competition

Six 'competition' stories April 2013 - February 2015

Apple threatens to ban iPhone, iPad accessory makers that design based on leaks

Jordan Kahn Feb 10 2015 - 6:52 am PT

Apple is working to step up the secrecy surrounding future iPhone and iPad models by targeting a frequent source of leaks: third-party accessory makers. 9to5Mac has learned that in fall 2014, just before the iPhone 6 launched, Apple demanded that a number of leading accessory makers sign agreements barring them from seeking out information about future Apple devices, according to four sources with first-hand knowledge of the matter.

On one hand, the agreement dangled the loss of “future business opportunities that Apple and/or its affiliates may present to you” as a potential consequence of violating or not signing the agreement. On the other hand, signing and following it could lead to months-long delays in making accessories like cases available, during the time of year when those cases were most needed and demanded by customers.
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Canadian watchdog looking into Apple’s carrier deals for possible anticompetitive behavior

Mike Beasley Dec 11 2014 - 2:43 pm PT

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Apple’s Canadian mobile carrier contracts are being evaluated by the country’s Competition Bureau after accusations of anticompetitive behavior from unnamed source, Reuters reported today.

The anonymous accuser claims that the agreements with Canada’s cellular carriers contain anticompetitive language. There’s currently no evidence to support those claims, but the Competition Bureau is still in the process of acquiring a court order for documents that could back them up.

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AT&T and Verizon warn investors of higher Q4 churn as Sprint and T-Mobile increase competition

9to5 Staff Dec 9 2014 - 12:12 pm PT

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While the traditional wireless landscape in the United States has consisted of AT&T and Verizon Wireless as the heavyweights and Sprint and T-Mobile as the underdogs, the divide between the carriers appears to be quickly narrowing. Sprint and T-Mobile have both introduced highly-competitive plans and promotional offerings in the fourth quarter, leading many consumers to switch carriers at a higher-than-average pace.
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iPhone 5s, Samsung Galaxy S5 and Nexus 5 hacked at Pwn2Own

9to5 Staff Nov 13 2014 - 5:35 pm PT

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HP’s annual two-day Mobile Pwn2Own competition came to a close this afternoon, with a group of veteran security researchers and other competitors able to compromise several flagship smartphones across the top-three mobile operating systems: Android, iOS and Windows Phone. The devices that were exploited include the iPhone 5s, Samsung Galaxy S5, Nexus 5, Amazon Fire Phone and Nokia Lumia 1520.
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Apple reportedly removing Bose products from retail stores as NFL bans & Bose sues Beats

Jordan Kahn Oct 10 2014 - 7:23 am PT

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Bose headphones and audio products could soon get the boot from Apple retail stores, according to a report from MacRumors citing “a reliable source.”

While Apple’s acquisition of Beats would seem like the obvious reason behind replacing the many Bose headphones and speakers currently used with iOS and Mac demo units, the report also claims that Apple will be removing Bose products from store shelves in addition to the demo units.
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Verizon bids for spectrum from Clearwire while Dish attempts merger with Sprint

Zac Hall Apr 15 2013 - 8:03 am PT

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Verizon Wireless, which recently teamed up with telecommunications giant Comcast Corporation, is reportedly offering Clearwire Corp $1.5 billion in an effort to lease spectrum from the wireless communications company, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Meanwhile, Dish Network has motioned toward a $25.5 billion bid to merge with Sprint, which is notable as Dish and Sprint both competed toward buying out Clearwire in January.

It seems all three major telecommunications companies are moving toward owning expanded space in mobile broadband as well as home services like cable and voice, much like AT&T’s unified package.