Apple Introduces The Year Of T

In summary, the presenter argues that 2025 is the "year of the Linux desktop" for developers, driven by increasing frustrations with Windows and Apple. Windows is criticized for forcing online accounts, removing user control, implementing ads, and overall poor user experience. Apple is critiqued for declining UI design, such as a calculator app using excessive RAM and shoddy design. Linux, especially with distros like Omachi, is presented as a superior alternative offering personalization, performance, and freedom, making it an increasingly attractive option for developers.

Windows Criticisms #

• Forced Online Accounts:

  • Windows 11 increasingly requires users to sign in with a Microsoft Live (formerly Hotmail) account during setup.
  • Microsoft is removing "known mechanisms for creating a local account" during the Out-of-Box Experience (OBE).
  • The justification provided by Microsoft is that these mechanisms "inadvertently skipped critical screens," leading to incompletely configured devices, which the presenter views as blaming users for features Microsoft removed.
  • This is seen as Microsoft taking away user autonomy rather than fixing perceived issues with alternative setup methods.

• Data Monetization and Ads:

  • Features like "Co-pilot" taking snapshots and semantically searching user history are expected to be used for making money.
  • Microsoft already serves ads in the startup menu.
  • Users buy hardware that comes with Windows but are still subjected to ads, which is considered "insane."
  • The presenter argues this is part of Microsoft's strategy to have everyone online and using accounts to sell ads, possibly with AI-generated content.

• Overall User Experience:

  • Increasing dissatisfaction with Windows among users, including developer Jonathan Blow, who stated they would "stop using Windows for as many things as possible."
  • Despite its market share in gaming, Windows is seen as "fumbling the bag," with many hoping Steam improves Linux gaming.
  • Windows is described as "chunky," "laggy," "unreliable," and a "poor experience."
  • Forced subscription upgrade prompts every time the streaming PC starts, with no option to permanently decline.

Apple Criticisms #

• Declining UI/UX Quality:
  • Critiques Apple's new calculator app (introduced with OS X 26 Tahoe) for using 32GB of RAM.
  • The design of the calculator is called "shoddy work," specifically mentioning misaligned buttons and excessive rounded corners, reminiscent of 2009 web design trends.
  • The presenter believes the UI quality, a traditional strong point for Apple, has significantly deteriorated.
  • Apple is now seen as selling "an expensive ass battery" rather than a superior overall experience.

Linux as an Alternative (Omachi/Hyperland) #

• Personalization and Control:

  • Linux allows users to personalize their systems, creating a setup that is "their own."
  • While customization can be a headache, tools like Omachi offer a great out-of-the-box experience while still allowing deep personalization.

• Omachi and Hyperland Experience:

  • Omachi (based on Hyperland) provides a smooth, intuitive, and highly configurable user experience.
  • It mimics Mac OS X shortcuts but allows users to change them to their preference (e.g., Super + F for full screen instead of Shift + F11).
  • The presenter showcases a personalized Hyperland setup with clear information display (desktop, time, date, power, volume, CPU, RAM usage).
  • Omachi significantly reduces the configuration effort for users, making it more accessible.

• Performance and Accessibility:

  • The presenter declares it "the year of the Linux desktop" because other options are deteriorating, and Linux offers a superior experience.
  • Linux offers "freedom."
  • Installation can be extremely fast (e.g., "Tee was able to get it installed in 1 minute and 48 seconds").
  • It works well on older PCs, making them feel smooth again.

Target Audience for Linux #

• Developers:

  • The presenter explicitly states that "the year of the Linux desktop" primarily applies to developers.
  • Acknowledges that less tech-savvy users (like his mom) would likely struggle with a tiling window manager and are not the target audience.

• Benefits for Developers:

  • A beautiful, well-put-together, smooth environment enhances joy and fun in development.
  • Encourages developers to "give it a shot."