Facebook anno… ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Written by

Facebook is trying to give Google a run for its money, with a new product called “Graph Search.” It turns some of the personal information people have shared on Facebook into a powerful searchable database.

Who gives a fuck.

Writing tools

Written by

Matt Gemmell gives us the tools he uses to write. I especially like “something to throw.”

Skeuomorphism in design

Written by

I like Skeuomorphism. I’m amazed at what designers and artists can come up with.

Review: Jackson 7-string Soloist

Written by

I’ve spent the last month or so with the Jackson 7-string Soloist — my first 7-string guitar. I must admit to being a bit nervous about picking up a 7-string for the first time, but this guitar lived up to everything I’ve come to expect from Jackson. […]

App Store screenshots made easy

Written by

Daniel Jalkut:

His approach uses a novel technique in which the target app itself is built with customized screen-capturing code compiled right in. Then the app can be driven through the iOS Simulator with WaxSim, a command-line tool for launching the simulator with various options.

I never really considered how Apple’s recent change would affect developers who had an app available in many languages. This would certainly cut down on the amount of work that needed to be done to get the app ready for the App Store.

Best 2012 ads featuring music making

Written by

The seven finalists creatively incorporate or feature musical instruments and music-making. The finalists’ ads feature everything from custom guitars and a car rigged to play musical notes to a human-body-powered one-man band. […]

Toontrack Amps EZmix Pack

Written by

EZmix is a very easy plugin to use and I’m looking forward to giving the Amps Pack a try.

Wi-Fi + cellular iPad and iPad mini in China on Friday

Written by

Apple today announced the Wi-Fi + Cellular versions of iPad mini and the new fourth generation iPad with Retina display will be available in China on Friday, January 18. iPad mini and the fourth generation iPad are currently available in more than 100 countries worldwide including the US, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan and the UK.

Unconscious computing

Written by

Kyle Baxter:

With the proliferation of powerful and cheap microprocessors and sensors for mobile devices, along with wireless technologies and the web, we have the potential to completely re-create what a computer is. Let’s do so in such a way that makes our lives better, and not just filled with more glowing screens.

Some interesting thoughts.

Apple stock manipulation

Written by

Perhaps the weirdness of the math is why the current version of the WSJ article no longer cites the 65 million unit figure. Sometime between Sunday at 8:00 p.m. EST and Monday at 7:00 a.m., the Journal decided to drop the number from its article. But if the 65 million number is not right, is the estimate for halving March orders correct, either?

This is a great article and asks some good questions. The one that stuck out for me is the specific question asked of the Wall Street Journal. Why did they cite and then remove the 65 million figure? I think WSJ has some answering to do.

John Gruber:

Apple’s stock took a beating today on these reports. If you don’t smell stock manipulation here, I have a bridge to sell you.

Yes.

When is a logo not a logo?

Written by

I must admit there is a lot going on there. Maybe FIFA should back off of the requirements and let the artists be artists.

1Password [Sponsor]

Written by

Have you ever forgotten a password? We all have. That’s why AgileBits built 1Password to keep your website logins, identity, credit cards, and other sensitive information safe but useful on-the-go.

From the new, full-featured Web Mode browser with AutoFill to Favorites and iCloud sync, 1Password 4 for iOS is a top-to-bottom rebuild that puts more security and convenience than ever before in the palm of your hand. Start using strong passwords with 1Password, available now for iPhone and iPad in the App Store.

I use 1Password on my Mac and iOS devices. It’s a must-have utility.

Zildjian Vault for BFD

Written by

Zildjian Digital Vault features 34 classic crashes, splashes, rides, chinas and hihats hand-selected by Zildjian’s master cymbal tester Paul Francis. Recorded in intricate detail by sampling guru John Emrich, the sounds are captured with crisp direct mics and lush stereo overhead and room mic sets. Each cymbal is recorded at multiple velocities while being struck by sticks, brushes and mallets.

Great stuff.

How to price something

Written by

Jason Fried:

The only answers that matter are dollars spent. People answer when they pay for something. That’s the only answer that really matters.

So true.

The importance of design to Apple

Written by

Nick Bilton:

What struck me about our brief conversation wasn’t that Mr. Cook was talking about two teensy buttons — this is Apple, after all — but that he never once mentioned the technology in the iPad Mini. Instead, he talked about one thing: design.

In all of the meetings I’ve had with Apple executives over the years, design is always one of the first things they talk about. There is an overwhelming sense of pride from everyone at Apple about the products they make.