Linked List: March 17, 2020

Tuesday, 17 March 2020

Free Rental This Week: ‘App: The Human Story’ ★

Jake Schumacher:

Let’s do free rentals of App this week. Use code “inittogether”.

App: The Human Story is Schumacher’s 2017 documentary on the human side of app development in the era of the iPhone. I was interviewed — twice! — for it, and am delighted to have played a small role. It’s a really good film.

Bill Gates Leaves Microsoft’s Board ★

I try not to overuse “quietly” when talking about company announcements, but this one was pretty much as quiet as could be. A Friday afternoon press release — amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and though I’m guessing that’s purely coincidental, it surely helped bury the news — under the anodyne headline “Microsoft Announces Change to Its Board of Directors”.

I can’t imagine there’s anything they’re hiding here. It seems clear Gates just wanted his final exit to be … quiet. But, man, in terms of history, Bill Gates leaving Microsoft is a moment. To call Gates a titan of industry is an understatement.

Tom Brady Leaves Patriots to Finish His Career With the Washington Wizards ★

Good for him — Tom Brady, of all players, deserves a chance like this.