### Issue 1397 - Wednesday 30th June, 2021

## In Today's Issue

- Apple is "surprised to hear" that developers don't really like the App Store approval process
- ASIC on the hunt for group chats promoting ASX pump and dump schemes
- Magic Leap gets a cash injection and says an updated version of their AR headset is coming soon
- Please enjoy this bookmark dump
- Cheap Nikon Z cameras and lenses, Razer Blade Pro l aptop, refurb Sony headphones, 1 month free access to Google Cloud training materials, 5 months free Apple Music

## The News

### Apple is "surprised to hear" that developers don't really like the App Store approval process

As part of the ACCC's investigation into Apple's and Google's app stores to see if they're doing consumers and/or developers dirty via their intense market power, Apple sent in a submission of their views regarding its relationship with developers. Amazingly, they said "Apple is surprised to hear that developers have legitimate concerns about their ability to engage with Apple in the app review process in circumstances where the purpose of app review is to ensure the quality of apps on the App Store and Apple invests significant time and resources in engaging with developers directly to work together to achieve that shared goal". What is this, a Netflix comedy standup special?! Apple clearly has their head in the sand, as there isn't a single iOS developer I've spoken to that would agree with Apple's statement.

### ASIC on the hunt for group chats promoting ASX pump and dump schemes

The movie Wolf of Wall Street is a prime example of a pump and dump scheme - build a lot of hype around a dog stock you purchased at sweet fuck all, the price goes up, you cash out and suckers are left holding dud shares nobody wants to buy. It's set in the 80s but shit like that still happens today, just on social media and private groups, despite it being totally illegal. ASIC is the Australian regulator of this and has confirmed to the SMH that they've been joining Telegram group chats they suspect of doing pump and dumps and reminding the people there. I mean, the group was literally called "ASX Pump and Dump", so it's like shooting fish in a barrel for ASIC, but good on em tackling the lowest of low hanging fruit.

### Magic Leap gets a cash injection and says an updated version of their AR headset is coming soon

I thought Magic Leap was on life support after their thoroughly unimpressive augmented reality goggles launch back in 2018, but they've announced a fresh US$500m investment and plans for a new pair of goggles due for sale next year - the Magic Leap 2. Apparently this new headset is "20% lighter and with a doubled field of view" that's "designed to increase business adoption of AR". If you need a reminder of Magic Leap's first headset, this video is an honest assessment of that first version. Either the Magic Leap mob have something amazing under their sleeves or are blessed with Jedi-level mind control that keeps investors handing over piles of cash with not much to show for it after all these years.

## Something I Saw On The Internet

### Please enjoy this bookmark dump

My bookmarks are looking more bloated than usual:

- Serenity OS posted its 3rd yearly status update. I love this retro OS made from scratch by a recovering drug addict and a rag tag bunch of contributors. I fling them a few bucks on Patreon just as a way of show my appreciation that a project like this exists in 2021.
- If you've in the market for an Android tablet, Nokia's T20 might interest you. The specs are nothing special (Unisoc T1610 with 4GB of RAM), but it has Android 11, will get 3-years of updates and is only $349. Will probably go on sale by Christmas.
- Suffering from "programming-related pain and soreness"? Someone called Ruffrey tried everything to ease the pain of typing, but what worked for them was simply using two keyboards, each one placed at a "natural wide angle, so my shoulders are always pulled back".
- Will Green is attempting to tell the history of the Macintosh via issues of MacUser magazine. It's great the magazine has been preserved so Will can do this and show everyone what nerds were thinking as they learned to use the then brand new Mac.
- Check out this Nikon lens factory tour. Fascinating photos and descriptions of how the Hikari Glass factory in Akita Japan makes the elements that go into those famous camera lenses. Amazing how something so precise can be so mass produced.

## Bargains

- 5 months free Apple Music for inactive or new subscribers via Shazam & JB Hi-Fi
- 1 month of free access to all the Google Cloud training content on Coursera and Google Cloud Skills Boost
- Refurbished Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds or WH-1000XM4 headphones - $158/$264 from Sony's eBay store
- Razer Blade Pro laptop (17.3" 4K 165Hz display, i7-1087H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, RTX 3070) - $2319.20 from Microsoft's eBay store
- Shitload of discounted Nikon Z cameras and lenses on Amazon that are eligible for Nikon's current cashback scheme

## The End

📻 When Doves Cry - Local H

😎 The Sizzle is curated by Anthony "@decryption" Agius and emailed every weekday afternoon.

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The Sizzle is created on Wathaurong land and acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, recognising their continuing connection to land, water and community. I pay my respect to them and their cultures and to elders both past and present.​