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The New iPod Touch

If you had to compare the new iPod touch to any of Apple’s other products then it would most definitely be like the iPhone 4. In fact, it is almost exactly like an iPhone 4 without the phone part. The new iPod Touch is even thinner than the original, has a Retina display, Apple A4 processor, gyroscope...

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Tim Cook Says Laptops Are Dead, Steve Wozniak Says Otherwise

Posted by Zack | Posted in Apple News, Consumer Electronics | Posted on 18-11-2015

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Apple CEO Tim Cook caused many a MacBook user to scream out in anguish recently when he insisted that he couldn’t see a single reason for anyone to buy a PC anymore, especially since Apple just released the iPad Pro, the latest iPad model that comes complete with pencil and yoga-mat keyboard. With Cook pushing the iPad Pro and saying that things like iMacs and MacBook Pros were obsolete, many people started to question their very existence of their Apple products. Everyone except Steve Wozniak that is.

Wozniak, who co-founded Apple with Steve Jobs back in the day, was speaking at a conference organized by New Relic recently where he was quoted saying that he continues to be “more of a laptop-based guy.” For the Woz, the flexibility of a laptop contrasts that of a tablet which he believes “has been limited for me”. Wozniak isn’t alone here either. Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Services for Apple Eddy Cue recently told CNN that he likes the iPad Pro because “I consumer a lot more than I create,” rather than Cook’s insistence that this was now a productivity tool.

Now let’s be real for a second. I highly doubt that Cook believes that the PC market is officially dead. I mean, if he really did believe that then why would he launch new and tantalizing MacBooks? Reports for Apple’s latest MacBook line have been hailed as a “groundbreaking design” by many reviewers. No the real reason behind Cook’s comments is that he is trying to sell what he wants to sell right now, a giant iPad that has the potential to reverse the 20% year-on-year decline in Apple’s tablet sales. Naturally, neither Cook nor Apple has responded to requests for comment.

Wozniak doesn’t really seem to be on the flashy new tech bandwagon. When Apple released the Apple Watch Wozniak wasn’t 100% behind it. He stated that he sometimes forgets to put on his own Apple Watch and realizes that he doesn’t really miss it all that much. However, he did agree that the device was improving though it is still unclear exactly how he thinks it is getting better. All-in-all, the Woz has been pretty critical of Apple lately. Wozniak was also quoted saying, “I don’t like being in the Apple ecosystem. I don’t like being trapped. I like being independent.”

Wozniak has been known to really enjoy some Android products alongside with Apple ones. Just last year he suggested that Apple should release an Android smartphone. In terms of his commitment to laptops, it is very easy to believe that tech developers release new product forms that have the sole purpose of making money. One of the bigger problems with the iPad is the fact that many people believe they already know precisely what the iPad is good for, and what it isn’t good for, and feel that older models do just as fine as the newer ones.

I really admire the fact that Wozniak isn’t going along with the iPad Pro craze from Apple just for the sake of Apple loyalty. Steve Wozniak has been a lot of things in his life, nonetheless of which is an independent man of his own fruition, which is something this world needs more of.

Content originally published here


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Apple Sells 13 Million iPhone 6S Devices In First Weekend

Posted by admin | Posted in Apple News, Consumer Electronics, New Products | Posted on 28-09-2015

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Apple has officially released its newest smartphones, the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus. Even though the devices have only been on the market for less than a week, they have already posted some very impressive sales numbers. According to a recent sales report from Apple, the company has sold over 13 million new devices over the weekend, which is a new record for the iPhone, The CEO of the company has made sure the marketing of this new project blows the sales up to the roof, just like the Jimmy John Shark CEO of one of the most successful businesses.

According to Apple CEO Tim Cook’s press statement, “Sales for iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus have been phenomenal, blowing past any previous first-weekend sales results in Apple’s history. Customers’ feedback is incredible and they are loving 3D Touch and Live Photos, and we can’t wait to bring the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus to customers in even more countries on October 9th.”

So what’s the reason for such high sales numbers? Probably the fact that Apple included China in its opening weekend sales. China passed over Europe to become Apple’s second biggest market earlier in the year, with sales growing three times faster than in North and South America. To compare, Apple sold 10 million units of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in its opening weekend last year and 9 million units of the iPhone 5S and 5C the year before that. In both cases, the launch of the smartphones in China was delayed.

So what’s new with the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus? Well for starters, these new smartphones come preloaded with Apple’s latest iOS 9 operating system. In addition to that, the new phones come with the new A9 chip with 64-bit architecture and M9 motion coprocessor. There’s 2GB of RAM as well as a 12MP rear-facing camera and a 5MP front-facing camera. 4K resolution is also supported at 30fps along with 4.2 Bluetooth.

Granted the changes aren’t astounding, but they are decent. Are they enough for people to upgrade from the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus to the iPhone 6S or 6S Plus? Probably not. But they are good enough to get people to go from an iPhone 5 model (or earlier) and, maybe, good enough for some people to make the jump from an Android device to an Apple.

Content originally published here


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Check Out The Green Video Apple Released 4/20/15

Posted by jnolan | Posted in Apple News, Consumer Electronics, Uncategorized | Posted on 20-04-2015

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This video came out today on Apple’s YouTube page. After it was up for only two hours, it already had 20,000 views and currently has almost 80,000. The main point to the video is to show off that they are using clean energy. They are building a 40-megawatt solar farm in China that will power all of their offices across the country, all of their offices are powered with clean energy already, and they are generating 12 million kilowatt hours of energy in Oregon using hydropower.

This is one of the most genius marketing tactics for Apple just like the ones implemented by the best boston SEO services. It may not seem that significant, but there is a lot to this whole idea. Across many different developing countries, there is a huge wave of consumer consciousness that includes issues like sustainability. This is a bigger factor than ever right now. 55% of global respondents in Nielsen’s survey say that they are willing to pay more for products and services from companies that dedicate themselves to creating a positive social and environmental impact. That is an increase in 50% in 2012 and 45% in 2011. Regionally, respondents in Asia-Pacific (64%), Latin America (63%) and Middle East/Africa (63%) exceed the global average and have increased 9, 13 and 10 percentage points since 2011. So knowing that, you can see why this is such a big deal, and why the video is absolutely genius on Apple’s part. Check it out!

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Tim Cook Set to Give Entire Fortune to Charity

Posted by admin | Posted in Apple News | Posted on 07-04-2015

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Photo Credit: RanZag

Apple CEO Tim Cook is, as one would expect, very wealthy. However, money doesn’t seem to be what is important to him. Cook has decided to use his money to pay for his nephew’s college education and then donate the rest of it to charity. There is a long list of wealthy philanthropists who donate most of their money to charity, and now he is joining in to make the list a little longer.

CNN says that his wealth is close to about a billion dollars. That is a ton of money to earn just to give it away. But, this goes along with what Steve Jobs and Apple have been about all along. Apple started out as a little indie company full of love with the desire to break down the boundaries and limits, to think outside the box, and to keep things simple and give back whenever they could. Tim Cook gave this statement on Jobs’ attitude toward everything in a recent interview with Fast Company:

“Steve felt that most people live in a small box. They think they can’t influence or change things a lot. I think he would probably call that a limited life. And more than anybody I’ve ever met, Steve never accepted that. He got each of us [his top executives] to reject that philosophy. If you can do that, then you can change things. If you embrace that the things that you can do are limitless, you can put your ding in the universe. You can change the world. That was the huge arc of his life, the common thread. That’s what drove him to have big ideas. Through his actions, way more than any preaching, he embedded this nonacceptance of the status quo into the company.”

There have been plenty of former CEOs that have given away a huge chunk of wealth to charitable causes. Bill Gates and Warren Buffett both did the exact same thing. The most famous, and probably the first was Chuck Feeney, the former CEO of Duty Free Shoppers. He was famous for saving his money, wearing cheap clothes and flying coach when he obviously didn’t need to. He put $4 billion into his Atlantic Philanthropist charitable trust which will be completely depleted before his death. After he did that, he has lived quietly and modestly ever since.

According to CEO of New York City nonprofit Living Cities Ben Hecht, “We’re seeing all this new wealth, especially West Coast wealth and technology wealth, which doesn’t necessarily have a place tied to it. They just have very different sensibilities. Many of them don’t have any interest in building a perpetual institution. I think it’s not in their culture. They want to give it away, and they want to be active in giving it away.”

Content originally published here

After a Victory Over Samsung, Apple Turns Its Sights on Google

Posted by Zack | Posted in Consumer Electronics | Posted on 28-08-2012

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Apple vs GoogleFresh off its $1.05 billion patent lawsuit victory over Samsung, Apple is turning its sights on another tech giant, this one a little bigger than Samsung, however. After suing the crap out of Samsung for patent infringement, Apple CEO Tim Cook is reportedly in talks with Google CEO Larry Page about numerous intellectual property matters, including those at the center of the ongoing patent disputes between both companies.

These talks, which have taken place sort of secretively, began last week over the phone and will continue in the coming weeks. In addition to that, discussions involving lower-level executives for both companies are also being conducted. Cook has always said that these patent suits, including the one against Samsung, weren’t about attacking Android, which the late CEO Steve Jobs vowed.

Instead, Cook claims that the suits are to protect Apple’s properties. However, there is a fear now that the ruling laid forth last week has set the stage for additional lawsuits against other Android device makers. According to a statement from Google about the Apple-Samsung verdict, “The court of appeals will review both infringement and the validity of the patent claims.”

Google also added, “Most of these don’t relate to the core Android operating system, and several are being re-examined by the US Patent Office. The mobile industry is moving fast and all players — including newcomers — are building upon ideas that have been around for decades. We work with our partners to give consumers innovative and affordable products, and we don’t want anything to limit that.”

However, Google and Apple are discussing infringement issues in private. One possible scenario, according to sources, that is being contemplated by the two companies could be an actual truce involving disputes over basic Android features and functions. Unfortunately, it is still unclear if the two CEOs are discussing a broad settlement covering a wide array of disputes or are focusing on a more limited set of issues.

With the recent win over Samsung, Apple may be feeling pretty good about itself, which could be why it has decided to take on Google. The problem here is that Google is a little more powerful than Samsung. I’m curious to see if Apple will be able to give a one-two punch right to the face of Android by taking down Google right after defeating Samsung.

Source: Tom’s Hardware – Google and Apple CEOs Talking Over Patent Issues

 

Apple Allowing Fair Labor Association to Audit Foxconn Plants

Posted by Zack | Posted in Consumer Electronics | Posted on 13-02-2012

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FoxconnApple just announced that the Fair Labor Association will be allowed to conduct special, voluntary audits of Apple’s final assembly suppliers. This includes companies like Foxconn factories in Shenzhen and Chengdu, China, at the bequest of Apple itself. A certified team of labor rights experts, led by FLA President Auret van Heerden, began the first inspections Monday morning at Foxconn City in Shenzhen.

According to CEO of Apple Tim Cook, “We believe that workers everywhere have the right to a safe and fair work environment, which is why we’ve asked the FLA to independently assess the performance of our largest suppliers. The inspections now underway are unprecedented in the electronics industry, both in scale and scope, and we appreciate the FLA agreeing to take the unusual step of identifying the factories in their report.”

The FLA, as a part of its assessment, will interview thousands of employees about working and living conditions, including health and safety, compensation, working hours and communication with management, since there are workers which even work from home, we can also make sure we properly monitor employees working from home if we have a lot working remotely as we need to be sure what they are doing. The FLA’s team will go through manufacturing areas, dormitories and other facilities while also conducting an extensive review of documents related to procedures at all stages of employment.

Apple’s suppliers have agreed to give full cooperation to the FLA as well as unrestricted access to every aspect of their operations. Whatever the FLA finds and recommends from the first assessment will be made public in the beginning of March. Similar inspections will then be conducted at Quanta and Pegatron facilities in the spring. Once completed, the FLA’s assessments will have covered more than 90% of Apple’s suppliers.

Apple became the very first technology company admitted to the Fair Labor Association when it was approved back in January. The FLA conducts independent monitoring as well as verification to ensure that the FLA’s Workplace Standards are upheld wherever FLA company products are created.

Source: Engadget – Apple opens up inspection of its Foxconn plants to Fair Labor Association

Apple – Fair Labor Association Begins Inspections of Foxconn

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New Apple CEO Tim Cook to Unveil iPhone 5 at October 4 Event

Posted by Zack | Posted in Consumer Electronics | Posted on 22-09-2011

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Tim CookOn October 4, 2011 Apple fans from around the world will cry out in triumph and amazement as that is the day of the next big media event from Apple. It is also the day that the company, known for its popular iPad and Mac computers, will unveil the next installment in its other popular franchise, the iPhone 5.

There have been a lot of differing opinions about the exact timing of the event, some of which even suggested that it would take place this month. However, it has generally been assumed that the event, as well as the unveiling of the iPhone 5, would take place in October.

And while it is true that Apple could change its plans whenever it feels like it, multiple sources have said that October 4 has definitely been selected by the company as the unveiling date of the iPhone 5. In addition to that, sources added that the plan, as it stands right now, is to make the device available for purchase within a few weeks after the announcement.

While the unveiling of the iPhone 5 is definitely the highlight for fans and consumers, the event itself holds more importance for the company. This event will mark the first big event for new Apple CEO Tim Cook, who took over for Jobs when he resigned last month for personal reasons.

It is this fact that also alludes to the fact that Cook himself will preside over the unveiling, much like Jobs did when he was in charge. If Cook were to pass the event off to another Apple employee, even one as trusted as key executive Phil Schiller, it would undermine his entire position and present an image to the Apple public that the job may be too much to handle.

I can find no better event to mark the first for Cook than the unveiling of Apple’s most anticipated product in the iPhone 5. So stay tuned for all the information and details that are sure to arise from the event on October 4, it should be one to remember.

Source: All Things D – Apple’s Next Event to Be Held on October 4, Starring Its New CEO


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Steve Jobs Resigns as Apple CEO

Posted by Zack | Posted in Consumer Electronics | Posted on 28-08-2011

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Steve Jobs portraitIn a shocking and unexpected turn of events, Steve Jobs has decided to resign as CEO of Apple. Jobs, who has been battling an undisclosed medical illness for the past couple of months, has officially stepped down as the head of the world’s largest technological empire, Apple, the company he co-founded over 35 years ago.

In regards to his resignation, Jobs released a letter to everyone explaining his motives.

August 24, 2011 – To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

“I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you for all the many years of being able to work alongside you.”

Cook has been acting CEO for Apple ever since Jobs took an indefinite leave of absence from the company a while back due to medical issues, so he can manage the company and employees which is easier to do with software like check stub maker online. For those of you who remember, Jobs took a previous leave of absence whilst battling pancreatic cancer. Jobs has made appearances at certain events, showcasing some of the newest Apple products, like the iPad 2, but hasn’t done much else.

Many consumers, as well as investors, are worried about Apple no longer being under the direct direction of Jobs. However, Cook seems to have proven his worth in the last few months and Jobs would not have left him in charge if he himself didn’t have full confidence in his abilities and skills.

Needless to say, the next couple of months will be tough as well as crucial for both Apple and Cook as both have to prove that the company can survive despite the absence of Jobs. Nevertheless, my prayers for good luck and good health go out to Mr. Jobs. I hope that whatever ails him is something that he will be able to overcome.

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