618: Type System Says No

Key takeaways

Maintaining open communication with listeners enhances the podcast experience and generates valuable feedback.
In-app purchase implementation, particularly using StoreKit 2, is complicated and often poorly documented.
Collaboration with established gaming technology companies like Sony indicates Apple’s aim to integrate more immersive gaming experiences into its ecosystem.
Documenting software development processes, including error checking and example applications, is critical for helping developers navigate complex APIs.

Summary

Host Updates and Feedback

The hosts kicked off the episode discussing responses from their audience regarding past topics, particularly around laundry practices and the comedic takes that listeners brought up. They delve into a humorous conspiracy theory sparked by feedback from Thomas Alvarez about the washing of shirts to prolong logos and suggest that it was all part of a marketing ploy to sell more apparel. The conversation transitions into updates on John's app, touching on the complexity of app naming conventions and feedback from listeners suggesting potential names.

App Development Challenges

John shares his development journey of an app, particularly the frustrations he's encountered with StoreKit 2 while implementing in-app purchases. He discusses the inadequate documentation for Apple's APIs and highlights the lack of clarity in navigating through various requirements for app purchasing and subscription management. He expresses a need for better developer resources, especially concerning error handling and the intricacies of managing product states and users in a secure and efficient manner.

Visual Technology and Experiences

The discussion shifts to enhanced experiences in video technology, specifically Apple's recent developments in immersive video and VR collaborations with Sony regarding PlayStation VR controllers for the Vision Pro. The hosts discuss potential uses for this technology and the need for controllers in VR gaming, while also touching upon frustrations around Apple's reluctance to craft their own controllers despite the increased interest in gaming features within the Vision Pro.

User Experience and Documentation Gaps

Throughout the episode, the hosts consistently highlight the disconnection between Apple's documented strategies and user needs. John showcases how users often don't have an intuitive understanding of Apple's offerings due to poor documentation. There’s a recurring sentiment about the necessity for comprehensive and practical examples to help developers grasp the concepts surrounding not only StoreKit but also other Apple technologies, indicating a substantial gap in the educational tools Apple provides for developers.

Show notes

New member-exclusive ATP Insider: Making The Show
Follow-up:
- John’s [hopefully] (?) forthcoming app
  - A funny conspiracy theory shared by Thomas Alvarez
  - Christian Kent’s correction/joke
  - More app name ideas…
  - Experts have weighed in on John’s idea
  - Alternative space-saving idea from Timm Schoof
- Using self-service parts for upgrade is not really possible because ✨software✨
Pinstripes are back, baby!
- Jeff Johnson
  - Reddit post
Is Siri… emotional… now?
Marco’s new e-ink toy
- Integrations
- API
- Note that it’s backordered for a bit
New Wildlife immersive video episode
Blackmagic announces immersive video camera
Apple Vision Pro 🤝 PlayStation VR2 Controllers
- PlayStation VR2
- Steve Jobs quoting Alan Kay
  People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware.
Post-show: John’s app progress
Members-only ATP Overtime: The Mac monitor situation
- 5K is 5120 × 2880
- Marc Edwards’ chart
- Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K
  - At the time of recording, on sale for $720
  - Jason’s review
- ASUS ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV Professional Monitor
  - Review by D. Griffin Jones
- BenQ PD2730S
- ASUS ProArt Display 6K PA32QCV
- Apple’s plans