Thursday, December 27, 2012

Mobile: Shameful Chinese Courts Employed Double Standard On Copyrights


Source:  WSJ.

A Chinese court fined Apple for copyright-related ebooks in its App Store.  Well, well, well.  Isn't that interesting since China is one of the biggest violators of copyrights, trademarks, and patents.  Yet, finds Apple in the wrong here?

WTF...

Monday, December 24, 2012

Apple Positioned Very Well For Tomorrow


Here is a video from Bloomberg interviewing David Kirkpatrick of Facebook Effect and seemingly nice guy John Scully, failed CEO of Apple because he's a marketing guy and not a product guy, on the future of Apple.
  • Hardware success
  • Software success
  • Cloud - Apple has challenges but is getting there.  
On Apple's competitors, Amazon is great at cloud but is finding hardware difficult and challenging while it does no understand software at all.  For Microsoft, it has no history of success in hardware which I beg to differ since the Xbox has lay waste to Nintendo and Sony in the console business.  However, I have to agree that Microsoft's other ventures have not done well, Zune and Surface to date.

For Samsung, it has a supply chain like that of Apple but relies on Google for software and cloud support and doesn't see it build out its own ecosystem like Apple's iOS-iTunes empire.

Both men are very bullish on Tim Cook but they don't say why.  At one point John Scully said Silicon Valley needs an autocratic product guy.  Obviously, Tim Cook isn't.  In fact, the top-end changes in the executive suites at Apple showed that Tim Cook isn't one but was actively trying to fix that by putting product guys in charge of hardware and software development and designs.

On television, they believe the world is waiting for Apple to reinvent how we watch televsion.  Maybe the key is about video consumption rather than trying to duplicate or making the television experience better - to do away with that completely.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Killing Digitimes: Maybe When Apple Moves Manufacturing Away From Asia

I really detest DigiTimes, you know, the go to site that Apple and tech bloggers, publications, and even Wall Street analysts go to to spice up their readership or report.  But the inside joke here is that everyone and their grandmother know that DT is almost always wrong when it comes to Apple news.

Even now, bloggers would quantify what they report from DT by saying that this bit of news is probably wrong.  So why report on it?

I'm hoping that once Apple shifts manufacturing away from Asia to Brazil, NY, or wherever else, DT will have less leverage over time.  And what's funny, at least to me, is that I'm now able to detect which blog posts are using DT as their source.

These days, bloggers are now adding that while DT is wrong on Apple facts, they're generally okay when it comes to components so it's okay when it comes to reporting on their information as it relates to Apple.  Well, as bad as DT's record is even now regarding components, even that should go away once Apple manages to move production out of China.

So, as always, stop click on rumors that come from DT.  I mean I love reading Apple rumors but even I have my limits.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Apple, Google, Microsoft Possibly Interested In Same Home Automation Startup


Source:  AppleinsiderWSJ.

While I hate to report on rumors, I kinda want to take this up because of the implications for not only mobile, as you will see, but how we live our lives going forward.  The WSJ is reporting that Apple is interested in acquiring a home automation company started up by Blake Krikorian.

You might not know who BK is but you’ll know his previous work:  the SlingBox, which I’ve got two of.

So, the story goes that Apple is interested in acquiring the company Group R2 Studios.  However, both Google and Microsoft are also interested.  So far, R2 has only an Android app.  It’ll be interest to know what is it that has three of the biggest mobile, cloud, and computing companies on Earth so interested.

What’s worth noting is that Microsoft has made some wave into the living room with Xbox while Google is dominating with Android units sold. However, it’s Apple that has third party gears, albeit only a few, that can be referred to in any home automated manner.

The Nest Thermostat comes to mind as some LED light bulbs.  But that hardly qualify Apple has having any expertise in this area.  Or anyone else for that matter.

And on the market, I’ve seen a few WiFi monitoring devices and locking mechanisms.  I reckon that anyone that comes from Apple, Google, or Microsoft will be much more comprehensive.  And if the WSJ report is true, look for the mobile war currently being waged and won by Google to move to the housing market as well.

There will come a time when homebuilders will have to consider the type of technology that they incorporate into homes.

Here’s the interest part about inviting these three companies into your home.  On one hand, you’ve got Google.  You will probably have to let it know everything that you do around the home.  Maybe ads?  And as for Microsoft, imagine trying to get into the home only to have your system crash on you – bad times to have the runs.  Or Apple’s walled garden?  Literally.

All kidding aside, I’m sure these three companies, probably Samsung, and a few others also have designs on the home automation market.  I figure green tech and conservation will also play a big part as well.

It’ll be interesting to see where this all leads.  You can bet on a few issues that will matter. Privacy is will start off this list.  So will ease of use – what’s the point of home automation if your home won’t let you in or out of the house or if you can’t figure out how to control the environment in the family room but make it different in the kitchen.

What do you think?  Which of these companies will have what it takes to create the ultimate home?

There isn't a whole lot of information specific to R2.  It's quite possible that all this is nothing but patent grabs as well.


Blackberry's iPhone, Android Killer Will Be Called Z10


Soruce:  Business Insider.

Here you go.  This is what the next Blackberry will look like.  And it'll be called the Z10.

Interesting that it's gone two tones:  black or white.

Reminds me of iSomething here.  Anyway, while I won't go near it, it won't mean that I'm not gonna pull for RIM to make a strong comeback.

leaked blackberry z10 ad

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Everything Wrong About The Avengers In Three Minutes


Source:  Blastr.

Here is a most excellent comedic take on the Avengers and about what's wrong with it.  Seriously never thought about it because the whole movie taken as a whole was just mind-blowingly awesome!

Still, until Avengers 2 comes out, we can still get a few laughs out of it.  And after watching this video below that nitpick what was wrong with the Avengers, look for one of your geekier friends to do the same next time you guys sit down to watch the movie.

Enjoy!





I think the best company on Earth that can upend the cable companies and the way television is being watched right now isn’t Apple.  Yeah, I think you’re surprised this.  And no.  It’s not Netflix.  And not Redbox along with Verizon.

And certainly not Amazon.

It’s Google.  I think Google is the best company in the world that can make this happen.  Think about it.  They’ve got the infrastructure and they’re laying ground world for very, very fast Internet.  Why have ultra-fast Internet connection if not for video.  Yeah, on top of that, they’ve got the will to make it happen.

Unfortunately for us, they lack someone who can make the right deals.  Not even Steve Jobs managed to do it.  But if Google can find that right guy to charm the studios and other media companies into giving Google a shot, wow.

Until then, there’s Netflix and Amazon.  Now on to Redbox.  Here is the link for you to go to Redbox Instant to sign up for a private beta.  And yes, I signed up first before I let this out to you.  I don’t want the competition.

So, Google.  What’s it gonna be?

Source:  Gizmodo.

MacBook Air M2 - I Love It And Any Laptop You Get Will Always Be Right For the Time

The 2016 MacBook sitting off to the side still has some value as I gleefully starting using my MacBook Air M2 that I got for a decent price ...