Key Takeaways
1. Hobbyist coders often focus on what they can create rather than why they create it.
2. Sam Henri Gold discovered a hidden API in macOS that detects the angle of a MacBook lid.
3. He developed an application that displays the lid angle and plays a sound when the lid is moved.
4. His tweet about the project went viral, attracting suggestions for new features from the community.
5. While the application may not serve a practical purpose, it highlights the excitement of exploring hidden technology.
Hobbyist coders often don’t think about the big question of “why” – they just do things because they can. One such engineer and tinkerer, known as Sam Henri Gold on Twitter/X, admits he has “too much free time.” He stumbled upon a secret API in macOS that can detect the angle of the lid on a MacBook.
Sam’s Discovery
It’s not exactly clear how Sam was able to use this API, but he managed to create a complete application that not only shows the lid angle but also plays a sound when the lid is moved. The sound he picked for this project is actually quite fitting – it mimics the creaking of a wooden door opening or closing.
Going Viral
The tweet about his creation has gained a lot of attention, with many people suggesting features, like musical instruments or a Pac-Man controller. In response, Sam chose to add a theremin simulator, which sounds just as one would expect. Does it have any real usefulness? Not really, but the thrill of finding hidden APIs is definitely exciting, especially for those who enjoy exploring beyond the surface.
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