Apple

The indie operating systems place in the smart phone race

Written by

Apple and Google and, to a lesser extent, Microsoft, have a huge lead in the smart phone mindshare race. Some might argue that the lead is unassailable. This article digs into the logic of what the indie OS providers are pursuing. Good read.

Apple releases security patch via iOS 7.0.6

Written by

This is a security patch for an SSL verification bug. There are three different patches, one for iPhone 4, iPod touch (5th gen) and iPad 2 and later, one for Apple TV, and one for earlier devices. Links in the post.

Apple buys mobile app management and analytics firm Burstly

Written by

The rumors were flying ever since Wednesday:

Burstly, the makers of an in-app ad management platform called SkyRocket and the parent company of popular mobile app testing platform TestFlight, has been acquired, we’re hearing. Though we’re working to get more information on this now, including deal terms, our understanding is that Apple is the acquirer here.

This rumor was confirmed earlier today by Re/code.

Accusations of App Store manipulation

Written by

Not sure what to make of this. Is the App Store being gamed, or are people being careless with their .99? Follow the links in the story to get the big picture. There are a lot of them.

Why did Jimmy Fallon’s MacBook Pro lose its Apple?

Written by

The MacBook Pro on Jimmy Fallon’s Late Night desk was like a cast member, a regular part of his show. Apple was always a part of the show and was listed as a sponsor in the credits. Now the Apple logo is gone.

The right way to implement iBeacons

Written by

This year, we’re going to hear a lot about iBeacon technology. Some of it will be good, some bad. It all comes down to thinking of ways to benefit the consumer.

Apple patents MacBook with illuminated touch controls in chassis, bezel & frame

Written by

In anyone else’s hands, I would worry about the user experience with touch controls embedded in the chassis. The potential for bad experience is huge if major changes are made to the keyboard, trackpad and screen. But Apple has consistently delivered in this area. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for laptops.

Greenpeace applauds Apple for cutting conflict minerals, supply chain transparency

Written by

In response to Apple’s release last week of their Supplier Responsibility report, Greenpeace posted this comment:

“Apple’s increased transparency about its suppliers is becoming a hallmark of Tim Cook’s leadership at the company. Apple has flexed its muscles in the past to push suppliers to remove hazardous substances from products and provide more renewable energy for data centers, and it is proving the same model can work to reduce the use of conflict minerals. Samsung and other consumer electronics companies should follow Apple’s example and map its suppliers, so the industry can exert its collective influence to build devices that are better for people and the planet.”

[Via Peter Cohen]

Analysis of Google vs Tim Cook’s Apple

Written by

A little slanted, perhaps, but still a very interesting read. Interesting take on the timing of Tim Cook’s hiring in 1998. No argument that Apple has been better in the Tim Cook era.

Major League Baseball completes iBeacon install at first two ballparks

Written by

The installation of 65 iBeacons at Dodger Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego’s Petco Park, home of the Padres, will be followed by similar work at more than a dozen and a half other MLB stadiums, the league said. The plan is to have more than 20 ballparks in total equipped with the technology by Opening Day in late March. The Padres host the Dodgers on Opening Night on March 30.

I’m really looking forward to giving these iBeacons a try.

Why indie developers go insane: One dev’s take on the Flappy Bird craziness

Written by

This is a great, insightful take on the stresses faced by indie developers.

Dong Nguyen is a young guy. He wrote a game for fun, put it out there, and found himself at the target end of a massive wave of attention, much of it negative. I can’t stress enough how insanely terrifying this can be, and he wasn’t ready.

Lumo Lift: iOS tech that helps your posture

Written by

Another example of the evolution of mobile tech and its interaction with the human body. The Lomo Lift catches you slouching, buzzes to let you know, communicates all this to your iOS device.

Interesting, though not surprising, that this is available for iOS devices at launch, with a promise of Android support in the future.

About boxes and Easter eggs

Written by

Scott Knaster takes us on a tour of some of his favorite Easter eggs from the Mac’s early days. This list is hardly complete, but it is a fun bit of nostalgia.

Remember the notorious naked Zebra Lady hidden in a version of MacPaint? Oh, I do. Have any Easter egg favorites of your own?

US customers hoarding $13.4 billion of old iPhones

Written by

Around half of U.S. consumers are hoarding their old iPhones in cupboards and sock drawers — representing an inventory worth around $13.4 billion in total.

Guilty as charged. I’ve got three.

According to the annual “Mobile Mountain Study” conducted by research group OnePoll for resale site SellCell.com, this figure is down from the 55% of people who admitted to holding onto their old smartphones last year — although the total amount of money being left on the table is up from last year’s sum of $9 billion, thanks to the growing smartphone market.

Tim Cook’s floor price for Apple stock

Written by

Interesting analysis from Seeking Alpha (free reg-wall) makes the case that Tim Cook has just set a floor for the price of Apple stock with the recent Apple buyback and Carl Icahn’s reversal of his pursuit of a much larger buyback.