Retailer already selling iPhone 5 -- and at a discount
If you absolutely can't wait for the new iPhone 5 -- how dare they make you wait another two days just to preorder after months of hype, right? -- you may want to visit the digital Down Under.The 5 arrivesCNET's iPhone 5 reviewApple out to prove it's still kingPictures: Apple's big iPhone 5 revealHo-hum. iPhone 5 won't wow anyoneiPhone 5: No Steve Jobs, no sizzleiPhone 5: What we didn't getComparing the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5iPhone 5 vs. Galaxy S3 vs. Lumia 920Poll: Will you buy the iPhone 5?Apple springs leak - rumors were rightAn awful dock-connector changeApple shares up, down, then upStart your iOS 6 downloads September 19iOS 6 hits major marksApple reworks, simplifies iTunesNew iPod Touch: Siri and a 4-inch screenNew Nano: Remembering the iPod Mini Full coverage: The iPhone 5 arrivesAustralian retailer Kogan is already selling the unlocked version of the iPhone 5, and undercutting the retail price of the phone by A$100 while they're at it. That means A$699 (about $733) for the 16GB model. Of course, you'll have to tack on A$19 in shipping charges, and if you live outside Australia, you'll have to find someone there to forward it on, as it doesn't appear that Kogan is shipping outside the country.Oh yea, and the retailer also says it doesn't plan to dispatch the iPhones until September 21, the same time Apple Stores worldwide will begin selling the new skinny phone.So, you're really only getting the psychological benefit of having your order locked in a few days before Apple even starts taking down names for an iPhone 5, plus a little bit of savings. But if you're the kind of Apple fan willing to go to great lengths to get in line first, an early Kogan order receipt certainly comes with some bragging rights. Why not print out some extra copies and hand them out to all the folks standing in line at Apple Stores later this month so they can see what they have to look forward to? Surely they'll appreciate the encouragement -- but you may want to wear your running shoes just in case they take it the wrong way.
Hour of Code campaign urges students to learn to code (podcast)
Hour of Code campaign urges students to learn to code (podcast)
It's pretty unusual to see an issue supported by President Obama and House Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor -- as well as Apple and Microsoft -- but they're all backing Hour of Code,which aims to get 5 million students in 33,000 classrooms around the world to learn at least one hour of computer science this week.Sponsored by Code.org, the effort features entertainers Shakira, Ashton Kutcher, and Angela Bassett and athletes Chris Bosh, Warren Sapp, and Dwight Howard in videos supporting this cause. Tech luminaries including Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Google's Susan Wojcicki, and the late Steve Jobs also weigh in with messages on the importance of learning to code. Click here to view them.During the course of the week there will be Hour of Code Learning events at every major Apple store in the U.S. along with all 51 Microsoft retail stores. This is also Computer Science Education Week.In a recorded interview (scroll down to listen), Code.org co-founder Ali Partovi said that "only 5 percent of U.S. schools teach computer science today, and that number is down from where it was 10 years ago." He said that computer science education peaked around 2003/2004 for a variety of reasons including budget along with state education standards. "In the vast majority of U.S. states computer science does not count toward graduation. It counts as an elective." As money gets tight, schools are cutting computer science along with art and music.Pointing to the number of coding jobs not just in tech firms but hospitals, government, and all types of businesses, Partovi said that computer science "is the most empowering thing a kid could be learning, especially a kid from a disadvantage background." I didn't fact-check this, but he said that "a college graduate's first job in computer science makes more money than a doctor who's 10 years older." One thing I can't argue with is his statement that for disadvantaged youth, "the dream of becoming a computer programmer" is much more realistic than the odds of becoming an NBA player or a hip-hop star.Click below to listen to the interview with Ali Partovi and click here for a post and video about Hour of Code. PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio)
It's pretty unusual to see an issue supported by President Obama and House Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor -- as well as Apple and Microsoft -- but they're all backing Hour of Code,which aims to get 5 million students in 33,000 classrooms around the world to learn at least one hour of computer science this week.Sponsored by Code.org, the effort features entertainers Shakira, Ashton Kutcher, and Angela Bassett and athletes Chris Bosh, Warren Sapp, and Dwight Howard in videos supporting this cause. Tech luminaries including Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Google's Susan Wojcicki, and the late Steve Jobs also weigh in with messages on the importance of learning to code. Click here to view them.During the course of the week there will be Hour of Code Learning events at every major Apple store in the U.S. along with all 51 Microsoft retail stores. This is also Computer Science Education Week.In a recorded interview (scroll down to listen), Code.org co-founder Ali Partovi said that "only 5 percent of U.S. schools teach computer science today, and that number is down from where it was 10 years ago." He said that computer science education peaked around 2003/2004 for a variety of reasons including budget along with state education standards. "In the vast majority of U.S. states computer science does not count toward graduation. It counts as an elective." As money gets tight, schools are cutting computer science along with art and music.Pointing to the number of coding jobs not just in tech firms but hospitals, government, and all types of businesses, Partovi said that computer science "is the most empowering thing a kid could be learning, especially a kid from a disadvantage background." I didn't fact-check this, but he said that "a college graduate's first job in computer science makes more money than a doctor who's 10 years older." One thing I can't argue with is his statement that for disadvantaged youth, "the dream of becoming a computer programmer" is much more realistic than the odds of becoming an NBA player or a hip-hop star.Click below to listen to the interview with Ali Partovi and click here for a post and video about Hour of Code. PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio)
Samsung knocks Apple Maps in Sydney marketing stunt
Samsung knocks Apple Maps in Sydney marketing stunt
Nic Healey/CNET AustraliaThe lost vehicle and signage, of course, are referring to recent incidences of people getting stranded in a wilderness area around Australia's Murray-Sunset National Park instead of the town of Mildura after searching for the latter in Apple's Maps software.Over the weekend, local Australian police put out a notice encouraging iPhone owners to rely instead on paper maps or an alternate GPS system. The issue has since been fixed and attributed, in part, to a double listing in the national GPS database. Samsung's poke at Apple is just its most recent marketing attack. The company has put considerable resources into a TV advertising campaign knocking Apple's devices as under-featured, and those who shop for it as out of touch.The two companies continue to duke it out in the courtroom, with some of the fallout from the August verdict -- which found Samsung had infringed Apple's patents involving the iPhone and iPad -- to be determined over the next few weeks.
Nic Healey/CNET AustraliaThe lost vehicle and signage, of course, are referring to recent incidences of people getting stranded in a wilderness area around Australia's Murray-Sunset National Park instead of the town of Mildura after searching for the latter in Apple's Maps software.Over the weekend, local Australian police put out a notice encouraging iPhone owners to rely instead on paper maps or an alternate GPS system. The issue has since been fixed and attributed, in part, to a double listing in the national GPS database. Samsung's poke at Apple is just its most recent marketing attack. The company has put considerable resources into a TV advertising campaign knocking Apple's devices as under-featured, and those who shop for it as out of touch.The two companies continue to duke it out in the courtroom, with some of the fallout from the August verdict -- which found Samsung had infringed Apple's patents involving the iPhone and iPad -- to be determined over the next few weeks.
Samsung- Our price hike to Apple was scheduled
Samsung: Our price hike to Apple was scheduled
The 20 percent increase that Apple's now paying Samsung for the mobile processors it uses in iOS devices was scheduled at the beginning of this year and not simply payback for any legal losses, according to a new report. Seoul-based newspaper The Hankyorek (via The Street) reports that the two companies agreed on the new processor prices earlier this year, contradicting an earlier reportthat suggested Samsung strong-armed Apple into paying more when the iPhone and iPad maker could not find a replacement. The reported 20 percent increase brings a 1 percent to 2 percent hit on Apple's margins, according to an estimate from analyst firm Piper Jaffray. The processors, which are designed by Apple though currently made by Samsung, make up about 6 percent to 9 percent of the total cost of the devices, the firm said in a research note last night. Apple has invested in both chip companies and hires from other chipmakers to build up its own operations in recent years. That includes the creation of a new technologies group within the company, announced last month, which puts Apple's wireless and semiconductor teams together. A report last week suggested that Apple's goal is to roll its own chips not just in its portable devices, but also in its computers.Samsung declined to comment for this story.
The 20 percent increase that Apple's now paying Samsung for the mobile processors it uses in iOS devices was scheduled at the beginning of this year and not simply payback for any legal losses, according to a new report. Seoul-based newspaper The Hankyorek (via The Street) reports that the two companies agreed on the new processor prices earlier this year, contradicting an earlier reportthat suggested Samsung strong-armed Apple into paying more when the iPhone and iPad maker could not find a replacement. The reported 20 percent increase brings a 1 percent to 2 percent hit on Apple's margins, according to an estimate from analyst firm Piper Jaffray. The processors, which are designed by Apple though currently made by Samsung, make up about 6 percent to 9 percent of the total cost of the devices, the firm said in a research note last night. Apple has invested in both chip companies and hires from other chipmakers to build up its own operations in recent years. That includes the creation of a new technologies group within the company, announced last month, which puts Apple's wireless and semiconductor teams together. A report last week suggested that Apple's goal is to roll its own chips not just in its portable devices, but also in its computers.Samsung declined to comment for this story.
Apple debuts App Store volume purchase program
Apple debuts App Store volume purchase program
Apple is trying to make it easier for businesses to buy iOS applications for employees. The company yesterday quietly introduced a new App Store volume purchase program for businesses. In short, it lets companies buy paid applications in bulk, while providing tools to distribute, and keep track of who has gone through with installation."Whether you're purchasing apps for iPhone, iPad, or both, the Volume Purchase Program offers a simple and efficient method to purchase iOS apps from the App Store in volume for distribution within your organization," Apple wrote in its introductory guide (PDF) about the new program.The service has companies doing a search for paid applications or plugging in the direct link to an app from iTunes. Buyers can then pick out how many copies of an app they want (with no limit), which can be paid for all at once--even with a company credit card. When done, the buyer gets a spreadsheet with redemption codes, and a status notifier of whether the code has been taken. The program does not apply to applications that are free, which Apple says can be downloaded by users on their own. Apple is also requiring that businesses that want to enroll are registered with the Dun & Bradstreet database, and have their nine-digit DUNS number.Along with that program, Apple is also offering a way for businesses to sell customized business-to-business iOS apps in bulk using the same system. These apps, which have been customized for the buyer, are delivered the same way as public-facing apps(with redemption codes), and go through Apple's same app review process. Apple is currently limiting the volume purchasing program to U.S.-based businesses, and says its rollout is "coming soon." The company makes no mention of whether a similar program is coming to the Mac App Store, which sells desktop applications for Apple's Mac OS.The App Store volume purchase program joins Apple's iOS developer enterprise program, which gives large companies tools to build in-house iOS applications, then distribute them to employees without going through Apple's App Store. Apple also offers an App Store volume purchase program for educational institutions to buy iOS apps in volume, which it rolled out in August.(via Macrumors)
Apple is trying to make it easier for businesses to buy iOS applications for employees. The company yesterday quietly introduced a new App Store volume purchase program for businesses. In short, it lets companies buy paid applications in bulk, while providing tools to distribute, and keep track of who has gone through with installation."Whether you're purchasing apps for iPhone, iPad, or both, the Volume Purchase Program offers a simple and efficient method to purchase iOS apps from the App Store in volume for distribution within your organization," Apple wrote in its introductory guide (PDF) about the new program.The service has companies doing a search for paid applications or plugging in the direct link to an app from iTunes. Buyers can then pick out how many copies of an app they want (with no limit), which can be paid for all at once--even with a company credit card. When done, the buyer gets a spreadsheet with redemption codes, and a status notifier of whether the code has been taken. The program does not apply to applications that are free, which Apple says can be downloaded by users on their own. Apple is also requiring that businesses that want to enroll are registered with the Dun & Bradstreet database, and have their nine-digit DUNS number.Along with that program, Apple is also offering a way for businesses to sell customized business-to-business iOS apps in bulk using the same system. These apps, which have been customized for the buyer, are delivered the same way as public-facing apps(with redemption codes), and go through Apple's same app review process. Apple is currently limiting the volume purchasing program to U.S.-based businesses, and says its rollout is "coming soon." The company makes no mention of whether a similar program is coming to the Mac App Store, which sells desktop applications for Apple's Mac OS.The App Store volume purchase program joins Apple's iOS developer enterprise program, which gives large companies tools to build in-house iOS applications, then distribute them to employees without going through Apple's App Store. Apple also offers an App Store volume purchase program for educational institutions to buy iOS apps in volume, which it rolled out in August.(via Macrumors)
Apple counting down to 25 billion app downloads
Apple counting down to 25 billion app downloads
Apple's begun a countdown--or count up in this case--to its 25th billion app download.Earlier today the company launched a timer that sits on its front page, counting to the metric. The person who downloads the 25th billion app gets a $10,000 iTunes Store gift card. Last January Apple ran a similar promotion for the 10 billionth app sold, awarding an identical $10,000 gift card. That was a follow-up to the company's 2009 award to the person who downloaded the one billionth app. That first time was a bit more generous, with 13-year-old Connor Mulcahey nabbing a $10,000 iTunes gift card along with an iPod Touch, MacBook Pro and one of Apple's Time Capsule devices.As with previous editions of the contest, Apple's set it up so that people can enter without actually making any purchases or downloads from the App Store by filling out a form on this page. In years past, Apple offered similar promotions for purchased songs.Related storiesMac App Store downloads reach 100 millionApple: 18 billions apps have been downloadedApple App Store hits 15 billion downloadsThe acceleration in App Store downloads has been swift. The store hit 1 billion downloads in its first nine months, reaching 5 billion downloads in June 2010. By January 2011, the company tallied 10 billion downloads, a number that topped 18 billion in October.During the Apple's first quarter earnings call last month, the company said it's paid out more than $4 billion to developers, who get a 70 percent share of each purchase, with Apple taking the other 30.Apple's other App Store, the one for the Mac, crossed the 100 million download threshold in December after just shy of a year in business. When releasing that number the company mentioned the other App Store was currently bringing in around 1 billion downloads a month.
Apple's begun a countdown--or count up in this case--to its 25th billion app download.Earlier today the company launched a timer that sits on its front page, counting to the metric. The person who downloads the 25th billion app gets a $10,000 iTunes Store gift card. Last January Apple ran a similar promotion for the 10 billionth app sold, awarding an identical $10,000 gift card. That was a follow-up to the company's 2009 award to the person who downloaded the one billionth app. That first time was a bit more generous, with 13-year-old Connor Mulcahey nabbing a $10,000 iTunes gift card along with an iPod Touch, MacBook Pro and one of Apple's Time Capsule devices.As with previous editions of the contest, Apple's set it up so that people can enter without actually making any purchases or downloads from the App Store by filling out a form on this page. In years past, Apple offered similar promotions for purchased songs.Related storiesMac App Store downloads reach 100 millionApple: 18 billions apps have been downloadedApple App Store hits 15 billion downloadsThe acceleration in App Store downloads has been swift. The store hit 1 billion downloads in its first nine months, reaching 5 billion downloads in June 2010. By January 2011, the company tallied 10 billion downloads, a number that topped 18 billion in October.During the Apple's first quarter earnings call last month, the company said it's paid out more than $4 billion to developers, who get a 70 percent share of each purchase, with Apple taking the other 30.Apple's other App Store, the one for the Mac, crossed the 100 million download threshold in December after just shy of a year in business. When releasing that number the company mentioned the other App Store was currently bringing in around 1 billion downloads a month.
Apple closes gap on Samsung in smart connected devices
Apple closes gap on Samsung in smart connected devices
Apple is starting to catch up to Samsung Electronics when it comes to smart connected devices, or total sales of desktop PCs, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.That's according to IDC, which pegged leader Samsung at 21.2 percent of the market for smart connected devices as of the end of 2012, with No. 2 Apple just behind it at 20.3 percent.Given the premium price on its products, Apple already dominates Samsung from a revenue perspective. Apple captured 30.7 percent of the industry's total revenue, to Samsung's 20.4 percent share.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIM3D TV FAQVerizon Wireless revamps unlimited calling, data plans The smart connected devices industry grew nearly 30 percent in 2012, driven by a 78.4 percent jump in tablet sales. Total shipments of tablets surpassed 128 million units last year. IDC has high hopes for the tablet business; it's supposed to surpass sales of desktop PCs this year and laptops in 2014. Where desktops are expected to drop 4.3 percent and laptops fall slightly less, tablets are expected to grow by 48.7 percent. The smartphone business, which is starting to see slowing growth, will grow by 27.2 percent this year.It's in emerging markets where a majority of the growth is taking place. The total market grew 41.3 percent last year, driven by 111.3 percent growth in tablets. The more mature markets saw slower growth thanks to a drop in sales of desktop PCs, a trend expected to continue this year. "The pressure on the PC market is significantly increasing and we can see longer replacement cycles coming into effect very soon and that, too, will put downward pressure on PC sales," said Megha Saini, an analyst at IDC.IDC lays out its estimates for changes in the market for smart connected devices in terms of shipments and market share (units in millions).IDC
Apple is starting to catch up to Samsung Electronics when it comes to smart connected devices, or total sales of desktop PCs, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.That's according to IDC, which pegged leader Samsung at 21.2 percent of the market for smart connected devices as of the end of 2012, with No. 2 Apple just behind it at 20.3 percent.Given the premium price on its products, Apple already dominates Samsung from a revenue perspective. Apple captured 30.7 percent of the industry's total revenue, to Samsung's 20.4 percent share.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIM3D TV FAQVerizon Wireless revamps unlimited calling, data plans The smart connected devices industry grew nearly 30 percent in 2012, driven by a 78.4 percent jump in tablet sales. Total shipments of tablets surpassed 128 million units last year. IDC has high hopes for the tablet business; it's supposed to surpass sales of desktop PCs this year and laptops in 2014. Where desktops are expected to drop 4.3 percent and laptops fall slightly less, tablets are expected to grow by 48.7 percent. The smartphone business, which is starting to see slowing growth, will grow by 27.2 percent this year.It's in emerging markets where a majority of the growth is taking place. The total market grew 41.3 percent last year, driven by 111.3 percent growth in tablets. The more mature markets saw slower growth thanks to a drop in sales of desktop PCs, a trend expected to continue this year. "The pressure on the PC market is significantly increasing and we can see longer replacement cycles coming into effect very soon and that, too, will put downward pressure on PC sales," said Megha Saini, an analyst at IDC.IDC lays out its estimates for changes in the market for smart connected devices in terms of shipments and market share (units in millions).IDC
Apple closer to opening 'iconic' 'flagship' San Francisco store
Apple closer to opening 'iconic' 'flagship' San Francisco store
Apple is known for opening haute-design retail stores. There's the massive glass cube in New York City, the high-columned facade in Berlin, and the futuristic transparent cylinder in Shanghai. The company announced last May that it was planning to open the mother of all retail stores in San Francisco -- near its Silicon Valley home base. Of course, projects like these must go through copious planning meetings, blueprint revisions, and city approvals. But now, Apple is now one step closer to its vision. The San Francisco Planning Commission voted to accept Apple's plans (PDF) for its new store in the city's Union Square shopping district, according to 9to5Mac.Apple already has a retail store in the area, but the new store would be bigger and fancier. Designed by Foster + Partners, it would be a two-story, silver, box-shaped building with a floor-to-ceiling glass facade and light-filled walls. The new store would also reportedly employ 50 more people than its current store, which has 350 workers.An Apple spokesperson said the new store would be "a flagship" store and become "more iconic than the glass cube in New York City," according to 9to5Mac.While Apple is well on its way to getting the project off the ground, it still must be approved by San Francisco's Board of Supervisors.CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.Here are some more renderings of the proposed store:Foster + PartnersFoster + PartnersFoster + Partners
Apple is known for opening haute-design retail stores. There's the massive glass cube in New York City, the high-columned facade in Berlin, and the futuristic transparent cylinder in Shanghai. The company announced last May that it was planning to open the mother of all retail stores in San Francisco -- near its Silicon Valley home base. Of course, projects like these must go through copious planning meetings, blueprint revisions, and city approvals. But now, Apple is now one step closer to its vision. The San Francisco Planning Commission voted to accept Apple's plans (PDF) for its new store in the city's Union Square shopping district, according to 9to5Mac.Apple already has a retail store in the area, but the new store would be bigger and fancier. Designed by Foster + Partners, it would be a two-story, silver, box-shaped building with a floor-to-ceiling glass facade and light-filled walls. The new store would also reportedly employ 50 more people than its current store, which has 350 workers.An Apple spokesperson said the new store would be "a flagship" store and become "more iconic than the glass cube in New York City," according to 9to5Mac.While Apple is well on its way to getting the project off the ground, it still must be approved by San Francisco's Board of Supervisors.CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.Here are some more renderings of the proposed store:Foster + PartnersFoster + PartnersFoster + Partners
Apple closer to mass producing sapphire displays, report says
Apple closer to mass producing sapphire displays, report says
Speculation has been running rampant about Apple's plans for mobile devices with a sapphire screen. Those plans finally appear to be firming up, with 9to5Mac reporting Thursday that the electronics giant is getting ready for massive production of sapphire displays.9to5Mac, with the help of analyst Matt Margolis, unveiled that the iPhone maker recently placed a large order with GT Advanced Technologies for furnaces and chambers used in making sapphire displays. According to 9to5Mac, GT Advanced has already received 518 furnace and chamber systems, which would let it build 103 million to 116 million 5-inch displays per year. (Another 420 machines are still on order, which would nearly double that production output.) GT Advanced also has ordered Intego Sirius Sapphire Display Inspection Tool components, which would work to make sure that the displays meet high-quality standards, 9to5Mac reported.Apple late last year signed a contract with GT Advanced to produce sapphire-based materials at Apple's new facility in Arizona. Apple has already used sapphire for the surface of the rear camera lens for the iPhone 5 and the ID fingerprint sensor in the iPhone 5S. To be clear, when we're talking about displays made out of sapphire, we're referring to a manmade, synthetic version, not the actual gemstone. So what's all the fuss about? A future iPhone with a display made out of the material could render it scratch-resistant and nearly unbreakable. To put this in perspective, check out the video below that 9to5Mac posted earlier of a sapphire-coated iPhone display resisting scratches from a huge concrete block.
Speculation has been running rampant about Apple's plans for mobile devices with a sapphire screen. Those plans finally appear to be firming up, with 9to5Mac reporting Thursday that the electronics giant is getting ready for massive production of sapphire displays.9to5Mac, with the help of analyst Matt Margolis, unveiled that the iPhone maker recently placed a large order with GT Advanced Technologies for furnaces and chambers used in making sapphire displays. According to 9to5Mac, GT Advanced has already received 518 furnace and chamber systems, which would let it build 103 million to 116 million 5-inch displays per year. (Another 420 machines are still on order, which would nearly double that production output.) GT Advanced also has ordered Intego Sirius Sapphire Display Inspection Tool components, which would work to make sure that the displays meet high-quality standards, 9to5Mac reported.Apple late last year signed a contract with GT Advanced to produce sapphire-based materials at Apple's new facility in Arizona. Apple has already used sapphire for the surface of the rear camera lens for the iPhone 5 and the ID fingerprint sensor in the iPhone 5S. To be clear, when we're talking about displays made out of sapphire, we're referring to a manmade, synthetic version, not the actual gemstone. So what's all the fuss about? A future iPhone with a display made out of the material could render it scratch-resistant and nearly unbreakable. To put this in perspective, check out the video below that 9to5Mac posted earlier of a sapphire-coated iPhone display resisting scratches from a huge concrete block.
Apple cites Samsung doc as proof it wanted to copy iPhone
Apple cites Samsung doc as proof it wanted to copy iPhone
Apple is pointing to an internal Samsung document highlighting the weaknesses of the Galaxy S1 compared with the iPhone as further evidence that Samsung has copied its work. The document, a "relative evaluation report" on the Galaxy S1 and iPhone published in March 2010 and unearthed by Apple, highlights where Samsung's flagship phone fell short of the iPhone. The report looked at several different features, from the call screen to the browsing experience and even the difference in the calculator. Apple will draw on this document as proof that Samsung actively compared its products against the iPhone, and made strides to better mimic the blockbuster device. Samsung, however, would argue that it does opposition research against all of its major rivals. "Samsung benchmarks many peer companies," the company said in a statement. "In fact, these are typical competitive analyses routinely undertaken by many companies in many industries - including Apple."At the time, of course, there was no bigger rival than Apple and its iPhone. While Android was still getting under way, Apple was the undisputed champ in the smartphone arena. According to the report, Samsung found 27 items under basic function that fell short against the iPhone, including the efficient and effective use of the screen real estate. It also found 22 items under visual interaction effects, such as the effect for saving mail and screen transitions, and noted that the Galaxy S1 had fewer effects aside from the major menus. Other categories included browsing, messaging and multimedia, with various deficiencies listed. While the Galaxy S1 was a modest success in the U.S., it was popular globally, and helped lay the foundation for the more successful Galaxy S2 and the current flagship Galaxy S3, which has become a blockbuster phone at nearly every U.S. carrier. Updated at 1:38 p.m. PT: to include a response from Samsung.Here's the Samsung document that Apple is citing:App-Sam Court Doc
Apple is pointing to an internal Samsung document highlighting the weaknesses of the Galaxy S1 compared with the iPhone as further evidence that Samsung has copied its work. The document, a "relative evaluation report" on the Galaxy S1 and iPhone published in March 2010 and unearthed by Apple, highlights where Samsung's flagship phone fell short of the iPhone. The report looked at several different features, from the call screen to the browsing experience and even the difference in the calculator. Apple will draw on this document as proof that Samsung actively compared its products against the iPhone, and made strides to better mimic the blockbuster device. Samsung, however, would argue that it does opposition research against all of its major rivals. "Samsung benchmarks many peer companies," the company said in a statement. "In fact, these are typical competitive analyses routinely undertaken by many companies in many industries - including Apple."At the time, of course, there was no bigger rival than Apple and its iPhone. While Android was still getting under way, Apple was the undisputed champ in the smartphone arena. According to the report, Samsung found 27 items under basic function that fell short against the iPhone, including the efficient and effective use of the screen real estate. It also found 22 items under visual interaction effects, such as the effect for saving mail and screen transitions, and noted that the Galaxy S1 had fewer effects aside from the major menus. Other categories included browsing, messaging and multimedia, with various deficiencies listed. While the Galaxy S1 was a modest success in the U.S., it was popular globally, and helped lay the foundation for the more successful Galaxy S2 and the current flagship Galaxy S3, which has become a blockbuster phone at nearly every U.S. carrier. Updated at 1:38 p.m. PT: to include a response from Samsung.Here's the Samsung document that Apple is citing:App-Sam Court Doc
Apple changes bylaws, facing criticism over diversity
Apple changes bylaws, facing criticism over diversity
Apple has pledged to consider putting more women and minorities on its board of directors, adding language to its corporate charter that states the company's intentions."The nominating committee is committed to actively seeking out highly qualified women and individuals from minority groups to include in the pool from which board nominees are chosen," the charter (PDF) now says, though it doesn't make any concrete promises. The statement has been on the company's proxy for several years, but not on its charter.The addition comes after criticism from shareholders Trillium Asset Management and the Sustainability Group, according to Bloomberg. The groups said they were disappointed the company has only one woman on its board and one female executive reporting to CEO Tim Cook. Former Avon CEO Andrea Jung sits on Apple's board, while former Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts will be the only female executive reporting to Cook when she begins her job as retail chief this year. "There is a general problem with diversity at the highest echelon of Apple," Jonas Kron, director of shareholder advocacy at Trillium, told Bloomberg. "It's all white men."Shareholders met with the company several times in the past few months about their diversity concerns, according to Bloomberg. The groups intended to bring the issue to a vote at the company's annual shareholder meeting in February, but relented after the corporate charter was altered.Diversity at the world's largest technology companies has been a hot-button topic of late. Twitter faced criticism for its lack of a female board member right before it went public late last year. The company added Marjorie Scardino, the former CEO of Pearson, to its board in December. Representatives at Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. We'll update this post if we hear back.
Apple has pledged to consider putting more women and minorities on its board of directors, adding language to its corporate charter that states the company's intentions."The nominating committee is committed to actively seeking out highly qualified women and individuals from minority groups to include in the pool from which board nominees are chosen," the charter (PDF) now says, though it doesn't make any concrete promises. The statement has been on the company's proxy for several years, but not on its charter.The addition comes after criticism from shareholders Trillium Asset Management and the Sustainability Group, according to Bloomberg. The groups said they were disappointed the company has only one woman on its board and one female executive reporting to CEO Tim Cook. Former Avon CEO Andrea Jung sits on Apple's board, while former Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts will be the only female executive reporting to Cook when she begins her job as retail chief this year. "There is a general problem with diversity at the highest echelon of Apple," Jonas Kron, director of shareholder advocacy at Trillium, told Bloomberg. "It's all white men."Shareholders met with the company several times in the past few months about their diversity concerns, according to Bloomberg. The groups intended to bring the issue to a vote at the company's annual shareholder meeting in February, but relented after the corporate charter was altered.Diversity at the world's largest technology companies has been a hot-button topic of late. Twitter faced criticism for its lack of a female board member right before it went public late last year. The company added Marjorie Scardino, the former CEO of Pearson, to its board in December. Representatives at Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. We'll update this post if we hear back.
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