Evernote and Getting Too Big for Your Britches

This week we got the news that Evernote has laid off most of its US and Chile-based employees. The Italy-based parent company, Bending Spoons, is folding whatever it got from buying Evernote into its Italian operations.

What an ignominious end.

For many people, Evernote was that crossing point where they discovered the cloud could be a source of truth for their data. Evernote went off the rails when they tried to expand their product offerings and took the eye off the ball on what they were really good at. They went from a lightweight, nimble, and reliable cloud notes service to something big, bloated, and broken. (I also still think their data model that locked users in—I used to call it a Roach Motel—also played a role.) Even though I never particularly liked or used the service, I am a little sad about Evernote’s demise.

One story I see repeatedly in tech is a company that has a good idea and gets big in its space but then fumbles when it tries to leverage that success to something much bigger in an entirely different (and usually much larger) space. I get the idea of wanting exponential growth, but would the green elephant still be alive today if Evernote had just focused on what they were good at and ignored the idea of exponential growth?

Apple Watch and Early Detection of Parkinson’s Disease

Scientists have been studying motion tracking as a method for early detection of Parkinson’s Disease, which initially shows up with symptoms of rigidity and tremors. Researchers in the UK are looking to use smartwatches and their motion tracking to help prove an earlier Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Early results are positive, with AI models providing accurate early diagnosis. Further studies are underway, but it makes sense that a sensitive motion-tracking device on your wrist all day would notice things you may not.

Do you remember when the big story about the Apple Watch was that it was a fashion accessory? As the years go by, it becomes so obvious that the Apple Watch is primarily a robust health and fitness device in addition to telling you the time. I’m already starting a campaign to get one on my mother-in-law’s wrist. (Hat tip to Amber Neely at Apple Insider for turning me onto this research.)

iRecord Player

Jony Ive has made a record player with the Scottish audio brand, Linn. It has rounded corners and a lot of more metal. They’re only making 250 of them, and it will only set you back $60,000.00.

ex apple chief design officer jony ive celebrates 50 years of linn with special edition turntable

I actually like seeing Jony Ive doing these bespoke projects. I feel like it is the kind of work he wants to be doing at this point in his life. I wonder if anyone will use these record players as record players or if they will become investment/museum pieces. I’d like to see Jony take on everyday products and make them more useful/beautiful like Braun products are.

Regardless, we now have the answer to the question, “What if someone made a record player with zero compromises?”

Mac Power Users 700: Our Workflows

To celebrate 700 episodes of Mac Power Users (MPU), Stephen and I talk through how we work, including how MPU gets made each week, how we approach our blogs, other podcasts, videos, and more.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

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  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code MPU at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.