The company blamed its under-performing online ad business for its first loss in 26 years of public trading.
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‘Where is the Magic?"⇢
Shawn Blanc, on the Nexus 7:
For me, when it comes down to it, software will always trump hardware. When I’m using a device like the Nexus 7 I want to know where the details are. Where is the magic? The fun? The incredible 3rd-party apps? It is because of these elements that the iPad is more than the sum of its parts while its bottom-shelf competition continues to remains less than.
On the iMac G4⇢
Benj Edwards:
With its innovative form factor, advanced operating system, and a then-unparalleled suite of integrated software, the iMac G4 led a new generation of consumer-grade Apple desktops that brought continued financial security to Apple during a time of transition—just as its iPod line began to heat up.
I still kick myself when I think about the day I sold mine.
On Separation⇢
Marco:
Large publications often try to maintain separation between ad sales and editorial staff. One-person publications don’t have such luxuries, especially when we sell some of our ads directly, but we can at least maintain internal standards of objectivity and separation of priorities.
Since publishing yesterday’s Adobe Revel sponsorship, I’ve had a number of readers make comments that suggest that I wouldn’t criticize Adobe, or that I couldn’t objectively discuss photo apps anymore, because of the sponsorship.
Pocket Announces VC Funding⇢
Nate Weiner:
We’re incredibly excited to announce today that we’ve raised a $5 million round of funding made up entirely of our existing partners, led by Steve Vassallo of Foundation Capital and joined by Steve Anderson of Baseline Ventures and Joe Kraus of Google Ventures. They are passionate about what we’re building, have been immensely helpful since joining us last year and now have doubled down on everything we plan to do together.
The Problem with iBooks Author
Yesterday, I announced System Extension, a members-only magazine for 512 Pixels. I built the first edition in Apple’s iBook Author program, which is simply stunning.
Except for the terms of service.
As numerous people have pointed out to me, I cannot charge directly for an .ibooks file.
Turns out, I can’t give an .ibooks file away as part of a subscription, either.
In short, if you collect money in any way with an .ibooks file, Apple wants their cut.
iBooks Author: Publishing and Distribution FAQ⇢
Future versions of System Extension might have to be in PDF form after re-reading this. Which kinda sucks.
Old Mac of the Month: The Performa 600
This month’s submission is by Scott Smith, a professional nerd from California, which seems radical.
I have been using Macs my entire life. As long as I can remember, from when my Dad bought a Macintosh Plus in the year I was born, there have only been Macs in the Smith Family House. Even though I am 25 years old, I would consider myself an old-time Mac user going back to System 6. However, it wasn’t really until 1993 that I realized the potential of what a computer could offer.
Woz’s Q&A with Gizmodo⇢
If Woz isn’t a hero of yours, you’re not hooked up right.
‘The Size of my Work’⇢
This week, Myke and I talk about waking up in the wrong country, my new magazine and the curse of the moderately successful side business.
This week’s episode was made possible by MailChimp and Squarespace.
Introducing ‘System Extension’
I’m happy to announce System Extension, the new monthly magazine companion to 512 Pixels. System Extension includes bonus content, an inside look at what I do here on the site, tips, tricks and more.
You can download the first edition here
(Chrome on the Mac hates my PDF, so a right-click to download might be your best option there.)
Squarespace 6⇢
This makes me wonder why I still use WordPress.