Iterate Weekly - Issue 144
This week we're celebrating the new year with a flashback to what was happening this time last year!
Welcome to issue 144 of Iterate Weekly.
Happy New Year! We’re taking one more break from our regularly scheduled programming to take a trip back in our time machine to see what stories we were talking about at this time last year.
It’s fascinating to see what is still relevant and what seems silly. And, more importantly, it gives me another week to reflect, recharge, and plan for the year ahead.
Hope you’re all taking the proper time to recharge your batteries as we start up another busy year.
Thank you as always for reading!
🤖 Tech
The most anticipated tech of 2023
It’s a new year and it’s time to get excited about all of the potential new tech that will be coming our way in 2023!
Fast Company has given us a rundown of the tech they’re most looking forward to this year.
What tickles my fancy on this list?
If you’ve been reading my work for a while, you know that I’m a sucker for a great VR experience. While I’ve mostly been pleased with my Meta Quest II headset, it’s time for some more competition in the space. Can Apple make a compelling headset to challenge Meta?
The Apple headset hasn’t been much of a secret, but we’re not sure exactly when we’ll see it. Could it be in the second half of 2023? Rumors swirl about the VR and AR capabilities of the device. It’s believed to be the most complex product Apple has ever created and it certainly could be a “game-changer”. And if Apple can’t pull it off, Sony’s PS VR2 could prove to be just as compelling.
And we will likely see a new Meta Quest III model at some point in the year as well. After a sluggish 2022, I’m eager to see VR back in the tech headlines in 2023.
What tech are you most excited for in the new year?
🎓 Education/Productivity
Could clutter help our mental health?
Many of us have felt the influence of minimalism. Aside from the impact of Marie Kondo, there has been a movement to own less. But could a little bit more clutter be good for us?
Fans of the Cluttercore movement seem to think so.
Yep, there is a competing trend now to appreciate the sentimental objects in our life rather than rush to throw them away. The argument is that the objects give us a better sense of identity. We can tie our emotions and timestamps to these physical objects to hold onto our memories better.
Could digital memories hold this same power? Possibly, but there is something to be said about tangible objects holding a special space in our lives. I think there is likely a happy medium between stark minimalism and a desk covered in junk. It’s up to each of us to draw our own line.
Are you a staunch minimalist or are you joining the Cluttercore movement?
♻️ Health & Environment
Brand loyalty not important with EVs
With so many potential car owners eager to ditch the gas pump and buy an electric car, brands are having trouble establishing loyalty with EV shoppers.
Electric cars are obviously similar to their internal combustion engine counterparts, but buyers don’t seem to be having that same feelings about the brand logos found on the hoods.
Startup truck-maker Rivian Automotive Inc. says its customers are coming from such a wide spectrum of car buyers that purchasers of its trucks and SUVs—which start around $70,000—are about as likely to own a $30,000 Subaru Outback station wagon as they are a $100,000 Porsche 911 sports car.
I can certainly relate to this as the Subaru Outback owner who is entering uncharted territory with my future EV purchase. On one hand, you can’t just assume that a company who has had success with traditional cars will have that same success with EVs. Engines are different, batteries are a whole new wild card. Cars should be developed from the ground up with aero dynamics and weight in mind rather than just swapping an electric engine in place of a gas one.
Finally, there just aren’t as many EV brands to choose from. And even if a consumer has their heart set on a particular brand, there could be a months long waiting list that turns them off. Is it worth it to be loyal to a brand and wait 6 months or just choose another brand to get your car today? Tough decisions.
Have you felt a change in your automotive brand loyalty with the launch of EVs?
🛍 Grab Bag
Netflix streaming exercise classes
Could your next Netflix binge include a workout class?
The streaming platform is teaming up with Nike to stream fitness classes.
It seems like a move to challenge Peloton’s spot at the top of the workout streaming mountain. But will people be into it?
Personally, I think I'd have a hard time convincing my brain that Netflix is the place for a workout. There is just years of using the service strictly for entertainment. My body has associated Netlfix with leisure, maybe even guilt around that leisure. It’s hard to change that wiring.
There will be over 30 hours of fitness content to start including things like “Kickstart Fitness with the Basics, Two Weeks to a Stronger Core, Fall in Love with Vinyasa Yoga, HIT & Strength with Tara, and Feel-Good Fitness.”
Anyone adding Netflix workout classes to their new years resolution list?
💬 Quote of the Week
"Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man."
-Benjamin Franklin
🎥 Content Recommendation
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
I recently checked out the new film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, and I think it is well worth your time.
It is the second installment in the series after the success of the original a few years back.
With a star-studded cast, the movie is easy to watch and delightful from start to finish. There is humor, suspense, and plenty of drama. If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to take an exotic vacation with a billionaire, it’s the perfect movie for you.
Thanks for reading, I’ll see you next week!
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