Apple dominates China's tablet market
Android may be top dog when it comes to smartphones in China, but Apple is still dominant when it comes to tablets, according to an Analysys International report (http://english.analysys.com.cn) -- as noted by "The Next Web" (http://macte.ch/4U6aR). The report says Apple has 71% of tablet sales in the third quarter of 2012, placing it well ahead of Lenova, which is n second place with 10%.
The Google-owned operating system accounts for over 90% of smartphones in China compared to iOS with 4.2%. According to Analysys Samsung holds just 3.5% of the company's tablet market. Local brand Ereneben has 3.6% and Acer has 3%. Other manufacturers, including Google’s Motorola Mobility, account for the rest.
Apple sued for including headphones with the iPhone
Another day, another lawsuit. An "apparent shell company" has filed an US$3 million patent infringement lawsuit against Apple for including headphones with its iPhones, reports "CNET."
A company called Intelligent Smart Phones Concepts (ISPC) has sued Apple in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging that Apple infringed on U.S. Patent No. 7,373,182. The abstract for "Wireless Mobile Phone Including a Headset" describes an interface that allows a removable headset "to receive at least telephony audio signals from the phone, and to provide audio signals to the phone."
ISPC is seeking $3 million in lost revenue and royalties, as well as an injunction preventing Apple from further infringement of the patent Read more at http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57555502-37/apple-hit-with-patent-laws... .
Alcatel-Lucent vs. Apple/LG trial gets underway
A California court trial involving patent infringement allegations against Apple and LG Electronics began yesterday, with Alcatel-Lucent's Multimedia Patent Trust asserting the two electronics makers violated video compression technology used in a number of devices, notes "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com).
The jury trial is being heard by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. Alcatel-Lucent claims that Apple and LG infringed patents for electronic devices including phones and computers, reports "Bloomberg Businessweek" (http://macte.ch/k4yJZ).
The trial stems from a 2010 lawsuit by the Paris-based company’s Multimedia Patent Trust accusing Apple and LG Electronics of copying video-compression technology that allows data to be sent more efficiently over communications media, including the Internet and satellites, or stored on DVDs and Blu-ray discs, the article adds.
The Alcatle-Lucent SA unit claims its patents are infringed by products including the...
Some Samsung products banned in the Netherlands
A Dutch court has banned sales of Samsung Electronics' Galaxy products that infringe on an Apple patent describing a way to scroll through a photo gallery using a touchscreen, reports "Computerworld" (http://macte.ch/LewMf).
The ban only applies to Galaxy products that run Android 2.2.1 and higher that don't use Samsung's proprietary photo gallery software, the Court of The Hague ruled on Wednesday. Samsung already lost a case over the same patent after preliminary proceedings in the Netherlands last year, leading to a sales ban on the then-infringing Galaxy S, SII and Ace, notes "Computerworld." After the verdict, Samsung adjusted its photo gallery software as a work around, and said it stopped delivering infringing products to clients as of the end of August 2011.
During the plea hearing in September, Samsung said that, since the last verdict, it uses its own technology in all its products in the Netherlands. Samsung, however failed to provide the court with evidence of the change,...
Cyber Monday heaviest online spending day in history
ComScore (www.comscore.com), a company that "measures the digital world," y reported holiday season U.S. retail e-commerce spending for the first 26 days of the November-December 2012 holiday season.
For the holiday season-to-date, US$16.4 billion has been spent online, marking a 16% increase versus the corresponding days last year. Cyber Monday reached $1.465 billion in online spending, up 17% versus the same period a year ago, representing the heaviest online spending day in history and the second day this season (in addition to Black Friday) to surpass $1 billion in sales.
"Despite some news reports suggesting that Cyber Monday might be declining in importance, the day has once again set an online spending record at nearly $1.5 billion," says ComScore Chairman Gian Fulgoni. "However, it is also clear that the holiday promotional period has begun even earlier this year, with strong online sales occurring on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. Now, we shall see the extent to which...
Will.i.am launches iPhone camera accessory
Musician and businessman Will.i.am -- a member of the Black-Eyed Peas -- has launched the i.am+foto-.sosho iPhone accessories range, according to "The Telegraph" (http://macte.ch/1iSE1).
The items, which start at £199 and will initially be available exclusively from London’s Selfridges, will "turbo charge iPhone to become a camera with interchangeable lenses." They'll also integrate a keyboard to make it easier to share and tag photos, notes "The Telegraph."
ABI Research: Apple maintains tablet lead but ....
Apple’s share of the tablet market continued to best all others with 55% unit shipment share in the period, reveals new data from market intelligence firm ABI Research (www.abirsearch.com).
Despite maintaining its lead for 10 straight quarters, competition from tablets powered by Google’s Android OS continue to eat away at Apple’s success, according to the research group. Fifty-five percent is the lowest share Apple has ever had since launching the iPad in 2010.
"With the introduction of a smaller, lower-cost iPad mini, Apple has acknowledged Android’s beachhead of 7-inch-class tablets, though at the same time, it has failed to deliver a knock-out punch through innovation, pricing, and availability during the most critical selling period of the year," says Jeff Orr, ABI senior practice director.
Following Apple in shipment share this past quarter were Samsung, Amazon, and ASUS. Rather than steal share from Android, ABI Research believes the iPad mini has caused demand for standard...
Muijo releases leather touchscreen gloves
Muijo (www.Muijo.com) has released leather touchscreen gloves. Priced at approximately US$158, they're designed to work with almost every touchscreen.
The gloves' nanotechnology is integrated into the leather to mimic the conductive properties of the human skin. Each glove has two press studs on the heel to which the leather strap can be fastened depending on wrist size of the user.
The matte finishing of the leather, the matte black leather button and the slant line on the heel of the glove are designed to contribute to a minimal but unique look. The touchscreen gloves are made from the Ethiopian lambskin.
Korg rolls out new MicroStation keyboard
Korg (www.korg.com) has introduced the MicroStation keyboard. It's designed for beginners as a live keyboard or for guitar players looking to easily lay down some drum tracks.
The MicroStation plugs into your laptop or tablet. Compact and portable, it features Korg’s 61-key Natural Touch mini keyboard, numerous effects, dual arpeggiators and 16 tracks of MIDI recording power.
The MicroStation also provides an SD card slot, allowing users to save their programs, combinations and song data directly onto an SD/SDHC card. Its knobs and controllers are located for easy use.
Frequently used parameters can be assigned to the four real-time control knobs for sound editing or for performing with the arpeggiator. With theexternal switch on, these four knobs can be used to control an external MIDI device. A joystick is provided for even more expressive potential.
For editing of programs, combinations, drum kits and arpeggio patterns, the it's bundled with the MicroStation Editor and...
LicenseCard released for Mac, Windows developers
Excel Software (www.excelsoftware.com) has announced LicenseCard 1.0 for Mac and Windows developers that create applications, plug-ins, protected documents or other types of commercial software.
A custom image is delivered to the customer by email or web page during the purchase process. That image can be dropped onto the protected application to activate it.
According to the folks at Excel, LicenseCard provides developers and customers with a very simple, non-intrusive way to instantly activate purchased software. It supports two license types: a Simple License and a Computer Unique License. During the purchase process, a LicenseCard image file is generated. That image includes customer specific data like name, phone number, email address and Serial Number that uniquely identifies that customer and license.
For a Simple License, the LicenseCard can activate the protected application on any number of computers. A customer will, in theory, be reluctant to distribute their...
App Studio training offered for InDesign users
App Studio is a cloud-based digital publishing solution for InDesign users interested in creating interactive digital apps for iOS, Kindle Fire, and Android devices. On Thursday, Nov. 29, 11 (Eastern) InDesign users can learn how to get started with instruction from App Studio experts. The online event will cover:
° How to set up an account in the App Studio portal;
° How to create engaging, interactive content in digital publishing layouts using InDesign;
° How to preview interactive content in a browser.
You can register at http://content.quark.com/AppStudio-eSeminar-Nov29.html
. For more information about App Studio go to www.AppStudio.net
Mac OS X software updates for Nov. 28
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Ergonis Software (www.ergonis.com) has released PopChar X 6.1, an improved version of the company's tool for efficiently dealing with fonts and special characters. The new version adds a new Font Info view, which shows detailed font information like version number, properties, supported languages, copyright and license statements, information about the designer, manufacturer, vendor, and more.
In addition, PopChar X 6.1 includes custom tunings for more than 600 fonts, including the BeLight Font Kit and some foreign language fonts. Furthermore, PopChar now remembers the selected font across quit and relaunch, offers improved vertical positioning of certain non-standard fonts, and adds a number of other enhancements.
Aaron Smith has announced MicroAC 1.1 (http://gngrwzrd.com/microac) , an update to his streamlined audio application that enables batch conversion between 9 Core Audio compatible formats. Designed for developers, audio...
Apple reportedly dismisses Maps manager
"Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/bjVrq) says Apple has reportedly fired the manager responsible for the maligned Maps app that debuted with iOS 6.
Richard Williamson, who oversaw the mapping team, was fired by Senior Vice President Eddy Cue, the article says, quoting unnamed "people, who asked not to be named because the information wasn’t yet public."
What's more, per "Bloomberg," Cue, who took over last month as part of a management shakeup, is seeking advice from outside mapping-technology experts and prodding digital maps provider, TomTom NV, to fix landmark and navigation data it shares with Apple.
The Maps brouhaha is also believed to be one of the reasons Scott Forstall is leaving Apple. In October Apple announced that Forstall, Apple's senior vice president of iPhone software, will be leaving Apple next year and will serve as an advisor to CEO Tim Cook in the interim. Cue will be taking over his Maps and Siri duties.
Apple to Samsung: that workaround won't work
In the never-ending legal war between Apple and Samsung, the former now claims that a workaround by the latter still infringes its patent for a pinch-to-zoom API (application programming interface), reports "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/CjGti).
Samsung says it's has worked around the asserted claim of Apple's '915 patent (U.S. Patent No. 7,844,915 on "application programming interfaces for scrolling operations"). Apple says "nope."
This is all part of the ongoing, global legal battle. Apple and Samsung have filed more than 30 lawsuits against each other across four continents. For example, Apple alleges that Samsung copied the slide-to-unlock technology of its iPhone and iPad devices.
Apple to battle Alcatel-Lucent SA unit over patent infringement...
Apple and LG Electronics are heading to court over claims by an Alcatel-Lucent SA unit that the companies infringed patents for electronic devices including phones and computers, reports "Bloomberg Businessweek" (http://macte.ch/k4yJZ).
The jury trial, which starts today in federal court in San Diego, stems from a 2010 lawsuit by the Paris-based company’s Multimedia Patent Trust accusing Apple and LG Electronics of copying video-compression technology that allows data to be sent more efficiently over communications media, including the Internet and satellites, or stored on DVDs and Blu-ray discs, the article adds.
The Alcatle-Lucent SA unit claims its patents are infringed by products including the iPhone, iPod, iPad and MacBook. The unit wants a "reasonable royalty" based on what it would have been paid if a licensing agreement had been reached before the infringements began, according to "Bloomberg Businessweek."
Chevrolet Spark and Sonic to drive with Siri
Early next year, the Chevrolet Spark (1LT, 2LT) and Sonic LTZ and RS will integrate Siri, Apple's voice-activated personal assistant. Chevrolet (www.chevrolet.com) made the announcement today at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.
Through the cars’ standard Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, customers with a compatible iPhone running iOS 6 can direct Siri to perform a number of tasks while they keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. To further minimize distraction, Siri takes hands-free functionality even further with an Eyes Free mode that enables users to interact with their iPhone using nothing more than their voice while keeping the device’s screen from lighting up.
Owners simply connect their iPhone with the MyLink radio via Bluetooth, pair with the system, and use the steering wheel voice activation button to begin and end sessions with Siri in Eyes Free mode.
According to the folks at Chevrolet, in the Spark and Sonic RS, owners can use Siri in...
iPhone 5 sales boosts iOS back into top U.S. smartphone spot
The latest smartphone sales data from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech (www.kantarworldpanel.com) shows that strong uptake of the iPhone 5 over the past 12 weeks has boosted iOS back to the number one spot in the US. It now has a 48.1% share of US smartphone sales compared with Android which has 46.7%, according to the research group.
"The last time we saw iOS overtake Android in the US was when the iPhone 4S was released and Apple managed to retain its lead for three consecutive periods," says Dominic Sunnebo, global consumer insight director at Kantar Worldpanel ComTech. "This time we predict that Apple will beat its previous high of 49.3% and achieve its highest ever share of the US smartphone market within the next two periods.”
Apple’s rise in the US has not been replicated in quite the same way across Europe where Android still takes the lead, accounting for 73.9% of sales in Germany and 81.7% in Spain. However, it is now enjoying share gains in four of the five major European...
New iMac available Nov. 30
Apple says the new iMac -- unveiled on Oct. 30 -- will be available on Friday, Nov. 30.
The 21.5-inch iMac will be available through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. The 27-inch iMac will be available for order through the Apple Online Store and will begin shipping in December.
Victorinox Swiss Army launches Jetsetter USB for Apple users
Victorinox Swiss Army has released its first USB designed specifically for Mac users. Dubbed the Jetsetter, the USB features flight-friendly Swiss Army implements along with a detachable flash drive, and is pre-loaded with security software specific to Mac devices.
"The Jetsetter offers Mac users a survival tool for a modern device-driven world," says Rene Stutz, president of Victorinox Swiss Army North America. "The USB couples file security with the everyday functionality and beautiful design that users have come to expect from a Swiss Army product. Engineering the Jetsetter to be compatible with Apple devices and the Apple user's lifestyle has been a fun and rewarding project that we are excited to see come to life."
Available in an 8GB, 16GB or 32GB version for US$39.95, $49.99 and $99.99 respectively, the Jetsetter's secure software allows users to encrypt files, securely store personal username and password information and browse the Internet in Swiss Army style, without leaving...
iStabilizer Glass designed to help keep your eyes on the road
iStabilizer has announced the Glass windshield mount for the iPhone and other mobile devices. Featuring iStabilizer’s universal Mount, the Glass is compatible with any smartphone without requiring the removal of protective cases or bumpers.
iStabilizer’s Glass secures your mobile device to your car’s windshield or dashboard, keeping street maps, directions and music playlist y in view and at eye level. The Glass windshield mount is available for US$29.95 at www.iStabilizer.com .
"With Apple’s new iOS 6 and existing directional apps, turn by turn directions on your smartphone have become a part of everyday life," says Noah Rasheta, founder and CEO of iStabilizer. "The Glass focuses on safety by putting all the valuable street maps and directions up and at street level, minimizing distractions and increasing the driver’s ability to avoid accidents."
AKVIS LightShop revved to version 3.5
AKVIS has released AKVIS LightShop 3.5 for Mac OS X and Windows. The US$72 software lets you create light effects.
The new version offers support for Photoshop CS6 for the plug-in, adds compatibility with Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion and Windows 8. Registered users of LightShop can upgrade to version 3.5 for free.
For a free trial, AKVIS offers 10 days of fully functional use. Just download at www.akvis.com and use the program. LightShop runs on Mac OS X 10.4 and higher and Windows XP/Vista/Win7/Win 8.
IPEVO Perch Security Stand for the iPad is available
IPEVO has released the Perch Security Stand for the iPad. It's an interactive kiosk solution that offers a lockable mount for the iPad 3 and iPad 2 that prevents the tablet from being removed.
Three different sizes are now available at the IPEVO Online Store (www.ipevo.com). The Perch Security Stand comes in S-Type, intended for desktops and tabletops, M-Type for seated users, and the longest L-Type for standing users. All three feature a forged aluminum leg and heavy-gauge steel feet. They cost US$59, $84 and $127, respectively.
The holder can mount the device in either landscape or portrait orientation, and the viewing angle can be customized with a tug thanks to the holder's dual-axis hinge.
The security holder also features two locks -- one on the neck that prevents the holder from being removed from the stand, and a second lock that prevents the iPad from being removed from the holder.
Free edition of Stellar SpeedUp Mac available
Stellar Data Recovery (www.stellarinfo.com) has released Stellar Speedup Mac Free edition. This utility is meant to "super charge" a sluggish Mac and free hard drive space.
The Free Edition helps Mac users to optimize Mac performance significantly by uninstalling unwanted applications, clear logs, remove system junk, trash and leftovers along with managing extensions, according to Sunil Chandna, CEO, Stellar Data Recovery.
Mac users can also go for the complete utility for US$29 . It helps remove unwanted applications, unused large files, duplicate files, language files, universal binaries, temporary Internet cache, etc and further improve Mac performance.
ZooGue's new iPad case is a Prodigy
ZooGue, has launched their iPad Case Prodigy for 2nd, 3rd and 4th gen iPads. The Prodigy case is designed to protect the Apple tablet while providing multiple viewing angles.
With its patent pending magnetic kickstand, it's adjustable to six angles, from a low typing position to one for watching movies and videos.
The iPad Case Prodigy boasts a vegan leather exterior and a microfiber interior. The case also features magnets that will keep the stand locked in any of the desired angles. What's more, the Prodigy guards the iPad screen with a cover that has a secure magnetic closure with sleep and wake functions. Users maintain unobstructed access to all cameras, ports, and buttons for added convenience.
The Case Prodigy is available in black. It can be purchased at ZooGue.com for US$59.99.
Boris FX announces Boris Continuum Complete 8 FxPlug
Boris FX (www.borisfx.com) has announced Boris Continuum Complete 8 FxPlug (BCC 8 FxPlug).
BCC 8 FxPlug delivers 200-plus VFX filters to Apple Final Cut Pro 7, Apple Final Cut Pro X, and Apple Motion 5. Enhanced lens flares, particles, glows, and lights and new FxPlug 2 integration headline the version 8 release. The filters include extruded text, 3D particle effects, image restoration and touchup tools, true 3D lens flares and volumetric lighting effects, keys and mattes, color grading tools, time-based effects, blurs, glows, stylish auto-animating transitions, and cinematic effects such as film glow, film grain, and film process looks.
Boris Continuum Complete 8 FxPlug for Final Cut Pro 7 is immediately available through the Boris FX worldwide reseller channel and direct from the Boris FX website for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$995. Owners of previous versions of BCC FxPlug may upgrade for a MSRP of $295. A free 14-day trial version is available from the Boris FX...
Jumsoft adds 50 new images to Elements for iWork bundle
Jumsoft (www.jumsoft.com), a developer of applications and templates for Mac OS X, has introduced another update to its selection of illustrations for Apple's iWork.
The 50 new badges and ribbons, like the rest of the Elements for iWork collection, are designed to help users illustrate slideshows, invitations, posters, newsletters, e-books, or practically any type of content that requires a creative touch. The bundle presents an abundance of hand-drawn items, stylized icons, and even patterns, which can be applied to various content.
The Elements for iWork set now contains 722 doodle icons, 47 patterns, 50 badges, six ribbons, and 68 watercolor cliparts in three color versions: green, blue, and red. All images include transparent backgrounds that allow placement on various colors and patterns, and the PNG format lets users adjust various color parameters.
The badges are created in shapes, which enable resizing and changing colors as well as adding and removing various badge...
iHangy slips out Slip in 5 case for the iPhone 5
iHangy (www.ihangy.com) has released the Slip in 5 Case line of protective and fashionable cases, keychains, and secure necklaces, designed specifically to protect and carry the iPhone 5 for quick hands-free accessibility.
Available in pink, white and black, the Slip in 5 Case provides rubber-coated hard plastic in the exterior and soft cushioning silicone in the interior. It's available in three versions:
° Slip in 5 Case + Keychain (pictured) for US$29.99. It secures your valuable iPhone 5 to your belt loop, bag strap or backpack. The carabiner clip (similar to the ones used while mountain climbing) attaches to your Slip in 5 Case at one end and forms a connection to your clothing or accessories at the other. A
° Slip in 5 Case + Necklace ($29.99). You attach the necklace to your favorite colored Slip in 5 Case and then slip it around your neck.
° Slip in 5 Case + Music Necklace ($34.99). It secures your iPhone around your neck. The included earbuds match the “Slip in 5 Case”...
Mac OS X software updates for Nov. 27
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
EazyDraw (www.eazydraw.com) has released version 5.3.0 of its self-titled software. The upgrade is optimized for the Retina display. EasyDraw is a vector drawing application. Version 5.3.9 also adds Brazilian Portuguese support.
Reggie Ashworth (www.reggieashworth.com) has announced AppDelete 4.0.5, an update to his application deletion utility. The upgrade sports an all new user interface and a revised workflow.
Koingo Software has rolled out Amnesia 1.3.9 (www.koingosw.com/products/amnesia.php) for Mac OS X. The software performs a smart scan to determine all related files to be removed. Amnesia 1.3.9 offers Retina display support.
Hamrick Software (www.hamrick.com) has given us Vuescan 9.1.20, a new version of the VueScan software designed to let users produce better digital images from color snapshots, negatives, slides and documents. The new version adds support for new Canon scanners.
Mac Pilot from Koingo Software (www.koingosw....
Citi Research projects $675 target price on Apple stock
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com) -- Citi Research, which began covering Apple stock on Monday, projects an US$675 target price with a recommendation to buy.
Citi's price target implies an expected return of about 20% from Apple stock. Citi Research noted that shares of Apple slid 28% on a "correction" that began on Sept. 21, which put it in line with past corrections in its own history, as well as those of its peers. Year-over-year growth at Apple is expected to stabilize in the first half of 2013, which Citi believes would set the company's stock on course for the $675 price target.
Nvidia leads in graphics chip shipment for third quarter
Jon Peddie Research (www.jonpeddie.com), the industry's research and consulting firm for graphics and multimedia, has announced estimated graphics chip shipments and suppliers’ market share for the third quarter of 2012 (Q3’12).
The news was terrific for Nvidia and disappointing for everyone the other major players.
From Q2 to Q3 Intel slipped in both desktop (7%) and notebook (8.6%). AMD dropped (2%) in the desktop, and (17%) in notebooks. Nvidia gained 28.3% in desktop from quarter to quarter (Qtr-Qtr ) and jumped almost 12% in the notebook segment.
This was a not a very good quarter the shipments were down -1.45% on a Qtr-Qtr basis, and -10.8% on a Yr-Yr (year to year) basis. JPR found that graphics shipments during Q3’12 slipped from last quarter -1.5% as compared to computers, which grew slightly by 0.9% overall (however more GPU’s shipped than computers due to double attach). GPUs are traditionally a leading indicator of the market, since a GPU goes into every system before it...
Analyst: the holiday season 'will belong to Apple'
In a note to clients -- as reported by "ZDNet" (http://macte.ch/IAQDB) -- Topeka Capital analyst Brian White says "this holiday season will belong to Apple," because "the product line-up has never been stronger."
Tempting holiday shoppers are a revamped iPad with retina display, the iPhone 5 and the latest version of the Mac mini. Apple can't make enough iPad mini's to keep up with demand. And the recently-announced iMacs aren't yet available for purchase, but they're expected to be hot sellers when they can be purchased.
Analyst: Apple retail stores trounced Microsoft's on Black...
In a note to clients -- as reported by "CNNMoney" -- Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says the comparison of Apple and Microsoft retail stores at the Mall of America in Minneapolis -- on Black Friday (Nov. 23) found that nearly five times as many items were purchased per hour at the Apple Store.
Munster and this team found that:
° There was 47% less foot traffic at the Microsoft store than the Apple store.
° Shoppers bought 17.2 items per hour at the Apple Store and only 3.5 items per hour at the Microsoft Store.
° Shoppers at the Apple Store bought an average of 11 iPads per hour. Despite heavy TV, print and billboard advertising for the new Microsoft Surface tablet, not one was sold sold during the two hours Piper Jaffray spent monitoring that store.
° Sales of Macs and iPads were down from 2012. Munster attributes this primarily to a lack of iPad mini's and the fact that the recently announced iMac upgrade is still unavailable for purchase.
Read more at http://tech.fortune.cnn...
$13.7 billion spent online for the holiday season-to-date
ComScore (www.comscore.com), which specializes in "measuring the digital world," reports that US$13.7 billion has been spent online for the holiday season-to-date. This is a 16% increase versus the corresponding days last year.
Black Friday (Nov. 23) saw $1.042 billion in online sales, making it the heaviest online spending day to date in 2012 and representing a 26% increase versus Black Friday 2011. Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 22), while traditionally a lighter day for online holiday spending, achieved a strong 32% increase to $633 million.
"Despite the frenzy of media coverage surrounding the importance of Black Friday in the brick-and-mortar world, we continue to see this shopping day become more and more prominent in the e-commerce channel -- particularly among those who prefer to avoid crowds at the stores," says comScore Chairman Gian Fulgoni. "With Black Friday online sales up 26 percent and surpassing $1 billion for the first time, coupled with early reports indicating that...
iPad generated more traffic than any other mobile device on...
According to IBM, US shoppers once again took advantage of early promotions this holiday season, driving a 17.4% increase in online sales Thanksgiving Day. This increase set the stage for 20.7%growth on Black Friday. The biggest surge came from mobile consumers, with sales reaching 16.3%, led by the iPad. This data is the result of cloud-based analytics findings from IBM.
As part of IBM's Smarter Commerce initiative, the IBM Digital Analytics Benchmark revealed the following trends:
° Mobile purchases soared with 24% of consumers using a mobile device to visit a retailer's site, up from 14.3% in 2011. Mobile sales exceeded 16%, up from 9.8% in 2011.
° The iPad generated more traffic than any other tablet or smartphone, reaching nearly 10% of online shopping. This was followed by the iPhone at 8.7% and the Android 5.5% The iPad dominated tablet traffic at 88.3% followed by the Barnes and Noble Nook at 3.1%, the Amazon Kindle at 2.4% and the Samsung Galaxy at 1.8%.
° Consumers...
Apple adds six Samsung products to California lawsuit
Apple has added six Samsung products including the Note II, SIII mini and Galaxy tab to its California lawsuit, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/MdTKC).
Apple's motion highlights that all of these products (or product upgrades) were released after the fifth-generation iPod touch Samsung would like to include in this lawsuit, "a fact that should make it difficult for the court to allow Samsung the addition of the fifth-generation iPod touch (apparently already released in early October) while denying Apple's latest proposed additions as untimely," the article adds.
This is all part of the ongoing, global legal battle. Apple and Samsung have filed more than 30 lawsuits against each other across four continents. For example, Apple alleges that Samsung copied the slide-to-unlock technology of its iPhone and iPad devices.
TeamViewer launches version 8 with Retina display support
TeamViewer has launched TeamViewer 8. The upgrade expands client service capabilities and provides faster performance for both remote control and online meetings sessions.
With the new version, TeamViewer is introducing the new TeamViewer Management Console, a cloud-based administration tool addressing the needs of corporate environments and with greater emphasis on accountability, stricter security guidelines and the need for central control of their TeamViewer user accounts.
Key features in the new TeamViewer Management Console include comprehensive user management, connection reporting of all sessions and browser-based single-click connections. The TeamViewer 8 user interface also supports the Retina display on certain MacBook Pro models. The software is available now for Mac, Windows and Linux computers at http://www.teamviewer.com/download .
TeamViewer offers one-time purchase without recurring costs. Pricing is all-inclusive, and add-on components require no further...
DeviceDecor introduces designs for mobile
DeviceDecor.com is a new Web store that offers hundreds of design options for iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Kindles and Samsung Galaxy SIII phones.
A variety of cities, landmarks, sport, charitable causes and other designs are among the first set rolled out Nov. 16 for their launch. DeviceDecor.com is a division of VictoryStore.com, an aggregator of online retailers.
Analyst: Apple will launch cheaper iPhone within two years
In a note to clients Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster predicts Apple will launch a cheaper smartphone within two years. To be more specific, an US$200, unsubsidized iPhone in 2014.
"Business Insider" (http://macte.ch/KbhTj) explains it this way: "In the U.S., if you buy a new iPhone 5 it costs $200 because the carrier is footing the majority of the bill for you. You pay $200, but Apple collects ~$600. That carrier covers that $400 gap, and hopes to make the money on your data charges. That system doesn't work in places like India and China. And that's why Apple's market share is tiny in those countries. If it doesn't want to lose access to the next three billion smartphone buyers, it needs to solve this problem."
CAZE announces ThinEdge Frame Case for the iPhone 5
CAZE (www.iphonecaze.com) has announced its new ThinEdge for the iPhone 5. It's constructed of lightweight, hard-shell plastic.
The ThinEdge frame case comes with two different colored fasteners for you to personalize your iPhone. You can order it today for 20% off its regular price of US$22.90.
ThineEdge adds just a millimeter in thickness to the sides of the iPhone 5. It fits tightly around the edges of the iPhone 5 and protects its screen and back by protruding slightly above the front screen glass and aluminum back. The result leaves the back and front of the iPhone 5 fully exposed visually, but shielded against scratches.
Mac OS X software updates for Nov. 26
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Dalamser (www.dalamser.com) has announced JAC Digital 2.4, a new sibling to the JAC. It supports all its features but with digital, rather than traditional, analog clock designs. JAC Digital provides one or more resizable digital clocks showing the time in different locations around the world. Designed for those times when knowing the time and date is of primary importance, a number of JAC Digital clocks can easily be arranged to echo the traditional "office wall" row of time zone clocks.
Video Clips (www.vidlib.com) has released VidLib 1.1 for Mac OS X and iOS. It's packed with 30,000 royalty-free stock videos from Getty Images and handpicked video content producers from around the world.
Magican Software (www.magicansoft.com) has conjured up Magican 1.3, an update to its free comprehensive system cleaning, optimization and protection solution. The upgrade introduces a new Advanced software centre and also includes a new Recommendation...
Barclays Bank buys 8,500 iPads
Barclays Bank has bought 8,500 iPads, reports "The Channel" (http://macte.ch/8h1BU). The buy, made with dealer Insight UK, is believed to be one of the largest roll outs of the iPad or indeed any tablet in the UK finance sector, and signals the growing acceptance of the tab tech in corporate land.
A PR person told "The Channel" that the iPads will be used "to assist our branch colleagues to interact with customers, improving the customer experience," "We investigated a number of different tablet options and in this instance, we concluded that iPads were the best solution for their specific needs," she added. "We are now starting to use these across Barclays branches in the UK."
Apple tops computer consumer satisfaction, reliability
"Consumer Reports" has published the results of its annual "Product Reliability Survey," which found that Apple is still coming out on top for consumer satisfaction and reliability.
The survey, which reported on computers from Acer, Apple, Dell, eMachines, Gateway, HP, Lenovo, Sony and Toshiba, resulted in a 78% consumer satisfaction score for Apple. Dell and Lenovo tied at 59%, while Acer, Asus, eMachines, HP, Gateway and Toshiba all scoring between 56% and 54%, as noted by "Macworld UK" (http://macte.ch/LAkQj).
When asked about tech support, CR said that Apple had solved 75% of Mac user problems, while the nearest competitor, Dell, solved 61%. Apple scored significantly better than competitors in the desktop computer reliability computers, with an iMac repair rate of 8% (lower is better). The closest three competitors were HP, which got a rating of 10% Dell 11% and Gateway 13%.
As for laptops, Apple still got the best reliability score, but by a much lower margin than with the...
Mac Data Recovery Guru revved to version 2.0
Mac Data Recovery Guru 2.0 launches today, bringing advanced file recovery. Not only can Mac Data Recovery Guru resurrect deleted files, it can find files lost to faulty drives, even drives suffering from the "click of death."
The new interface lets users browse their deleted files, and recover them by file type. Simply click on the lost file and it will show a preview of the contents, and click recover to save it. The only thing that can stop Data Recovery Guru 2.0 is if the file has been overwritten, or if secure delete has been used.
Mac Data Recovery Guru 2.0 benefits from speed enhancements, thanks to newly optimized code.Enhanced threading means you can carry on working while the software scans your disk.
Mac Data Recovery Guru will work on drives with failing motors or the click of death. The software simultaneously provides a surface scan and a bad sector count (if appropriate).
Mac Data Recovery Guru also offers greater device support. Any media -- including flash drives,...
Samsung to see details of the HTC-Apple settlement
A U.S. judge has ordered Apple Inc to disclose to Samsung details of a legal settlement the iPhone maker reached with HTC Corp, including terms of a 10-year patents licensing agreement, reports "Reuters." The court on Wednesday ordered Apple to produce a full copy of the settlement agreement "without delay," subject to an Attorneys-Eyes-Only designation.
Earlier this week Samsung asked a California court to compel Apple to produce a copy of its settlement and patent license agreement with HTC, claiming the document is relevant to its own patent dispute with Apple. Apple's willingness to license patents in the suit may undermine its claim of irreparable harm and demonstrate that monetary remedies are adequate, Samsung said in a filing on Friday.
On Nov. 12, it was announced that Apple and HTC have reached a global settlement that includes the dismissal of all current lawsuits and a ten-year license agreement. The license extends to current and future patents held by both parties. The...
Analyst: iOS is the 'new Windows'
In a note to clients -- as reported by "Barron's" (http://macte.ch/epv2W) -- UBS Securities analyst Steve Milunovich says Apple's iOS is the "new Windows" (he means that as a compliment). He says the Cupertino-based company is "winning in personal computing."
“Apple is gaining as the ratio of total notebooks to iPads plus MacBooks peaked at over 30x in 2006 and is now just 1.6x," Milunovich says. "Not only could iPad maintain half the tablet market, but MacBooks might steal a significant number of Windows PC users.”
The analyst thinks Microsoft is late to the game with its Surface tablet computer and Windows 8 for other manufacturers’ tablets. He thinks the company will struggle to make inroads against Apple’s “first-mover” advantage in the category.
Tablets look to surpass notebook sales on Black Friday
This year’s Black Friday -- that's today -- is expected to be the catalyst for tablets to pass notebook shipments for the first time in North America, a trend which NPD DisplaySearch (www.displaysearchblog.com/) expects to continue for the foreseeable future.
The research group’s fourth quarter North American tablet shipment forecast is 21.5 million units, far exceeding the 14.6 million notebooks and mini-notes that are expected to ship in the same period. Starting in 2013 in North America, tablet shipments are expected to exceed notebook shipments on an annual basis for the first time; 80 million tablets versus 63.8 million notebooks.
On a worldwide basis, tablet shipments aren’t expected to out-ship notebooks until 2015, when 275.9 million tablets are projected to ship, as compared to 270 million notebooks. Several factors are enabling the North American tablet-friendly environment, says DisplaySearch.
First, over 70% of U.S. households have computers, putting the U.S. among the...
Analyst: Apple almost caught up with iPhone 5 demand
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com) -- Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says that Apple has nearly caught up with the demand for the iPhone 5.
Munster's team purportedly checked out 100 Apple Stores. They found that supply of AT&T and Verizon models has "significantly improved," while Sprint units remain readily available.
Tokens is new promo code developing tool for the Mac
Padraig Kennedy and Oisin Prendiville have announced Tokens for Mac, a new tool to help iOS and Mac developers generate, share, and track promo codes.
Developers use App Store promo codes to provide advance copies of their apps to media contacts or to give away copies of their apps in promotions. This has always been a notoriously awkward task, so Kennedy and Prendiville say they've streamlined the entire process with this sleek new app.
Tokens is free for developers to use with one of their apps. The full version (US$29) allows them to generate, share and track promo codes for all their apps across all their developer accounts. A corporate license ($199) allows all members of one organization to use Tokens. The developers are offering a $100 discount on this price until Nov. 27. For more info go to http://usetokens.com .
Tim Cook is America's highest paid CEO
"CNBC" says (http://www.cnbc.com/id/49886743?slide=22) Apple's Tim Cook is the highest paid CEO in America. His annual compensation: about US$95 million.
The top 10 highest-paid CEOs, and the average annual compensation they’ve received, according to "CNET" is: Cook (Apple), $95 million, Larry Ellison (Oracle), $70 million; Ron Johnson (JC Penney), $53 million; Leslie Moonves (CBS Corp.), $52 million; Richard Adkerson (Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold), $49 million; Philippe Dauman (Viacom), $43 million; John Hammergren (McKesson Corp.), $42 million; Aubrey McClendon (Chesapeake Energy), $39 million; James Gallogly (James Gallogly), $35 million; and David Simon (Simon Property Group, $35 million.
Mac sales booming in the business market
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com) -- Needham & Company analyst Charlie Wolf says Apple's success in the enterprise is the "big story" in regards to Mac sales in the September quarter. With computer sales to U.S. businesses declining 13.3% year-over-year, Apple had a 62.7 percentage point difference.
The Mac's unit share of the U.S. business market was 9.35in the September quarter. That's up from 5.9% of total sales in June, and 5.4% in September 2011, says Wolf.
Apple had an even bigger share of revenue of computer sales to U.S. businesses, accounting for 17.4 percent. That was also up from an 11.5% share in June, and 10.7% share a year before, notes "AppleInsider."
