log(y) #1 - The blog is up and running, and good luck in finding good apps for Android
This is the first edition of its kind that just came to my mind, and I have begun writing it. Please do not search for previous month's editions, as they do not exist.
Welcome to my weekly log!
As I embark on this journey of sharing my experiences and thoughts with you, I must admit that this week has been a bit of a challenge.
It's the first time I'm starting this kind of blog, and I've been trying to figure out the best format to use. However, I still have some updates to share with you, so let's dive in!
Writing
After several months of testing and tweaking, my personal blog is now fully functional and up and running. There is no many post there yet, but this is a significant milestone for me, as I have been postponing my blogging aspirations for years. The platform now seems solid and ready for me to start sharing my thoughts and experiences with the world.
You are reading the very first of my Substack. In this platform, I aim to share my weekly or monthly log, documenting my learning, reading, creating and other activities. I am still considering the best frequency to post, whether it be on a weekly or monthly basis. Nevertheless, I am open to letting things flow naturally and finding the rhythm that works best for me and my subscribers. I am excited to begin this journey and look forward to sharing my experiences and insights with you all.
Reading
Books
I recently completed reading No Filter: The Inside Story of Instagram by Sarah Frier, and have expressed my thoughts and opinions on the book through a brief review on my personal blog.
Presently, I am in the process of reading Ultralearning by Scott H. Young, and so far, the first chapter has captured my attention and sparked my interest. The content presented in this initial chapter has left me with a positive impression of the book, and I am eagerly looking forward to delving deeper into its pages.
Articles
The Shocking State of Enthusiast Apps on Android. Last year, I tried to find a way to have a seamless reading experience across different operating systems, including iOS, macOS, Windows, and Android. Unfortunately, I had no luck. I found it easy to access good RSS readers on Apple devices, such as Unread on my iPhone and Reeder on my MacBook. However, I struggled to find any usable apps for Android and Windows. I initially thought this was just a personal issue, but it turns out that it is a widespread problem.
Watching
YouTube
January was filled with product launches, starting with Apple's releases of the Mac Mini, MacBook Pro, and in early February, Samsung's release of the Galaxy S23 series smartphone. As a result, my YouTube feed is overflowing with all sorts of unboxing, hands-on, review, and comparison videos of those product.
The fight for TSMC is heating up. This 17 minutes video from TechAltar about TSMC is definitely worth a watch. It's truly astonishing to see how this company operates and the impact it has on the tech industry. From its cutting-edge technology to its impressive production capabilities, the video offers a comprehensive look at one of the most innovative companies in the world. So if you're a fan of technology or just want to learn more about TSMC, this video is definitely worth your time.
Movies
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Presents a story of two nations with superpowers engaging in conflict with one another for no apparent reason. Compared to the first film in the franchise, it falls short and the storyline is weak. The first Black Panther movie is considered to be significantly better and more impactful.
Listening
Music
Let Her Go. This is not the actual title, as it's a collection of songs from different artists compiled into one YouTube video. This compilation is pleasing to listen to and is the perfect background music while I write this Substack post.
Using
Hardware
I have started using the Anker 341 USB-C Hub (7-in-1) as a solution to my limited port availability on my device. The lack of ports has forced me to explore alternative options and enter the world of dongles. While the Anker 341 is a well-made product, I have experienced a few issues with it. Firstly, the Power Delivery only charges at 15W, which is slower than charging directly at 30W. Additionally, I have noticed that the data transfer speed is slower when using the dongle, compared to when I connect my external hard drive directly. To my surprise, I have also observed that using the dongle drains my battery faster. These limitations have led me to question the utility of the Anker 341, and I am currently evaluating whether it is the best solution for my needs.
Apps
Recently, I have been exploring the idea of switching from my current email client, Apple Mail, to Microsoft Outlook or Thunderbird as my new email management tool. Although Apple Mail has served me well in the past, it has started to exhibit strange behavior in recent days, leading me to consider alternative options. After conducting a preliminary evaluation, I have come away with mixed feelings about the two potential replacements. On one hand, Microsoft Outlook has left me with a favorable impression, offering a smooth and intuitive experience. On the other hand, Thunderbird has proven to be functional, but its user interface appears lackluster and uninspiring. I am currently weighing the pros and cons of each option, and may conduct further experimentation before making a final decision.
Discovery
Automatisch. An open source alternative to Zapier. I love the way Zapier works, but the pricing model based on the number of Zap runs has held me back. Finally, someone has created an open-source, self-hosted version of Zapier. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks promising!
Trigger.dev. Another open source alternative to Zapier, but this one focuses more on developers. It looks like Automatisch may be a better fit for me.
Mixpost. An open source alternative to Buffer. I used to use Buffer to manage my social media some time ago. It's a good product with great support. Knowing that there is a promising alternative to Buffer is great news. I haven't tried it myself yet, but the offer on their landing page is tempting.
That's all for this week!
Thank you for taking the time to read my updates. I hope you found it informative and enjoyable. I'll be back next week with more updates and insights.
Until then, take care and stay safe!