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Apple macOS “Color Burst” wallpapers

From the Imgur web site, these are extracted from the latest macOS Sierra 10.12.2 Beta 4 and they are gorgeous. I’d love to know the story behind how they were shot.

Using the Universal Audio API 2500 Bus Compressor

I love a great compressor in my mixes. Universal Audio has the best audio plug-ins on the market and the new API 2500 Bus Compressor is no exception. There is a video on the page, as well as audio examples.

Uber defends its business model in Europe

The ride-hailing app, which expanded into Europe five years ago, has come under attack from established taxi companies and some EU countries because it is not bound by strict local licensing and safety rules which apply to some of its competitors.

Uber’s dispute with Barcelona’s main taxi operator, which in 2014 accused it of running an illegal taxi service via its UberPOP service, is seen as a landmark case which could lead the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) to label it a transport company rather than a digital service.

That is the crux of the argument—is Uber a transport or digital company? Arguments can be made for both sides. I haven’t used a taxi since Uber and Lyft started offering their service. All the legal arguments aside, the app-based services are much better, friendlier, and professional than any taxi service I’ve ever used.

Cyber Monday sales biggest online shopping day in U.S. history

Shoppers spent $3.45 billion on Cyber Monday on Samsung 4K TVs, PlayStation 4s and Barbie dolls among other products, marking the largest online sales day in U.S. history.

Top-selling electronics by units on the day include Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox gaming consoles as well as Samsung 4K TVs, Apple iPhones and Amazon’s Fire tablets.

Wow, that is a lot of money. I find it interesting that many of the electronic items are in the high-end category, but yet Amazon’s Fire tablet made the list. It makes me wonder how consumers view the tablet category.

Lunch atop a skyscraper: the story behind the 1932 photo

It is probably the most famous picture of construction workers ever taken. It’s an amazing shot, not just for the photograph itself but for who these men were, what they were doing and their utter fearlessness. I can’t look at the photo without feeling a little queasy and yet they had lunch on a steel beam 800 feet in the air.

DirecTV Now streaming TV service

I haven’t been able to find a list of channels the new service will offer, but it seems clear they are going after PlayStation Vue and Sling TV.

Secrets: A free secure password manager for Mac and iOS [Sponsor]

Secrets is now Free on the App Store! Secrets is a simple, secure password manager for Mac and iOS. It leverages industry standard encryption algorithms to provide secure storage and macOS and iOS native features to facilitate automatic filling of logins in the browser.

Version 2.0 is the culmination of months of testing in the real world. Bugs have been squashed, important features have been added and polish has been applied throughout. With this new version you can use Secrets and all of its features for Free with up to 10 items.

Download it now on the App Store or the Mac App Store.

WiFi Mesh Systems

Dave Hamilton, writing for The Mac Observer, explains the basics of WiFi Mesh Systems and compares three popular solutions.

If you manage a network (even a home network) with a lot of devices, this is worth reading.

Give the Gift of Good Sleep

MY thanks to Hullo for sponsoring The Loop this week.

This Holiday season, give the gift of good sleep with Hullo buckwheat pillow. Hullo is a unique and thoughtful gift that even the most discerning sleeper can appreciate.

Hullo buckwheat pillow:

  • allows air to move freely through the pillow’s buckwheat hull fill, preventing uncomfortable heat build up.
  • is manufactured in the USA with organic and all-natural materials.
  • is biodegradable.
  • has a high level of customer satisfaction.

Avoid the Black Friday crowds and save money—every Hullo order ships fast and free. Order today at hullopillow.com.

hullo

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Hope your travels are safe, you end up someplace warm, and your day is filled with peace, love, and plenty to eat.

Thanks for your support and for making the Loop a part of your lives.

Understanding Apple’s marginalization of the Mac

Those of us who “love” our Macs or need them to make a living certainly have tre[idation with the seeming lack of direction Apple is showing with the Mac. I don’t think it’s all doom and gloom or that the Mac is going away any time soon though.

Based on a true true story?

I love movies but anyone who knows me knows I can be a real PITA when it comes to historical accuracy. This website is a data gold mine for pedantic bastards like me.

Gruber on Jony Ive at Apple

I see why some people think Designed by Apple in California could be Ive’s goodbye to Apple. But it feels to me like Ive’s heartfelt goodbye to his best friend and colleague, five years gone. I don’t think Jony Ive is going anywhere.

I agree with Gruber on this. Although, I do think Jony is taking a higher level view of design for Apple these days.

Oh Samsung

According to industry sources on Nov. 21, the Korean tech giant plans to launch a new glossy black version of the flagship smartphone early next month.

Of course they will.