John Kirk is a former trial attorney, financial advisor and business coach. About a decade ago, he burst on the scene with the most delightful, literary, and informed opinions and analysis of Apple, its foundations, customer approach, and products. His writing became legendary for its literary references and his ability to punch through to the real heart of all Apple matters. We chatted about how he first embraced the Mac, successfully used the Mac in his law practice, earned his gig at techpinions.com, and why some observers of Apple go wrong. We also delved into the psychology of consumer choice, Apple being back on track with the Mac, how Apple embraces the future, what it choses to leave behind, design issues related to future Macs, and the legacy of Steve Jobs.
Apple's HomePod: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The spectrum of reactions to the new HomePod ranges from “superbly Apple,” to “Doesn’t stand a chance.” Friday’s Particle Debris points to three articles that span the expected range of media coverage. Pick your favorite.
WhatsApp on CarPlay: The First Third Party Messaging App
You can’t browse a list of your conversations. But you can send new messages using voice dictation.
HomePod and Streaming Music Services, Mac App Store 64-bit App Deadline - TMO Daily Observations 2018-01-29
Dave Hamilton and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to look at HomePod’s streaming music service options, plus they explain what Apple’s looming 64-bit app deadline means.
iLap Laptop Stand: $36.99
We have a deal for you on the iLap, a laptop stand designed for MacBook owners. It has a hinged cushion for positioning your Mac at different angles, and the device allows your MacBook to stay cool while you’re working. It’s $36.99 through us.
Apple Rolls Out 4 New HomePod Ads
Now that you can pre-order a HomePod smart speaker Apple has four new ads hyping its music playback.
These are the Music Services Siri Supports on HomePod
Here’s the list of which streaming music services Siri voice control supports on Apple’s HomePod smart speaker.
A Cerebral Sunday Morning: HomePod, macOS Server, Novice NAS, and Your Questions Answered – Mac Geek Gab Podcast 694
John and Dave return to answer your questions and share your tips… and theirs! Addressing The Novice NAS Conundrum, the question often comes up: does it make sense for NAS manufacturers to target the novice market? But that’s not all, your geeks get heady talking about HomePod and macOS Server, too. Plus we’ve got questions (and answers) about java, USB drives, and much more. Download… and enjoy!
HomePod Delivery Date Holds Steady at February 9th
This adds credence to the idea that software was what held up the launch of the HomePod, which was originally supposed to ship in December.
Augmented Reality for Reals?, Analysts Suck, Why Software Sucks, Blade Runner 2049 - Pop.0 ep.29
In this TMO video podcast, Bryan Chaffin and John Kheit ask the question, “Is Augmented Reality for reals?” They also take the tact that analysts suck, and building on that theme, debate John’s theory on why software seems to suck today. For the pop part of the show, they look at Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049. If you enjoy the show, make sure you subscribe to it! (WARNING NSFW: PROFANITY & RANTS)