Weekly Digest - 2021.09

Weekly Digest - 2021.09

SpaceX's successful disaster

Space launched the Starship SN10 prototype. As in previous launches, the rocket climbed to the assumed altitude and started free falling. But this time, during the landing attempt, everything went perfectly. Starship returned from free-falling to vertical position and landed on the ground.

It is the first time Starship managed to do that, but the test was not  a complete success. A  couple of minutes after the landing, the rocket exploded. Although SN10 did not survive, Space X is making noticeable progress. So maybe the next time, the rocket will pass the entire test.

Microsoft Mesh

During the Ignite conference, Microsoft announced the AR and VR collaboration platform called Mesh. It is a collaborative platform that allows anyone to have shared virtual experiences. It's like Microsoft Teams of the future. Participants can be in the same place, even though they are not physically together. At the moment, the platform uses virtual avatars taken from the AltspaceVR social network. But in the future, people will be able to appear as themselves.

Microsoft Mesh is a super cool idea that looks like taken from a sci-fi movie, but as some people say - the future is now.


Image credits: SpaceX

Weekly digest - 2019.28

Weekly digest - 2019.28

Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo has announced the Switch Lite. It is a new Switch that only supports handheld mode. Here is the list of changes in comparison to "standard" Switch:

  • smaller touchscreen (5.5-inch),
  • no detachable Joy-Con controllers,
  • cannot be connected to TV,
  • side buttons are replaced by real D-pad,
  • lack of HD Rumble and IR Motion Camera,
  • better battery life (~1h longer),

Nintendo Switch Lite launches on September 20 for $199.99 in three colors: yellow, grey, and turquoise.

Apple's new MacBook lineup

On Tuesday Apple completely revamped their notebook lineup. First of all, they stopped selling 12-inch MacBook. Macbook supposed to be replacement for MacBook Air, but it never became popular.  Smaller size and new keyboard weren't enough to steal users hearts.

Speaking of MacBook Air, the old non Retina version is also finally gone. Also, Apple has updated the new Retina version with True Tone display and they lowered the price from $1199 to $1099 ($999 for students).  

MacBook Pro lineup also is simpler. Apple stopped selling the 13-inch MacBook Pro without Touch Bar. It means that all MacBooks Pro, not matter of size, now come with Touch Bar.

In addition to cleaning up the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lineup, Apple has lowered the cost of SSD options for all Mac, including the desktop ones. The price drop is especially visible in more high-end versions.

For example this is how the new prices, of SSD options, look like in comparison to old ones for 15-inch MacBook Pro:

Storage Price Before Price Now
256GB $0* $0*
512GB $200 $200
1TB $600 $400
2TB $1200 $800
4TB $3000 $1600

(*) Base model

Overall, this news was a completely surprise and the welcome one. It's not only a huge simplification of the MacBook lineup, but also a big change for the entire Mac lineup, as most of the Macs are now more affordable.

I hope Apple will continue this trend with other products.


Image credits: Nintendo