Analyst: Apple ripe for HDTV and 'Genius Squad'
Could Apple be at work on a TV set? That's a theory Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster has been trumpeting for years now. Joining him is UBS Investment Research analyst Maynard Um with a report today about how the gadget maker could expand its market cap by delving into new services in the coming years, notably the TV set business and an expanded version of its tech support offerings. Um suggests that Apple's in a good position to boost its market cap by anywhere from $50 billion to $100 billion by getting into the business of making and selling connected TV sets. The group cites growth in both the flat-panel TV market, as well as Internet-connected set-top boxes. Whatever Apple would be creating would be a mix of those two that heavily leverages the company's existing media services, the report suggests."Our view is that Apple is unlikely to enter the television set market without a core level of differentiation. We believe that differentiation will be its iTunes ecosystem and, in particular, its content," the report says. Um goes on to argue that Apple's big cash balance can make it more competitive when it comes to getting content for that ecosystem. That strategy could eventually give it an edge over existing players like Netflix with a bigger library and a delivery method that makes use of its growing data center capacity. But what about selling such a device? Would customers just buy a big flat screen TV at an Apple store, take it home and plug it in? That's what they can do now with the Apple TV, Apple's $99 set-top box, along with its computers and mobile devices. Um suggests that Apple could expand its Genius Bar support services with a paid element (not to be confused with AppleCare, or ProCare--Apple's existing paid support options), to help the customer get it set up back at his or her home. "What we envision of Genius Bar is similar to the Geek Squad, which is fairly well known in the U.S. as Best Buy's service department to facilitate technology adoption," the report says. "In many respects, Apple already offers a number of these services in-store. However, in our view, one primary difference between a Geek and a Genius is that a Geek has a car. If Apple ultimately enters the television set market, we believe it may have to offer some type of installation service (wall mounting, delivery, etc.)."Um suggests that the same install from this "Genius Squad" visit could be used to help set up and install other Apple products like the company's wireless networking devices. That same service could also end up laying the groundwork for what Um suggests as another business Apple could deliver later on down the line, which would be home automation technologies:The market for home automation today is fragmented and a number of standards would have to come together for this to likely become more feasible. However, we can envision a home where the television set or tablet, becomes the central console to control the home (lights, security cameras/alarms, audio, video, home theater, HVAC/climate control, door locks, appliances, et al) and that can be accessible from outside the home via a web browser or iPhone application (facilitated through a service from its data center). This, in our opinion, would drive further halo effects or bundled sales of Apple's products, particularly if the company transfers its ease of use to these systems.A report by Dailytech last month cited an anonymous former executive at Apple suggesting that the company was hard at work on a TV set. That set is said to embed the existing Apple TV set-top box technologies alongside a modified version of iTunes. The report also suggested that such a device would actually be made by another manufacturer, and not Apple.Apple rival/frenemy Google entered the TV space late last year with combination of set-top boxes and TV sets that include its Google TV software. Unlike Apple's Apple TV offering, which is primarily focused on delivering rented and purchased content from iTunes, Google's strategy is to blend in with TV content you watch through your cable operator and let users do Web searches while watching programming. Google has also approached game developers, urging them to design TV-friendly entertainment with compatible Web technologies.Um notes that if Apple is indeed working on a TV set, it's not coming this year. In the meantime, he suggests that the company will be beefing up its content offerings and working on a more feature-filled version of its Apple TV set-top box.Apple's last major release of the Apple TV was last September, with the company introducing a shrunken-down box that ditched the local storage and component plugs from the back of the unit. The newer version instead leverages the company's AirPlay technology to stream media from other networked devices.
iPad and Kindle Fire- The top 5 technical annoyances
iPad and Kindle Fire: The top 5 technical annoyances
Users of the iPad and the Kindle Fire share some of the same technical issues but also face their own unique challenges, according to a study out yesterday from FixYa.Analyzing the array of problems seen by site users who own one of the two popular tablets, FixYa boiled the list down to the top five major glitches.Looking at Apple's iPad, Wi-Fi connection issues came in first, cited by 35 percent of FixYa site users included in the study.iPad 2 owners have bumped into trouble connecting or staying connected to Wi-Fi networks. The site noted that this problem often affects users with a Wi-Fi-only tablet or those with a 3G tablet close to their monthly data allotment. Turning Wi-Fi on and off, renewing your device's DHCP lease, or resetting the entire Wi-Fi network usually does the trick.Next on the list was LED display issues, while screen issues in general took the fifth spot. Specifically, FixYa reported a problem with backlight bleeding in which iPad users noted patches of light around the edges of the screen. Though tricky to resolve since it's a hardware issue, the problem can sometimes be lessened by just tweaking the brightness of the display.FixYa seemed confused about the third most prominent issue, pointing to microphone problems in its chart but citing the iPad not being recognized by the computer in the actual report. Assuming the site is referring to USB issues in general, it offered a few suggestions if iTunes isn't detecting your iPad.Make sure you're running the latest version of iTunes. Try unplugging and then reconnecting the USB cable between your computer and your iPad. And finally, plug your iPad directly into a USB port on your computer rather than going through a USB hub.FixYaTurning its focus to Amazon's Kindle Fire, FixYa reported the one-click shopping experience as the top issue, cited by 30 percent of the users. The ability to buy an item without having to enter a password has opened the door to accidental purchases and unauthorized purchases by children. It could present even bigger problems should the tablet be lost or stolen.FixYa didn't have much advice other than to set up a Wi-Fi password at home so your children can't go on a spending spree buying items from Amazon.Related storiesHow to fix 95 percent of iOS app crashesMake a Kindle Fire safe for kidsAmazon Kindle Fire owners reporting Wi-Fi bugCNET review: Apple iPad 2CNET review: Amazon Kindle FireLike the iPad, the Kindle Fire can have trouble with Wi-Fi connections.In this case, FixYa recommended upgrading to the latest 6.1 or 6.2 version of the Fire software. Resetting your router or setting up a static IP address for your tablet were also suggested."Product call centers are the closest thing to consumer hell, making the web the new owner's manual," FixYa CEO Yaniv Bensadon said in a statement. "We see this first hand and have experienced an explosion in consumer issues with tablets, mainly the variety of devices running Android software. Despite Apple's god-like status with consumers, it is no stranger to consumer issues, as noted in [the] report."
Users of the iPad and the Kindle Fire share some of the same technical issues but also face their own unique challenges, according to a study out yesterday from FixYa.Analyzing the array of problems seen by site users who own one of the two popular tablets, FixYa boiled the list down to the top five major glitches.Looking at Apple's iPad, Wi-Fi connection issues came in first, cited by 35 percent of FixYa site users included in the study.iPad 2 owners have bumped into trouble connecting or staying connected to Wi-Fi networks. The site noted that this problem often affects users with a Wi-Fi-only tablet or those with a 3G tablet close to their monthly data allotment. Turning Wi-Fi on and off, renewing your device's DHCP lease, or resetting the entire Wi-Fi network usually does the trick.Next on the list was LED display issues, while screen issues in general took the fifth spot. Specifically, FixYa reported a problem with backlight bleeding in which iPad users noted patches of light around the edges of the screen. Though tricky to resolve since it's a hardware issue, the problem can sometimes be lessened by just tweaking the brightness of the display.FixYa seemed confused about the third most prominent issue, pointing to microphone problems in its chart but citing the iPad not being recognized by the computer in the actual report. Assuming the site is referring to USB issues in general, it offered a few suggestions if iTunes isn't detecting your iPad.Make sure you're running the latest version of iTunes. Try unplugging and then reconnecting the USB cable between your computer and your iPad. And finally, plug your iPad directly into a USB port on your computer rather than going through a USB hub.FixYaTurning its focus to Amazon's Kindle Fire, FixYa reported the one-click shopping experience as the top issue, cited by 30 percent of the users. The ability to buy an item without having to enter a password has opened the door to accidental purchases and unauthorized purchases by children. It could present even bigger problems should the tablet be lost or stolen.FixYa didn't have much advice other than to set up a Wi-Fi password at home so your children can't go on a spending spree buying items from Amazon.Related storiesHow to fix 95 percent of iOS app crashesMake a Kindle Fire safe for kidsAmazon Kindle Fire owners reporting Wi-Fi bugCNET review: Apple iPad 2CNET review: Amazon Kindle FireLike the iPad, the Kindle Fire can have trouble with Wi-Fi connections.In this case, FixYa recommended upgrading to the latest 6.1 or 6.2 version of the Fire software. Resetting your router or setting up a static IP address for your tablet were also suggested."Product call centers are the closest thing to consumer hell, making the web the new owner's manual," FixYa CEO Yaniv Bensadon said in a statement. "We see this first hand and have experienced an explosion in consumer issues with tablets, mainly the variety of devices running Android software. Despite Apple's god-like status with consumers, it is no stranger to consumer issues, as noted in [the] report."
Apple makes September 9 iPod event official
Apple makes September 9 iPod event official
Updated 10:30 a.m. PDT after having a chance to catch my breath.Apple has sent out invitations for a music-related event next week, and the smart money is on new iPods.The invitation, titled "Let's Rock," went out Tuesday morning inviting media to the Yerba Buena Center for the Performing Arts in San Francisco next Tuesday at 10 a.m. PDT. Rumors have been building for weeks that Apple is set to introduce new iPods at what will be its fourth September iPod event in as many years.We'll be there, and we'll be live-blogging the event, so make sure to come back here next Tuesday.We've been expecting Apple to hold a September iPod-related event since March, when audio chipmaker Wolfson informed its shareholders that it had been shut out of the design of next-generation media players from "a major Tier 1 customer" who planned a third-quarter launch. Launching in September gives Apple plenty of time to build distribution and marketing for new iPods ahead of the holiday shopping season, when the company sells the bulk of its iPods for the year.But what exactly do Steve Jobs and Co. plan to trot out during this episode of their trademarked special event? When we conducted our iPod poll back in May, readers said the two things they wanted most in a new iPod were more capacity and wireless connectivity.This mockup of a revamped iPod Nano on the right, next to a Microsoft Zune, is a leading rumor for the fourth-generation iPod Nano design.iLoungeThe most persistent buzz over the past month has circled around a revamped iPod Nano that brings back the long, slim design from earlier generations but provides for a widescreen video display as found on the current generation. That rumor looks even more promising after the discovery of "fourth-generation" iPod Nano cases by Engadget Spain over the weekend that would fit the design laid out by iLounge and Digg's Kevin Rose.Another likely candidate is a revamped iPod Touch at a new price. The iPod Touch looks set to get the curved outer shell (manufacturing efficiencies) and the cheaper price tag (marketing efficiencies) that came along with the introduction of its sister, the iPhone 3G. And Apple has said that iPod customers responded well to the price cut on the iPod Shuffle, so perhaps it wouldn't be much of a surprise if Apple decides to test how they'll respond to more capacity at the same price point.What else might be coming? Apple is expected to release OS X 2.1 at some point in September to try to move past the widespread bugs introduced along with the 2.0 release, and next week's event might also deliver a preview of that software. The wireless industry will be in town that week for the CTIA Wireless IT and Entertainment show just a block away from the Yerba Buena Center, and I expect Jobs will take the occasion to release sales numbers for the iPhone 3G.We expect Apple to introduce new notebooks fairly soon, but it would seem a bit odd to try and cram new notebooks into a major music-related event. The old iTunes music-subscription rumors resurfaced last month, so that's a possibility. And Apple's decision to highlight "rock" gives credence (of sorts) to my goal of predicting an iTunes-Beatles partnership to arrive before every upcoming Apple music event, figuring I'll be right at some point.More details might trickle out before next Tuesday's event, so pay attention. And don't buy an iPod between today and next Tuesday if you're looking for something new.
Updated 10:30 a.m. PDT after having a chance to catch my breath.Apple has sent out invitations for a music-related event next week, and the smart money is on new iPods.The invitation, titled "Let's Rock," went out Tuesday morning inviting media to the Yerba Buena Center for the Performing Arts in San Francisco next Tuesday at 10 a.m. PDT. Rumors have been building for weeks that Apple is set to introduce new iPods at what will be its fourth September iPod event in as many years.We'll be there, and we'll be live-blogging the event, so make sure to come back here next Tuesday.We've been expecting Apple to hold a September iPod-related event since March, when audio chipmaker Wolfson informed its shareholders that it had been shut out of the design of next-generation media players from "a major Tier 1 customer" who planned a third-quarter launch. Launching in September gives Apple plenty of time to build distribution and marketing for new iPods ahead of the holiday shopping season, when the company sells the bulk of its iPods for the year.But what exactly do Steve Jobs and Co. plan to trot out during this episode of their trademarked special event? When we conducted our iPod poll back in May, readers said the two things they wanted most in a new iPod were more capacity and wireless connectivity.This mockup of a revamped iPod Nano on the right, next to a Microsoft Zune, is a leading rumor for the fourth-generation iPod Nano design.iLoungeThe most persistent buzz over the past month has circled around a revamped iPod Nano that brings back the long, slim design from earlier generations but provides for a widescreen video display as found on the current generation. That rumor looks even more promising after the discovery of "fourth-generation" iPod Nano cases by Engadget Spain over the weekend that would fit the design laid out by iLounge and Digg's Kevin Rose.Another likely candidate is a revamped iPod Touch at a new price. The iPod Touch looks set to get the curved outer shell (manufacturing efficiencies) and the cheaper price tag (marketing efficiencies) that came along with the introduction of its sister, the iPhone 3G. And Apple has said that iPod customers responded well to the price cut on the iPod Shuffle, so perhaps it wouldn't be much of a surprise if Apple decides to test how they'll respond to more capacity at the same price point.What else might be coming? Apple is expected to release OS X 2.1 at some point in September to try to move past the widespread bugs introduced along with the 2.0 release, and next week's event might also deliver a preview of that software. The wireless industry will be in town that week for the CTIA Wireless IT and Entertainment show just a block away from the Yerba Buena Center, and I expect Jobs will take the occasion to release sales numbers for the iPhone 3G.We expect Apple to introduce new notebooks fairly soon, but it would seem a bit odd to try and cram new notebooks into a major music-related event. The old iTunes music-subscription rumors resurfaced last month, so that's a possibility. And Apple's decision to highlight "rock" gives credence (of sorts) to my goal of predicting an iTunes-Beatles partnership to arrive before every upcoming Apple music event, figuring I'll be right at some point.More details might trickle out before next Tuesday's event, so pay attention. And don't buy an iPod between today and next Tuesday if you're looking for something new.
Scout adds crowdsourced incident reporting to nav apps
Scout adds crowdsourced incident reporting to nav apps
Telenav's Scout GPS Navigation & Traffic borrows a bit from Waze and Trapster's books with the addition of crowdsourced incident reporting in the newest versions of its mobile apps.On Scout's map screen, there now appears a new "Report" button that, when tapped, presents four large buttons to report Traffic, Police, Hazards, or Accidents with a single tap. When you report these incidents, you're sharing potential delays with other nearby Scout users and helping them to avoid congestion. For your trouble, you'll benefit from the driving experiences of your fellow Scouters and Scout's millions of users worldwide.At time of publication, the iOS version of the app (version 1.11.x) has this new feature, but I didn't see the Report button in the current version of the Android app (1.5.x), but it's coming.Additionally, both versions (iOS and Android) have been updated with new "Things to do" event listings. This can be found below the standard destination categories that help users find events, landmarks, nightlife, and things to do from the app.Once a destination has been chosen, a new checkbox option on the Route Planning confirmation screen for Share ETA allows drivers to automatically share a map of their trip, complete with a live-updating estimated time of arrival, via SMS. The recipient can then initiate turn-by-turn navigation with spoken directions from within their phone's HTML5-capable browser by simply clicking on a link, the Scout app doesn't even have to be installed. The new "Share ETA" option allows users to send a map of their route via SMS.Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNETPut these features together and you can use the Scout app to find a place to meet your friends for dinner, send the destination and your ETA to them via SMS, and give them directions all in one fell swoop. That's pretty cool.Scout GPS Navigation and Traffic is available now in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.
Telenav's Scout GPS Navigation & Traffic borrows a bit from Waze and Trapster's books with the addition of crowdsourced incident reporting in the newest versions of its mobile apps.On Scout's map screen, there now appears a new "Report" button that, when tapped, presents four large buttons to report Traffic, Police, Hazards, or Accidents with a single tap. When you report these incidents, you're sharing potential delays with other nearby Scout users and helping them to avoid congestion. For your trouble, you'll benefit from the driving experiences of your fellow Scouters and Scout's millions of users worldwide.At time of publication, the iOS version of the app (version 1.11.x) has this new feature, but I didn't see the Report button in the current version of the Android app (1.5.x), but it's coming.Additionally, both versions (iOS and Android) have been updated with new "Things to do" event listings. This can be found below the standard destination categories that help users find events, landmarks, nightlife, and things to do from the app.Once a destination has been chosen, a new checkbox option on the Route Planning confirmation screen for Share ETA allows drivers to automatically share a map of their trip, complete with a live-updating estimated time of arrival, via SMS. The recipient can then initiate turn-by-turn navigation with spoken directions from within their phone's HTML5-capable browser by simply clicking on a link, the Scout app doesn't even have to be installed. The new "Share ETA" option allows users to send a map of their route via SMS.Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNETPut these features together and you can use the Scout app to find a place to meet your friends for dinner, send the destination and your ETA to them via SMS, and give them directions all in one fell swoop. That's pretty cool.Scout GPS Navigation and Traffic is available now in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.
How to use an old Mac as an AirPlay device
How to use an old Mac as an AirPlay device
To do this, simply connect the Mac to an audio system or a set of external speakers. While you might attach the Mac to a television to have some sort of display for it, this is optional if you enable Screen Sharing on the Mac. By doing so in the Sharing system preferences, you can access it through another Mac or with a VNC client on a Windows or Linux machine, and be able to configure it over the network.Another detail you might consider is to enable automatic log-in, which can be enabled in the Users & Groups system preferences in the "Log-in Options" section at the bottom of the accounts list. This option will allow the system to log in and launch the software needed to turn the system into an AirPlay device.With your Mac set up, next install the AirFoil tool from RogueAmoeba ($25 purchase), which will turn it into an AirPlay receiver. Install the software by dragging it to your Applications folder from the installation disk image, then be sure to add it to the Log-in Items for the account that is set to automatically log in. This can be done by selecting the active account in the Users & Groups system preferences, then dragging the program to the list in the Log-in Item tab.With AirFoil installed and running iTunes on another system will recognize it as an AirPlay device.Screenshot by Topher Kessler/CNETWith this set up, you can now keep the Mac running as an available AirPlay device that you can play music through to your heart's content.If you do not have an old Mac but instead have a Windows machine or even an old iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, then you can set up a similar option with these devices, as RogueAmoeba has software versions of Airfoil for these platforms as well, though Apple required it to remove the use of AirPlay from the iOS version of the software. While currently there are no alternatives for iOS devices, RogueAmoeba does have a workaround using its software.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
To do this, simply connect the Mac to an audio system or a set of external speakers. While you might attach the Mac to a television to have some sort of display for it, this is optional if you enable Screen Sharing on the Mac. By doing so in the Sharing system preferences, you can access it through another Mac or with a VNC client on a Windows or Linux machine, and be able to configure it over the network.Another detail you might consider is to enable automatic log-in, which can be enabled in the Users & Groups system preferences in the "Log-in Options" section at the bottom of the accounts list. This option will allow the system to log in and launch the software needed to turn the system into an AirPlay device.With your Mac set up, next install the AirFoil tool from RogueAmoeba ($25 purchase), which will turn it into an AirPlay receiver. Install the software by dragging it to your Applications folder from the installation disk image, then be sure to add it to the Log-in Items for the account that is set to automatically log in. This can be done by selecting the active account in the Users & Groups system preferences, then dragging the program to the list in the Log-in Item tab.With AirFoil installed and running iTunes on another system will recognize it as an AirPlay device.Screenshot by Topher Kessler/CNETWith this set up, you can now keep the Mac running as an available AirPlay device that you can play music through to your heart's content.If you do not have an old Mac but instead have a Windows machine or even an old iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, then you can set up a similar option with these devices, as RogueAmoeba has software versions of Airfoil for these platforms as well, though Apple required it to remove the use of AirPlay from the iOS version of the software. While currently there are no alternatives for iOS devices, RogueAmoeba does have a workaround using its software.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
The e-readers of CES 2010- Where are they now-
The e-readers of CES 2010: Where are they now?
Prior to each year's Consumer Electronics Show, we like to write previews of what buzz-worthy products might appear at the show and what trends you might expect to hear about. We'll do that, we promise. But before we do, let's take a look back and see what we left behind.Last year, as expected, the e-reader was front and center at CES, the hot new category if there ever was one. It had its own little pavilion on the show floor and we spent some time snapping photographs of all the new wares companies were proudly showcasing.Quite the assortment, they looked pretty high tech when we ran this slideshow a year ago. But take a stroll today through these images and the impression you get may be a little different. This is a rogue cast of characters, a motley crew. A lucky few managed to survive and have fared well enough. Some limped their way into the marketplace but have never really made it out of the starting blocks. And several simply vanished into thin air, vaporized by the iPad and the price cuts to the Nook and Kindle.It's a mostly sad tale. Have a look.The e-readers of CES 2010: Where are they...See full gallery1 - 4 / 23NextPrev
Prior to each year's Consumer Electronics Show, we like to write previews of what buzz-worthy products might appear at the show and what trends you might expect to hear about. We'll do that, we promise. But before we do, let's take a look back and see what we left behind.Last year, as expected, the e-reader was front and center at CES, the hot new category if there ever was one. It had its own little pavilion on the show floor and we spent some time snapping photographs of all the new wares companies were proudly showcasing.Quite the assortment, they looked pretty high tech when we ran this slideshow a year ago. But take a stroll today through these images and the impression you get may be a little different. This is a rogue cast of characters, a motley crew. A lucky few managed to survive and have fared well enough. Some limped their way into the marketplace but have never really made it out of the starting blocks. And several simply vanished into thin air, vaporized by the iPad and the price cuts to the Nook and Kindle.It's a mostly sad tale. Have a look.The e-readers of CES 2010: Where are they...See full gallery1 - 4 / 23NextPrev
The Apple effect on your next 'PC'
The Apple effect on your next 'PC'
The venerable laptop is under assault.And leading the assault is Apple -- which has no qualms about cannibalizing a piece of its own MacBook laptop line with the iPad.And Apple's tablets will get even harder to resist in October when it brings out a smaller tablet, probably priced well below $399. The $199 Google Nexus 7 and the new Kindle Fire starting at $199 -- or $159 for the original Fire -- are making it even harder to fork over $699 for a new laptop. At the risk of stating the obvious, consumers often opt for the cheaper device if it seems to meet their needs.So, in many cases -- just glance at figures from market researchers and Apple itself -- they are choosing a tablet instead of a laptop.Or postponing the purchase of a laptop in favor of a tablet impulse-buy. In response, Microsoft, Intel, and their partners -- who are feeling some existential panic -- are trying to curb those buying habits by introducing Windows 8 laptops that also function as tablets.So, here's my question.Would you forgo a tablet for a laptop with a touch screen? Or to rephrase the question: though more expensive than a tablet -- likely well over $499 -- many Windows 8 portables will squeeze a laptop and tablet into one device, potentially obviating the need to buy two devices. Does that seem like the right solution to you?
The venerable laptop is under assault.And leading the assault is Apple -- which has no qualms about cannibalizing a piece of its own MacBook laptop line with the iPad.And Apple's tablets will get even harder to resist in October when it brings out a smaller tablet, probably priced well below $399. The $199 Google Nexus 7 and the new Kindle Fire starting at $199 -- or $159 for the original Fire -- are making it even harder to fork over $699 for a new laptop. At the risk of stating the obvious, consumers often opt for the cheaper device if it seems to meet their needs.So, in many cases -- just glance at figures from market researchers and Apple itself -- they are choosing a tablet instead of a laptop.Or postponing the purchase of a laptop in favor of a tablet impulse-buy. In response, Microsoft, Intel, and their partners -- who are feeling some existential panic -- are trying to curb those buying habits by introducing Windows 8 laptops that also function as tablets.So, here's my question.Would you forgo a tablet for a laptop with a touch screen? Or to rephrase the question: though more expensive than a tablet -- likely well over $499 -- many Windows 8 portables will squeeze a laptop and tablet into one device, potentially obviating the need to buy two devices. Does that seem like the right solution to you?
Apple wants Beats' Jimmy Iovine to run a video biz-
Apple wants Beats' Jimmy Iovine to run a video biz?
The question on a lot of people's minds is why would Apple throw down $3.2 billion for the high-end-headphones maker Beats Electronics. Well, Steve Jobs biographer Walter Isaacson said he thinks he knows why.In an interview with Billboard Magazine, the biographer said he dug through some of the unpublished notes he took when he was writing "Steve Jobs" and came upon something interesting -- certain conversations Jobs had with longtime music industry executive Jimmy Iovine in 2002 and 2003.Related StoriesWhy does Apple want Beats? No one really seems to knowBeats boss Jimmy Iovine may join Apple, report saysBeats' Iovine: I talked to Steve Jobs about music subscriptionsApple said to be in talks to buy Beats Electronics for $3.2BIsaacson: Jobs was 'eager to talk,' exercise 'no control' (Q&A)But first, let's back up. Iovine, along with rapper Dr. Dre, founded Beats in 2008. The company is best known for a top-selling line of headphones; it also plays in the competitive market for subscription-based, streaming music, with a mobile service that, unlike Apple's iTunes and iTunes Radio, offers ad-free, on-demand music listening for about $10 per month.So, does Apple want in on Beats streaming music business? No, said Isaacson -- what Apple wants is for Iovine to run its content business, chiefly video. It's been long rumored that Apple is working on a TV product but the company has been unable to get content owners to agree to sign on. According to Isaacson, Iovine was a key player in helping Jobs get the top five music labels to sign onto the iTunes Store in 2002. He also assisted Jobs in the deal to create the special U2 edition of the iPod. For a TV product, Iovine could be extremely valuable in building relationships with content owners.This isn't the first time it's been predicted that Apple is looking to hire Iovine. Earlier this month, the New York Post claimed that Apple was in talks with Iovine for him to become a "special adviser" to Apple CEO Tim Cook.When contacted by CNET, Apple declined to comment. Updated May 21 at 7:45 p.m. PT to note that Apple declined to comment.
The question on a lot of people's minds is why would Apple throw down $3.2 billion for the high-end-headphones maker Beats Electronics. Well, Steve Jobs biographer Walter Isaacson said he thinks he knows why.In an interview with Billboard Magazine, the biographer said he dug through some of the unpublished notes he took when he was writing "Steve Jobs" and came upon something interesting -- certain conversations Jobs had with longtime music industry executive Jimmy Iovine in 2002 and 2003.Related StoriesWhy does Apple want Beats? No one really seems to knowBeats boss Jimmy Iovine may join Apple, report saysBeats' Iovine: I talked to Steve Jobs about music subscriptionsApple said to be in talks to buy Beats Electronics for $3.2BIsaacson: Jobs was 'eager to talk,' exercise 'no control' (Q&A)But first, let's back up. Iovine, along with rapper Dr. Dre, founded Beats in 2008. The company is best known for a top-selling line of headphones; it also plays in the competitive market for subscription-based, streaming music, with a mobile service that, unlike Apple's iTunes and iTunes Radio, offers ad-free, on-demand music listening for about $10 per month.So, does Apple want in on Beats streaming music business? No, said Isaacson -- what Apple wants is for Iovine to run its content business, chiefly video. It's been long rumored that Apple is working on a TV product but the company has been unable to get content owners to agree to sign on. According to Isaacson, Iovine was a key player in helping Jobs get the top five music labels to sign onto the iTunes Store in 2002. He also assisted Jobs in the deal to create the special U2 edition of the iPod. For a TV product, Iovine could be extremely valuable in building relationships with content owners.This isn't the first time it's been predicted that Apple is looking to hire Iovine. Earlier this month, the New York Post claimed that Apple was in talks with Iovine for him to become a "special adviser" to Apple CEO Tim Cook.When contacted by CNET, Apple declined to comment. Updated May 21 at 7:45 p.m. PT to note that Apple declined to comment.
Apple updates its iOS retail app with in-store tools
Apple updates its iOS retail app with in-store tools
Following the hardware updates to its retail stores over the weekend, Apple today rolled out an updated version of its retail application for iOS (iTunes) that adds interactive features for users who are actually inside of an Apple store.Now, when walking around an Apple store, users can fire up the app to ask for help. This utilizes the same system the company installed over the weekend using its Smart Signs, which alerts retail store employees that a user needs assistance. However unlike those efforts, users have to do the legwork to go find an employee at a designated location.Along with assistance about products, the app also lists availability for the Genius Bar, including when the next opening is. There's also a schedule of any workshops or events that are going on at that particular store. Making use of location within apps to provide unique information at retail stores is not a new venture for Apple. The company rolled out something similar with Starbucks as part of its iTunes app early on in the iPhone's life cycle. With that collaboration, iPhone and iPod Touch users at certain Starbucks locations could get information about what songs were playing, as well as options to buy them from iTunes. Apple overhauled its retail stores over the weekend with Smart Signs--iPad 2s that are encased and locked down next to the company's products (including the iPad 2) to act as interactive signage. Along with containing pricing information, the displays also offer product-specific tools, such as a wireless plan estimator for products like the iPhone. They're also configured to let customers page an employee for help.Besides the retail store tweaks, Apple added a feature to the app that lets users completely customize a Mac they want to buy. This is something you've long been able to do through Apple's Web site, though retail app users were out of luck if they wanted to upgrade one or more of the hardware components.
Following the hardware updates to its retail stores over the weekend, Apple today rolled out an updated version of its retail application for iOS (iTunes) that adds interactive features for users who are actually inside of an Apple store.Now, when walking around an Apple store, users can fire up the app to ask for help. This utilizes the same system the company installed over the weekend using its Smart Signs, which alerts retail store employees that a user needs assistance. However unlike those efforts, users have to do the legwork to go find an employee at a designated location.Along with assistance about products, the app also lists availability for the Genius Bar, including when the next opening is. There's also a schedule of any workshops or events that are going on at that particular store. Making use of location within apps to provide unique information at retail stores is not a new venture for Apple. The company rolled out something similar with Starbucks as part of its iTunes app early on in the iPhone's life cycle. With that collaboration, iPhone and iPod Touch users at certain Starbucks locations could get information about what songs were playing, as well as options to buy them from iTunes. Apple overhauled its retail stores over the weekend with Smart Signs--iPad 2s that are encased and locked down next to the company's products (including the iPad 2) to act as interactive signage. Along with containing pricing information, the displays also offer product-specific tools, such as a wireless plan estimator for products like the iPhone. They're also configured to let customers page an employee for help.Besides the retail store tweaks, Apple added a feature to the app that lets users completely customize a Mac they want to buy. This is something you've long been able to do through Apple's Web site, though retail app users were out of luck if they wanted to upgrade one or more of the hardware components.
Apple Mini-iPad rumor cites Kindle Fire
Apple Mini-iPad rumor cites Kindle Fire
Will Apple ignore Steve Jobs' decree that anything below 10 inches won't cut it as a tablet? The supply chain seems to be indicating it will. Apple is "likely" to launch a 7.85-inch iPad before the fourth quarter of next year, according to a report in Taipei-based Digitimes.Now, why would Apple go against Jobs' wishes?"In order to cope with increasing market competition [from]...the 7-inch Kindle Fire...and the launch of large-size smartphones," according to the report. Displays will be provided by LG and AU Optronics (AUO), the report said, citing sources.Production is expected to begin before the end of the second quarter of 2012. Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch has told CNET more or less the same thing. That is, Apple is expressing interest in making a mini-iPad based on a 7.85-inch screen. Like Digitimes, Shim said this would come later in 2012 after Apple releases the next-generation 9.7-inch iPad with a QXGA screen.The latter is expected in the March-June time frame. But in November 2010, Jobs tried to quash any rumors about Apple making an iPad with a screen less than a 10-inch diagonal, citing a lack of real estate for "great" tablet apps. "Apple has done extensive user testing and we really understand this stuff...There are clear limits on how close you can place things on a touch screen, which is why we think 10 inch is the minimum screen size to create great tablet apps," Jobs said at the time. Jobs continued. "One naturally thinks that a 7-inch screen would offer 70 percent of the benefits of a 10-inch screen...this is far from the truth. Seven-inch screens are 45 percent as large as an iPad," Jobs said. "This size isn't sufficient for making great tablet apps." Ah, but that was before the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet. Amazon said today that it has sold millions of Fires and that "in fact, demand is accelerating--Kindle Fire sales increased week over week for each of the past three weeks," Amazon said.
Will Apple ignore Steve Jobs' decree that anything below 10 inches won't cut it as a tablet? The supply chain seems to be indicating it will. Apple is "likely" to launch a 7.85-inch iPad before the fourth quarter of next year, according to a report in Taipei-based Digitimes.Now, why would Apple go against Jobs' wishes?"In order to cope with increasing market competition [from]...the 7-inch Kindle Fire...and the launch of large-size smartphones," according to the report. Displays will be provided by LG and AU Optronics (AUO), the report said, citing sources.Production is expected to begin before the end of the second quarter of 2012. Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch has told CNET more or less the same thing. That is, Apple is expressing interest in making a mini-iPad based on a 7.85-inch screen. Like Digitimes, Shim said this would come later in 2012 after Apple releases the next-generation 9.7-inch iPad with a QXGA screen.The latter is expected in the March-June time frame. But in November 2010, Jobs tried to quash any rumors about Apple making an iPad with a screen less than a 10-inch diagonal, citing a lack of real estate for "great" tablet apps. "Apple has done extensive user testing and we really understand this stuff...There are clear limits on how close you can place things on a touch screen, which is why we think 10 inch is the minimum screen size to create great tablet apps," Jobs said at the time. Jobs continued. "One naturally thinks that a 7-inch screen would offer 70 percent of the benefits of a 10-inch screen...this is far from the truth. Seven-inch screens are 45 percent as large as an iPad," Jobs said. "This size isn't sufficient for making great tablet apps." Ah, but that was before the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet. Amazon said today that it has sold millions of Fires and that "in fact, demand is accelerating--Kindle Fire sales increased week over week for each of the past three weeks," Amazon said.
Apple may update iPad design this spring, analyst says
Apple may update iPad design this spring, analyst says
If history is any guide, the iPad may be due for an update in March or April, Piper Jaffray says. Gene Munster, an analyst at the firm, today noted that Apple has averaged four months between events since 2009, and it has tended to update its tablet in the spring. While Apple just updated the iPad in October when it introduced the iPad Mini, it may unveil new iPad body styles similar to the smaller tablet, Munster said. He added that it's unlikely Apple will introduce an iPad Mini with Retina display given current iPad Mini supply constraints. Another area that could be updated is the Apple TV with better software and an early take at an App Store. Munster noted he expects to see an Apple TV update in the next six months if Apple plans to launch a television by the end of the year, which he said is likely. "All in, if Apple does have a spring event this year, it may not result in significant new products, but we believe the pipeline for the rest of the year, including a cheaper phone and a television, will excite investors about Apple's ability to innovate," Munster said.Apple has long led the market with its tablets and phones, but it has come under more pressure lately. Rivals, specifically Samsung, have gained traction in key product categories, and worries have emerged that Apple's falling behind in innovating. Most of the company's major product launches have started to occur in the fall, which means a major update to phones and tablets may not happen for a while.
If history is any guide, the iPad may be due for an update in March or April, Piper Jaffray says. Gene Munster, an analyst at the firm, today noted that Apple has averaged four months between events since 2009, and it has tended to update its tablet in the spring. While Apple just updated the iPad in October when it introduced the iPad Mini, it may unveil new iPad body styles similar to the smaller tablet, Munster said. He added that it's unlikely Apple will introduce an iPad Mini with Retina display given current iPad Mini supply constraints. Another area that could be updated is the Apple TV with better software and an early take at an App Store. Munster noted he expects to see an Apple TV update in the next six months if Apple plans to launch a television by the end of the year, which he said is likely. "All in, if Apple does have a spring event this year, it may not result in significant new products, but we believe the pipeline for the rest of the year, including a cheaper phone and a television, will excite investors about Apple's ability to innovate," Munster said.Apple has long led the market with its tablets and phones, but it has come under more pressure lately. Rivals, specifically Samsung, have gained traction in key product categories, and worries have emerged that Apple's falling behind in innovating. Most of the company's major product launches have started to occur in the fall, which means a major update to phones and tablets may not happen for a while.
Apple may up dividend by more than 50 percent, say analysts
Apple may up dividend by more than 50 percent, say analysts
Apple will likely tap into its hefty hoard of cash to fund a dividend increase of more than 50 percent, according to a consensus of six analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.A quarterly dividend rise of 56 percent would cost Apple $4.14 per share, or $15.7 billion a year. That seems like a lot of money to most companies. But Apple is sitting on cash of $100 billion and has been under pressure to return some of that money to its shareholders.Related storiesApple ready to issue cash dividend to stockholders?Apple readying new plan for cash pile, investor saysApple taps $100B cash pile to pay dividend, buy back stockWhy technology companies loathe dividendsGreenlight Capital's David Einhorn, a major Apple investor, has criticized the company for not sharing its huge treasure chest with stockholders. Though Apple kicked off its dividend and a stock buyback, Einhorn has aruged that issuing higher-yield preferred shares would put a bigger smile on the faces of anxious investors.Some of Apple's cash hoard is tied up overseas, but the company could handle a healthy dividend increase, says Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster. A 56 percent jump would be healthy indeed, according to Bloomberg. The resulting 37 percent yield would be higher than that offered by 86 percent of the dividend-paying corporations on the S&P 500.All the analysts polled by Bloomberg agreed that a dividend boost is coming, but estimates ranged from $3.31 to $5.30 a share. Other scenarios might also play out.The company could spend $10 billion on a one-time payout and up the dividend to $3.31 a share, says Oracle Investment Research analyst Laurence Balter. Apple could also bump up its dividend incrementally, according to Bloomberg, initially raising it to $3 a share.Whatever Apple decides, all the analysts believe the company must act decisively to revive its sinking stock price and lower valuation."There has been almost a $300 billion decline in value of this company," Balter told Bloomberg. "Any CEO at the helm of any U.S. or international company that sat at their desk idly while this happened would be shown the door."
Apple will likely tap into its hefty hoard of cash to fund a dividend increase of more than 50 percent, according to a consensus of six analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.A quarterly dividend rise of 56 percent would cost Apple $4.14 per share, or $15.7 billion a year. That seems like a lot of money to most companies. But Apple is sitting on cash of $100 billion and has been under pressure to return some of that money to its shareholders.Related storiesApple ready to issue cash dividend to stockholders?Apple readying new plan for cash pile, investor saysApple taps $100B cash pile to pay dividend, buy back stockWhy technology companies loathe dividendsGreenlight Capital's David Einhorn, a major Apple investor, has criticized the company for not sharing its huge treasure chest with stockholders. Though Apple kicked off its dividend and a stock buyback, Einhorn has aruged that issuing higher-yield preferred shares would put a bigger smile on the faces of anxious investors.Some of Apple's cash hoard is tied up overseas, but the company could handle a healthy dividend increase, says Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster. A 56 percent jump would be healthy indeed, according to Bloomberg. The resulting 37 percent yield would be higher than that offered by 86 percent of the dividend-paying corporations on the S&P 500.All the analysts polled by Bloomberg agreed that a dividend boost is coming, but estimates ranged from $3.31 to $5.30 a share. Other scenarios might also play out.The company could spend $10 billion on a one-time payout and up the dividend to $3.31 a share, says Oracle Investment Research analyst Laurence Balter. Apple could also bump up its dividend incrementally, according to Bloomberg, initially raising it to $3 a share.Whatever Apple decides, all the analysts believe the company must act decisively to revive its sinking stock price and lower valuation."There has been almost a $300 billion decline in value of this company," Balter told Bloomberg. "Any CEO at the helm of any U.S. or international company that sat at their desk idly while this happened would be shown the door."
Apple may unveil new MacBook hybrid this year, says analyst
Apple may unveil new MacBook hybrid this year, says analyst
Apple's next laptop could offer the portability of the MacBook Air and the power of the MacBook Pro, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo."We also predict Apple will roll out a fully new MacBook model in early 3Q12, boasting strong performance and easy carryability by combining the advantages of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro," Kuo said in a report yesterday cited by MacRumors.To make way for the new laptop and streamline its lineup, Apple could kill its 17-inch MacBook Pro this year, predicts the analyst. Pointing to sluggish sales and falling shipments, Kuo believes Apple's largest laptop is the likely candidate for the chopping block.The first quarter of 2012 will likely see sales of 1.5 million for the 13-inch MacBook Pro and 500,000 for the 15-inch flavor, but only 50,000 for the 17-incher, according to the analyst's sales estimates. The remaining 1.1 million of Apple's 3.1 million in notebook sales for the quarter are expected to be grabbed by its popular MacBook Air.Related storiesIn 2012, MacBooks, ultrabooks mix it upMacBook Air, ultrabook chips coming as second Intel launchIntel revs up ultrabook campaign: A better MacBook?Assuming the analyst is on the money, would Apple offer the new hybrids in addition to its 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Airs and its 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pros? Or would it eventually replace the whole lineup to focus solely on the hybrid models?Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment.
Apple's next laptop could offer the portability of the MacBook Air and the power of the MacBook Pro, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo."We also predict Apple will roll out a fully new MacBook model in early 3Q12, boasting strong performance and easy carryability by combining the advantages of MacBook Air and MacBook Pro," Kuo said in a report yesterday cited by MacRumors.To make way for the new laptop and streamline its lineup, Apple could kill its 17-inch MacBook Pro this year, predicts the analyst. Pointing to sluggish sales and falling shipments, Kuo believes Apple's largest laptop is the likely candidate for the chopping block.The first quarter of 2012 will likely see sales of 1.5 million for the 13-inch MacBook Pro and 500,000 for the 15-inch flavor, but only 50,000 for the 17-incher, according to the analyst's sales estimates. The remaining 1.1 million of Apple's 3.1 million in notebook sales for the quarter are expected to be grabbed by its popular MacBook Air.Related storiesIn 2012, MacBooks, ultrabooks mix it upMacBook Air, ultrabook chips coming as second Intel launchIntel revs up ultrabook campaign: A better MacBook?Assuming the analyst is on the money, would Apple offer the new hybrids in addition to its 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Airs and its 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pros? Or would it eventually replace the whole lineup to focus solely on the hybrid models?Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment.
Apple may spend $200 to make each iPad Mini, says analyst
Apple may spend $200 to make each iPad Mini, says analyst
The price of the iPad Mini to consumers remains a mystery, but one analyst believes that Apple spends around $200 apiece to make the entry-level model.In a note to investors picked up by AppleInsider, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimated that the BOM (bill of materials) and manufacturing costs come to about $195 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model.The priciest single part is the screen at $56.50. The logic board costs a fair amount -- $54 for the Wi-Fi version and $80 for the 4G LTE model, AppleInsider noted.Of course, Kuo's component list is based on rough estimates and not any actual teardown of the device, so it may be off the mark. But assuming it's close to the actual cost, then Apple is unlikely to enjoy the same profit margins it grabs on other devices, especially the iPhone.CNET's live coverage of Apple's event tomorrow. Tune in at 9 a.m. PT.The cost of the iPad Mini to consumers is still not pinned down. The latest reports peg a price tag of $330 for the entry-level model. Prior reports have pointed to a price as low as $249, an estimate shared by J.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz.Even assuming the higher price point, Apple would see profit margins somewhere between 35 percent and 58 percent on the new tablet, Kuo said. The current iPad brings in a profit margin of 37 percent to 51 percent, noted AppleInsider. The iPhone 5 kicks in margins of 68 percent to 72 percent.Of course, carrier subsidies help Apple take home a huge profit margin on the iPhone. With devices like the iPad and iPod, Apple has no such subsidy, so its profit margins are naturally lower.Much of this is just speculation right now. We should learn the consumer price for the iPad Mini once tomorrow's launch event gets off the ground. And upcoming teardowns of the new tablet will likely reveal the actual cost to Apple.CNET will cover Apple's event tomorrow in a live blog.(Via AppleInsider)
The price of the iPad Mini to consumers remains a mystery, but one analyst believes that Apple spends around $200 apiece to make the entry-level model.In a note to investors picked up by AppleInsider, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimated that the BOM (bill of materials) and manufacturing costs come to about $195 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model.The priciest single part is the screen at $56.50. The logic board costs a fair amount -- $54 for the Wi-Fi version and $80 for the 4G LTE model, AppleInsider noted.Of course, Kuo's component list is based on rough estimates and not any actual teardown of the device, so it may be off the mark. But assuming it's close to the actual cost, then Apple is unlikely to enjoy the same profit margins it grabs on other devices, especially the iPhone.CNET's live coverage of Apple's event tomorrow. Tune in at 9 a.m. PT.The cost of the iPad Mini to consumers is still not pinned down. The latest reports peg a price tag of $330 for the entry-level model. Prior reports have pointed to a price as low as $249, an estimate shared by J.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz.Even assuming the higher price point, Apple would see profit margins somewhere between 35 percent and 58 percent on the new tablet, Kuo said. The current iPad brings in a profit margin of 37 percent to 51 percent, noted AppleInsider. The iPhone 5 kicks in margins of 68 percent to 72 percent.Of course, carrier subsidies help Apple take home a huge profit margin on the iPhone. With devices like the iPad and iPod, Apple has no such subsidy, so its profit margins are naturally lower.Much of this is just speculation right now. We should learn the consumer price for the iPad Mini once tomorrow's launch event gets off the ground. And upcoming teardowns of the new tablet will likely reveal the actual cost to Apple.CNET will cover Apple's event tomorrow in a live blog.(Via AppleInsider)
Apple CEO Cook: 'We have great things we are working on'
Apple on Friday officially brought its iPhone to China Mobile's 763 million subscribers. But don't go thinking that good news for Apple had CEO Tim Cook giddy enough to let slip any details of the company's plans.During an event launching the iPhone on China Mobile, Cook was asked whether Apple might launch an iPhone with a bigger screen or offer flexible displays in future models. All Cook would say, in essence, is that customers can expect some nice updates in the future."We never talk about future things," Cook said, according to Bloomberg, which was in attendance at the event. "We have great things we are working on but we want to keep them secret. That way you will be so much happier when you see it."Apple is expected to unveil a new iPhone this year, along with updates to its iPad line. There's also hope in the marketplace that Apple will show off its long-awaited iWatch and possibly, the television Steve Jobs hinted at before his death.Until then, however, Apple can bask in the launch of its iPhone on China Mobile, the world's largest carrier, after long years of negotiations.
Apple CEO Cook reiterates: New product categories in the works
Although Tim Cook has hinted in the past that Apple is looking at other product categories, the company's chief executive on Thursday left no doubt about his plans to look elsewhere."There will be new [product] categories," Cook told The Wall Street Journal in an interview published Thursday. "We're not ready to talk about it, but we're working on some really great stuff."Cook went on to say that any "reasonable" person would expect Apple to be looking to break into other product categories.There have been near-constant rumblings over the past few years that Apple would be breaking out from computers, music players, tablets, and smartphones, and getting into all-new product categories. Speculation abounds that the company will unveil a new television and could soon launch a wearable device believed to be known as the iWatch.Despite attempts at prodding, the Journal was unable to get Cook to say exactly what new products his company is working on. He also declined to say when the new product categories might be unveiled.
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