Vibe coding and desktop publishing

Since Claude Code exists, I have noticed a surprising phenomenon: more and more new applications are appearing on the App Store or coming to life as web applications accessible only to their creator-promoter. The process is called vibe coding. When I see people creating new applications with the help of artificial intelligence, I can’t help but think back to the era of the introduction of PageMaker, the LaserWriter laser printer, and the Macintosh. These three elements enabled the democratization of what became known as ‘Desktop Publishing.’ Many people who knew nothing about printing, layout, and design started creating posters, newsletters, etc. The results were not always of very high quality. Fast forward to today: artificial intelligence and tools like Claude Code are bringing us back into a similar context of high-velocity creation. It’s fascinating. The more things change…

Powerful Macs introduced today by Apple. But expensive, too. Apple should now introduce a Mac Neo, a smaller and cheaper version of the newly introduced M6 Mac mini desktop, in the style of the Apple TV. It’s the only way to get back to the sub-$500 mark. 😱

Being manipulated

This morning, I visited Reddit to answer a question about Craft. When I noticed five notifications, I clicked the bell icon. Two of them were about engagement stimulation, which I felt was manipulative and deceptive. I dislike being tricked this way. LinkedIn is also good at this. And Meta, the master of them all. Major platforms will likely face legal challenges in the future because their product design promotes toxic engagement tactics that manipulate users for growth. Om Malik won’t be around to see this unfold, sadly.

Is the iPad still valuable for me?

This morning I had a short discussion with my wife about how she could upgrade her aging 2018 iPad Pro, a device that is not supported by iPadOS 27. I suggested taking my 2024 M4 iPad Pro instead of buying a new one. She was dubious about the suggestion even if I don’t use my iPad often and instead voiced her desire to go with the latest iPad Pro which is not a cheap option. She still think that this upgrade circus comes down to programmed obsolescence. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I was ready to get rid of my iPad, can you imagine?