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?
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.
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