Subvocal raised $1.3M. A developer recreated it with AirPods in 9 minutes
Subvox is a macOS prototype built in nine minutes that uses AirPods Pro head-motion data. It recreates a concept from Subvocal, which raised $1.3 million. (github.com)
Mac at Any Scale
namespace.so265 points156 comments
Namespace runs large-scale macOS infrastructure for customers building and testing iOS apps. Macs are essential because the iOS Simulator runs only on macOS, and Apple requires a recent version of Xcode for App Store releases. The company turned to MacBooks for its data center after finding Mac Minis difficult to procure: an order placed in January arrived in July, while Apple’s newest processors reached different models at different times. Its aim is to launch macOS instances in seconds and make new Xcode versions available within hours of their release.
The custom racks connect each laptop to an IP-based remote-management device, an external 10-gigabit Ethernet adapter, and power, making careful wiring and heat control important. Unexpected reliability problems have included rigid HDMI cables that work loose, FileVault prompts that become inaccessible after a short timeout, and USB network adapters that sometimes require recreating their macOS network service. The feared MagSafe disconnects have been uncommon. The team has developed workarounds, including a command that reboots a Mac while keeping its encrypted disk unlocked. Newer Mac Minis and Studios are expected to simplify operations with built-in 10-gigabit networking, though the account presents laptops as a practical response to supply constraints rather than an ideal permanent hardware choice.
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