075 - Epic React Native Packages, Background Images, Skia and WebGPU Updates, Expo Router & The MCP Hype

This week, we’re diving deep into some of the most exciting updates in the React Native ecosystem—and I’m sharing a few personal shifts too.

🧠 Topics we cover:

• The future of graphics in React Native: Skia, WebGPU, and what’s coming in 2025
• Wild performance with Fast Confetti by Alireza
• Support for background-repeat in styling
• Evan Bacon’s latest project: an AI-powered app that builds apps
• The IAP deprecation and what it means for devs
• Nitro Image and Video v7 alpha – big leaps in media performance
• William Candillon shows off Skottie animations inside Skia

🔥 Hot takes & personal updates:

• Why I’ve decided to stop building native apps and go all-in on Galaxies.dev
• My honest thoughts on Expo Router and why I’m loving it
• The current hype around MCP – is it just another Web3 moment?

🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero

🔥 Weekly Videos -> https://www.youtube.com/@galaxies_dev

❤️  Socials

• https://x.com/schlimmson
• https://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongr
• https://bsky.app/profile/galaxies.dev

👨‍💻 Apps

• Matrix Manager: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/matrix-manager-task-manager/id6739463021
• Quick Track: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quick-track-calorie-counter/id1669892980
• Text to Voice AI: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/text-to-voice-ai-reader/id6739965632
• Healthy Food Swap: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthy-food-swap/id6743627410

🔗 Links

• The Future of React Native Graphics: WebGPU, Skia, and Beyond: https://shopify.engineering/webgpu-skia-web-graphics
• Background-repeat and styles: https://x.com/nishanbende/status/1938130663586337176
• Evan Expo Router AI App Generator: https://github.com/EvanBacon/app-that-builds-apps
• Deprecating React Native IAP: https://x.com/hyodotdev/status/1939420943665049961
• React Native Nitro Image: https://github.com/mrousavy/react-native-nitro-image
• React Native Fast Confetti: https://github.com/AlirezaHadjar/react-native-fast-confetti
• Expo Router Tweet: https://x.com/schlimmson/status/1939716357723218073
• Are MCPs like web3: https://x.com/theo/status/1939434082867569140

What is Rocket Ship?

Welcome aboard the Rocket Ship, the ultimate podcast voyage into the heart of React Native development with Simon Grimm! Whether you're a seasoned mobile app developer or just starting your journey, this is your go-to destination for all things React Native and Expo.