★ Touch and Glow

The warmth of Los Angeles is undeniable, though it can be difficult to adjust to. The city seems immune to the notion of poor weather, a concept foreign to its inhabitants. Residents are known for their friendliness and good looks, with a culinary scene that offers a diverse array of flavors. However, navigating the city is a challenge, as travel between locations typically involves driving and traversing congested freeways.

The sprawling nature of Los Angeles is a defining characteristic, setting it apart from other urban areas like Manhattan. While the allure of visiting Los Angeles remains, long-term residency is not a favorable prospect.

In contrast, the San Francisco Bay Area offers a more favorable climate, although it may not be as breathtaking as in other regions. The city itself is characterized by its walkability, providing an enjoyable urban experience. Growing up in a Catholic family has instilled in the author a belief in the value of experiencing some level of hardship, such as bad weather or challenging work, as a means of personal growth.

Despite recognizing the absurdity of this belief, the author holds onto it. Los Angeles stands out as an unusual location for Apple to host a significant media event. Traditionally, Apple has conducted two major annual events at Apple Park in Cupertino, including WWDC in June and the iPhone event in September. These gatherings have often been held at the Steve Jobs Theater, an architectural masterpiece that, while impressive, lacks the authenticity of a more authentic setting.

In its earlier years, Apple experimented with hosting events in various locations, such as the Yerba Buena Theater and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. These venues, while smaller in scale, provided a distinct ambiance and an opportunity for Apple to showcase their products in a more engaging and unique setting. The hands-on area at these events was often confined and dimly lit, detracting from the overall experience.

In October 2013, Apple addressed this issue by opening a wall in the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, allowing natural light and fresh air to enter the hands-on area. This modification significantly improved the atmosphere, making the space more inviting and enjoyable for attendees. The author recalls a conversation with Katie Cotton, an Apple representative, who expressed appreciation for the improved space and acknowledged the transformative impact of the change.

Despite the repetitive nature of Apple's events, the recent "Pro and Tell" event stood out as a refreshing departure from the norm. Held in a unique building, the event embraced a distinct color scheme and venue, creating a memorable experience for attendees. The author particularly appreciated the subject matter—Apple's Mac lineup—and the overall format of the event.

These improvements signal a positive shift in Apple's approach to media presentations, moving away from the monotonous formula and towards a more engaging and distinctive experience.