Larry Tesler, a pioneering computer scientist who worked at Apple from 1980 to 1997, and created computerized cut, copy, and paste, died this week at the age of 74.
Tesler was VP of AppleNet and Apple’s Advanced Technology Group. During his time at Apple, he played a key role in the development of products ranging from the Lisa to the Newton MessagePad.
And that was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to his contribution to computing.
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FIle Sharing Busted in Catalina⇢
Kbase Article of the Week: Power Macintosh 6400: Why is Modem Port Covered?⇢
Sometimes, the problems Apple had in the 1990s show up in support documents:
Keep in mind that there are two different versions of an Apple “Macintosh 6400” computer: a Macintosh Performa 6400/200 and a Power Macintosh 6400/200. These two computers differ in the bundled hardware and software configurations.
The Macintosh Performa 6400/200 has the modem port covered because it has an internal modem installed in the communications slot. When an internal modem is installed, the external modem port is not functional so Apple provides a port cover.
Apple Revises Quarterly Guidance Based on Coronavirus Concerns⇢
Our quarterly guidance issued on January 28, 2020 reflected the best information available at the time as well as our best estimates about the pace of return to work following the end of the extended Chinese New Year holiday on February 10. Work is starting to resume around the country, but we are experiencing a slower return to normal conditions than we had anticipated. As a result, we do not expect to meet the revenue guidance we provided for the March quarter due to two main factors.
Sponsor: Drafts — Where Text Starts⇢
Drafts is your handy digital notebook. Have an idea? Want to start a message or tweet? Or just need to quickly capture a phone number or event information? Drafts is ready. Drafts launches ready to type and doesn’t bog you down with up-front decisions about what app to use, file names, folders and more when you just want to type (or dictate) something.
Then once you have captured that text, Drafts provides powerful actions to do almost anything with it. Send a message or email. Save or append to files in Dropbox, iCloud Drive and other cloud services. Create tasks in your favorite task manager. The possibilities are endless.
Mac Power Users #523: State of the iPad⇢
In the last decade, the iPad has gone from a brand-new device into a wide-reaching line of products that meet the needs of a range of users. This week, Stephen and David talk about the current state of the platform, and how it fits in with the iPhone and Mac.
My thanks to our sponsors:
- Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
- TextExpander from Smile: Get 20% off with this link and type more with less effort! Expand short abbreviations into longer bits of text, even fill-ins, with TextExpander from Smile.
- Sanebox: Stop drowning in email!
- Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code MPU at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
FlightLogger⇢
My thanks to FlightLogger for sponsoring 512 Pixels this week. It is a clutter-free flight tracking mobile app for worry-free travels. Go check it out today.
Snell, on Ferrite⇢
Since last June I’ve edited just about every episode of The Incomparable on my iPad Pro using Ferrite Recording Studio and an Apple Pencil.
Since people are often curious about just how using the Apple Pencil to edit a podcast works, I thought I’d make a video to show you how I do it. (I had to suspend a camera above my desk to get some shots of what my hands are doing with the Apple Pencil.)
SwitchGlass⇢
John Siracusa has launched a second Mac app. This is one is named SwitchGlass, and this is how he describes it:
SwitchGlass adds a dedicated application switcher to your Mac. You can customize its appearance, size, and position on each attached display, including hiding it on selected displays. It pairs perfectly with Front and Center, supporting both click and Shift-click actions on app icons in the floating app switcher. SwitchGlass is available for $4.99 on the Mac App Store. To learn more, please read the FAQ.
Connected #281: Oligarch Modder Community⇢
Stephen and Myke launch new careers as iPhone designers and Federico keeps refreshing Apple Music. Also: Swift Playgrounds on the Mac, Apple News+ and a few things we are currently enjoying.
My thanks to our sponsors this week:
- Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code CONNECTED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
- Direct Mail: Create and send great looking email newsletters with Direct Mail, an easy-to-use email marketing app designed exclusively for the Mac.
- Setapp, from Macpaw: More than 170 powerful apps for your Mac. Try it free for a week.
The Weird World of Apple Watch Workout Artwork
I was scrolling through the Apple Watch Workout app the other day and realized there are a lot more options listed for tracking than I ever noticed.
In addition to some workout types I was surprised to see I was impressed and amused by the artwork used to depict them all. These little images also raise some questions:
- Is the little person doing water fitness actually drowning?
- Is lacrosse just racquetball, but done standing up? Is squash related?
- Who is tracking their sail boat trips on an Apple Watch?
- Do people hunt while standing in clouds?
Liftoff #117: Things Bumping Against Other Things⇢
Boeing’s Starliner issues run deeper than it first appeared, CHEOPS is operation and the Solar Orbiter is on its way to our start. That, and a look at the White House’s proposed NASA budget for 2021.
My thanks to our sponsor this week:
- Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.