I've been to three XOXO's, and I loved each of them in its own way.
I'm very excited that they are bringing it back one last time this year. I hope I can financially afford it, as well as make the time for it. I made and renewed meaningful people connections at all of them. Also, the Field Notes have been spectacular.
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On the whole, WWDC 2015 brought less news and less change than its two immediate predecessors. Apple is still on top of the world, but this year, it's about refining and polishing, not wide-reaching changes. - WWDC 2015 Debrief — 512 PixelsI didn't get to attend as much WWDC as I would have liked, as I flew across the country for some meetings and an NBA Finals game in Cleveland part way into the week. I would overall say that the atmosphere seemed a little more subdued in years past, yet didn't lack the enthusiasm that comes with these Apple events either. It's a recognition that things are evolving, they are the biggest company in the world, and there's a need to go back and dot some i's, albeit without admitting that they weren't dotted in the first place.
I’m looking forward to the iPad enhancements, and to the watchOS (rhymes with nachos) with real apps etc. I’m worried about the strain this puts on developers with limited resources at the same time.
Just got an email this morning that I managed to get myself on the list for one of the first 1000 Sugru + Magnets kits. I’ve been very enamored with Sugru since the 99u Conference this year, where the talk by the founder of the company was one of the conference high points. (You should really watch that talk, it’s great.)
Seems like the possibilities for combining Sugru with magnets are endless.
I’m pretty excited to be going to XOXO again this year, last year’s conference really gave me a shot of creative energy. Yesterday, they released the full attendee list, and I made a twitter list of all attendees, like the one that I made last year. I found that it was a great way to experience more of the thoughts and conversation as the conference went on. Seems like other people found it handy too. If you are on the list, and your Twitter name is not right, or you do not want to be included, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.