A Few Random Notes and Observations on Apple's Latest OS Updates

1️⃣ macOS 27 Golden Gate is probably the most enjoyable macOS iteration to use in a long time. While Liquid Glass improvements are making a big difference for me, I feel Liquid Glass on the Mac makes the least sense, but it’s best on the Apple Watch, then the iPhone.

2️⃣ Stability and performance on these first betas are really impressive. This could have been so much worse. All my devices, except my M4 Mac mini and Apple TVs, are on beta 1. I just don’t have the time to upgrade my mini. 😅

3️⃣ I fail to see any issues with my apps. Everything just works. Very speedy betas! 😳

4️⃣ I still need to experiment more with Siri AI. I don’t like the dark theme and the big bubble that appears on the Dynamic Island.

5️⃣ The Image Playground redesign is so much better, but the possible use cases are still a mystery to me.

6️⃣ It will be interesting to see how much of an improvement a faster device will make for Apple Intelligence in general. So far, the execution speed is a bit slow, but how much of this depends on being on a beta cycle, network latency or running on an older device like an M2 MacBook Air?

Introducing Numeric Citizen Trails

I have finished my latest web app: a Path-like site for posting check-ins. It focuses on sharing images with a short accompanying note and does not resolve venue names beyond what an open-source map service can provide. The app organizes check-ins into trails, with each trail supporting multiple view types, including the default timeline, a grid view, a compact calendar, and a map view. It’s rather simple, but I like the end results very much. It’s the first publicly available web app (and will probably be the only one). I’ll have to check bandwidth consumption so that I don’t hit the free-tier limits on Vercel. 😅 Use cases are mainly about travel journaling and photo walks.

A Different Type of Project

I chose to postpone purchasing the $1,500 Nikon 24-120 F4 lens to prioritize upgrading my home networking setup. This change is driven by my plan to turn the unused fireplace in the living room into a home theater space with related equipment. As shown in the photo, the items on and inside this small piece of furniture will be moved into a new structure to be built on the left, where the fireplace now is. Additionally, my Ubiquiti Wi-Fi router will be replaced with a ceiling antenna connected to a hub housed inside the new installation. More details about this coming later this summer.

A New Foursquare Is Born

I’m making great progress with my new web app. It’s already 90% feature complete and ready for my next trip to Paris, starting next week. When I started this project, I had a fairly clear idea of what I wanted, but as I made progress, it became easy to experiment with new features I didn’t think would even be possible. One such feature is the ability to securely share my check-ins publicly so you can follow me! It’s my only custom-built web app with a public-facing view.

La Sagrada Familia is now complete. When I visited the basilica in 2014, after a few moments inside, I simply cried. So beautiful. I’m happy to see this monumental architectural masterpiece completed.

On *OS 27 Betas

I’ve been rather silent since the release of Apple’s latest major betas, except for a few reaction blips. While I love the new iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, I cannot install macOS 27 beta. Installation always fails at the very end of the download process. Go figure. 🤷🏻‍♂️

iOS 27 Liquid Glass is what it should have been from the start. Oh, and the speed and stability on my iPhone 15 Pro Max prove to be the best fest beta ever. I’m still waiting on the Siri AI waiting list.