Mac News: Apple Juice

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.

Stories and Legends
August 24, 2009

An unfortunate side effect of a celebrity like Steve Jobs getting sick is that a huge number of us are collecting stories to go into articles and books that would mostly show up after he passed. I ran into two new stories I hadn't heard before last week, and one of them was rather juicy and eventually tied into the "iPad."

Apple, Palm and the 'No-Poaching' Non-Agreement
August 21, 2009

When Apple CEO Steve Jobs suggested to Palm that the two companies refrain from hiring away each other's top employees, as reported by Bloomberg, was he committing an illegal act? Or will he skate by because Palm CEO Ed Colligan rejected the proposal, so nothing really happened? The incident occurred two years ago, shortly after Palm had hired former Apple executive Jon Rubinstein, according to a report.

China Unicom Closes In on iPhone Deal
August 18, 2009

State-owned China Unicom said Friday it is talking with Apple about becoming an iPhone carrier but denied a report it has reached a deal and will buy 5 million handsets. China is the world's most populous mobile phone market, and iPhones are produced in China by an Apple contractor for export. Apple has yet to sign up a Chinese partner, but thousands of unlocked iPhones brought in from other markets are in use in China.

Apple vs. Google vs. Microsoft: World War 3 Cometh
August 17, 2009

Regardless of what I wrote last week, which focused on Apple's problems coming out of the Red Hat event, Apple is on a roll. It's expected to gain substantial share this quarter because Snow Leopard will make it into the quarter and Windows 7 won't. However, in October, Microsoft is planning to come back with a rush, and next year will bring its not-so-secret weapon: the Apple-targeting Microsoft store.

What Does an Apple Tablet Need to Be Worth a Damn?
August 14, 2009

It seems almost every technology analyst, reporter and blogger these days either believes that Apple is on the cusp of releasing an iPod touch-like tablet computer, or is willing to repeat the rumors to that effect. Some believe Apple will reveal a tablet in September, along with the likely announcement of an iPod and iTunes upgrade.