Apple's Pessimism Problem→

Marco on the pessimism that has been surrounding Apple for a couple years now:

A year later, when Apple did release a model named “iPhone 5” that was far better than the 4S and had an external redesign, the inertia of Apple pessimism was so strong and the press had become such petulant children about Apple products that they shat all over it even though it was a huge update that gave them everything they asked for, plus more.

Now, Apple pessimism is even stronger. No matter what they release and no matter how well it sells, they won’t win over the press, the pundits, the stock market, or the rhetoric. Not this year. They could release a revolutionary 60-inch 4K TV for $99 with built-in nanobots to assemble and dispense free smartwatches, and people would complain that it should cost $49 and the nanobots aren’t open enough.

Apple does indeed have a problem here. I still think they should have named what we now know as the iPhone 5 as simply "the new iPhone".

Ron Johnson Needs a Job→

The guy who made Apple's retail stores soar wasn't able to do the same for a department store. So, he's out as CEO of JC Penney, and Apple still hasn't filled the Ron Johnson shaped hole in its retail division.

How long do you think it'll be before the puzzle piece finds his way back to the puzzle?

Quote of the Day: Bill Kunz→

In reference to the previous post, Bill Kunz, maker of App.net client Felix:

"Wonder if this movie's good." $10. "Try the new Burginator Deluxe!" $6. "Haven't heard of that beer before." $3-5. "New restaurant in town!" $30-$200

"Huh, an app. I really need a free trial." $0.99

A $5 app isn't expensive→

I’m neither an economist nor a psychologist, but it strikes me that too many iOS device owners fail to act in their own best interests—both in the immediate near term and in the long term—when they scoff at the thought of spending money in the App Store. Here’s how customers who spend lavishly on iOS hardware punish themselves by skimping on apps.

Lex Friedman makes the case for paying good money for your great apps. If you are one who balks at an app that costs more than a buck or two, you need to go read this.

Heck, read it anyway.

Coffitivity→

Just a fun little site that plays some coffee shop background noise. I let it run for half the day today. While I can't say it really increased my productivity or not, I did find it pleasing. Of course, one of my favorite things is to go get things done at a coffee shop, so it's not much of a stretch.

iOS 7 Settings→

Louie Mantia imagines what iOS 7 may look like from the Settings app. I love his use of Avenir, a font that I have absolutely fallen in love with. I use it in any app I can (e.g., Day One and Twitterrific 5).

Louie makes a lot of other smart decisions, and I think I would love it if iOS got a bit of a makeoverin this style.

Some related reading would be Chairman Gruber's little birdies.

Understanding App Store Pricing→

Michael Jurewitz (aka Jury), famous in development circles for his work as a developer tools evangelist at Apple, has compiled 5 (so far) parts to understand App Store pricing. Part 1 is linked above.

These are must-reads if you are in the app-making business.

OK→

A very touching story.

Guys, I still miss Steve.

Forecast→

The folks that brought you Dark Sky have taken a leap ahead, offering a free web app that offers full weather forecasts for the entire planet.

If you love Dark Sky (I do) then Forecast will be right up your alley. Save it to your home screen for bonus points.

(Also, finally an awesome site I can go to for weather on my Mac).

Innovation Through Simplicity

Chairman Gruber:

The utter simplicity of the iOS home screen is Apple’s innovation. It’s the simplest, most obvious “system” ever designed. It is a false and foolish but widespread misconception that “innovation” goes only in the direction of additional complexity.

I use a lot of complex software and tools. I can say from experience that the ones that I most enjoy are the ones that work towards simplicity over time.