Posted by: Christopher Meinck
on Feb 10, 2009
More fallout from the Venture Beat story that Google removed multi-touch based upon Apple's request. John Gruber via Daring Fireball corroborates the report based on a source who works at Apple who said Google actually showed Apple legal a pre-release prototype of the G1.
In addition to multi-touch, Apple reportedly balked at the use of a standard 3.5mm headphone jack that seemed to infringe on a patent describing "controlling software using buttons connected by a standard 3.5mm jack".
Posted by: Christopher Meinck
on Feb 10, 2009
According to RBC analyst Mark Abramsky, Apple will begin selling a $99 iPhone (after subsidy) this summer. Abramsky made these statements based upon "checks". His research note follows:
- The main cost reductions would come from fewer features -- not a crappy 'iPhone nano' or something without a multi-touch screen. Abramsky thinks it might have a lower-resolution camera, no 3G Internet access or GPS, and a cheaper data plan (~$15/month) with a usage cap. We agree that lowering the monthly bill would help drive iPhone sales, but carriers won't be thrilled.
- Meanwhile, the iPhone 3G will get feature upgrades, such as a better camera, video capabilities. (See chart below.)
- He thinks Apple could sell 20-30 million of these cheaper iPhones in fiscal 2010, boosting Apple's smartphone market share to almost 20%.
- Cheaper iPhone will eat into iPhone 3G and iPod sales. And a lower subsidy and lower margins means Apple will have to sell three times as many to make the same gross profit from one iPhone 3G. He expects fiscal 2010 iPhone gross margins to shrink to 35%-37% from 50%+.
Posted by: Christopher Meinck
on Feb 3, 2009
Rumors are starting to heat up surrounding a June release for a new iPhone model. The first iPhone launched in June, 2007 and was followed up by the iPhone 3G release in June of 2008. The pattern seems to dictate a June 2009 release for the next model. This rumor is gaining steam today after an article containing information regarding the release of the iPhone 3G in Saudi Arabia.
Posted by: Christopher Meinck
on Feb 3, 2009
Apple has continue to push out iPhone firmware updates, but we've yet to see the vaulted push notification system announced last June at the companies Worldwide Developer Conference. When you close an application on the iPhone, it shuts down completely. This limits the amount of memory used by the iPhone and it's less processor intensive. Push notifications would have allowed applications to receive "notifications", despite not being the active application.
MacRumors reports that Apple is considering allowing applications to run as "user selectable background processes". Likely a major update, this feature would be limited to two background processes on current iPhone, but likely more on the new and improved hardware rumored to hit streets in June of this year.
Posted by: Christopher Meinck
on Jan 29, 2009
According to PocketGamer, Apple is reportedly planning to create a premium games section within the App Store for games priced at $19.99. The plan is to include a small number of developers, likely to include EA and Gameloft. No details were given for an announcement, but some are pointing to WWDC in June.
Posted by: Christopher Meinck
on Dec 30, 2008
Gizmodo is reporting that Steve Jobs health is "rapidly declining" and that is the reason behind Macworld and Jobs keynote cancellations. According to their source:
Steves health is rapidly declining. Apple is choosing to remove the hype factor strategically vs letting the hype destroy apple when the inevitable news comes later this spring.
Posted by: Christopher Meinck
on Dec 29, 2008
As of now, there is no credible evidence that Apple is releasing the iPhone Nano in January, or possibly ever. Yet, some case manufacturers have placed images of iPhone Nano cases on their websites and some even offer the ability to buy a case for the yet-to-be announced or released iPhone Nano. For those who took them up on the offer, I've got a bridge in Brooklyn that might be of interest.
Even credible manufacturers like Vaja are getting in the act, allowing visitors to sign up for news related to the iPhone Nano. Perhaps they are just victims of the hype and someone said, "we'd better get information on our site". These companies have zero to lose. If the gamble pays off and Apple does announce an iPhone Nano next week, they have already built up a significant head start from an awareness perspective. When next week comes to pass and the iPhone Nano is not announced, they've lost nothing, save for a shred of credibility when it comes to the next rumor. Even though we'll all be lining up publish the next iPhone rumor based on a flimsy piece of silicon. Macworld cannot come soon enough.
