Rupert Murdoch Gunning For Steve Jobs Because of "The Daily" Failed

Forbes is asking whether if Rupert Murdoch is gunning for Steve Jobs.  Just before the release of Apple's quarterly earnings last week, the WSJ journal released a post, coming "down" to the level of bloggers, in talking about a potential replacement search for Steve Jobs' replacement by the Apple board of directors.  

At the time, I gave it no second thought.  I read the post because it was just a diversionary exercise as we were minutes from what we know was another huge quarter from Apple.  

But as The Daily floundered from bad execution and bad quality in general, Apple has basically moved on.  And as with all things on the Internet, so have others.  And the bloggers leave you, you're in a lot of trouble.  And for this reason, Murdoch is probably not very happy with Apple and used the WSJ to place a "rumor" to taint Apple's forthcoming good news.  

And this isn't something that is above the embattled leader of Newscorp.  Right now, the Murdoch family is dealing with the phone hacking controversy in Britain.  And like many, I find it hard that Rupert's or that of his family's hands-on approach, which isn't unlike Steve Jobs's own style, was not aware of WSJ's post ahead of time or had something to do with it.

Perhaps Murdoch asked Apple to help them with MySpace but was turned down.  

Source:  Fortune.

Macbook Airs Selling Well, Apple Makes "Lighter" And SSD Standards For the Laptop Market

Apple discontinued the White Macbook for the general public.  And given that move compound that to the number of potential Macbook buyers who had been holding back in anticipating of new Macs, it looks like gates.

According to Macnn, some Apple store locations have sold out of both the 11" and 13" Air in hours.

I cannot help but think that perhaps the Air, which represents the new norm for the mainstream Macbook buy, is a sign that Apple is quickly moving to change the parameters of the PC market.

Consider this.  Not only is Apple ending the Macbook, it is also making SSD a standard as well.  And furthermore, Apple is making its laptop easier to carry and lighter on the back or shoulders.

And given the initial benchmarks coming in, it doesn't look like the Airs are lacking in processor power.

Steve Jobs Was Right And Wrong About the 7" Tablet

First, let me say that I love the iPad.  Regardless of your personal preference, the iPad is leading the charge for a new category of mobile devices.  I eventually hope to acquire another tablet that runs on a competing mobile platform.  To date, I've yet to find one entirely to my liking.  And it has more to do with the size and build of the tablet than anything else.  And since I"m not made of gold, the price is a factor as well.  So, why would an Apple fan consider a tablet with a smaller than 10" when Steve Jobs said that anything less than 7" simply doesn't work.

Well, for typing, I suppose he is correct.  I don't like pecking at the screen and smaller sized screens simply doesn't allow that.  But I can't say that I've bought that argument entirely.  There are a lot of things the the mobile users can do on the tablet that do no require excessive typing.  

So far, the 7" tablets on the Android platform are still running non-Honeycomb version of the OS.  I reckon that will change once Android 4 arrives later this fall.  That is a consideration.  The Playbook is well built but it is a bit more expensive than something for its size.  I am hopeful that HP will come out with a 6" or 7" Touchpad.  I would certainly jump at just such a device but with the 10" version not selling well, I don't know if such a device will see the light of day.

Obvious question is can Apple eventually release a tablet of this size and will they?  If so, I can see a lot of users adopt it as well.  When that happens, I wonder just how Apple will explain its previous stance and market such a device.  At least with the other platforms, we know that a tablet with a 7" screen can work adequately.  

Tim Cook: I Want The World To Know That the iPad Is Cannibalizing the Mac And I'm Fine With It

During Apple's financial call with Wall Street analysts on its most recent quarter, Tim allowed a new bit of information in such a way that was slipped into the conversation but at the same time, you know that he wanted it out there.  He wanted the world to know that the iPad was cannibalizing the Mac and he was not losing sleep over it at all.  

Then he added.  There are just more PC to cannibalize than Macs.  No wonder he fine with hit.  Microsoft itself just recorded another excellent quarter itself.  Obviously, it's at the point where Apple is so far beyond Microsoft in terms of revenue and profit that it just felt kinda sad for former number technology company.  And dispute making more money, its stock did not move and in fact lost some ground during the aftermarket activity.

The reason was another drop in the Windows revenue.  The collapse of the netbooks certain had something to do with it.  It remains to be seen if the back-to-school sales will help Microsoft out.  

Here's where Tim Cook's seemingly benign statement about iPad cannibalizing the Mac and PC is a bigger deal than anyone so far has given it attention.

T-Mobile Claims that G-Slate Being Faster Than Other Tablets Leave Out Important Information - Like Throttling

T-Mobile claims that the G-Slate, a Honeycomb based tablet, is faster than the iPad 2 and Xoom.  Of course, they're talking about the 3G connection (I don't buy the "4G" claim being made by ATT and T-Mobile).  But while that claim is likely true, I have to ask this in light of the current wireless environment where data usage is limited and metered.

T-Mobile, faster what?  Does it mean G-Slate users reach the end of their monthly data allotment?  Does it mean that it'll be faster for users get throttled down to EDGE? Or try to get users to upgrade to a more expensive plan?

I think it's better that T-Mobile doesn't charge extra for going over their data plan allotment but it is very disingenuous for carriers to talk about speed with the goal of throttle down or charge extra like ATT and Verizon Wireless do.

Source: Boy Genius Report.

Hulu: Apple Buyout Will Not Happen Because It Makes No Sense

I spoke with Dave the Mobile Warrior yesterday regarding Apple and Google possibly buying Hulu.  While he did not remark anything about Google, he did not think Apple would seriously consider making a bid.  They might try to help jack up the price for potential competitors like Google but that's as far as it'll go.

GigaOM suggests that perhaps Apple is likely participating in preliminary discussions that would allow them to take a look at the finances and inner working of the free and subscription based video service.  Along that line of thinking, I would have to agree.  

Both two blogs that I follow for mobile, GigaOM and Arstechnica both agree with Dave.  Apple would not seriously consider a bid for Hulu.  

GigaOM listed reasons why Apple should buy Hulu but these same reasons pertain to other companies as well.  It's their reasons why Apple won't buy Hulu that is more interesting – particularly the one about helping its competitors since Hulu is everywhere.

Interestingly, Ars also came up with that same conclusion.  More than that, Apple already has the content, just under a different format and distribution plan.  

Both are a must read to help dispel any hope that Apple will fold Hulu into its iOS ecosystem.  It simply won't work.

And good job, Dave, for making this call before everyone else.

Friday Movie: Trailer For Paranormal Activity 3

I can't recall if I've seen Paranormal Activity or Paranormal Activity 2. I'll have to go wiki them to see if the plots for those two movies sound familiar.

Having said that, here is this week's Friday movie clip. If you're new to my blog, I started this tradition as a way to celebrate an old tradition at my old work. Every Friday afternoon, we take off to go watch a movie.

My current job doesn't let me do that. Well, I can but I think it's not a good idea. So, this is the next best thing I can offer.

Here is the trailer for the third installment of this franchise, "Paranormal Activity 3".



Happy weekend!