Monday, December 31, 2012

Into The Sun


My new e-book, Into The Sun, is now available through Amazon. If you like a good action story, coupled with mystery and crime, then this book is perfect for you.
 There is a special for New Year's Day and the day after that will allow you to download the Kindle version for free. I have included an excerpt of the book below:


 "Oh, it's ok," Lane said, his manners coming back to him, along with his composure. He began studying the young girl, sizing her up. She definitely wasn't a trucker, no way a pretty face like that sat behind the wheel for a living. However, she didn't quite look like a lot lizard either. Lot lizard being the nickname truckers gave to the hookers who often roamed these mom and pop places plying their trade.
 "You say you need to get all the way to Houston?"
 "Yes sir. My car blew its motor here yesterday, and I am just trying to get back home."
 "What are you doing way over here in San Antone? Why you're over 200 miles from Houston!"
 "Well, I took a job in Phoenix, and I have been there for 7 months. Anyway, I met this guy shortly after I moved there, and we kind of hit it off. Everything went well for a while, but then I felt like things were not going to work out. He drinks a lot, and he started to get angry over something to do with his business. I'm really not sure what he does, he never would tell me, but whatever it is, it was stressing him out." She seemed ready to tear up at the thought of this memory, but she kept speaking.
 "One day, he came in drunk and he hit me. I told him we were through, and that I didn't want to see him any more. I thought that would take care of things. I left and went back to my place. However, he showed up at my work the next day, and told me that if he couldn't have me, then nobody could, and that he would kill me if I didn't come back to him. I was afraid, so I quit my job, and got in my car and left. I made it here before my car finally died, and I don't have the money for a new one. I just want to get back to Houston, where he can't get at me again." Now she was crying, with tears streaming down her pretty face and dripping off her chin.

 Get your copy at Amazon today!

Apple iPad Mini In High demand In China




It appears as though the iPad Mini will be a smash hit in China. According to FOX News, the little device is being snapped up as fast as it hits shelves.

Brian White, a Topeka analyst, calls the demand for the iPad Mini "insatiable," he notes that nearly every model of the smaller sibling of the iPad 4 have sold out in Hong Kong and China during the week of Christmas. This is pretty impressive considering that the iPad Mini was launched weeks before in both countries.

According to reports, 3 of Apple Inc. (AAPL)'s retail stores in Hong Kong and 8 of them in China reported that they were sold out of stock or had severe constraints in their supplies of the little iPads. White stated that "similar to Hong Kong, we are being told by contacts in China that the iPad Mini is already more popular than the fourth generation iPad."

Apple is increasing the production of the little gadget, and that will only serve to fuel the fire they have started in China. White states that "prior to the China launch, we indicated that the iPad MIni would be the 'next big thing' in China, and we believe this phenomenon is starting to develop. In our view, the smaller form factor and lower price will allow Apple to sell the iPad mini in more meaningful volumes versus the regular iPad."

It would seem that Apple's tree in China is firmly planted. The country has welcomed the iPad Mini and iPhone 5 with open arms, and it seems the future is bright for Apple there. 2012 is ending at midnight tonight, and 2013 is just around the corner. It will be interesting to see how Apple makes changes to its marketing strategy in the coming months, or if there is any need for such a change. As of right now, Apple devices still hold a strong market share in both the tablet and smartphone markets. Whether or not that will continue to be the case in 2013 remains to be seen. For now, I suppose that we will have to wait and see.

This blog produced by Sites & Syllables

Friday, December 28, 2012

Apple Inc. (AAPL) Closes Below $510 Per Share



Apple Inc. (AAPL) just can't seem to catch a break in recent days. Investor sentiment has increasingly grown sour in the wake of the iPhone 5 launch and the subsequent Maps application fiasco.

While shares of Apple Inc. (AAPL) had reached an all time high of $705 per share earlier in the year, the price has continued to drop in the last few weeks, leading to its closing at $509.59 today. Some analysts still hold positive feelings towards the company, expressing the rumors of the upcoming Apple TV launch, and the possibility of an iPad 5 as early as next March. However, it seems that much of Wall Street's population may be siding with Jeff Gundlach, who believes Apple will fall to as low as $425 per share. 

The company once held the top spot as the world's most valuable company, but it seems that value is slipping away a little at a time these days. I personally believe Apple shares will rally in the coming quarters. Once the government reaches a decision on how to handle the fiscal cliff, tech stocks should have a brighter future ahead. Until that time, uncertainty and dissatisfaction seem to be the forces driving Apple's shares ever downward.

This blog published by Sites N Syllables

Apple Reports Huge Increase In App Store Downloads On Christmas Day



Apple Inc. (AAPL) has been on a roller coaster ride of thrills and chills this year, as its stock price soared to more than $700 per share and then plummeted back to the $515 range. However, one area the company has not been languishing in this year is sales. The iPhone 5 launch was the Cupertino company's largest product roll out ever, and it was amazingly successful, breaking all previous records for sales. The iPad 4 and iPad Mini launch that followed shortly after were also highly successful.

The results of these product's sales can be seen in the latest report from ValueWalk, which indicates that Apple reported an 87% increase in downloads from its App Store on Christmas day. The all around increase was reported to be around 70%, but iPad Apps hold the highest increase by percentage points. According to the figures published on ValueWalk, iPad Apps recorded a whopping 140% increase in downloads and an 80% increase in revenue earned. This points out that the iPad and iPad Mini were most likely the most popular Christmas gifts in Apple's product lineup this year.

According to a report from Macgasm.net, this is the first holiday shopping season where tablets beat out smartphones for the number 1 slot on gift givers' lists. The total number of mobile devices that were activated on Christmas day was 17.4 million. Tablets made up 51% of that number, and beat smartphones out for the top spot.

According to reports, the most popular apps that were downloaded were not Apple Apps, but in fact came from Apple's top competitor, Google Inc. (GOOG). Google's streaming video service, YouTube, was the most selected app in the App Store, with Google Maps coming in second. Surprisingly enough, an OfficeMax original app, called Elf Yourself, came in third place, and Disney's Where's My Holiday took fourth. Skype was also a popular download, as many families use the video calling feature to stay connected to each other during the holiday season.

Not surprising to many people, Apple is not the only company to record record sales in the tablet arena this holiday season. Amazon.com Inc.'s Kindle Fire HD recorded the most significant growth in a single day. This affordably priced tablet is reported to be one of Apple's biggest threats in the near future, in regards to the mid and lower end of the tablet market.

Although the final numbers have yet to be released by each of these companies, all the current data seems to indicate that tablets were the most desirable items on holiday wish lists this year. The tablet market is not yet as saturated as the smartphone market, as many consumers already own a smartphone. This leaves yet another venue for companies like Apple Inc. (AAPL) to earn major profit. 

Whether or not these numbers give the company a much needed boost in stock price remains to be seen. However, it can not be a bad thing to have set yet another record for sales this year.

Time Magazine Names Apple iPhone 5 Gadget Of The Year



Earlier this month, Time named Apple’s iPhone 5 its gadget of the year for 2012. Time’s Harry McCracken calls the phone “one of the most artfully polished gadgets anyone’s ever built.”  He also says that Apple has had more than its share of tech successes because it is extremely fussy about details that “other companies ignore.” 

The phone has a taller screen (4 inch) built into a thinner, lighter case that hasn’t gotten any wider – so you can still use it with one hand. This larger canvas lays claim to more pixels and heightened color saturation, making it clearer and brighter than the iPhone 4S. 

The 8MP iSight camera also excels with its unparalleled panorama mode and a vibrant low-light mode - even though the camera itself is smaller than before. The iPhone 5 also boasts a faster chip, married to ultrafast wireless technology that doesn’t sacrifice battery life. All in an aluminum body beautifully designed with precision that Apple claims is unprecedented. 

Designing a faster, thinner phone without losing any of its capabilities forced the company to do what it does best – come up with new technology. 

Apple engineers created a nano-SIM, which is smaller than the micro-SIM; they put both voice and data on a single chip instead of the standard two, and the new A6 chip is up to 2X faster than its predecessor, the A5. 

In addition, Apple created the first Retina display in which the touch technology is integrated.  Engineers were able to design pixels that also act as touch-sensing electrodes, even while displaying the image. These double-duty pixels allow for one less layer between you and what you see. 

The iPhone 5 is, in short, the “thinnest, fastest, lightest iPhone ever made” According to Time’s Harry McCracken, it is well made. “…when it comes to melding hardware, software and services so tightly that the seams fade away, Apple still has no peer.”

For more Apple News and Stock Updates, as well as great offers on Apple products, check out Tiny Apple Bytes the site!

This blog designed by Sites N Syllables

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Apple Inc. (AAPL) Plans To Bring Mac Mini Production To The U.S.




TechCrunch has reported earlier today that Apple Inc. (AAPL) will be utilizing its partnership with Foxconn to move its production of the Mac Mini to the United States. According to sources within Apple's supply chain, who spoke with Digitimes, Foxconn already has approximately 15 "operating bases" inside the U.S. Two of the states rumored to have these bases are California and Texas, where there are factories already in operation that perform the final assembly of the units that are partially assembled elsewhere. Foxconn has already denied rumors that indicated there were plans to expand to Detroit earlier this year, but did mention in the denial that there were several U.S. factories already in operation.

According to TechCrunch, part of this production move will include a push to outfit Foxconn's factories with more automated workers, which seems to confirm rumors we heard back in November. More automation would help Apple overcome the cost barriers and other limitations that were blamed for a lack of U.S. production in the past.

The Mac Mini poses a great unit for Apple to use to test the waters of U.S. production. One reason for this fact is that just like the Mac Pro, the Mini does not have a display monitor. By eliminating the need for a display to be produced, Apple has cut the costs of producing these machines immensely. The displays that are associated with products like the iPad or iPhone require an integration of many different materials, and careful adjustments may be needed in order to ensure that the pieces function properly. This can mean that additional adjustments and test may need to be made after production has already begun, and if the display manufacturers are not close to the final assembly plant, the resulting delay could be disastrous.

The Mac Mini is not one of Apple's best selling products, which could work in their favor this time. Because the estimated 1.4 million units for 2012 is a much smaller number than say the iPhone 5, which sold millions of units in its first 48 hours of availability, this is a good test project that Apple can use to determine whether other products should also be produced here.

While Digitimes has not always proven to be the most reliable source of information in the past, Apple Inc. (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook is on the record as having said that the production of Mac product would indeed be coming to the U.S. in 2013. This could be the rumor that proves to be true.

Apple Inc. (AAPL) Continues To Drop After Christmas



Apple Inc. (AAPL) shares have continued their downhill slide this morning, as shares dropped from yesterday's closing price of $513. The shares are currently trading at $507, which marks a low point for the stock in the last 6 months period.

Why is Apple suffering so bad in the market? After all, they have one of the strongest product lines in the history of technology...right?

According to ValueWalk.com, Apple Inc. (AAPL) has a bright future, as they have just released a very successful iPhone 5 as well as the iPad 4 and iPad Mini. All of these products have sold very well, with the iPhone selling out within hours of its release. Additionally, we reported yesterday that Fox and 9to5Mac had both reported that Apple will be releasing the iPad 5 as soon as March of 2013, and that it will have many of the space saving features that the iPad Mini featured.

ValueWalk has also mentioned the fact that Apple is rumored to be building an Apple TV that will be able to link directly to Time Warner's cable system. Rumors have been circulating that Time Warner and Apple have been testing the unit for quite some time.

With all of this success surrounding their products, why is Apple's stock price languishing in the market? Well, while I am no Gene Munster, my opinion is that Apple Inc. (AAPL) is suffering because of the availability of cheaper products that mock the iPad and iPhone's features.

Samsung, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Google all offer tablets that are priced lower than any of the iPad products offered by Apple. These tablets have sold extremely well in the holiday season, and this could be affecting Apple's stock price. With the economy struggling to hold steady and the cost of living rising, many people are looking towards affordability, rather than luxury. If this trend proves to be true, then some analysts fears could be realized.

If Apple loses market share to lesser competitors, then the stock price is going to continue to plummet, perhaps reaching the $425 target set by Jeff Gundlach when he told investors the company will suffer major stock price drops. Other analysts still have faith in Apple, and have stood by their price targets of more than $800 per share, and with some still holding above $900.

Will Apple pull out of this tailspin? While I may not have a crystal ball, I do believe the future of Apple should be clear to anyone who cares to look at the facts. The company has a strong product portfolio, along with some of the greatest engineers, designers, and executives in the world. Tim Cook has positioned his staff very carefully, in order to ensure the company has only the brightest minds working on its projects. With steady leadership, a strong product portfolio, and the continued dedication to quality that made Apple famous in the first place, the company will indeed pull out of this slump. I believe they will indeed reach the high price targets set by analysts in the near future. I suppose we will have to wait and see.

This blog designed by www.sitesnsyllables.com
Also available at www.tinyapplebytes.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Apple Inc. (AAPL) May Get A Boost From iPad 5 In March




Apple Inc. (AAPL) has been on one heck of a roller coaster ride this year. Their stock has skyrocketed in price, then subsequently plummeted back down to $515 per share. However, analysts continue to hold their faith in the tech company, and their hopes may not be entirely unfounded.

The release of the iPhone 5 this Fall sent consumers scurrying for the new device. Then, the iPad 4 and iPad Mini were released and consumers once again rushed the markets to obtain the tablets. It seems now that there may be even more reason for excitement when it comes to Apple, both for consumers and investors.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple will be releasing the iPad 5 in March of 2013, and it will have many of the desirable elements of the iPad Mini incorporated into its design. This device will feature a slim and light design, along with a 9.7 inch display.

Along with the iPad 5, Fox News reports that we can expect a second generation of the iPad Mini as well.

With all the new products Apple is releasing, consumers are guaranteed not to find themselves bored with their current tablets. The high end tablet and smart phone market is one niche that Apple seems to have covered with perfection.

More details can be found at these links:
Fox News
9to5Mac

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

The True Story Of Christmas



Aside from all of the glamour and glitz involved with the Christmas season, there is another, much more important side to this holiday. 2,000 years ago, the greatest Gift ever given came to Earth in the form of a tiny infant.

 This is the story of that gift.

 Luke 2:1-20 King James Version (KJV)
 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

I am sure most of you have heard this story at some time in your past. However, many of you may not have ever taken the time to realize the importance of this story. While most of the world focuses on spending time with family and exchanging gifts, I urge you to take a few moments and consider the greatest Gift that has ever been given to mankind. The gift of Hope and Love is far more precious than a new iPad or smartphone. Take the time to share this love among your friends, family, and neighbors this year.

Merry Christmas from the whole team at Tiny Apple Bytes.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas From Tiny Apple Bytes

As 2012 draws to a close I am prompted to look back, as many of us so often do, and reminisce of past memories. This year has been filled with good memories, as well as times of sorrow and heartbreak for our readers, our families, and our nation. 2012 brought many good times to our readers, as Apple Inc. (AAPL) stock soared to all time highs, and Facebook Inc. (FB) finally began to pull out of the death spiral it had entered into from the onset of its IPO in May. Many of you profited handsomely of off Apple's rise, as well as short bets placed on Facebook. However, 2012 brought many other events into all of our lives as a nation that affected us far more than any rise or fall of the stock market ever could. Earlier this year, we witnessed a young man walk into a Colorado theater and open fire on innocent people attending the premier of Batman. We have also seen yet another young man take the lives of innocent children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. These events, and many more like it have prompted us to think beyond our own needs and desires for Christmas. As you gather with your families tomorrow, and celebrate the date set aside to remember the birth of Christ, I urge you to look around you and be thankful for those God has placed in your life. There will be many unopened gifts under the Christmas trees this year, and many parents, brothers, and sisters, with an aching place in their hearts, as their loved ones will no longer be present for the celebration. 2012 has had many other moments of note, besides just the sad ones, however. We have survived the Mayan Apocalypse that was predicted to happen on December 21st, and we have managed to get through yet another presidential election. However, as you reminisce on this year's events, I urge you to consider the reason you are gathering with your family tomorrow. It is not just for the exchange of gifts, or to see relatives who now live in distant locations. The true meaning of Christmas is to remember the birth of One who offers hope to an aching and hurting world. It is meant for us to spread that hope to others. Before you make your charitable donations this year, ask yourself the motive behind it. Are you hoping to gain that tax write off, or are you spreading the truth of love to those you are helping. As you go about your holiday celebration, take the time to think of those who are hurting this year. Every opportunity you are given to share Christ's love with someone should be treated as a gift. Make the most of those opportunities. From all of us at Tiny Apple Bytes, Merry Christmas, God Bless You.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Tiny Apple Bytes Relocation!!!

To all of my faithful readers, thank you for enduring the last few days of silence. My family and I have been going through a transitional stage this month. I am proud to announce that I will be the father of twin girls, sometime near April 26th of next year!
 As my family and I have relocated, Tiny Apple Bytes will also be relocating within the very near future. As of Christmas Day, the new location for Tiny Apple Bytes will be www.tinyapplebytes.com. The site is under construction now, and will soon be completed.
 At our new web location, you will find more information on both Apple Inc.(AAPL), and many of your other favorite tech companies, such as Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO), Google Inc. (GOOG), and Samsung Electronics Corporation Ltd. (LON:BC94). You will also find offers on products from these companies, which will include the iPad from Apple and the Galaxy Note from Samsung. There will be many sponsors who also have interesting information and products from your favorite companies.
 So please, come and join us on Christmas Day, as Tiny Apple Bytes celebrates its first Christmas with our readers.


Merry Christmas,
Joshua Rarrick
Author of Tiny Apple Bytes

Monday, December 3, 2012

iPad VS Surface Tab: Which One Is Better?



Nowadays, tablet computers are hotter and in more demand than ever, and with the Christmas
shopping season in full swing, people all over the country are now forced to choose between a
number of desirable tablet options on the market. Two of the biggest contenders in the ring are
Apple’s iPad, which this year got a new little brother, the iPad Mini, and Microsoft’s
recently-introduced Surface RT.

There are lots of reasons to choose the iPad, and lots of reasons to pick the Surface, and
there’s no question people all over the country will be pleased to find one or the other under their
Christmas tree. But now, PCWorld magazine’s online presence has put out a list of reasons
arguing that people ought to choose the iPad over the Surface.

Here’s why that group of Microsoft devotees would jump ship and advocate buying your loved ones (or yourself) an iPad this Christmas:

First, the iPad has 4G/LTE capability (as long as you pay extra for a model with that capability),
and the Surface doesn’t. It’s not even an option on the Surface. For mobile devices, this is no
small thing. 4G allows you to use the iPad in the car, on your camping trip, at your great-great
grandmother’s house--anywhere that there isn’t wifi. The 4G iPad can still connect to the
Internet, while the Surface will be stuck playing MS Hearts and editing your offline documents. If
your job or your interests require that you be connected to the Internet everywhere you go, the
iPad is the easy, obvious choice this Christmas.

Second, the Surface has only limited ability to connect to the internet via VPN, and it cannot
connect to popular VPN’s, like Cisco’s AnyConnect, without a lot of work to reconfigure the
network. This isn’t simply a case of Cisco being slow to develop an app for a the
recently-released Surface. Cisco has publicly said that the Surface lacks the software needed to
run an AnyConnect app, and they won’t release one until Micosoft makes the needed changes.
Meanwhile, Android devices and iPads can use AnyConnect, and anyone who needs the VPN
client will probably pass over the Surface.

Third, the iPad has a much better rear-facing camera. This one isn’t even close. The iPad’s
camera is five megapixels and shoots 1080p video. The Surface has a one megapixel camera
that records video in 720p. If you plan to use your tablet’s camera features much, there’s no
competition.

Fourth, there are many more apps available for the iPad, and it will be a very long time before
Microsoft can match the number and variety of apps available on Apple devices. Of course,
Microsoft made sure their tablet had many of the most popular apps available upon its release,
but some heavyweight apps are still missing, like those for Facebook and Twitter. Without those
apps, using either of those social media sites is a pain on the Surface. For people who use
either site a lot--and that is millions upon millions of people--it makes sense to choose an iPad,
at least for now. That’s a major hurdle Microsoft will have to get over, if it wants the Surface to
ever truly rival the iPad.

So there you have it. The iPad is the obvious choice between these two. The features and advantages that are touted by Apple's little tablet are almost certain not to be the headlines in Microsoft's next newsletter. However, you have the facts right here, and you can make your own decision this Christmas, regarding which one you'll buy.

Friday, November 30, 2012

iTunes 11 Now Available




Today is the first day that Apple devotees running Mac (and Windows) systems can download
the latest version of iTunes, Apple’s trusty old media player, which is now in its eleventh version
and looker sleeker than ever.

The new iTunes has a totally redesign graphical user interface which, aside from the colors, little
resembles the old GUI that Apple has used on iTunes for years now. The new layout relies less
on text and more on album art to let users know where their various songs and albums are. Not
only that, but it displays the album art in a crisp, eye catching way that is a major step up from
small, grainy thumbnails that have been the default display for album covers in the last several
versions of iTunes.

The new design is supposed to be reminiscent of Apple’s App Store and the iTunes Store
interface already used on iOS 6. CEO Tim Cook explained, that hopefully it brings greater unity
to Apple’s overall design style. Whether iTunes users appreciate the parallels to other Apple
programs or not, the new iTunes is definitely pretty to look at, which will be no great surprise to
users who are accustomed to Apple’s famous good taste in software aesthetics.

The update is more than just superficial. Among the new features, the most important is iTunes
11’s great integration with Apple’s cloud infrastructure. Now, songs and other media downloaded
from the iTunes store can be uploaded straight to the cloud, without ever stopping on your hard
drive--an obvious improvement that was inexplicably missing from iTunes until now.

iTunes 11 will also keep closer tabs on your watching and listening data, so that if you start listening to an
album or watching a movie on your iPhone, for example, you can go home, fire up your laptop,
and automatically pick up watching or listening where you left off. iTunes remembers where you
stopped so that you don’t have to.

These improvements are sure to be loved by many, but they aren’t quieting all of iTunes critics,
who have already begun criticizing the new iTunes for continuing much of what they hated in the
old iTunes. As one example, iTunes 11 tips the scales at a full 85 MB for PC users, which is
several times bigger than basic music and movie players. That’s because iTunes comes loaded
with Apple Store features and cloud-uploading clients, along with many other features, which
users who merely want to play their favorite songs find annoying and unnecessary.

Some have even suggested that iTunes be split into three or four new programs--one for playing
music and movies, one for downloading paid content, one for uploading media to the cloud,
perhaps one for playing trippy visualizers in time with Pink Floyd--so that iTunes users don’t have
to navigate all the extra bells and whistles and sidebars, when all they want to do is play a simple
MP3. However, it is highly doubtful that Apple will break up any of its software programs any time
in the near future, after all, why fix something that isn’t broken.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Apple Fires Maps Manager In Wake Of Fiasco

Richard Williamson, the Apple Apps manager who was responsible for overseeing Apple’s Maps app, is out of a job, according to a report on Forbes.com



Williamson is at least the second casualty of the firestorm that has ensued after Apple released its Maps app, along with the iPhone 5, back in September. Also out the door is Scott Forstall, an executive whom CEO Tim Cook blamed for letting the Maps app snowball into the debacle it now is.

For those who haven’t been following the story, on the latest generation of iPhones, Apple replaced Google’s much-loved Maps application with it’s own, in-house Maps app. Google Maps had been in service for years, and were refined by thousands of “Map Makers,” devoted users who edited their own maps. Google then used those edits to fine-tune the maps everyone else sees, and to add landmarks the tech giant had overlooked when programming its app.

Apple’s Maps app didn’t have those benefits, and no one expected it to come out of the oven as a finished product with all the slick features of Google Maps, but neither did people anticipate the maps would be quite as bad as they were. iPhone users flocked to Internet forums and blogs to report flaws in Apple’s Maps, many of which were hilarious--unless you were the person relying on the map to get from Point A to Point B.

Among many other errors, Apple’s Map included the wrong address for Washington D.C.’s Dulles Airport. The address it gave directed users to the middle of a runway. As another example, the directions from San Francisco to Sausalito originally included a ferry ride. That’s one way to make the trip, but most folks prefer to simply take the highway. IIn Israel, Jerusalem wasn’t noted as the capital of the country. In fact, the app didn’t give the city any country affiliation whatsoever.

Mistakes of this magnitude were an unpleasant surprise for many Apple customers and market watchers, who were accustomed to the company’s history of releasing exceptionally polished hardware and software. And the controversy has been just one more thorn in the side of CEO Cook, who already has the unenviable job of replacing former CEO and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who Apple aficionados have elevated to near messianic status.

Luckily, there are many out there who are ready to suggest possible fixes to Apple’s map predicament. The most obvious corrective step is to implement a bigger program, like Google’s Map Maker, which empowers users to make their own maps and correct those Google publishes. MIT’s Technology Review suggested that Apple make it easier for users to submit corrections and that Apple look for new and more-reliable vendors of the data it uses to create its maps in the first place. And, as Michael Dobson, president of the mapping consultancy firm,TeleMapics noted, each time Apple Maps screws up and can’t find a legitimate address, that’s an opportunity to improve the program. Programmers simply have to look at the list of unfound addresses, figure out where they ought to go, and then plug them into the app.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

iPhone 5 Shipping Time Down To One Week



For anyone hoping to give (or receive) Apple’s latest smartphone, the iPhone 5, this Christmas, there’s some good news today. The estimated shipping time listed on the Apple Store’s website is down to only one week. That’s half a month faster than the three to four week shipping time listed on Apple’s website earlier this month. Now that the shipping time has been drastically cut, holiday shoppers can buy with the confidence that their shiny new iPhone 5 will arrive in time to take its place underneath the Christmas tree this December 25

The iPhone 5 has been a difficult item to get since its introduction in mid-September of this year. Roughly five million units of the high-tech phone were allotted for presales, and that entire inventory sold out in just a few hours on Apple’s online store. Meanwhile, lines to purchase the iPhone 5 in person the night it was released stretched for blocks at Apple’s various retail stores throughout the country, and many shoppers were turned away empty-handed. Supply simply was not able to meet the demand.

But it wasn’t merely the extraordinary demand for the iPhone 5 that caused the problem. Apple’s Chinese supplier, Foxconn, has had trouble making the phone, which Foxconn chairman Terry Gou described as “not easy to make.” Evidently the intricacy of the device slowed production and delayed Apple’s efforts to speed manufacturing of the iPhone 5 to a point where supply could catch up with demand. Dissatisfaction among workers at one of Foxconn’s plants, which evidently led to a strike in October, slowed production further, and as Apple struggled to produce enough iPhone 5s to fulfill all the orders, the company’s stock fell below $506 for the first time since February 2012.

The troubles with iPhone production cast further doubts upon Apple CEO Tim Cook, who was already under fire for letting creativity and innovation at the tech giant stagnate. Cook’s ability to follow in former CEO Steve Jobs’ footprints as a guru of tech innovation had long been in question, but Cook was supposedly a master of supply chain logistics. Suddenly, Cook wasn’t delivering on production numbers, which was the area where investors had the most confidence in him.

Luckily for Apple stockholders and tech-heads everywhere, Cook seems to have worked his supply chain magic just in time for the holiday shopping season. Days before Black Friday, the estimated shipping time on iPhone 5s dropped to two weeks, and yesterday, just before Cyber Monday officially kicked off at 9 AM Eastern Time, the estimated shipping time on the iPhone 5 was cut again, this time to just one week. And for those who live within easy distance of an Apple retail store, the news is even better: Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray reported that the iPhone 5 was in stock at nine of the ten Apple stores he was monitoring, meaning that customers can walk in and pick one up anytime they like.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Apple Inc. (AAPL) May Eventually Lose To Google





Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind companies like PayPal, Tesla Motors, and SpaceX, has made waves across the Internet by predicting that Google Inc. (GOOG) will come out ahead of Apple Inc. (AAPL) in the tech giants’ battle for control of the smartphone market.

While speaking at a panel in London, Musk was asked which of the companies, Apple or Google, had better prospects for growing its share of the smartphone market. Musk responded that his money was on Google, largely because of the search company’s leadership and the perceived decline in leadership at Apple in the wake of Steve Jobs’ passing.

“It really makes a difference who runs the company,” Musk said of the battle between Apple and Google. “[Google CEO] Larry Page is quite good and probably in the long run will come out on top.” Page, who is one of the co-founders of Google, took over as CEO in April 2011, following the departure of longterm Google CEO Eric Schmidt.

But according to Musk, just as important as Page’s prowess, is the leadership vacuum facing Apple after Steve Jobs’ death in October of last year. Jobs was long viewed as the creative force behind Apple, and his vision for the company is widely credited with bringing Apple back from the brink in the late 1990s. “Because Steve Jobs is out of the picture,” Musk said, Apple Inc. (AAPL) is less able to compete in the rapidly evolving smartphone market.

It’s not only Musk who has called into question Apple’s ability to lead the smartphone market. Steve Wozniak, who, along with Jobs, founded Apple Computers in 1976, has expressed his doubts that Apple retains the creativity needed to compete with Microsoft, among other competitors. Wozniak said that Apple, which has for years relied upon its innovation to get an edge over competitors in the software and hardware arenas, no longer has the creative spark it once did and is likely to fall behind.

If Apple’s iPhone and mobile operating systems do fall behind Google’s Android, lack of innovation may not be the only culprit. Many Android devices are now available free of charge, when customers sign a contract with a data and phone service provider. The iPhone 5, by contrast, costs at least $199, and that’s only after agreeing to a long term contract with a company like Verizon or AT&T.

Besides of its lower price, Android packs a level of versatility the iPhone series has not matched. Whereas the iPhone is available in only a select few models, Android runs on a wide range of phones, giving customers a huge range of choice when it comes to screen size, processor speed, plug-in ports, and other phone features. Customers desiring a phone that fits a very specific need are more likely to find what they’re looking for with Android. Besides the hardware, Android also offers a more enticing space for developers, who face far fewer rules and hurdles when developing for the Android OS. The iPhone, on the other hand, has strict rules regarding which apps are permitted for download, and Apple is notorious for keeping independent developers on a short leash and rejecting apps that don’t fit its rigorous criteria.

All of these factors come into play when considering who will win the smartphone war. Apple Inc. (AAPL) is the leader now, but according to many, this will not hold true for long.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Apple Inc. (AAPL) "Spaceship" Headquarters Building Delayed Until 2016




Apple Inc. has been planning to move into a new headquarters building for some time now. The design of the new building is more than a little futuristic, having been called a "spaceship" design by some blogs and information sources.

Mashable reports that construction of the new building appears to have been moved back. Apple Inc. originally wanted to be in the building by 2015, but it looks like that will no longer be possible. Apple Inc. reportedly submitted an updated proposal to the city of Cupertino on the 14th of November, according to Bloomberg, and this proposal says the company won't make its original timetable for relocation.

Apple had originally planned to begin construction next year, and had hoped to begin relocating by 2015. However, it now appears that the actual groundbreaking will not take place until 2014, according to reports.

According to the reports, the delay seems to be Apple's fault, as the company has delayed placing its updated proposal for more than 2 months. However, Cupertino's city manager, David Brandt, has said that if residents don't challenge Apple's proposal and the city approves the proposal quickly, then it is still possible to break ground next year.

The new facility was originally announced by the late co-founder of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs. According to reports, the original design of the campus has not been altered very much by the updated proposal. The new building will include perks like a gigantic fitness center, and will be surrounded by approximately 7,000 trees.

Apple is making a strong mark in the mobile device market these days. In fact, according to a survey by Nielsen Wire, Apple holds four of the top five slots for most desirable Christmas gifts this year in the U.S. Their iPad,  iPad Mini, iPhone 5, and the ever popular iPod are forging ahead in the rankings, which is pretty impressive when you consider the competition.

It's going to be an interesting Holiday season this year, as it appears that Apple Inc. will have its best sales ever.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Tailor Made Magazine Offers Value To Your Business




We are taking a break from discussing Apple today, although there has been some news from the company in recent days. The company has been entangled in yet another lawsuit in recent days, which we will cover in more detail later, as well as news that they may already be planning an iPhone 5 refresh, as soon as next month.

However, today, I want to take a few minutes to tell you about an invaluable opportunity I have found. If you own a business, whether large or small, one thing you desire, is that you appear to be successful to your clients and investors. I have found a resource that can not only offer this professional image, but also gives great value to the clientele you serve.

Tailor Made Magazine can offer your company a magazine that is custom designed with your clients in mind. They have a team of professionals who develop great content for each quarterly issue, and offer the best in customer service.

With a magazine that is professionally and affordably published for your company, you get not only great advertising, but also an extremely professional image. This magazine is unlike any other, because while topics include everything from stories of inspiration to the best vacation destinations, they are also designed with you in mind. With the ability to incorporate your company's information into the cover and flyleaf of the magazine, you have the tools you need to show off your successful business to your clients and your competition.

By selecting Tailor Made Magazine to provide you with a quarterly publication, you can offer your clients valuable reading material, while at the same time, giving yourself the satisfaction of knowing that your company is being promoted in very professional way. This will not only give you an edge over your competition, but will also help your current clientele see that you are truly successful.

Visit their web site today, to preview the Winter issue, and see how they can help you make your company image even more professional.


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Thursday, November 8, 2012

Apple Is Ripe For The Picking, According To Oppenheimer Analyst




In recent months we have seen Apple Inc. (AAPL) shares skyrocket to new all time highs of more than $700, then begin a rapid free fall back down to the current price of $549. As the stock began rising analysts set targets in excess of $1,000 per share on the company, and yet, this seems to be a fallacy in light of recent events.

However, one analyst at Oppenheimer says these dreams of high price targets are not the things of pipes. He points out that now, as the stock is low, is the best time to buy. His assessment makes sense, as the upcoming holiday season is sure to boost Apple's sales figures and revenue. This, in turn, will push the share price back up.

No doubt, the stock will reach new highs over the next few quarters, as the new iPhone 5, iPad Mini, and iPad 4 will undoubtedly dominate their respective market niches. The iPhone 5 sold record numbers in the last quarter, and with holiday sales ahead, it will most likely break its old records. iPad Mini also sold out during its first few days of availability, and with its slightly lower price, the mid and low end of the tablet market could very well become another segment dominated by Apple.

In other recent reports, Apple is making strides in some areas, and losing a small amount of ground in others. Eddie Cue, of Apple was recently named as a board member of Ferrari, which he claims is an honor. This appointment seems to indicate some type of future workings between the two companies, and could potentially lead Apple in a whole new direction of device development. On a slightly more sour note, the Samsung Galaxy S3 beat the Apple iPhone 4S in sales for the third quarter of FY 2012. However, analysts expect iPhone 5 to remedy that issue in the 4th quarter, as holiday sales are sure to give the company a boost.

All in all, the assessment from Oppenheimer makes sense. Apple is a strong company, and has long been a leader in the markets it has operated in. With top quality products and the strength of an amazing research and development team, Apple is set to become even more valuable in the future.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Apple Inc. (AAPL) Adds Jellybean 4.1 To The Samsung Lawsuit




It seems that Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. will not ever give up trying to strangle each other in the smartphone and tablet markets. In recent months, we have seen both companies win lawsuits against the other, in an ongoing power struggle that seems to be unending.

In August, we watched as Apple was awarded $1.05 billion in damages, as a California jury found Samsung guilty of infringement on 6 patents. Multiple devices were named in the suit, and Judge Lucy Koh placed a temporary sales ban on several of them, until the matter was resolved.

The sales ban on the products, including the Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet computer, was lifted, after the jury determined that it did not violate the patent it was accused of infringing. However, the investigation did reveal that it had violated other Apple patents. Apple has since been seeking a way to keep the tablet off the shelves in the U.S. market.

Apple has decided to continue to pursue Samsung through legal measures, and has broadened its case. This time, the Cupertino company has not only listed the Galaxy 10.1, but has also included Google's Android OS, Jellybean 4.1 in its list of adversaries.

This would seem to be a means to an end. It has long been speculated that the true target of Apple's legal campaigns was not Samsung, but rather Google, Apple's top rival. By jabbing at Samsung, Apple has managed to crimp Google's profits as well, because Samsung is the largest distributor of Android based devices.

How will this war end? In truth, it probably won't. As long as there are consumers, there will be computers, and as long as there are computers, there will be competition. Apple currently leads its field, but with competitors like Google, Samsung, and other tech companies, Apple will have to fight to defend that lead. While the outcome of this case is not yet determined, nor is it totally predictable, it is safe to say that Apple will emerge from the fray with the ability to continue to dominate at least some areas of the tech world.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Tim Cook's Firing Spree May Have Set The Stage For New Designs


Tim Cook removed two of Apple's top employees on Monday. It is believed that these two people were released, due to the Maps fiasco that caused Apple so much heartache with its iPhone 5 launch. Scott Forstall and John Browett were asked to relinquish their positions at the Cupertino tech giant, and subsequently we may see some of the effects of that decision in the next product refresh.

 Steve Jobs, Apple's late co-founder, had a penchant for designing software that mimicked real life materials. This included the linen styled background often seen in Apple's mobile products, as well as the wood grain finish in some of the applications. Following Forstall and Browett's removal, Jonathan Ive was promoted to a new role in Apple's elite company. He will now oversee software design, as part of his new responsibilities.

 Ive has never made it a secret that he was no fan of Jobs' software design. In fact, he is behind the more modern and simple view that many of the products have taken on in recent years. Critics of Apple's software have said that while they find the devices and hardware manufactured by the company to be extremely modern and cutting edge, the software leaves much to be desired. It is presumed that Ive will change all of that in the coming product lines.
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Sources close to Ive have said that these changes will begin to be noticed on the very next generation of iOS devices. I guess we will have to wait and see if that is true, however, there will undoubtedly be other changes to watch for as well.

 Tim Cook has a vision for Apple, and woe to anyone who tries to hinder that dream.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Apple Inc. (AAPL) Shares Plummet Following Tim Cook's Firing Spree




It would seem that Hurricane Sandy is not the only storm to hit the East Coast this week. Another storm hit Wall Street today, as the market reopened, in fact it also hit the West Coast of the country as well.

As we previously reported, Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, went on a firing spree last week, relieving two top executives of their positions. While I personally believe that the move was a smart one, and will prove beneficial in the long run, investors in Apple's stock do not seem to carry the same sentiments.

Apple's shares plunged to $591 this morning in early sessions of trading. The choice to fire these executives is believed to be a major cause of the quick drop in pricing. ValueWalk writer, Nicholas Maithya, reported that Apple is one of the few companies who actually benefited from the huge "FrankenStorm", as weather men around the nation have dubbed Sandy.

Had the markets opened on Monday and Tuesday for electronic trading, the stock could have taken a much larger hit. However, it seems that although some suffering was underway for the stock in early trading, investors appear to have regained some of their confidence in the tech giant.

The stock is currently trading at $596.30, which is still nowhere near the high water mark set a few weeks ago, when the stock was trading in the $700 price range. I stand behind my belief that Tim Cook did the right thing in removing the tow executives. Cook is a very savvy man, who knows his job well, and he will undoubtedly lead Apple to even greater heights throughout the rest of his remaining contract.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Apple Fires Scott Forstall Over Maps Fiasco, & Employees Party?



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That's right. Apple fired not one, but two of its top executives yesterday, supposedly due to the Maps application failure.

Scott Forstall had a 15 year history with Apple, including a close friendship with the late Steve Jobs. However, it would appear that such a friendship was not extended to Tim Cook, or other members of Apple's upper echelon.

Yesterday, ValueWalk reported that Scott Forstall and John Browett, namely, Apple's retail and software chiefs, were both relieved of duty. This came as a surprise to both the media and to other Apple employees. John Browett, unlike Forstall, had only recently been brought into the company. Tim Cook had brought him in to lead the retail sector of Apple, but it would appear the relationship did not go as planned.

According to Kara Swisher of AllThingsD, the Apple Maps fiasco was all Forstall's problem. He was responsible for the mapping software development, and subsequently the acidic fallout following its epic failure. However, according to a report released by ValueWalk today, he refused to add his signature to the letter apologizing to Apple's customers for the issues in the Maps program.

This act of defiance could very well be what triggered his being fired by Tim Cook. While we mentioned earlier that Forstall was pretty close to Steve Jobs, we also pointed out that his relationship with other people at Apple was much less friendly. This is evident from rumors that several Apple employees from the engineering department, where Forstall worked, threw somewhat of a party following his departure. They reportedly went out for celebratory drinks shortly after the news of Forstall's release was made public.

While all of this is sure to have an impact on Apple Inc. (AAPL)'s stock, I believe it will be a positive one. While many may view the release of a top executive as a negative move, the fact that Tim Cook and Apple's other top leaders are taking action to quell any further issues in that department should sit well with investors. Only time will tell, but as Apple has risen with stellar speed in recent months, and now sits atop the world as the largest company by market cap, I believe the $1,000 price target set by analysts can easily be achieved by the end of this year. Only time will tell.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Apple Inc. (AAPL) Misses Estimates; Shares Halted In after Hours Trading



Apple Inc. (AAPL) posted its earnings today, after the closing bell. The results have left more than a few people confused, and upset.

Although the company showed a 25% rise in profit this quarter, it seems that analysts were all wrong about just how well the company was doing. The tech giant missed estimates, and shares dropped in price, until they were halted in after hours trading.

The entire report can be read on ValueWalk.com, where all the numbers from the earnings report have been posted. In the meantime, it will be interesting to see just how much investors' confidence in the world leader of smart phones and tablets has been shaken. Share price has fallen since it reached its high water mark of $705 earlier this year, and this is sure to cause the price to drop even more.

Gene Munster Still Says $910 Per Share On Apple

It's no secret that Apple Inc. (AAPL) has had a good year, or even a great year, by any standard of measurement. The stock has been boosted to all time highs in recent months, notably by the launch of iPhone 5. -->

  One person, who has watched Apple very closely, and has not been shy in expressing his love for the company, is Gene Munster, of Piper Jaffray. Munster has repeatedly called Apple stock a buy, and even when the stock began its free-fall from the high mark of $705 per share, he reiterated his feelings on the stock being worth the price.

 Now, Apple Inc. will be reporting earnings after the closing bell today, and Munster has once again made predictions about the company. Munster notes that AT&T Inc. (T) alone, recorded 4.7 million iPhone activations this quarter, which is up 27% from the previous quarter. Munster, however, believes that iPhone sales for Apple will be down 4% from last quarter. He notes that according to Piper Jaffray's figures, non-iPhone 5 sales were down approximately 8% for AT&T, and 9% for Verizon. However, the analysts had thought that non-iPhone 5 sales would be down as much as 35% quarter over quarter. It appears that sales of older iPhones have done better than expected.

 Munster does note that Apple may have made a mistake in not stocking up on iPhone 5 models in the months ahead of the launch, as it seems that supply and demand may have been a cause of lower sales numbers. He notes however, that he stands by his estimates of 25 million iPhones, he also believes that the company's expectations for the September quarter are achievable, possibly due to the iPad sales.

 Munster has estimated that Apple Inc. will report $8.38 per share in earnings for this quarter, and $43.87 per share for this fiscal year. He also says he believes revenue will come in at $155.025 billion for 2012, with the fourth quarter holding $34.483 billion of that revenue.

 For once, the Street holds a higher estimate than Munster on Apple's earnings, as consensus points to $8.75 per share in earnings, and a total revenue of $35.802 billion for the quarter. Munster does, however, stand by his price target of $910 per share on the company.