646: On the Shelf With the Pickles

Key takeaways

John’s nostalgic story of his toaster purchase illustrates how appliances can have sentimental value.
YoLink temperature sensors provide a cost-effective and efficient solution for monitoring fridge temperatures in restaurants.
Choosing the right UPS involves understanding the power needs of your devices and ensuring it fits your specific requirements.
Apple's potential partnership with existing AI technologies signals a strategic shift in enhancing Siri's functionalities.
Advising listeners to consider their needs carefully when investing in new tech, especially regarding operating systems.

Summary

The Importance of a Reliable Toaster

The podcast begins with a humorous exchange about John’s long-standing relationship with a toaster he's owned for 14 years. They discuss how significant this toaster has been in his life and how it has recently required replacement. The conversation humorously touches on the nostalgia of appliances and their importance in everyday life, illustrated by John sharing his purchase of the same model toaster years later.

Temperature Monitoring in Restaurants

John shares his experience with installing YoLink temperature sensors in his restaurant. These sensors allow for constant monitoring of the temperature in walk-in fridges, significantly improving food safety standards. He emphasizes the importance of temperature control and the ease of using YoLink devices compared to previous solutions, highlighting their affordability and effectiveness.

All Things UPS

The discussion shifts towards choosing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for home and professional use. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the power needs of devices and the complexity of AC power. They discuss their personal experiences with Cyber Power UPS devices, sharing recommendations on how to choose one based on usage and affordability.

AI Technology in Consumer Devices

As the episode progresses, the conversation touches on Apple's integration of AI technology, specifically around Siri. The hosts discuss the potential partnership the company may pursue with Anthropic or OpenAI to enhance Siri's capabilities, emphasizing the changes and challenges within this space.

Member Questions and Responses

In the latter part of the episode, the hosts answered a couple of listener questions including inquiries about temperature sensors and the practicality of buying devices with future operating systems (macOS Tahoe). They advise on waiting for new models and weighing the current needs against future features.

Show notes

Pre-Show: John has made an important purchase
- 11 June 2011
- Documentation of the journey (spoilers!)
- John’s beloved
- Ninja
- Anova
- After Dark
Follow-up:
- We’re doing good work here, folks
  - YoLink leak sensors
  - Leak sensor 4-pack with compulsory hub
  - Travel insurance is more than you think it is (via Jason Poole and Levi Dalton)
    - Allianz concierge
- Window widget size in Tahoe
- Apple Intelligence is now allowed when booting from an external in Tahoe beta 2
- Floating tab bars in iOS 26
- Apple “Ducks”
  - The Architect’s Lions
- Maybe don’t yank out removable storage in Windows either (via Adrian Mester)
- It’s the world that’s wrong, not me: iPhone 16 Pro case edition
  - “We Messed Up”
  - Bullstrap open-bottom case
- Ads in YouTube
  - Why not use uBlock Origin? (via Igor Kulman)
  - …or perhaps Vinegar (App Store link) (via Michael Brown)
RIP FireWire
Apple marketing continues to misfire
Apple weighs using Anthropic or OpenAI to power Siri
- OpenAI/Meta leadership talent rivalry
Ask ATP:
- Is it worth buying a laptop where Tahoe is preinstalled? (via François-Olivier Leblanc)
- How much faster will an M4 be than an M1 for Xcode Simulator launches? (via Alistair Logie)
- How do we choose a new UPS? (via David Levine)
Post-show: Marco restaurant-tech MVPs… from his co-hosts!
- Tailscale (Tailscale is a prior sponsor)
  - Casey’s introductory post
  - Tailscale 4via6
- YoLink temperature sensors (even cheaper with a smaller temp. range)
Members-only ATP Overtime: Should we pay developers like athletes?
- Sam Altman claims Meta has made $100M offers
  - Jack Altman’s podcast
  - Reuters coverage