Tech Industry

4,160 'Tech Industry' stories June 2007 - May 2012

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WSJ: Analysts now agree we’re going to see new Retina Macs in June

Jordan Kahn May 25 2012 - 6:10 am PT

A newly redesigned 15-inch MacBook Pro was all but rumor until we reported earlier this month that Apple indeed has a slimmed down, all-new MacBook Pro sporting a Retina display, Ivy Bridge, and speedy USB 3. We followed that up with a report revealing Apple’s new MacBook Airs and iMacs will both likely include super-high resolution Retina displays. At the time, we reported Apple’s WWDC in June would be expected for at least the unveiling of the new slim MacBook Pro; although, a gradual roll out of Retina iMacs and Airs following the Pros would not be much of a surprise. Apple typically rolls out new Mac features such as higher-res displays gradually.

Following those reports, The Wall Street Journal published a story today quoting analysts who now all seem to agree that we will see upgraded Macs this summer. Ben Reitzes of Barclays Capital claimed the new Retina Mac lineup would debut at WWDC in June:

Reitzes said it is likely the Mac line will feature the retina-display technology used in the iPad, as well as the new Ivy Bridge quad-core processors from Intel Corp. (INTC) He also estimates that Apple’s new operating-system upgrade, called Mountain Lion, and the new MacBook Airs should be on the market before the first Ultrabook laptops with Microsoft Corp.’s (MSFT) Windows 8 operating system hit the shelves in the fall… “We believe recent data reflect a pause ahead of new products, which we believe will be released this quarter in June,” according to Reitzes, who has an overweight rating and $750 target price on Apple’s stock.

Apple also working on MacBook Airs and iMacs with Retina Displays (9to5mac.com)
New MacBook Pros will get Samsung’s fast 830 series SSD too (9to5mac.com)
Bloomberg reiterates: Apple to unveil new, thinner MacBook Pro at WWDC (9to5mac.com)

Seagate buys long time Mac peripheral maker LaCie for roughly $186 million

Jordan Kahn May 23 2012 - 9:55 am PT

Seagate announced its plans to buy LaCie, a Paris-based maker of various data storage products that are popular among Mac users, this morning. LaCie makes various products aimed at Mac users including a couple Thunderbolt enabled solutions that we showed you recently. Seagate will buy the 64.5-percent of the company currently held by CEO Philippe Spruch—and the rest in cash upon completion of that transaction (via Forbes):

Seagate Technology plc the worldwide leader in hard disk drives and storage solutions, and LaCie S.A. a leading manufacturer of consumer storage products, today announced an exclusive agreement with the intent for Seagate to acquire a controlling interest in LaCie.The transaction would combine two highly complementary product and technology portfolios, adding LaCie’s line of premium branded consumer storage solutions, network-attached storage solutions and software offerings to Seagate’s array of mainstream consumer storage products.

SEAGATE AND LACIE ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT WITH INTENT FOR SEAGATE TO ACQUIRE CONTROLLING INTEREST IN LACIE

May 23, 2012

Seagate has Offered to Purchase LaCie CEO’s 64.5% Ownership Position;
Seagate to Subsequently Commence Tender Offer for Remaining Outstanding Shares

Expands Seagate’s Product Line and Capabilities in the Growing Consumer Storage Market

CUPERTINO, CA and PARIS, FRANCE – May 23, 2012 – Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX) the worldwide leader in hard disk drives and storage solutions, and LaCie S.A. (Euronext: LAC), a leading manufacturer of consumer storage products, today announced an exclusive agreement with the intent for Seagate to acquire a controlling interest in LaCie. Seagate has offered to purchase from Philippe Spruch, LaCie’s chairman and CEO, and his affiliate, all of their shares, representing 64.5% of the outstanding shares of LaCie. Following receipt of governmental approvals and the close of this transaction, Seagate would commence an all-cash simplified tender offer (followed as the case may be by a squeeze-out procedure) to acquire the remaining outstanding shares in accordance with the General Regulation of the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF).

Seagate has offered Mr. Spruch and his affiliate €4.05 per share in cash, minus a potential adjustment depending on the cash and debt position of LaCie at closing. This price may be increased by a possible price supplement of 3% in the event that the threshold of 95% of the shares and voting rights of LaCie would be reached by Sparrow within 6 months following closing, resulting in a maximum potential price per LaCie share of €4.17. Without the price supplement, the offer currently values LaCie at an approximate €146 million, or $186 million total equity value, including acquired net cash of approximately €49 million, or $65 million, as of March 31, 2012. The €4.05 per share price represents a premium of 29% to LaCie’s average closing stock price over the 30 trading days ended May 22, 2012.

Ricol Lasteyrie & Associés was appointed today as independent expert by the board of directors of LaCie, to deliver a fairness opinion on the price that would be offered in the context of the tender offer, including in the perspective of a potential squeeze-out procedure.

The transaction would combine two highly complementary product and technology portfolios, adding LaCie’s line of premium branded consumer storage solutions, network-attached storage solutions and software offerings to Seagate’s array of mainstream consumer storage products. The combination would accelerate Seagate’s growth strategy in the expanding consumer storage market, particularly in Europe and Japan, and add strong engineering and software development capabilities, as well as relationships with several key retailers.

The transaction is expected to be neutral to Seagate’s fiscal 2013 earnings per share.

Following the close of the sale of his shares to Seagate, Mr. Spruch would join Seagate and lead the company’s consumer storage products organization. Reporting to him would be Patrick Connolly, who currently serves as vice president and general manager of Seagate’s retail group, as well as Pierre van der Elst, who currently serves as deputy general manager of LaCie. The financial terms of the new position of Mr Spruch are not determined as of today and would therefore be described subsequently, including in the tender offer documentation.

“Seagate has a strong commitment to the growing consumer storage market and bringing the most dynamic products to market. LaCie has built an exceptional consumer brand by delivering exciting and innovative high-end products for many years. This transaction would bring a highly complementary set of capabilities to Seagate, significantly expand our consumer product offerings, add a premium-branded direct-attached storage line, strengthen our network-attached storage business line and enhance our capabilities in software development,” said Steve Luczo, Seagate chairman, president and CEO. “We are also excited that Philippe, who is a true visionary and leader in the consumer storage business, would join Seagate to run our consumer storage products organization.”

“With the proliferation of devices and content being shared and stored today, consumer demand for high-quality branded storage solutions continues to grow,” said Philippe Spruch, LaCie’s chairman and CEO. “We are excited about the potential for this combination to benefit customers and employees by creating significant scale and opening up new markets. We look forward to making the resources of a much larger company available to our customers around the world.”

LaCie will initiate the information and consultation process required by its employee representative council in relation to the contemplated transaction, in accordance with French law. Upon completion of this process, Seagate and Mr. Spruch would execute a definitive share purchase agreement and finalize the purchase of the controlling interest held by Mr. Spruch and his affiliate. This share purchase transaction is expected to close in the third calendar quarter of 2012 pending completion of the relevant governmental reviews. Seagate would then commence a tender offer for the remaining outstanding shares of LaCie (followed as the case may be by a squeeze-out procedure), subject to a clearance decision from the AMF. The tender offer is expected to be completed in the third calendar quarter of 2012.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval in the United States (antitrust filing), France (approval of foreign investments by the Ministry of Finance) and other jurisdictions (antitrust filing in Germany) and to other customary closing conditions.

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as financial advisor and Allen & Overy LLP served as legal advisor to Seagate in connection with the transaction. De Pardieu Brocas Maffei A.A.R.P.I served as legal advisor to LaCie.

NPD: Include iPad and Apple doubles nearest competitor in Mobile PC share, iPad now 63 percent of tablet market

Jake Smith May 23 2012 - 7:41 am PT

Tim Cook likes to refer to the iPad as “the poster child of the post PC world” and often brags about how it is leading the pack. According to new numbers out today from research firm NDP, if you account for the iPad (13.6 million units during the quarter), Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple has maintained its position as the leader in mobile PC sales with 17.2 million units shipped during Q1. Apple beat out its nearest competitor HP by a solid 8.3 million units, which makes it the leader by far.

As for the area of key growth, NDP backs up Cook’s recent claims that China is a key emerging market. According to the study, China accounted overall for 13 percent of mobile PCs shipped during the quarter. In related China news, a new study reported Apple doubled its device market share in China during Q1. Of course, this is due in part to the launch of the iPhone 4S with the ~~fighting~~ bustling crowds. However, Samsung still leads in the country by roughly 2.8 million devices shipped.

Apple already announced its Q2 earnings, where the company revealed it shipped 11.8 million iPads. It will be interesting to see how Apple fairs against the competition during Q2. But, right now, it looks like the others do not have a shot. Apple also led in tablets shipped, with a 62 percent marketshare during Q1:

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The Telegraph interviews Apple lead designer Jonathan Ive, officially knighted today in Britain [video]

Jake Smith May 23 2012 - 3:32 am PT

Being the senior vice president of industrial design at Apple, Jonathan Ive has played a key role over the years getting Apple products to be the best designed out there. While Ive was out of Cupertino and in his native homeland of Britain, The Daily Telegraph snagged a lengthy interview getting some insight into one of the most influential designers today. Like Steve Jobs, Ive said his inspiration for design work came from his father.

“My father was a very good craftsman. He made furniture, he made silverware and he had an incredible gift in terms of how you can make something yourself.”

Ive is currently in Britain to receive his knighthood for his stunning design work and contributions, so I guess we should really be calling him Sir Jonathan Ive. Ive even recently credited his homeland as inspiration for his work: “I am keenly aware that I benefit from a wonderful tradition in the U.K. of designing and making.”

The Telegraph’s interview also has a great look on Apple’s path to success, as explained by Ive himself.

“We try to develop products that seem somehow inevitable. That leave you with the sense that that’s the only possible solution that makes sense,” he explains. “Our products are tools and we don’t want design to get in the way. We’re trying to bring simplicity and clarity, we’re trying to order the products.

Check out the rest of the interview on The Daily Telegraph >>

Update: BBC reported that Sir Jonathan Ive has officially been knighted today. The Princess Royal knighting him is on video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OFmes7khUE&feature=youtu.be

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Taking inappropriate to new levels…

9to5 Staff May 21 2012 - 8:08 am PT

Foxconn reportedly investing $210M in new Apple production line

Jake Smith May 21 2012 - 4:34 am PT

According to a report from the China Daily, Foxconn is looking to invest $210 million in a new Apple production line that will be based in Huai’an city, China, according to the office of Taiwan Affairs today. The plant is expected to be relatively big in size, covering 40,000 square meters, with plans to hire 35,800 workers. However, it looks to be smaller than Foxconn’s other plants. When it comes to how much the plant plans to produce, the output from the plant is expected to be between $949 million to $1.1 billion yearly, according to the report.

It is not clear which Apple products are expected to be built in the plant, but construction will begin in October of this year, perhaps ruling out possibility of the factory producing the sixth-generation iPhone that is rumored to go into production in June. Manufacturing for the new iPhone will most likely take place in Foxconn’s main Shenzhen plant, where upwards of 200,000 workers currently work. Foxconn also opened a new plant in Brazil and a larger plant in Zhengzhou just last year.

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Samsung chief says company looking to resolve differences with Apple ahead of court rendezvous, options include cross-licensing deal

Jake Smith May 20 2012 - 11:39 am PT

The legal battle between Samsung and Apple is nothing new, because the two companies have duked it out in court for quite sometime. Both companies are ordered to meet to talk about a deal tomorrow. Not surprisingly, Samsung chief JK Shin is looking to resolve the differences between his company, and Apple is looking toward negotiating with them, according to Reuters. One of the ways he suggested is a cross-licensing deal: “There is still abig gapin the patent war with Apple but we still have several negotiation options including cross-licensing.”

Headed to the United States today, Shin is accompanied by chief executive Choi Gee-sung. Both will meet with Apple’s CEO Tim Cook and company in a San Francisco court tomorrow to try to hammer out a negotiation.

The interesting part of this whole kerfuffle is that Samsung is a key supplier for many parts that Apple uses in its products. South Korean-based Samsung even has a factory in Austin, Texas dedicated to making chips for Apple’s iOS devices. However, even with giving each other their business, the two companies’ relationship is not very good. Samsung is one of the most popular manufacturers of Android handsets, leaving both Apple and Samsung suing each other to try to back up their respective devices.

We will cover anything that comes out of the court tomorrow, but do not expect the two companies to strike a deal very quickly, because it looks like it is going to take a bit to settle their differences.

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Internal Sam’s Club listing shows Verizon Shared Data plan still on track for summer

Jake Smith May 19 2012 - 8:06 pm PT

Verizon’s shared data plan has been known since CFO Andrew Davies announced the news on the company’s call with investors in late April—along with many other rumors that developed over the past year. It will allow Verizon customers to share data between their iPhone, iPad, or with the rest of their family’s devices. Davies said it will be available by mid-summer.

According to a screenshot of an internal listing from Sam’s Club, which was given to 9to5Mac by a tipster, the plan to roll out shared data still seems to be on track for a mid-summer release. The note said the plan would be similar to how customers “share minutes today.”

In March, PhoneArena leaked a screenshot of the family data usage calculator to estimate how much data is used on your plan. There is no word on how much data will be provided, or how much it will even cost. However, according to the screenshot below, it looks like it will extend to 30 GB and beyond.

For those on AT&T, you will also be able to use a similar plan soon. Just last week, AT&T CEO of Mobile Business Ralph de la Vega told CNET that a shared data plan is on its way. When it came to the carrier’s profit from the plan, he said, “I’m very comfortable with the plan that will be offered to our customers.” Carriers, of course, make bank off data plans.

It is great to know things are still on track, and we will let you know when these types of plans launch in the near future. Is anyone interested?

Cheers, Phoenix!
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T-Mobile announces no-contract broadband passes starting at $15

Jordan Kahn May 17 2012 - 1:42 pm PT

T-Mobile announced new “worry-free No Annual Contracts” today for its mobile broadband service that is expected to launch through T-Mobile retail stores and online May 20. The plans start at $15 per one-week pass capped at 300MB and $25 per one-moth pass capped at 1.5GB. The carrier is also offering 3.5GB and 5GB one-month passes at $35 and $50, respectively.

T-Mobile’s website currently lists no-annual contract broadband plans at $100 for a 100MB week pass, $30 for a 1 GB month pass, or $50 for a 3GB month pass. We are assuming the new plans will replace the old ones on May 20.

Starting at just $15, T-Mobile’s lineup of No Annual Contract mobile broadband passes delivers a pay-in-advance, overage-free solution that offers an allotment of mobile data, making it possible for customers to choose a pass that best fits their data needs without committing to a two-year contract.

The full press release from T-Mobile is below:

T-Mobile Introduces New No Annual Contract

Mobile Broadband Service Passes

New Passes, Available May 20, Offer Flexible, More Affordable Access to High-Speed Internet on the Go on an Advanced Lineup of 4G Tablets, Mobile Hotspots and Laptop Sticks

Bellevue, Wash. — May 17, 2012 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced that its new, flexible and worry-free No Annual Contract mobile broadband service passes will debut May 20, making it easier for customers to enjoy access to high-speed Internet on the gowhenever they want. With T-Mobile’s new, more affordable No Annual Contract data passes, customers can experience T-Mobile’s blazing-fast 4G network speeds across a variety of mobile broadband devices including tablets, mobile hotspots and laptop sticks – with no strings attached.

Starting at just $15, T-Mobile’s lineup of No Annual Contract mobile broadband passes delivers a pay-in-advance, overage-free solution that offers an allotment of mobile data, making it possible for customers to choose a pass that best fits their data needs without committing to a two-year contract:

300MB 1-week pass for $15
1.5GB 1-month pass for $25
3.5GB 1-month pass for $35
5GB 1-month pass for $50

“Although most of our mobile broadband customers choose postpaid rate plans for the best device prices and data rates, we know that many of our customers want the flexibility to be able to experience mobile broadband without committing to an annual contract up front,” said Jeremy Korst, vice president of marketing, T-Mobile USA. “With better pricing and new features like an auto-refill option and a simpler purchase experience, T-Mobile’s No Annual Contract mobile broadband passes make it easier and more affordable than ever to experience high-speed Internet on the go on a range of devices.”

T-Mobile^® offers a variety of 4G mobile broadband devices that, when connected to T-Mobile’s high-speed 4G network, offer customers fast access to the Web, e-mail, gaming, movies and more, while on-the-go.

T-Mobile’s lineup of mobile, connected tablets, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab^™ 10.1, the Samsung Galaxy Tab^™ 7.0 Plus and the T-Mobile^® SpringBoard^™with Google^™, deliver a premium on-the-go entertainment and Web experience, making it possible to stream movies on a road trip or shop online while the kids play at the park.
The T-Mobile^® Sonic^™ 4G Mobile Hotspot and the T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspot are ideal for staying connected on-the-go with colleagues and clients or providing Internet on the go for the family on vacation. Providing simultaneous access to T-Mobile’s 4G network for up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices, customers can use their mobile hotspots to connect their iPad^® devices, laptops, music players, portable gaming devices and e-readers, among other devices, to T-Mobile’s high-speed 4G network.
T-Mobile’s laptop sticks, including the HSPA+ 42-enabled Rocket^™ 3.0 USB Laptop Stick, are perfect for customers looking for a blazing-fast mobile Internet connection on their laptop.

Availability

T-Mobile’s new No Annual Contract mobile broadband passes are expected to be available beginning May 20 at T-Mobile retail stores, select dealers, national retailers and online at http://www.t-mobile.com. More information on T-Mobile’s mobile broadband offerings is available at http://mobile-broadband.t-mobile.com.

Apple patent details steering wheel remote control

Jordan Kahn May 15 2012 - 12:18 pm PT

PatentlyApple covered a number of Apple patents today that were recently published by the US Patent & Trademark Office. One of the 21 patents originally filed in Q1 2011 is for an iOS remote control that would clip onto a steering wheel. The remote shown in the patent drawings essentially looks like the iPod click wheel, but Apple described it as a touch-sensitive, rotatable faceplate:

Apple’s invention generally relates to remote controls. More specifically, certain embodiments of the present invention provide a steering wheel mountable wireless remote control for controlling a portable media player… The remote control device can also include a faceplate that is rotatably mounted on top of the base section that very much resembles Apple’s iPod clickwheel… The notable difference is that Apple states that the faceplate is touch-sensitive.

You can get full coverage on the patent at PatentlyApple…

Apple researching universal remote that customizes UIs intelligently (9to5mac.com)
Google TV remote patent reveals Siri-like, location-based voice navigation for live television (9to5google.com)

Bloomberg reiterates: Apple to unveil new, thinner MacBook Pro at WWDC

Jake Smith May 14 2012 - 3:19 pm PT

<em>Mockup: New, thinner MacBook Pro on the left. Current model on the right.</em>

Our Senior Editor Mark Gurman exclusively brought you details about Apple’s new 15-inch MacBook Pro this morning that the company is currently readying to be unveiled. According to our trusted sources, the new MacBook Pro features an ultra-thin design, a “jaw-dropping” Retina Display, and super-fast USB 3. Confirming our report from this morning, Bloomberg reported that Apple will announce the new MacBook Pro at this year’s WWDC set to begin June 11 at the Moscone West conference center in California.

Bloomberg also suggested Apple would announce the release date for Apple’s next operating system, Mountain Lion, due in “late summer.” Mountain Lion brings many features from iOS like a Notification Center, heavy iCloud integration, Messages, and a new feature called “Gatekeeper.” It is now available as a beta to those apart of Apple’s Developer Center.

This is most likely a controlled leak by Apple—something Apple’s PR is known for. Notice that on Friday, when we published our exclusive that outlined Apple’s new Maps technology, which will début in iOS 6, both TechCrunch and AllThingsD confirmed our report—rather quickly too. Furthermore, The Verge and ABC News also confirmed what we said this morning: the new MacBook Pro will feature NVIDIA graphics to power the Retina display. It would not surprise us if this were a controlled leak.

With the announcement of iOS and new MacBook Pros, this year’s WWDC is sure to be crazy. We are looking forward to the festivities kicking off June 11, and you bet we will cover the event obsessively and in full force.

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Microsoft’s infamous Steve Ballmer named worst CEO by Forbes

Jake Smith May 14 2012 - 3:01 pm PT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvsboPUjrGc

Forbes (via BGR) ranked Microsoft’s infamous Steve Ballmer as the worst CEO of any publicly traded company “without a doubt.” I’m sure you all know Ballmer—the tall, sweaty man who loves to yell things like “c’mon!” and the classic, “developers, developers, developers.” Ballmer entered the role of Microsoft CEO in 2000, and he ranks as the 19th richest man in the world. However, as Forbes mentioned, this man could take the blame for many of Microsoft’s issues, like being slow to act in emerging markets, most namely smartphones.

“Although he’s #19 on Forbes list of billionaires, Mr. Ballmer should not be allowed to take such incredible risks with investor money and employee jobs. Best he be retired to enjoy his fortune rather than deprive investors and employees of building theirs.”

At the time of the iPhone’s launch in 2007, Ballmer and other Microsoft execs did not feel threatened. Now, look at who’s on top. Ballmer’s glory also came around the time of Windows Vista, which was plagued by issues and let OS X Leopard push Macs where they are today.

All right, enough bashing. I will just leave you with this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8To-6VIJZRE

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After backlash, Sprint CEO to return $3.25M in salary tied to iPhone

Jake Smith May 4 2012 - 8:18 pm PT

Sprint’s CEO Daniel Hesse will take a small pay cut during 2012 after receiving a bit of flack from shareholders for investing so much in adding Apple’s iPhone to the network. Reuters reported Hesse will lose $3.25 million from his salary. Hesse said in a statement to Sprint HR: “These voluntary actions regarding my personal compensation, which total $3,250,830, will eliminate any benefit for me to the discretionary adjustment the compensation committee made earlier this year.”

Why are shareholders so upset? Sprint, the nation’s third-largest carrier, invested $15 billion to add the iPhone to its network. However, shareholders think that was a bit much, because the network has to pay a $200 higher subsidy per-device than its other phones. I guess this is a bit of an apology from Hesse.

Sales of the iPhone on the network are pretty solid, though. The company reported a sale of 1.5 million iPhones during Q1, compared to 1.8 million during Q4 2011. A very cool 44 percent (or 660,000) of the new iPhones sold during Q1 were new customers.

I think we can all agree this sounds much better than the news regarding the AT&T’s CEO from earlier today…
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Samsung announces Galaxy S III with S Voice and a bunch of other iOS features

9to5 Staff May 3 2012 - 12:36 pm PT

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lpLGb1WW8E&hd=1]

Samsung announced the Galaxy S III today at the Unpacked event in London. Apple’s biggest competitor in the smartphone space, and the only other manufacture making any significant profit, showed off the upgraded 4.8-inch 720P SuperAMOLED display device that now weighs 133 grams among other minor spec improvements.

A few of the features shown off were S-Voice, which is like Siri, Scan and Match for Music (iTunes Match), and Airplay-like “AllShare Cast” for streaming content to your HDTV through the AppleTV-like AllShare Cast Dongle. Samsung also named its iPod nano-like music player “Pebble,” which bears a resemblance to the iOS Kickstarter watch that goes by the same name.

One cool new thing is a face recognition photo app. It lets you instantly send pictures to your friends that it recognizes in your pictures. The S III also has a pop-up player, which is sort of an app version of picture-in-picture that allows you to watch a movie while you switch around to other applications.

Initial reviews seem a little luke-warm on the device. Most call it an incremental update from the S II with new features that also brought some new flaws.

Oh, and Phil Schiller will not like this news: Flipboard for Android is debuting on the S III.

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Yes, Apple is still working on haptics for touch devices

Jordan Kahn May 3 2012 - 9:47 am PT

We already know Apple is working on haptic technologies for mobile devices from patents in the past (here, here, and here). We also know that last-minute rumors of Finnish company Senseg’s technology being included in the third-generation iPad never came true. Another patent surfaced today giving us a look at Apple’s work with an advanced multi-tiered haptics system for iOS devices. PatentlyApple has all the details:

…today’s surprise invention packs a punch with a wildly intelligent multi-tiered haptics system. The system will actually allow an iDevice display to deform so that it could provide the user with a button, an arrow or even a geological map to physically pop right out of the screen to give it 3D depth. If that wasn’t cool enough, Apple’s patent discusses a flexible OLED display that could be used for video glasses.

Last-minute rumor: Apple snuck Senseg’s groundbreaking haptic display technology into iPad 3? (9to5mac.com)

Report: New thinner iPhone will have longer 4 inch screen, metallic backside and small round dock connector

Jordan Kahn May 3 2012 - 6:03 am PT

[slideshow]

Earlier this year, leading up to the new iPad launch, iLounge editor Jeremy Horwitz claimed to have held the new device, and then he reported a few of the features that would ultimately launch with the third-gen iPad in March (and some that would not). Today, Horwitz claimed to have new details on the next-generation iPhone. He reported the device would sport a longer 4-inch screen, metallic backside, and smaller and rounded dock connector.

The majority of Horwitz’s specs mirror our report from March 2011 about the iPhone 5 prototypes spotted with metal backs, larger displays, and the overall iPhone 4 design.

The first of his claims: As rumored, the new iPhone will be “longer and thinner” than iPhone 4 and 4S, and it will sport the following changes to its physical design:

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Inventor says Apple several years away from large Liquidmetal products

Jordan Kahn May 2 2012 - 12:44 pm PT

Last month, there were rumors claiming Apple planned to use the Liquidmetal amorphous metal alloys it obtained the rights to in 2010 for an upcoming iPhone. Speaking with BusinessInsider, one of Liquidmetal’s inventors, Atakan Peker, said Apple is still a few years away before we will see Liquidmetal used in a large scale—at least for MacBooks. Although, he does think a breakthrough product made of the material is in the cards for Apple.

A few highlights from the interview are below:

How long did it take to perfect Liquidmetal?

I would not say Liquidmetal was perfected. This is a technology that has yet to be matured and perfected both in manufacturing process and application development. I should note that this is a completely new and different metal technology. Therefore, there is no suitable manufacturing infrastructure yet to take full advantage of this alloy technology.

For example, I estimate that Apple will likely spend on the order of $300 million to $500 million — and three to five years — to mature the technology before it can used in large scale.

I’ve heard rumors that future MacBooks from Apple could use Liquidmetal casing, what would that be like? Is it likely to happen?

Given the size of MacBook and scale of Apple products, I think it’s unlikely that Liquidmetal casing will be used in MacBooks in the near term. It’s more likely in the form of small component such as a hinge or bracket. A MacBook casing, such as a unibody, will take two to four more years to implement

How does Liquidmetal compare to the metal, glass, and plastic used in mobile devices now?

Each material has its own advantage and disadvantages. Plastics are low cost to manufacture into complex shapes but not strong enough. Metals are strong but difficult to produce into complex shapes. And glass feels and looks beautiful but is highly fragile. Liquidmetal can combine these advantages and remedy some of these shortcomings.

Is there anything else relating to mobile gadgets and Liquidmetal that you think people should know about?

I expect Liquidmetal application in two ways: First evolutionary substitution of current materials and secondly, and more importantly, in a breakthrough product made only possible by Liquidmetal technology. Apple’s exclusively licensing a new material technology (specifically for casing and enclosures) is a first in the industry.

This is very exciting. Therefore, I expect Apple to use this technology in a breakthrough product. Such product will likely bring an innovative user interface and industrial design together, and will also be very difficult to copy or duplicate with other material technologies.

You can read the full interview at BusinessInsider.

Report: Apple building thinner and lighter Liquidmetal next-gen iPhone (9to5mac.com)

Tech Industry

BlackBerry 10 features interesting keyboard and camera apps, neither will save the platform

Seth Weintraub May 1 2012 - 10:32 am PT

In case you had not heard, BlackBerry World is occurring in Orlando right now, and RIM is officially announcing BlackBerry 10. Overall, I am not seeing anything that will save this company, but there are a few nice features in the new OS to speak of.

First is the predictive text soft keyboard:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JEPYYo0-gfc]

Interesting use of the predictive text here and perhaps ironic that, of all companies, RIM is putting the last nail in the physical keyboard coffin. It will be interesting to see how well this keyboard works in practice.

Also debuting is a camera feature (video below) that allows you to step back in time when you miss a shot. The technology is not terribly advanced, because the camera is just taking shots from the time the camera app is open and caching them for later browsing.

Update: It appears the camera app is a repurposed third-party app.

Both of these are cool, but they will by no means save the platform. Android and iOS now control over 80 percent of the United States smartphone market. That is actually low in contrast to places like Japan, where the figure is over 95 percent iOS and Android.

The only question that remains is which will die first: Junk bond Nokia or RIM?

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It looks like RIM might be behind the ‘Wake Up’ campaign

Seth Weintraub Apr 29 2012 - 12:26 pm PT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ldq2tNLRDwA

Macworld.AU found some DoubleClick code in the “Wake Up” website that it believes links back to RIM’s website. Originally fingered, Samsung previously denied it was behind the stunt.

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Kindle Fire now over half of Android tablet market, as Amazon reports blowout earnings

Jake Smith Apr 26 2012 - 2:00 pm PT

It is apparent over the last few months that Amazon’s $199 Kindle Fire has been making rapid gains in Android tablet market. However, we did not think it was an all out domination. According to research firm ComScore, the Kindle Fire now makes up 54.4 percent of the total Android Market (as of the end of the month) after just six months on the market. Following behind is the Samsung Galaxy Tab series at 15.4-percent, Motorola Xoom at 7 percent, and Asus Transformer come at 6.3-percent.

The Kindle Fire has been selling very well on Amazon’s online store and at various retail stores. Priced at $199 and built on a custom version of Android 2.3, the Kindle Fire offers a tablet on the cheap for those looking to consume content. Of course, today’s news sounds a little better for Amazon than Google, as there is really no hint to the average consumer eye that the Kindle Fire is running Android. We are hoping Amazon will announce how many have been sold some day, but it hasn’t yet.

In further Amazon news this afternoon, the company just reported its Q1 2012 earnings. The Seattle-based company is reporting $13.18 billion in revenue for the first quarter, compared to $9.86 billion YOY, which blows out analysts’ expectations for the online marketplace. However, Amazon’s net income was down 35 percent to $130 million. You can read the full announcement after the break.

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Apple chip supplier TriQuint having ‘challenging quarter’ due to its biggest customer

Jordan Kahn Apr 26 2012 - 12:15 pm PT

According to a report from The Oregonian, power amplifier specialists TriQuint Semiconductor is facing a “challenging” quarter due to a temporary drop in revenues from its biggest customer, Apple. The report noted the company’s CEO Ralph Quinsey did not mention Apple by name, but that Foxconn was responsible for 35 percent of TriQuint’s revenue during 2011:

TriQuint said sales in the current quarter will fall at least 19 percent to the lowest point in at least two years… While Quinsey wasn’t specific about where the problem lies, Apple has incorporated TriQuint chips in the last several generations of the iPhone. Apple is approaching its annual iPhone upgrade — the last upgrade took place in October — and sales tend to fall off before new products launch.

We know from teardowns that Apple included TriQuint chips in many generations of the iPhone and iPad, including the most recent iPhone 4S and third-generation iPad. When iPhone component supplier Qualcomm announced last week it was having “trouble meeting demand” for LTE chips likely to end up in a next-gen iPhone, many analysts speculated that was a clear indication of an October iPhone launch.

Quinsey said in a statement to the publication that he expects to return to normal revenue and growth numbers in the second half of this year:

“I believe this dip will be temporary and remain confident about our long term position,” Quinsey said in a written statement. “We have achieved design win success with our new products and I believe we will return to normal revenue levels and growth in the second half of 2012.”

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Could Google Drive be any more leaked?

Seth Weintraub Apr 24 2012 - 9:04 am PT

It appears to be a big day for Google. Not only is it re-opening the Nexus Store with a $399 Galaxy Nexus, but also the French Google Blog announced and then retracted the imminent 5GB Google Drive announcement. More details are at 9to5Google.com.

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AT&T activated 4.3M iPhones last quarter, over 78 percent of its smartphone activations

Seth Weintraub Apr 24 2012 - 5:07 am PT

AT&T is still the “iPhone network,” according to numbers from its quarterly earnings report. AT&T sold 5.5 million smartphones in the quarter, but 4.3 million of the smartphones activated were iPhones. That means the iPhone represented a whopping 78 percent of total smartphone sales (although some “iPhone activations” could have been hand me downs). Additionally, AT&T’s postpaid customers are almost 60 percent smartphone customers, which means AT&T’s iPhone customers represent a huge percentage of its base—nearly 5o percent and growing.

Verizon announced numbers last week including 3.2 million iPhones sold. While the iPhone is down significantly from the holiday quarter, it is up from 3.6 million activations in Q1 2011. Apple’s earnings will be reported at the end of the day today.

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Apple to drop 17-inch MacBooks, slim down iPhone w/ in-cell?

Jordan Kahn Apr 23 2012 - 6:05 am PT

You can read into these reports from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities as much as you want. Kuo claimed this morning that Apple is about to axe the 17-inch MacBook Pro line entirely while introducing a rumored all new MacBook design by Q3 2012 (via MacRumors). Kuo also alleged Apple will adopt in-cell display technology to help slim down the next-generation iPhone by up to 1.4mm to under 8mm. IHS told Wired earlier about the advantages of in-cell displays:

“The advantage of in-cell is that you’re streamlining the manufacturing process, so in time you should be able to drive efficiencies and reduce cost.” IHS analyst Rhoda Alexander told Wired. “Additionally, by reducing the number of layers, you reduce the size and thickness of the device, making it thinner and lighter.”

According to the report, Kuo said in-cell would provide a reduction of approximately 0.5mm, while other reductions could come from the battery and a thinner metal casing on the back.

Since Apple’s smartphone competitors have generally slimmed down their high-end offerings to 7-8mm, Apple needs to make a leap forward from 4S’ 9.3mm thickness. We believe Apple will aim at 8mm or below (at least 1.4mm slimmer) for iPhone 5, in a bid to ensure brisk sales through 2014, while peers will also continue to introduce increasingly slim models next year… As such, all iPhone 4S components that account for thickness must be slimmer, specifically, touch panel, battery and casing. Moreover, a marginal amount of space is required between the three parts for the sakes of assembly tolerance and thermal expansion of components.

Report: Apple building thinner and lighter Liquidmetal next-gen iPhone (9to5mac.com)