Popular Posts

Some articles spark a bigger conversation than others. They might go viral, inspire a debate, or find a dedicated audience around the world. This is a curated collection of the stories and ideas that have resonated the most.

Spatial Computing

My thoughts on Apple's Vision Pro and what it's like to work in augmented reality. This post sparked a huge debate on Hacker News about whether this is the future of computing, or just a very complicated way to replace your monitors.

Vision Pro

Vision Pro

Exploring Spatial Computing

Currently, I am overlooking a lake at Mount Hood while writing this. I hear birds in the distance and see the lake calm, with subtle waves and some mist in the distance. Yet, it is fake, as I am sitting on our top floor, a barely furnished room full of items belonging to a family house with two young kids. I am using Apple's Vision Pro to explore what Spatial Computing can be. I am in awe; let me explain in this blog post.

Talking with Strangers

A simple experiment in talking to strangers led to some amazing conversations. This story also went viral online, with people passionately debating whether it's a great way to connect or just plain weird.

Hello, stranger

Hello, stranger

Talking to random people

While enjoying my fresh wok lunch in Amsterdam, I noticed something odd: other folks coming in for something to eat ignored the person standing at the counter, preferring to order through a digital kiosk. The crazy thing about this? They are just centimetres apart!

The Commuter Bike

The story of my ultimate, all-weather commuter bike. This series of posts has inspired people from all over the world, from New Zealand to the high Alps, which is funny because it was built for the flat streets of Amsterdam.

Commuter bike checkup

Commuter bike checkup

How is my commuter bike doing after 21.000KM?

This week my trustworthy commuter bike started making strange squeaking noises when braking. It has been just over three years since I started cycling on it. People frequently ask me how the bike is performing and how the Gates Carbon CDX belt drive is doing? Time to have a look at the bike after 21.000KM!

One year on the ultimate commuter bike

One year on the ultimate commuter bike

6000KM in 12 months with Gates CDN/CDX and Shimano Alfine

A year ago I tried to create the ultimate commuter bike, a modified Sensa Cintura with the Gates CDN/CDX carbon belt drive. I received lots of messages from cyclists and commuters from all over the world. From the Swiss alps, France, Italy, Germany, United States and even "down under", Australia! You all wanted to know: how does the upgraded bike hold up?

Creating the ultimate commuter bike

Creating the ultimate commuter bike

Riding at 35KM/h with Nexus Alfine 8 and Gates Carbon Drive

This winter I use a Sensa Cintura bike with a Gates Carbon belt drive as my daily commuter. It's a bike designed to be nice to ride thanks to its sporty lightweight frame. It's also meant to be low on maintenance thanks to the belt drive and Nexus Afline 8 integrated gear hub. After 1800KM in just eight weeks, it was time for some upgrades.

Commuting by bike

Commuting by bike

One week (240KM) on the VanMoof Electrified S

For a few years now, I commute to work using a bicycle. I have lost more than 15KG since I stopped using my scooter. This week I tested a VanMoof Electrified S, an electric bike with an industrial, minimal design. Is it any good? How does it compare to a normal bike? Will an electric bike make you lazy? Read along to find out!

Building a Tablet OS

For a long time, I tried to build my very own tablet operating system from the ground up. It was a huge challenge, and in the end, I abandoned the project. These posts are the story of that journey and the important lessons I learned from trying something ambitious.

Abandoning my own tablet OS

Abandoning my own tablet OS

Why I moved back to iPad and the Mac

The past year I have been experimenting with creating my own tablet operating system using Debian GNU/Linux and the i3 window manager on a Microsoft Surface Go 2 with LTE. After months of intense use I have now decided to abandon the experiment to move back to iPad Pro and the Mac. Read along to find out why.

Refining my tablet OS experience

Refining my tablet OS experience

Using Surface Go 2 with 4G/LTE, Debian GNU/Linux and i3wm

Earlier this year I tried to create my own tablet operating system by installing Debian GNU/Linux on a Microsoft Surface Go tablet. I learned a great deal about what I like about tablets. But I still preferred my iPad Pro, mainly because of its polished user experience. This time I set out to refine my tablet software to replace my iPad.

Talking tablets: what makes a great tablet?

Talking tablets: what makes a great tablet?

Working with Microsoft Surface Pro X

Earlier this year Microsoft released their brand new Surface Pro X tablet computer, in many ways this is a forward thinking device. As I like working with tablets I wondered what exactly makes a great tablet? Is Surface Pro X any good? Read along to find out.

Making my own tablet OS

Making my own tablet OS

Installing and modifying Debian GNU/Linux on Surface Go

For some years now I use a tablet as main computer, I like its versatility. But, most tablets come with a locked down operating system, like iPadOS, Windows 10S or Android. As I like things my own (weird) way, I wondered if I could escape these "software jails" by installing a free operating system on a tablet. It's possible, read along to find out how I escaped!

Crazy Experiments

Sometimes, the best way to learn is by trying something a little crazy. That could mean programming on the tiny screen of an Apple Watch, or designing my own mechanical watch and having it built in Switzerland. These kinds of ambitious projects always spark interesting discussions about what's possible and what's practical.

Designing my own watch

Designing my own watch

Timeless timepiece, both functional and comfortable

Last month a very special package arrived from Switzerland, containing my custom made wrist watch. I decided to sell all my big brand watches and have them replaced by something unique, tailored to my personal preferences. This is the story of my watch.

Programming on Apple Watch

Programming on Apple Watch

Serious about crazy experiments

Over the past years I have been no stranger to crazy experiments, but this time I really wanted to push it into the extreme: programming on an Apple Watch. Would it be possible to actually write code on such a tiny device? Why even bother? This post is about the case for crazy experiments, and why you should try too!

Snake '97 in the Real World

My game Snake '97 has had a wild journey, but one of the most amazing moments was when a Belgian artist created a series of real-life paintings based on it. This post is about visiting her gallery exhibition in Antwerp and seeing the game's cult status firsthand.

Snake '97 High Scores

Snake '97 High Scores

Game inspired art by Zena Van den Block

Last week I received a very kind invitation from a Belgian artist, to attend her art exhibition in Antwerp. The work on display involved the Snake '97 game that I have created. Uttering to find the right words and thrilled with excitement, I happily accepted the invitation!

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