Mac News: Apple Juice

The Gphone That Could Catch My Eye
November 20, 2009

So far, I haven't seen a compelling competitor to my iPhone -- at least, for me personally -- and this includes the new Motorola Droid. It's nice enough, but is it so much better that I'd leave the iPhone? Definitely not, and that includes some Droid widescreen envy. But what about the rumored Google phone?

Apple's Retail Engine Keeps On Rolling
November 18, 2009

Apple's retail push shows no signs of slowing, and much of its momentum in the coming year will be directed to markets outside its domestic turf. The company plans to open 40 to 50 new retail stores in 2010, said Ron Johnson, its senior vice president of retail, at a recent store opening in New York. More than half of these will be outside the United States; some will be in London, Paris and Shanghai.

What's Apple's Game Plan?
November 17, 2009

Last year, Apple began marketing its iPod touch as the "funnest iPod ever," a nod to the significant popularity of the game applications available on the iPhone/iPod touch App Store. Games designed by third-party developers have been big sellers for the platform, and now Apple itself looks like it wants in on more of the fun -- it's advertising for an in-house game developer.

Apple's House Rules Won't Be the Death of App Development
November 13, 2009

So Facebook developer Joe Hewitt tweets that he's ditching the super-popular Facebook iPhone app, and TechCrunch, clearly sensing there's more to the story here, reaches out to learn why. "My decision to stop iPhone development has had everything to do with Apple's policies," Hewitt told TechCrunch.

Apple's Mobile Machines: New Lands, New Carriers ... New Products?
November 11, 2009

The iPhone has launched with relatively weak sales in China, and the situation echoed what the handset faced in India, where the device was launched in August of 2008. There is little demand for the iPhone in India, ccording to BusinessWeek. The problem is perhaps structural. Apple appears to be going into developing nations with the same mindset as it has in the United States.

Did Apple Take the Slow Boat to China?
November 02, 2009

When Apple officially released its iPhone in China last week, it presented Chinese consumers with what could be a difficult decision: Pay more for the official device --which currently lacks WiFi -- or obtain a cheaper, WiFi-enabled device from the gray market.

Microsoft Launches a Revolution, Apple Launches a Mouse
October 26, 2009

I really was anticipating a battle royal between Microsoft and Apple and thought both companies would come to the mat with their best stuff. It felt like Apple was so focused on maintaining high margins last quarter that it gave up a huge chance to grow share, and its stealth launch of a couple of PCs and a multitouch mouse just seemed lame next to the massive rollout of Windows boxes.

Apple Is Saving the Best for Last
October 23, 2009

Usually by the end of October, early November at the latest, Apple tends to wrap up its retail product innovation and set its lineup in stone for the upcoming holiday buying season. Not this year. Rest assured, something new and important is coming from Apple in time for holiday sales.

The New Darling of the Green-Tech Movement
October 20, 2009

Until recently, Apple was a little too ripe for the green scale. Environmentalists raised a stink over the company's use of toxic chemicals, its refusal to publicly release its carbon emissions, and its overall sorry showing in industry green rankings. "Well, it's important we give Apple credit for the data they just released," said Greenpeace's Casey Harrell, "because it has definitely raised the bar."

IBM and Apple: Why We Love Monopolies and Then Kill Them
October 12, 2009

The age of the computer started in the 1950s, and one of the first things that happened to a then relatively tiny IBM was it got nailed by the Department of Justice. The result was competition and the modern age of computing. Last week, the DoJ opened another, very similar, investigation of IBM. It was -- you'd never guess -- on the mainframe.

Could an iTablet Rewrite the Book on Publishing?
October 02, 2009

The latest Apple tablet rumor isn't about the hardware specifications of the so-called iTablet; it's about the notion that Apple has been having secret talks with newspaper and textbook publishers. The talk has sparked a new question: Might an Apple iTablet change publishing forever? Yes. Yes, it will. That's the short answer. But there's more to it, of course.

What If Steve Jobs Had Introduced the Zune?
September 21, 2009

Over the years, I've had long "discussions" with Apple fans on why Apple can't actually put Microsoft out of business. Many seem to think the event is imminent, while I clearly believe it is impossible. To make a point like this, however, you need a reverse example, and the new Zune is likely the best product for the purpose.

Apple's Flimsy Excuse for Its Camera-Shy iPod Touch
September 18, 2009

At Apple's September media event this year, the company introduced iPhone OS 3.1, 30,000 ringtones from major music labels, enhanced Genius technology that does its database magic on apps, and new Genius Mixes for songs. Apple also unveiled iTunes 9, which includes the iTunes LP that adds videos, lyrics, artwork, liner notes, interviews and more to to your digital albums.

Does Green Matter to You?
September 07, 2009

I'm at IFA as I write this, and in Europe, green clearly does matter. Here, they even have a viable Green Party, but in the U.S., I sometimes wonder whether we care. This was showcased in a presentation in which Sony ranked geographical areas in terms of the importance of green, and the U.S. came in last.

Clash of the Consoles Gets Down and Dirty
August 28, 2009

Congratulations, patient cheapskates: You've won the waiting game. Now you can get a well-equipped video game system for a somewhat reasonable price. The two most-advanced consoles on the market have dropped in price over the last few days, just in time for all of that back-to-school homework to get ignored.

Apple Floats, but Will It Fly?
August 26, 2009

Take a look at your favorite online stock tracker site and check out the year's activity for Apple, starting at the beginning of August last year. Then compare that with Tuesday's closing price. On Aug. 8, 2008, Apple's closing price was $169.55. At Tuesday's close, it was $169.40. After a year of new gadgets and a stock market crash, the per-share loss is 15 cents.