Anatomy of Apple’s Personal Knowledge Graph

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Since macOS 13, every Mac includes two daemons—knowledgeconstructiond and intelligenceplatformd—that build a personal knowledge graph by analyzing device data such as Contacts, Calendar, Photos, Messages, Mail, location, and device usage signals. This graph stores highly structured information about the user, their relationships, activities, locations, and communications in a local SQLite database, enabling personalized AI features and LLM queries, though documentation is minimal. The open-source iKnow dashboard offers users the ability to inspect this database, while analysis also highlights privacy concerns about centralized, detailed personal data collection on device.

https://8rank.ai/game/apple-intelligence-personal-knowledge-graph

New Ways to Read Ebooks

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David Friedman explores modern ways to manage and read ebooks, highlighting the use of self-hosted software like BookOrbit, which offers a user-friendly, Plex-like experience for organizing personal ebook collections without DRM constraints. He also discusses KOReader, an open-source alternative interface for e-ink readers that supports plugins to customize and enhance the reading experience, including syncing with BookOrbit and adding features missing from native apps. These tools provide tech-savvy readers new options for preserving, accessing, and enjoying their digital libraries across devices.

https://ironicsans.ghost.io/plex-but-make-it-books/

I Dumped Apple’s Fucking Word List

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Apple’s macOS includes a private keyboard database, ~/Library/Keyboard/VulgarWordUsage.db, which tracks users’ profanity per app and recipient to refine autocorrect’s handling of swear words. This system uses a hidden word list flagged by tiers—vulgar, offensive, and sensitive—and categorized by topics such as sex, drugs, religion, and politics, drawn from Apple’s private Lexicon framework dictionaries; notably, “Trump” is uniquely flagged in the sensitive political category. While the database is often empty or absent due to folder issues, words with certain flags influence whether autocorrect replaces or suggests them, but flagged words are never outright censored from typing.

https://helgesver.re/articles/macos-vulgar-word-flags

ArchiveBox

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ArchiveBox is an open-source, self-hosted web archiving tool that preserves websites, bookmarks, RSS feeds, social media posts, and other digital content as durable files like HTML, PDF, PNG, and more on infrastructure you control. It offers powerful features such as fast saving, tagging, full-text search, automated media extraction, and connectivity via API and browser extensions, making it suitable for personal use, legal documentation, journalism, and research. ArchiveBox supports multiple platforms including macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux, with Docker Compose recommended for installation.

https://archivebox.io/

AppleUnsold

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AppleUnsold is an online store specializing in selling Apple products and accessories that are typically unavailable to consumers, such as display models, store-exclusive items, and rare accessories. Their catalog includes demo chargers, retail displays, unique cables, memorabilia, and Apple Watch demo devices, offering Apple enthusiasts access to items that Apple Inc. does not normally sell directly. The site emphasizes its distinction as an independent retailer not affiliated with Apple Inc. and provides notifications for restocks and support options.

https://appleunsold.com/

Everyone Has Email. Almost Nobody Uses It Right

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Email remains a fundamental communication tool distinguished by its universal availability, long-term reliability, and role as the primary channel for official and asynchronous correspondence. Despite widespread email overload, effective inbox management—through unsubscribing from unwanted messages, setting up filters, using search efficiently, and adopting a consistent organizational system—can restore email’s usefulness and reduce digital anxiety. Ultimately, email’s enduring open standards and direct access to meaningful contacts ensure it will remain a vital internet infrastructure well into the future.

https://kaplich.me/essays/email

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