July 3, 2013
Written by Jim Dalrymple
In its court filings, Skyhook claims that “Having apparently disparaged Skyhook’s technology to Apple, Google proceeded to then launch the same Wi-Fi based location technology by infringing Skyhook’s patents.
That can’t be true—that would be evil and Google’s not evil. Right?
Written by Jim Dalrymple
Do not watch this at work or around kids, but watch it.
Written by Jim Dalrymple
Interesting article on how Web sites have tried to adapt to touch screens.
Written by Jim Dalrymple
Reeder now supports Feedly, Feed Wrangler, Feedbin.me and Fever.
Written by Jim Dalrymple
This August, 11 so-called “Steve Jobs schools” will open in the Netherlands, serving 1,000 students primarily through educational apps on Apple’s iPad, replacing everything from books to blackboards.
It will be interesting to see how this goes. If teachers, parents and students are behind the project, then it should work out fine, but it will mean changes and acceptance from all three groups.
Written by Jim Dalrymple
Apple seems to win customer satisfaction everywhere.
Note: The link goes to a Google translated page.
Written by Jim Dalrymple
In June of 2013, I made an interesting discovery about the Android phone (a Motorola Droid X2) which I was using at the time: it was silently sending a considerable amount of sensitive information to Motorola, and to compound the problem, a great deal of it was over an unencrypted HTTP channel.
Scroll down and take a look at the information Motorola is gathering about its users.
[Via Ben Brooks]
Written by Peter Cohen
Rob Fahey, Gamesindustry.biz:
“… Does anyone really think that a senior, superbly wealthy executive has a bad show at E3, hits the phones and organises a new CEO gig at a multi-billion dollar company to parachute himself into in the space of less than a month? As much as it’s a great story to tell – Mattrick fired for Xbox One’s failures, quickly lining up a new role to make it all look better to the world – it’s clearly, patently not accurate.
“Don Mattrick’s intention to leave Microsoft (for Zynga, ultimately, but I believe that other roles were considered) has been around for months. His bosses – including, ultimately, Steve Ballmer, who may have had a direct hand in choreographing this move – will have been informed of Mattrick’s plans for some time and will have been working behind the scenes to figure out a succession plan for the Xbox division. What has changed, I believe, is the timing.”
Microsoft’s head of Interactive Entertainment Business, Don Mattrick, is taking over the reins at embattled social gaming giant Zynga. It’s an interesting departure and the timing is already getting tongues wagging; Rob Fahey tries to take a more measured look at the change.
July 1, 2013
Written by Jim Dalrymple
This is the way I do it. There is no substitute for putting a mic on an amp—mixing in a DI can also add something to the song.
Written by Jim Dalrymple
Only Merlin Mann would ever think to do this.
Written by Peter Cohen
David Chartier:
“Yes, I live a life of confirmatory non-denial. This is why I drink.
“What I can tell you is that if we were working on some things for Apple’s new things, we would probably have some planned for both the short term and less-than-short term. Since the less-than-short term category is the more interesting of the two, I’ll bet you one whiskey sour that things like UI Dynamics and AirDrop in iOS 7 are really fun things to namedrop enigmatically in a blog post.”
Written by Jim Dalrymple
Appsfire is a delightful and elegant mobile guide to the best apps. If you believe the App store is not doing enough to help you find the apps that are right for you, try Appsfire. It features an incredibly fast and accurate app search, curated lists of apps and deals, it shows you the apps your friends like and more. In addition, they also help developers grow which is very important. Download Appsfire in the App store or get it here.
This is a great video for anyone that wonders how live concerts get mixed properly.
Written by Jim Dalrymple
Jean-Louis Gassée takes a look at recent events at BlackBerry. The outlook isn’t good.
June 29, 2013
Written by Jim Dalrymple

I’d like to thank StackSocial for sponsoring The Loop’s RSS feed this week. StackSocial exclusively brings you the The iStack Mac Bundle 3.0. 9 incredible Mac apps that will turn your Mac into a monster. These apps are worth $517, but the deal price is only $29.99! The first 5,000 buyers receive an additional app for FREE. Go get it!
June 28, 2013
Written by Peter Cohen
Ben Bajarin:
Overall, Apple is continuing their trend of adding new and useful features on an annual basis. But more importantly, in the grand scheme of things, OS X Mavericks represents Apple’s commitment to innovate uniquely for different form factors. Apple has drawn a line in the sand and stated with their actions that they believe software for the PC is different and should be treated different than software for tablets and smartphones.
In other words, the total opposite of what Microsoft is trying to accomplish.
Thank goodness.
First single off the forthcoming album. Video directed by David Lynch. Disturbing as hell. Can’t wait for the album though!
Bagboy is the first new music from The Pixies in nine years. Comes right on the heels of the announcement that Kim Deal had left the band. Click the link to download the MP3 for free. Woot!
Written by Jim Dalrymple
In your iTunes End User License Agreement:
You also agree that you will not use these products for any purposes prohibited by United States law, including, without limitation, the development, design, manufacture or production of nuclear, missiles, or chemical or biological weapons.
It’s amazing how many things I miss in these license agreements.