Apple's iOS 5 RUMORED to have DEEP voice command integration

Apple's iOS 5 RUMORED to have DEEP voice command integration

" A new rumor claims Apple plans to vastly improve voice commands on devices like the iPhone and iPad with the anticipated release of iOS 5 later this year.

Apple's "deeply integrated" voice control feature in iOS 5 is expected to be demoed at this year's Worldwide Developer's Conference, according to TechCrunch. The voice control will reportedly be a combination of artificial intelligence and assistance technology, and Apple's team is said to be putting the "finishing touches" on elements that will be demonstrated at WWDC."

Nokia hits Apple AGAIN with patent COMPLAINTS

Nokia hits Apple AGAIN with patent COMPLAINTS

Apple Begins Global Sales of New IPad 2 Tablet as COMPETITION INTENSIFIES

Apple Begins Global Sales of New IPad 2 Tablet as COMPETITION INTENSIFIES

Some Worry That Success of Apple Is Tied to Japan

 

"SAN FRANCISCO — Last week, shares of Apple did something they rarely do: they fell nearly 7 percent, in two days.

The unusually sharp drop, which was twice as large as the decline in technology shares over all, was driven in part by worries over the impact that the crisis in Japan would have on Apple’s ability to make its blockbuster products. It didn’t help that the iPad 2, the latest Apple gadget that everyone seems to want to get their hands on, appears to be in increasingly short supply, a situation Apple has found itself in before.

The two factors are unrelated, at least for now. Any problems affecting Apple’s supply chain in Japan will not affect finished products for weeks, analysts say. But some investors fear that Apple’s challenges in meeting demand for a product like the iPad 2 will simply get worse in the months to come as some critical components are delayed." 

Apple sues Amazon over "App Store" trademark

Apple sues Amazon over "App Store" trademark

"Apple is suing Amazon.com for trademark infringement and unfair competition over its use of the term "App Store." The complaint, filed in US District Court for the Northern California District on Friday, asks that Amazon be ordered to stop using "Appstore" to refer to its Google Android Market alternative, set to launch Tuesday.

"Amazon has begun improperly using Apple’s App Store mark in connection with Amazon's mobile software developer program," Apple wrote in its complaint. Amazon hinted at its intentions to launch its own service to sell apps for the Android platform, and in January of this year told developers to begin submitting apps for what it calls the Amazon Appstore for Android.

Apple since asked Amazon to stop calling its store an "Appstore" three times, according to the lawsuit. "We've asked Amazon not to copy the App Store name because it will confuse and mislead customers," Apple spokesperson Kristin Huguet told Bloomberg News.

Apple filed for a trademark on the term App Store in 2008, and after an initial rejection and an appeal by Apple, it was approved in early 2010. Microsoft filed an objection in July 2010 on the grounds that the term was too generic, and later asked the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to issue a summary judgment denying Apple's trademark application." 

JONY IVE: High School DRUMMER, To Apple SUPERSTAR

Jony Ive: High School DRUMMER, To Apple SUPERSTAR

"In a sea of Jobs biographies, it’s a nice change to read about the British-born Jonathan Ive. Who would’ve thought that designing a toilet would lead him to Cupertino and to Apple’s basement where he spent years toiling away unnoticed before Jobs scooped him up and gave him the opportunity he deserved? This biography on his early years is worth a read for anyone who’s ever stuck those white earbuds in their ears."

T-Mobile USA customers shouldn't expect Apple's iPhone for AT LEAST ONE YEAR!

T-Mobile USA customers shouldn't expect Apple's iPhone for AT LEAST ONE YEAR!

" U.S. customers of T-Mobile likely will not have access to Apple's iPhone for at least one year, assuming a proposed acquisition from AT&T is granted federal approval.

Following the announcement on Sunday that AT&T plans to buy T-Mobile to create the largest wireless provider in the U.S., a list of frequently asked questions were posted on the official T-Mobile website. In that list, one question is specifically devoted to the iPhone, which is currently only available to AT&T and Verizon customers.

"T-Mobile USA remains an independent company," the FAQ reads. "The acquisition is expected to be completed in approximately 12 months. We do not offer the iPhone. We offer cutting edge devices like the Samsung Galaxy S 4G and coming soon our new Sidekick 4G."

T-Mobile cannot yet offer the iPhone because its wireless network is not compatible with the 3G radio found in the GSM version of Apple's best-selling smartphone. And that won't change until AT&T's proposed acquisition of T-Mobile is approved by federal regulators -- a milestone that is by no means guaranteed."

'GAY CURE' Apple iPhone app: more than 80,000 complain

Apple is under fire from gay rights activists after it approved an iPhoneand iPad app targeting "homosexual strugglers".

More than 80,000 people have signed GAY CURE Apple App? against the so-called "gay cure" app, which Apple deemed to have "no objectionable content".

Exodus International, the pro-Christian group behind the app, promotes the "ex-gay" movement, encouraging people to change their sexuality. The app gives users "freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus", according to the group.

Apple had not returned a request for comment at time of publication.

Ben Summerskill, the chief executive of gay rights group Stonewall, said: "At Stonewall, we've all been on this app since 8am and we can assure your readers it's having absolutely no effect.

iPad 2 may suffer from supply SHORTAGES in its electronic COMPASS, the battery and POSSIBLY its touchscreen glass

"newly unveiled iPad 2 may suffer from supply shortages in its electronic compass, the battery and possibly its touchscreen glass because of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, a research firm said Thursday. IHS iSuppli found at least five parts in the iPad 2 sourced from Japanese suppliers that could be impacted, including NAND flash memory chips from Toshiba Corp. (6502.TO), dynamic random access memory made by Elpida Memory Inc. (6665.TO), an electronic compass from AKM Semiconductor, the touchscreen overlay glass likely from Asahi Glass Co. (5201.TO) and the system battery from Apple Japan Inc, according to IHS"

Apple SEEKS Beatles' Apple LOGO

Apple SEEKS Beatles' Apple LOGO

Apple DELAYS launch of iPad 2 in Japan in wake of earthquake DISASTER

Apple delays launch of iPad 2 in Japan in wake of earthquake disaster

"Though Japan was originally scheduled to be one of a number of countries where the iPad 2 will launch next week, Apple announced on Wednesday that it has delayed the launch while the country works to recover from the recent earthquake and tsunami disaster.

The iPad 2 was supposed to go on sale in Japan on March 25. But on Tuesday, the delay was announced, and a new sale date was not revealed, according to Reuters.

"We are delaying the launch of the iPad 2 in Japan while the coutnry and our teams focus on recovering from the recent disaster," Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris reportedly said."

iPad 2 Sold Out: Newbies Go on Buying Spree

iPad 2 SOLD OUT

 

"Weekend sales of Apple's iPad 2 were stellar with as many as 500,000 tablets sold to mostly new tablet owners, according to Piper Jaffray, an independent market research firm. Sales of the iPad 2 were up 67 percent compared to the launch of to original iPad when Apple sold 300,000 tablets.

The figures reinforce Apple dominance in tablet sales as first-time tablet owners flock to the iPad 2 and not tablets such as Motorola's Xoom tablet based on the Android mobile operating system." 

When 9th in iPad 2 line CAN'T get the one he WANTS

When 9th in iPad 2 line can't get the one he wants

Apple UNVEILS iPad 2 to LONG lines

Apple unveils iPad 2 to long lines

Apple May Sell 600,000 IPad 2s in Debut, Outpacing First Model

Apple May Sell 600,000 IPad 2s in Debut, Outpacing First Model

"Apple Inc. (AAPL) may sell 600,000 of the second version of the iPad when it debuts this weekend, extending the device’s lead in a crowding market.

The iPad 2 goes on sale on Apple’s website at 4 a.m. New York time, then appears in U.S. stores at 5 p.m. Brian Marshall, an analyst at Gleacher & Co. who predicted more than a half- million in unit sales, is one of several who expect the iPad 2 to outpace its predecessor. Apple sold 300,000 of that version in 24 hours." 

Ipad2 Buzz, Tapping Into Apple's SECRET MAGIC!

Ipad2 Buzz, Tapping Into Apple's SECRET MAGIC!

Stephen Colbert On iPad 2: "OH MY GOD I NEED IT, I NEED IT, GIVE IT TO ME"

Stephen Colbert On iPad 2: "OH MY GOD I NEED IT, I NEED IT, GIVE IT TO ME"

Wolverton: Android vs. Apple: Xoom tablet NICE, BUT NOT iPad killer

Wolverton: Android vs. Apple: Xoom tablet nice, but no iPad killer

SO FAR, Rivals CAN'T Beat iPad’s Price

SO FAR, Rivals CAN'T Beat iPad’s Price

"The iPad 2, unveiled on Wednesday, offers several sleek improvements over its predecessor. But its most attractive feature is perhaps the same one its predecessor had: the price tag.

And what makes that feature even more compelling is that so far, Apple’s competitors in tablets cannot beat or even match it.

The iPad 2, like the original, starts at $499. Apple says that since it introduced the original last April, it has sold 15 million of the devices, generating $9.5 billion in revenue. Analysts say this is only the start of a lucrative market for tablet computers, which could soar as high as $35 billion by 2012." 

Apple's Grand Central Plans Face Scrutiny

Apple's Grand Central Plans Face Scrutiny

"Apple would fit in well with the types of retailers already housed in Grand Central, said Peter Braus, executive vice president of Sierra Realty. The terminal contains a number of high-end shops like Tumi luggage and M.A.C Cosmetics, as well as gourmet food stores like Murray's Cheese Shop, Penzeys Spices and a seafood market with live lobsters and caviar.

"You want a tenant who is good at catering to a short attention span where consumers can make a quick decision and be in and out," he said. "Everyone these days is buying last mintue accessories for their iPods, or accessories. You could stop into the Apple store, get on the train and go home."

However, to open a store in the terminal, retailers must undergo a stringent approval process. The MTA issues a request for proposals to lease in the space and interested companies submit a detailed account of their retail operations and the amount they're willing to pay per square foot, MTA's Donovan said." 

If iPads are “post-pc devices” why must I sync with iTunes before I can use one?

If iPads are “post-pc devices” why must I sync with iTunes before I can use one?

"As I listened to Steve speak, one phrase kept gnawing at me. Steve said that the iPad was “a post-pc device”. As an iOS developer who makes his living building apps for iPads and iPhones, I disagree. You see iOS has this ball and chain attached to it called “iTunes” that runs on a typical PC. The first time you turn your iPad on you’re greeted with this screen on the right prompting you to plug your iPad into a computer so it can be setup. You can’t even turn your iPad on the first time without being tethered to iTunes."

VIDEO: Investors UPBEAT on Apple after Jobs iPad speech

Investors upbeat on Apple after Jobs iPad speech

Apple Negotiating UNLIMITED Usage of Music Downloads

Apple Negotiating UNLIMITED Usage of Music Downloads

"Apple Inc. (AAPL) is in talks with record companies to give iTunes customers easier access to music they’ve purchased across multiple devices, said three people with knowledge of the plans.

Apple is negotiating with music companies including Vivendi SA (VIV)’s Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment,Warner Music Group Corp. (WMG) and EMI Group Ltd., said the people, who asked for anonymity because the talks are private. An agreement may be announced by midyear, two of the people said."

iPad Trade-in Economy EXPLODES, PORTENDS Huge iPad 2 Sales

"If the burgeoning trade-in activity for the original iPad is any indication, sales of the iPad 2 could exceed even the most brazen predictions.

Trade-in programs from Gazelle, eBay and NextWorth are all reporting sustained levels of user interest. Meanwhile, Apple is giving some recent iPad 1 buyers a $100 discount"

iPad2: The Most STUNNING Pictures from Apple’s Event

iPad2: The Most Stunning Pictures from Apple’s Event

IPad cuts 'DRAMATICALLY' into laptop PC sales

IPad cuts 'dramatically' into laptop PC sales

"NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Tablets aren't killing personal computers yet, but they're making consumers think twice before buying a laptop.

Tech consultancy Gartner on Thursday lowered its PC shipment forecast for 2011 and 2012. The company said soaring tablet sales will result in far fewer notebook and netbook sales over the next two years than it initially expected." 

FUNNY Comic on What It's Like To Own All the Apple Products!

FUNNY Comic on What It's Like To Own All the Apple Products!

YOUR CHOICE: Motorola Xoom or Apple iPad 2?

Your choice: Motorola Xoom or Apple iPad 2?

"The Motorola Xoom, the first official Google tablet, has officially landed and the early reviews are in. The Apple iPad 2 has been revealed and will shortly be in the hands of the masses. These two are emerging as the top picks in a tablet market that is about to be flooded with innumerable choices. If you had to choose between Xoom and iPad 2, which would you pick?"

Apple's A5 CPU in iPad 2 has 512MB of RAM, same as iPhone 4 - report

Apple's A5 CPU in iPad 2 has 512MB of RAM, same as iPhone 4 - report

" Responding to a query about the amount of RAM in the iPad 2, analyst Kakeun Lee claimed on Twitter (via Google Translate) that the new iPad will double the amount of RAM in last year's model. He also revealed that the new A5 processor features LPDDR2 memory, which is a speed boost from the LPDDR1 RAM in the first-generation iPad.

If true, the inclusion of 512MB of RAM confirms reports that the iPad 2 would pack the same amount of memory as the iPhone 4. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of Concord Securities also toldAppleInsider that the RAM in the iPad 2 would run at a higher clock speed of 1,066MHz for greater memory bandwidth than the 800MHz memory in the iPhone 4.

Kuo also indicated back in January that the iPad 2 would have LPDDR2 RAM at a speed of 1,066MHz, corroborating Lee's more recent claims. Kuo said the memory would be supplied by both Samsung and Hynix."

CHART OF THE DAY: Here's How The Xoom Stacks Up To The iPad 2

CHART OF THE DAY: Here's How The Xoom Stacks Up To The iPad 2

BREAKING: iPad2 is Thinner, Faster, and Stronger

BREAKING: iPad2 is Thinner, Faster, and Stronger

"Apple has just made its second-generation iPad official! It features a dual-core A5 chip and, finally, cameras, both front and rear! The new CPU is said to be up to twice as fast, with graphics performance up to nine times better than on the original iPad, while power requirements have been kept the same.

The iPad 2 is 33 percent thinner than its predecessor, at a mind-melting 8.8mm, and will ship in two variants: white and black. It’ll be available on both AT&T(NYSE:T) and Verizon (NYSE:VZ)."

Apple Has Edge on Tablet Rivals With IPad Costs, Bernstein Says

 "

Apple Inc.’s iPad, which commands about three-quarters of the market for tablet computers, has an edge over rivals because of the way the company sources components and sells the device, a report says.

Several factors give Apple an iPad cost advantage of as much as 9.75 percentage points over competitors, Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi wrote today in a research note. The company is also pricing iPad more aggressively than its other products, making it difficult for rivals to undercut the tablet, he said" 

Steve Jobs surprises with return to the stage at Apple's iPad 2 event - how long may he have left?

Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs surprised the crowd Wednesday by taking the stage at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, just weeks after he left his daily duties for health reasons. Jobs was greeted with a standing ovation when he took the stage. He noted to the audience that Apple has been working on the second-generation iPad for awhile, and that he didn't want to miss its unveiling. For his first announcement, Jobs revealed that Random House has come to the iBookstore for iOS devices. Random House will add more than 17,000 books to the digital storefront, and users have already downloaded more than 100 million books in less than a year from more than 2,500 publishers.

Twitter terminates Steve Jobs parodist

Not the Fake Steve Jobs, a fake Steve Jobs.

"Twitter has axed the highly popular parody account of a counterfeit Steve Jobs.
The tweeter, @ceoSteveJobs, had a following of more than 460,000 Twitterati, GeekSmackreported on Tuesday night when revealing the account suspension, and @ceoSteveJobs had contributed more than 650 satirical tweets in the persona of the Apple chief executive. But no more."

Apple expected to ship 6,500,000 iPads in first quarter, 40,000,000 in 2011

Apple expected to ship 6.5M iPads in first quarter, 40M in 2011

"Shipments of the iPad, including the second-generation model to be announced by Apple today, are expected to be between 6 million and 6.5 million in the first quarter of 2011, on their way to 40 million for the calendar year.

The numbers from DigiTimes on Wednesday show that Apple expects to significantly ramp up production of the iPad as 2011 wears on. For the initial launch of the iPad 2, Apple is expected to have between 300,000 and 400,000 units available.

Apple reportedly ordered between 1.7 million and 2 million iPads in January and February. Order volumes for March, including the to-be-announced iPad 2, are expected to top 2 million."

Apple slams Microsoft's 'App Store' challenge

Apple slams Microsoft's 'App Store' challenge

"Apple is defending its effort to trademark the phrase "App Store" against a Microsoft challenge, arguing the term is no more generic than the software giant's trademarked "Windows."

Apple's applied for the trademark in 2008, prompting a challenge by Microsoft, which contended the phrase is too generic to register and would restrict competitors' ability to use of the term to describe their own services. In a filing (PDF) yesterday with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Apple asked that that challenge be dismissed and pointed out that one of Microsoft's most prominent trademarks has also been challenged as generic.

"Having itself faced a decades-long genericness challenge to its claimed Windows mark, Microsoft should be well aware that the focus in evaluating genericness is on the mark as a whole and requires a fact-intensive assessment of the primary significance of the term to a substantial majority of the relevant public," says Apple in the filing (Apple's emphasis). "Yet, Microsoft, missing the forest for the trees, does not base its motion on a comprehensive evaluation of how the relevant public understands the term App Store as a whole."  

Will iPad 2 Be Another Enterprise Afterthought?

Will iPad 2 Be Another Enterprise Afterthought?

"The likelihood that Apple would simply send a press release announcing its next iPad (iPad 2) is like Lebron James laying up on a breakaway, so here we all come to San Francisco, breathless about what's to come at its March 2 announcement. In these very pages, we've talked about what the new tablet should be and what it shouldn't be, and on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Pacific time, we'll tell you in our live blog what it actually is. This will be the final announcement in this season of tablet introductions, and while this one may not be the slam dunk Apple made last year, it's sure to have a couple of surprises. And because the iPad has become a surprisingly popular business tool, we're hoping for some enhanced enterprise support.

A reasonable person may ask: With more than 15 million tablets sold, why should Apple care about expanding its scope? The enterprise is unreasonable, demanding even, and besides, other vendors are building tablets that do provide various levels of enterprise support" 


 

Expanded distribution of iPad 2 COULD BE Apple's key to success

 Expanded distribution of iPad 2 could be Apple's key to success

"Exploring alternative retail partners like Kohl's or Bed Bath & Beyond for the next-generation iPad could give Apple another advantage over its competitors in the booming tablet market.

Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis with the NPD Group, wrote about the anticipated launch of the second-generation iPad on his company's official blog on Tuesday. He said he believes distribution and availability of the touchscreen tablet will be an even more important factor than technical specifications for the next-generation device.

"As Apple talks more about small businesses and the iPad opportunity in enterprise it would be great if distribution focus was expanded to include more business-oriented channels like the office stores and the DMRs, such as PC Connection and Insight," he wrote. "Those chains and resellers offer Apple real chances to gain incremental volume versus shoveling a couple more units through carrier stores or adding another Web site." 

15 Features Apple MUST BUILD Into iOS 5

15 Features Apple MUST BUILD Into iOS 5!

"In addition to the iPad 2, Apple may unveil a new version of its iOS software for iPhones and iPads this Wednesday. As in years past, we expect Apple to boast about a large number of new features for iOS -- most of them minor -- and many new programming hooks for developers.
What's going to be included?
In addition to our own expectations and wish lists, we have polled more than a dozen iOS developers for the features, large and small, that they would like Apple to add to the platform."

Best Buy Leaks Info On Ipad2 Launch!

"More evidence that Apple plans to surprise with near immediate availability of its second-generation iPad surfaced Tuesday, when it was revealed that retailer Best Buy has listed the first-generation iPad as "deleted" in its inventory."

Best Buy Leaks Info On Ipad2 Launch! 

Apple's iPad 2 unveiling viewed as 'CRUCIAL' to stay ahead of competition

Apple's iPad 2 unveiling viewed as 'CRUCIAL' to stay ahead of competition

"With over a hundred tablets expected to come to market this year looking to take on the iPad, Apple's unveiling of its second-generation tablet on Wednesday will be a critical moment for the company, one analyst believes.

Brian White with Ticonderoga Securities said in a note to investors on Tuesday that he believe's Apple's iPad 2 event, to be held on Wednesday, is a "crucial product launch." In particular, he said, analysts will look to see how well Apple handles the debut of its second-generation iPad with Chief Executive Steve Jobs on a medical leave of absence.

"We estimate there are well over one hundred tablets coming to market around the world this year," White said. "Assuming a new iPad is unveiled at this event, we believe Apple must make a convincing case for why the iPad 2 is better than the plethora of competitors coming to market, while at the same time persuading iPad 1 buyers to upgrade to iPad 2."

With 15 million iPads sold in calendar year 2010, the new device has become a very important product for Apple. White noted that the iPad and related products and services generated $4.61 billion in sales in the first quarter of Apple's fiscal 2011, amounting to 17.2 percent of the company's revenue."

11 Killer Features That COULD Take the iPad to the NEXT Level

11 Killer Features That Could Take the iPad to the Next Level

"It's been a year since Apple took the wraps off its first tablet. In those past 12 months, the iPad hasn't had too much serious competition, and has easilydominated the tablet market. But with the recent introduction of Google's tablet-specific Honeycomb Android OS on devices like the Motorola Xoom, the tablet space is finally starting to get interesting.

And while other companies like HP, Motorola, and RIM are releasing first-generation tablets, Apple is set to unveil its second-gen iPad tomorrow. Theinvites have been sent, and the blogosphere is bursting with all sorts of ideas about what the 'iPad 2' might look like. But as anyone who follows Apple knows, nothing is certain until it's unveiled on stage in San Francisco. Here are 11 ways Apple could knock it out of the park with its next iPad"