March 22, 2012
Photoshop CS6 beta download ∞
Adobe posted a beta of the upcoming version of Photoshop CS6 on its labs web site.
March 21, 2012
Commodore Amiga Mini PC unveiled ∞
Engadget:
While not much of a looker, this box houses a potent 3.5GHz Core i7-2700k CPU, 16GB of DDR3 memory, NVIDIA’s GeForce GT 430 (1GB), a WiFi radio and a 1TB HDD that can be swapped out for a 300GB or 600GB solid state drive.
Terminator-like art ∞
Very cool.
The Silence of the Weasels ∞
Kottke.org:
The long periods of silence by Mike Daisey were among the most compelling parts of the most recent episode of This American Life…you know the one. Michael Sippey edited together the silences into one glorious clip, the best audio of silence since Cage.
I am standing up and clapping. (via <a href=””http://www.joeydevilla.com/2012/03/21/the-silence-of-the-weasels-or-the-silences-from-that-incredibly-awkward-mike-daisey-interview-on-this-american-life/” target=”_blank”>Joey deVilla)
The Bro Show: Fatal Retraction ∞
Myke Hurley and Terry Lucy on The Bro Show invited David Caolo from TUAW and 52Tiger.net and me for their 100th show. We dished on Mike Daisey and other nibbly bits of ephemera from the Apple blogosphere.
Mastered for iTunes: It’s about quality music for the customer
I’ve been listening to quite a few new tracks from iTunes under Apple’s new “Mastered for iTunes” program. This is something Apple voluntarily started to help improve the audio quality of the music we download from iTunes. From my perspective, it’s great, but Apple has received some self-indulgent criticism in some circles.
For instance, a Web site in the UK wrote an article refuting claims that Mastered for iTunes sound quality was comparable to CDs. The Web site even went so far as to make a video using null testing to prove its point.
Here’s the problem. Apple never said that Mastered for iTunes was CD-quality at all. The Web site later updated its posted admitting that one of its commenters, not Apple, made the comment about CD quality.
From what I can see, Apple only wants to provide the highest quality audio it can. What can possibly be wrong with that? The simple answer is nothing.
Here’s what Apple’s mission is in the Mastered for iTunes program as I understand it.
Provide better quality audio to its customers
Give mastering engineers tips and tools to submit the best quality audio possible to Apple
Make sure that audio professionals are optimizing content for the digital medium.
Apple is now accepting high-quality masters from engineers because its new encoders can preserve more dynamic range, resulting in better quality music for the consumer to download.
Mastering engineer Bob Ludwig (Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, Nirvana, Soundgarden) told me that Apple spent 18 months investigating how to make the AAC encoder better. The results, he says, are “a great thing.”
Ludwig explained that in the past, AAC songs were ripped from 16-bit CDs, but now Apple can handle higher resolution files. In fact, Apple says an ideal master will have 24-bit 96kHz resolution, but sample rates of 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, and 192kHz can also benefit from the encoding process.
The creative part of the mastering process hasn’t changed one bit with the Mastered for iTunes program. Ludwig said he masters his music exactly the same way. The change comes after the creative process is finished — that’s where Mastered for iTunes comes in.
Instead of sending it to CD and then having the AAC files ripped from that, mastering engineers can now use Apple’s tools to create custom AAC files from the high-resoultion master.
Apple even documents the trend towards louder mastered music, commonly referred to as “the loudness wars” and offers tips and advice. With music being so loud these days, running a song through any encoder will often cause clipping — it’s the nature of encoders. However, one of the tools Apple provides to engineers allows them to check the AAC files for clipping and then make adjustments before the songs are sent to iTunes.
Some people think that mastering for a digital format is silly, but it’s downright stupid to ignore iTunes. Apple is the largest distributor of music and if you don’t think that improving the quality of your music for millions of people, then you don’t really care about your fans.
As a musician and a music lover, I’m in favor of any process that captures more dynamic range of the music I’m going to buy. It’s a good thing for everyone involved, but most especially for the consumers that purchase and listen to the music.
Engineers and musicians should embrace better-quality digital music, not fight about frequencies and philosophical differences in the process. Your customers will thank you for it.
Zynga acquires Draw Something maker OMGPOP
Social gaming powerhouse Zynga has purchased OMGPOP, the independent developer behind the hit mobile game Draw Something.
Draw Something, available for iOS and Android, combines the fun of Pictionary with social gaming. You and friends or complete strangers take turns guessing a word by looking at drawings you’ve made. It runs on phones and tablets, and is particularly fun on the iPad.
Dan Porter, CEO of OMGPOP, told players of Draw Something not to worry.
“Nothing’s changing and now all the features you want — chat and sharing and galleries and more – will come even faster. Thank you for everything. And to all future players, you are going to love the things that OMGPOP and Zynga are cooking up together.”
New petition asks Change.org to retract its petition against Apple ∞
The original petition is based on the testimony of Mike Daisey which has been shown to be primarily fabrications and fantasy. The power and efficacy of Change.org is diminished by allowing petitions that are based on lies.Apple is already doing more for worker rights in China than any just about any other IT company that deals with Chinese suppliers and they have been acting responsibly since well before anyone else took notice.
I kid you not people, this shit just writes itself.
Microsoft tablet freezes during Windows 8 stage demo ∞
Mail Online:
Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 8 operating system might have a new look – but it certainly has something in common with previous versions of the operating system.During a demonstration of the new ‘Metro’ tablet control system, a demonstration unit ‘froze’.
Giving users a taste of what they’re in for.
China surpasses U.S. iOS and Android activations ∞
Arnold Kim:
Mobile analytics company Flurry reports that activation of new iOS and Android devices in China has surpassed the U.S. for the first time.
We all knew this was going to be a huge market.
iPhoto for iPad, iPhone hits 1 million users in less than 10 days
Apple told me today that its newest iOS app, iPhoto, hit 1 million users in less than 10 days after its release. It’s important to note that figure is users, not downloads. It’s quite possible that one user downloaded the app multiple times, but Apple isn’t counting those, only the unique users.
iPhoto was introduced during Apple’s iPad event earlier this month. The app allows users to manipulate photos and share them with friends and family.
iPhoto is available from the App Store and costs $4.99.
Fender upgrades the American Standard series ∞
Fender’s acclaimed American Standard series guitars and basses have been upgraded for 2012, resulting in the latest iterations of the company’s four archetypal instruments—the Telecaster, Stratocaster, Precision Bass and Jazz Bass guitars. They’re the same great best-selling go-to instruments they’ve always been, and now feature Fender Custom Shop pickups, as well as other distinctive new design touches.
I’d take a Strat.
Using Universal Audio’s Console app ∞
In this in-depth video, Apollo Product Manager, Lev Perrey, explains the three main sections and all features found within the Apollo High-Resolution Interface’s companion Console Application. Topics covered include the Input, Aux, and Monitor Sections — as well as inserting/removing plug-ins, resizing the window, setting up dedicated headphone mixes, and more.
I can’t wait to start using this.
Flash-centric misconceptions of HTML5 ∞
Webdesigner Depot:
As developers, we have our own set of misguided beliefs about a certain technology, but as we begin to use that technology we are able to understand what it is all about, its usage, and its scope.
If it can be done on HTML5, then I’ll consider it.
Nokia applies for vibrating tattoos patent ∞
Vlad Bobleanta for Unwired View:
Which is exactly what Nokia wants to do, proposing the application of tattoos with ferromagnetic inks, that will vibrate based on commands from your phone.
I’ve thought a lot about getting inked lately. I’m not sure how comfortable I’d be with having my tattoos vibrate. Guess it all depends on where I’m getting the ink, though.
(via the Los Angeles Times)
Apple could be biggest mobile processor company by year’s end ∞
Agam Shah for InfoWorld/IDG News Service:
Apple was the world’s second largest mobile processor company behind Intel in 2011, benefitting from growing smartphone and tablet shipments and a meltdown in the PC market, according to In-Stat. If that trend holds and Apple’s iPhone and iPad shipments continue to grow at an unprecedented pace, Apple will likely overtake Intel as the world’s largest mobile processor company by the end of this year.
Just remember that five years ago Apple wasn’t even in this market yet.
The LIFE Notebook ∞
Unchanged since 1951.
Condensed fonts ∞
Condensed variations of most fonts should be used sparingly or avoided altogether in most design projects with blocks of text. Although there are a wide-range of excuses to use them there is a simple reason why you should not: Condensed fonts can be very hard to read.
Video streaming eats up data plan; smashing iPad with hammer will break it ∞
The Wall Street Journal has an article today that profiles a user that was surprised his data plan was used up by streaming video to his iPad.
Despite what WSJ would have you believe, this isn’t an iPad problem — streaming video is going to eat up a data plan on any device. The Journal chose the iPad because it makes for a good headline, not because it’s accurate.
Here’s another tip for the user and Wall Street Journal — don’t hit your iPad with a hammer because it could damage the device.
Microsoft bans purchases of Macs and iPads ∞
Mary Jo Foley:
Microsoft’s Sales, Marketing, Services, IT, & Operations Group (SMSG) may be putting in place a policy to prevent employees from using corporate funds to buy Macs and iPads.
Makes sense. If you’re going to make users suffer, why not force employees to suffer too.
American storytelling, American compromise ∞
Mark Willis:
The stories we tell ourselves; the compromises we make to live as we do. What’s the real cost of living in our modern American culture? I’d argue, “looking ourselves square in the face.”
March 20, 2012
Drum Werks XXI Reggae ∞
The goal with this reggae collection was to capture the essence of the reggae drummers of the 70’s who set the standard for the elusive reggae feel and styles. Add this to more contemporary artists and groove derivations and you get a truly unique collection of live acoustic reggae drum loops.
My favorite company for real drum loops.
Randy Rhoads died 30 years ago ∞
It was 30 years ago yesterday that Randy died. He was one of the best.
A Kickstarter project to buy Kickstarter ∞
Brilliant.
[Via Jim Coudal]
John Gruber on Mike Daisey ∞
Daisey impugned the integrity of Apple — and the journalism of ABC News — in order to work people up regarding problems that don’t exist. This only served to draw attention away from the labor, health, and environmental issues in Apple’s Asian supply chain that do exist.
Great read from John.
Consumer Reports: From bagels to iPads
Consumer reports is at it again, this time the organization is trying to torpedo Apple’s new iPad.
I say “torpedo” because it seems to me Consumer Reports has an agenda playing out here. I would think that would be to get as much press as possible and the way to achieve that is to find a problem with the iPad 3.
Think about this — when is the last time you heard from Consumer Reports? Right, you probably haven’t. The last press release they issued was for bagel testing, so there is probably little cause for hype on that one. (Perhaps their hands were still hot from the bagel toaster when they picked up the iPad).
Yet, when it comes to an Apple product, Consumer Reports pulls out all the stops and schedules a segment on CNBC? Stinks a little, I think.
Not only that, the great testers at Consumer Reports once again contradict themselves.
Paul Reynolds, Consumer Reports electronics editor, said on CNBC that the iPad is “hot enough to be uncomfortable at least.” But in the organizations official release it said the iPad “it felt very warm but not especially uncomfortable.”
You remember Consumer Reports contradictions about the iPhone 4 right? That’s when the iPhone 4 scored highest among all smartphones, but on the same day Consumer Reports said it couldn’t recommend the iPhone.
Simply put, I call bullshit on Consumer Reports. I have a new iPad and been using it every day and I don’t see the issues they are reporting. It’s like Consumer Reports trolls the Web to see what people are complaining about and they put that in their report.
They should stick with bagels.
Apple should sue Mike Daisey and give the money to Chinese workers
Mike Daisey has done an immeasurable amount of damage to Apple with his lies over the past couple of years. While I doubt Apple will seek any compensation, I don’t see why Daisey should be allowed to profit.
Maybe a solution would be to sue Daisey with the understanding that all of the money is put into a fund for Chinese workers. It could be used for any number of things, but at least Daisey wouldn’t have it.
Middle school science with iPad temperatures ∞
John Gruber on these heat tests going around today:
As Alex Dedalus points out on Twitter, to say this is a crap headline is give crap headlines a bad name.
This is great stuff.
Basil: A smart recipe book for iPad ∞
Because Basil organizes your recipes for you, you can spend more time cooking rather than organizing them. Each new recipe is tagged with its main ingredients, and adding cuisine and meal type is fast too, so your recipes are always organized. You can find just the recipe you’re looking for by sorting according to cuisine type, meal type, or main ingredients. Or you can just search them, using full-text search.
Great looking app. Best of luck to Kyle on the launch.
Apple responds to supposed iPad heat issues
There have been a couple of stories on the Internet in the past few days that say the iPad runs a bit hotter than its predecessor. Apple on Tuesday responded.
“The new iPad delivers a stunning Retina display, A5X chip, support for 4G LTE plus 10 hours of battery life, all while operating well within our thermal specifications,” Apple representative Trudy Muller, told The Loop. “If customers have any concerns they should contact AppleCare.”
I have been using the new iPad for almost two weeks — a week before it was released to the public and I’ve seen no heat issues. I use my iPad everyday over LTE and Wi-Fi, holding it my hand and on my lap and the device doesn’t get hot.
I have also used all types of applications in my testing of the iPad including GarageBand, iMovie, iPhoto and other music apps. These app take advantage of the faster processor, graphics and Retina display, all without issue.