Free Hour of Code workshops December 5 through 11 at every Apple Store

Apple today opened registration for Hour of Code workshops at all 487 Apple retail stores worldwide, from December 5 through 11 in celebration of Computer Science Education Week. Among the most popular events at the Apple Store, Hour of Code workshops teach the basics of computer science with Code.org’s programming tutorials. Apple and Code.org share the goal of giving every student the opportunity to learn computer science.

This is such a great program.

Sal Soghoian

Correct. I joined Apple in January of 1997, almost twenty years ago, because of my profound belief that “the power of the computer should reside in the hands of the one using it.” That credo remains my truth to this day. Recently, I was informed that my position as Product Manager of Automation Technologies was eliminated for business reasons. Consequently, I am no longer employed by Apple Inc. But, I still believe my credo to be as true today as ever.

I’ve known Sal for years, and he is one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. He cared about Apple and the user.

Google CEO to meet with EU antitrust chief

Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai will meet in Brussels with EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager and Guenther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, as the final stop in a short tour of the continent, spokespeople for Google and the EU confirmed.

Google is some trouble in the EU and the situation could get much worse.

Apple and original TV content

Apple’s in an interesting, but tough spot here. They could be the vehicle to bring original content to your home with Apple TV, or they could add their own original content and battle with Netflix and Amazon.

Pixelmator 3.6 brings Touch Bar support

Pixelmator 3.6 Cordillera brings full support for macOS Sierra and the all-new MacBook Pro Touch Bar, adds Tabs so you can manage your Pixelmator windows with ease, includes a content-aware Smart Refine feature, Deep Images support, and more.

There are a lot of changes in the latest version, including macOS Sierra and Touch Bar support. This is one of the first apps I install on any of my devices.

The new Google Play Music

To deliver that, Google Play Music uses machine learning to figure out what music you like and then mixes in signals like location, activity, and the weather along with hand-picked playlists to personalize music for wherever you are and whenever you want tunes. Starting this week on Android, iOS and the web, the new experience will roll out globally (62 countries, to be precise).

The new app is live now, I just downloaded it.

Review: 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

For the past couple of weeks I’ve been using three new MacBook Pros: A 13-inch entry level model; a 13-inch with Touch Bar; and my favorite, a 15-inch with Touch Bar. As with all of my reviews, I’ll give you an idea of how I use the MacBook Pros in my daily life, but I’ll also give you a look at how it performed while working on some pro music projects. […]

Get More Done with Daylite, The Business Productivity App for Mac & iOS

My thanks to Marketcircle for sponsoring The Loop this week.

Relying on your brain for remembering everything? Are things slipping through the cracks? Get organized and increase productivity with Daylite.

Your brain is for ideas, not for remembering things. Free up your mind for ideas by leveraging Daylite to remember all your client and project details. Imagine having all your client info, email history, project details, tasks, and a shared calendar with your team – all in one app. That’s what Daylite does.

Clear out the clutter in your brain. Make more room for your ideas and plans.

Try Daylite free for 30 days. The Loop Sponsorship special- mention you heard about Daylite through The Loop and get a 50% credit on your first month subscription.

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PayPal’s iOS app integrates Siri function

With so many P2P transactions happening during such a busy season, we’re excited to give our users an early holiday present: starting November 10, Siri will be integrated with PayPal. For iPhone and iPad users running iOS 10, making a … Continued

Google lawyer says Android helps competition

Google’s Android mobile operating system boosts competition rather than hurts it, the company’s general counsel said on Thursday, in a rebuttal of EU antitrust charges that it uses the platform to crush rivals.

This could cost Google millions.

Apple’s HomeKit Security vs. ioT Botnets

The recent botnet attacks have called into question the security of all our various internet of Things (ioT) devices, and rightfully so. Those attacks happened because people like you and me had routers, webcams and other gizmos in our homes that were not properly secured. Some of those security issues are fixable by general users, but many are not.

Very interesting article from Dave Hamilton.

Ireland to submit appeal this week against EU in Apple case

Ireland’s government will this week formally submit its appeal against the European Commission’s multi-billion-euro demand for back taxes from Apple, Finance Minister Michael Noonan said on Tuesday.

Not a big surprise, but good to see.

Om Malik and the iPhone 7 Plus camera

I really enjoy Om’s photographs. The fact he has such great things to say about the iPhone 7 camera says a lot, especially considering he has a number of high-end cameras at his disposal.

Mixing with Compression: Attack and release

Compressors are so important in mixing—I use them quite a bit in a variety of ways, depending on the instrument or what I’m trying to achieve on an output channel.

Google updates Gmail and Calendar iOS apps

The biggest overhaul of the app in nearly four years. It’s the Gmail you know and love, with a fresh new look, sleeker transitions and some highly-requested features.

Get More Done with Daylite, The Business Productivity App for Mac & iOS [Sponsor]

Relying on your brain for remembering everything? Are things slipping through the cracks? Get organized and increase productivity with Daylite.

Your brain is for ideas, not for remembering things. Free up your mind for ideas by leveraging Daylite to remember all your client and project details. Imagine having all your client info, email history, project details, tasks, and a shared calendar with your team – all in one app. That’s what Daylite does.

Clear out the clutter in your brain. Make more room for your ideas and plans.

Try Daylite free for 30 days. The Loop Sponsorship special- mention you heard about Daylite through The Loop and get a 50% credit on your first month subscription.

600x346_getorganized_blue

Universal Audio releases new plug-ins, adds macOS Sierra compatibility

If you’ve heard me talk about music creation in the past, you know I love Universal Audio—in fact, they are my favorite pro music company. They care about their users and the products they release. The latest update, version 9.0, not only adds compatibility with macOS Sierra, but they’ve also released some new plug-ins, including:

  • API 2500 Bus Compressor
  • Chandler Limited Zener Limiter
  • A/DA STD-1 Stereo Tapped Delay
  • Townsend Labs Sphere Microphone System
  • Unison for Ampeg SVT Bass Amps
  • Console 2 software for Apollo FireWire

A huge update from UA.

You Deserve A Better Sleep

My thanks to Hullo for sponsoring The Loop this week. If you haven’t checked them out yet, you should read the reviews. A buckwheat pillow iis kind of like a beanbag for your head. The hull fill provides unique support that’s superior to soft traditional pillow types. Hullo’s features include:

  • Quality construction & organic materials.
  • Breathable fill that provides cool comfort all night long. No more flipping to the cool side in the middle of the night!
  • American-made craftsmanship.
  • Free shipping.
  • 60-night money-back guarantee.

Try it for 60 nights. If it’s not your favorite pillow, send it back for a refund.

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Toontrack releases Metal Guitar Gods 4 EZmix Pack

The fourth title in the Metal Guitar Gods series presents 50 unique amp and cab settings modeled directly after the personal tones of four top metal players.

I really do like Toontrack’s music products.

Fitbit stock plunges 30% after earnings report

Wearable fitness device maker Fitbit Inc’s revenue forecast for the key-holiday shopping quarter fell well short of analysts estimates, hurt by stiff competition from rival device makers.

Apple Watch.