Linked List: March 5, 2015

Thursday, 5 March 2015

‘Google, Our Patron Saint of the Closed Web’ 

Drew Crawford, on Google’s attempt to register 100 TLDs for its own use:

Is my conclusion that Apple should get a free pass for hamstringing their web evangelists? No. Get your Safari team a blog, Apple. Let them give a talk at a fucking conference.

My point is that if you think Google is some kind of Patron Saint of the Open Web, shit son. Tim Cook on his best day could not conceive of a dastardly plan like this. This is a methodical, coordinated, long-running and well-planned attack on the open web that comes from the highest levels of Google leadership. And we’re giving Apple a free pass? Pshaw.

I don’t think Google’s desire for these private TLDs is that big a deal. I blame ICANN more than Google. But like Crawford, it’s a never ending curiosity to me why so many people think Google is a champion of “openness”.

Oracle Extends Its Adware Bundling to Include Java for Macs 

Ed Bott:

For years, Oracle has tormented Windows users by bundling adware with its Java installer for Windows PCs. Now Oracle has begun including the same adware as part of a default installation of Java for the Mac, using the same deceptive techniques.

Shitbags.

Here’s What I Don’t Get About the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge 

So Samsung introduced two new flagship phones: the Galaxy S6 and the S6 Edge. The Edge has a display with pronounced curves along the sides. The regular S6 is flat. Why do both of these phones exist? They’re not different sizes. Either the curved edge is a good idea or it’s not. Design is making decisions.

Marc Newson’s Watch Band Designs for Ikepod 

Many similarities between his previous designs and the new ones for Apple Watch. The Sport band, in particular, looks nearly identical to the one he designed at Ikepod. (This is an old story from September 10, but I missed it then amid the flurry of news.)

Apple Watch Diagnostic Port 

Nice scoop by Matthew Panzarino:

Would you shell out money for a ‘smart’ accessory band for an Apple Watch that added additional capabilities? More battery life, perhaps?

The reason I ask is that the Apple Watch has a port that the company has yet to show off. It’s being used for diagnostics and direct access to the Watch operating system, but it’s feasible that could be used to connect accessories in the future.

The port has a 6-dot brass contact array inside the groove for the ‘bottom’ strap connector slot. Several sources have confirmed its existence and placement to me.

He also answers a question I’ve been wondering about since September: How did Apple get around putting “Assembled in China” on the bottom of the case?

If you’re curious, the other slot has “Assembled in China — Designed by Apple in California” engraved inside.

Update: Jordan Kahn at 9to5Mac:

9to5Mac has learned from sources that the port, which is actually a Lightning port being used for testing, will not be included on the product shipping to customers.