Apple on Thursday took the wraps off a refreshed line of MacBook Pro laptop computers that include a new “Thunderbolt” high-speed I/O port and more capable microprocessors based around Intel’s “Sandy Bridge” architecture. Availability starts today, with prices starting at $1,199. (more…)
Apple’s new MacBook Pro line-up hasn’t been introduced yet, but speculation on some of the features that are expected has already started. Among the biggest expectations is a technology called Thunderbolt, a rebranded version of Intel’s Light Peak. How far can Apple take Thunderbolt? I’m sure there will be lots of thoughts on this in the future.
In my opinion the Thunderbolt interface could also be a successor for the aged dock connector found on iOS devices, as it can carry anything from a simple data stream, a video signal, an audio signal and lastly power.
What Thunderbolt means for the MacBook line [mangochutney]
Apple executives said at the company’s annual shareholders meeting on Wednesday that its North Carolina data center is expected to open this spring. (more…)
There can be no doubt that Apple has a succession plan in place for Steve Jobs’ retirement, whenever that may be. (more…)
Quark on Wednesday introduced QuarkXPress 9, a major upgrade to its flagship desktop publishing software for Mac OS X and Windows. It’s priced at $799; upgrades from QuarkXPress 7 and 8 cost $299. QuarkXPress 9 ships in April. (more…)
Apple on Wednesday sent an invitation to media inviting them to a special event on March 2 in San Francisco, Calif. (more…)
Square is the service that enables anyone to accept credit card payments using iPad, iPhone or Android smartphone. The company announced Tuesday that they are reducing their credit card swipe fee, eliminating a 15 cent per fee transaction. (more…)
The Source Software Development Kit (SDK) is Valve’s technology that’s been used to bring unforgettable games like Half-Life 2, Portal and Left 4 Dead — available for Mac, PC and other platforms, thanks to Valve’s introduction of Steam to the Mac in 2010. Valve founder Gabe Newell says that Valve is making Source easier to use.
Speaking in the latest Steamcast, Newell said: “We’re spending a tremendous amount of time on tools right now. Our current tools are very painful, so we probably are spending more time on tools development now than anything else, and when we’re ready to ship those I think everybody’s life will get a lot better.”
This is especially good news for third-party developers that license the technology, and it could have positive consequences for future Mac game development, now that Valve is supporting the platform (and actively encouraging its Steam licensing partners to do the same).
Valve Will “Simplify” Source SDK [Edge Magazine]
Kara Swisher at All Things Digital reports that Apple is set to unveil the hotly anticipated iPad 2 on March 2, 2011, likely at an event to take place in San Francisco, Calif. (more…)
As regular readers know, The Loop doesn’t usually report on product releases unless it’s something that really captures our eye. But we figured we’d send out some love for that maker of beautiful accessories for Apple products, Twelve South, for their new BookArc for Air. It costs $39.99 and it’s available with free shipping for a limited time. (more…)
The Internet is buzzing this morning with separate rumors that Apple’s iPad 2 and iPhone 5 will be delayed. The fact is, neither rumor is true. (more…)
Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility announced Tuesday that Motorola’s Xoom tablet will ship through Verizon Wireless beginning Feb. 24, 2011. The device will cost $800 unsubsidized, though Verizon Wireless customers can get the tablet for $600 if they agree to a two-year customer agreement that costs at least $20 a month for access using Verizon Wireless’ 3G data network. (more…)
Very few guitarists are as easily recognizable as Slash. If you’re a fan of the man, you can own a piece of history and some of Slash’s possessions. (more…)
I’ve been using Pro Tools since version 7.0 and have run into the same issues that most other users have. However, Pro Tools 9 is a solid piece of software that is definitely worth the upgrade. (more…)
The publishing industry and the media have been up in arms since Apple introduced its new subscription service last week. What I don’t understand is why publishers think it’s Apple’s responsibility to make them successful. (more…)
While it’s not exactly my favorite music, Lady Gaga hit a huge iTunes milestone on Friday — the fastest selling single of all time. (more…)
Apple CEO Steve Jobs joined President Obama and other technology leaders on Thursday night for dinner and to discuss ways companies and government can work together. (more…)
MacTech has added four more locations to its traveling Boot Camps – Boston, Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles. The one-day events cater to consultants and technicians that cater specifically to home users and small businesses. (more…)
Contrary to recent reports, Apple is not developing a smaller iPhone. That’s the word tonight. (more…)
Apple’s Mac growth continues to outpace the overall PC market as the latest numbers prove the Macs popularity. (more…)
Apple has an internal goal to sell 40 million iPads in 2011 and the company has taken steps to make sure it has enough touch panels to meet those numbers. (more…)
Apple CEO Steve Jobs will be among Silicon Valley technology leaders that will meet with President Obama during his visit to San Francisco on Thursday. (more…)
Apple on Wednesday released an update for users of its consumer-level iPhoto and professional workflow application, Aperture. (more…)
It’s not been a good day in Round Rock, Texas for two Dell employees who were arrested after a marketing stunt went terribly wrong. (more…)
Apple’s new subscription service is already putting it at odds with content providers that up to now have had unfettered access to subscribers using free apps available for download through the App Store. Chances are it’s going to be a while before the dust settles, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a lawsuit or two pop up, either. (more…)
Outgoing Google CEO Eric Schmidt on Wednesday countered Apple’s introduction of its new subscription service for App Store apps with Google One Pass, a new service intended to “let publishers set their own prices and terms for their digital content.” (more…)
Apple has posted a new tech document explaining the differences between GSM and CDMA models of its iPhone 4. (more…)
Remember the good old days when companies would announce a product and then actually ship something? RIM doesn’t. They seem to think it’s okay to just keep announcing vaporware and not ship anything. (more…)
It seems AT&T CEO, Randall Stephenson, had a change of heart and no longer feels Apple’s App Store is good for consumers. (more…)
Late last week Nokia and Microsoft formed a partnership, but Microsoft wasn’t the only company Nokia spoke with — they were also in talks with RIM and Google. (more…)