Archive for the ‘apple’ Category
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10
Mar
2010
Who will Offer the Apple iPad?
It comes as to no surprise that Apple is currently engaging in talks with different mobile network operators that might be interested in offering the device to the UK. Vodafone has already been labeled as the most likely distributor to subsidize the tablet, but with recent reports about Orange Mobile and O2 talking with Apple, it makes sense to assume that some of these operators are already vying for an exclusive deal.
The real question here is; will Apple sign an exclusivity deal for the iPad?
They already did the same thing for the Apple iPhone. Despite being Apple’s major mobile device, they allowed O2 to have the handset as an exclusive for two whole years. Though the iPhone was a great success (it is number one after all), many believe that it could have made even more sales had it not been exclusive to a single operator.
The Apple iPad tablet however, is not on the same plane as the iPhone. The fact that the demand for the tablet is still pretty much non-existent at the moment brings about many considerations. Primarily, they need the iPad to be able to penetrate the market as broadly as possible. This means that an exclusivity deal has the potential to push away and alienate potential customers – definitely not a good thing for a device that has yet to prove its worth and actually create a demand.
Anyway, while we might not be seeing and exclusive deal for the tablet, this also means that the initial price offering and the plan options will be pretty competitive as each operator brings our their own contracts for the touch screen tablet. As expected, experts believe that Apple is also talking with retailers regarding the iPad as well.
Get to know more about the coming of the iPad in the UK at Mobile Today UK.
5
Mar
2010
Apple Takes on Google, Starts with HTC
Critics have been heavy on Apple for the past few days, after all, the major electronics manufacturer and software developer has filed a lawsuit against HTC in an indirect attack to Google.
Taiwan based HTC is considered to be one of the biggest manufacturers of today. Their new smart phones are much anticipated and their devices set many of the industry standards that we have today. Despite not being as large as Nokia or Motorola, HTC still managed to create a very powerful name brand for itself –a feat in the harsh mobile industry.
HTC has spent the past few years as part of the Open Handset Alliance it helped establish along with Google. This gave rise to the Android operating system and many HTC devices that featured the mobile platform. HTC would later play a bigger role as the manufacturer of the G-branded Nexus One Android smart phone.
Despite the Nexus One’s weak sales and the continuous dominance of the iPhone in the mobile market, Apple still considers the Android as its toughest competitor in the industry. And while the iPhone 4G will be arriving later this year, it will be facing stiff competition from no less than the best Android devices that HTC can offer.
The infringement lawsuit specifies twenty software and hardware patents owned by Apple. Should this lawsuit give Apple a favorable verdict, they would be able to deal a crippling blow to one of Google’s major partners. In the end, it is fair game; no matter how ruthless the action Apple has taken, people will still continue to support their devices.
HTC has responded by stating that it will defend their innovations and would be presenting patents of their own. Google has also stated that they will be backing up HTC every step of the way.
Get to know more about the lawsuit on Tech Radar.
4
Mar
2010
Apple Sues HTC for 20 Infringements
20 infringements –looks like Apple has been keeping a very close eye on HTC made technologies recently as the Apple lawsuit against the Taiwanese manufacturer racks up quite the long list.
No word has been released as to exactly which technologies are being put into question, though many already believe that this is simply a case of Apple being able to file a patent ahead of others. In many infringement cases, the manufacturers being sued are never really guilty of actually copying or stealing existing designs and technologies. More often than not, the technology in question would simply have an existing patent owned by some other group –in this case, Apple.
The practice of filing for patents without actually manufacturing or using the technology has been around for quite some time. This is usually done in advance in order for the patent maker to own rights to the technology while still accumulating funds to develop the patent. In some cases, patents are filed as a way to own a predicted upcoming technology. Though there are laws that require patent ownership to expire after a certain amount of time, the practice of sitting on a patent for a few years have paid off for many people.
Anyway, the ramifications of this lawsuit will no doubt be a simple hiccup in the flow of progress for both Apple and HTC as both companies have been in the industry long enough to easily weather such minor troubles –unless HTC did steal technology from Apple. According to Steve Jobs (Apple CEO); “We can sit by and watch competitors steal our patented inventions, or we can do something about it. We’ve decided to do something about it. We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours.”
Get to know more about the Apple and HTC lawsuit at Tech Radar.
25
Feb
2010
Parental Power: Banning iPhone Apps
Are we really to take this kind of news seriously now?
Apparently, Apple caved in to the pressure from parents complaining about “inappropriate content” being hosted at the app store. So fans of the Wobble iBoobs app by Jon Atherton might want to hold on to their copies of the breast jiggling application since Apple has removed the app permanently.
Yes, according to reports, Steve Jobs fears the power of parents. In a surprising, and somewhat familiar move, Apple has removed thousands of applications from the online store due to objectionable content that many called “soft core” porn.
Ironically, the apps in question did not even contain nudity –simply women in skimpy clothing. While many would say that Apple does have the final say in terms of what happens to the app store, the purge was nothing short of a (pardon the language) retarded solution to a non-problem.
So what if Apple did not react to parents? It is not like parents all over the world would start abandoning their iPhones. It is not like they would cease buying applications. No, these parents would have to face the reality that at the end of the day, the responsibility of educating and helping their children grow is theirs alone.
This is not Apple’s responsibility. If anything, Apple has taken more than enough steps to ensure that children do not have access to the App store. All mobile stores will not accept minors. The mere fact that you need a credit card means that if a child has access the app store, then it is only through the enabling functions that the parent gave. Parents need to wisen up and mature, not only for themselves, but also for the sake of their children.
Read more at Times Online UK.
15
Feb
2010
iPad Reactions: Bill Gates
For the Apple iPad, it seems that everything is up in the air and we will never really know for sure how this device will turn out until it officially launches.
For now, many people do not even know what the iPad can really do. According to a recent survey, most British adults are familiar with the brand and the look of the iPad but more than half are not aware what the device can actually do. Most assume that it is a super sized iPhone and believe that it will have multi tasking, calling capabilities and a camera.
Lack of public familiarity seems to be preventing the device from getting into the mainstream. Whatever the reason is, Microsoft founder and former company head Bill Gates has expressed that the Apple iPhone was an amazing device that he wishes Microsoft had built, but the iPad is never going to be mainstream –unlike the net book. Ironically, Microsoft is currently working on its own tablet –the Courier and a touch screen net book.
Though looking at the statistics, the net book is far from being mainstream. Net books currently serve a purpose much different from what the iPad is poised to provide –though many who are unaware of the iPad’s features simply expect the tablet to be a keyboard less touch screen net book.
Steve Jobs on the other hand does not believe in net books. After his recent unveiling of the iPad, he has been quoted saying that net books are simply cheap computers that are not better at doing anything –though one has to point out that they are the most reliable portable desktop publishing tools (really, who would use a BlackBerry or a Milestone to type out a novel?).
For more about Bill Gates and the Apple iPad, go to Pocket Lint.
10
Feb
2010
Apple iPad: a Hard Sell
Looks like Apple will have its hands full when they finally release the Apple iPad.
According to recent surveys, the number of people who are not going to buy the tablet actually increased after the tablet was launched. Looks like despite the functionality and convenience offered by the tablet, not many people are willing to dish out the extra money to buy the device –it is pretty expensive, particularly the 64GB 3G version of the iPad.
In any case, the device is not yet a home staple so it is unlikely that lots of people would go for it now. Considering that it is not as practical as buying a desktop computer, a laptop or a smart phone. The iPad would most definitely be a tool for people with money to burn.
The functionalities of the tablet are far from limited. This device comes with a 9.7 inch touch screen which delivers a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. You can view full screen details for websites, games, eBooks and more without any graphic loss. The controls on the unit are smooth, and while the touch screen keyboard takes a little to get used to, the device responds to commands smoothly.
The speed and power of the iPad lies in its 1GHz A4 processor. The internal memory is a choice between 16, 32 and 64GB versions. There are also 3G and non 3G version of the device to choose from –the 3G version has GPS that will turn your iPad into an instant navigation device thanks to Google Maps.
While surveys do show the current pulse of the situation, it is likely that in the future, things will change in terms of public acceptance of the tablet.
Read more about the Apple iPad and the survey on the Telegraph UK.
9
Feb
2010
Apple iPad
For nearly ten years, Apple have contemplated the release of a product that really could do everything. The Apple iPad which Apple revealed the other day is designed to be able to handle any task that you would need to do away from your computer, whether it be business related or personal things. The iPad has hundreds of features that are set to make it one of the best selling products of all time.
A 9.7″ touch screen sets the scene, and allows you to view all your files and web pages on one large page. Such a large screen enables you to view whole web pages without having to scroll down, and also allows you to see more menus and accessibility options. Weighing in at only 680g and only half an inch thick, the iPad will definitely not take up much extra space in your pocket. The iPad has a mind blowing battery life, with 10 hours talk time, and a huge month worth of standby!
Being sold in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB varieties, the iPad’s memory should be big enough to suit most people’s needs, unless dealing with a lot of large files. In terms of multimedia, the iPad comes with a built in speaker, so you can play back music or important messages out loud for people around you to hear. It also features a built in microphone, ideal for recording short memos and important reminders when a pen and paper is not around.
The iPad uses Bluetooth technology to help you to connect with those around you for free! Increased security surrounding Bluetooth is also installed, giving you peace of mind that your iPad is safe from undesirable people. There is 3G technology as an extra option you can choose to have, which gives you almost line speed access to the internet, as well as fast checking of your emails. If you ever need to create a long document on the iPad, but get tired of using the touchscreen keyboard, there is a keyboard socket built in, so you can connect your computer keyboard to the iPad!
The iPad runs just like an iPod, just connect it to your Mac or PC, and transfer all your files over. Of course if you are using 3G, this is not necessary as you can email most of your files across. The iPad can even run iPhone applications, giving you access to over half a million applications to choose from. An amazing piece of equipment, the iPad is expected to put all Apple critics in their place, and has already been named the release of 2010. The iPad is already available on contract plans in the USA, but for anywhere else in the world you are going to have to wait for a release date. Apple have said this summer they will be back with more news regarding that.
1
Feb
2010
What is the Apple iPad?
Apple just finished a very successful unveiling of their new tablet device, the iPad.
This is not what many critics of the device believe. Judging from the many comments and forums posts that have been popping up as of late, it seems that the public is on the fence regarding the wisdom behind the Apple Tablet.
It’s a hard tool to grasp really. Apple is introducing something entirely new. Forget all those allusions and presentations that place the iPad as a bastard child of a net book and a smart phone. Instead, people should see that the iPad is an entirely new mobile device. This is not the same as bringing in a new LED HDTV to replace your old CRT TV in the den; the iPad is not meant to be an upgrade to a mobile phone nor as a light version of a net book. The iPad is meant for entirely something else.
So what is the iPad?
Stephen Fry, renowned tech critic, describes the iPad as a “game-changing” device. He’s close, considering the fact that with the iPad, the game is changed so much, that we are no longer talking about mobile phones are net books, but tablets.
So in general, what is a tablet supposed to be?
The tablet is meant to be an alternative to our magazines, our newspapers, out net books and our mobile phones in terms of getting connected, getting informed and most importantly, getting in touch.
A few decades ago, people did not originally see the wisdom of having a personal computer at home. It was bulky, cumbersome and took a little effort to learn to use properly; now, almost every single home as a desktop or a laptop. While the iPad is not as clunky as old computers, it is still a rough device, but one that will usher in a new era of technology in our households.
Read about Stephen Fry’s defense of the iPad from Know Your Mobile
29
Jan
2010
Apple iPad Finally Launched
There will be plenty of launches this year, but only a few will truly be ground breaking. Early this January, we all saw the unveiling of the first Google branded phone at the Googleplex in Mountain View, California. While the device was certainly all that we suspected it to be in terms of specs, it hardly came close to the expected sales performance predicted by many, Google included.
And so went the supposed iPhone killer. With Apple’s main mobile phone still on top place, they are already poised to deliver the iPhone 4G later this year. For now, Apple’s bringing something else to the spotlight.
Meet the new Apple iPad.
Yes, not really the most imaginative of names, but it seems to be a much better fit than iSlate (and it sounds a lot better too). This tablet bridges the gap between mobile phones and net books (wait, was that not what the Nokia Booklet 3G was?); or so Apple says. Couch surfing has always been limited to fiddling on your mobile phone or your net book at home, but now, Apple presents to us a device dedicated to making social networking access, emailing, minor document editing an even more convenient task.
This slim little tablet has a whooping 9.7 inch touch screen display with a scratch resistant surface. The 1024 x 768 native resolution on the device will meant that you can view websites in the size they were meant to be. The screen is multi-touch capable, meaning you can tap, drag and pinch your way into the interface, files and websites in a breeze.
Not surprisingly, this device does not have a removable battery or a replaceable hard drive. Meaning you will have to make do with the default 16/32/64GB variants. At least the battery is reportedly long lasting (up to 10 hours of usage).
Get more from the source.
14
Dec
2009
Tesco Unveils Price For the iPhone
Mobile phone customers in the United Kingdom will start the coming week knowing they could now purchase the iPhone from one of the UK’s biggest stores, Tesco. It will be recalled that Tesco mobile has a 50-50 joint venture partnership with O2, and has now announced its planned iPhone deals.
According to the release, pay as you go users will pay £342 for the iPhone 3G 8GB phone and get £30 free credit as soon as they top up their phone with £15 in a month. For £20 a month, they get to buy it at £222 and at £60 monthly by two years they pay nothing to get it.
Though prices of the various packages can be found on the website, customers can still get all relevant details of prices they wish to as soon as the mobile phone becomes available with the company. The prices vary. The price for any of the Apple iPhone depends also on the package chosen by a user.
According to Cultofmac who commented on the offer from Tesco, “The headline they‘ll be using in adverts is that this iPhone is available for as little as Twenty Pounds per month. Whether you go for a contract or decide to pay-as-you-go, this gets you Sixty Pounds worth of calls and SMS messages (assuming PAYG customers top up at least Twenty Pounds per month, which qualifies them for extras – and obviously encourages them to switch to a contract). Also consider that the free credit is applied once a month and only last one month, then automatically expires.”
On the economic side of the prices released, the company seems to have taken into consideration the various classes of consumers and their financial ability. From the low income earner to the high income earner, the offer gives them the opportunity to choose what suits their needs and pockets.
