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Most recently published stories on Vocal.
Apple Just Fired the Designer Who Made iOS 26 Unreadable. Here’s What Truly Happened.
If you’ve been scrolling through tech forums or social media lately, you might have seen headlines claiming that Apple fired the designer behind iOS 26 because the new interface is “unreadable.” The truth is a lot less dramatic — but still fascinating. The designer in question is Alan Dye, a longtime leader in Apple’s interface design team. Dye has been responsible for some of the most recognizable elements of Apple software over the past decade, shaping the way iPhones, iPads, and Macs look and feel. Contrary to the viral rumors, Dye was not fired. He chose to leave Apple and is now taking on a high-profile role at Meta, where he’ll lead design projects. This move is a major shift in the tech world, considering Dye’s influence over Apple’s visual design for years.
By Shahid Zaman25 days ago in Journal
Beginner's Luck: Liminal 4
Fluke's eyes widened at the new stat: Resonance: 1.9 He had no idea what it could mean but he felt excited to try it out. Sitting up on the bed, he began to try and focus his energy like he had done in his dreams. Letting out a long slow breath, he focused on the sensation in his right index finger. His mind instantly began to feel the slight buzzing energy that was normal for any part of his body. Slowly, he felt that energetic buzz building up and concentrate down in the pad of his finger. The energy began to go beyond just a vibration, now turning to heat, which made Fluke almost panic. Concentrating again, he began to spread his focus to the rest of his hand, the heat now expanding with the electrical energy. Letting the energy swirl in the palm of his hand, Fluke opened his eyes to see if he could visualize what was happening. But sadly, there was nothing to visualize at first. An icon appeared in his masks vision; it was just a simple eyeball symbol. Trying not to break his concentration, he focused for a moment on the symbol and suddenly it was as if he could see so much more of the world.
By Everett Scaife25 days ago in Fiction
Lover's Bridge. Content Warning.
In the small town of Matlock in the 1940s, a bridge was constructed to connect the shopping and office buildings to the suburbs. It made travel a lot easier for a lot of people, even a sidewalk for those who do not drive. Not long after the construction of the Locke bridge, it had its first death as well. A bride-to-be named Jo Walker, had been left at the altar. Overcome by sadness she committed suicide by hanging herself over the side of the bridge.
By 3rrornightshift25 days ago in Horror
Beginner's Luck: Liminal 3
"What do you mean I will be able to guide and track my resonance?" Fluke now was reaching to his toes, pulling the energy up to his core. His resonance seemed to grow with use, what was at first like yarn being pulled inside his arms and legs, now felt like a light blanket.
By Everett Scaife25 days ago in Fiction
Beginner's Luck: Liminal 2
Fluke was stunned with confusion, and his face must have made that apparent. "It's rude kid. Unless you get permission. Do you let anyone come up and pat your head?" The rabbit raised a paw and smacked the boy between the eyes to assert his point. The rabbit retreated a step, cocked his head and then raised an eyebrow at the boy. Stunned into silence Fluke didn't know how to respond, just letting his jaw drop.
By Everett Scaife25 days ago in Fiction
It’s a fact awards. Top Story - March 2026.
Do you ever feel that non-fiction writers are the poor relations of the Vocal community. I do! Those nice people at Vocal Media heap much sought-after $200 prizes on poets and story smiths, left, right and center, while leaving us fact factors out in the cold.
By Raymond G. Taylor25 days ago in Writers
A Widow's Freedom
I was miserable, being a useless, petted daughter with no voice. What was worse was that I didn't know it. I soon got a taste for freedom, though. I started noticing that my maids could choose their husbands for love more than I could. I started noticing how segregated we were from the men when they'd go on their own to play Poker. I started noticing how much I was treated like a pretty thing who was there as an ornament.
By Alexandra F25 days ago in The Swamp
Beginner's Luck: Liminal
When the memorial to the fallen came to a close, Fluke came to the side of the Librarian and offered him support. The stubborn man waved the boy away, and they slowly walked back to their prisoner. Q had been left to watch over their captive, and they could see the large golem still looming over him with a constant vigilance. Breaking away from his mentor, who now shambled back towards the village, Fluke went to check on his automaton friend.
By Everett Scaife25 days ago in Fiction
