Craig Hockenberry - Principal, The Iconfactory
Summary
Craig Hockenberry, principal at Icon Factory, discusses his tech journey from early teletype programming to developing the influential Twitterific app. He reflects on the app’s legacy, including coining the term "tweet," and shares how the Apple Watch aided his recent health recovery. The episode concludes with his current work on the Tapestry app and his enduring admiration for the iPhone.
Topics discussed
Introduction to First Last Everything and guest Craig
Craig's first tech: Teletype and early programming
Working at Computerland and early career
Creating Icon Dropper and joining Icon Factory
Icon Factory's freeware model and business evolution
Developing Twitterific for the original iPhone
Accessibility features and community impact
Apple Watch health metrics saving Craig's life
Tapestry app and the open web feed reader
The '7' habit tracker app design philosophy
History of the Moog synthesizer
The iPhone as essential tech and iOS development
Impact of AI and Twitter changes on Icon Factory
Future of AI, open web, and closing thoughts
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