1. A while back, Gruber published an interesting article proposing iPhone UI design guidelines that developers could adhere to in order to preserve that “iPhone-Likeness” that we’ve all come to admire in apps. You know what I’m talking about. That look that appears so flawless and stunning in an app that it functions just as good as it looks and yet becomes incredibly difficult to imagine that a work that remarkable could have been conceived and constructed by people. I’m no mind reader but when Gruber said “figure out the absolute least you need to do to implement the idea and then polish the hell out of the experience”, I undoubtedly believe the TapBot team has done just that and have implemented that thinking into every one of their apps and even more so with their latest creation; Pastebot. I refuse to go into detail to elaborate on what the app does other than to show you by the photo what it looks like because the website already does a phenomenal job with that but even more so because a big portion of my excitement for new software involves personally discovering how great something is on my own and I won’t take that away from you. The most common function on a computer (Copy & Paste) has been now completely revolutionized on a mobile device. I love the iPhone but even more so brilliant masterminds who bang out amazing sh*t by sprucing up the mundane.

    A while back, Gruber published an interesting article proposing iPhone UI design guidelines that developers could adhere to in order to preserve that “iPhone-Likeness” that we’ve all come to admire in apps.

    You know what I’m talking about. That look that appears so flawless and stunning in an app that it functions just as good as it looks and yet becomes incredibly difficult to imagine that a work that remarkable could have been conceived and constructed by people.

    I’m no mind reader but when Gruber said “figure out the absolute least you need to do to implement the idea and then polish the hell out of the experience”, I undoubtedly believe the TapBot team has done just that and have implemented that thinking into every one of their apps and even more so with their latest creation; Pastebot.

    I refuse to go into detail to elaborate on what the app does other than to show you by the photo what it looks like because the website already does a phenomenal job with that but even more so because a big portion of my excitement for new software involves personally discovering how great something is on my own and I won’t take that away from you.

    The most common function on a computer (Copy & Paste) has been now completely revolutionized on a mobile device. I love the iPhone but even more so brilliant masterminds who bang out amazing sh*t by sprucing up the mundane.

    2 years ago  /  1 note

  2. Killer Special Ops Backpack

    I love to read stories about people who are completely obsessed with creating things. People that create not just for monetary reasons but for those who’s focus is more on wanting to get their products efficiently into the hands of people that are willing to buy them.

    Spencer Nikosey is the creator and mastermind behind this military-inspired backpacks, messenger bags, and some smaller accessory product line for men called KILLSPENCER. All of his work is completely remarkable especially knowing that the tools behind the development process are his very own two hands and with each piece still being able to withstand any harsh conditions -

    Another thing that a lot of people don’t know is that I design and hand sew every sample in my studio and manufacture everything here in Los Angeles, 9 miles away from my studio. It’s really great to be able to oversee manufacturing. This is a great freedom. →
    The many features of the Special Ops Backpack by KILLSPENCER. Priced at $325.

    I’m particularly attracted to the Special Ops Backpack. It’s simple, it’s sleek and it has all the necessary compartments I would ever care in having on a backpack. Aside from its rugged material, it has a built-in sleeve for a mobile device, for a Moleskine or other groovy notebook and of course a laptop. In my case, it would be a MacBook Pro. You have up to 4 material colors to choose from when ordering.

    The style and shape of the backpack is very reminiscent of the approach Incase has with their bags and it’s no surprise since Bobby Chang, the creator of Incase is a friend and mentor to Spencer.

    The company has also composed this short yet brilliant video illustrating the various phases in developing a bag all from concept to completion.

    2 years ago  /  Notes

  3. Nikkor Lenses Positioning Map →

    Let’s say you’ve already made the investment on a Nikon DSLR and you’re now in the market to boost your gear and imagery with a new lens. Unless you already have in mind what you what, deciding on any can be a little overwhelming but Nikon has now introduced an ingenious way to really narrow down your choices based on specification such as camera format, lens type or functions. Find the one you want and click!

    2 years ago  /  Notes

  4. Apple makes great products. The success of Apple’s retail stores isn’t based on any sort of tricks or upon the design of the stores themselves. The stores are well-designed, and they do use clever tricks to make them even better, but the foundation is the products. No gadget company can duplicate the success of the Apple Stores without products of similar caliber. Duh.
    – Gruber commenting on Nokia’s recent decision in shutting down their London store in light of lackluster sales performance in comparison to Apple’s. No question Apple stores are nice but even if their products were smartly displayed in a barn, the fans will still follow because it’s what’s inside that counts.

    2 years ago  /  0 notes

  5. Gift Ideas for the Photography & Apple/iPhone Enthusiast

    Buying a gift for anyone can prove to be quite stressful around the holiday season and if you’re talking about a person who’s into gadgets and tech toys, then the task can become even more daunting.

    Generally what happens with us tech geeks is that when we want something, we buy it ourselves, which in the end limits the amount of options friends or family have in buying us something they deem special because we already have it.

    Inspired by Shawn’s gift guide, for me it’s about photography and Apple gear and every year the process of making a wish list is fun and minimizes the headache my wife may having in buying me anything. Some of the products I personally own and others I just fantasize in having.

    For the Photography Enthusiast

    1. QuikPod
    2. JOBO PhotoGPS
    3. Griffin Simplifi
    4. Kata DR-467 Camera Bag
    5. Eye-Fi Pro 4 GB Wi-Fi SDHC
    6. Borrowlenses.com Gift Certificate
    7. Nikon AH-4 SLR Leather Hand Strap

    For the Apple/iPhone Enthusiast

    1. iHome Keyboard
    2. Blue Microphones
    3. iFlip iPhone Wallet
    4. Booq Vyper M2 Sleeve
    5. Mophie Juice Pack Air Case
    6. SlimKey V2 Stand with USB 2.0 Hub
    7. UBoard - USB Multiboard for your Keyboard & Office Life

    2 years ago  /  1 note