Week in Coffee; Mahlkonig/Marzocco colab, patent trolls and James Hoffman Interview
The Big Three
Mahlkönig and Marzocco launch the Sync System
Link
As of writing, I haven't had a chance to test this so am summarising what's available online and what I've read on Twitter/X.
Mahlkonig and Marzocco have announced an integration between their existing in-built analytics systems that allows specific grinders (E80W) to communicate with Marzocco's Linea, GB5 or KB90. However, I believe this won't work with the Linear Micro since that doesn't currently have the app connectivity required. That said, the Sync System is likely going to have little or no use to the home enthusiast.
The heart of the integration is between the shot timer and the grind consistency. That is to say that a usually short shot time would then cause the grinder to automatically grind finer - thus 'dialing in' the grinder to the machine.
In theory, this would mean that baristas don't need to dial in at the beginning of their shift. In practice, I think the people who dial in will continue to do so and the people who don't - only those people may use this feature.
My question then is, who is out there not dialing in, in the morning but also buying the latest commercial coffee equipment? Regardless, a cool little piece of tech.
Carlos Pednas, CEO of Meticulous, releases an open letter explaining why he's going to court against patent trolls.
Link
Meticulous is the company famous for making automatic lever espresso machines. We love their innovation, creativity, and originality when it comes to re-inventing some longstanding technology.
However, not everybody is as big a fan as I am...
Carlos' letter is, in fact, quite a moving account of his motivation, his personal drive, and his commitment to the vision at Meticulous.
At the same time, it's a fairly sobering story of the ways the patent system fails innovators and channels CEOs toward litigation and conflict.
Interview with James Hossman in Men's Journal
Link
In the interview, James Hoffmann, an icon in the world of coffee, shares his journey and the principles underpinning his success. With a following of 1.9 million and 246 million video views, Hoffmann's success sets him apart.
He started in coffee sales, inspired by the global diversity of coffee cultures. What makes him stand out is his commitment to building trust with his audience. His product reviews, funded through Patreon, have earned him a dedicated following particularly with viewers seeking authenticity.
He emphasizes the significance of comparative tasting and the importance of investing in high-quality beans and grinders for an enhanced coffee experience. Looking ahead, Hoffmann is enthusiastic about exploring coffee science, collaborating with institutions, and producing engaging and educational content. His authenticity and unwavering trustworthiness continue to fuel his success and position him as a leading voice in the world of coffee.
Everything else
*Can someone explain what the difference is in French culture between a pod and a capsule?