Why are modern laptop cameras so bad? Why has there been so little improvement in 10 years? It seems like the camera is an area which, prior to COVID-19, was completely neglected by laptop manufacturers. When comparing the camera of my mid-2017 MacBook Pro to the camera of my mid-2012 MacBook Pro, the difference is negligible. According to Apple’s tech specs, both devices feature a 720p FaceTime HD camera (not sure if you can call 720p HD anymore), and yes the newer camera is slightly better in low-light conditions, but that’s it.
Read MoreWhen a new keyboard is the main attraction in a new laptop
As I’m now considering updating my 3 year old mid-2017 13” MacBook Pro to the latest edition, and having looked at all the tech specs, it seems clear that by far the most important feature would indeed be the new keyboard. And that is, quite frankly, a weird situation to have in the year 2020.
Read MoreHow much sauna is too much sauna?
A few days ago, as I was writing about my virtual sauna buddy, I started wondering if I’m actually going to the sauna too often. How much sauna is too much sauna, in terms of benefits vs. harm? Or is the sauna one of those things you can’t overdose on?
Read MoreThe future of self-tracking is continous auto-tracking of everything
Self-tracking isn’t a new thing in itself, as people have been keeping diaries and documenting their thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and various measurements for centuries. Today, self-tracking is of course on a completely different level thanks to wearables and smart software, but it’s safe to say that even this is just the beginning.
Read MoreA modern translation makes all the difference
When approaching texts by the old philosophers, one is often confronted with language that is more or less incomprehensible. Even if you would read a translation into your native language, the names and references won’t make much sense to you, unless you spend a lot of time researching and understanding what things actually meant or symbolised in Roman times.
Read MoreHaving a Google Assistant in your sauna is not at all ridiculous
Having now been able to access Google Assistant from my sauna for a couple of months, I can vouch that it’s absolutely great! There’s the entertainment aspect of it, mainly thanks to music and podcasts, but you can also ask Google about whatever happens to come in your mind. You can also send notes to yourself and set reminders, or even dictate parts of your next blog post. And if you want your sauna session to be a meditative and mindful experience, you can always play a guided meditation, or just ignore the damn thing and sweat in silence.
Read MoreEnvy, our darkest and most secret deadly sin
Having recently read several books on happiness, it seems clear that avoiding negative emotions and favoring positive emotions is a good strategy for a happier life. Of all the negative emotions, envy is often described as the worst – a disease of the soul.
Read MoreOn the benefits and difficulties of keeping a food journal
Every now and then I decide to write down exactly what I eat and drink in order to update my understanding of how my daily calorie intake looks like on the macronutrient and micronutrient level. Each time I’ve done it, I’ve found something that has surprised me.
Read MoreA rocket launch is like a beacon of hope
Originally I didn’t plan on watching the launch of the SpaceX NASA Dragon-2 rocket, but then a colleague shared a live feed of the launch process and I couldn’t resist tuning in at T minus 75 minutes. Once I saw the futuristic images from inside the cabin and those beautiful panoramic shots of the historic Kennedy Space Center, I was hooked. My eyes were glued on the TV screen.
Read MoreThe NYSE trading floor is a great marketing gimmick
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) announced a few days ago that its trading floor is reopening, following its temporary closure two months ago in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the stock markets rallied in response to this news, my initial reaction was: What? There’s actually still a physical trading floor on NYSE!
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