Iterate Weekly - Issue 207
This week we're looking at Apple's new OS naming convention, Bookshop.org, EV lamppost chargers in the US, QuitCarbon, and "Sarah Silverman: PostMortem"!
Welcome to issue 207 of Iterate Weekly.
Let’s jump into this week’s stories shall we?
Thank you as always for reading!
🖥️ Tech
Apple wants to confuse us with its OS names
Operating system names shouldn’t be all that complicated.
For years, Apple kept things easy by using cat names. Lion, tiger, snow leopard, etc. Then they decided to use California parks and landmarks. Mojave, Yosemite, Sonoma, Seqouia, etc. Of course there were always numerical names also associated with the fun names if you really wanted to dig deep.
But the numerical system counted up as you’d expect. Well, things are going to get more interesting as Apple has announced that they want to start adding years to the name of their OS.
So instead of jumping into iOS 19 next year, it may be called iOS 26 instead (to coincide with the year 2026).
It’s kinda like taking a page out of the car manufacturer’s playbook. Associating a model year with each software release makes it feel both timely and appropriately outdated at the same time. We may not need a new piece of software each and every year, but by using this naming convention, Apple is certainly going to make us feel left behind if we don’t upgrade.
This will likely only be one piece of the software news that comes during this year’s WWDC in June. The end goal is to try to unite the disparate OSs in the Apple product catalog. Instead of iOS 19 and Mac OS 14, we can just have all the platforms updated with a calendar year instead.
It all makes sense but is bound to be confusing for the first couple of cycles. I’ll reserve all judgment until we learn the whole story at WWDC but it does have me paying closer attention to my software versions this week.
🎓 Productivity/Work/Software
Bookshop.org - good idea, poor execution
I recently needed to find a book for a local book club. It’s never usually that difficult to find a book.
My go-to method of finding a book usually looks a little something like this:
I search for the book on Goodreads
I use the amazing Library Extension plugin to then see if the book is available at one of the 3 Bay Area library systems that I’m registered at
I click the link to the library to download the ebook or audiobook. Requesting the physical copy to pickup at the library is usually my last resort
It’s a great system that rarely lets me down. But this latest book I was looking for wasn’t going to be available in time for the book club meeting. So rather than making the purchase from one of the giant book sellers, I bought the ebook from Bookshop.org
Sadly, I didn’t read the fine print. I just assumed it would be like buying an ebook from any other digital storefront. I thought I’d have access to the file to read on whatever device or e-reader I chose. Nope. Unfortunately, BookShop.org only allows you to read their content on their iOS or Android app.
I don’t love reading books on my phone. I know some people are into it, but I don’t think it’s for me. The app isn’t very nice to look at with limited options and settings and my screen kept timing out and going black before I finished the page. Thankfully, it’s a fairly short book that I’ll try my best to power through.
But let this be a warning for anyone looking to purchase from Bookshop.org. It may be a great site to support local book shops, but the limitations of reading solely on their app really ruin the experience in my eyes.
♻️ Health/Environment/EVs
First American EV lamppost chargers in Chicago
Why should the Europeans have all the fun when it comes to urban EV charging locations?
Finally, the first American lamppost charger has gone up in Chicago!
I’m actually surprised that California couldn’t pull off something like this first, but it’s a fine step for all American charging infrastructure. This charger comes from a company called Voltpost and it seems like an ingenious execution.
This type of system will allow for people to charge their vehicles when they park on the street without the need for a dedicated charger at their home. It seems like a promising idea that will greatly democratize the ability to charge ones vehicle regardless of where you live.
Let’s hope this first iteration proves to be a success and we see more lamppost chargers pop up in other cities.
🛍 Grab Bag
QuitCarbon
I just wanted to give a shout out to the great work being done by the folks over at QuitCarbon.
If you’re not familiar with them, they help people learn the ins and outs of green home upgrades that don’t rely on fossil fuels. They essentially hold your hand throughout the sometimes confusing process.
Just answer a few questions about the type of home you live in and they can help you formulate a plan to find appliances, contractors, and rebates to maximize cost savings.
I’ve been on the platform since January 2024 and it’s been a vital resource to help me figure out the best (and most cost effective way) to outfit my home with things like an EV charger, an induction range, and lots more.
With rebates and incentives changing almost daily, it’s really helpful to have a partner to steer you in the right direction as you make upgrades that are good for your home as well as for the environment.
Nope, this isn’t a paid placement. I just think they’re the best place to start if you want to make some green updates to your home and are overwhelmed with all the options out there.
💬 Quote of the Week
"A pair of powerful spectacles has sometimes sufficed to cure a person in love."
-Friedrich Nietzsche
📺 Content Review
Sarah Silverman: PostMortem
Couldn’t we all use a bit more comedy in our lives right now?
I’m really a sucker for almost any standup comedy special that’s available to stream. I’ll give nearly any comedian five minutes of my time to see if they’re funny.
I already knew that Sarah Silverman was funny and her latest special “PostMortem” was fantastic.
It’s not easy to create a comedy special around the death of a parent but Silverman really nailed it. It’s hilarious. It’s touching. It’s just really well put together and I can’t recommend it enough.
Thanks for reading, I’ll see you next week!
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