Amazon Kindle: Hands-on first impressions
The slow drip of rumors and leaks about the Amazon Kindle e-book reader exploded into a full-blown flood over the weekend, once it was revealed as this week's Newsweek cover story. Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos filled in all of the remaining blanks (or most of them, anyway) at this morning's New York press conference that officially introduced the product to the world. Some relevant details, finally confirmed:Measurements: The Kindle weighs 10.3 ounces and is about the size of a trade paperback book. It's both taller and thicker than the Sony Reader.Connectivity: The Kindle connects to the Web via the "Amazon Whispernet," a free high-speed cellular wireless network (Sprint EVDO). Books and other content are available for direct download, without the need for connecting to a PC (though a USB port does provide PC connectivity for transferring files). The Kindle's internal memory can store up to 200 books, and it's expandable via an SD slot (which can also be used to load additional media).Books: Once you're online via EVDO, electronic books are available directly from Amazon for up to $10--just click on the title you want, and it's downloaded (and you're charged) in about a minute's time. Amazon is currently offering more than 90,000 titles, including 90 percent of the current New York Times bestsellers. The first chapter of most books can be previewed on the Kindle for free. Amazon keeps track of your purchases, so you can delete the file on the Kindle (to make space for more content) and then download it again later for no additional charge. Newspapers and magazines: The Kindle can also be used to subscribe to a variety of periodicals, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Time, Le Monde, and Forbes. Newspaper subscriptions are $6 to $15 a month, and magazines are $1.25 to $3.49. Dailies are automatically delivered to the Kindle overnight, and each periodical includes a free two-week trial. (There appears to be no discount for existing subscribers of these periodicals.)Blogs: The Kindle also offers more than 300 blogs, including Slashdot, The Onion, BoingBoing, and Techcrunch--but these are customized Kindle versions that cost at least $1 a month. Moreover, unlike your RSS feeds, you can't add your favorite blog--if it's not on Amazon's list, you can't subscribe to it.Web browsing: The Kindle can also browse the Web at large (it has its own QWERTY keyboard directly below the screen), but--unlike the Kindle-ized premium content listed above--most standard Web pages are something of a disaster. The CNET home page, for instance, was rendered as 18 separate pages. Likewise, don't expect support for any plug-ins such as Flash. Notation and bookmarks: You can bookmark key passages of what you're reading, and (using the keyboard), make, edit, and export notes. The Kindle also saves your place when reading anything, so you can always pick up where you left off. Price and availability: The Kindle reader is now available from Amazon.com for $400. CNET got one of the first review samples, and we've gotten a chance to put it through its paces. What do we think so far? Here's a quick and dirty appraisal, based on just a couple of hours of use:The Good: Excellent high-contrast screen does a great job of simulating a printed page; large library of tens of thousands of e-books, newspapers, magazines, and blogs via Amazon's familiar online store; built-in "Whispernet" data network--no PC needed; built-in keyboard for notes; SD card expansion slot; long battery life.The Bad: Design is ergonomic, but not very elegant; pricing for nearly all the content seems too high, especially considering the periodicals and blogs are available for free online; black-and-white screen is fine for books, but less impressive for periodicals and Web content; lacks a true Web browser; included cover is clumsy and poorly designed; yet another dedicated device you'll need to lug around with you.The Bottom Line: With its built-in wireless capabilities and PC-free operation, Amazon's Kindle is a promising evolution of the electronic book (and newspaper, and magazine)--but overpriced content could be its Achilles' heel.In other words, the Kindle is a very promising gadget that offers the potential to revolutionize how we read books and periodicals--but I just don't see myself buying one (and I read about two books a month). But again, that's a very preliminary evaluation. The full review is coming soon. In the meantime, let us know if you have any questions about the Kindle's capabilities. And, of course, your opinions: is the Kindle the next must-have gadget, or is there a dealbreaker or two that keeps it from missing the mark? And how many of you are just holding out for the iTunes Bookstore on your iPhone or iPod Touch? Or would prefer to spend your $400 on an Asus EEE PC instead?Correction: This article initially misstated the Kindle's built-in connectivity options. It connects to the Web via a high-speed wireless network called Amazon Whispernet.
Insiders skeptical of Sony's 'mistake' on Houston music prices
Insiders skeptical of Sony's 'mistake' on Houston music prices
Sony Music Entertainment says the price hike in the United Kingdom on Whitney Houston albums following the singer's death was a "mistake," but some industry insiders are skeptical. On Sunday, a day after Houston was found dead in a Beverly Hills hotel, prices for two of her albums: "The Ultimate Collection" and "Greatest Hits" jumped in price in the U.K. iTunes store. In dollars, the prices rose from $7.80 to $12.50. Right away, Sony and Apple came under fire from consumers who believed one or both of the companies were trying to cash in on the singer's death. But not until yesterday did one of the companies respond to the furor. Sony issued a statement yesterday: "Whitney Houston product was mistakenly mispriced on the UK iTunes store on Sunday.When discovered, the mistake was immediately corrected.We apologize for any offense caused."Billboard talked to someone from inside Sony on background who explained the price increase lasted for just a few hours and was due to "employee error." Related storiesSony's rootkit fiasco Bye-bye, physical media? Sony closes CD plantSony's music comeback story needs third act This sounds like the mistake was made by some low-level clerk who keyed in the wrong number. Music industry insiders told me that such a scenario was unlikely. Indeed, that's not what happened. According to sources close to the situation, "the mistake" was made by a Sony Music middle manager who had the authority to change prices. So was it just a math error or a typo? Or did the manager make a decision that led to a controversy and that's what Sony considers a mistake. We'll probably never know. Be that as it may, Sony deserves credit for backing down from the increase. At this point the price hike only appears to have affected one retailer in one area of the world. We should also note that Sony Music did not boost prices on Michael Jackson albums following his death in 2009. As for Sony's slow response and why the company waited two days to respond, some Sony executives were in Los Angeles on Sunday where they attended the Grammy Awards and that may have contributed.That said, if the price increase was a goof, and Sony is sincere about making things right, then why not show good faith and issue refunds to the people who paid the higher price for the Houston albums? My sources say that Sony has yet to do that. If it were truly an isolated mistake, Sony should rectify it by making those people whole. Sony and Apple representatives declined CNET's request to comment. Update at 9:35 a.m. PT: The response of industry insiders has been clarified. They do not believe it likely that a low-level clerk keyed in a wrong number.
Sony Music Entertainment says the price hike in the United Kingdom on Whitney Houston albums following the singer's death was a "mistake," but some industry insiders are skeptical. On Sunday, a day after Houston was found dead in a Beverly Hills hotel, prices for two of her albums: "The Ultimate Collection" and "Greatest Hits" jumped in price in the U.K. iTunes store. In dollars, the prices rose from $7.80 to $12.50. Right away, Sony and Apple came under fire from consumers who believed one or both of the companies were trying to cash in on the singer's death. But not until yesterday did one of the companies respond to the furor. Sony issued a statement yesterday: "Whitney Houston product was mistakenly mispriced on the UK iTunes store on Sunday.When discovered, the mistake was immediately corrected.We apologize for any offense caused."Billboard talked to someone from inside Sony on background who explained the price increase lasted for just a few hours and was due to "employee error." Related storiesSony's rootkit fiasco Bye-bye, physical media? Sony closes CD plantSony's music comeback story needs third act This sounds like the mistake was made by some low-level clerk who keyed in the wrong number. Music industry insiders told me that such a scenario was unlikely. Indeed, that's not what happened. According to sources close to the situation, "the mistake" was made by a Sony Music middle manager who had the authority to change prices. So was it just a math error or a typo? Or did the manager make a decision that led to a controversy and that's what Sony considers a mistake. We'll probably never know. Be that as it may, Sony deserves credit for backing down from the increase. At this point the price hike only appears to have affected one retailer in one area of the world. We should also note that Sony Music did not boost prices on Michael Jackson albums following his death in 2009. As for Sony's slow response and why the company waited two days to respond, some Sony executives were in Los Angeles on Sunday where they attended the Grammy Awards and that may have contributed.That said, if the price increase was a goof, and Sony is sincere about making things right, then why not show good faith and issue refunds to the people who paid the higher price for the Houston albums? My sources say that Sony has yet to do that. If it were truly an isolated mistake, Sony should rectify it by making those people whole. Sony and Apple representatives declined CNET's request to comment. Update at 9:35 a.m. PT: The response of industry insiders has been clarified. They do not believe it likely that a low-level clerk keyed in a wrong number.
Apple hammers Google witness hard in e-book pricing trial
Apple hammers Google witness hard in e-book pricing trial
NEW YORK -- Apple had a field day with Google in court here on Thursday. Apple started to pick away at the Department of Justice's claim that the tech giant conspired to inflate e-book prices by repeatedly and rapidly firing questions at a key Google witness. The tactic paid off for lead Apple attorney Orin Snyder, who began to wear down on Thomas Turvey, director of strategic relationships for Google. Turvey appeared increasingly frazzled and frustrated as the afternoon went on. During his testimony, Turvey admitted that he couldn't remember which publishing executives he spoke to, the circumstances around those conversations, or any helpful details. He offered few specifics and kept referring to his written testimony.Related stories:Focus, criticism shifts to Amazon in Apple e-book trialIt was Apple's way or the highway, e-book execs sayApple: We wanted a 'level playing field' for publishersApple and the DOJ face off over e-book prices (FAQ)"You can't recall the single name of anyone at a single publisher?" Snyder asked."No," Turvey said, which became a common response. In a day when Apple faced off against one of its biggest rivals, its attorneys capitalized on the opportunity. It was vital for Apple to raise doubts about Turvey's testimony and portray him as unreliable because the Justice Department's case partly rested on his claim that the publishers told him they were forced by Apple to adopt a model that would result in higher book prices. By poking holes in Google's testimony, it also weakened the Justice Department's case. The Justice Department contends that Apple forced the publishers to move to an agency model, in which the publishers set the prices, and away from the traditional wholesale business, which typically results in lower prices for the consumer. Turvey, reiterating comments made in his written testimony to the court, repeated several times that "the publishers stated to me that they couldn't do business on wholesale terms because their agreements with Apple did not allow it."Snyder, however, sought to raise doubts about Turvey's memory and the phrasing of his written testimony. At one point, Snyder got Turvey to admit he didn't know if he or his attorney had written certain segments of his declaration.Google's testimony is important to the Justice Department because the publishers hadn't offered much help earlier in the trial. Simon & Schuster CEO Carolyn Reidy had testified Wednesday that her company -- which is owned by CNET's parent company, CBS -- switched to a new sales model because it wanted to, not because Apple forced it to do so. Snyder pointed out there was a big difference between a publisher being required to change its terms and wanting to do so on its own because it made business sense.Snyder also took pot shots at Google's operations, including saying the company has tried to compete with Apple businesses like iTunes but has failed. Judge Denise Cote didn't let Turvey respond to that remark. Snyder also asked Turvey if he considered Google to be "a powerful company in the media and entertainment" industry. Turvey said no. Cote finally dismissed the court at 5 p.m. ET, saying she wanted to let Turvey go so he could "begin to enjoy" the day. Turvey will take the stand again on Monday. The trial lasts for two more weeks.
NEW YORK -- Apple had a field day with Google in court here on Thursday. Apple started to pick away at the Department of Justice's claim that the tech giant conspired to inflate e-book prices by repeatedly and rapidly firing questions at a key Google witness. The tactic paid off for lead Apple attorney Orin Snyder, who began to wear down on Thomas Turvey, director of strategic relationships for Google. Turvey appeared increasingly frazzled and frustrated as the afternoon went on. During his testimony, Turvey admitted that he couldn't remember which publishing executives he spoke to, the circumstances around those conversations, or any helpful details. He offered few specifics and kept referring to his written testimony.Related stories:Focus, criticism shifts to Amazon in Apple e-book trialIt was Apple's way or the highway, e-book execs sayApple: We wanted a 'level playing field' for publishersApple and the DOJ face off over e-book prices (FAQ)"You can't recall the single name of anyone at a single publisher?" Snyder asked."No," Turvey said, which became a common response. In a day when Apple faced off against one of its biggest rivals, its attorneys capitalized on the opportunity. It was vital for Apple to raise doubts about Turvey's testimony and portray him as unreliable because the Justice Department's case partly rested on his claim that the publishers told him they were forced by Apple to adopt a model that would result in higher book prices. By poking holes in Google's testimony, it also weakened the Justice Department's case. The Justice Department contends that Apple forced the publishers to move to an agency model, in which the publishers set the prices, and away from the traditional wholesale business, which typically results in lower prices for the consumer. Turvey, reiterating comments made in his written testimony to the court, repeated several times that "the publishers stated to me that they couldn't do business on wholesale terms because their agreements with Apple did not allow it."Snyder, however, sought to raise doubts about Turvey's memory and the phrasing of his written testimony. At one point, Snyder got Turvey to admit he didn't know if he or his attorney had written certain segments of his declaration.Google's testimony is important to the Justice Department because the publishers hadn't offered much help earlier in the trial. Simon & Schuster CEO Carolyn Reidy had testified Wednesday that her company -- which is owned by CNET's parent company, CBS -- switched to a new sales model because it wanted to, not because Apple forced it to do so. Snyder pointed out there was a big difference between a publisher being required to change its terms and wanting to do so on its own because it made business sense.Snyder also took pot shots at Google's operations, including saying the company has tried to compete with Apple businesses like iTunes but has failed. Judge Denise Cote didn't let Turvey respond to that remark. Snyder also asked Turvey if he considered Google to be "a powerful company in the media and entertainment" industry. Turvey said no. Cote finally dismissed the court at 5 p.m. ET, saying she wanted to let Turvey go so he could "begin to enjoy" the day. Turvey will take the stand again on Monday. The trial lasts for two more weeks.
Samsung exec- I use iPhone, iPad, Macs at home
Samsung exec: I use iPhone, iPad, Macs at home
Samsung's chief strategy officer, Young Sohn, is sure to ruffle some feathers in Seoul over his recent comments regarding Apple.Speaking to MIT Technology Review in an interview published today, Sohn said that Apple's key strength might not be products, but the company's "ecosystem, such as iCloud.""I like that my family 6,000 miles away in Korea is able to see my schedule and see all of my contacts and photos," Sohn said. "It is sticky, but it is a proprietary architecture. Look at your phone [pointing to the writer's Samsung Galaxy Nexus]. It's a better phone, in my view. It's a better display. It's faster. But eventually the connected ecosystem is really critical."Sohn went on to explain that Apple has found a way through iCloud, iTunes, and other platforms, to connect all of its products that consumers own. So if, for instance, they buy a movie on the iPhone, they can quickly watch it on their television with the Apple TV. Calendar appointments made on a Mac can be shared on an iPad. It's a fully "connected" experience, Sohn said.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIM3D TV FAQVerizon Wireless revamps unlimited calling, data plansEven though Sohn is now a Samsung executive -- he only joined the company in August -- that "connected" experience Apple is delivering is too much for him to pass up."At work I'm using Samsung devices; Apple at home, mainly because all of my systems and files are done that way," Sohn said. "That's sticky, you know?"Apple and Samsung have a rather odd relationship. Both companies are bitter rivals in the mobile space where they battle for consumer attention. The companies have also launched legal salvos at each other over alleged patent-infringement. Still, Apple is a Samsung customer, relying on the company for its mobile processor needs. Despite their obvious anger toward each other, that processor relationship has forced them, at least in part, to set aside their differences.Looking ahead, the Apple "ecosystem" could inform Samsung's decision-making. Sohn pointed out that with Samsung televisions, mobile products, and a host of other electronics designed for the home, the company can transform its focus from one that's "device-centric" to one that tries to connect its many devices throughout the home.(Via The Verge)
Samsung's chief strategy officer, Young Sohn, is sure to ruffle some feathers in Seoul over his recent comments regarding Apple.Speaking to MIT Technology Review in an interview published today, Sohn said that Apple's key strength might not be products, but the company's "ecosystem, such as iCloud.""I like that my family 6,000 miles away in Korea is able to see my schedule and see all of my contacts and photos," Sohn said. "It is sticky, but it is a proprietary architecture. Look at your phone [pointing to the writer's Samsung Galaxy Nexus]. It's a better phone, in my view. It's a better display. It's faster. But eventually the connected ecosystem is really critical."Sohn went on to explain that Apple has found a way through iCloud, iTunes, and other platforms, to connect all of its products that consumers own. So if, for instance, they buy a movie on the iPhone, they can quickly watch it on their television with the Apple TV. Calendar appointments made on a Mac can be shared on an iPad. It's a fully "connected" experience, Sohn said.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIM3D TV FAQVerizon Wireless revamps unlimited calling, data plansEven though Sohn is now a Samsung executive -- he only joined the company in August -- that "connected" experience Apple is delivering is too much for him to pass up."At work I'm using Samsung devices; Apple at home, mainly because all of my systems and files are done that way," Sohn said. "That's sticky, you know?"Apple and Samsung have a rather odd relationship. Both companies are bitter rivals in the mobile space where they battle for consumer attention. The companies have also launched legal salvos at each other over alleged patent-infringement. Still, Apple is a Samsung customer, relying on the company for its mobile processor needs. Despite their obvious anger toward each other, that processor relationship has forced them, at least in part, to set aside their differences.Looking ahead, the Apple "ecosystem" could inform Samsung's decision-making. Sohn pointed out that with Samsung televisions, mobile products, and a host of other electronics designed for the home, the company can transform its focus from one that's "device-centric" to one that tries to connect its many devices throughout the home.(Via The Verge)
How to reverse store links in iTunes
How to reverse store links in iTunes
While doing this will remove the menu and its links to the iTunes store, the menu does have a beneficial side. When you are playing a song in iTunes such as that on a randomized playlist, you might often want to hear more songs from that particular album or artist. If you hold the Option key when clicking the store link menu, instead of searching the store iTunes will reference your library and bring up songs and albums you already own.This feature was the original use of the links in past versions of iTunes, but while Apple has made it a secondary option by requiring you hold the Option key to access it, you can reverse this behavior so searching your library is the default behavior and holding the Option key brings you to the iTunes store. To do this, open the Terminal and run the following command, followed by relaunching iTunes:defaults write com.apple.iTunes invertStoreLinks -bool TRUEIn addition to inverting the store links, you can also restore the previous arrow links instead of using the menu, which will give you a more direct one-click option for revealing items in your library. iTunes still contains the code for the older links, so you can run the first command above to hide the drop-down menu and then execute the following command to reveal the old iTunes arrow links:defaults write com.apple.iTunes show-store-link-arrows -bool TRUETo undo these modifications, you can repeat them and use the opposite boolean value (ie, FALSE instead of TRUE), or you can delete these settings from the iTunes preferences by running the following commands:defaults delete com.apple.iTunes show-store-link-arrowsdefaults delete com.apple.iTunes invertStoreLinksdefaults delete com.apple.iTunes hide-ping-dropdownQuestions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
While doing this will remove the menu and its links to the iTunes store, the menu does have a beneficial side. When you are playing a song in iTunes such as that on a randomized playlist, you might often want to hear more songs from that particular album or artist. If you hold the Option key when clicking the store link menu, instead of searching the store iTunes will reference your library and bring up songs and albums you already own.This feature was the original use of the links in past versions of iTunes, but while Apple has made it a secondary option by requiring you hold the Option key to access it, you can reverse this behavior so searching your library is the default behavior and holding the Option key brings you to the iTunes store. To do this, open the Terminal and run the following command, followed by relaunching iTunes:defaults write com.apple.iTunes invertStoreLinks -bool TRUEIn addition to inverting the store links, you can also restore the previous arrow links instead of using the menu, which will give you a more direct one-click option for revealing items in your library. iTunes still contains the code for the older links, so you can run the first command above to hide the drop-down menu and then execute the following command to reveal the old iTunes arrow links:defaults write com.apple.iTunes show-store-link-arrows -bool TRUETo undo these modifications, you can repeat them and use the opposite boolean value (ie, FALSE instead of TRUE), or you can delete these settings from the iTunes preferences by running the following commands:defaults delete com.apple.iTunes show-store-link-arrowsdefaults delete com.apple.iTunes invertStoreLinksdefaults delete com.apple.iTunes hide-ping-dropdownQuestions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
Survey- Online shopper satisfaction rises
Survey: Online shopper satisfaction rises
"The state of the economy really forced e-retail to step up their game," Larry Freed, CEO of ForeSee, said in a statement. "Since so much of the financial downturn was out of their control, companies turned to those things they could improve, and now they are reaping the benefits. Customer satisfaction is not a byproduct of a healthy economy. Instead, a healthy economy is a consequence of satisfied customers."The results of the survey are significant for retail companies, points out ForeSee. Compared to unhappy consumers, a happy online shopper is 73 percent more likely to purchase an item via the Net, 72 percent more likely to recommend it, and 47 percent more likely to buy it offline. To put that in dollars, ForeSee has found that even a 1 percent increase in a retailer's satisfaction level can predict an $89 million boost in sales, regardless of the size of the company.Several factors lead to a satisfied online customer, according to the study, including fair and competitive prices, variety and availability of products, usability of the retailer's Web site, and accuracy and quality of information on the site.The study was compiled via a method developed at the University of Michican and was based on surveys of more than 23,000 visitors to the top 100 online retailers in terms of sales volume.
"The state of the economy really forced e-retail to step up their game," Larry Freed, CEO of ForeSee, said in a statement. "Since so much of the financial downturn was out of their control, companies turned to those things they could improve, and now they are reaping the benefits. Customer satisfaction is not a byproduct of a healthy economy. Instead, a healthy economy is a consequence of satisfied customers."The results of the survey are significant for retail companies, points out ForeSee. Compared to unhappy consumers, a happy online shopper is 73 percent more likely to purchase an item via the Net, 72 percent more likely to recommend it, and 47 percent more likely to buy it offline. To put that in dollars, ForeSee has found that even a 1 percent increase in a retailer's satisfaction level can predict an $89 million boost in sales, regardless of the size of the company.Several factors lead to a satisfied online customer, according to the study, including fair and competitive prices, variety and availability of products, usability of the retailer's Web site, and accuracy and quality of information on the site.The study was compiled via a method developed at the University of Michican and was based on surveys of more than 23,000 visitors to the top 100 online retailers in terms of sales volume.
Survey- iPad demand beats early iPhone demand
Survey: iPad demand beats early iPhone demand
As consumers await Apple's iPad, a new study from market analyst RBC and ChangeWave Research has revealed that the demand for Apple's tablet currently outpaces the original demand for its iPhone. MacRumors first reported on the story.According to the survey, which was mentioned in a research note to clients by RBC analyst Mike Abramsky, 13 percent of the 3,200 folks surveyed said they were likely to buy an iPad when it's released. According to ChangeWave, initial iPhone demand was at 9 percent prior to the launch of the original iPhone.Perhaps more importantly, the survey found that just 8 percent of respondents bristled at iPad pricing, compared to the whopping 28 percent that scoffed at the iPhone's original pricing.The survey found that 19 percent of respondents who said they might buy an iPad would pick up the entry level, $499 model. Another 19 percent of respondents said they would buy the top of the line $829 version. The other versions of the iPad had less interest.Another interesting fact: 68 percent of respondents said they plan to use the iPad to surf the Web, while 44 percent will check e-mail, and 37 percent will read e-books.Writing in a research note to clients, Abramsky said that while he doesn't expect the iPad to enjoy the kind of success the iPhone did on its original launch day, the survey "data portends well for healthy initial iPad uptake."
As consumers await Apple's iPad, a new study from market analyst RBC and ChangeWave Research has revealed that the demand for Apple's tablet currently outpaces the original demand for its iPhone. MacRumors first reported on the story.According to the survey, which was mentioned in a research note to clients by RBC analyst Mike Abramsky, 13 percent of the 3,200 folks surveyed said they were likely to buy an iPad when it's released. According to ChangeWave, initial iPhone demand was at 9 percent prior to the launch of the original iPhone.Perhaps more importantly, the survey found that just 8 percent of respondents bristled at iPad pricing, compared to the whopping 28 percent that scoffed at the iPhone's original pricing.The survey found that 19 percent of respondents who said they might buy an iPad would pick up the entry level, $499 model. Another 19 percent of respondents said they would buy the top of the line $829 version. The other versions of the iPad had less interest.Another interesting fact: 68 percent of respondents said they plan to use the iPad to surf the Web, while 44 percent will check e-mail, and 37 percent will read e-books.Writing in a research note to clients, Abramsky said that while he doesn't expect the iPad to enjoy the kind of success the iPhone did on its original launch day, the survey "data portends well for healthy initial iPad uptake."
Apple slips below $600 in first trading day after exec shake-up
Apple slips below $600 in first trading day after exec shake-up
Last updated at 2 p.m. PT Apple's stock has entered territory it hasn't been in for quite some time.The stock finished at $595.32, down $8.68, or 1.44 percent today. At one point earlier in the day Apple's shares fell as low as $587.70.Apple's stock hasn't closed a day below the $600 mark since July. For a brief period on Friday, Apple's shares dropped to $591 before closing the day at $604.Might today's decline be attributable to Apple's announcement Monday of the departure of two senior executives -- Scott Forstall and John Browett? Maybe, maybe not. Since September 21 when Apple's shares closed the day at $700.71, the company's stock has been on the decline. In addition, today's decline seems to fall in line with previous single-day drops. So, it's possible the drop is as much a part of a negative trend as it is a reaction to the executive departures.Still, Apple may have been concerned about Wall Street's reaction to the news about Forstall and Browett, which came while trading was canceled because of Hurricane Sandy. Companies often announce bad news in the stock markets' off-hours, to give shareholders a bit more time to let issues marinate.The loss of Forstall could worry investors who see him as a key ingredient in the development of Apple's iOS platform. According to reports, he was ousted because of his unwillingness to sign a letter apologizing for problems with Apple's Maps application. Apple's ousted retail chief John Browett was let go for unrelated reasons.For its part, Apple has tried to allay fears, saying that its current executive team, including Jonathan Ive and Eddy Cue, will pick up the slack.Over the last year, Apple's share price has swung widely from $363.32 to $705.07. As of this writing, the company's market capitalization -- a measure of corporate value -- is about $557 billion.Update at 9:45 a.m. PT, at 12:10 p.m. PT, and at 2 p.m. PT: New and closing stock prices noted.
Last updated at 2 p.m. PT Apple's stock has entered territory it hasn't been in for quite some time.The stock finished at $595.32, down $8.68, or 1.44 percent today. At one point earlier in the day Apple's shares fell as low as $587.70.Apple's stock hasn't closed a day below the $600 mark since July. For a brief period on Friday, Apple's shares dropped to $591 before closing the day at $604.Might today's decline be attributable to Apple's announcement Monday of the departure of two senior executives -- Scott Forstall and John Browett? Maybe, maybe not. Since September 21 when Apple's shares closed the day at $700.71, the company's stock has been on the decline. In addition, today's decline seems to fall in line with previous single-day drops. So, it's possible the drop is as much a part of a negative trend as it is a reaction to the executive departures.Still, Apple may have been concerned about Wall Street's reaction to the news about Forstall and Browett, which came while trading was canceled because of Hurricane Sandy. Companies often announce bad news in the stock markets' off-hours, to give shareholders a bit more time to let issues marinate.The loss of Forstall could worry investors who see him as a key ingredient in the development of Apple's iOS platform. According to reports, he was ousted because of his unwillingness to sign a letter apologizing for problems with Apple's Maps application. Apple's ousted retail chief John Browett was let go for unrelated reasons.For its part, Apple has tried to allay fears, saying that its current executive team, including Jonathan Ive and Eddy Cue, will pick up the slack.Over the last year, Apple's share price has swung widely from $363.32 to $705.07. As of this writing, the company's market capitalization -- a measure of corporate value -- is about $557 billion.Update at 9:45 a.m. PT, at 12:10 p.m. PT, and at 2 p.m. PT: New and closing stock prices noted.
Apple showcases third-party apps on iPhone 5
Apple showcases third-party apps on iPhone 5
Real Racing 3Game publisher EA also hit the stage today to show off the latest installment of its popular racing series. On the iPhone 5, Real Racing 3 appears to have console-quality graphics and an impressively smooth frame rate. With dynamic reflections and working rear-view mirrors, there is also an added dimension of realism that I haven't seen on any other mobile racing titles. But the biggest feature we saw was the time-shifted multiplayer mode. This allows players to challenge friends through Apple's Game Center and play against them later. James Martin/CNETOpenTable, CNNApple Senior Vice President Phil Schiller also gave us a look at updated apps for CNN and restaurant reservation service OpenTable. While we didn't see any mind-blowing new features here, we did see that both had been updated for the iPhone 5's 4-inch Retina Display. We also found out that those third-party apps that haven't yet been updated will show up centered, with black borders on the sides (or top and bottom).James Martin/CNETJames Martin/CNETAlso worth mentioning is the new Google-made YouTube app. While it wasn't demonstrated at today's event, its release yesterday is still big news. Google undoubtedly pushed the app out in anticipation of the new iPhone 5 and iOS 6, as the latter will be the first of Apple's mobile operating systems to ship without an Apple-made YouTube interface preinstalled. Apple's iPhone 5 eventApple out to prove it's still kingTaking the wraps off the iPhone 5Pictures: Apple's big iPhone 5 revealiPhone 5's price same as 4S': $199 for 16GBCNET's iPhone 5 reviewiPhone 5: What we didn't getComparing the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5Poll: Will you buy the iPhone 5?Video: Apple announces ultrafast iPhone 5Start your iOS 6 downloads September 19iOS 6 hits major marksNew iPod Touch: Siri and a 4-inch screenNew Nano: Remembering the iPod Mini 84M iPads, 400M iOS devicesApple reworks, simplifies iTunesFull coverage: The iPhone 5 arrives
Real Racing 3Game publisher EA also hit the stage today to show off the latest installment of its popular racing series. On the iPhone 5, Real Racing 3 appears to have console-quality graphics and an impressively smooth frame rate. With dynamic reflections and working rear-view mirrors, there is also an added dimension of realism that I haven't seen on any other mobile racing titles. But the biggest feature we saw was the time-shifted multiplayer mode. This allows players to challenge friends through Apple's Game Center and play against them later. James Martin/CNETOpenTable, CNNApple Senior Vice President Phil Schiller also gave us a look at updated apps for CNN and restaurant reservation service OpenTable. While we didn't see any mind-blowing new features here, we did see that both had been updated for the iPhone 5's 4-inch Retina Display. We also found out that those third-party apps that haven't yet been updated will show up centered, with black borders on the sides (or top and bottom).James Martin/CNETJames Martin/CNETAlso worth mentioning is the new Google-made YouTube app. While it wasn't demonstrated at today's event, its release yesterday is still big news. Google undoubtedly pushed the app out in anticipation of the new iPhone 5 and iOS 6, as the latter will be the first of Apple's mobile operating systems to ship without an Apple-made YouTube interface preinstalled. Apple's iPhone 5 eventApple out to prove it's still kingTaking the wraps off the iPhone 5Pictures: Apple's big iPhone 5 revealiPhone 5's price same as 4S': $199 for 16GBCNET's iPhone 5 reviewiPhone 5: What we didn't getComparing the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5Poll: Will you buy the iPhone 5?Video: Apple announces ultrafast iPhone 5Start your iOS 6 downloads September 19iOS 6 hits major marksNew iPod Touch: Siri and a 4-inch screenNew Nano: Remembering the iPod Mini 84M iPads, 400M iOS devicesApple reworks, simplifies iTunesFull coverage: The iPhone 5 arrives
Apple launches 'back to school' gift card promotion
Apple launches 'back to school' gift card promotion
Students, parents, or teachers who buy certain Apple devices can now get a little spending money in the form of a gift card.Starting Tuesday and running through September 9, qualifying consumers who purchase a Mac through Apple's education pricing program will receive an Apple gift card worth $100. Pick up an iPhone or iPad and you'll get a $50 gift card. According to the promotion, the cards can be used at Apple's online store, its retail outlets, or for any purchase made over the phone by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE.Though summer won't be over for a couple of months, Apple typically unveils its regular "back to school" promotion around this time. Last year's deal offered the same $100 and $50 gift cards depending on which device you purchased. In the past, however, the cards were good only for items in the App Store, iTunes Store, and iBookstore. This year, Apple is opening up the cards to any item in its online or retail stores.There are a couple of caveats.To qualify for the gift card, you must buy one of the following items, as highlighted in Apple's terms and conditions:Qualifying Apple Computers: iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or Mac Pro.Qualifying iPhone: iPhone 4s, 5c, or 5s.Qualifying iPad: iPad Air, iPad Mini with Retina display, iPad with Retina display (current generation), or iPad Mini.And you must make the purchase through Apple's education program. That means you must be a college student, a student accepted to a college, a parent buying an item for a college student, or a faculty or staff member from any grade level. Those who qualify also receive a discount on the purchased item through special pricing.The program is available in the US, Canada, the UK, and other countries, according to 9to5Mac.(Via AppleInsider and MacRumors)
Students, parents, or teachers who buy certain Apple devices can now get a little spending money in the form of a gift card.Starting Tuesday and running through September 9, qualifying consumers who purchase a Mac through Apple's education pricing program will receive an Apple gift card worth $100. Pick up an iPhone or iPad and you'll get a $50 gift card. According to the promotion, the cards can be used at Apple's online store, its retail outlets, or for any purchase made over the phone by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE.Though summer won't be over for a couple of months, Apple typically unveils its regular "back to school" promotion around this time. Last year's deal offered the same $100 and $50 gift cards depending on which device you purchased. In the past, however, the cards were good only for items in the App Store, iTunes Store, and iBookstore. This year, Apple is opening up the cards to any item in its online or retail stores.There are a couple of caveats.To qualify for the gift card, you must buy one of the following items, as highlighted in Apple's terms and conditions:Qualifying Apple Computers: iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or Mac Pro.Qualifying iPhone: iPhone 4s, 5c, or 5s.Qualifying iPad: iPad Air, iPad Mini with Retina display, iPad with Retina display (current generation), or iPad Mini.And you must make the purchase through Apple's education program. That means you must be a college student, a student accepted to a college, a parent buying an item for a college student, or a faculty or staff member from any grade level. Those who qualify also receive a discount on the purchased item through special pricing.The program is available in the US, Canada, the UK, and other countries, according to 9to5Mac.(Via AppleInsider and MacRumors)
Apple lands in Chinese court to battle Siri patent suit
Apple lands in Chinese court to battle Siri patent suit
Apple is now squaring off against another legal adversary in China.The iPhone maker appeared today at a Shanghai court hearing for a case in which it's accused of copying the voice-recognition software used for Siri, AFP reported.Shanghai-based Zhizhen Network Technology has charged Apple with patent infringement, claiming that it holds the rights to the software in question.Zhizhen says it patented its "Xiao i Robot" software, which is a "type of instant messaging chat bot system," back in 2004. Siri was developed in 2007. Apple bought the technology in 2010 and unveiled it with the iPhone 4S in 2011.Both products respond to users via voice recognition, although Zhizhen's software works with both iOS and Android. Used for telecommunications, finance, and e-commerce, the Xiao i Robot software counts more than 100 million users in China, Zhizhen said in a statement to AFP."The company will ask Apple to stop manufacturing and selling products using its patent rights, once Apple's infringement is confirmed," Si Weijiang, a lawyer representing Zhizhen, told AFP. "We don't exclude the possibility of demanding compensation in the future."Related storiesApple's Siri hit with infringement lawsuit in ChinaApple settles iPad trademark dispute in China for $60MApple seeks China trademark on iPad's likenessApple's response to Chinese warranty complaint draws ireZhizhen reportedly tried to resolve the matter with Apple out of court last May. But after reportedly receiving no response, Zhizhen launched its lawsuit in June of 2012.Following today's pretrial hearing, the full case is due to start in July, a Zhizhen spokeswoman told AFP.This is just the latest conflict for Apple in China.Last July, Apple paid $60 million to Chinese computer maker Shenzhen Proview Technology to settle a trademark dispute over the use of the iPad name. And this past month, the company has come under fire over its warranty policy in China.
Apple is now squaring off against another legal adversary in China.The iPhone maker appeared today at a Shanghai court hearing for a case in which it's accused of copying the voice-recognition software used for Siri, AFP reported.Shanghai-based Zhizhen Network Technology has charged Apple with patent infringement, claiming that it holds the rights to the software in question.Zhizhen says it patented its "Xiao i Robot" software, which is a "type of instant messaging chat bot system," back in 2004. Siri was developed in 2007. Apple bought the technology in 2010 and unveiled it with the iPhone 4S in 2011.Both products respond to users via voice recognition, although Zhizhen's software works with both iOS and Android. Used for telecommunications, finance, and e-commerce, the Xiao i Robot software counts more than 100 million users in China, Zhizhen said in a statement to AFP."The company will ask Apple to stop manufacturing and selling products using its patent rights, once Apple's infringement is confirmed," Si Weijiang, a lawyer representing Zhizhen, told AFP. "We don't exclude the possibility of demanding compensation in the future."Related storiesApple's Siri hit with infringement lawsuit in ChinaApple settles iPad trademark dispute in China for $60MApple seeks China trademark on iPad's likenessApple's response to Chinese warranty complaint draws ireZhizhen reportedly tried to resolve the matter with Apple out of court last May. But after reportedly receiving no response, Zhizhen launched its lawsuit in June of 2012.Following today's pretrial hearing, the full case is due to start in July, a Zhizhen spokeswoman told AFP.This is just the latest conflict for Apple in China.Last July, Apple paid $60 million to Chinese computer maker Shenzhen Proview Technology to settle a trademark dispute over the use of the iPad name. And this past month, the company has come under fire over its warranty policy in China.
Apple lands $159M government contract for iPhone, iPad
Apple lands $159M government contract for iPhone, iPad
BlackBerry devices typically have been the go-to phones for government accounts, but that seems to be changing. Apple is increasingly getting into the lucrative business contract game. The New Zealand Police announced today that it has sealed the deal for 6,000 police officers to get an iPhone and 3,900 officers to also get an iPad, according to The National Business Review. The contract is for 10 years and the police force expects to spend around $159 million on the initiative. Apparently, the New Zealand Police chose Apple products over BlackBerry, Google, and Microsoft after surveying its officers, who said iPhones and iPads were the most useful tech tools for their line of work."The trial showed the most useful tools for officers were small personal devices (such as a smartphone) for making phone calls or text messaging, accessing email, and accessing information and photo databases, and a larger such as a laptop or tablet for staff who need to do more data entry," New Zealand Police Chief Information Officer Stephen Crombie told The National Business Review.Apple also scored big this week when Home Depot announced its plans to ditch 10,000 BlackBerry devices and instead start handing out iPhones to its employees. BlackBerry has had a rough few months as far as government contracts go. In October, the U.S. Department of Defense dropped its exclusive contract for BlackBerry and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency also announced it was dropping all of its BlackBerry devices and replacing them with Apple's iPhone.
BlackBerry devices typically have been the go-to phones for government accounts, but that seems to be changing. Apple is increasingly getting into the lucrative business contract game. The New Zealand Police announced today that it has sealed the deal for 6,000 police officers to get an iPhone and 3,900 officers to also get an iPad, according to The National Business Review. The contract is for 10 years and the police force expects to spend around $159 million on the initiative. Apparently, the New Zealand Police chose Apple products over BlackBerry, Google, and Microsoft after surveying its officers, who said iPhones and iPads were the most useful tech tools for their line of work."The trial showed the most useful tools for officers were small personal devices (such as a smartphone) for making phone calls or text messaging, accessing email, and accessing information and photo databases, and a larger such as a laptop or tablet for staff who need to do more data entry," New Zealand Police Chief Information Officer Stephen Crombie told The National Business Review.Apple also scored big this week when Home Depot announced its plans to ditch 10,000 BlackBerry devices and instead start handing out iPhones to its employees. BlackBerry has had a rough few months as far as government contracts go. In October, the U.S. Department of Defense dropped its exclusive contract for BlackBerry and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency also announced it was dropping all of its BlackBerry devices and replacing them with Apple's iPhone.
Apple knowledgebase Web pages not loading in Safari
Apple knowledgebase Web pages not loading in Safari
When you are able to connect but get the error indicating the information cannot be found on the server, first try refreshing your browser. In the past few weeks people have found that when using Safari the pages do not always load the first time but do so on subsequent attempts, so simply refreshing should fix the issue.For the other instances where the knowledgebase articles do not load, you can try clearing your browser's cache and otherwise reset Safari's features using the Reset Safari option in the Safari menu, but in addition try turning off Safari extensions in the Extensions section of the program's preferences, and also try troubleshooting Internet plug-ins by disabling those in the Security section of the preferences. If either of these result in the pages loading properly then you can further investigate which plug-in is causing the issue for you.In many cases these problems are with misconfigured cookies for the site, which might happen if Apple changes an aspect of the site and does not have it update the cookies in your browser. In these cases the site should function after resetting Safari, but if not then go to the "Privacy" preferences and click the Details button. Then search for "Apple.com" followed by selecting and removing the entry for it that includes the cache, cookies, and local storage.After this is done, try reloading the knowledgebase article, and it should open properly. However, if you are still experiencing problems then at least for the short term you should have success accessing the knowledgebase by using Firefox, Chrome, or another Web browser.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
When you are able to connect but get the error indicating the information cannot be found on the server, first try refreshing your browser. In the past few weeks people have found that when using Safari the pages do not always load the first time but do so on subsequent attempts, so simply refreshing should fix the issue.For the other instances where the knowledgebase articles do not load, you can try clearing your browser's cache and otherwise reset Safari's features using the Reset Safari option in the Safari menu, but in addition try turning off Safari extensions in the Extensions section of the program's preferences, and also try troubleshooting Internet plug-ins by disabling those in the Security section of the preferences. If either of these result in the pages loading properly then you can further investigate which plug-in is causing the issue for you.In many cases these problems are with misconfigured cookies for the site, which might happen if Apple changes an aspect of the site and does not have it update the cookies in your browser. In these cases the site should function after resetting Safari, but if not then go to the "Privacy" preferences and click the Details button. Then search for "Apple.com" followed by selecting and removing the entry for it that includes the cache, cookies, and local storage.After this is done, try reloading the knowledgebase article, and it should open properly. However, if you are still experiencing problems then at least for the short term you should have success accessing the knowledgebase by using Firefox, Chrome, or another Web browser.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
Apple knocks IBM off top of Davis brands list
Apple knocks IBM off top of Davis brands list
Apple emerged as the top brand of 2011, according to an annual list put together by marketing strategy firm Davis Brand Capital. The iPhone, iPad, and Mac maker topped the Davis list for the first time this year, ousting IBM, which had come in first in 2009 and 2010. Following those two are a handful of other technology companies including Microsoft, Google, and Hewlett-Packard."(Apple's) rise in this year's rankings was driven largely by its competitive performance and added brand value," Davis said in a press release. So how does the company come up with these rankings? "The annual 2011 Davis Brand Capital 25 ranking evaluates companies' abilities to manage and balance the five key intangible categories that comprise brand capital: brand value; competitive performance; innovation strength; company culture; and social impact," the group said.All told, technology companies made up about a third of Davis' list, and the majority of its Top 10. Below is the full rundown of companies and their stock symbols:2011 Davis Brand Capital 251. Apple (AAPL)2. IBM (IBM)3. Microsoft (MSFT)4. Google (GOOG)5. Hewlett-Packard (HPQ)6. General Electric (GE)7. Procter & Gamble (PG)8. Intel (INTC)9. Coca-Cola (KO)10. Cisco Systems (CSCO)11. BMW (BMW-DE)12. PepsiCo (PEP)13. Walt Disney Company (DIS)14. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)15. Daimler (DAI-DE)16. Citigroup (C)17. Exxon Mobil (XOM)18. Goldman Sachs (GS)19. Nestle (NESM-DE)20.Toyota Motor Corporation (TM)21. Volkswagen (VOW-DE)22. AT&T (T)23. Samsung Electronics (005930-KSE)24. Wal-Mart (WMT)25. Wells Fargo (WFC) According to Davis, one of the biggest movers on the list was Google, which hopped from No. 11 on the list in 2009 to fourth place this year. Meanwhile, Samsung and Wal-Mart both dropped, with Samsung going from no. 8 in 2010 to No. 23 this year, and Wal-Mart sliding to 24 in this year's list, compared to fifth place last year. For comparison, take a look at the annualBrand Finance Global 100 survey published last September. It dubbed Google the top brand at the time, with Apple coming in second place, followed by Microsoft and IBM.
Apple emerged as the top brand of 2011, according to an annual list put together by marketing strategy firm Davis Brand Capital. The iPhone, iPad, and Mac maker topped the Davis list for the first time this year, ousting IBM, which had come in first in 2009 and 2010. Following those two are a handful of other technology companies including Microsoft, Google, and Hewlett-Packard."(Apple's) rise in this year's rankings was driven largely by its competitive performance and added brand value," Davis said in a press release. So how does the company come up with these rankings? "The annual 2011 Davis Brand Capital 25 ranking evaluates companies' abilities to manage and balance the five key intangible categories that comprise brand capital: brand value; competitive performance; innovation strength; company culture; and social impact," the group said.All told, technology companies made up about a third of Davis' list, and the majority of its Top 10. Below is the full rundown of companies and their stock symbols:2011 Davis Brand Capital 251. Apple (AAPL)2. IBM (IBM)3. Microsoft (MSFT)4. Google (GOOG)5. Hewlett-Packard (HPQ)6. General Electric (GE)7. Procter & Gamble (PG)8. Intel (INTC)9. Coca-Cola (KO)10. Cisco Systems (CSCO)11. BMW (BMW-DE)12. PepsiCo (PEP)13. Walt Disney Company (DIS)14. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)15. Daimler (DAI-DE)16. Citigroup (C)17. Exxon Mobil (XOM)18. Goldman Sachs (GS)19. Nestle (NESM-DE)20.Toyota Motor Corporation (TM)21. Volkswagen (VOW-DE)22. AT&T (T)23. Samsung Electronics (005930-KSE)24. Wal-Mart (WMT)25. Wells Fargo (WFC) According to Davis, one of the biggest movers on the list was Google, which hopped from No. 11 on the list in 2009 to fourth place this year. Meanwhile, Samsung and Wal-Mart both dropped, with Samsung going from no. 8 in 2010 to No. 23 this year, and Wal-Mart sliding to 24 in this year's list, compared to fifth place last year. For comparison, take a look at the annualBrand Finance Global 100 survey published last September. It dubbed Google the top brand at the time, with Apple coming in second place, followed by Microsoft and IBM.
Apple lets fly with iWork collaboration features
At Apple's iPad event in San Francisco in October, the company demoed a handful of collaboration features that would come to iWork, making it more of a direct competitor with Google Docs. But almost a month after that press event, we hadn't seen those changes in the software. On Thursday, though, Apple released a beta update for iWork for iCloud that includes the features. Among the new tools that let multiple people work together on a project: you can see a list of who is currently working on the project, and each person's individual cursor; and you can jump directly to any collaborator's cursor by clicking on his or her name. The update also adds the ability to organize documents in folders, and lets you print documents, spreadsheets, and presentations directly from the Tools menu.Apple's rollout of its new software offerings hasn't all gone smoothly. A few days after the company released free upgrades to the iWork and iLife suites, power users howled at some of the features that had been taken out of the new versions. Last week, Apple backtracked and announced that it would re-introduce some of the missing features in subsequent updates of the free version of iWork.
Apple legal chief joins board of ski resort company
Bruce Sewell, Apple senior vice president and general counsel, today joined the board of directors at Vail Resorts, a resort operator in the U.S.Sewell came over to Apple from Intel in 2009, and has been with the company during its substantial legal efforts against Samsung, HTC, Nokia, and others over patents and other intellectual property. The move is noteworthy given a long period during which Apple's core executives kept off the boards of other companies. That policy appears to have softened since the passing of co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs. For instance, iTunes and iCloud chief Eddy Cue joined the board of car maker Ferrari last November. For his part, Apple CEO Tim Cook joined Nike's board in 2005 back when he was in charge of the company's operations.In a news release about Sewell's extended role, Vail Resorts notes that Sewell was once on a ski patrol team in New York, and spent a stint between college and his law degree at George Washington University skiing around the country.Sewell appeared nearly every day in court during Apple's U.S. trial with Samsung in San Jose, Calif., sitting in the same seat just behind the company's outside counsel. (via 9to5Mac)
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