That Apple Fan Boy

Old enough to know better, young enough to not care. Dubliner, now Londoner. Avid traveller and gadget hoarder. I own too many bags. Never knowingly far from an Apple device.

[nobrashfestivity]

Paul Klee, Polyphony

[inefekt69]

Sannenzaka - Kyoto, Japan

[thatapplefanboy]

Very, very excited for today's WWDC Keynote.

I sincerely doubt that I'll be able to afford any of the hardware (rumoured) to be announced. But it'll be fun to see how Apple attempt to convince us all that we simply can't exist unless we have a virtual reality visor. Or something.

Anyway, I'm just looking for some updates to the core iOS/iPad OS apps like notes, reminders, calendar etc. But I doubt, given everything they've announced before the event, that stuff like that will get much airtime.

Let's see. I'll be tuning in at 6pm (UK) on the dot!

[thingsorganizedneatly]

SUBMISSION: Adam Hillman, ClipArt (Hokusai’s Great Wave made with paperclips), 2023

[thatapplefanboy]

This morning's run was seriously hard work.

Probably something to do with last night's fun and games out in Soho. Anyway, a slow and painful run is better than no run at all.

Gradually working my way back up to faster and longer runs. My achilles tendons are still cooperating, so that's something.

Onwards and upwards.

[pangeen]

“ We Live in a Rainbow of Chaos “ // Mıᴋᴇ Mᴋᴀᴘᴛᴜʀᴇᴅ

[thatapplefanboy]

Soaking up some rays on the balcony.

Some pre-Sitges tanning to look vaguely beach-reading once I arrive in Spain on Friday.

[thatapplefanboy]

I've finally gone all in with Apple Music.

I already pay for Apple One, so paying an additional fee for Spotify was beginning to look like a waste of money.

In good news, it looks like Apple Music recommendations have improved light years since I last used it. Whereas before, it would consistently recommend music that made my ears bleed (think: misogynistic rap), it now seems to recommend tracks and artists that are a great fit for what's already in my library.

Added bonus: it works a lot better with my HomePods, when compared to the inconsistent Spotify experience.

I loved Spotify, but couldn't justify paying for another service (I'm about to cancel my seldom-used Audible account too). Your mileage may of course vary, and music services are a very personal thing. But just a few days in, I'm happy with my decision.

Now, let's see what Apple announce for Music at WWDC on Monday!

[thekimonogallery]

“Sakura nagashi”, by Japanese photographer Shota Nagase

[thingsorganizedneatly]

SUBMISSION: Adam Hillman, Straws-hatching, 2022

[thekimonogallery]

in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. Photography by AyuMi @a_yumi0425

[thatapplefanboy]

Yesterday evening’s beers in the sunshine.

Felt like being on holiday. Of course, normal service has resumed this morning and it’s grey and overcast. Glad I got out in the sun while I could.

[thatapplefanboy]

Really quite excited for Monday's WWCD keynote...

I'm all about the OS updates and can't wait to see what's coming for iOS and iPadOS. I'm not in the market for any hardware (unless Apple have started to accept human kidneys as payment?) though I'm intrigued as to how they'll spin the utility of the (rumoured) VR headset.

If iOS is a bucket-load of iterative improvements, then I'll be a happy camper. Improvements to the stock apps and general stability would be great. Make a standalone password management app. Beef up the Notes app with markdown and backlinks. Link Reminders with the Calendar app. Nothing too outlandish.

I've blocked out a couple of hours to watch the event live. At this stage, I have to admit if there's no actual Apple headset, I'll laugh myself silly. The rumour mill has been working in overdrive for weeks and weeks now. There must be at least a grain of truth to it all.

Right?

[thatapplefanboy]

This day, last year...

Trying to enjoy a delicious Pimms on the balcony, but viciously photobombed by one of my neighbours. Doing his best 'chimp' impression, by the looks of things.

[thatapplefanboy]

This morning’s pre-office run.

Not much fun, but at least I got some exercise in. Will do the other half in the form of a riverside walk later on.

[thatapplefanboy]

This monster of a boat sailed past my apartment the other day.

It was moving surprisingly fast for such a big fella. Later saw some photos of it going under Tower Bridge, which made it look even bigger.

Maybe one day I'll get to the inside of something like this. For now, I'll pap it from a distance and create elaborate back stories for all the passengers on board.

[thatapplefanboy]

Throwback Thursday: April 2023

I know it's not that long ago, but it was a super memorable day in Tokyo. We went to visit Shibuya Sky, which has the most incredible views all over Tokyo.

The sun was shining, it was lovely and warm and we took a great selection of photos and made some memories. Check out those blue skies - and no filters used!

Roll on our next visit to Japan: Okinawa and Tokyo in November.