New York Times 'bits' contributor, John Markoff, has done some hard-nosed reporting about an unusual occurrence within Apple Computer: Steve Jobs on a conference calls with analysts. I know that doesn't sound too groundbreaking, but considering he hasn't taken part in one in eight years, it's news worthy. What's more news worthy is what was discussed.
First off, the economic tailspin isn't worrying the hipster computing giant. One analyst noted during the call...
Apple currently has "enough money in the bank to hire all of the engineers in Silicon Valley for a lifetime."
Secondly, with $25 billion in the bank, no debt, and a growing army of loyal clientele, Apple is positioned, like no other company in the industry, to develop a netbook computer that will provide the full computing experience for under $500.
And Markoff has some interesting news about this possibility as well; "A" search engine company [contacted Markoff, stating they] "spotted Web visits from an unannounced Apple product with a display somewhere between an iPhone and a MacBook."
Furthering this storm of speculation is Snow Leopard, Apple's latest incarnation of their lauded OSX, said to be optimized for a touchscreen interface; just the kind of interface a 'Macbook Nano' or Apple Netbook machine would be sporting.
I think that battery capacity and lifespan will be a deciding factor in how quickly, if at all, this will come to market. That screen looks like a battery killer to me.
Read more!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Apple Rumor: Macbook Nano/Apple Netbook
Monday, August 11, 2008
iHome ships iH41, formally iP14 rotatable iPod clock
SDI Technologies has begun shipping its intriguing rotating clock dock, the iHome iH41, which compliments the accelerometer technology on the iPhone and iPod Touch, (that thing that changes the display’s orientation in relation to the device’s position).
The iHome iH41 is an L-shaped clock/speaker dock that rotates 90° allowing you to view movies with sound amplification while your Apple is securely docked and charging up. The clock display rotates complementing the iPod's orientation; adding to the desire to acquire this unique compact alarm clock dock. MSRP is set at 79.95, but check back with us later for the best price.
iLive IHT3817DT iPod Docking System
iLive ICR6307DTBLK Clock Radio
iLive IBR2807DPBLK Portable Docking
Sony ICF-C1IPBLACK iPod Dock w/ Clock (Black)
Read more!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Apple has first day jitters in NYC
Here at the 14th St Apple store in Nyc, the activation computers apparently went down, leaving many would be iPhone buyers stranded outside - prompting the store to hand out Apple golf umbrellas to beat the heat, of course they're black.
Upon arriving I noticed an impromptu on-the-street unboxing. When I asked "how long did you have to wait" I got a reluctant response, "too long, 8hrs". Obviously he wasn't proud of it.
Damn... is a phone worth that much of my time - No way. I ask a salesperson if he thinks they'll sell out like the last release. He says Apple stopped the supply of the first iPhone due to unlocking issues and jailbroken phones, "[Steve] wants us to have this phone". The thing is, I just need a phone - mine went for a swim on the 4th, guess I'll go another weekend without. They'll have more Monday.
Read more!
Monday, March 17, 2008
iPhone 2.0 Patent...Finally, a Flip iPhone
Apple devotees aren't the type to sit on a technology for very long, and even though the iPhone is hardly old news, the patent office has received an application and drawing from Apple of their latest incarnation of the iPhone, 2.0 styles.
The concept is a flip phone where the flip is a clear dual-sided multi-touch trackpad. When closed, the clear multi-touch flip lays over top the phone's display, and controls the device in the same way as the present iPhone. When open the underside of the flip turns into a keypad for dialing. Of course, being that it's an Apple, they had to get 'cute' with it. In addition to the standard phone pad layout, this new concept calls for a mock up of an old school rotary phone, and the ability to just draw the shape of your numbers individually.
Despite my tagline, this concept seems more about providing choice in the iPhone's form rather than replacing the current iPhone. The clamshell phone design has deeply embedded itself into the culture of technology, starting with "Star Trek", but continue on through to the iconic Razr, and beyond. Plus, it's smaller. It only makes sense for Apple to diversify their product offerings; no phone manufacturer has gained a disproportionate share of the market through just one phone, not even Apple.
The video below is a concept video produced by Christopher DeSantis that has gained some attention recently due to Apple's patent news. The concept presented in this video, if brought to fruition, would bring a new form factor into play. One I think would succeed.
..via unwiredview..
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Friday, January 25, 2008
SDI Technologies Announce iHome iP14
Not much in the way of iPhone specific speaker docks have been announced lately. Many had expected Macworld to be a haven for iPhone accessory manufactures to introduce new technologies. However, much to the surprise and joyful glee of attendees, vendor offerings were skewed heavily toward software (something Mac users need more anyway).
So the expected torrent of iPhone docks has been more of a trickle, which is great because there’s less crap to wade through. SDI Technologies has announced an intriguing dock, iHome iP14, which compliments the accelerometer technology on the iPhone and iPod Touch, (that thing that changes the display’s orientation in relation to the device’s position).
The iHome iP14 is an L-shaped clock/speaker dock that rotates 90° allowing you to view movies with sound amplification while your Apple is securely docked and charging up. The clock display rotates complementing the iPod's orientation; adding to the desire to acquire this unique compact alarm clock dock. These are scheduled to ship in April with an MSRP of $99.
AudioSource DB5 Portable Powered Speaker System
iLive IHT3817DT iPod Docking System
iLive ICR6307DTBLK Clock Radio
iLive IBR2807DPBLK Portable Docking
Sony ICF-C1IPBLACK iPod Dock w/ Clock (Black)
Read more!
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