tech
Three nerds discussing tech, Apple, programming, and loosely related matters.
The speaker's Magic Trackpad experienced a failure when the small nubbin used to power it on broke off. This event served as the catalyst for upgrading to newer USB-C versions of the Magic Trackpad and keyboard, opting for the black models.
The speaker discusses a significant change in the new Magic Keyboard design where the control key has been replaced by a globe/function key, and the option and command keys are shrunken. This shift disrupts the common 'control-click' method for right-clicking, leading to accidental function clicks.
The speaker expresses frustration that their new black Magic Keyboard, while aesthetically pleasing, lacks the Touch ID functionality present on older iMac Pro keyboards. They note that newer models do not seem to have it, forcing a choice between functionality and design.
A new key has been added to the Magic Keyboard, located next to the delete key, which appears to function as a context menu key. While its exact purpose is debated, it's suggested to be for keyboard-based navigation or context menu access, though it can be accidentally triggered.
The speaker notes that to obtain full-height up and down arrow keys on the new Magic Keyboard, one must purchase the model with a numeric keypad. This is presented as an inconvenience, forcing the use of a feature the speaker doesn't frequently need.
A new icon for the Magic Trackpad has appeared in recent iOS beta updates, which has generated excitement for its retro design. The icon is said to resemble the aesthetic of the iMac G3 'Bondi Blue' era icons.
In a follow-up segment, the hosts discussed the ability to integrate the Nugs.net music streaming service into the Sonos app. This allows users to stream music directly from Nugs through their Sonos speakers, similar to other services like Apple Music or Spotify.
Host John shared an update on a persistent bug in his app that he thought he had fixed in the previous episode. Unfortunately, shortly after recording, a new crash report confirmed the bug was still present, leading him to jokingly acknowledge his own "curse" and the ongoing nature of software development.
The hosts announced a new member special episode titled 'ATP Dev Mac Asked Mac Apps,' which aims to define what constitutes a great Mac application. This special is a response to listener questions about the criteria for good Mac apps, especially for those new to the platform or macOS development.