Apple has recently hired Ian Goodfellow, a well-known expert in the machine learning community. Mr. Goodfellow used to work at Google.
Columns & Opinions
Alfred 3: Your Mac Butler
This week Dr. Mac celebrates Running with Crayons’ killer utility Alfred, what he refers to as “The Swiss Army Arsenal” of Mac utilities.
What Dark Mode Apps Could Look Like in iOS 13
Rumors of a dark mode for iOS refuse to die. Andrew certainly isn’t the first to do this, but just for fun he created dark mode apps.
Where is Apple Books+?
Out of all of Apple’s new subscription services, there is one that is missing: Apple Books+. This is something that has been on Andrew’s wishlist for a couple years.
Sans Forgetica: The Font That Helps You Remember!
Dr. Mac has started using an unusual font that, according to researchers, can help you remember more. Read all about it in Dr. Mac’s Rants & Raves Episode #323: Sans Forgetica: The Font That Helps You Remember!
Apple Takes a Step Backwards With Touch ID on New iPads
Apple has told us that Face ID is more secure than Touch iD. It’s the future. So Apple’s decision to use Touch ID on the new iPad mini and Air contradicts Apple’s privacy goal. John discusses.
Choosing the Mac Mini Over the iMac
The iMac still has a lot going for it, but in the end Charlotte decided to replace her MacBook Pro with a Mac Mini.
Listen to the Text on Mac, iPhone, and iPad
Dr. Mac demonstrates how he enjoys having his Mac and iOS devices read almost anything to him without spending a penny.
Apple's Steady Path Towards Family Robots
Apple is a company we trust. Personal robots can be scary. Who better to earn our trust in robots than Apple?
Dr. Mac on Whether Document Scanners Have Become Obsolete
Dr. Mac hasn’t used either of his document scanners in months; discover why in this week’s thrilling episode (#320) of Dr. Mac’s Rants & Raves at The Mac Observer.
Why I (Still) Love Mac User Groups
In this week’s episode (#318 for those keeping track) Dr. Mac explains why he loves Apple User Groups and why you’re missing out if you’re not part of one.
Environmentally-Friendly High-Tech (Paper) Notebook
Dr. Mac says when he first heard about Rocketbook, a line of “endlessly reusable digital notebooks,” he was sure that “environmentally friendly high-tech notebook” was an oxymoron akin to “jumbo shrimp” or “exact estimate.”
After trying them, he admits he was wrong.
Looking at the VSCO Privacy Policy
Recently Bryan Chaffin challenged Andrew to examine the VSCO privacy policy and translate it from lawyer-speak to human-speak. Here’s what he found.
A Farewell to Macworld Expo
Dr. Mac explains why he gets nostalgic about Macworld Expo at this time of year as he reflects on some of his favorite moments at the show.
Tim Cook Is a Failure at Operations
Operations are supposed to be what Tim Cook does best. Under Steve Jobs he was the Chief Operating Officer at Apple. And while he may have done a great job there, he is a failure at it as CEO.
Apple Needs to Expand Its Product Grid to Include an Edition Category
Designers would win by being able to make more focused and less compromised designs; consumers would win with more choices; Apple would win with greater focused products, more revenue, better margins, and better market share.
My Holiday Adventures With macOS Mojave
John had macOS Mojave running on his MacBook all along, but the holidays brought the opportunity to upgrade his production Mac to Mojave as well. He had some interesting experiences.
Personal Information Management Part 1: Universal File Naming Scheme
Andrew has finally created a universal file naming scheme, something he has been working on for a while. Here’s how he did it.
Why the iPhone XR Isn’t More Popular
Something is happening with the iPhone XR. No one except Apple knows for sure what the sales numbers are relative to the XS family. But interesting questions are being posed.
Yes, iPad Pro CAN Replace A Computer
Some reviews are dismissing the iPad Pro as “not a real computer.” Kelly calls shenanigans on the definition of the mythical “real” computer.
Jeff Gamet Leaving TMO, but it’s OK to Smile
After 13 years with The Mac Observer it’s time for me to hang up my Managing Editor hat and move on to new adventures and experiences.
Sadly, Mac Sales Starting to Indicate an Overall Decline
It takes awhile before a trend in sales becomes definitive. The Mac’s downward unit sales for each Apple fiscal year are showing a trend now.
Apple Declares That Unit Sales Are No Longer Relevant. The Impact
During Apple’s Q4 Financial Results Conference Call, it was announced that, staring with the December quarter, unit sales will no longer be reported.
How this change will be received by investors remains to be seen.
The New MacBook Air: Apple Competes With Itself
A new, low-cost, non-Retina MacBook of some kind has been envisioned and dreamed about by the community. Whatever Apple’s plans are, the new 2018 MacBook Air isn’t it. And that’s okay.