Apple sets iOS release date for Sept. 17
Apple's iOS 8 goes live Sept. 17, two days before the company's new phones go on sale, Apple announced at its launch event Tuesday in Cupertino, Calif. The software is available for download for the iPhone 4S and above. First introduced at WWDC, Apple's developer conference in San Francisco in June, iOS 8 marks the second major release of Apple's mobile operating system under the guidance of head designer Jony Ive and new software head Craig Federighi. Apple CEO Tim Cook fired the prior iOS chief, Scott Forstall, in October 2012, in part for refusing to take responsibility for Apple's Maps fiasco. Ive spearheaded a complete redesign of iOS 7, the first major overhaul since Apple introduced the software with the first iPhone in 2007.Tuesday'sevent, taking place at the Flint Performing Arts Center in Apple'shometown of Cupertino is one of the most anticipated productlaunches of the year. Consumers, analysts and investors have beenwaiting for Apple to introduce the "amazing" new products that Cook has been promising for more than a year. Cook, who took over as CEO fromSteve Jobs three years ago, hasn't yet taken the company into newmarkets beyond those established by his former boss. But he's nowexpected to do just that with wearables, mobile payments and otherpossible arenas. iOS 8 is expected to complement the new hardware.While iOS 7 featured different typography and color schemes from previous versions of the operating system, along with a flatter design concept, and added features like automatic updates, AirDrop and iTunes Radio, iOS 8 takes Ive's design efforts a step further.The operating system focuses more on functionality than visuals. With iOS 8, Apple is bringing a laundry list of features that many have desired for years. Most importantly, the new software tackles long-standing issues with iOS' notification system; its tie-ins with Apple's desktop OS X software and with iCloud, software for managing files and devices; and its native SMS client Messages. And it also manages to extend Apple's reach into the health and home-automation space with a suite of new "Kit" apps and developer tools.Related Links'Giant' iOS 8 adds widgets, new keyboard, home automation, health, Touch ID for all; arrives this fallWith iOS 8, Apple opens its garden, but keeps thorns sharper than everApple's Handoff brings proximity awareness to your devicesHow Beats took over the worldMassive makeover makes iOS feel new againApple's iOS 7.1 lands with CarPlay, improved fingerprint scannerA new addition to iOS 8 includes Handoff, which lets users start a task -- such as writing an email or composing a text -- on an iPhone and then finish it on an iPad or Mac. iCloud Drive creates a device-agnostic way for users to store files, similar to Google's Drive offering and to software maker Dropbox' product. And a new aspect of Apple's Messages app, called QuickType, features predictive keyboard software enhancement that will learn how you talk with different people to allow for quicker auto-correct and fill-out suggestions.Apple also is purposefully modifying its closed-garden philosophy. Users can now install third-party keyboards, and TouchID fingerprint scanning -- which accounts for 83 percent of purchases in Apple's App Store -- will now work with third-party apps. Additionally, widgets from independent developers will be available for download from the App Store and will function within the Notification Center.Along with the iOS features, Apple also launched two new initiatives, called HealthKit and HomeKit. HealthKit serves as a data repository for health-related information, such as how many steps a person takes and how much a person eats. Other apps can draw from that information and send data collected on their apps back to HealthKit. HomeKit provides a similar service for the smart home. It will let developers integrate controls for door locking, light dimming and other home-automation gadgets and features into iOS apps for the iPhone and iPad. That means users can control various connected devices from one spot -- even using Apple's digital voice assistant, Siri -- rather than switching back and forth between different apps. Initial partners include thermostat-maker Honeywall and smart-lock-maker August.Correction, 3:35 p.m. PT: The original article incorrectly identified which devices are compatible with iOS 8.
Mastering music in the age of iTunes
Mastering music in the age of iTunes
I recently chatted with mastering engineer Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound in NYC. He mastered Beyonce's "Live at Roseland: Elements of 4," Iron Maiden's "Flight 666" DVD, and James Taylor's "One Man Band," so you can see he's a pretty versatile engineer. When he was a kid the sound of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" turned him around, and the first Guns 'n' Roses album made a big impression. My first question was simply this, "Does the process start as soon as you hear the album for the first time?" If he's not cringing, he immediately starts to imagine how he would like the music to sound, and how he's going to make that happen. Sometimes, but not always, that might involve dynamic range compression, and Ryan said, "I might be thinking about what kind of impact is required, or it might be more about what sort of equalization would serve the music." If the mix is basically good Smith might want to just make it a little clearer or bigger, but he never wants to change the character of the sound. Smith stressed that's his approach, but some mastering engineers go further and put their stamp on the sound. He also feels the entire album should have a cohesive sound, but if it's a single, Smith might take another approach. Singles are treated differently than album tracks.The producer or band might be very explicit, and say, "We want to sound like this band, or we didn't like the sound of our last record and now we want it to be more like this." Not all clients request additional compression; producer Perry Margouleff recently brought in a folk recording and he wasn't at all interested in maximum loudness. Smith finds he can lighten up on compression when he masters reissues of older recordings. Each mastering session is unique, and Smith's first priority is to make his clients happy with the sound of their music. If Smith doesn't, for example, compress the music enough to satisfy the client, he might be asked to do it again, or worse, they might take the job to another mastering house. Smith seemed to think Mastered for iTunes is a good thing, and iTunes tracks sound a little better than they used to, but still not as good as a CD. The new mastering tools provide a preview of what the finished iTunes files will sound like. The iTunes master is a 24-bit/44.1 kHz file.For now the best-sounding format most people will hear is still the CD, and that's where Ryan focuses his efforts. He started out as a recording engineer, but if he recorded something now, he'd bring it to another mastering engineer to get a fresh set of ears involved in the project.He recently worked with another Sterling Sound engineer, Greg Calbi, on a forthcoming reissue of Paul Simon's "Graceland" LP. They used the original master tapes and compared the sound of the new master to original LP pressings, trying to make the new "Graceland" better than ever. That's what mastering is all about.
I recently chatted with mastering engineer Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound in NYC. He mastered Beyonce's "Live at Roseland: Elements of 4," Iron Maiden's "Flight 666" DVD, and James Taylor's "One Man Band," so you can see he's a pretty versatile engineer. When he was a kid the sound of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" turned him around, and the first Guns 'n' Roses album made a big impression. My first question was simply this, "Does the process start as soon as you hear the album for the first time?" If he's not cringing, he immediately starts to imagine how he would like the music to sound, and how he's going to make that happen. Sometimes, but not always, that might involve dynamic range compression, and Ryan said, "I might be thinking about what kind of impact is required, or it might be more about what sort of equalization would serve the music." If the mix is basically good Smith might want to just make it a little clearer or bigger, but he never wants to change the character of the sound. Smith stressed that's his approach, but some mastering engineers go further and put their stamp on the sound. He also feels the entire album should have a cohesive sound, but if it's a single, Smith might take another approach. Singles are treated differently than album tracks.The producer or band might be very explicit, and say, "We want to sound like this band, or we didn't like the sound of our last record and now we want it to be more like this." Not all clients request additional compression; producer Perry Margouleff recently brought in a folk recording and he wasn't at all interested in maximum loudness. Smith finds he can lighten up on compression when he masters reissues of older recordings. Each mastering session is unique, and Smith's first priority is to make his clients happy with the sound of their music. If Smith doesn't, for example, compress the music enough to satisfy the client, he might be asked to do it again, or worse, they might take the job to another mastering house. Smith seemed to think Mastered for iTunes is a good thing, and iTunes tracks sound a little better than they used to, but still not as good as a CD. The new mastering tools provide a preview of what the finished iTunes files will sound like. The iTunes master is a 24-bit/44.1 kHz file.For now the best-sounding format most people will hear is still the CD, and that's where Ryan focuses his efforts. He started out as a recording engineer, but if he recorded something now, he'd bring it to another mastering engineer to get a fresh set of ears involved in the project.He recently worked with another Sterling Sound engineer, Greg Calbi, on a forthcoming reissue of Paul Simon's "Graceland" LP. They used the original master tapes and compared the sound of the new master to original LP pressings, trying to make the new "Graceland" better than ever. That's what mastering is all about.
Apple's new products won't cheer investors, says analyst
Apple's new products won't cheer investors, says analyst
Apple tried to wow the world on Monday with a host of new products and services. But investors aren't likely to get all abuzz, says J.P. Morgan's Mark Moskowitz.At its WWDC keynote on Monday, Apple served up peeks at iOS 7, iTunes Radio, a new version of Mac OS X, new MacBook Airs, and the next Mac Pro. Many of these updates will certainly appeal to Apple users. But that doesn't necessarily translate into a higher stock price or stronger sales growth."We do not expect investors to cheer the latest software and services rollouts atApple's WWDC 2013," Moskowitz said in an investors note released late Monday. "The tech improvements appear to be suitably impressive, but we do not expect them to move the needle in the model in the near to mid term. The new specs reinforce, however, Apple's enhanced user experience, in our view, but the bigger story remains whether or not Apple can jumpstart its revenue growth profile."The fresh new look of Apple iOS 7 (pictu...See full gallery1 - 4 / 16NextPrevMoskowitz sees the "pivot point" for sales growth coming in the second half of the year when Apple is expected to launch an iPhone 5S, a lower-cost iPhone, and a Retina Display iPad Mini. Still, the analyst sees promise for some of the new products and services.Offering a cleaner look, iOS 7 points to more integrated features and services. The new OS boasts enhanced multitasking, a better browser, and the AirPlay "tap to share" option. The new Control Center and automatic app updating are also seen as pluses by Moskowitz. Finally, the new activation lock should appeal to lawmakers concerned about the theft of Apple devices.Though Apple didn't reveal many details about iTunes Radio, the analyst believes it could increase services revenues and fuel greater demand for the $24.99-per-year iTunes Match.Such new and updated features as iCloud, Siri, Safari, the Photos app, and the Control Center impressed Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley. The analyst also noted the refreshed MacBook Air with better battery life and support for 802.11ac Wi-Fi as well as a new Mac Pro with higher-end specs.Walkley wasn't surprised by the unveilings but does see an upturn for Apple in the second half of the year."While we were impressed with the features introduced in iOS 7 and with the refreshed MacBook Air and Mac Pro products, these announcements were consistent with our expectations," the analyst said in an investor note out Tuesday. "While our surveys indicate Apple's iPhone has lost near-term market share that will likely continue through the summer or until the iPhone 5S launch late in the September quarter, we maintain our belief Apple has a strong product pipeline that should result in reaccelerating [year-over-year] earnings growth during [the second half of] 2013."The new Mac Pro: You have to see to believe...See full gallery1 - 4 / 10NextPrev
Apple tried to wow the world on Monday with a host of new products and services. But investors aren't likely to get all abuzz, says J.P. Morgan's Mark Moskowitz.At its WWDC keynote on Monday, Apple served up peeks at iOS 7, iTunes Radio, a new version of Mac OS X, new MacBook Airs, and the next Mac Pro. Many of these updates will certainly appeal to Apple users. But that doesn't necessarily translate into a higher stock price or stronger sales growth."We do not expect investors to cheer the latest software and services rollouts atApple's WWDC 2013," Moskowitz said in an investors note released late Monday. "The tech improvements appear to be suitably impressive, but we do not expect them to move the needle in the model in the near to mid term. The new specs reinforce, however, Apple's enhanced user experience, in our view, but the bigger story remains whether or not Apple can jumpstart its revenue growth profile."The fresh new look of Apple iOS 7 (pictu...See full gallery1 - 4 / 16NextPrevMoskowitz sees the "pivot point" for sales growth coming in the second half of the year when Apple is expected to launch an iPhone 5S, a lower-cost iPhone, and a Retina Display iPad Mini. Still, the analyst sees promise for some of the new products and services.Offering a cleaner look, iOS 7 points to more integrated features and services. The new OS boasts enhanced multitasking, a better browser, and the AirPlay "tap to share" option. The new Control Center and automatic app updating are also seen as pluses by Moskowitz. Finally, the new activation lock should appeal to lawmakers concerned about the theft of Apple devices.Though Apple didn't reveal many details about iTunes Radio, the analyst believes it could increase services revenues and fuel greater demand for the $24.99-per-year iTunes Match.Such new and updated features as iCloud, Siri, Safari, the Photos app, and the Control Center impressed Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley. The analyst also noted the refreshed MacBook Air with better battery life and support for 802.11ac Wi-Fi as well as a new Mac Pro with higher-end specs.Walkley wasn't surprised by the unveilings but does see an upturn for Apple in the second half of the year."While we were impressed with the features introduced in iOS 7 and with the refreshed MacBook Air and Mac Pro products, these announcements were consistent with our expectations," the analyst said in an investor note out Tuesday. "While our surveys indicate Apple's iPhone has lost near-term market share that will likely continue through the summer or until the iPhone 5S launch late in the September quarter, we maintain our belief Apple has a strong product pipeline that should result in reaccelerating [year-over-year] earnings growth during [the second half of] 2013."The new Mac Pro: You have to see to believe...See full gallery1 - 4 / 10NextPrev
The 30-year-old iPod-
The 30-year-old iPod?
A good friend of mine plays his 30-year-old Linn LP-12 turntable almost every day. It was an expensive turntable in 1978 when it sold for around $1,200. But he's gotten 30 years of use out of the thing, and even now listens to a lot more vinyl than CD. So his $1,200 investment works out to around $40 a year to own the thing. Can you imagine anybody buying an iPod today still using it in 2038? 2028? OK, how about 2018? Hmm, I don't think so. Linn still makes the LP-12 turntable, the model has been in continuous production since 1972, and most parts are readily available. How's that for customer service? My Linn LP-12 is almost brand new, it's just 13 years old.OK, iPods aren't high-end devices, they're disposable technology. Fair enough, how much do you imagine you'll spend on iPods or their equivalents over the next 30 years? There was one guy who responded to my "How many iPods have you owned?" poll who has already bought 26. So he's already made Steve Jobs richer by many thousands of dollars. Over the next three decades he'll spend a lot more, and still wind up with a closet full of useless junk. I get it. Convenience trumps quality in most things. Fast food vs. slow food; fresh ingredients vs processed, which is pretty much the same deal with music. CDs, once the height of convenience and advanced tech are now viewed as archaic. CDs are too big, too easily damaged, and cost too much--so lower-fi MP3s and iTunes have put the CD on the road to oblivion. But to vinyl loving audiophiles LPs still sound better than any digital format. Everyone else couldn't care less about the sound quality their music, it's just not all that important to them. Or is it that people are so busy now they simply don't have time for quality. Strange, our affluence makes us go for the quickest, lower quality option every time. Back in the day writers would use the same typewriter for decades, but now we have to toss out our computers every three or four years. We're living in a disposable culture, so we need to keep buying new, ever cheaper stuff, but if you have to keep rebuying it, is it really cheaper? High-end audio can be expensive to buy, but not to own. I'd like to hear from you guys about your turntables, have long have you had yours? Is yours even older than my friend's 30 year old Linn?
A good friend of mine plays his 30-year-old Linn LP-12 turntable almost every day. It was an expensive turntable in 1978 when it sold for around $1,200. But he's gotten 30 years of use out of the thing, and even now listens to a lot more vinyl than CD. So his $1,200 investment works out to around $40 a year to own the thing. Can you imagine anybody buying an iPod today still using it in 2038? 2028? OK, how about 2018? Hmm, I don't think so. Linn still makes the LP-12 turntable, the model has been in continuous production since 1972, and most parts are readily available. How's that for customer service? My Linn LP-12 is almost brand new, it's just 13 years old.OK, iPods aren't high-end devices, they're disposable technology. Fair enough, how much do you imagine you'll spend on iPods or their equivalents over the next 30 years? There was one guy who responded to my "How many iPods have you owned?" poll who has already bought 26. So he's already made Steve Jobs richer by many thousands of dollars. Over the next three decades he'll spend a lot more, and still wind up with a closet full of useless junk. I get it. Convenience trumps quality in most things. Fast food vs. slow food; fresh ingredients vs processed, which is pretty much the same deal with music. CDs, once the height of convenience and advanced tech are now viewed as archaic. CDs are too big, too easily damaged, and cost too much--so lower-fi MP3s and iTunes have put the CD on the road to oblivion. But to vinyl loving audiophiles LPs still sound better than any digital format. Everyone else couldn't care less about the sound quality their music, it's just not all that important to them. Or is it that people are so busy now they simply don't have time for quality. Strange, our affluence makes us go for the quickest, lower quality option every time. Back in the day writers would use the same typewriter for decades, but now we have to toss out our computers every three or four years. We're living in a disposable culture, so we need to keep buying new, ever cheaper stuff, but if you have to keep rebuying it, is it really cheaper? High-end audio can be expensive to buy, but not to own. I'd like to hear from you guys about your turntables, have long have you had yours? Is yours even older than my friend's 30 year old Linn?
iTunes 11 to get visual revamp, beefier iCloud ties-
iTunes 11 to get visual revamp, beefier iCloud ties?
Just like it introduces new versions of the iPod at its annual music event, Apple's made a habit of doing the same with iTunes, the company's free music jukebox software.The rumor making the rounds today is that version 11 of the software's going to be a big update to coincide with the launch of iCloud, Apple's cloud-based media service. The iDownloadBlog (via MacRumors) reports that Apple's at work on a new interface for iTunes 11, one that more deeply integrates the company's music store. The more tantalizing bit is how the new software is said to tie into iCloud, specifically the saved data from apps."iCloud is also going to be more closely integrated with iTunes... This means if you back up your iDevice to iCloud, that same backup will be stored locally on your computer," the blog notes. "Also, app data from iCloud will be synced closely with iTunes. For example, if you beat a level in Angry Birds, that level data will be synced to iCloud and then to your iTunes library."With iCloud, Apple offers app developers a limited amount of data (64KB to be exact) that can be ferried over to other devices. So far, Apple's pitched it as a way to transfer things like settings or progress, but nothing larger. Developers also have to adjust their applications to make use of the feature. Apple's been testing this integration with beta pre-release versions of iTunes 10.5, but so far these versions have not brought over anything that falls outside of this 64 KB key-value data. It's unclear from iDownloadBlog's report whether this represents a broader chunk of data.iDownloadBlog's report follows up on a Boy Genius Report story from yesterday suggesting that iTunes 11 would bring support for books, letting Mac users read content purchased from the iBookStore in one piece of software. Until now, iBookstore buyers have been relegated to reading on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad through the iBooks app.Apple's last big overhaul to iTunes was last September with the release of version 10, which added the integrated Ping social-networking service for music, HDTV show rentals, AirPlay support and that love it or hate it new logo.
Just like it introduces new versions of the iPod at its annual music event, Apple's made a habit of doing the same with iTunes, the company's free music jukebox software.The rumor making the rounds today is that version 11 of the software's going to be a big update to coincide with the launch of iCloud, Apple's cloud-based media service. The iDownloadBlog (via MacRumors) reports that Apple's at work on a new interface for iTunes 11, one that more deeply integrates the company's music store. The more tantalizing bit is how the new software is said to tie into iCloud, specifically the saved data from apps."iCloud is also going to be more closely integrated with iTunes... This means if you back up your iDevice to iCloud, that same backup will be stored locally on your computer," the blog notes. "Also, app data from iCloud will be synced closely with iTunes. For example, if you beat a level in Angry Birds, that level data will be synced to iCloud and then to your iTunes library."With iCloud, Apple offers app developers a limited amount of data (64KB to be exact) that can be ferried over to other devices. So far, Apple's pitched it as a way to transfer things like settings or progress, but nothing larger. Developers also have to adjust their applications to make use of the feature. Apple's been testing this integration with beta pre-release versions of iTunes 10.5, but so far these versions have not brought over anything that falls outside of this 64 KB key-value data. It's unclear from iDownloadBlog's report whether this represents a broader chunk of data.iDownloadBlog's report follows up on a Boy Genius Report story from yesterday suggesting that iTunes 11 would bring support for books, letting Mac users read content purchased from the iBookStore in one piece of software. Until now, iBookstore buyers have been relegated to reading on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad through the iBooks app.Apple's last big overhaul to iTunes was last September with the release of version 10, which added the integrated Ping social-networking service for music, HDTV show rentals, AirPlay support and that love it or hate it new logo.
Apple, Samsung again swallow all the smartphone profits
Apple, Samsung again swallow all the smartphone profits
There's no stopping Apple or Samsung Electronics.The two companies again dominated the smartphone industry, combining to capture 55 percent of the market and 90 percent of the profits in the first quarter, according to a study by ABI Research.The numbers only further illustrate the growing divide between Apple, Samsung and everyone else. While Samsung leads the industry with 43 million smartphones shipped, Apple remains the leader when it comes to making money off of its products. The iPhone 4S continues to be the single best selling phone at most carriers, while Samsung's Galaxy S III line is poised for its own breakout success. Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIM3D TV FAQVerizon Wireless revamps unlimited calling, data plans The consequence, of course, is that the environment is even more treacherous for all of the other competitors. Nokia recently warned that its second-quarter results would disappoint once again, citing the difficult competitive environment, while HTC is still trying to get back to its high-flyer status with its One line of smartphones.Interestingly, Nokia's slide in smartphones may allow another struggling player, Research in Motion to pass it by. While RIM posted terrible results of its own, including a 20 percent sequential slide in BlackBerry shipments in the first quarter, they looked decent relative to Nokia's own 40 percent drop. But with Apple and Samsung so strong, it's unclear whether a third player can break out. The handset vendors are expected to turn their eye to growth markets such as China, particularly as smartphone adoption matures in the U.S. and Western Europe. But even in China, the companies face stiff competition from the likes of Huawei and ZTE, which are able to deliver powerful phones at an attractive price.
There's no stopping Apple or Samsung Electronics.The two companies again dominated the smartphone industry, combining to capture 55 percent of the market and 90 percent of the profits in the first quarter, according to a study by ABI Research.The numbers only further illustrate the growing divide between Apple, Samsung and everyone else. While Samsung leads the industry with 43 million smartphones shipped, Apple remains the leader when it comes to making money off of its products. The iPhone 4S continues to be the single best selling phone at most carriers, while Samsung's Galaxy S III line is poised for its own breakout success. Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIM3D TV FAQVerizon Wireless revamps unlimited calling, data plans The consequence, of course, is that the environment is even more treacherous for all of the other competitors. Nokia recently warned that its second-quarter results would disappoint once again, citing the difficult competitive environment, while HTC is still trying to get back to its high-flyer status with its One line of smartphones.Interestingly, Nokia's slide in smartphones may allow another struggling player, Research in Motion to pass it by. While RIM posted terrible results of its own, including a 20 percent sequential slide in BlackBerry shipments in the first quarter, they looked decent relative to Nokia's own 40 percent drop. But with Apple and Samsung so strong, it's unclear whether a third player can break out. The handset vendors are expected to turn their eye to growth markets such as China, particularly as smartphone adoption matures in the U.S. and Western Europe. But even in China, the companies face stiff competition from the likes of Huawei and ZTE, which are able to deliver powerful phones at an attractive price.
Apple, Qualcomm reportedly tried to buy exclusive TSMC favor
Apple, Qualcomm reportedly tried to buy exclusive TSMC favor
Apple and Qualcomm reportedly tried to secure exclusive access to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. smartphone chips by making separate investment offers in the custom chip maker in excess of $1 billion.The cash would have assured the investors that production would have been reserved for their products, but both bids were rejected, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. The two companies were trying secure manufacturing resources to satisfy increasing demand for smartphones, a market Bloomberg Industries estimates to be worth $219 billion.CNET contacted Apple and Qualcomm for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Related stories2009 PC shipments inch into positive territoryMicrosoft brings kids developer tool to the PCApple's Mac shipments up 23.3 percent in the U.S.TSMC, which supplies chips to Qualcomm, Broadcom, Nvidia, and other companies,is willing to devote one or even two factories to a single customer but wants to remain flexible enough to switch production among customers and products, Bloomberg said. However, TSMC says it is not in need of investment capital and is unwilling to sell part of itself.Such an arrangement would help Apple reduce its dependence on courtroom foe Samsung for mobile device components.Despite rumors early last year that Apple was courting TSMC to produce the A6 processor expected to power the next generation iPad and iPhone, manufacturing issues reportedly kept the chip production contract with Samsung.
Apple and Qualcomm reportedly tried to secure exclusive access to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. smartphone chips by making separate investment offers in the custom chip maker in excess of $1 billion.The cash would have assured the investors that production would have been reserved for their products, but both bids were rejected, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. The two companies were trying secure manufacturing resources to satisfy increasing demand for smartphones, a market Bloomberg Industries estimates to be worth $219 billion.CNET contacted Apple and Qualcomm for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Related stories2009 PC shipments inch into positive territoryMicrosoft brings kids developer tool to the PCApple's Mac shipments up 23.3 percent in the U.S.TSMC, which supplies chips to Qualcomm, Broadcom, Nvidia, and other companies,is willing to devote one or even two factories to a single customer but wants to remain flexible enough to switch production among customers and products, Bloomberg said. However, TSMC says it is not in need of investment capital and is unwilling to sell part of itself.Such an arrangement would help Apple reduce its dependence on courtroom foe Samsung for mobile device components.Despite rumors early last year that Apple was courting TSMC to produce the A6 processor expected to power the next generation iPad and iPhone, manufacturing issues reportedly kept the chip production contract with Samsung.
Apple, publishers cut e-book deal with EU regulators -- report
Apple, publishers cut e-book deal with EU regulators -- report
Apple has reportedly negotiated a deal with European regulators that will help the company avoid litigation for potential antitrust violations while also enabling Amazon to offer lower prices than offered at Apple's iBookstore. Reuters reports that EU regulators are preparing to accept the offer presented by Apple and four top book publishers: News Corp unit HarperCollins, Lagardere SCA's Hachette Livre, Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck, the owner of German company Macmillan, and Simon & Schuster, owned by CBS, parent company of CNET. Apple's antitrust issues involving e-books began in the United States last spring. The U.S. government accused Apple and five book publishers of conspiring to fix prices and forcing Amazon to raise prices. Related storiesCourt OKs feds' e-book settlement with publishersDOJ announces three e-book settlements, but not with AppleThis is why DOJ accused Apple of fixing e-book pricesAmazon's the villain, not Apple, book sellers sayAmazon says DOJ deal with book publishers win for Kindle ownersWhy Apple needs to settle its e-book suitsThis is good news for Amazon and consumers. Both were thrown under the bus in the backroom deal Apple originally made with the book publishers to raise prices so Amazon wouldn't hold a price advantage over iBooks, according to comments made by Steve Jobs. An Apple representative was not immediately available for comment.In the United States, three of the publishers, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins and Hachette settled. Apple, Macmillan and Pearson Plc's Penguin group denied wrongdoing and decided to fight in out in court. A trial is scheduled for early next year.In Europe, it appears that Penguin stands alone in its unwillingness to cut a deal, according to the Reuters report. The big question now is whether Apple and the accused publishers are seeking a similar settlement in the United States. More to come
Apple has reportedly negotiated a deal with European regulators that will help the company avoid litigation for potential antitrust violations while also enabling Amazon to offer lower prices than offered at Apple's iBookstore. Reuters reports that EU regulators are preparing to accept the offer presented by Apple and four top book publishers: News Corp unit HarperCollins, Lagardere SCA's Hachette Livre, Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck, the owner of German company Macmillan, and Simon & Schuster, owned by CBS, parent company of CNET. Apple's antitrust issues involving e-books began in the United States last spring. The U.S. government accused Apple and five book publishers of conspiring to fix prices and forcing Amazon to raise prices. Related storiesCourt OKs feds' e-book settlement with publishersDOJ announces three e-book settlements, but not with AppleThis is why DOJ accused Apple of fixing e-book pricesAmazon's the villain, not Apple, book sellers sayAmazon says DOJ deal with book publishers win for Kindle ownersWhy Apple needs to settle its e-book suitsThis is good news for Amazon and consumers. Both were thrown under the bus in the backroom deal Apple originally made with the book publishers to raise prices so Amazon wouldn't hold a price advantage over iBooks, according to comments made by Steve Jobs. An Apple representative was not immediately available for comment.In the United States, three of the publishers, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins and Hachette settled. Apple, Macmillan and Pearson Plc's Penguin group denied wrongdoing and decided to fight in out in court. A trial is scheduled for early next year.In Europe, it appears that Penguin stands alone in its unwillingness to cut a deal, according to the Reuters report. The big question now is whether Apple and the accused publishers are seeking a similar settlement in the United States. More to come
Apple, others eyeing curved glass for 2012 gadgets-
Apple, others eyeing curved glass for 2012 gadgets?
Apple and other gadget manufacturers are once again said to be investing in new manufacturing techniques that will yield electronics with rounded glass surfaces, a new report claims.Following up on its own report from May, DigiTimes today says Apple and other unnamed technology companies are working to produce "products with curved cover glass." That's the glass on the front of the device, the one users touch when using apps and press up to their face when making phone calls. Citing unnamed sources, DigiTimes says the effort is purely competitive, with manufacturers looking to set their devices apart from the pack. A report in late May--also by DigiTimes--claimed Apple had bought 200 to 300 glass-cutting machines to help glass makers make curved glass for its gadgets. That report was of special note given curiosity around Apple's next iPhone, which is now rumored to be making its debut next week. While numerous reports have now suggested Apple plans to release two new design variations, mentions of curved glass on the front have been all but non-existent.As noted in previous coverage, the first smartphone to offer rounded glass on its front face was Samsung's Nexus S. Its "Contour Display" was pitched as something that would fit more comfortably on the face when users make calls, and ease typing given that users' fingers would be pecking away in that general area on the soft keyboard. Apple itself briefly dipped into curved glass with the fourth- and fifth-generation iPod Nano, a design that was scrapped last year in favor or returning to flat glass for use in a touch-screen-based model.One place Apple is sure to be investing in curved glass is with its planned second headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., which--pending approval--Apple plans to have up and running by 2015. When pitching the design of the circular building to the Cupertino City Council in June, Apple co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs said "there's not a straight piece of glass in this building--it's all curved," while noting that the company had picked up the habit building its retail stores.
Apple and other gadget manufacturers are once again said to be investing in new manufacturing techniques that will yield electronics with rounded glass surfaces, a new report claims.Following up on its own report from May, DigiTimes today says Apple and other unnamed technology companies are working to produce "products with curved cover glass." That's the glass on the front of the device, the one users touch when using apps and press up to their face when making phone calls. Citing unnamed sources, DigiTimes says the effort is purely competitive, with manufacturers looking to set their devices apart from the pack. A report in late May--also by DigiTimes--claimed Apple had bought 200 to 300 glass-cutting machines to help glass makers make curved glass for its gadgets. That report was of special note given curiosity around Apple's next iPhone, which is now rumored to be making its debut next week. While numerous reports have now suggested Apple plans to release two new design variations, mentions of curved glass on the front have been all but non-existent.As noted in previous coverage, the first smartphone to offer rounded glass on its front face was Samsung's Nexus S. Its "Contour Display" was pitched as something that would fit more comfortably on the face when users make calls, and ease typing given that users' fingers would be pecking away in that general area on the soft keyboard. Apple itself briefly dipped into curved glass with the fourth- and fifth-generation iPod Nano, a design that was scrapped last year in favor or returning to flat glass for use in a touch-screen-based model.One place Apple is sure to be investing in curved glass is with its planned second headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., which--pending approval--Apple plans to have up and running by 2015. When pitching the design of the circular building to the Cupertino City Council in June, Apple co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs said "there's not a straight piece of glass in this building--it's all curved," while noting that the company had picked up the habit building its retail stores.
Apple, Microsoft may merge one day, says analyst. Wait. What-
Apple, Microsoft may merge one day, says analyst. Wait. What?
Imagine Apple and Microsoft as one single company. Impossible, you say. Probably, but not according to one analyst.Chatting with Fox Business on Monday, Keith Fitz-Gerald of Money Map Press advanced his seemingly wacky idea that Apple and Microsoft could merge in the not too distant future to combat their mutual rivals."This is one of those unthinkable but absolutely possible deals," Fitz-Gerald told "Varney & Co." host Stuart Varney. "I think that Apple and Microsoft may not only have to work together for the next few years but may even see a merger in the next five to ten years from now because they're going to have to take on the Google/Android/Facebooks of the world."Related storiesMicrosoft, bored of bashing Apple, bashes SamsungApple's PrimeSense buy: It's all about the mapsApple has the goods, Microsoft the visionAttempting to digest Fitz-Gerald's theory, Varney brought up a valid point. He wasn't sure the government would allow a merger between the two tech giants. Fitz-Gerald acknowledged that his claim is pure speculation at this point but tried to drum up more support for it."Look at what Apple wants to accomplish with the mobile market," Fitz-Gerald said. "You look at the one Microsoft initiative. And you look at the cross-pollinization of devices. Content is king. Security is king. And you've got a user base between the Millennials and the senior citizens who have to have easy-to-use, functional stuff that is transparent between devices."It's an intriguing theory, but sorry, I'm not sold. Yes, tech players will have to learn how to work together to create a more seamless and integrated playground for all our gadgets and devices. But an outright marriage between Apple and Microsoft?Even if the two were to find themselves in such dire straights that a merger was the only solution, the US and European governments would never okay such a deal. Still, it's always interesting to speculate.
Imagine Apple and Microsoft as one single company. Impossible, you say. Probably, but not according to one analyst.Chatting with Fox Business on Monday, Keith Fitz-Gerald of Money Map Press advanced his seemingly wacky idea that Apple and Microsoft could merge in the not too distant future to combat their mutual rivals."This is one of those unthinkable but absolutely possible deals," Fitz-Gerald told "Varney & Co." host Stuart Varney. "I think that Apple and Microsoft may not only have to work together for the next few years but may even see a merger in the next five to ten years from now because they're going to have to take on the Google/Android/Facebooks of the world."Related storiesMicrosoft, bored of bashing Apple, bashes SamsungApple's PrimeSense buy: It's all about the mapsApple has the goods, Microsoft the visionAttempting to digest Fitz-Gerald's theory, Varney brought up a valid point. He wasn't sure the government would allow a merger between the two tech giants. Fitz-Gerald acknowledged that his claim is pure speculation at this point but tried to drum up more support for it."Look at what Apple wants to accomplish with the mobile market," Fitz-Gerald said. "You look at the one Microsoft initiative. And you look at the cross-pollinization of devices. Content is king. Security is king. And you've got a user base between the Millennials and the senior citizens who have to have easy-to-use, functional stuff that is transparent between devices."It's an intriguing theory, but sorry, I'm not sold. Yes, tech players will have to learn how to work together to create a more seamless and integrated playground for all our gadgets and devices. But an outright marriage between Apple and Microsoft?Even if the two were to find themselves in such dire straights that a merger was the only solution, the US and European governments would never okay such a deal. Still, it's always interesting to speculate.
Marvel's Kevin Feige on His Favorite 'Captain America' Scene, Future Sequels, Recasting Superheroes and More
Sometimes interviewing Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige can feel like an interrogation. Tell us which sequels you;re working on! Just admit that Dr. Strange is your next movie! In all fairness, though, Feige is always a total sport about the geek-heavy grilling sessions, and is more than happy to talk about how Marvel Studios has completely reinvented the moviemaking game over the past few years, to the point that all the major studios are now chasingits fresh, inspired ideas.Superhero sequels are quickly becoming the most successful kind of sequel (if they aren;t already), surpassing animated sequels, comedy sequels and horror sequels as a surefire way to strike box office gold, assuming you get it right. For Marvel Studios, itjust keeps getting it right, andits latest sequel, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, continuesits streak of wildly entertaining superhero movies.We recently spoke to Feige about all things Marvel and Captain America, and here;s a quick, nerdy taste of our lengthy conversation.The best thing about these Captain America movies...Finding different genres to graph our stories on to has been very important to us, and I think the best examples have been the Captain America movies. Very early on we knew that if the first [Captain America] was going to be a World War II movie, we wanted the second one to be like a ;70s conspiracy thriller.IsCaptain America: The Winter Soldiermore violent than previous Marvel movies?I think there;s an intensity to the movie, and a relentlessness to some of the action that makes it feel very intense. But in terms of graphic violence, it;s no more or less -- and in most cases less -- than some of our other movies. But because it;s car chases on the street and it;s not iron suits flying in the upper atmosphere, it feels much more real, which was the idea. The idea was to take a supersoldier and place him in this conspiracy thriller, which is why you have the car chases, gunfights and hand-to-hand combat.TheCaptain Americascene he;s been dreaming about ever since he was a young kidCap walking through the Smithsonian is something I;ve been dreaming about for years and years. I used to go to the Smithsonian as a kid. I grew up in New Jersey, and we;d go down to Washington D.C. and walk through the Air and Space Museum my entire childhood. I always used to think to myself, gosh, what would it be like if you were an astronaut walking through this museum and seeing the capsule that you were in. So it;s always been a dream of mine to put a character in a movie in that kind of scenario, and Steve Rogers was the perfect opportunity for that.What;s the latest with Captain America 3 and Thor 3?Both are in the very early stages of development; getting scripts going, getting stories going. And it;s really not until we;re comfortable that we got something, that we;re on to something, before we set a date and announce it. But I would see [both movies arriving in the same phase] as a possibility for sure, in the way both Dark World and The Winter Soldier were in the same phase.Will Marvel have to recast its most popular heroes at any point in the near future?Well, I;d argue that Iron Man has passed his part four, and starts shooting his part five in two weeks with The Avengers: Age of Ultron. It is definitely ongoing. The contracts are set, and the general idea of what movies are going to go where is fairly set for the next five to seven years. So I hope I don;t have to worry about that anytime soon.How close is Marvel to announcing a director and star for Dr. Strange?Not as close as the rumors would have you believe, but we are absolutely actively taking meetings and honing in on our choice, and I hope we have it soon.Will Marvel Studios ever create brand new superheroes forits movies?Not necessarily when we have thousands and thousands of characters that we haven;t brought to the screen yet. There are so many great characters that I don;t think we;ll need to invent any for the movies. I;d rather the comics invent new characters and develop great stories for them and give us things to adapt in the decades to come.How different Ant-Man is from The Avengers: Age of UltronI wouldn;t describe Ant-Man as a quieter movie by any means, but I would describe it as very, very different [than Avengers: Age of Ultron], just in the way Guardians of the Galaxy in a few months is going to be very, very different than The Winter Soldier. Or how different Dark World was from Iron Man 3. That;s very important to us. We like what we;re coming into now. How The Winter Soldier is a new story in an existing franchise and Guardians of the Galaxy is wholly new. Next year Age of Ultron is the next chapter in an existing franchise saga, and then Ant-Man is wholly new. I hope we continue that into 2016 and 2017 because I like that as a balance, and as a way of keeping our movies fresh
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)