Apple That

With all of the new Android devices being released almost weekly, and the major decline in Apple’s stock since last fall, you would think that Apple is about to go out of business. This, of course, is an exaggeration as Apple just release their Q2 (Second Quarter) earnings numbers on Tuesday and they beat Wall Street’s expectations. Apple accrued a profit of $9.5 billion and a revenue of $43.6 billion. These revenues are slightly higher than what experts were predicting, but not quite as high a profit as Apple has had in the past.

This is welcome news for the technology giant that has seen its stock drop over 300 points from a high of  $705 a share to a low of under $400 a share since last September. Much of the concern has been over the fact that iPhone sales have been in decline, though still a massive source of revenue. iPhone sales for the last quarter were over 37.4 million units. While this is a great sales number, the growth of iPhone sales has slow quite a bit. One product, however, that showed a tremendous growth rate was the iPad. Compared to last year, iPad sales were up 65% to over 19 million units sold. The main thing that can be taken away from these figures is that Apple is still selling millions of products, but some new, “innovative” features may be necessary for continued growth.

The increased competition from new, high quality Android phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S III has had a major impact on iPhone sales. Many experts are wondering if Apple will be able to keep up with the “cutting edge” Android devices that are taking more and more of the smartphone market. Many are also speculating if Apple will release an iPhone with a larger display this year to keep up with the trend of larger smartphone screens, but CEO Tim Cook shot many of those theories down. Cook, after being asked about possibly shipping an iPhone with a 5 inch display, went on to list many of the tradeoffs and problems that come with a display that size. He detailed resolution, color quality, brightness, and so on as being issues that would keep Apple from shipping a display that size “while these tradeoffs exist”. This may sound ridiculous to those Android customers that have displays over 5″, but Apple has shown that they are “slow” to adopt a trend until it is proven and established. The best example of this would be their decision not to implement LTE connectivity into their devices until it was a “proven” and widespread standard.

One thing is certain after this reporting of revenue from Apple, they are still an extremely valuable company. Posting a revenue of over $43 billion is something that is truly “mind-boggling” and is almost hard to comprehend. That being said, Apple will need to “up its game” with their new product releases and updates this year. One area that both customers and critics agree needs to be updated is the operating system on Apple’s mobile products, iOS. Since the iPhone’s debut in 2007, iOS has been updated each year with a host of new features and abilities but has not had a drastic U/I (user interface) overhaul. Many are pointing to the customizability of the Android operating system as something that Apple needs to adopt in their new version of iOS that will most likely be released this fall. It remains to be seen what Apple will actually do, but the anticipation for their updated products and software is sure to be widespread.

Sources - http://www.theverge.com/2013/4/23/4258068/apple-posts-9-5b-profit-on-43-6b-in-revenue, http://www.theverge.com/2013/4/23/4258544/tim-cook-says-5-inch-iphone-display-would-have-too-many-tradeoffs

Have you ever had that sinking feeling of not being able to remember your password?  If you fail too many times, you are locked out.  Then the process of calling some company to go through the steps it takes to unlock your account could cause the most reasonable person want to go into a rage!  A new Apple system now has the ability to tell the difference between a failed password attempt and a hacking attempt.

Starting the patent process back in 2007, Apple has been approved and published in the USPTO records for a system that has a solution to typos vs. hackers.  All I can think about is the hours of frustration saved because I am notorious for mis-typing or forgetting my password.

This technology was designed to detect an intruder tying to access a secure network without making it impossible to handle for people who make a genuine error like a typo or thinking of the wrong password.  The system still requires a correct password and other login details to gain access.  The catch is how quickly someone gets blocked from trying again.

Administrators can set a limit for how closely an attempt must match.  If one or two characters are wrong, it will assume you have made a typing error and give you another chance. Getting more complicated, the system can actually learn the patterns of mistakes made by legitimate users.  For example, someone whose first three attempts providing a password are “987654321”, “password” and “lyla” might be identified as someone just trying their luck with common passwords and then will be blocked permanently from access to the system.  But if you make consistent mistakes like reversed letters or numbers, or mix up your passwords from another site regularly, the system might automatically discount that attempt when deciding to block or not block an attempt.

I have to wonder if this has anything to do with Apple’s recent blocking of iForgot Password System.  Apple has stated that privacy and security for its customers is very important and it appears Apple wants to go even further.  iForgot Password had flaws that allowed hackers to gain access with very little effort.  Although, it does appear that Apple has fixed the flaw and re-opened the program.  It will be interesting to see what the long-term user satisfaction results and/or level of frustration will be upon implementation and use of the system.

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I love buying things online. Not only is it possible to find almost anything you need and have it shipped directly to your house without having to talk to anybody, wait in line, drive to the store and possibly have the misfortune of having your desired purchase sold out, but you can do it without wearing any pants! The only problem is that you typically don’t get the satisfaction of having it arrive immediately as you would if you had bought it in a store.

However, that isn’t the case if you want to buy a new iPhone. According to the company’s website, if you purchase an iPhone online from Apple, you can receive free next-day shipping! The deal is valid for the iPhone 5, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S but restricts customers to two phones per order.

Apple already offers free standard shipping on orders that exceed $50, though next-day shipping normally incurs an additional cost depending on the size of your particular order. What makes this deal even sweeter is that individuals who decide to purchase the iPhone 4 may be able to get the phone and have it shipped for free as the phone is already free to users who sign a new two-year contract.

The only thing wrong with this picture is that there is no specific information on the site that indicates when this promotion will end, which means you should probably take advantage of the deal as soon as you are able. Apple has, in the past, offered free next-day shipping along with free expedited shipping, though those offers were around December in order to boost holiday sales numbers.

This might be a way for Apple to try and clear some inventory space as rumors of a cheaper iPhone 5 (possibly the iPhone 5S) continue to circulate. Recent reports on that front state that Apple will be releasing sometime towards the end of June, though Apple has naturally said nothing about such plans.

According to BTIG Analyst Walter Piecyk, Apple needs to launch a new, low-cost iPhone in order to boost earnings and market share. Piecyk, in an investors note, stated that he has raised his opinion on Apple stock from “neutral” to “buy” based on the assumption that Apple will launch a low-cost iPhone before the end of 2013.

Piecyk predicts that nearly 36.5 million low-cost iPhones will be sold in fiscal 2014 at an average, non-subsidized price of $300. Should that ring true, the lower-cost iPhone could add $11 billion in revenue to Apple’s next fiscal year, which officially begins in October.

According to Piecyk, “As we have previously detailed, we believe a product that addresses the more than 70% of global wireless subscribers that are unsubsidized pre-paid is necessary in order for Apple to grow its EPS next year. This is not rocket science and our belief is based on basic logic, not questionable ‘channel checks’ or trips to Asia.”

The problem with a low-cost iPhone is Apple’s commitment to “only making great products”. However, Piecysk doesn’t believe that this would compromise Apple’s philosophy, noting successes like the iPad Mini and iPod Nano as testament. In addition to that, Piecyk also had some colorful words of wisdom for Apple stockholders should the company fail to deliver a low-cost iPhone.

“If the management team does not follow this basic logic, as we expect they will, investors will need to push for a new management team. At the moment they have earned the benefit of the doubt that they will go after this market,” Piecyk added.

On the flipside, Piecyk also believes that a larger-screened iPhone would also help Apple win more customers. He also confessed that he believes that Galaxy Note from Samsung is too big for him, though that a large screen like the one on the upcoming Galaxy S4 and the HTC One “look great and could generate a lot of interest in the upcoming quarters.”

Source: CNET – Apple needs a low-cost iPhone, says analyst

Your Mac was likely a hefty investment that you want to keep running for as long as possible.  Whether you bought it new, refurbished or used, keeping your costs down and your data secure and transferrable is always a plus! Your Mac can get damaged, become outdated or just suffer greater wear and tear from extensive use that can take years off its lifespan.  There are few tips that can help the system running longer without problems or limited capacity.

The physical side….

The physical machine includes controllers, screen, logic boards, keyboard, mouse and other similar parts.  While a keyboard and mouse can be replaced, it may be harder to do that for other components.

The Machine Itself

If you haven’t purchased your Mac yet, be sure to ask about options to configure your system when you do make the purchase.  Apple offers a number of configure-to-order details that can fit your needs best, everything from speed of processors and hard drive capacity to RAM.

It just makes sense that the more capacity and speed you give your system, the longer you will be able to use it before you need an upgrade.

Power Source Care

One of the most common items to be damaged is the power supply.  Wall power circuits are harsh and can cause a lot of stress on the power supply.  Also, the external power supply for laptops takes an even higher degree of abuse that can eventually lead to a failure.

Continued use for power supplies may not be as much an issue as surges and power failures that disrupt the system and result in date corruption or broken components.  Be sure to protect your system by turning it off when not in use or using a surge protected power strip or better yet, use an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS).

Laptop users could consider purchasing a second power supply for your system.  Additionally for laptops, take proper care of the battery.  Best practice is to use your system regularly enough to run through a full charge about once a month to help prevent what is called “dead spots”.  This can reduce their overall charging capacity.  Do not use them in extreme temperatures and if you are not going to use your computer for a longer period of time, store it with at least a half battery charge.

Avoid Abuse

This might be a no-brainer….avoiding physical abuse will increase the longevity.  The Apple is pretty hardy but it is not indestructible.  Protect your laptop with some sort of case or cover when traveling.  Over time the keys will wear so that the symbols disappear and the surface wears down.  You might want to consider a keyboard slip cover or transparent stickers to place on the keys if they show wear.

Be kind to the ports on your Mac.  When peripherals are attached, rough handling can cause them to bend or twist and over time may result in it no longer working or not being able to stay firmly connected.  They can also short out or fry a component on the motherboard.  This, unfortunately, happens easily when fishing around in the dark and plugging the wrong plug into a port.

Be Aware of Your Touch

Taking your frustration out on your keyboard or typing with a heavy hand will wear out your keyboard faster.  If it is not working properly, clicking or tapping harder or faster will not fix anything and will only increase the chance of damaging the system.  Sometimes multiple presses can confuse the system more and make matters even worse.

Also avoid touching your display.  Apple’s glossy glass displays are a little more protected from touching but if you have a matte display it can easily be poked and damaged.

Lastly, having clean hands will help increase the longevity of your system.  Keep key surfaces clean and cuts down on the amount of dirt that gets into the keyboard that can block keys from working properly.

Clean Your System

Gently wipe away any grime on the keyboard or around the edges of the display and more importantly, make sure ports and vents are clear of dust or obstructions.  Use canned air or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust in the vents to help prevent overheating.

Avoid Hard Shutoffs

Avoid holding the power key or unplugging your system to shut it off if you experience a crash or severe hang-up.  This sudden interruption can damage the logic board and components.  If you are experiencing regular crashes, consider finding solution resources at the Apple retail store and on its online discussion forum.

The Logical…

Don’t forget to take care of maintaining your system’s capabilities, security and stability.  This involves the operating system, software, components and upgrades that are available.

Upgrade software

Updating a system is a cinch by going to the Apple menu and choosing Software Update, where the system will check for and then install new versions of operating system software or Apple’s supplied programs like iTunes, iPhoto, or iWork.

Be sure to update any third-party software you have installed and keep those at their latest versions.  This will maintain security but also compatibility with OS X.

Upgrade hardware

As you continue to install new releases of OS X and upgrades of your software, it may result in your system running slower.  As mentioned above, then it might be time to look at speed upgrades.  This will get you up and running faster without having to purchase a new computer.

Back up regularly

Continual backups will keep your Mac experience at its optimal level.  Should you face an irrecoverable problem, your documents, settings, installed applications and all of your system’s software can be easily restored or migrated from the backup to a new system, if needed.

Don’t forget, if you should have a computer catastrophe, companies such as Rentacomputer.com offer Apple Computers For Rent.

The iPhone 5 launched in China back in December with the company expecting it to make waves like it did in the United States. However, customers in China appear to be a bit smarter than the ones in the U.S. and don’t just run out and buy the next smartphone Apple releases just because of the symbol on the back.

The Cupertino company’s market share of smartphones in China hardly increased at all during last year’s fourth quarter. Apple retained the position as the sixth largest smartphone vendor in China that it had in the third quarter. Even though market share increased to 8.5%, which was up 0.5%, it still wasn’t enough to make a significant impact.

Samsung, on the other hand, took the top spot with a 16% market share and was followed by Chinese vendors Lenovo, Yulong Computer Telecommunication Scientific, Huawei and ZTE. Booming growth in China’s smartphone segment overall was a detriment to Apple’s performance in the country as shipments reached 65 million units and growth was driven by low-end handsets priced relatively cheaply.

According to Canalys Analyst Nicole Peng, “The iPhone 5 is doing very well, and you saw for the first time Apple announced it had sold 2 million iPhones in the first weekend of sales in China.” Peng also added that quarter-over-quarter Apple’s iPhone shipments in China were up 30%.

However, Apple’s entrance into the Chinese market is still hindered by the absence of a low-cost smartphone in Apple’s catalog. In addition to that, the company has also failed to make a deal with China’s largest mobile carrier to offer Apple phones. “Apple can only do so much,” Peng added. “Lenovo, Huawei, ZTE, their market shares have been supported by low-end models.”

The smartphone market in China is so large that Lenovo became the world’s top five vendor in the fourth quarter simply because of sales in the country. In addition to that, 98% of Lenovo’s smartphone shipments of 9.5 million phones went to China.

Source: Computer World – iPhone 5 fails to boost Apple’s market share in China

A new exploit has recently surfaced in Apple’s iOS operating system for its mobile devices. The exploit itself allows users to gain access to an iPhone locked via passcode even if they have no idea what the passcode is. Obviously this is a huge defect in the programming as it makes having a passcode completely irrelevant.

The good news is that Apple is well on its way to releasing a patch for this exploit. According to a recent statement released by the company, “Apple takes user security very seriously. We are aware of this issue and will deliver a fix in a future software update.”

Unfortunately, Apple was unable to give a specific time frame on when users can expect the update and its subsequent fix of the exploit. In addition to that, the company also didn’t offer any information on a “quick fix” that would temporarily allow users to secure their iPhones until the update.

The hack, which was published a month ago by a user on YouTube, recently surfaced and opens up access to the iPhone, allowing the hacker to listen to the phone’s voicemails, make calls and view contact information. However, any attempt to go beyond that information will send the hacker back to the passcode screen.

The latest update to Apple’s iOS, v6.1.1, went live earlier this week but was only a supplemental update for iPhone 4S users and only fixed an issue with cellular connectivity and reliability. All other users have the ability to update to version 6.1, which adds 4G LTE support for more carriers on Apple devices as well as a feature that allows users to purchase movie tickets from Fandango after searching for them using Siri.

This is definitely a critical flaw in the iOS for Apple. The fact that an iPhone user’s device can be accessed to listen to voicemails, make calls and view contact information is something that most users will find unnerving. Apple’s best course of action is to deliver a fix as soon as possible on this issue.

You’re probably tired of hearing about Apple patent news by now, but I promise this one is different. How so, you may ask? Well, this piece of information isn’t about Apple suing some other smartphone company for patent infringement, it’s about one of Apple’s very own patents coming under fire by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office following a re-examination.

The patent covers touch-screen technology for Apple, though the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently ruled that all of the 20 claims included in the patent were invalid. The decision, however, is not final so things could still change in favor of Apple or against the Cupertino patent suit prince even more.

This is the second such Apple patent to be deemed completely invalid by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office following re-examination. A similar ruling for an Apple patent, one that covered the tech giant’s rubber-banding bounce effect, came in late October and is also subject to appeal.

One thing that is of great note is that late Apple CEO and Co-Founder Steve Jobs is listed as the chief inventor, along with 24 others, of the touch-related technology that is listed in U.S. Patent No. 7,479,949. Apple filed for the patent back in April of 2008, which was granted only nine months later. In addition to that, this patent was one of three used against Motorola in a recent patent suit, which was tossed out of court last week.

This could be a little bit of Karma coming Apple’s way as the company has been very pro patent lawsuit these days. Apple has gone after big name companies like Samsung, Motorola and even Microsoft in patent lawsuit cases, only achieving victory (as of now) over Samsung.

Source: CNET – Another Apple touch-screen patent in trouble

Despite the fact that the Samsung Galaxy is the world’s best selling smartphone, demand for the iPhone 4SXL, I mean iPhone 5, is still through the roof. Demand was so high, as a matter of fact, that Apple’s production plants, specifically Foxconn, were unable to keep up with the demand, severely angering Apple. Thankfully (for Foxconn employees at least) it only took about two months for Apple to almost catch up with iPhone 5 demand.

One of the top Apple analysts for Piper Jaffray, Gene Munster, has been tracking iPhone 5 availability at 100 Apple Stores around the United States for the past month. In that time, Munster has reported that there have been significant improvements in the past 10 days.

As of Tuesday, iPhone 5 smartphones running on AT&T were in stock at 82% of Apple stores with 72% of Verizon stores having the device in stock and 92% of Sprint stores having the newest Apple handset. In addition to that, shipping times for customers ordering online have decreased to about two weeks after having been stuck at three to four weeks since the phone launched on September 21.

According to Munster, Apple is “nearing full availability” for the iPhone 5 just in time for the holidays. The iPhone 5 debuted exactly two months ago to much fanfare, despite it essentially being the iPhone 4S with a larger screen and 4G LTE connectivity.

However, opening weekend sales were lower than expected due to supply constraints. Since then, Apple’s stock of the phone has been hit by concerns that the company’s manufacturing partners are unable to produce the latest iPhone fast enough to keep up with consumer demand.

The biggest question that Apple is facing now is whether or not the increased availability of the iPhone is due to an increased productivity from Apple’s manufacturing plants or a decreased demand for the phone which, to be honest, wasn’t as revolutionary as people expected it to be.

Source: Mashable – Apple is Finally Catching Up to iPhone 5 Demand