Nick LockwoodJul 31, 2023
With Google's latest move to lock down the web (Web Environment Integrity) I'm reminded once again of all the folks who've earnestly tried to assure me over the years that the greatest threat to the open web is actually Apple not allowing 3rd party browser engines on iOS.
Show threadNick LockwoodJul 31, 2023

I genuinely believe that the fact that Webkit is the only engine Apple will allow on iOS is the only thing preventing a complete Chromium monoculture on the web right now.

User choice isn't worth shit if web devs don't support any browser except Chrome, and if 95% of people are using it then that's all they will support.

Show threadNick Lockwood

And to be clear, I'm not under any illusion that Apple's reasons for doing this are in any way noble. They're doing it because they don't want to be under Google's bootheel, and unlike most of us they are powerful enough to avoid that fate.

Is it better to be under Apple's boot than Google's? Maybe not. But I still think two boots are better than one.

Jul 31, 2023 at 10:28amIceCubesApp
Show threadFrank ReiffJul 31, 2023

@nicklockwood Yes, two boots are better.

Still, it’s a bit ironic that one is worn by the “Think different” company and the other by “Don’t be evil”.

Show threadGraham Lee, D.PhilJul 31, 2023
@nicklockwood I was momentarily confused because while I know all the FAANG companies are famed for bizarre employee perks, I was confident I didn't see "Google's brothel" when I visited Mountain View.
Show threadI Can't Believe It's Not Zero!Jul 31, 2023
@leeg @nicklockwood with all the sex pest stories about execs there … 😬
Show threadSaagar JhaAug 1, 2023
@steve @leeg @nicklockwood Don’t worry all the pests have been given sizable severance payments to leave the company
Show threadI Can't Believe It's Not Zero!Aug 1, 2023
@saagar @leeg @nicklockwood Sergei’s still there in some capacity, no?
Show threadSaagar JhaAug 1, 2023
@steve @leeg @nicklockwood I mean they gave him a bunch of money and a bunch of things to do that are more interesting than harassing random engineers I think. But yes I guess he is technically still around
Show threadBoredomFestivalJul 31, 2023
@leeg @nicklockwood we do not comment on unannounced products
Show threadSaagar JhaJul 31, 2023
@leeg @nicklockwood I knew I wasn’t the only one who misread that
Show threaddimsumthinkingJul 31, 2023
@nicklockwood this was one of Jobs lasting legacy at Apple - reduce dependency on others. Over the years you see this with no third party hardware, no flash on the phone, no Java on the phone, their own browser and engine, their own silicon…. I think it was a smart move for them