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.
Columns & Opinions
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.
Details on Intel CPUs used in Apple’s 2019 iMacs [Chart]
Exactly which Intel part numbers and generation CPUs were used in the new iMacs just announced? After some investigation, a detailed chart emerged.
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.
The State of Streaming Video vs. Blu-ray Discs
Video on DVDs became wildly popular around the turn of the century. Blu-ray in 2008 got off to a slow start and never really replaced DVDs. Now, 4K Blu-ray is faltering even more. Its fate is examined.
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.
A Great Explanation of Apple's HomePod Semi-failure
It’s not hard to figure out that Apple’s HomePod hasn’t been as successful as the Amazon Echo. But figuring out the exact cause is harder. It’s not the price.
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.
The Best GUI Feature Apple Has Ever Released in macOS History
John writes affectionately about a macOS feature he loves and couldn’t live without.
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.
InstaScam - Blue Ticks for Sale
Instagram users have paid others to help them receive a verified blue tick in what is a growing scam on the photosharing network.
A Raging Argument: 2013 Mac Pro or 2018 Mac mini?
Peter von Panda anguished over his decision. Would a used 2013 Mac Pro be a better choice for the money than a 2018 Mac mini? The debate rages on.
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.
iPad Pro 11-Inch Teardown Shows Device's Power
The new iPad Pro 11-inch contains eight speakers, a lot of silicon and a downgraded battery, according to a teardown conducted by the team at iFixit.