Matisyahu's Blog

"When the people are being beaten with a stick, they are not much happier if it is called 'the People's Stick'"

recent posts

  • I have de-Samsung’ed my phone.

    I went down to One NZ to buy a Samsung S25 Ultra with 512GB storage – after getting it setup the first thing I did was de-Samsung’ed the phone but uninstalling all the Samsung software they pre-install then installing all the Google software such as the Phone, Clock, Calendering, Contacts, GBoard etc. resulting in a debloated Samsung expereicen. I’m sure that some people may find these features useful but for me, unless you go all the way and provide an end to end cloud experience that can be used not only on the phone but desktops, laptops etc. then it is a glorified waste of time. Samsung would have an amazing device on their hands if they did their OneUI customisation and only installed Google apps.

    uBlock Origin Lite just keeps getting better and better – although I would love Google to get their act together to speed up the approval of extensions (or allow users to opt into updating filters outside of normal releases) but even with the delay things are pretty good. With that being said, as I’ve noted in the past, I thought the changes to the extension framework in the form of the declarative net request would result in a substandard experience but so far the experience has been pretty good. At first AdGuard had a slight lead over uBlock Origin Lite in that it did a better job blocking popups (clicking on a video to play it but another window opens up rather than playing the video) however uBlock Origin Lite has surpassed AdGuard particularly when it comes to website compatibility as well as not causing the browser to hang which I have found occurs on occasion with AdGuard.

    I’ve gotten in contact with my current internet service provider to see when the 30 day notice kicks in so then I can plan to move my internet over to One NZ – one provider for everything which makes life a whole lot easier with the added bonus that they support IPv6.

  • Sunday is going to be a busy day.

    Thought I may as well make a blog post before I head off to sleep – tonight has been really cold and when i mean cold I mean getting down to 0°C so I’ve been having my heater going all night. Sure, the electricity bill is going to be horrible but the alternative is getting cold then sick resulting in higher costs getting myself better again – the old story of an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. It is funny, during the summer I complain about the constant heat and then when winter comes it is dealing with the cold weather but to be honest I’d sooner deal with cold weather than hot weather because it is easier to keep warm with an extra layer of clothing along with the heater going vs. when it is hot and trying to cool down where even a fan with windows open doesn’t really do much.

    After much toing and froing I’ve decided that I’ll be moving to One NZ (formally known as Vodafone NZ) for my ISP as well as my mobile. I’ll probably head in tomorrow because it is a good excuse to get myself out of the house for the day – I start to feel like a recluse after a while even though I’m not a great socialiser I do like to get out of the house when I can. I was tempted to go with 2 Degrees but the coverage where I live isn’t as good as Spark or One NZ not to mention that 2 Degrees uses CGNAT which can cause problems when working from home so for the sake of my sanity I decided to go with the safer option with the added benefit that One NZ has IPv6 as well. Oh, and I still have my old SIM card from One NZ which means I can get things setup pretty quickly.

  • It appears I’m an expert in procrastination.

    I’m heading off to bed now but at the moment I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Google – the last time I went into the Google ecosystem I found that the home experience wasn’t all that good but I’ve also realised that the ‘having everything in the one spot’ sure sounds great until you realise that the native experience of controlling ones home applications is better than trying to control them from a single app (assuming that they all implement HomeKit/Matter). Where as HomeKit/Matter provide a common framework so that everything can be controlled the end result is a ‘lowest common denominator’ experience as multiple companies are trying to work together and standardise resulting in some devices falling outside of that – security cameras features aren’t standardised. Maybe I should just get comfortable with the fact that dealing with multiple appliances isn’t going to be as clean and straight forward as I want it and that it is something I’m going to have to accept.

    With that being said, much rather prefer the productivity of Google Workspace when compared to iCloud and Office 365. WIth iCloud it is rather limited – I understand it more of a consumer facing platform where complexity is avoided but at the same time it would be nice if Apple offered something like an iCloud Small Business which would allow more aliases for custom domains because the iCloud ‘hide my email’ with random words isn’t exactly up to scratch when you need to provide an email to someone. I’ve used Office 365 but found that the management of it wasn’t as easy when compared to Workspace – the impression I got was that Microsoft dumped all their software onto a server, called it ‘the cloud’ then went home for the day. Features that’ll work on the new Outlook app but not the Outlook.com web app (when you’re added to a mailbox which is visible in the Outlook app but not on the Outlook.com web app). Being told that aliases are supported only to find that they won’t turn up in Outlook.

    I’m still procrastinating about moving internet service providers but because I make a decision I did put some questions to a local tech focused forum to hear feedback regarding what their experience – the decision being done with careful consideration given that I work from home and want to make sure that I get the best possible experience since my employer uses AWS, Microsoft, Cloudflare along with many of the work resources residing in Australia. Hopefully after a few days I’ll get some clarification and then make a definitive decision once enough information is collated.

  • Other than the cold weather, I feel good.

    Had a good day at work with it being uneventful and a steady flow of customers – I decided since I was working late tonight that I would have Friday and Saturday rest from going for a walk and just enjoy being inside my warm home (thank goodness the place is a compact unit which makes heating it fairy cheap). Tonight I’m having for dinner some Chicken Kiev along with a side of steamed vegetables – as I write this blog post the chicke is in the oven cooking (the steamed vegetables only take around 5 minutes in the microwave).

    Last night I was fiddling around and installed the Safari Technology Preview 221 along with the newest beta build of uBlock Origin Lite via the TestFlight and what I found is that it is am admirable amount of work being done by the developers of uBlock Origin Lite but I can’t help but get the feeling that they’re going to be fighting an uphill battle when it comes to Apple. I say that because (as I outlined last night) there are still many reported issues in the bug database that have been left unaddressed that measure in months or years without anyone being assigned to it, updating it on terms of progress etc. All I can say, I admire that you’re fighting the good fight to bring uBlock Origin Lite to Safari but based on how Apple treats third party developers I’m not hopeful that things will improve in a timely manner.

    For those wondering regarding how I setup my macOS installation in regards to the UI, I have it in light mode however I enable ‘Reduced Transparency’ (which can be found under Accessibility -> Display) – I was never a fan of the transparency primarily due to it being distracting and at times difficult to read where as I find a flat solid interface elements less distracting. I’ve had a look at videos on YouTube regarding macOS Tahoe with reduced transparency and I think I’ll be able to handle it but on iOS I’m not particularly hopeful given that even with reduced transparency on iOS it still looks very glassy (link) which doesn’t give me much hope when compared to OneUI 7 (link) which is more the sort of interface I prefer. There is also Microsoft working on Windows 11 25H2 so let’s hope that they keep making progress on Windows 11 without thinking they have to do something like what Apple has done just to give the appearance that they’re ‘modern’, ‘cool’, ‘hip’ and ‘in with it’.

  • Back to work on Friday.

    I’m back to work on Friday and Saturday (they couldn’t find someone to cover for me on those days) however I’ll have a three day weekend (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday). Tonight I went for a walk because there was a break in the rain so I wanted to take advantage of a dry spell to get some exercise in along with getting out of the house to enjoy some fresh air. Tonight wasn’t too cold as I was able to go on the walk wearing a zip up hoodie and some tracksuit pants however on the last 1km of the walk it started drizzling then increased to raining resulting in getting a little wet but I’m happy I got out of the house because I feel a lot better afterwards.

    I’ve been watching more YouTube videos about the UI change Apple introduced and I don’t feel as though I’m the only person who has a problem with it. Yes, I didn’t like it with the glassy effet being introduced when Microsoft introduced Aero as part of Windows Vista nor did I like it with macOS when Apple introduced it (although I opted out of it by enabling reduced transparency in Accessibility in the Settings app). I’ve never been a fan of it because I much preferred the flat minimalism that was launched with WP7 (I had a WP7 from LG, WP8 and WM10 devices from Nokia) where the content was the focus, where communicating information was the focus of the interface rather than the interface being distracting or difficult to get information from because developers chose apperance over usability.

    Although there have been improvements noted in Safari (I’m testing ublock Origin lite with the Safari Technology Preview 221) the problem is that I can’t help but get the feeling that Apple is doing the bare minimum – just looking at the number of open bug reports within the Webkit bug database where the issue has been reported relating to content blocking and the next to non-existent activity from Apple engineers acknowledging the issue and indicating to those that report the issue that they’re looking into it and that it will get addressed. This is the reason why I keep using Chrome because of all it’s faults you can’t help but feel as though the platform is being pushed forward in a timely manner so even if Safari developers do fix more of the problem it always appears to be an after thought when compared to the next big shiny distraction such as AI or an impractical user interface whose usability has gone down hill.

    I also didn’t see iCloud being developed further – it’s almost as though it is a tick box where they reluctantly providing it because “it’s what is expected” rather than Apple being passionate about the iCloud platform by developing it further. For example the introduction of custom domains was great but here we are many years later and still limited to 3 aliases – no, using ‘hide my email address’ isn’t always a valid option given that providing someone a randomly generated email address that doesn’t look very professional isn’t exactly setting a good impression.

    I’ve done some number crunching and if I sign up for 2 Degrees for my internet for 12 months I end up paying the same amount I do today so I am tempted to make the switch but I’m looking at doing as a larger migration. Although I have sworn off Samsung Galaxy mobile phones I did go into the store and tried it out and the work that Samsung has done with One UI has really made big improvements over the last time I used it not to mention the fact that with carriers in New Zealand switching off their 3G network if I go with the Pixel which isn’t officially supported in New Zealand there is no assurance that it’ll keep working without a problem where as buying a phone from the carrier you’re at least got the assurance that the carrier have tested in with their network and any compaibility issues have been addressed.

    Daily writing prompt
    How do you want to retire?
    View all responses

    I’ll keep working for as long a I can but when I do retire I’ll want to keep myself physically, mentally and socially active – maybe join up to my local lawn bowls club, check out the clubs/groups I can join, maybe spend more time getting involved with politics by going along to more meetings etc. I’ll stay in the same place where I am today because the neighbourhood is good along with access to public transport being within a short walk so even if I get older and find I have mobility issues I’ll still be able to travel. I want to have enough savings so that I can travel and experience as much of the world as I can because I don’t want to be in a situation where I get to an age but have a list of regrets because I left it too late to do the things I wanted to do.

  • Too soon to make a judgement but I’ll give my five cents worth.

    After staying up for the Keynote then heading off to sleep so I could wake up in the afternoon to watch the Platforms State of the Union I am gradually working through the sessions from WWDC 2025. So far I am greatly underwhelmed but I am hoping that as I watch the session videos along with people reporting back on improvements not covered by the initial reviews of the developer preview that my impression moves from being underwhelmed to something more positive. I’m not expecting something revolutionary but rather I was hoping that they would get the basics correct – fixing up bugs with iCloud integration, deal with how Webkit/Safari trails behind Chrome when it comes to web standards implementation (according to Interop 2025 Chrome is sitting at 88 and Safar is sitting at 50 – the year is already half completed) and compatibility not to mention the implementation of MV3 regarding the standardised APIs lag behind with the net result being content blockers lag behind what one can find in regards to extensions for Chrome.

    I also look at the user interface change – sorry but I am not a fan of the ‘liquid glass’ just as I wasn’t a fan of the aero look that came with Windows Vista. I also did a quick second look not only at Android 16 but also Samsung’s spin on it aka OneUI 8.0 resulting in me leaning more towards the changes Google was pushing in Android 16 and OneUI 8.0 than what Apple announced with its ‘liquid glass’. The legibility of text and icons is difficult not to mention that the over the top glossy nature of the UI elements is rather off putting for me since I much rather prefer flatter simplified user interface where the design isn’t distracting me from the content itself but it appears that UI design ideas come in cycles just like Gen Z guys are sporting the broccoli haircut that was all the rage in the 1980s. I can’t help but get the feeling that the whole ‘liquid glass’ is a solution in search of a problem relating to the failure of Apple Intelligence so they want something that gives people the impression of a sizeable change through changing it visually. The cycle part of me also views it as an UI redesign to give tech YouTubers to talk endlessly about as they ignore how last year the same tech YouTubers hyped up AI to the heavens and beyond while never questioning the practicality of it all.

    With the UI changes in store for macOS it appears that Apple have done the impossible – I have a new found respect for Windows 11, something I didn’t think I would say but it appears that the UI design of Windows has become the ‘least worst option’ whereas macOS at least for me was always the saving grace even if I disagreed with the direction of Apple with their other platforms.

    I’m going to watch some more videos and read some more articles – maybe my cynicism will be mellowed out by reports of the issues I’ve raised being addressed but I’m not hopeful.

  • Looking forward to WWDC tomorrow.

    I’m probably going to head off to bed early so that I can get up at around 4:30am for the live streaming at 5:00am – I’ve got some nibbles set aside so I’ll be all refreshed and ready for it and hopefully also watch ‘The Platforms State of the Union’ which is in the afternoon. I’ll have my laptop with me and try to take notes as the video progresses although I may not post it straight away if I feel as though I may need to recheck some stuff but otherwise I’m hoping to have a pretty fresh reaction to the presentation.

    Daily writing prompt
    What notable things happened today?
    View all responses

    Mum rang up today and it looks like my next big trip oveseas is to South Africa and Egypt in 2028/2029 – it may sound like a long before it occurs but from what I understand in terms of the group organising they are making plans in terms of finding out who wants to go and all the intricacies of travel and accommodation.

    I went down to the local dutch bakery today for brunch then walked to the mall for a free coffee and muffin because of my birthday last week. While I was down there I started doing some planning just in case WWDC turns out to he a giant fizzer I’ve had a look at a replacement television because the one I’ve got is a bit old (it is almost 10 year old) although I’m sure mum will enjoy using it given that her current television is even older (I’m looking at either a Samsung, Sony or an LG – each have their benefits such as the Samsung TV works with the Samsung ecosystem, LG WebOS is quite responsive and Google TV on Sony is familiar). The other thing I looked at is a Samsung S25 Ultra from 2 Degrees – why 2 Degrees? if I am going going to make the switch I am looking at switching over for the internet as well so then I can have my mobile and broadband with one company on a single bill then just set up an automatic payment so that it is just a ‘set and forget’.

  • Starting a much-needed holiday.

    I finished my work tonight at 8pm and I’ve been enjoying the first couple hours of my much-needed break – looking forward to WWDC but in the meantime I am giving Microsoft Edge a try and I might even give Office 365 Business Standard a try to see how it compares to Apple iCloud and Google Workspace. The last time I used Office 365 was many years ago but from what I have read it has improved greatly along with better support for email aliases. The funny thing I have noticed with Edge is how it ‘feels’ more responsive and faster than Chrome not to mention how the spelling and grammar checking. The one thing I can observe is that I haven’t had any website compatibility issues with any of the websites I visit frequently. I wouldn’t be surprised if, after a medocre WWDC, that I end up looking at moving to Windows and Office 365 (or maybe Google Workspace).

    Now, it may sound like I am heaping praise on Microsoft, but would I move to Office 365 instead of using Google Workspace? no and the reason is the integration just isn’t there and that is something Microsoft must face up to when they don’t control the underlying platform resulting in the apps always feeling as though they’re as integrated as what the native experience provides. Sure, you can use a third-party browser, but it doesn’t integrate into Google Pay, some applications ignore settings regarding the default browser that you’ve chosen and instead just load Chrome. On iOS it is particularly bad because for a while (not too sure whether this has changed recently) apps couldn’t upload in the background such as setting up OneDrive to upload your photo collection to the cloud only to find that when it goes into the background it stops uploading with the argument by Apple is that it saves on power (how do they explain why their own Photo app get around that issue – it doesn’t consume power when uploading?).

  • One more day to go.

    Almost there, Sunday is my last day before I start my holiday off from work for a week – relaxing at home, following WWDC, doing some home cooking, maybe go for some travel such as up to Waikanae, maybe go into Wellington on a fine day for a walk along the waterfront and breath in the fresh air. I have to admit that in the past I’ve kind of wasted the time off from work by just hanging around home then looking back regretting that I could have or should have done something more productive so this time I’m not going to squander the opportunity – I may even take a few photos while I’m at it. I’ll probably have an early night on Monday so then I can get up early to watch the WWDC Keynote Live on my big screen television in the lounge – I’ll make sure I’ve got some nibbles which I’ll pick up on Monday.

    Daily writing prompt
    What are you passionate about?
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    Science and technology, the improvements that are constantly being made to improve every day life, the advancements that are planned. It is easy to get bogged down in negativity but one thing I’ve been keeping an eye on has been Intel but specifically the upcoming CPUs that are planned which include an interesting technology called Advanced Performance Extensions (APX) (link) which doubles the number of general purpose registers from 16 to 32 thus bringing it inline with many RISC based processes. What really stood out from the article was the following:

    “Application developers can take advantage of Intel APX by simple recompilation; source code changes are not expected to be needed. Workloads written in dynamic languages will automatically benefit as soon as the underlying runtime system has been enabled.”

    Most of the time when ever there is an extension or a change it requires developers to have to opt into using it resulting in many cases either the updates taking months if not years or they never come at all. If the promise that a recompile will do the job of taking advantage of APX then we may end up seeing a leap in performance for every day tasks and the gap between ARM and x86 close to the point that the choice between ARM and x86 will be personal preference rather than choosing one over another means sacrificing something in the process.

    Various articles online have reported that APX and AVX10 will be coming to Panther Cove which is scheduled to be released towards the end of this year or early next year. The one thing I keep reminding people is not to count Intel out – those of us who are old enough to remember the Intel P4 and the premature reports of Intel’s demise only for Intel to bounce back with the very CPUs that Apple used in their transition from PowerPC to Intel which left the PowerPC in the dust as so far as performance per watt. We could be seeing, after a rough start, Intel getting back into closing that gap not just with AMD but also the emerging competitors such as Qualcomm with it’s entry into the laptop, desktop and potentially server market sometime in the future.

  • Two more days to go then holidays.

    Only two more days to go and then the holidays start. I’m looking forward to the WWDC Keynote and The Platforms State of the Union – the second one I find a little but more investing because although the presentation is still focusing on topics at the macro level they go into more technical details where as the Keynote (at least my impression) is more geared towards enthusiasts and the tech media who want the headline grabbing announcements rather than the more technical under the hood specifics that are talked about at The Platforms State of the Union and the sessions.

    I’ve been hopping back and forth between Safari and Chrome – I like Chrome because uBlock Origin Lite does a really good job when it comes to blocking ads but on the other side it lacks the integration with iCloud and the other Apple devices I have. It’ll be interesting to see whether the next version of Safari/Webkit make the improvements seen in Safari Technology preview make their way into the mainstream Safari release.

    Daily writing prompt
    What is your favorite season of year? Why?
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    My favourite season is autumn – where as summer is hot and muggy, winter is cold and miserable, autumn is that sweet spot where the air is cool but not too cool so it is possible to go for a walk at night and not feel as though you’re battling the elements while at the same time it isn’t hot to the point that you’re sweating the whole walk. Although I have soup all year around there is something about autumn and pumpkin soup with some crunchy freshly toasted bread with garlic and chilli butter that goes so well together.