Year: 2014

Craig Hockenberry:

How many apps on your iPhone or iPad have a built-in browser?

Would it surprise you to know that every one of those apps could eavesdrop on your typing? Even when it’s in a secure login screen with a password field?

Oh boy.

Dan Provost:

I am biased, obviously, but I am of the opinion that if you are putting that much time into the creation of your time-lapse, you should have some say over the final output.

Bob O’Donnell:

The reason is, we’ve now reached a point where there are too many apps (yes, I said it) and there needs to be more focus on quality versus quantity. But if everyone involved seems to think building more mobile apps is their ticket to millions, the problem is just going to get worse. And that’s, ultimately, why I believe the app ecosystem could end up buckling under its own weight.

MG Siegler:

Radio Shack stores seem to be just the right size. The key would be to curate only the best-of-the-best Android devices, Google devices, Microsoft devices, Sony devices, etc. Not everything, just the best.

Really smart plan.

In 2005 I co-wrote a senior paper for our business course on how to turn around Radio Shack. Our idea was very similar, only instead of focusing on devices, we thought it would be more focused on video gaming — a sign of the times I guess. Either way the concept was the same: small selection of really great things, and things that the employees had a deep understanding of.

This very much reflects the deep knowledge tradition of the chain. I wish they would do it.

Gabe Weatherhead:

If you rely on one handed use, I can easily dismiss the 6 Plus as an option. If you want the most portable and powerful pocket computer then the 6 Plus is almost perfect.

Gabe Weatherhead:

My interpretation of the documentation is that a keyboard extension can enable network access if it is for the purpose of improving the application. What improvements warrant this, is up to the app developer.

Don’t worry, not a single keyboard out there is worth it at this point.

This week my guest is Conor McClure and together we tackle the nerd relationship with health and fitness. We look at standing to work, walking, step counting, and other ‘fitness’ trackers.

There’s also a little giveaway challenge so be sure to listen.

Tim Cook:

Finally, I want to be absolutely clear that we have never worked with any government agency from any country to create a backdoor in any of our products or services. We have also never allowed access to our servers. And we never will.

That's almost like a dare to the FISA courts: “Try us, and you'll see what the $100 billion in the bank is for.” I love it.

John Moltz:

As it turns out, Apple’s product image for the iPod touch also omits the bump.

Dustin Curtis:

The reason current voice interfaces suck is because they force the speaker to consciously enter a “voice” mode and then create context around the action they want the computer to perform. This makes no sense; the computer should just always be listening for potential commands within the context of whatever the user is doing.

While out of town this weekend I was talking with Shawn Blanc about the new design here. He mentioned that one frustration he has is there is nothing to indicate that he is logged in.

Technically this is not true, the menus change when you are logged in, but practically this is true. I added a bit of welcome text to the header of the site, so if you are logged in you will see that, if you are not, then you will not see the text.

If you hit the link, you should be taken to your profile. If you want to change what displays just follow the link and change the ‘Display Name’ dropdown to what you want to be read. (It populates that drop down from: username, First name, Last name, nickname.)

Stephen Hackett:

The question is if this is a problem for Apple. Myke isn't alone in thinking that the iPhone 6 Plus could be his only device. Clearly, there is a segment of the consumer market that may forgo buying an iPad and instead carry just the 5.5" iPhone.

Apple likely made the 6+ knowing that people who are buying it are looking at the 6+ as their main device and possibly only device.

And I have to say, it is a compelling idea. If I thought I wouldn't be annoyed everyday by the lack of pocket-ability of the 6+ I would get one.

Either way Apple knows all of this and are fine with it.

A bunch of new camera gear from Fujifilm, which I think is worth some attention.

1. A new X100T which is probably one of the best cameras you can get (the X100S which it replaces was universally heralded). Can't wait to try one out.
2. The highly anticipated XF 50-140mm f/2.8 lens. Something that many pro users have been wanting.
3. The extremely interesting XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD which has some new filters as part of the lens and a built in ND filter. The entire purpose of this lens is to shoot it wide open in bright light and get a ton of bokeh. I loved the non-APD version of this lens and can't wait to try this one out as I've never heard of something like this before. I mean it has two aperture rings.
4. But my favorite announcement: a graphite version of the XT-1. This looks way better than the normal silver Fuji uses and I hope they use this coloring more. Looks fantastic.

Some really great stuff for everyone. (All links above are affiliate.)