Read It Later goes free, becomes Pocket
Meet Pocket, the successor to the megapopular short-term bookmarking tool Read It Later. Just as simple and platform-compatible as Read It Later, this new incarnation adds extra features and shows off a completely redesigned interface. If you're not familiar with Read It Later, it's an incredibly convenient app that's useful in countless scenarios. Say you're on your morning commute and you come across a lengthy article that you can't quite (or don't want to) finish reading. Just add it to your RIL list, and go back to it later. Or say you come across an HD movie trailer while surfing on your phone. Go ahead and add it to your RIL list; then you can watch it when you get back to your desktop. The beauty of Read It Later has always been its simplicity and cross-platform compatibility. It was easy to use anywhere, anytime, and on any device.Fortunately, with today's news we don't lose any of the features we came to love in Read It Later. In fact, in Pocket we get all of the previous app's core functionality, plus a number of significant improvements. Most noticeably, Pocket is head and shoulders above Read It Later when it comes to visual interface. With sleeker colors, icons, panels, and fonts, not only is content more attractive in the new app, it's also easier to read. And it's more than just a face-lift, as Pocket brings new features to the table. Now there's bulk editing, which lets you mark as favorite, tag, or delete multiple items at once, potentially saving a lot of time for power users. Also, you can filter your list by content type, so you can choose to see only videos, images, or articles. Finally, Pocket is completely free to all users, unlike Read It Later, which came in both free and paid Pro versions. This means there are no limits on your list, and the searching and sorting features are always unlocked.After my initial test drive, I have to say I am impressed by the new Pocket app. It looks and feels better than its predecessor, it offers enhanced features, and I even like the name better. Sure, "Read It Later" had a nice ring to it, but it felt a bit constrictive, no? With the new name, Pocket, I feel like the app has a lot more room to grow, and I'm excited to see it do just that.Pocket (Android| iOS) is available now for free download from Google Play and Apple's iTunes App Store.
Google unveils new photo-sharing social network
Google unveils new photo-sharing social network
Google has begun rolling out a new social-networking photo service, dubbed Photovine.Though Google has said little publicly about Photovine, the service appears to be one in which consumers can take snaps from their phones and have them upload in a stream of pictures in the same way that tweets flow into Twitter. Presumably, if you subscribe to someone else's Photovine, you'll see their latest photos almost as soon as they shoot them.The service, though, isn't yet live. There's only the opportunity to request an invitation on Photovine's Web site, with no indication of when the service will launch.Business Insider was the first to notice thatphotovine.com went live. In addition to requesting an invitation, potential customers can also watch a video of how Google envisions the service working.Google has offered few details about the service and said little in response to a query."Photovine is a photo-sharing service built by a few folks at Slide," the company said in a statement, referring to the social-media company it acquired in August. "It's a fun way to learn more about your friends, meet new people and share your world with others."Photovine comes just as Google is ramping up its Google+ social-networking service. But it's unclear if the two services will be aligned.The video Google posted features folks taking photos with iPhones, which clearly suggests that Photovine will be an iPhone app. The app is available in iTunes, and Google says it's "working hard" on a version for customers using phones that run its Android mobile operating system. Updated at 4:32 p.m. PT: Added Google comment. Updated at 10:35 a.m. PT on July 14: Added that the app is now available on iTunes and Google comment regarding Android version.
Google has begun rolling out a new social-networking photo service, dubbed Photovine.Though Google has said little publicly about Photovine, the service appears to be one in which consumers can take snaps from their phones and have them upload in a stream of pictures in the same way that tweets flow into Twitter. Presumably, if you subscribe to someone else's Photovine, you'll see their latest photos almost as soon as they shoot them.The service, though, isn't yet live. There's only the opportunity to request an invitation on Photovine's Web site, with no indication of when the service will launch.Business Insider was the first to notice thatphotovine.com went live. In addition to requesting an invitation, potential customers can also watch a video of how Google envisions the service working.Google has offered few details about the service and said little in response to a query."Photovine is a photo-sharing service built by a few folks at Slide," the company said in a statement, referring to the social-media company it acquired in August. "It's a fun way to learn more about your friends, meet new people and share your world with others."Photovine comes just as Google is ramping up its Google+ social-networking service. But it's unclear if the two services will be aligned.The video Google posted features folks taking photos with iPhones, which clearly suggests that Photovine will be an iPhone app. The app is available in iTunes, and Google says it's "working hard" on a version for customers using phones that run its Android mobile operating system. Updated at 4:32 p.m. PT: Added Google comment. Updated at 10:35 a.m. PT on July 14: Added that the app is now available on iTunes and Google comment regarding Android version.
Report- Apple gears up for new MacBook Air
Report: Apple gears up for new MacBook Air
And the Intel chip refresh would follow the update to the 13-inch MacBook Pro in February.Like the existing MacBook Air, the 13-inch MacBooks had been on an old Intel chip diet before Apple finally beefed them up with new Sandy Bridge processors. One outstanding question is whether the new Airs will get the coveted, high-performance Thunderbolt port that is now standard on all MacBook Pros.A recent report claimed that is indeed the case. Graphics silicon is also expected to change.The first-gen MacBook Air used Intel graphics, while the second-gen and third-gen Airs got an Nvidia graphics chip. This time, Apple is expected to return to the Intel fold (as it has done with 13-inch MacBook Pro already). Why? Intel's Sandy Bridge graphics offer good-enough performance for a heat-challenged, ultrathin laptop like the Air.Plus, real estate is precious. There just isn't room for a lot of extra chips.
And the Intel chip refresh would follow the update to the 13-inch MacBook Pro in February.Like the existing MacBook Air, the 13-inch MacBooks had been on an old Intel chip diet before Apple finally beefed them up with new Sandy Bridge processors. One outstanding question is whether the new Airs will get the coveted, high-performance Thunderbolt port that is now standard on all MacBook Pros.A recent report claimed that is indeed the case. Graphics silicon is also expected to change.The first-gen MacBook Air used Intel graphics, while the second-gen and third-gen Airs got an Nvidia graphics chip. This time, Apple is expected to return to the Intel fold (as it has done with 13-inch MacBook Pro already). Why? Intel's Sandy Bridge graphics offer good-enough performance for a heat-challenged, ultrathin laptop like the Air.Plus, real estate is precious. There just isn't room for a lot of extra chips.
Report- Apple did not acquire Wi-Gear
Report: Apple did not acquire Wi-Gear
A report suggesting Apple acquired wireless headset maker Wi-Gear is inaccurate, the company's CEO told Barron's in an interview today."The rumor is false," Wi-Gear CEO Mark Pundsack told Barron's.Pundsack was responding to a report from 9to5 Mac claiming his company was acquired by Apple two months ago. The Apple blog claimed to have a "source" confirming Wi-Gear's sale to Apple. The blog also pointed to a LinkedIn page of Wi-Gear employee Michael Kim, which claims that he started working at Apple two months ago.As CNET noted in its report yesterday on 9to5 Mac's claims, the LinkedIn page wasn't necessarily the smoking gun that the blog thought it was. And until either party confirmed the sale, it was very much a rumor. Now it seems that it might have been just that--a rumor.Apple did not respond to multiple requests for confirmation on the matter.In addition to telling Barron's that Apple did not acquire Wi-Gear, Pundsack made it clear that the company "and its intellectual property are still available for sale." He also confirmed with Barron's that Wi-Gear has "ceased operations," as the company notes on its Web site.While it was in operation, Wi-Gear sold wireless headphones that connected to Apple's iPod and Bluetooth-equipped phones.
A report suggesting Apple acquired wireless headset maker Wi-Gear is inaccurate, the company's CEO told Barron's in an interview today."The rumor is false," Wi-Gear CEO Mark Pundsack told Barron's.Pundsack was responding to a report from 9to5 Mac claiming his company was acquired by Apple two months ago. The Apple blog claimed to have a "source" confirming Wi-Gear's sale to Apple. The blog also pointed to a LinkedIn page of Wi-Gear employee Michael Kim, which claims that he started working at Apple two months ago.As CNET noted in its report yesterday on 9to5 Mac's claims, the LinkedIn page wasn't necessarily the smoking gun that the blog thought it was. And until either party confirmed the sale, it was very much a rumor. Now it seems that it might have been just that--a rumor.Apple did not respond to multiple requests for confirmation on the matter.In addition to telling Barron's that Apple did not acquire Wi-Gear, Pundsack made it clear that the company "and its intellectual property are still available for sale." He also confirmed with Barron's that Wi-Gear has "ceased operations," as the company notes on its Web site.While it was in operation, Wi-Gear sold wireless headphones that connected to Apple's iPod and Bluetooth-equipped phones.
Amazon lets rip with AutoRip music service
Amazon lets rip with AutoRip music service
As expected, Amazon has launched a service called AutoRip designed to store consumers' CD music tracks in the cloud.The AutoRip service debuted this morning. When consumers buy an AutoRip-enabled CD, they automatically get the MP3 version for free, and those MP3 versions will be available for streaming or downloading from Amazon's Cloud Player. The MP3 tracks are available immediately, even before the buyer receives the CD.CNET's Greg Sandoval had first reported on the likely launch, citing multiple sources with knowledge of the plan. "This is the most significant initiative involving the CD in years," Sandoval wrote:Amazon, which is well back of Apple's iTunes in music sales, will be able to tell the large number of consumers who still prefer their music on disc that they're getting more value for their money, and this could help the retailer take a larger share of that business. It's a smart move. The service is available for CDs purchased well before now, too. Amazon said that it applies to any AutoRip-eligible CD purchased since 1998.Here's how to listen to AutoRip music, per Amazon:You can find all of your AutoRip music in the Purchased playlist in your Amazon Cloud Player library. AutoRip purchases are marked with an AutoRip logo in your Cloud Player library. You can stream and download all of your music from your Cloud Player library on your computer's browser or any of your Amazon Cloud Player enabled devices.Amazon said that "thousands" of AutoRip CDs are available. Titles that appear on the list include Green Day's "Tre," Mumford & Sons' "Babel," Taylor Swift's "Red," Paul Simon's remastered "Graceland," and Eric Clapton's 1970s classic "Slowhand." Only U.S. customers can take advantage of the service at the moment.Editors' note, 9:07 a.m. PT: This story was updated several times during the morning with additional details.
As expected, Amazon has launched a service called AutoRip designed to store consumers' CD music tracks in the cloud.The AutoRip service debuted this morning. When consumers buy an AutoRip-enabled CD, they automatically get the MP3 version for free, and those MP3 versions will be available for streaming or downloading from Amazon's Cloud Player. The MP3 tracks are available immediately, even before the buyer receives the CD.CNET's Greg Sandoval had first reported on the likely launch, citing multiple sources with knowledge of the plan. "This is the most significant initiative involving the CD in years," Sandoval wrote:Amazon, which is well back of Apple's iTunes in music sales, will be able to tell the large number of consumers who still prefer their music on disc that they're getting more value for their money, and this could help the retailer take a larger share of that business. It's a smart move. The service is available for CDs purchased well before now, too. Amazon said that it applies to any AutoRip-eligible CD purchased since 1998.Here's how to listen to AutoRip music, per Amazon:You can find all of your AutoRip music in the Purchased playlist in your Amazon Cloud Player library. AutoRip purchases are marked with an AutoRip logo in your Cloud Player library. You can stream and download all of your music from your Cloud Player library on your computer's browser or any of your Amazon Cloud Player enabled devices.Amazon said that "thousands" of AutoRip CDs are available. Titles that appear on the list include Green Day's "Tre," Mumford & Sons' "Babel," Taylor Swift's "Red," Paul Simon's remastered "Graceland," and Eric Clapton's 1970s classic "Slowhand." Only U.S. customers can take advantage of the service at the moment.Editors' note, 9:07 a.m. PT: This story was updated several times during the morning with additional details.
Alpine, SXV100 SiriusXM tuner offer advanced satellite radio functions
Alpine, SXV100 SiriusXM tuner offer advanced satellite radio functions
Alpine Electronics puts its weight behind SiriusXM satellite radio in the car with its announcement of a new line of single-DIN CD receivers that will bear the new SiriusXM-Ready badge, marking their compatibility with the car audio supplier's new SVX100 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit. For the first time, Alpine is offering a bundled SiriusXM tuner and CD receiver package, giving customers a turn-key option for getting satellite radio content through their cars' speakers.The star of the show is the SXV100 SiriusXM tuner, which provides access to a number of advanced satellite radio features in addition to the standard 180-plus channels received through its magnetic rooftop antenna. For example, users are now able to pause, rewind, and replay up to 30 minutes of satellite radio content from the tuner's internal cache. There's also support for iTunes Tagging to save the info of a playing song for later purchase in the iTunes store--a feature that debuted on HD Radio tuners. Additionally, a selection of notification functions--SongAlert, ArtistAlert, and GameAlert--inform the user when a favorite song, artist, or professional or college sport team is playing on any SiriusXM channel.The CDE-124SXM package consists of a CD receiver and the SXV100 SiriusXM Connect vehicle tuner.Inc.,Alpine Electronic of AmericaThe SXV100 tuner is compatible with Alpine's new CDE-123 CD receiver, which features front and rear USB ports, an iPod interface cable, an auxiliary input, and an internal amplifier that outputs 18 continuous watts through each of its four channels. The CDE-123 CD receiver and SVX100 satellite tuner can be purchased separately for $199.95 and $69.99, respectively. Those looking to save a few bucks off of the combined $269.94 cost can have the SXV100 bundled with the CDE-122 CD receiver--which is mostly identical to the CDE-123, but with the omission of the rear USB port and iPod cable--as part of the new Alpine CDE-124SXM package for $229.95.
Alpine Electronics puts its weight behind SiriusXM satellite radio in the car with its announcement of a new line of single-DIN CD receivers that will bear the new SiriusXM-Ready badge, marking their compatibility with the car audio supplier's new SVX100 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit. For the first time, Alpine is offering a bundled SiriusXM tuner and CD receiver package, giving customers a turn-key option for getting satellite radio content through their cars' speakers.The star of the show is the SXV100 SiriusXM tuner, which provides access to a number of advanced satellite radio features in addition to the standard 180-plus channels received through its magnetic rooftop antenna. For example, users are now able to pause, rewind, and replay up to 30 minutes of satellite radio content from the tuner's internal cache. There's also support for iTunes Tagging to save the info of a playing song for later purchase in the iTunes store--a feature that debuted on HD Radio tuners. Additionally, a selection of notification functions--SongAlert, ArtistAlert, and GameAlert--inform the user when a favorite song, artist, or professional or college sport team is playing on any SiriusXM channel.The CDE-124SXM package consists of a CD receiver and the SXV100 SiriusXM Connect vehicle tuner.Inc.,Alpine Electronic of AmericaThe SXV100 tuner is compatible with Alpine's new CDE-123 CD receiver, which features front and rear USB ports, an iPod interface cable, an auxiliary input, and an internal amplifier that outputs 18 continuous watts through each of its four channels. The CDE-123 CD receiver and SVX100 satellite tuner can be purchased separately for $199.95 and $69.99, respectively. Those looking to save a few bucks off of the combined $269.94 cost can have the SXV100 bundled with the CDE-122 CD receiver--which is mostly identical to the CDE-123, but with the omission of the rear USB port and iPod cable--as part of the new Alpine CDE-124SXM package for $229.95.
Analyst- New MacBook Air with Lion due in July
Analyst: New MacBook Air with Lion due in July
Apple's refresh of the MacBook Air should come in July packing Apple's newest OS X Lion operating system, a Deutsche Bank analyst said today. "Our checks suggest a forthcoming MacBook Air refresh in July where we believe units could ramp to as high as 1.5M units per [quarter] or 50 percent of the MacBook business," analyst Chris Whitmore wrote in a research note distributed via e-mail.If the MacBook Air garnered half of all of Apple's MacBook business, that would be a significant milestone, as early versions of the Air, dating back to January 2008, were not that popular compared with other MacBook offerings. The most significant upgrade to the Air is expected to be the switch to Intel's new Sandy Bridge processors.Less certain is whether the new models get the high-speed Thunderbolt port, though it has been widely reported that they will. Whitmore's note continued: "We also believe Lion will drive a strong upgrade cycle due to: 1) low ASP; 2) significant enhancements/feature upgrades; and 3) arrives in conjunction with MacBook Air refresh."Whitmore also commented on OS X Lion, saying that among its 250-plus new features, the most important improvements include iCloud, multitouch gestures, "mission control," and "resume."These will "spur a large part of the 54 [million] Mac installed base to upgrade," he wrote.OS X Lion also benefits Apple because it is available only through Apple's App store, which means no retail distribution costs for Apple, Whitmore said.
Apple's refresh of the MacBook Air should come in July packing Apple's newest OS X Lion operating system, a Deutsche Bank analyst said today. "Our checks suggest a forthcoming MacBook Air refresh in July where we believe units could ramp to as high as 1.5M units per [quarter] or 50 percent of the MacBook business," analyst Chris Whitmore wrote in a research note distributed via e-mail.If the MacBook Air garnered half of all of Apple's MacBook business, that would be a significant milestone, as early versions of the Air, dating back to January 2008, were not that popular compared with other MacBook offerings. The most significant upgrade to the Air is expected to be the switch to Intel's new Sandy Bridge processors.Less certain is whether the new models get the high-speed Thunderbolt port, though it has been widely reported that they will. Whitmore's note continued: "We also believe Lion will drive a strong upgrade cycle due to: 1) low ASP; 2) significant enhancements/feature upgrades; and 3) arrives in conjunction with MacBook Air refresh."Whitmore also commented on OS X Lion, saying that among its 250-plus new features, the most important improvements include iCloud, multitouch gestures, "mission control," and "resume."These will "spur a large part of the 54 [million] Mac installed base to upgrade," he wrote.OS X Lion also benefits Apple because it is available only through Apple's App store, which means no retail distribution costs for Apple, Whitmore said.
Analyst- Most Verizon iPhone adopters to switch from AT&T
Analyst: Most Verizon iPhone adopters to switch from AT&T
Now factoring in the likely launch of a Verizon iPhone during the first half of 2011, Munster expects Verizon will add around 2.5 million iPhones on its own next year but cannibalize around 6.5 million from AT&T.Under this scenario, the number of iPhone units sold through AT&T will drop 30 percent next year as U.S. consumers shift toward Verizon, and AT&T subscribers wait for their contracts to expire before they can jump ship to Verizon. As a result, Apple will likely sell a total of 20 million iPhones in the U.S., according to Munster, with AT&T accounting for 11 million and Verizon for 9 million.What if a Verizon iPhone fails to materialize next year? In that case, Munster believes AT&T will still sell around 17.5 million iPhones on its own.Despite ongoing complaints about AT&T's network (it was recently pegged as the worst carrier nationwide by Consumer Reports readers), the company has still captured a huge number of customers through the iPhone. Though AT&T offers a variety of smartphones, the record 5.2 million iPhones that it activated during its recent third quarter represented about 80 percent of all the smartphones it sells.The number of iPhone activations at Verizon may account for a much smaller percentage of its total smartphone numbers. Munster is estimating that of the 25 million smartphones that Verizon is expected to activate next year, only 9 million, or 36 percent, will be iPhones.Munster concedes that his overall forecast could prove conservative. If AT&T manages to sell 15 million iPhones next year, the same number as it did this year, and Verizon is able to sell the same number, Apple would see 30 million iPhones sold in the U.S. between the two carriers.Neither Apple nor Verizon has yet to confirm a Verizon iPhone, let alone a possible launch date. But Piper Jaffray's model calls for the phone to debut midway through the first quarter of next year.
Now factoring in the likely launch of a Verizon iPhone during the first half of 2011, Munster expects Verizon will add around 2.5 million iPhones on its own next year but cannibalize around 6.5 million from AT&T.Under this scenario, the number of iPhone units sold through AT&T will drop 30 percent next year as U.S. consumers shift toward Verizon, and AT&T subscribers wait for their contracts to expire before they can jump ship to Verizon. As a result, Apple will likely sell a total of 20 million iPhones in the U.S., according to Munster, with AT&T accounting for 11 million and Verizon for 9 million.What if a Verizon iPhone fails to materialize next year? In that case, Munster believes AT&T will still sell around 17.5 million iPhones on its own.Despite ongoing complaints about AT&T's network (it was recently pegged as the worst carrier nationwide by Consumer Reports readers), the company has still captured a huge number of customers through the iPhone. Though AT&T offers a variety of smartphones, the record 5.2 million iPhones that it activated during its recent third quarter represented about 80 percent of all the smartphones it sells.The number of iPhone activations at Verizon may account for a much smaller percentage of its total smartphone numbers. Munster is estimating that of the 25 million smartphones that Verizon is expected to activate next year, only 9 million, or 36 percent, will be iPhones.Munster concedes that his overall forecast could prove conservative. If AT&T manages to sell 15 million iPhones next year, the same number as it did this year, and Verizon is able to sell the same number, Apple would see 30 million iPhones sold in the U.S. between the two carriers.Neither Apple nor Verizon has yet to confirm a Verizon iPhone, let alone a possible launch date. But Piper Jaffray's model calls for the phone to debut midway through the first quarter of next year.
Analyst- MacBook Air sales continue to be strong
Analyst: MacBook Air sales continue to be strong
The second-generation MacBook Air is proving to be a strong seller for Apple, and one that could bring the company $2.2 billion in annual revenue if the current pace keeps up. That's according to a note by J.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz sent to investors earlier today, and picked up by the Financial Post.Citing data from Gartner, Moskowitz notes that Apple shipped 420,000 MacBook Air units in the fourth quarter of 2010, which is up 333 percent from the same quarter last year, and 326.8 percent from the previous quarter. Moskowitz said that if Apple can keep up that pace, both in production and sales of the Air line, it could go on to pull in revenue of $2.2 billion or more. Even if that target isn't hit, Moskowitz contended that the MacBook Air is becoming a bigger player in the Mac lineup, representing more than 10 percent of Mac units in the fourth quarter, and 15 percent of total notebook unit sales versus the 5 percent from the year before. The big sales jump coincides with the release of the second-generation MacBook Air, which went on sale in late October and represents the first major redesign since the Air's introduction in early 2008. During that time, the Air received two updates, which tweaked things like processor speed, graphics power, storage, and the price (which went down). Apple offered up the newest version of the Air in two different sizes, as well as lowering the entry-level price to $999.
The second-generation MacBook Air is proving to be a strong seller for Apple, and one that could bring the company $2.2 billion in annual revenue if the current pace keeps up. That's according to a note by J.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz sent to investors earlier today, and picked up by the Financial Post.Citing data from Gartner, Moskowitz notes that Apple shipped 420,000 MacBook Air units in the fourth quarter of 2010, which is up 333 percent from the same quarter last year, and 326.8 percent from the previous quarter. Moskowitz said that if Apple can keep up that pace, both in production and sales of the Air line, it could go on to pull in revenue of $2.2 billion or more. Even if that target isn't hit, Moskowitz contended that the MacBook Air is becoming a bigger player in the Mac lineup, representing more than 10 percent of Mac units in the fourth quarter, and 15 percent of total notebook unit sales versus the 5 percent from the year before. The big sales jump coincides with the release of the second-generation MacBook Air, which went on sale in late October and represents the first major redesign since the Air's introduction in early 2008. During that time, the Air received two updates, which tweaked things like processor speed, graphics power, storage, and the price (which went down). Apple offered up the newest version of the Air in two different sizes, as well as lowering the entry-level price to $999.
Analyst- iPhone 5 could double Apple's market share
Analyst: iPhone 5 could double Apple's market share
With pent-up demand for the iPhone 5, the new phone could double Apple's market share, according to an investor's report released yesterday by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster.Surveying a sampling of 216 mobile phone users, Munster found huge demand for the iPhone 5 among both current iPhone users and those who own other smartphones.Looking at all those surveyed, 29 percent currently own iPhones and 17 percent have an Android phone, leaving 28 percent with a BlackBerry and the rest with other types of phones.Among existing iPhone owners, 94 percent of those surveyed expect to buy another iPhone, leaving only 6 percent eyeing an Android device. But among current Android smartphone users, 42 percent said they're likely to switch to the iPhone.Among Verizon subscribers in general who don't presently own an iPhone, 55 percent expect to buy one, with 74 percent specifically waiting for the iPhone 5. That number compares with 53 percent of AT&T customers specifically awaiting the next model iPhone.Related stories• iPhone 5 rumor roundup• 8 great iOS 5 tips• iPhone 5 slated for September or October?Of all the respondents, 64 percent plan to pick up an iPhone when it's time to buy a new phone. Further, 60 percent are waiting for the iPhone 5 as opposed to allowing their contract to expire or their current phone to break down.Though the survey targeted only a small number of mobile phone users, it does highlight a demand build-up for the next iPhone. Such demand is due in large part to the longer wait time (14 months assuming the iPhone 5 debuts in September versus the usual 12-month cycle), according to Munster.In light of the demand, Munster believes the iPhone 5 may push Verizon's numbers even higher than the 3.8 million iPhones that Piper Jaffray is estimating the carrier will sell in the September quarter. And the overall iPhone unit estimate of 22 million for the quarter may also "prove to be conservative."
With pent-up demand for the iPhone 5, the new phone could double Apple's market share, according to an investor's report released yesterday by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster.Surveying a sampling of 216 mobile phone users, Munster found huge demand for the iPhone 5 among both current iPhone users and those who own other smartphones.Looking at all those surveyed, 29 percent currently own iPhones and 17 percent have an Android phone, leaving 28 percent with a BlackBerry and the rest with other types of phones.Among existing iPhone owners, 94 percent of those surveyed expect to buy another iPhone, leaving only 6 percent eyeing an Android device. But among current Android smartphone users, 42 percent said they're likely to switch to the iPhone.Among Verizon subscribers in general who don't presently own an iPhone, 55 percent expect to buy one, with 74 percent specifically waiting for the iPhone 5. That number compares with 53 percent of AT&T customers specifically awaiting the next model iPhone.Related stories• iPhone 5 rumor roundup• 8 great iOS 5 tips• iPhone 5 slated for September or October?Of all the respondents, 64 percent plan to pick up an iPhone when it's time to buy a new phone. Further, 60 percent are waiting for the iPhone 5 as opposed to allowing their contract to expire or their current phone to break down.Though the survey targeted only a small number of mobile phone users, it does highlight a demand build-up for the next iPhone. Such demand is due in large part to the longer wait time (14 months assuming the iPhone 5 debuts in September versus the usual 12-month cycle), according to Munster.In light of the demand, Munster believes the iPhone 5 may push Verizon's numbers even higher than the 3.8 million iPhones that Piper Jaffray is estimating the carrier will sell in the September quarter. And the overall iPhone unit estimate of 22 million for the quarter may also "prove to be conservative."
Analyst- iPad Mini to hurt sales of Windows 8 devices
Analyst: iPad Mini to hurt sales of Windows 8 devices
The iPad Mini will cause major agita for Windows 8 device makers, according to Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu.In an investor's note out yesterday, Wu said that the iPad's main rivals are not 7-inch Android tablets, as other analysts have asserted, but rather Windows 8 PCs and tablets."We continue to believe iPad Mini is the competition's worst nightmare and will likely slow down adoption of competitor tablets," Wu said in the note. "In particular, we believe this could end up being a very tough holiday season for Windows 8."The analyst expects the Mini's $329 price tag to tempt buyers away from some of the new Windows 8 devices. As one example, he cited Microsoft's $599 Surface RT tablet, which he called "arguably overpriced." Some Apple watchers believe the iPad Mini itself is overpriced compared with other 7-inch tablets. But Wu feels Apple is simply following its usual strategy."This controversy reminds us of what happened with iPod Mini and iPod Nano," the analyst said. "Both predecessors were criticized as being overpriced but went on to do much better than expected. The key reason being high quality at a reasonable price, and we see something similar here.The iPad Mini and the fourth-generation iPad reach consumers throughout 34 different countries today, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Italy, Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong.iPad Mini units were available through pre-orders on Apple's Web site starting a week ago but quickly sold out. Apple currently shows a wait time of two weeks for the Wi-Fi-only version. The Wi-Fi plus cellular edition will be available in mid-November.Updated 9:45 a.m. PT with details directly from investors note.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
The iPad Mini will cause major agita for Windows 8 device makers, according to Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu.In an investor's note out yesterday, Wu said that the iPad's main rivals are not 7-inch Android tablets, as other analysts have asserted, but rather Windows 8 PCs and tablets."We continue to believe iPad Mini is the competition's worst nightmare and will likely slow down adoption of competitor tablets," Wu said in the note. "In particular, we believe this could end up being a very tough holiday season for Windows 8."The analyst expects the Mini's $329 price tag to tempt buyers away from some of the new Windows 8 devices. As one example, he cited Microsoft's $599 Surface RT tablet, which he called "arguably overpriced." Some Apple watchers believe the iPad Mini itself is overpriced compared with other 7-inch tablets. But Wu feels Apple is simply following its usual strategy."This controversy reminds us of what happened with iPod Mini and iPod Nano," the analyst said. "Both predecessors were criticized as being overpriced but went on to do much better than expected. The key reason being high quality at a reasonable price, and we see something similar here.The iPad Mini and the fourth-generation iPad reach consumers throughout 34 different countries today, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Italy, Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong.iPad Mini units were available through pre-orders on Apple's Web site starting a week ago but quickly sold out. Apple currently shows a wait time of two weeks for the Wi-Fi-only version. The Wi-Fi plus cellular edition will be available in mid-November.Updated 9:45 a.m. PT with details directly from investors note.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Amazon's Kindle Fire- The Android tablet developers love most
Amazon's Kindle Fire: The Android tablet developers love most
Amazon's Kindle Fire has managed to do what many other Android tablets have failed to do: drum up interest from developers in North America.Among developers surveyed by Appcelerator and IDC, 49 percent said they considered the Kindle Fire their primary target. It narrowly beat Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Tab, which garnered 48 percent of the vote. Pocketgamer reported on the survey results. The rival Nook Color from Barnes & Noble only garnered 24 percent of the vote. The Kindle Fire has managed to captivate the consumer electronics industry with its $200 price point, significantly undercutting other tablets. The lower price point coupled with Amazon's well-known brand and large media library are poised to turn the Fire into the second hit tablet after the iPad. Consumers are already buzzing about the product.As a result, developers are excited too. The level of developer interest is roughly equal to that of the iPad before it launched, according to the Appcelerator study, which found interest at 53 percent in April 2010.Globally, Samsung remains the top dog among Android tablets, surpassing interesting in the Kindle Fire. While other companies have slowly rolled out one or even two tablets, Samsung has rapidly released one tablet after another, offering the Galaxy Tab in multiple sizes. The company was the first to follow the iPad with a tablet, the original Galaxy Tab, and kept its momentum going. Relative to other troubled tablets, including the Xoom, PlayBook and Flyer, Samsung's line has seen modest success.The Kindle Fire, however, could be poised for an even bigger bang.
Amazon's Kindle Fire has managed to do what many other Android tablets have failed to do: drum up interest from developers in North America.Among developers surveyed by Appcelerator and IDC, 49 percent said they considered the Kindle Fire their primary target. It narrowly beat Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Tab, which garnered 48 percent of the vote. Pocketgamer reported on the survey results. The rival Nook Color from Barnes & Noble only garnered 24 percent of the vote. The Kindle Fire has managed to captivate the consumer electronics industry with its $200 price point, significantly undercutting other tablets. The lower price point coupled with Amazon's well-known brand and large media library are poised to turn the Fire into the second hit tablet after the iPad. Consumers are already buzzing about the product.As a result, developers are excited too. The level of developer interest is roughly equal to that of the iPad before it launched, according to the Appcelerator study, which found interest at 53 percent in April 2010.Globally, Samsung remains the top dog among Android tablets, surpassing interesting in the Kindle Fire. While other companies have slowly rolled out one or even two tablets, Samsung has rapidly released one tablet after another, offering the Galaxy Tab in multiple sizes. The company was the first to follow the iPad with a tablet, the original Galaxy Tab, and kept its momentum going. Relative to other troubled tablets, including the Xoom, PlayBook and Flyer, Samsung's line has seen modest success.The Kindle Fire, however, could be poised for an even bigger bang.
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