Apple Announces All-New Redesigned Macbook
The biggest surprise this week was Apple's unveiling of its new super thin and light MacBook. Available in silver, gun metal or gold, the new device is just 13mm thin, features a retina display and weighs in at just 900 grams. It's also only has a single USB-C port which is also used for charging.
I love the idea of this new MacBook, but many have been quick to hate on it for its slower processor. I personally think that this thing is perfect for most people who want something super portable and don't need their computer to do more than a little document editing and surfing the web anyway.
Google Unveils a More Powerful Chromebook Pixel
Not to be left out, Google announced a new version of its high-end Chromebook Pixel that's faster and has a better screen than the previous generation. Alongside this, it also now has a new 'Google Store' where you can purchase hardware in collaboration with the company.
Chromebook Pixel is very interesting because it's still a premium device that isn't much more than a web browser, so I can't figure out who it's for. Cheaper Chromebooks make sense, but at $999, the Pixel is a hard sell.
Apple Watch Hands-On: Only Time Will Tell
Apple also announced finer details about its Watch this week, with pricing starting at $349 for the steel Sport Edition and $549 for the stainless steel version. It'll be available from April 24th and is starting to look more interesting.
It's still not exactly clear how Apple plans to sell these, but I expect it'll be one of those devices that wins people over when they try it on for the first time. I'm personally really looking forward to getting my hands on one.
Twitter Acquires Periscope Video Streaming App, Cuts Off Meerkat
Twitter announced this week that it's acquired Periscope, an unreleased app that makes it as easy as one click to stream live video to your followers. On the same day, it started crippling competitor Meerkat's abilities.
In Case You Missed It
- Apple announced ResearchKit, a set of tools that helps medical researchers perform studies with iPhone users
- Google Apps accidentally exposed some data of domain owners
- Apple had a day-long outage this week that meant you couldn't download music or apps
- Facebook finally killed Friendfeed
Owen Williams
Must reads
Disney's $1 Billion Bet on a Magical Wristband
While the rest of the world debates about which wearable is going to win, Disney's already figured out how to build its own for inside its parks. If you visit Disney World, you can skip lines, avoid paperwork and get food magically delivered to you, all thanks to your wristband. Seriously awesome use of technology to make the experience more magical.
Inside Project Loon: Google's internet in the sky is almost open for business
This awesome look at Project Loon shows just how close Google is to delivering the internet from balloons in the real world. It's now starting to seriously look at how it could turn it into a business and has managed to get balloons up for over 180 days at a time.
Shitphone: A Love Story
Do you really need that new iPhone that just came out, or is simple consumerism driving your desire to buy it? With awesome, affordable phones now existing for less than $250, what's the excuse for upgrading to the newest shiny gadget other than a programmed desire to want the latest and greatest? Here's the alternative.
The Robots Are Coming
Imagine a future where almost everything is automated; sounds interesting, until you realize that 99 percent of people would be out of a job. You might have seen this great video on the future of automation and what that means for humanity already, but this is worth a read too.
Trending Products
Meerkat
I touched on Meerkat earlier in this email, but I highly recommend you check it out. It's one of my favorite new apps in recent times as it completely removes the friction to just live-streaming video. Over the last week I've watched it explode in popularity and followed streams from Ferguson, SXSW, office tours and even a book signing.
Google Calendar Arrives On iPhone
Google released its lovely calendar app for iPhone this week which quickly became my default. It's better in almost every way than Apple's built-in one if you use a Google account and it's free.
I had some personal news this week; I'm moving to Amsterdam next month! Excited to live somewhere new, particularly because it means I can get to the rest of the world a lot easier. Thanks for reading - hope you have an awesome week!
-Owen