Apple is 'World's Most Valuable Brand'
Apple has been ranked as the World’s Most Valuable Brand at US$ 70.6 billion with 49 technology companies appearing in the "BrandFinance Global 500" list (http://www.brandfinance.com), making it 2012’s most valuable sector.
Apple was ranked eighth last year in the Brand Finance's Top 15 Luxury Brands list; this year it takes the top spot. Also, Apple is now ranked first in Brand Finance's Top 10 Most Valuable Global Brands 2012 list, up from the number eight position in 2011.
Brand Finance first issued its Global Report into the relative equity of the 250 top global brands in 2007. In 2008, the study was extended to analyse the top 500 brands worldwide. The Global 500 report is published annually and incorporates data from all listed companies globally. Each brand is accorded a brand rating: a benchmarking study of the strength, risk and future potential of a brand relative to its competitor set as well as a brand value: a summary measure of the financial strength of the brand.
Group of Chinese writers suing Apple
Another day, another lawsuit -- or three. A group of Chinese writers have demanded millions of dollars in compensation from Apple for allegedly selling unlicensed versions of their books in its online store, reports the "Associated Press" (http://macte.ch/B9wEO).
Three separate lawsuits have been filed with the Beijing No. 2 Intermediate Court on behalf of 12 writers who allege 59 of their titles were sold unlicensed through the iTunes Store, Wang Guohua, a Beijing lawyer representing the writers, told the "AP." The three suits together demand 23 million (US$3.5 million) in compensation from Apple.
Carolyn Wu, a Beijing-based Apple spokesman, told the "AP" that the company respects intellectual property and responds to complaints quickly. "As an IP holder ourselves, we understand the importance of protecting intellectual property and when we receive complaints we respond promptly and appropriately," she said.
Apple to initiate dividend and share repurchase program
Apple has announced plans to initiate a dividend and share repurchase program commencing later this year.
Subject to declaration by the board of directors, the Company plans to initiate a quarterly dividend of US$2.65 per share sometime in the fourth quarter of its fiscal 2012, which begins on July 1, 2012.
Additionally, the company’s board of directors has authorized a $10 billion share repurchase program commencing in the company’s fiscal 2013, which begins on Sept. 30. The repurchase program is expected to be executed over three years, with the primary objective of neutralizing the impact of dilution from future employee equity grants and employee stock purchase programs.
“We have used some of our cash to make great investments in our business through increased research and development, acquisitions, new retail store openings, strategic prepayments and capital expenditures in our supply chain, and building out our infrastructure. You’ll see more of all of these in the future,” says...
Foxconn still not 'off the hook'
Foxconn Technology Group, which makes iPhones and iPads for Apple, still isn't "off the hook" though a U.S. radio show retracted a program blasting working conditions at one of its Chinese factories, according to "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/p9GHq).
Last week "This American Life" said (http://macte.ch/W8YPN) Mike Daisey's story about Apple in China -- which was broadcast in January -- contained significant fabrications. The radio show is retracting the story "because we can’t vouch for its truth." Still, the Hong-Kong based China Labor Bulletin says Foxconn employed harsh working conditions, while a fund manager with shares in Foxconn's parent said investors were watching how the company treats workers, notes "Reuters."
"The retraction has somewhat cleared Foxconn's name, but not all the way. The press and stock investors will continue to watch how Foxconn treats its workers going forward," Simon Liu, fund manager and deputy investment officer at Polaris Financial Group's fund unit in...
Mac OS X software updates for March 19
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps.
MacXDVD has announces MacX Video Converter Pro 3.5.0 (http://www.macxdvd.com/mac-video-converter-pro/), an update to their conversion solution for Mac OS X. MacX Video Converter Pro gives anyone the ability to convert a vast array of video formats, including MKV, M2TS, AVCHD, AVI, MPEG, MP4, H.264, MOV, FLV, RM, RMVB, WebM, and more. The professional presets provide maximum visual comfort while playing videos on leading devices. Version 3.5.0 offers support for the new iPad, as well as improved conversion speed and stability.
Bas Meijer has released Read4Me 1.6.2 (http://www.litebeam.net/litebeam/read4me/read4me.html) for Mac OS X. The app lets user proofread with audio, create voice-over tracks for presentations, and create audiobooks to listen to on the road. With version 1.6.2, Read4me includes a tagging palette to change voices, or speed and to tune the speech synthesis.
Dale Gillard has served up WPXO 1.1 (http://dalegillard.com/...
TVE sues Apple for patent infringement
Another day, another lawsuit. Apple has been sued over patents related to digital video distribution by a company called Trans Video Electronics (TVE). The suit names two patents that are related to a ‘global digital video news distribution system," reports "The Next Web" (http://macte.ch/NSMga).
The suit was filed in the District Court of the District of Columbia. The patents are US 5,991,801 and US 5,594,936, both of which involve a or "a global digital video news distribution system" The suit specifically mentions the iTunes Store, the Apple TV, the iPad, the iPhone and the iPod Touch as having violated both the ’801 and ’936 patents, notes "The Next Web."
TVE has sued Sony for infringing the same patents. However, in 2011, a federal judge in New York ruled in favor of Sony in that case.
Apple loses final ITC ruling against Motorola Mobility
The International Trade Commission has decided, on review, to affirm its initial determination (a recommendation for a decision) that Motorola didn't infringe three Apple patents, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/FhLb3). This means the investigation is terminated.
"Apple can appeal this decision to the Federal Circuit, and in my view, this is very likely to happen. Apple is already appealing certain parts of the ITC's ruling on Apple's first complaint against HTC. Chances are that the Federal Circuit will overturn a number of ITC findings in the smartphone-related cases, but it will take time," writes Florian Mueller for "FOSS Patents." "It rarely happens that the ITC issues a review notice but then decides on the issues under review right away, without asking the parties for further comment on them. It appears that the ITC just did some clean-up of its own with a view to the expected appeal to the Federal Circuit. The formal target date for this decision was actually May 14,...
Motorola can continue its German patent injunction involving...
Motorola can continue its enforcement of a German patent injunction that obligated Apple to deactivate the push notification feature of its iCloud and MobileMe service offerings for customers using those services in Germany.
A spokeswoman for the Karlsruhe Higher Regional Court (the appeals court for the circuit the Mannheim Regional Court belongs to) tells "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/Si59v) that an Apple motion to suspend the aformentioned enforcement was denied on Wednesday (March 14).
"We are pleased with [Wednesday's] ruling in Germany denying Apple's motion to stay the injunction related to our push email patent," Motorola says in a statement. "We will continue to protect our intellectual property."
The patent ruling impacts customers in Germany who use a Push setting to get their MobileMe and iCloud email. The affected customers will still receive email -- new messages just won't be pushed to them BlackBerry-style.
'This American Life' retracts story about Apple...
"This American Life" says (http://macte.ch/FmwlP) Mike Daisey's story about Apple in China -- which was broadcast in January -- contained significant fabrications. The radio show is retracting the story "because we can’t vouch for its truth."
The story was an excerpt of Mike Daisey's one-man show "The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs," in which he talks about visiting a factory in China that makes iPhones and other Apple products. The China correspondent for the public radio show Marketplace tracked down the interpreter that Daisey hired when he visited Shenzhen China.
"The interpreter disputed much of what Daisey has been saying on stage and on our show," writes Emily Condon at "This American Life." "On this week's episode of This American Life, we will devote the entire hour to detailing the errors in 'Mr. Daisey Goes to the Apple Factory'."
Daisy says (http://mikedaisey.blogspot.com/2012/03/statement-on-tal.html) he stands by the intent of his work. "I stand by my work," he...
Consumer Watchdog glad the FFC is investigating Google
Consumer Watchdog (http://www.ConsumerWatchdog.org) -- a non-partisan public interest organization with offices in Santa Monica, CA and Washington, D.C -- says it welcomes reports confirming that the Federal Trade Commission and European regulators are investigating Google for violating the online privacy choices of consumers using the Safari web browser on Apple computers, iPhones and iPads.
In a letter last month, Consumer Watchdog said that Google was lying to consumers and called on the FTC to act. You can read the letter at http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/resources/ltrleibowitz021712.pdf .
"Google engineers are playing fast and loose with the public's private information, and FTC action is critical to make them understand that if they don't respect Google's promises to the public there will be consequences," says Carmen Balber, Consumer Watchdog's Washington D.C. director. "Google has more information about Internet users than any company in the world, and uses that information...
German court suspends Apple/Samsung trial
A German court has suspended a trial in which Apple alleged that Samsung Electronics copied the slide-to-unlock technology of its iPhone and iPad devices pending the outcome of a separate suit, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/WQBqC).
The regional court in Mannheim, Germany, said on Friday it would wait for a decision in ongoing proceedings in a Munich court over the feature, which allows users to switch on a device by swiping over the touch-screen, the article adds. Apple is also involved in a separate legal battle over the slide-to-unlock patent with Motorola Mobility.
Apple and Samsung have filed more than 30 lawsuits against each other across four continents. A week ago a German court dismissed two cases brought by Apple and Samsung against each other as part of the ongoing legal battle.
Next rev of MacBook Pros to drop the optical drive?
Apple has revamped its MacBook Pro to become slimmer by removing the optical disc drive, with 13- and 15-inch models in production for initial monthly shipments of 100,000-150,000 units, reports "DigiTimes" (http://macte.ch/EWMt0), quoting unnamed sources at Apple's supply chain partners.
However, despite the slim profile, the new devices will feature more advanced specs than the MacBook Air when it comes to CPU performance and storage capacity, the article adds. Production for the next-generation MacBook Pro has already begun with shipments to Apple arriving this month, says "DigiTimes." Monthly shipments will eventually climb to 900,000 units from the 100,000-150,000 units targeted initially, the article adds.
ZAGG updates ZAGGfolio colors, designs for the new iPad
ZAGG (http://www.ZAGG.com) says an updated ZAGGfolio keyboard accessory for Apple’s new iPad is available for immediate purchase in AT&T stores nationwide. Beginning today, customers can purchase the ZAGGfolio for US$99 in three cover designs exclusively at AT&T retail locations across the U.S. and online at http://att.com/wirelessaccessories .
The ZAGGfolio is a thin, multi-function carrying case with a removable Bluetooth keyboard, and provides a built-in stand to hold the new iPad in either portrait or landscape orientation. It sports a folio cover and island-style keys that provide shortcuts to access special features with a push of a button. AT&T will offer three cover designs of the ZAGGfolio to their customers: carbon fiber pattern, metallic red, and alligator texture.
Boxwave releases Nuovo case for the iPad
BoxWave (http://www.boxwave.com) has released the U$39.95 Nuovo iPad Case for the new iPad. Its built-in stand displays the HD Retina resolution.
The Nuovo iPad Case is designed specifically for the new iPad, which is .03 inches thicker and .11 pounds heavier than the iPad 2. The case incorporates a hard shell backing wrapped in leather for extra protection. The cover also features built-in magnets to activate the sleep and wake features of the new iPad. The leatherette cover then folds over and latches safely closed when not in use.
The Nuovo iPad Case adds a handsfree viewing stand. You can prop the tablet flat for a typing surface, or stand it tall to showcase the clarity and definition of the new iPad’s HD Retina display. The snap-in design of the case won’t restrict viewing angles or screen space, says BoxWave CEO Wing Onn Lum.
Akvis Decorator now available as standalone app
Akvis has updated Akvis Decorator, a Mac compatible app that lets you apply a new texture and color to an object while preserving its volume, to version 3.0. It's now available in a standalone version, as well as a plug-in.
Decorate 3.0 also adds selection tools have been added. There's a variety of patterns in the built-in Texture Library that you can apply. Or you can apply your own textures; just load an image as a texture file into the library.
A 10-day demo is available for download (http://macte.ch/10cjK). Registered users of Decorator can upgrade to the new version for free.
For new users, Akvis Decorator sells for US$54 for the Home version (either plug-in or standalone), $65 for the Home Deluxe version (either plug-in or standalone), and $82 for the Business version (either plug-in or standalone).
RealBeat for Mac OS X gets auto sample feature, more
Independent developer Joerg Piringer has updated RealBeat 1.5.0, an important update to his music creation app for Mac OS X, to version 1.5.0. The upgrade includes a new auto sample feature, the ability to export a track as a ringtone, user interface improvements and more.
RealBeat for Mac isn't a fully fledged sequencer or sound software . Instead it offers access to sampling and manipulating recorded sounds live or at home.
It requires Mac OS X 10.6.7 or higher and costs US$3.99. RealBeat is available through the Mac App Store in the Music category.
New 'Missing Manual' looks at switching to the Mac
O'Reilly has released "Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Lion Edition" by David Pogue. The 712-page book costs US$29.99 and covers topics such as:
° Transferring your stuff. Moving files from a PC to a Mac by cable, network, or disk is the easy part. But how do you extract your email, address book, calendar, Web bookmarks, buddy list, desktop pictures, and MP3 files? Now you'll know.
° Recreating your software suite. The book identifies the Mac equivalents of your favorite Windows programs.
° Learning Lion. Apple's latest operating system is faster and more iPaddish -- but you still have to learn about things like iCloud, gestures, Mission Control, Launchpad, AirDrop, autosave, the Mac App Store and more.
For more information about the book, including the table of contents, author bios, and cover graphic, see: http://shop.oreilly.com/product/0636920015925.do . Pogue is the weekly personal-technology columnist for the "New York Times" and an Emmy award-winning tech...
JuiceTank is iPhone case with integrated wall charger
Detached has unveiled their inaugural product, the JuiceTank case for iPhone 4/4S, on the crowd-funding site Kickstarter. The case has an integrated charger that allows users to plug their phones directly into the wall.
The JuiceTank features an automated plug that deploys when your phone needs more juice. The plug then folds completely flat.
The JuiceTank is made from polycarbonate, the same material used in bulletproof glass. The outside protects phones from wear and tear, while the soft inside keeps it looking good, says Detached founder Jesse Pliner.
The patent pending JuiceTank is expected to retail for $70, but is currently available for $55 for early adopters who contribute to the Kickstarter campaign. Kickstarter is a collective fundraising site that allows consumers to support products they want to see come to market. Funds raised for JuiceTank will contribute to the tooling and production necessary to bring JuiceTank to customers as soon as the summer. For more info go...
VideoGameDesignSchools.org looks at opportunities for game...
Interested in the online and mobile gaming industries -- and the opportunities they offer developers? Then you may wish to check out VideoGameDesignSchools, which discusses the opportunities for developers.
"It's an online project that provides well researched and insightful educational materials for those interested in pursuing a degree or career in a field associated with video game design," says Alanna Hardy, a write and all-around game enthusiast who contributes to the site.
VideoGameDesignSchools.org was put together by a group of recent graduates who share a similar passion for pixelated fiction. The website endeavors to "be an online informational resource meant to define the areas of opportunity for current and potential video game designers while producing interesting and useful resources for the game design community."
Graphic Node updates themes for iBooks Author
Graphic Node has announced an update of 20 templates for Apple's recently released Themes for iBooks Author.
The entire collection includes 70 templates. Authors can select the layout they prefer -- chapters; prefaces; sections; dedications; copyright pages; forewords; one, two or three columns; tables of contents; default; or blank. For those who need to include statistical information, there is also an option to insert and generate shapes, tables, or charts that already are colored and matched with the selected template style.
The templates require iBook Author and Mac OS X 10.7 or later. Users can view the samples of this Themes for iBooks Author update on the Graphic Node Web site (http://graphicnode.com/) The collection of Themes for iBooks Author costs US$12.99.
'iFixIt' offers new iPad teardown
The gang at "iFixIt' got their hands on a new iPad at midnight at the Telstra store in Melbourne, Australia, did a complete teardown and gave it a repair score of 2 out of 10. You can read all about it at http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPad-3-4G-Teardown/8277/1 .
Here's the "iFixIt" summary: "While the new iPad's design is essentially the same as the iPad 2, which we gave a repairability score of 4, we've learned a lot about the design since then. We've spent the last year trying to repair the iPad 2 with mixed success. We are awarding the new iPad an abysmal 2 out of 10, and retroactively dropping the repairability score of the iPad 2 to a 2 as well. The adhesive on the front is extremely difficult to remove without damaging the glass, making repair and end-of-life recycling very difficult.
"That said, we were able to disassemble this iPad without breaking the glass—something that we did not accomplish with our iPad 2 teardown. A year of practice has made us proficient, but schools...
Apple shares top $600; one analyst eyeing $718
Even as Apple shares top US$600 for the first time in the company's history, in a note to clients -- as reported by "Barron's" (http://macte.ch/SlbKl) -- Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster has raised his target price from $670 to $718. Here's what he's predicting:
°Apple will sell 189 million iPhone units in calendar year 2013, representing 23% market share, year over year, up from a prior expectation for just 20%, and up from 21% share in 2012.
° Apple will have a third of the market by 2015, with 385 million iPhones sold.
° The iPad will lose only minor share in 2013, versus a former expectation for a 12% loss.
° Apple may sell 86.5 million iPads in calendar 2013,, giving the company 60% of the tablet market.
° By 2015, Apple may still have 60% of the tablet market, with 176 million iPad units sold.
Apple streamlines infringement counterclaims against Motorola
A few days after streamlining its ITC case against Samsung, Apple has also performed some winnowing of its infringement counterclaims against a lawsuit Motorola brought in the Southern District of Florida in 2010, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/vNym8). That case is currently scheduled to go to trial starting October 22, 2012.
On Wednesday Apple and Motorola brought a joint motion for summary judgment on U.S. Patents 6,282,646 and 7,380,116, Florian Mueller writes for "FOSS Patents." Both patents relate to a "system for real-time adaptation to changes in display configuration."
Mueller says that that the court's December 1, 2011 claim construction order, which mostly sided with Motorola on the key terms in those display space patents, has created a situation in which Apple says it "cannot establish that Motorola infringed the asserted claims in the '646 and '116 patents."
He adds: "Motorola's part of the deal is that it withdraws its declaratory judgment counterclaims (asking...
Congress: we need more answers on iOS privacy practices
Not happy with answers Apple provided earlier this month regarding iOS privacy practices, a Congressional committee has requested Apple send a representative to Capitol Hill to explain in person, reports "PC World" (http://macte.ch/J9Q7g).
Apple needed to provide more detailed information as to what the company is doing to protect user privacy on its mobile devices, Rep. Henry A. Waxman, ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. G.J. Butterfield, ranking member of Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, wrote in a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook on March 14. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce originally sent a letter to Apple February 15 asking about iOS privacy practices. The representatives said Cook's response on March 2 was insufficient, notes "PC World."
Last month Waxman and Butterfield sent a letter to Apple, following complaints that a smartphone application dubbed Path was collecting address book data and storing it on remote servers...
Apple rates highest among smartphone manufacturers
As smartphone users place increasingly complex demands on the functionality of their devices, satisfaction with battery performance is becoming a critical factor in overall satisfaction as well as brand loyalty, according to the J.D. Power and Associates (http://www.jdpa.com) research group.
And for a seventh consecutive time, Apple ranks highest among manufacturers of smartphones in customer satisfaction. Apple achieves a score of 839 on a 1,000-point scale and performs well in all factors, particularly in ease of operation and features. HTC (798) follows Apple in the smartphone rankings.
Satisfaction with smartphones is greatly impacted by battery performance, particularly the length of battery life before recharging is required. In addition, the study finds that satisfaction with battery performance is by far the least satisfying aspect of smartphones, and satisfaction in this area is one of only a few attributes that have declined significantly, compared with a 2011 study (6.7 in...
Diablo III coming to the Mac on May 15
Blizzard Entertainment says Diablo III, the next in its series of role-playing games, will arrive May 15. It will be available for Mac OS X and Windows at a suggested price of US$59.99 for both the retail DVD-ROM version and the digital version sold directly from Blizzard.
A special alabaster-white Collector’s Edition, sold exclusively in retail stores at a suggested retail price of $99.99, will include the full game on DVD-ROM, a behind-the-scenes Blu-ray/DVD two-disc set, the Diablo III soundtrack CD, a 208-page Art of Diablo III book, and a 4 GB USB soulstone (including full versions of Diablo II and Diablo II: Lord of Destruction) and corresponding Diablo skull base, as well as exclusive in-game content for Diablo III, World of Warcraft, and StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. Diablo III has received a Mature rating from the ESRB.
Starting May 15, gamers will be able to purchase Diablo III at retailers throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, South Korea, Southeast Asia,...
WD ships My Book Thunderbolt
Western Digital shipping its first external hard drive with Thunderbolt technology -- the My Book Thunderbolt Duo dual-drive storage system.
Jody Bradshaw, general manager of WD consumer storage solutions, says it provides professionals and Mac enthusiasts with five primary areas of performance, double-safe data protection and flexibility; ultra-fast data transfer rates for greater work efficiency; a 4 TB/6 TB large-capacity; customized dual-drive storage system with RAID 0, 1 and JBOD options; customer serviceable drives; and dual Thunderbolt ports for daisy-chaining multiple My Book Thunderbolt Duo devices or other peripherals.
My Book Thunderbolt Duo is an all-in-one external drive targeted to creative professionals, enthusiasts, and consumers who own vast amounts of digital content including videos, music, and photos. The drive serves as a way to backup content stored on your computer while providing the fastest way to get information to and from the WD drive, says Bradshaw.
In...
Apple releases Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.1.0
Apple has released Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.10.
The update adds support for eight new cameras to Aperture 3.0 and iPhoto ‘11. You can obtain it via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app.
VeprIT Resize Sense is batch image resizer for OS X
VeprIT has introduced Resize Sense, a batch image resizer for Mac OS X.
Featuring various resizing options, Resize Sense is designed to save the user time on repetitive tasks by supporting custom presets, and can even be used to apply multiple presets to every image simultaneously. In addition, the software allows users to manually adjust the crop individually for every image, and even straighten them.
A user performing repetitive tasks only needs to configure the resizing options once per task, and save it as a preset. It's even possible to apply multiple resizing presets to every image. Resize Sense offers live final image preview. The user can see immediately how the the final image will look.
Resize Sense 1.0.0 requires an Intel-based Mac with OS X 10.5 or later. An evaluation version of Resize Sense (with disabled results saving) is freely available for download at the application webpage (http://veprit.com/resizesense/index.php). The current price is approximately US$12.....
Photo Recovery Guru for OS X lets you recover deleted files
Mac OS X File Recovery has introduced Photo Recovery Guru 1.0 for OS X (10.6 and higher), an utility app that recovers movie and picture files that have been accidentally deleted due to user error or hardware malfunction. It costs US$19.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Photography category.
A targeted and less expensive version of their popular file recovery product, Data Recovery Guru, Photo Recovery Guru is customized to allow the user to focus on the recovery of photo, image, and movie file formats that have been accidentally erased. On hard disks, digital cameras, mobile phones, USB thumb drives, memory cards and gaming devices, picture files that appear to have been deleted actually remain until written over by new data.
Photo Recovery Guru locates and "unerases" these seemingly deleted pictures, picking up data remnants and recovering them for use. It generates preview thumbnails of recoverable files and can recover files at the same time it's...
Wozniak, others to present at NAB Show Post|Production World...
Future Media Concepts (FMC) and NAB have announced they will co-host this year's NAB Show keynote presentation, a panel discussion featuring Fusion-io chief scientist and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, and visual effects supervisor Rob Legato, who just won his second Oscar for his work on the 2011 film "Hugo."
Joining them in the discussion will be Fusion-io visual computing industry manager Vincent Brisebois and Adobe product manager Steve Forde. The speakers will discuss "How Creativity and Technology Merge to Influence Storytelling and Film."
Wozniak and Legato will share their thoughts on how creativity and technology intersect to foster compelling storytelling. Brisebois and Forde will give attendees a glimpse into how Adobe's and Fusion-io's latest advances in digital technology can be used to help create engaging, thought-provoking work more quickly than ever before.
FMC will co-host the presentation along with NAB as part of Post|Production World, a training event for...
iPad 2 more likely to get damaged than the original iPad?
SquareTrade (http://www.squaretrade.com), an independent warranty provider, has completed a report on iPad breakage rates. Based on data compiled from 50,000 SquareTrade iPad customers, the company says iPad 2 owners reported breakage 3.5 times as often as iPad 1 owners.
Highlights of the study include:
° 9.8% of iPad 2 owners reported a failure from accidental damage within the first 12 months, compared to only 2.8% of original iPad 1 owners.
° Because the rate of accidental damage tends to happen on a straight line basis, SquareTrade projects almost 20% of its iPad 2 warranty customers to report accidental damage over 2 years, compared to 5.5% of iPad 1 devices.
° Customer data reveals that outside of accidents, the iPad remains an extremely reliable device. Minimal normal use failure rates have even further decreased for the iPad 2.
iHome announces iW3 speaker system with AirPlay
iHome says it will release the iW2 Wireless Speaker System with AirPlay support on April 1. Apple's AirPlay is a feature for streaming music, video and photos wirelessly from iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to the Apple TV.
When placed within a Wi-Fi network, iHome’s latest Wi-Fi enabled speaker system connects to offer an option for achieving whole home audio with simple turn-key set up, according to Evan Stein of iHome. The iW2 is an app-enhanced AirPlay wireless speaker system that uses your Wi-Fi network to connect and control your iTunes library, and provide wireless audio anywhere in the home.
The iW2 has a USB port for charging and music playback from your iPad, iPod and iPhone with any iPod USB sync cable and dock. SRS Trubass sound processing custom tuned to two full-range speaker drivers delivers exceptional audio, Stein says.
The iW2 will be available for purchase at Best Buy, Crutchfield and select Target stores, and at iHomeAudio.com for US$199.99. For detailed product...
Traktor Kontrol F1, Traktor Pro 2.5 announced
Native Instruments has announced Traktor Kontrol F1, a pad-based, USB-powered hardware controller built to control the advanced Remix Decks in the included Traktor Prp 2.5 software.
Traktor Kontrol F1 provides 16 multi-colored, touch-sensitive LED pads, a global control section as well as an ergonomic mixer section including four volume faders and dedicated filter knobs. Designed specifically for DJing, the Kontrol F1 offers a DJ-centric workflow for launching clips, allowing users to switch between up to 64 tracks, loops and one-shot samples on each deck.
Traktor Kontrol F1 includes the full version of the Traktor Prp 2.5 software, also available as a free update to all users of the Traktor 2 generation. Version 2.5 introduces Remix Decks, giving access to a loop suite made up of 64 slots, each able to hold loops, one-shot samples or even tracks. DJs can control up to four Remix Decks at once and save their work as an entire Remix Set with its respective beat grids, BPM and key...
Mimoco introduces Einstein-inspired USB flash drives
To celebrate the 133rd anniversary of Albert Einstein's birth (March 14, 1879), Mimoco (http:/www.mimoco.com), makers of the MIMOBOT and MIMOMICRO lines of designer USB flash drives and card readers, is unveiling two brand-new Einstein x MIMOBOT characters at SXSW (South By Southwest) -- Emcee2 Einstein and Brainstein MIMOBOT flash drives.
The Emcee2 Einstein and Brainstein MIMOBOT flash drives join the original Einstein MIMOBOT character (released at MacWorld), to kick off Mimoco's Legends of MIMOBOT Series featuring their stylized take on icons, geniuses, and stars of the human race. The Einstein collection, available in up to 64GB capacities and preloaded with bonus Mimory and the MimoDesk personalization suite of Einstein-themed wallpapers, icons, and avatars, was developed in collaboration with The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and their licensing agency, GreenLight. Pricing starts at US$17.95.
Mac OS X software updates for March 15
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps.
Black Cat Systems has announced DX Toolbox 4.0.0 (http://www.blackcatsystems.com/software/dxtoolbox.html), a radio propagation/ conditions analysis and forecasting tool for amateur radio operators, shortwave listeners, and other radio enthusiasts. The upgrade adds several aurora prediction maps.
MaBaSoft has updated World Clock Deluxe (http://macte.ch/T6Cqo) -- which lets you display multiple clocks in a configurable horizontal or vertical palette, in the menu bar, and in the Dock -- to version 4.7.10. Twenty United States cities have been added to the World Clock Deluxe database.
Reggie Ashworth has rolled out AppDelete 3.2.5 (http://www.reggieashworth.com/appdelete), an update to his application deletion utility for Mac OS X. The new version is optimized for Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"), adds support for six additional languages, and more.
Publicspace.net has served up A Better Finder Attributes 5.12 (http://macte.ch/pMfiE) for Mac OS X....
Dutch court sides with Apple in FRAND patent dispute
A Dutch court has sided with Apple against Samsung n a FRAND patent dispute, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/rxc6A).
The District Court of The Hague, Netherlands said that Samsung can't pursue injunctive relief as long as Apple is willing to negotiate a license agreement under FRAND terms for wireless patents, "an effort that shouldn't be marred by the threat of an injunction." The court also ruled that Samsung can't assert its 3G/UMTS wireless patents against the iPhone 4S because of "patent exhaustion."
Apple is licensed by extension since it purchases baseband chips from Qualcomm, and Samsung's attempt to terminate its license agreement with Qualcomm as far as third-party beneficiary Apple is concerned failed because Samsung had make a commitment to ETSI, the standards body in charge of 3G, that it would grant irrevocable licenses to its 3G/UMTS-essential patents, writes Florian Mueller of "FOSS Patents."
This is the latest round in the global, ongoing brouhaha between...
Canaccord Genuity: Apple may sell 66 million iPads this year
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley says the new iPad is off to such a great start, he expects Apple to sell 66 million of 'em this year.
He has raised his price target for Apple stock from US$665 to $710. Walkley' says his own checks with Apple's distribution channels have indicated that the new iPad has broken the company's preorder records.
Analysts very keen on Apple's future
In a note to clients -- as reported by "Fast Money" (http://www.cnbc.com/id/15838499/) -- Jeffries analyst Peter Misek says he's raised his Apple stock price target by US$100 to $699 per share.
"We’ve got a great product cycle. We have iPhones selling better than expected,” he says. "We think the Street numbers are too low, so we’re sending a message that we think Street’s going to go higher and we think the stock’s going to go higher as a result."
"Fast Money" also notes (http://www.cnbc.com/id/46545216) that Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty thinks stock price could go to $960 or higher, giving the tech giant a market value approaching $1 trillion. Her price target -- which would value Apple at about $900 billion (it currently is about $540 billion) -- is based on more businesses adapting iPads, a new iPhone running on a faster wireless network and emerging market growth.
Apple, others sued for mobile app privacy violations
Another day, another lawsuit. A class action suit was filed this week in the Western Division of the U.S. District Court, Austin Division against Apple and 17 other plaintiffs involving mobile app privacy, reports "TechCrunch" (http://macte.ch/QMGZu).
In addition to Apple, the list includes: Path, Twitter, Facebook, Beluga, Yelp!, Burbn, Instagram, Foursquare, Gowalla, Foodspotting, Hipster, LinkedIn, Rovio, ZeptoLab, Chillingo, Electronic Arts and Kik Interactive. The suit describes "surreptitious" gathering of information about users of mobile apps made by these companies and the need to prevent this from continuing to happen.
The named plaintiffs -- most of whom reside in Austin -- don't specify an exact amount of damages. However, "TechCrunch" says the lawyers name a list of basic damages around privacy violations and out-of-pocket expenses, as well as statutory damages that" run into the tens of thousands of dollars for each individual violation; $1,000 for theft of address...
15-inch MacBook Air rumored for April debut
Next month Apple will unveil a 15-inch MacBook Air that will mostly replace the MacBook Pro, according to the "Electricpig" web site (http://macte.ch/CPRSU).
Quoting an unnamed "key player in MacBook docking solutions," the article says we'll see "a 15-inch MacBook Air with ports on both sides, no optical drive and no ethernet cable." Apple could retain the non-Airish, 17-inch MacBook Pro in its line-up for professional editors, says "Electricpig."
A 15-inch MacBook Air has been rumored for some time. The Air is the best-selling model in Apple's laptop line-up, so an expansion of the line makes sense.
The question is: can such a laptop launch in April? The next gen Airs and/or MacBook Pros are expected to use Ivy Bridge processors from Intel. However, last month an Intel exec confirmed delays in Ivy Bridge chips by 8-10 weeks -- although it is still unclear exactly which processors the delay applies to and how this will affect Apple.
Sean Maloney, executive vice-president of Intel...
Apple reportedly recruiting workers for Israel research...
Apple and its new acquisition Anobit are actively recruiting workers for the company's research operations in Israel, according to the Hebrew langue newspaper, "Calcalist" -- as translated by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
According to the report, Anobit has changed its name to HDC (R&D center in Herzliya). The company's former president, Airel Maislos, is believed to be the new senior executive at Apple's development center.
In December it was announced that Apple had bought Israel's Anobit, a maker of flash storage technology, for as much as US$500 million, according to a report in the "The Calcalist" (http://www.calcalist.co.il/home/0,7340,L-8,00.html). Anobit has developed a chip that enhances flash drive performance through signal processing, the article adds. The chip is already incorporated in Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPad and the MacBook Air.
"The Calcalist" says Apple is interested in Anobit's technology to increase and enhance the memory volume...
iPad to dominate sales of NAND flash in media tablets
With its leading market share position and high memory usage, the iPad is set to continue to dominate worldwide demand for NAND flash in media tablets at least through the year 2015, according to the "Memory & Storage Service" report from IHS iSuppli (http://www.isuppli.com), an information and analytics provider.
Apple’s iPad in 2011 accounted for a commanding 78% of global gigabyte shipments of NAND flash for use in media tablets, down from 92% n 2010, when it had the market all to itself for most of the year. Despite the inroads of competitors this year, Apple will continue to dominate tablet NAND purchasing in 2012, with a 72% share of gigabyte shipments. By 2015, Apple will continue to account for a majority of tablet NAND purchasing, at 58%, says iHS.
"Apple’s continued domination of the sales of NAND flash for media tablets reflects not only the iPad’s commanding market share lead, but its extensive memory usage," says Nguyen, memory analyst at IHS. "In keeping with its...
Apple's Aperture now lets you delete photos from Photo...
Apple has updated Aperture, its software for professional photographers, to version 3.2.3. Photos can now be deleted from Photo Stream.
The new version also addresses minor issues related to performance and stability. You can obtain Aperture 3.2.3 via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app or via the Updates feature of the Mac App Store if you bought the software there.
Apple updates Epson printer drivers
Apple has released Epson printer drivers 2.10 for Mac OS X 10.6 and higher.
The drivers area 983.6MB download. You can obtain them via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app.
Screen Vault offers new way to lock, unlock your Mac
Empoc has introduced Screen Vault 1.0, an app that allows customers to lock and unlock their Mac. It's available for Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher, costs US$4.99, and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Utilities category.
Screen Vault uses a familiar locking/unlocking mechanism together with the rotate gesture of Apple's Magic Trackpad. You can change the look of the software by changing the graphics and text using a built-in theme editor.
With Screen Vault, you can unlock your Mac using a combination lock by utilizing the rotate gesture of your trackpad or use a pass pattern. You can change the way you lock and unlock your computer by choosing your own lock and unlock sounds.
Screen Vault can be set up to automatically take snap shots of intruders when they try to unlock your Mac with an incorrect combination or pass pattern. What's more, the software can be set up to automatically start recording the second someone tries to unlock your Mac with an incorrect...
Jane's Realty is new real estate management simulator for...
Realore Studios has introduced Jane's Realty 1.0, a real estate management simulation for Mac OS X (10.6.6 or higher). It's available at the Mac App Store for US$6.99.
In Jane's Reality, players can experience what it's like to have a real estate business of their own. Combining elements of time management and economic simulator genres, gamers play as Jane.
Here's how the game is described: "After getting back her family hotel chain she decides to explore new business possibilities. Realty seems like a good investment and a worthy challenge so she buys a piece of land and builds her first house for rent.
"Players buy land, build houses, furnish them and collect rent from the tenants. Stable flow of money opens new options. Players can either upgrade the existing houses to make them bigger, save up to build new houses or construct service buildings. Some of these allow players buy fancy furniture to better decorate new mansions, others let them construct several buildings...
Desktop Blurrifier 1.0 released for Mac OS X
Chris Paveglio has introduces Desktop Blurrifier 1.0 for Mac OS X (10.6 and higher). It's available for US$5 at the Mac App Store.
Desktop Blurrifier makes your desktop pictures blurry so you can focus on the icons on your Desktop easier, according to Paveglio. Users can adjust the blur and scale of an image and then set it to be the desktop image.
The contrast of a slightly blurred desktop image keeps you focused on work and makes it easier to see icons, Paveglio says. You can also adjust the contrast, saturation, and colorize an image. EPS and PDF vector graphics can be used also.
Desktop Blurrifier supports multiple monitors. There's a live preview of the desktop image as you change values of your image.
New iPad arrives in the US, nine other countries on Friday
Apple says the new iPad, the third generation of its tablet device, will arrive at Apple’s retail stores and the Apple Online Store (http://www.apple.com) on Friday, March 16 at 8 a.m. local time in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and the UK; along with Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Every customer who buys a new iPad at an Apple retail store will be offered free Personal Setup service, helping them customize their iPad by setting up email, loading new apps from the App Store and more, so they’ll be up and running with their new iPad before they leave the store. Personal Pickup, available at Apple retail stores in the US and a feature of the free Apple Store app, lets iPad customers shop and buy from anywhere they are, then pick up their purchase at any Apple retail store. In the US the new iPad will also be available at Best Buy, Radio Shack, Sam’s Club, Target and Walmart.
The new iPad Wi-Fi models will be available in...
Gizmon iCa turns iPhone into 'actual rangefinder camera...
Four Corner Store has released the US$70 Gizmon iCa Military Edition (http://macte.ch/62K6C). It's a polycarbonate case system that "transforms your iPhone into an actual rangefinder camera."
The shutter button on top uses the volume button to trip the shutter. You attach the available wide, macro or fisheye lenses to create effects unavailable in the iPhone by itself.
Constructed of 23 Durable Polycarbonate pieces, the Military iCA wraps itself around your iPhone completely, creating an entirely new Camera. A detachable tripod mount is useful for longer exposures and the soft fabric bag will protect the camera when it's not in use.
