doing “real work” on the Chromebook, I’ve been in that world for some time already. That part wasn’t even a concern for me. I had proven all that some time ago - my Macbook literally had no non-default software on it except Chrome. It effectively was a Chromebook in all but name. Sure, the Chromebook doesn’t run all the software in the world, but it runs the software that I actually need and use every day absolutely flawlessly.
And,
Ironically, the web browser was what opened the door for the first Mac revival in the original iMac era. The lack of a fully-capable web browser is what’s closing the door on the iPad for me.
For a lot of people, the lack of a desktop web browser is the reason why the 2018 iPad Pro isn't a "real" computer, even though it's performing better than many of the Macbook Pros.
∞ 39 Points of a Blogging Style Guide
A great read of Robert Heaton's blogging style guide. Calling out the 19th point:
"They" is a great word for referring to an unspecified person of an unspecified gender.
100% agree. It's not only the right word, but also much easier since you don't have to even think about the word choice. I also find myself starting to use They more often even if I know the person's gender.
∞ Microsoft to Rebuild Edge based on Chromium
Joe Belfiore, Corporate Vice President of Windows, writes:
Today we’re announcing that we intend to adopt the Chromium open source project in the development of Microsoft Edge on the desktop to create better web compatibility for our customers and less fragmentation of the web for all web developers.
...
We also expect this work to enable us to bring Microsoft Edge to other platforms like macOS.
We live in a different world now, and Microsoft is winning.
∞ Waymo Is Launching Commercial Self-driving Service
John Krafcik, CEO of Waymo:
Today, we’re taking the next step in our journey with the introduction of our commercial self-driving service, Waymo One. We’ll first offer Waymo One to hundreds of early riders who have already been using our technology. Over time, we hope to make Waymo One available to even more members of the public as we add vehicles and drive in more places. Self-driving technology is new to many, so we’re proceeding carefully with the comfort and convenience of our riders in mind.
The future is finally here.
∞ Epic is Launching a Games Store
Soon we'll launch the Epic Games store, and begin a long journey to advance the cause of all developers. The store will launch with a hand-curated set of games on PC and Mac, then it will open up more broadly to other games...
Here is to a brighter future of game developers and players. Hope it becomes a viable Steam alternative. Interestingly, they are also launching a Play Store competitor:
and to Android and other open platforms throughout 2019.
Competitions are always welcomed!
∞ Exponent is Back
I almost jumped when I saw this tweet in my timeline. This long summer break is finally over. Ben and James at their best talk about Apple and antitrust.
∞ Bringing Google Fi to more people on Android and iOS
Big day! I have been a (unsupported) Project Fi iPhone user for a while. When I discovered the team was hiring to add iPhone support, I immediately joined.
It has absolutely been a great journey to work with all the smart people who care deeply about our users. And today, it's launched 🤗
I personally understand the current experience on iPhone isn't perfect yet, so bear with us while we are improving the service.
I’m holding my iPad Mini with both hands now, and just had a weird feeling: wow this thing is actually BIG 🤷♀
What an incredible way of harvesting.