There are several features I’m really looking forward to. Do you have a favourite?
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Read Apple CEO Tim Cook’s email To employees about Charlottesville
I don’t usually care what most CEOs have to say about social issues but Tim Cook is not shy about wading in to some of these issues.
Public enemy
I guarantee this will be the funniest thing you read about Martin Shkreli all year.
Apple has triggered this major phenomenon that is preventing many malls from dying
While it’s not all sunshine and lollipops for fellow tenants, an Apple store in a mall at least gives those retailers a fighting chance to capture some of the dollars those customers are bringing to the mall. I’d be curious to know if, like the prime spots near Apple during Macworld Expos, whether mall owners charge more for stores the closer they are to Apple.
A video of Helen Keller speaking
Absolutely amazing. We all know about Helen Keller but these are the first videos I’ve seen of her and her method of communication. Seeing her speak is even more remarkable.
The scariest 25 minutes on US television
I saw this as a kid and, to this day, the thought of that little doll still creeps me out. Literally, the scariest thing I’ve ever seen on TV.
How digital comics pioneer ComiXology keeps its identity within Amazon
I remember when this buyout happened and many predicted doom and gloom for ComiXology. Good to hear they’ve been able to survive and even thrive under Amazon.
Ford Thunderbird automatic transmission rebuild time lapse
I knew this stuff was complicated but I had no idea just how involved it was. Much respect to mechanics who do this well.
Update gone wrong leaves 500 smart locks inoperable
As convenient as these kinds of things are (and their convenience may be minimal), stories like this make it crystal clear why I personally will never own or install these kinds of IoT devices.
All the keyboard shortcuts you can use when starting up your Mac
I had a kernel panic situation a couple of weeks ago and was glad I had a cheat sheet of these lying around.
Watch all of the ARKit demos we can find in one place
We haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of what developers are going to create with ARKit but even some of what we already can see is amazing.
Google is paying Apple billions per year to remain on the iPhone
It stands to reason that, if they are paying billions, they are making billions more.
The untold history of multitouch
Fascinating story that Dave Hamilton dug up about the origins of multitouch.
Universal Audio releases four new plugins
My favorite audio company is back at it, releasing four new plugins in their latest update. Universal Audio released the KORG SDD-3000 Digital Delay, Dytronics Cyclosonic Panner, ENGL Savage 120 Guitar Amplifier, AMS RMX16 Expanded, and the Sonnox Oxford Dynamic EQ. There are videos on the update page for each plugin, so you can get an idea of what they do.
Turning seven lines of code into a $9.2 billion startup
In 2010, Patrick and John Collison, brothers from rural Ireland, began to debug this process. Their company, Stripe Inc., built software that businesses could plug into websites and apps to instantly connect with credit card and banking systems and receive payments. The product was a hit with Silicon Valley startups. Businesses such as Lyft, Facebook, DoorDash, and thousands that aspired to be like them turned Stripe into the financial backbone of their operations.
This is a great read. They have done exceptionally well in a cut-throat business.
The story behind the song ‘Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)’
What a great song.
Pondering the conversion from HFS+ to APFS
There’s a lot of excitement these days about the new APFS filesystem coming from Apple. I’m certainly excited about it; some of the promised features sound great. However, I’m going to make a bold suggestion: Don’t convert your production startup disk to APFS this Fall. Wait for the new filesystem to get some more mileage before making the switch. HFS+ is still a supported configuration for High Sierra, and sticking with the tried-and-true filesystem may save a lot of headaches and wasted time.
Mike is the founder of Bombich Software, the makers of Carbon Copy Cloner, so he knows a lot about file systems.
BlackPods: Transform your Apple AirPods [Sponsor]
At BlackPods, we’ve developed a proprietary coating system specifically for Apple’s AirPods. Our three-phase finishing procedure utilizes the latest in solvent-based painting technology to yield a luxurious finish that exceeds U.S. Military specifications. Every pair of customized AirPods we produce is hand-finished by a team of skilled artisans. Whether you purchase them through us or send yours in, each pair of AirPods is subjected to a rigorous visual and quality inspection.
BlackPods sells their AirPods in two colors: BlackPods Classic (high-gloss black), and BlackPods Stealth (matte black). BlackPods Classic are available for $279, and BlackPods Stealth are available for $299. Both finishes include free domestic shipping. BlackPods also allows its customers to mail in their own AirPods for customization– $99 for high-gloss black and $119 for matte black.
Use promo code THELOOP at checkout for $20 off anything in our store.
Inside Apple’s coup attempt on Google
Obviously, “coup attempt” is ridiculous hyperbole (ironic from a web site called “Market Realist”) but definitely a shot across the bow.
Feds might force table-saw makers to adopt radically safer technology
I’m a danger to myself and others whenever I use any kind of tool and table saws in particular scare the living daylights out of me. But forcing manufacturers to use the “safe” saw technology presents its own challenges.
How to bow in Japan and exchange business cards
When I attended the last (sadly) Macworld Expo, I stressed out over the proper etiquette of bowing and exchanging business cards. I wish I had had this video back then. These kinds of Japanese customs and rules are fascinating to me.
The 12 best buys in motorcycles for 2017
As an avid rider, I see a lot of great bikes on this list.
Tips for photographing the total solar eclipse
It’s best to not worry too much about getting “good” shots (I’m going to focus on watching, not shooting it) but, if you have to, here are some tips for the photographers among you.
Kid crying because of mobile phone
Is it just me or is this more than a little disturbing? I get that babies cry when you take things from them but maybe because it’s a cell phone that makes this creepier than it should be.
The “Great 78 Project”
Great 78: The Great 78 Project is a community project for the preservation, research and discovery of 78rpm records. From about 1898 to the 1950s, an estimated 3 million sides (~3 minute recordings) have been made on 78rpm discs. There … Continued
The remarkable, war-torn, spacefaring history of the slinky
I love stories of the history of the Slinky. I’ve only ever had one and it was wrecked by a little brother very quickly but I’ve always thought the little spring was cool. But not the plastic ones. Those are awful.
Behind the scenes of Game of Thrones’ “The Loot Train Attack”
Think of all the planning and logistics that go into a scene like this. Amazing.
Benchmark Capital sues ex-Uber CEO Travis Kalanick for fraud
The battle between Benchmark Capital and Travis Kalanick just went nuclear, with the venture capital firm suing the former Uber CEO for fraud, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty. The complaint was filed earlier today in Delaware Chancery Court.
Oh boy.
Why NASA’s interstellar mission almost didn’t happen
I remember when these missions launched. What an incredible accomplishment that they are still sending back data.
Makeup artist Mimi Choi creates mind-blowing optical illusions on herself
Check out her work in the article and on Facebook and Instagram. Mindblowing.