Real to announce new media organizer next week
Kimball says Real has no intention of competing with Apple to build a media store, even though it does provide media store technology and services to carriers that they pitch under their own brands. In fact, Kimball says, the media aggregation service will make iTunes and other media stores more valuable to consumers by enabling them to move their content around to all the devices they have, no matter what technology platforms they're using (except for all-Apple users; Kimball admits people who live completely in the Apple cocoon don't need an aggregator). The service will handle music, videos, and photos. It will respect digital rights and not enable streaming of protected content (in other words, movies and TV shows), but it will make it much easier to move music files and playlists between devices. The first version will focus on mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) and computers. Future versions may work with living-room devices like digital video recorders and game consoles. Also not in the launch version is support for users' subscriptions to streaming services like Netflix or Pandora. The service will work with media files you own, not rights to stream.Keeping in mind that we haven't yet had a demo of the product, it sounds like a reasonable and potentially useful product to help consumers tame their media archives, although with important gaps in coverage. It could, if Real sticks with it, bring the company back to public awareness. When I said to Kimball that there's a whole generation of technology users that have never heard of Real, he said, "I view that as a good thing, because we get a chance to make a first impression." It has in fact been that long since Real has been a major player (sorry) on the consumer's desktop.But without some potential for revenue generation (and by that I mean actually selling media, not pay-for-cloud-storage fees, which I don't think will add up), this is not going to move the needle much for Real's bottom line.Previously:RealNetworks plots cloud media management service early in 2011.RealNetworks: A tale of opportunities missed.
Google 'Voice Search' hands-on verdict- Awesome
Google 'Voice Search' hands-on verdict: Awesome
The new voice-activated Google Mobile app for the iPhone is finally here. Whatever the reason for the delay, it was worth the wait. As we wrote last week, the search app knows when you bring the phone to your face to speak into it. It beeps, you talk, and it executes a Google search on what you said. (If you're using a headset, you have to press a button. You can type in your queries, too, if you want.)It is freakishly accurate. It's not perfect, but it's extremely good. Good enough to be used frequently, I'd say, although this review is based on only 15 minutes of experimentation.I searched for names of people I know, businesses nearby, airline information, and other miscellaneous data. The service bungled one nearby restaurant, but got everything else right. It uses the phone's location data to narrow down results. Try searching for "sushi" and you'll get your closest sushi restaurants at the top of your search results.The Google Mobile app gives you its answers in text, which makes for a very quick experience. If your result returns phone numbers, you can dial the phone by clicking on one. But if you're driving in your car and need a quick connection, use Goog411 instead, which is a full voice-in, voice-out experience.As others have noted, Google Mobile doesn't let you do voice dialing from your own contact list. It's frustrating to be able to search the entire Web with your voice but not be able to search your own phone. But it's still a useful and very cool little service.To get the app, go to this link or visit the iTunes Application Store and search for "Google Mobile App." As I write this, the description for the page is old, but the app you get is the new one.
The new voice-activated Google Mobile app for the iPhone is finally here. Whatever the reason for the delay, it was worth the wait. As we wrote last week, the search app knows when you bring the phone to your face to speak into it. It beeps, you talk, and it executes a Google search on what you said. (If you're using a headset, you have to press a button. You can type in your queries, too, if you want.)It is freakishly accurate. It's not perfect, but it's extremely good. Good enough to be used frequently, I'd say, although this review is based on only 15 minutes of experimentation.I searched for names of people I know, businesses nearby, airline information, and other miscellaneous data. The service bungled one nearby restaurant, but got everything else right. It uses the phone's location data to narrow down results. Try searching for "sushi" and you'll get your closest sushi restaurants at the top of your search results.The Google Mobile app gives you its answers in text, which makes for a very quick experience. If your result returns phone numbers, you can dial the phone by clicking on one. But if you're driving in your car and need a quick connection, use Goog411 instead, which is a full voice-in, voice-out experience.As others have noted, Google Mobile doesn't let you do voice dialing from your own contact list. It's frustrating to be able to search the entire Web with your voice but not be able to search your own phone. But it's still a useful and very cool little service.To get the app, go to this link or visit the iTunes Application Store and search for "Google Mobile App." As I write this, the description for the page is old, but the app you get is the new one.
Report- Apple mulling video license for AirPlay
Report: Apple mulling video license for AirPlay
Apple's AirPlay video streaming technology could be making the leap from the Apple TV set-top box to non-Apple living room hardware.A report by Bloomberg, which cites anonymous sources, says Apple is weighing a licensing program for the video component of its AirPlay technology that would let gadget makers incorporate the wireless streaming into televisions and set-top boxes.Apple introduced AirPlay late last year as the successor to its AirTunes wireless audio streaming technology. The renaming was also meant to explain to consumers that, with the incorporation of video streaming, the technology was no longer just for audio. With AirPlay, users of iOS devices like the iPhone, the iPad, and the iPod Touch can wirelessly send videos to Apple TV for watching on the big screen. Since AirPlay's launch, Apple has licensed the technology's audio portion to device makers, for what one of Bloomberg's sources said is $4 per device. What's been missing is the video component, thus requiring users to buy an Apple TV device in order to stream, leaving third-party video device makers out of the market. As far as timing on any licensing goes, Bloomberg says it could be here as early as this year. That time frame could coincide with Apple's annual music and iPod event, which usually takes place in September.
Apple's AirPlay video streaming technology could be making the leap from the Apple TV set-top box to non-Apple living room hardware.A report by Bloomberg, which cites anonymous sources, says Apple is weighing a licensing program for the video component of its AirPlay technology that would let gadget makers incorporate the wireless streaming into televisions and set-top boxes.Apple introduced AirPlay late last year as the successor to its AirTunes wireless audio streaming technology. The renaming was also meant to explain to consumers that, with the incorporation of video streaming, the technology was no longer just for audio. With AirPlay, users of iOS devices like the iPhone, the iPad, and the iPod Touch can wirelessly send videos to Apple TV for watching on the big screen. Since AirPlay's launch, Apple has licensed the technology's audio portion to device makers, for what one of Bloomberg's sources said is $4 per device. What's been missing is the video component, thus requiring users to buy an Apple TV device in order to stream, leaving third-party video device makers out of the market. As far as timing on any licensing goes, Bloomberg says it could be here as early as this year. That time frame could coincide with Apple's annual music and iPod event, which usually takes place in September.
Report- Apple making cheaper iPhone to fight Google
Report: Apple making cheaper iPhone to fight Google
Citing a source who has seen the prototype, Bloomberg reports that one iPhone model would be "cheaper and smaller than the most recent iPhone." The new model is described as being one-third smaller than current models. The phone is not the only thing getting smaller -- Apple is looking to drop the price and customer commitment too.Bloomberg says that Apple wants to sell the new model for $200 without requiring the user sign a contract. Typically, wireless carriers require customers sign a two-year or sometimes a three-year contract in order to get a discount on a phone.Reiterating rumors that have been around for some time, the report also says that Apple is working on a dual-mode iPhone that would work with GSM and CDMA networks. Verizon Wireless began selling the iPhone 4 today. Analysts are predicting that the carrier could sell about 8 million iPhones in 2011.
Citing a source who has seen the prototype, Bloomberg reports that one iPhone model would be "cheaper and smaller than the most recent iPhone." The new model is described as being one-third smaller than current models. The phone is not the only thing getting smaller -- Apple is looking to drop the price and customer commitment too.Bloomberg says that Apple wants to sell the new model for $200 without requiring the user sign a contract. Typically, wireless carriers require customers sign a two-year or sometimes a three-year contract in order to get a discount on a phone.Reiterating rumors that have been around for some time, the report also says that Apple is working on a dual-mode iPhone that would work with GSM and CDMA networks. Verizon Wireless began selling the iPhone 4 today. Analysts are predicting that the carrier could sell about 8 million iPhones in 2011.
Amazon said to be adding a music-streaming service
Amazon said to be adding a music-streaming service
Amazon is said to be looking to create its own version of Apple's popular iTunes Radio. According to The Wall Street Journal, the e-commerce giant has reportedly been in talks with major record labels to create its own music-streaming service.The service would reportedly be available to Amazon Prime customers -- who pay $79 per year for free two-day shipping and Amazon's video-streaming service. The music service is said to be like iTunes Radio that plays music based on user preferences, rather than a subscription service like Spotify that gives users unlimited music access.Amazon would limit how many times a user could listen to a song or album, according to the Journal. If a user liked a song or album after those few listens, Amazon would reportedly prompt the user to buy the music. Amazon is said to have been in talks with Universal, Sony, and Warner Music for access to their music, according to the Journal. Reportedly, the e-commerce company has offered the labels a total of $30 million but it's unclear if the labels have agreed to that amount.It was rumored a year ago that Amazon had begun holding informal talks with music industry executives about launching a streaming service. But, details on the talks have been under wraps ever since.Subscription and streaming music services, like Spotify, Rdio, Pandora, Google's All Access, and iTunes Radio, have skyrocketed over the past couple of years. While Pandora is way ahead of the pack with 31 percent of the US streaming music service market share, according to a recent survey by Edison Research, 6-month-old iTunes Radio has already snagged third place with 8 percent of the market.Compared to independent streaming music services, it appears Apple and Amazon could have a competitive edge because they already have built-in audiences from their online MP3 stores.CNET contacted Amazon for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
Amazon is said to be looking to create its own version of Apple's popular iTunes Radio. According to The Wall Street Journal, the e-commerce giant has reportedly been in talks with major record labels to create its own music-streaming service.The service would reportedly be available to Amazon Prime customers -- who pay $79 per year for free two-day shipping and Amazon's video-streaming service. The music service is said to be like iTunes Radio that plays music based on user preferences, rather than a subscription service like Spotify that gives users unlimited music access.Amazon would limit how many times a user could listen to a song or album, according to the Journal. If a user liked a song or album after those few listens, Amazon would reportedly prompt the user to buy the music. Amazon is said to have been in talks with Universal, Sony, and Warner Music for access to their music, according to the Journal. Reportedly, the e-commerce company has offered the labels a total of $30 million but it's unclear if the labels have agreed to that amount.It was rumored a year ago that Amazon had begun holding informal talks with music industry executives about launching a streaming service. But, details on the talks have been under wraps ever since.Subscription and streaming music services, like Spotify, Rdio, Pandora, Google's All Access, and iTunes Radio, have skyrocketed over the past couple of years. While Pandora is way ahead of the pack with 31 percent of the US streaming music service market share, according to a recent survey by Edison Research, 6-month-old iTunes Radio has already snagged third place with 8 percent of the market.Compared to independent streaming music services, it appears Apple and Amazon could have a competitive edge because they already have built-in audiences from their online MP3 stores.CNET contacted Amazon for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
Amazon may go YouTube route, too, wooing short-video makers
Amazon may go YouTube route, too, wooing short-video makers
Amazon's on-demand video ambitions are bigger than the full-length television shows and movies its recruiting and developing on its own. Actually, its ambitions are shorter. According to a report by Ad Age, Amazon is investigating a push into short-form video for its on-demand Instant Video service by courting YouTube networks.Related storiesDOJ, schools settle over Kindle's blind accessThe Amazon.com of potAmazon expands Kindle self-publishing worldwideWhat's the difference: Dynamic vs. lossy audio compression?Fingers-on with Stantum's touch-screen Dell tablet prototypeThe pitch is that expanding distribution to Amazon would also expand the videos' audience and provide an additional source of pay-per-video revenue, according to the report, which cited people familiar with the matter. Producers would have branded pages on Amazon similar to a channel on YouTube, although one source said Amazon executives have put conversations on hold until next year. YouTube is the Internet's video giant.However, even with more than a billion unique users and 6 billion hours of video streamed each month, and even with a program setting up paid channels,the site has been the target of grumbling among some creators as a poor way to generate money for their content.YouTube in the past has been happy to see videos from its site spread to other platforms. For Amazon, the movement toward shorter-form would be more of a play to round out its services and further secure its status as a company aiming to challenge all leaders, rather than a way to buttress its longer-form push. Amazon's development of original series and licensing of hit shows like "Downtown Abbey" are meant to drive people to its Prime paid-subscription service. A shorter-form video product would make Amazon a clear YouTube competitor, just as its shop for one-off purchases of digital downloads makes it an iTunes competitor and its Prime Instant Video service has it facing off against Netflix. According to the report, Amazon is separately seeking out online video networks and media companies to run editorial videos on product search pages, offering to share advertising revenue from views.
Amazon's on-demand video ambitions are bigger than the full-length television shows and movies its recruiting and developing on its own. Actually, its ambitions are shorter. According to a report by Ad Age, Amazon is investigating a push into short-form video for its on-demand Instant Video service by courting YouTube networks.Related storiesDOJ, schools settle over Kindle's blind accessThe Amazon.com of potAmazon expands Kindle self-publishing worldwideWhat's the difference: Dynamic vs. lossy audio compression?Fingers-on with Stantum's touch-screen Dell tablet prototypeThe pitch is that expanding distribution to Amazon would also expand the videos' audience and provide an additional source of pay-per-video revenue, according to the report, which cited people familiar with the matter. Producers would have branded pages on Amazon similar to a channel on YouTube, although one source said Amazon executives have put conversations on hold until next year. YouTube is the Internet's video giant.However, even with more than a billion unique users and 6 billion hours of video streamed each month, and even with a program setting up paid channels,the site has been the target of grumbling among some creators as a poor way to generate money for their content.YouTube in the past has been happy to see videos from its site spread to other platforms. For Amazon, the movement toward shorter-form would be more of a play to round out its services and further secure its status as a company aiming to challenge all leaders, rather than a way to buttress its longer-form push. Amazon's development of original series and licensing of hit shows like "Downtown Abbey" are meant to drive people to its Prime paid-subscription service. A shorter-form video product would make Amazon a clear YouTube competitor, just as its shop for one-off purchases of digital downloads makes it an iTunes competitor and its Prime Instant Video service has it facing off against Netflix. According to the report, Amazon is separately seeking out online video networks and media companies to run editorial videos on product search pages, offering to share advertising revenue from views.
Analysts cut forecasts for RIM PlayBook shipments
Analysts cut forecasts for RIM PlayBook shipments
For every 19 tablets that Apple shipped during its last quarter, RIM may have shipped only one.Tapping into the estimates of several analysts, Bloomberg says that RIM likely shipped about 490,000 PlayBooks during its fiscal second quarter, which ended August 31. That contrasts with a total of 9.25 million iPads that Apple shipped during its fiscal third quarter, which ended June 25.As a result of sluggish demand for the PlayBook, analysts on average have trimmed their full-year forecast for RIM's tablet shipments, according to Bloomberg.Related stories:•BlackBerry PlayBook Review• RIM unveils its tablet, the 'PlayBook'• BlackBerry PlayBook: Who will buy it?• RIM CEOs defend problematic PlayBook launch• Reporters' Roundtable: CNET experts not bullish on RIMCanaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley cut his estimate for the full fiscal year to 1.5 million from 2.2 million. Analyst William Power with Robert W Baird & Co. chopped his forecast to 2 million from 2.45 million. And Steven Li, an analyst at Raymond James, lowered his expectations to 2.4 million units from 4 million.Anticipation was high for RIM's enterprise-ready tablet, but the PlayBook got off to a shaky start when it debuted. Though RIM unveiled the tablet last September, the company didn't actually launch it until mid-April.And despite the delay in launching, the PlayBook hit the market missing several key features, including native e-mail and instant messaging. RIM initially rolled out a Wi-Fi only version, hoping to drum up interest among the the major carriers to offer 3G or 4G versions. But Verizon never took the bait, and Sprint recently cancelled plans to offer a 4G edition of the tablet.RIM itself reportedly lowered its own sales target for the tablet in the June quarter down to 800,000 to 900,000 units from the original goal of 2.4 million units.The BlackBerry maker is scheduled to report its overall quarterly results later today, and analysts are anticipating RIM's first drop in sales in nine years. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg are on average looking for sales to fall to $4.53 billion from $4.62 billion a year ago.
For every 19 tablets that Apple shipped during its last quarter, RIM may have shipped only one.Tapping into the estimates of several analysts, Bloomberg says that RIM likely shipped about 490,000 PlayBooks during its fiscal second quarter, which ended August 31. That contrasts with a total of 9.25 million iPads that Apple shipped during its fiscal third quarter, which ended June 25.As a result of sluggish demand for the PlayBook, analysts on average have trimmed their full-year forecast for RIM's tablet shipments, according to Bloomberg.Related stories:•BlackBerry PlayBook Review• RIM unveils its tablet, the 'PlayBook'• BlackBerry PlayBook: Who will buy it?• RIM CEOs defend problematic PlayBook launch• Reporters' Roundtable: CNET experts not bullish on RIMCanaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley cut his estimate for the full fiscal year to 1.5 million from 2.2 million. Analyst William Power with Robert W Baird & Co. chopped his forecast to 2 million from 2.45 million. And Steven Li, an analyst at Raymond James, lowered his expectations to 2.4 million units from 4 million.Anticipation was high for RIM's enterprise-ready tablet, but the PlayBook got off to a shaky start when it debuted. Though RIM unveiled the tablet last September, the company didn't actually launch it until mid-April.And despite the delay in launching, the PlayBook hit the market missing several key features, including native e-mail and instant messaging. RIM initially rolled out a Wi-Fi only version, hoping to drum up interest among the the major carriers to offer 3G or 4G versions. But Verizon never took the bait, and Sprint recently cancelled plans to offer a 4G edition of the tablet.RIM itself reportedly lowered its own sales target for the tablet in the June quarter down to 800,000 to 900,000 units from the original goal of 2.4 million units.The BlackBerry maker is scheduled to report its overall quarterly results later today, and analysts are anticipating RIM's first drop in sales in nine years. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg are on average looking for sales to fall to $4.53 billion from $4.62 billion a year ago.
Analyst says Nook selling better than Kindle
Analyst says Nook selling better than Kindle
The Barnes & Noble Nook e-reader shipped more than Amazon's Kindle in March, DigiTimes Research claims in a new study.According to DigiTimes, it consulted "suppliers" of the e-readers to determine how many units shipped. Based on that information, the researchers found that the Nook "accounted for 53 percent of e-book readers shipped to U.S. vendors last month." The company didn't provide data on how much of the market the Kindle took, but based on the fact that the Nook accounted for more than half of all shipments in March, the researchers concluded that the Kindle trailed.But before we crown the Nook as the next big thing in the e-reader space, it's important to consider that Amazon, like Barnes & Noble, doesn't release Kindle sales figures, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly how many units either company has sold. And since DigiTimes can only see how many units were shipped and not sold, the Kindle, which is currently the top-selling device on Amazon.com, could have beaten Barnes & Noble's device in sales. That said, Barnes & Noble representatives told CNET recently that sales "continue to exceed projections."DigiTimes' findings and Barnes & Noble's comments highlight something rather interesting: the Nook, a device that many believed would be the also-ran in the e-reader space, is actually selling well. Although it was criticized at launch for issues like slow page-load times, Barnes & Noble recently updated the device to make it more appealing to users. And by virtue of it being offered in Barnes & Noble brick-and-mortar stores, consumers are having a chance to try it out before they buy.At the same time, the e-reader space is becoming increasingly crowded. Aside from the Kindle and Nook, Apple's iPad is now competing for readers with its iBooks application. So far, that feature has been almost universally cited as a fine reading experience. Whether or not that will negatively affect Kindle or Nook sales remains to be seen.
The Barnes & Noble Nook e-reader shipped more than Amazon's Kindle in March, DigiTimes Research claims in a new study.According to DigiTimes, it consulted "suppliers" of the e-readers to determine how many units shipped. Based on that information, the researchers found that the Nook "accounted for 53 percent of e-book readers shipped to U.S. vendors last month." The company didn't provide data on how much of the market the Kindle took, but based on the fact that the Nook accounted for more than half of all shipments in March, the researchers concluded that the Kindle trailed.But before we crown the Nook as the next big thing in the e-reader space, it's important to consider that Amazon, like Barnes & Noble, doesn't release Kindle sales figures, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly how many units either company has sold. And since DigiTimes can only see how many units were shipped and not sold, the Kindle, which is currently the top-selling device on Amazon.com, could have beaten Barnes & Noble's device in sales. That said, Barnes & Noble representatives told CNET recently that sales "continue to exceed projections."DigiTimes' findings and Barnes & Noble's comments highlight something rather interesting: the Nook, a device that many believed would be the also-ran in the e-reader space, is actually selling well. Although it was criticized at launch for issues like slow page-load times, Barnes & Noble recently updated the device to make it more appealing to users. And by virtue of it being offered in Barnes & Noble brick-and-mortar stores, consumers are having a chance to try it out before they buy.At the same time, the e-reader space is becoming increasingly crowded. Aside from the Kindle and Nook, Apple's iPad is now competing for readers with its iBooks application. So far, that feature has been almost universally cited as a fine reading experience. Whether or not that will negatively affect Kindle or Nook sales remains to be seen.
Analyst reiterates 'July' arrival of iPhone 5S, low-cost iPhone
Analyst reiterates 'July' arrival of iPhone 5S, low-cost iPhone
Fresh data from KGI Securities reiterates that the iPhone 5S and a lower end model should begin to rollout by July. Following a research note in January, KGI Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo says the iPhone 5S along with a low-cost iPhone 5 will be announced in June and be available by July, according to reports at Mac Rumors and Apple Insider.Kuo, often cited as one of the more prescient and accurate Apple analysts, believes the 5S will pack a new A7 chip.Apple has gotten quite adept at designing some of the fastest phone and tablet processors on the planet, so the A7 would be a welcome addition.And expect a better camera based on a LED technology referred to as "Smart Flash," according to Kuo.Here's an excerpt from Kuo's research note, via Mac Rumors. We expect Apple will introduce its new iPhones and iOS7 in June, and start shipping the new iPhones (5S and low-cost model) in the FDD [frequency-division duplexing] version in July. Both dates are earlier than last year's roadmap. We attribute this to: (1) an effort to avoid repeating the fatal mistake of last year of the delayed iPhone 5 launch, which gave competitors room to grab market share; and (2) the new iPhones this year are mainly designed on the basis of the current iPhone 5, which suggests development time could be reduced. Versions supporting China's time-division duplexing (TDD) standard are said to follow in September. He also mentions that the 5S "will have a fingerprint chip under the Home button, improving security and usability."And he opines on the low-cost iPhone 5, mentioning that "hybrid casing of fiberglass and plastic will make it lighter and slimmer than general plastic casing and easier to make in various colors." That said, it will be heavier than the iPhone 5S, he said. And all new iPhones will support LTE, according to Kuo.
Fresh data from KGI Securities reiterates that the iPhone 5S and a lower end model should begin to rollout by July. Following a research note in January, KGI Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo says the iPhone 5S along with a low-cost iPhone 5 will be announced in June and be available by July, according to reports at Mac Rumors and Apple Insider.Kuo, often cited as one of the more prescient and accurate Apple analysts, believes the 5S will pack a new A7 chip.Apple has gotten quite adept at designing some of the fastest phone and tablet processors on the planet, so the A7 would be a welcome addition.And expect a better camera based on a LED technology referred to as "Smart Flash," according to Kuo.Here's an excerpt from Kuo's research note, via Mac Rumors. We expect Apple will introduce its new iPhones and iOS7 in June, and start shipping the new iPhones (5S and low-cost model) in the FDD [frequency-division duplexing] version in July. Both dates are earlier than last year's roadmap. We attribute this to: (1) an effort to avoid repeating the fatal mistake of last year of the delayed iPhone 5 launch, which gave competitors room to grab market share; and (2) the new iPhones this year are mainly designed on the basis of the current iPhone 5, which suggests development time could be reduced. Versions supporting China's time-division duplexing (TDD) standard are said to follow in September. He also mentions that the 5S "will have a fingerprint chip under the Home button, improving security and usability."And he opines on the low-cost iPhone 5, mentioning that "hybrid casing of fiberglass and plastic will make it lighter and slimmer than general plastic casing and easier to make in various colors." That said, it will be heavier than the iPhone 5S, he said. And all new iPhones will support LTE, according to Kuo.
Analyst- 'Premium' iPad 2 coming
Analyst: 'Premium' iPad 2 coming
"Apple is...expected to roll out a premium version of iPad 2--a higher resolution screen, front-/rear- facing HD cameras--in the current quarter," Ashok Kumar, an analyst at Rodman & Renshaw, wrote in a research note today. This follows similar reports about a high-end iPad in the works. "It looks like Hon Hai is going into production with this new SKU," he said in a phone interview, citing supply chain sources. Because Apple won't "sunset" the current iPad 2, just announced in March, it will be a model that "probably appeals to the publishing vertical and some other select segments," he said. Wayne Lam, an analyst at IHS-iSuppli, said in an interview today it's "definitely within the realm of possibility. The true third-generation iPad would be on a yearly [timetable].That said, I wouldn't preclude anything they could do incrementally."Lam continued."Anything modular that's in the device can be easily upgradeable.For example, the 3G module.Potentially they can upgrade to a 4G module.And the display.If it contains the same footprint, size, power requirements and if the OS supports higher resolution, [it's possible]," he said.iOS 5, due this fall, would need to support the upgrades, he said. Related stories• How to keep your iPad data safe• 30 best iPad games• How to use the iPad's split keyboard on iOS 5The cost of a better display is a concern, however, unless the iPad is a premium product targeted at certain professional segments, he said, echoing Kumar's comments."To add incrementally more cost to it may be a challenge unless they market it as a professional version," he said.
"Apple is...expected to roll out a premium version of iPad 2--a higher resolution screen, front-/rear- facing HD cameras--in the current quarter," Ashok Kumar, an analyst at Rodman & Renshaw, wrote in a research note today. This follows similar reports about a high-end iPad in the works. "It looks like Hon Hai is going into production with this new SKU," he said in a phone interview, citing supply chain sources. Because Apple won't "sunset" the current iPad 2, just announced in March, it will be a model that "probably appeals to the publishing vertical and some other select segments," he said. Wayne Lam, an analyst at IHS-iSuppli, said in an interview today it's "definitely within the realm of possibility. The true third-generation iPad would be on a yearly [timetable].That said, I wouldn't preclude anything they could do incrementally."Lam continued."Anything modular that's in the device can be easily upgradeable.For example, the 3G module.Potentially they can upgrade to a 4G module.And the display.If it contains the same footprint, size, power requirements and if the OS supports higher resolution, [it's possible]," he said.iOS 5, due this fall, would need to support the upgrades, he said. Related stories• How to keep your iPad data safe• 30 best iPad games• How to use the iPad's split keyboard on iOS 5The cost of a better display is a concern, however, unless the iPad is a premium product targeted at certain professional segments, he said, echoing Kumar's comments."To add incrementally more cost to it may be a challenge unless they market it as a professional version," he said.
Analyst predicts 7.85-inch iPad 'Mini' for October
Analyst predicts 7.85-inch iPad 'Mini' for October
On the heels of Google's $199 Nexus 7, Pacific Crest analyst Andy Hargreaves is predicting that Apple will introduce a 7.85-inch iPad in October: "We anticipate an entry-level 7.85" iPad with 8GB of NAND capacity to price at $299 with an initial gross margin of 31%. We estimate Apple will sell 10.0 million 7.85" iPads in FQ1 (Dec. 2012) and 35.2 million in all of F2013. Based on estimated component order volume, we believe our iPad mini unit estimates are well within Apple's production capacity. We anticipate 25% cannibalization of the larger 9.7" iPad (for every four 7.85" iPads added, we reduced our 9.7" iPad estimate by one), so our total F2013 iPad estimate increases to 91.6 million from 65.2 million," he wrote in a report published Thursday.Apple has long been rumored to be developing a 7-inch version of the iPad, but the company has employed its usual cone of silence on the topic.Tom Mainelli, IDC's research director of Mobile Connected Devices,believes that Apple could increase its market dominance with a iPad Mini. "If Apple launches a sub-$300, 7-inch product into the market later this year as rumored, we expect the company's grip on this market to become even stronger," he wrote in a report issued ahead of the Nexus 7's unveiling.Hargreaves suggested that Apple would kill the $399 iPad 2, and could introduce a 16GB iPad Mini for a similar price. He also expects a refresh in October for the current  9.7-inch iPad, speculating that it will have a lighter battery and oxide TFT screen and new camera location.Hargreaves cranked up his price target for Apple from $630 to $690.  See also: Will Google's Nexus 7 prod Apple into producing an iPad Mini?
On the heels of Google's $199 Nexus 7, Pacific Crest analyst Andy Hargreaves is predicting that Apple will introduce a 7.85-inch iPad in October: "We anticipate an entry-level 7.85" iPad with 8GB of NAND capacity to price at $299 with an initial gross margin of 31%. We estimate Apple will sell 10.0 million 7.85" iPads in FQ1 (Dec. 2012) and 35.2 million in all of F2013. Based on estimated component order volume, we believe our iPad mini unit estimates are well within Apple's production capacity. We anticipate 25% cannibalization of the larger 9.7" iPad (for every four 7.85" iPads added, we reduced our 9.7" iPad estimate by one), so our total F2013 iPad estimate increases to 91.6 million from 65.2 million," he wrote in a report published Thursday.Apple has long been rumored to be developing a 7-inch version of the iPad, but the company has employed its usual cone of silence on the topic.Tom Mainelli, IDC's research director of Mobile Connected Devices,believes that Apple could increase its market dominance with a iPad Mini. "If Apple launches a sub-$300, 7-inch product into the market later this year as rumored, we expect the company's grip on this market to become even stronger," he wrote in a report issued ahead of the Nexus 7's unveiling.Hargreaves suggested that Apple would kill the $399 iPad 2, and could introduce a 16GB iPad Mini for a similar price. He also expects a refresh in October for the current  9.7-inch iPad, speculating that it will have a lighter battery and oxide TFT screen and new camera location.Hargreaves cranked up his price target for Apple from $630 to $690.  See also: Will Google's Nexus 7 prod Apple into producing an iPad Mini?
Analyst- Amazon should cut Kindle price for iPad launch
Analyst: Amazon should cut Kindle price for iPad launch
Although Amazon's Kindle is enjoying strong sales, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster told Barrons in a recent interview that the company needs to cut the price of its e-reader if it wants to compete with the iPad.According to Barrons, Munster told the publication that Amazon should cut the price of the Kindle from its current $259 price tag to $149. Munster believes that the iPad could cut into Amazon's Kindle sales without a price reduction.As troubling as that might be for Amazon, Munster contends that the e-retailer is in a good position, regardless of the way things turn out. If the Kindle succeeds, great. If not, Munster says, Amazon will still do well with online retail."Amazon can lose the Kindle and succeed in broader e-commerce," Munster told Barrons.But is losing the Kindle really something that Amazon would like to see happen? The company recently acquired a touch-screen maker, Touchco, raising speculation that it might be gunning for the iPad in future iterations of its Kindle. And considering how successful the Kindle has been, it's unlikely that Amazon will just roll over.At the same time, Munster's contention that Amazon should drop the price of the Kindle is debatable, since the Kindle's current price of $259 is substantially lower than the cheapest iPad model being offered for $499. That said, the iPad does much more than the Kindle, and delivers e-reading capabilities through the device's iBooks. A solid argument can probably be made for either side.But at this point, Amazon's silence on the topic indicates that the company might be planning to see how well the iPad sells and how it will affect Kindle sales before it makes any decision. If it sees a drop, it might be only a matter of time before the company cuts the Kindle's price.
Although Amazon's Kindle is enjoying strong sales, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster told Barrons in a recent interview that the company needs to cut the price of its e-reader if it wants to compete with the iPad.According to Barrons, Munster told the publication that Amazon should cut the price of the Kindle from its current $259 price tag to $149. Munster believes that the iPad could cut into Amazon's Kindle sales without a price reduction.As troubling as that might be for Amazon, Munster contends that the e-retailer is in a good position, regardless of the way things turn out. If the Kindle succeeds, great. If not, Munster says, Amazon will still do well with online retail."Amazon can lose the Kindle and succeed in broader e-commerce," Munster told Barrons.But is losing the Kindle really something that Amazon would like to see happen? The company recently acquired a touch-screen maker, Touchco, raising speculation that it might be gunning for the iPad in future iterations of its Kindle. And considering how successful the Kindle has been, it's unlikely that Amazon will just roll over.At the same time, Munster's contention that Amazon should drop the price of the Kindle is debatable, since the Kindle's current price of $259 is substantially lower than the cheapest iPad model being offered for $499. That said, the iPad does much more than the Kindle, and delivers e-reading capabilities through the device's iBooks. A solid argument can probably be made for either side.But at this point, Amazon's silence on the topic indicates that the company might be planning to see how well the iPad sells and how it will affect Kindle sales before it makes any decision. If it sees a drop, it might be only a matter of time before the company cuts the Kindle's price.
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