Hardware Podcasts

NeXT, Objective-C, and contrasting histories

Oxide and Friends · 6 Jul 2021 · 1h 11m · Episode 8

What this episode covers

Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal of Oxide Computer Company discuss the history of NeXT and Sun Microsystems, contrasting Steve Jobs' proprietary, hardware-focused approach with Sun's open, interoperable strategy. They analyze the NeXTcube's industrial design, its failure to compete technically, and the company's eventual pivot to software after being acquired by Apple. The conversation also explores the technical legacy of Objective-C, its performance limitations, and its role in shaping modern Apple development practices.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
NeXT, Sun Microsystems, Apple
Products
NeXTcube, SPARCstation 1, QuarkXPress
Also
Objective-C, Rick Altherr

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Thoroughly Considered · 1h 01m

    66: Apple Hardware Computers

    Myke Curley, Tom Gerhardt, and Dan Provost of Studio Neat discuss predictions for Apple's transition to Apple Silicon and its impact on industrial design, specifically debating whether the MacBook Air and Pro will see significant form factor changes. The hosts argue extensively about the future convergence of macOS and iPadOS, with Tom Gerhardt predicting a unified device that splits into a tablet and keyboard, while Dan Provost and Myke Curley remain skeptical about merging the distinct user interface paradigms. They also speculate on the upcoming mixed reality headset, with Curley viewing it as a developer kit for future AR glasses and Gerhardt arguing Apple will keep such products secret until they are ready for mass market release.

    Industrial & consumer product designConnected products & IoT
    8 chapters

  • Thoroughly Considered · 54m

    101: The Last Detail with Stephen Hackett

    Stephen Hackett, founder of 512pixels.net and co-founder of Relay FM, discusses the design and legacy of the iMac G4 with hosts Dan Provost and Tom Gerhardt. They analyze how the product's unique 'sunflower' form factor was a compromise driven by 2002 technology constraints, specifically the need for a tray-loading optical drive and the placement of the G4 processor. The conversation explores the engineering marvel of the stainless steel neck hinge, the shift from whimsical, personified hardware to neutral, screen-centric devices, and Dieter Rams' principle of honest design as exemplified by the iMac G4's exposed mechanics.

    Industrial & consumer product designMechanical engineering
    7 chapters

  • Thoroughly Considered · 1h 20m

    123: The Last Detail with John Siracusa

    John Siracusa, proprietor of Hypercritical.co and co-host of the Accidental Tech Podcast, discusses the 2019 Mac Pro, which he calls the 'cheese grater.' He details its industrial design, including the iconic perforated aluminum front panel, the cable-free internal architecture using MPX modules, and the heavy, wheel-equipped chassis. Siracusa praises the machine's 'thorough down to the last detail' philosophy, comparing its craftsmanship to Art Deco architecture and high-end tools, while noting the difficult case removal mechanism as its primary design flaw.

    Industrial & consumer product designMechanical engineering
    10 chapters

  • Core77 Podcast · 1h 22m

    Afterschool Podcast, Episode 8 - Neven Mrgan (10/7)

    Neven Mrgan, a designer at Panic, discusses the design philosophy behind iOS 7, arguing that Apple's shift to flat design was an overcorrection from skeuomorphism that ignored the functional needs of software interfaces. He contrasts industrial design principles, where thin elements can fade into the background, with software requirements where clarity and hierarchy are paramount for usability. Mrgan also details the development of his text-based game Blackbar, explaining how he used minimalist constraints to create a dystopian narrative, and shares insights on the iterative challenges of game design at his small company.

    Industrial & consumer product designPCB design & layout
    9 chapters

  • Thoroughly Considered · 1h 02m

    126: Ten Years

    Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat reflect on the podcast's 10th anniversary, discussing the evolution from product-focused content to business sustainability. They detail the launch of the Keen box cutter in rose gold and the addition of a clip to the Mark One pen, explaining the mechanical constraints of aluminum versus steel. The hosts also analyze Apple's rumored lanyard holes and camera control button, contrasting Studio Neat's design philosophy with Apple's approach to user feedback and product complexity.

    Industrial & consumer product designMarketing & brand
    5 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Oxide and Friends. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.