I only had a four-day workweek, thanks to some badly-needed poolside time with friends that wrapped up Monday. FYI: If you wear a Nats cap in the Dominican Republic, you will probably get “Juan Soto!” shout-outs. At least for now…

7/19/2022: Boom Supersonic reveals a new design for its ultrafast passenger jet—with more engines, Fast Company

I was hoping this redesign of Boom’s Mach 1.7 airliner would include details about its engines. But Boom Supersonic has yet to announce a design and manufacturer, which is a very large TK in any new-airplane story and has been met with understandable skepticism.

7/19/2022: Google to Offer Many EU App Developers a Tiny Break on In-App Payment Fees, PCMag

I can’t imagine that the European Union’s regulators will be amused, much less content, with the meager concession Google is offering here.

7/21/2022: Facebook Finally Offers Chronological, Suggestion-Free News Feed, PCMag

Facebook PR gave me an advance on this upcoming interface rearrangement, and I elected to focus on the social network finally giving people a chronological-order, suggestion-free news feed. Other outlets focused on the suggestion-driven Home view that will now greet people, as seen in this Washington Post headline: “Facebook forsakes friends and family to compete with TikTok.”

7/22/2022: OANN Loses Last Lifeline as Verizon Ends Carriage Deal, PCMag

The insult to journalism that is One America News Network lost its last major carriage deal. One early upside: Effective July 31, my mom will no longer be underwriting these frauds with her Fios TV subscription.

7/22/2022: Facebook interface redesign, Al Jazeera

The Arabic-language news network had me to discuss Facebook’s UI rework, and most of the questions covered how much Facebook might be scared of TikTok.

7/22/2022: S02 E30 – SmartTechCheck Podcast, Mark Vena

My contribution to this discussion–also available in video–was talking about Boom’s supersonic ambitions.