Apple tops estimates, announces 7-for-1 stock split
Apple on Wednesday posted better-than-expected quarterly results, said it would return more cash to shareholders, and announced a 7-for-1 stock split."Our underlying business performance was even stronger than our reported results imply," Chief Executive Tim Cook said during a conference call with analysts. The Cupertino, Calif., tech giant said it sold 43.7 million iPhones, much higher than the expected 38 million and a record for the March quarter. The company also reported a surprise return to earnings growth -- its highest rate in the past six quarters -- and better revenue and gross margins than analysts and Apple had anticipated. That the iPhone -- Apple's biggest moneymaker -- accounted for much of the growth came as a relief to investors who worried that demand was waning ahead of the iPhone 6 later this year. Cook noted that the strong iPhone sales "were broad-based, both from a product point of view, with demand for each of our three iPhones stronger than its predecessor, and from a geographic standpoint."As if that weren't enough to please investors, Apple also boosted the amount of cash that it's returning to shareholders by about $30 billion to more than $130 billion and said it would split shares to make its stock more accessible to investors. The news -- which helped assuage some recent fears about the company -- sent shares jumping 8.1 percent to $568.76 in after-hours trading. Shares initially were halted ahead of the news."The humongous buyback and increased dividend will satisfy many of the critics asking to share in the cash pile," Michael Obuchowski, Apple shareholder and chief investment officer of Merlin Asset Management, told CNET. "The 7:1 split is likely to attract small retail investors, making [the] stock more accessible. Basically the company is seemingly doing everything to appease investors and critics -- except for introducing new products that could give us visibility for Apple's future for the next several years instead of just the next few quarters." See alsoApple v. Samsung: All you need to know about latest patent trial (FAQ)Samsung drops iPad infringement claims, asks for less moneyApple's higher standard: How 51M iPhones is somehow disappointing The results come as Apple battles Samsung in a patent-infringement trial in San Jose, Calif. They also come as Apple faces more questions about its momentum and future. The pressure has been on for the company to enter new product categories -- such as smart TVs and wearables -- instead of incrementally updating its existing devices. Apple's results have been fueled by the iPhone for the past several years, but the company is facing more competition than ever before. Samsung and others are pressuring the company at the high end, while Apple is largely missing out on the low end of the market. That's a big concern as more and more mobile sales come from emerging markets like China, where inexpensive phones from companies such as Huawei and ZTE are popular. It also faces changes in smartphone upgrade policies and a push by carriers to sell full-price devices. Apple earlier this year started selling the iPhone through China Mobile, the world's biggest wireless carrier. And in September, it introduced two new versions of the iPhone for the first time ever, including the less-expensive but more colorful iPhone 5C. Apple also rolled out the new iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina Display the following month. The company hoped the new products would keep the momentum going, despite ongoing concerns that the iPhone 5C isn't selling well and that China Mobile demand may be sluggish. Another worry has also plagued Apple of late -- that consumers are holding off on buying the current, 4-inch iPhone models in hopes a new version will hit the market soon. The company is believed to be prepping two new iPhone 6 models with display sizes of 4.7 and 5.5 inches for later this year, as well as new iPad models. The only notable downside in Apple's fiscal second quarter was iPad sales, which were weaker than anticipated. Apple sold 16.4 million iPads compared with analysts' estimates for 19 million and versus last year's 19.5 million. Cook attributed the shortfall to changes in channel inventory and said Apple met its internal estimates for iPad sales. He added that Apple has sold more than 210 million iPads since launching the first model and that the availability of Microsoft Office on the iPad should help boost sales. And Cook said high customer satisfaction levels, high numbers of people planning to buy an iPad, and substantial usage levels among iPad owners make him confident in the tablet's future prospects."That doesn't mean that every quarter, every 90 days is going to be a number that everybody's thrilled with," Cook said. "But what it means to me is that the trend over time, over the arc of time, that things look very, very good, that iPad has a great future and of course the thing that drives us more than any of this are the next iPads, if you will, the things that are in the pipeline, the things that we can do to make the product even better, and there's no shortage of work going in on that, nor any shortage of ideas." Apple's iPhone 5S and 5C.AppleHe added that Apple will launch great products in new categories but that it needs time to make sure it gets all the details right. Cook also said Apple is "on the prowl" for acquisitions, both big and small, and that it has bought 24 companies in the past 18 months. Apple now has nearly 800 million iTunes accounts, a number that Cook described as "staggering" during the company's conference call. The last time Apple talked about iTunes accounts was during its annual developers conference last June when the company announced 575 million accounts.For its next quarter, which runs through June, Apple expects to generate $36 billion to $38 billion in sales, with a gross margin between 37 percent and 38 percent. The midpoint of revenue is lower than the $38 billion Wall Street expected ahead of the report.For the second fiscal quarter, Apple reported earnings of $10.2 billion, or $11.62 a share, compared with $9.55 billion, or $10.09 a share, in the year-earlier period. Per-share earnings were better than the $10.19 projected by analysts. Sales for the period ended March 29 rose 4.7 percent to $45.6 billion, better than what Apple and analysts had estimated. Apple in January had projected second-quarter revenue of $42 billion to $44 billion. Analysts, meanwhile, estimated revenue would total $43.5 billion. Apple reported a gross margin of 39.3 percent, better than its estimate of 37 percent to 38 percent. Apple's gross margin, a measure of sales after removing costs like manufacturing, has fallen since its high of 47.4 percent in early 2012 as customers opt for lower-cost devices. Apple also said it would buy back up to $30 billion in shares on top of the $60 billion it already committed to repurchase by 2015. The company was pressured earlier this year by activist investor Carl Icahn, who wanted Apple to buy back $50 billion worth of shares this year. He dropped his proposal in February after saying Apple was close to fulfilling his requested repurchase target. On Wednesday, Icahn tweeted that he's happy with the increased buyback but believes the shares remain "meaningfully undervalued." Apple also increased its dividend by 8 percent and declared a dividend of $3.29 per share, payable on May 15. The company said it will tap the debt markets to fund the cash return. The board also announced a 7-for-1 stock split. Each Apple shareholder of record at the close of business on June 2 will receive six additional shares for every share held on the record date, and trading will begin on a split-adjusted basis on June 9. Apple has split its stock three times in the past, with payable dates of June 15, 1987; June 21, 2000; and February 28, 2005. Those splits came after Apple's shares crossed $100. In 2007, Steve Jobs was asked whether Apple was planning another stock split when the shares once again gained. He said no, citing Google and Berkshire Hathaway, whose shares hadn't been split.Cook, however, has taken a more investor-friendly approach, instituting the company's first dividend and buying back millions in stock. From August 2012 through March 2014, Apple has spent $66 billion in cash on its capital return program. The dividend and repurchase bring Apple's current capital-return program to over $130 billion from its current level of $100 billion. Apple said on its investor relations Web site that it decided to split its stock "to be more accessible to a larger number of investors." Update, 2 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 5 p.m. PT with additional details.Apple iPhone 5sSee full gallery1 - 4 / 6NextPrev
Microsoft taking direct route on Windows Phone updates
Microsoft taking direct route on Windows Phone updates
Good news for those who were worried about getting bottlenecked roll-outs of system software updates on Windows Phone 7 devices: Microsoft, and not the carriers or the device manufacturers, will be in charge of that duty.In an e-mail exchange with ZDnet, Microsoft reiterated that it will "push Windows Phone 7 software updates to end users," while adding that "all Windows Phone 7 devices will be eligible for updates." These are two very big things that bode well for early adopters of the handset, but also put pressure on Microsoft to keep that promise as the Windows Phone platform ages.Microsoft's position is of special interest given the current climate of smartphones system software updates, which up until a few years ago had been either few and far between or nonexistent.To put the current update landscape in perspective, Apple pushes out what has become an annual update directly to iPhone owners through its iTunes software, instead of through over-the-air carrier updates. Though with its latest OS update, Apple began limiting what features would be available on older models, and even cutting out the original iPhone from getting the newer software. Apple's cycle could be considered generous when compared to Google, which came under fire during most of 2010 for its Android update strategy. Unlike Apple, and now Microsoft, Google has mostly gone through the carriers and device manufacturers to deliver over-the-air software updates. This has led to some considerable delays in getting version 2.2 of its operating system out to users who may have purchased new phones just a few months after the software was released. There's also the continuing march of Android hardware requirements for each OS iteration, which has left large groups of early adopters unable to get even parts of the updates. RIM faces similar timing challenges in rolling out the sixth version of its OS to BlackBerry users.Of course the bigger question is how long Microsoft will have to keep up this promise of offering software updates to Windows Phone 7 users as the platform ages. Given what's happened with competitors, it's fair to expect that new features that require additional hardware adjustments simply get saved for the next major version of the OS. But even there, that could get a little sticky given the pace at which new phone hardware is released. And it could end up leaving some wiggle room akin to what we've seen on the PC side for buyers to pick up "Windows Phone next"-ready devices that would be eligible--and more importantly, capable, of the next major upgrade.
Good news for those who were worried about getting bottlenecked roll-outs of system software updates on Windows Phone 7 devices: Microsoft, and not the carriers or the device manufacturers, will be in charge of that duty.In an e-mail exchange with ZDnet, Microsoft reiterated that it will "push Windows Phone 7 software updates to end users," while adding that "all Windows Phone 7 devices will be eligible for updates." These are two very big things that bode well for early adopters of the handset, but also put pressure on Microsoft to keep that promise as the Windows Phone platform ages.Microsoft's position is of special interest given the current climate of smartphones system software updates, which up until a few years ago had been either few and far between or nonexistent.To put the current update landscape in perspective, Apple pushes out what has become an annual update directly to iPhone owners through its iTunes software, instead of through over-the-air carrier updates. Though with its latest OS update, Apple began limiting what features would be available on older models, and even cutting out the original iPhone from getting the newer software. Apple's cycle could be considered generous when compared to Google, which came under fire during most of 2010 for its Android update strategy. Unlike Apple, and now Microsoft, Google has mostly gone through the carriers and device manufacturers to deliver over-the-air software updates. This has led to some considerable delays in getting version 2.2 of its operating system out to users who may have purchased new phones just a few months after the software was released. There's also the continuing march of Android hardware requirements for each OS iteration, which has left large groups of early adopters unable to get even parts of the updates. RIM faces similar timing challenges in rolling out the sixth version of its OS to BlackBerry users.Of course the bigger question is how long Microsoft will have to keep up this promise of offering software updates to Windows Phone 7 users as the platform ages. Given what's happened with competitors, it's fair to expect that new features that require additional hardware adjustments simply get saved for the next major version of the OS. But even there, that could get a little sticky given the pace at which new phone hardware is released. And it could end up leaving some wiggle room akin to what we've seen on the PC side for buyers to pick up "Windows Phone next"-ready devices that would be eligible--and more importantly, capable, of the next major upgrade.
Apple's universal remote patent idea goes beyond TV
Apple's universal remote patent idea goes beyond TV
Another patent application has surfaced showing Apple's interest in changing the way people entertain themselves in their living rooms.It may not be the much-anticipated Apple TV set, but it does provide a hint or two about a control system for such a device.Chronicled by Apple Insider this morning, the patent filing details plans for a universal remote control system that uses a touchscreen to let users control multiple devices around their house. That includes the TV, stereo, and even the MP3 player on a user's computer.The patent application, which Apple filed for in September of last year and published this morning, makes the argument that remote controls have become overly complicated, and that configuring and using those remotes is even more cumbersome (emphasis mine):Manufacturers have created so-called universal remote controls, which can be trained to mimic several remote controls, and can then control each appliance for which they have been trained. While universal remote controls attempt to address the problem of multiple remote controls, these devices are even more complex to operate, further confusing the user. Additionally, a universal remote control may not be able to duplicate every command sequence designed into a remote control designed for the appliance, and for future appliances.Apple's solution is to scan for other devices and automatically add them to the system, displaying relevant menus and controls on the screen and letting users hop back and forth between devices. The system can also continuously scan for devices in range, graying out or removing ones that are no longer there to keep things tidy.Related storiesApple working on its own Wiimote?The 50-inch Apple TV set rumor re-emergesHow to turn your iPhone into a keyboard and mouseApple updates Remote appOf course touchscreen universal remotes are nothing new. Logitech and other companies have been offering such devices for years. So far, Apple's only foray into the space has been a remote control app that controls its Apple TV set top box, and provides access to iTunes libraries that have home sharing enabled on the same Wi-Fi network. Third-party companies like L5 Technology have also come up with infrared add-ons that can plug into iOS devices and use an app to control IR appliances.This is, however, the latest patent application from Apple to take aim at remote controls for gadgets. One that cropped up in early 2008 detailed a Nintendo Wii-like remote that would track remote movements in a 3D space, potentially for use with its Apple TV set top box. In 2005 the company has also explored customizable remote control-like devices as hardware add-ons to its computers and other portable devices in a separate patent application. A report in the New York Times last October suggested Apple would forgo remote control hardware entirely if it ever made a TV set, choosing to use its Siri voice assistant instead.
Another patent application has surfaced showing Apple's interest in changing the way people entertain themselves in their living rooms.It may not be the much-anticipated Apple TV set, but it does provide a hint or two about a control system for such a device.Chronicled by Apple Insider this morning, the patent filing details plans for a universal remote control system that uses a touchscreen to let users control multiple devices around their house. That includes the TV, stereo, and even the MP3 player on a user's computer.The patent application, which Apple filed for in September of last year and published this morning, makes the argument that remote controls have become overly complicated, and that configuring and using those remotes is even more cumbersome (emphasis mine):Manufacturers have created so-called universal remote controls, which can be trained to mimic several remote controls, and can then control each appliance for which they have been trained. While universal remote controls attempt to address the problem of multiple remote controls, these devices are even more complex to operate, further confusing the user. Additionally, a universal remote control may not be able to duplicate every command sequence designed into a remote control designed for the appliance, and for future appliances.Apple's solution is to scan for other devices and automatically add them to the system, displaying relevant menus and controls on the screen and letting users hop back and forth between devices. The system can also continuously scan for devices in range, graying out or removing ones that are no longer there to keep things tidy.Related storiesApple working on its own Wiimote?The 50-inch Apple TV set rumor re-emergesHow to turn your iPhone into a keyboard and mouseApple updates Remote appOf course touchscreen universal remotes are nothing new. Logitech and other companies have been offering such devices for years. So far, Apple's only foray into the space has been a remote control app that controls its Apple TV set top box, and provides access to iTunes libraries that have home sharing enabled on the same Wi-Fi network. Third-party companies like L5 Technology have also come up with infrared add-ons that can plug into iOS devices and use an app to control IR appliances.This is, however, the latest patent application from Apple to take aim at remote controls for gadgets. One that cropped up in early 2008 detailed a Nintendo Wii-like remote that would track remote movements in a 3D space, potentially for use with its Apple TV set top box. In 2005 the company has also explored customizable remote control-like devices as hardware add-ons to its computers and other portable devices in a separate patent application. A report in the New York Times last October suggested Apple would forgo remote control hardware entirely if it ever made a TV set, choosing to use its Siri voice assistant instead.
The 404 1,051- Where we were big in the '90s (podcast)
The 404 1,051: Where we were big in the '90s (podcast)
Today we'll take a critical look at the way people respond to celebrity deaths in the wake of Maurice Sendak, Adam Yauch, and Vidal Sassoon. We'll take you through the five typical stages of "grief" based on what Vice Magazine calls the Facebook Death Patrol.We also have some bad news to report to children of millennials: your parents are still getting it on, and they're probably using a smartphone at the same time. A survey from Meredith's Parent Network questioned 1,000 moms born between 1977 and 1994 and found that 21 percent of them used their smartphones in the bathroom, while an astounding 12 percent admitted to using them in coitus! Sorry if we just ruined your day, kids.After the break, we'll dive into a discussion about the gulch of the Internet and whether or not Internet users are legally responsible for the images that appear on their screens.It stems from a New York Court of Appeals case that closed on Tuesday concerning a college IT office that found images of child pornography stored in the cache of a professor's computer. His actions are obviously deplorable, but should some kind of affirmative act be required (in the form of clicking a download button o print button) to show that one actively sought out the images?Tune in for the verdict.Bathroom break video: Le manege pour pauvresMust listen: Justin and Jeff try and get through a CBS Radio spot about iPads and OrangutansThis content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayEpisode 1,051Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff Bakalar
Today we'll take a critical look at the way people respond to celebrity deaths in the wake of Maurice Sendak, Adam Yauch, and Vidal Sassoon. We'll take you through the five typical stages of "grief" based on what Vice Magazine calls the Facebook Death Patrol.We also have some bad news to report to children of millennials: your parents are still getting it on, and they're probably using a smartphone at the same time. A survey from Meredith's Parent Network questioned 1,000 moms born between 1977 and 1994 and found that 21 percent of them used their smartphones in the bathroom, while an astounding 12 percent admitted to using them in coitus! Sorry if we just ruined your day, kids.After the break, we'll dive into a discussion about the gulch of the Internet and whether or not Internet users are legally responsible for the images that appear on their screens.It stems from a New York Court of Appeals case that closed on Tuesday concerning a college IT office that found images of child pornography stored in the cache of a professor's computer. His actions are obviously deplorable, but should some kind of affirmative act be required (in the form of clicking a download button o print button) to show that one actively sought out the images?Tune in for the verdict.Bathroom break video: Le manege pour pauvresMust listen: Justin and Jeff try and get through a CBS Radio spot about iPads and OrangutansThis content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayEpisode 1,051Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff Bakalar
iTunes Terms of Service gets the RapGenius treatment, hilarity ensues
iTunes Terms of Service gets the RapGenius treatment, hilarity ensues
RapGenius was created for those of us who just might not be urban enough to understand what the hell Li'l Wayne is rapping about or what specific kind of "gas" 2 Chainz is "smokin' on."The site is basically a huge wiki intended to explain the lyrics of any and all rap songs, and since the entire Internet is invited to participate, there are naturally a few Justin Bieber songs up in the mix as well. But lately, some non-music entries have been uploaded to the site, including the Terms of Service for iTunes, which has already begun to be annotated to hilarious effect.Related storiesAndreessen Horowitz drops $15M on Web-annotation startupThe 404 805: Where real rap geniuses move in silence (podcast)Digital guru Clay Shirky was inspired to upload the iTunes TOS to the site after seeing another entry for the Pilgrims' Mayflower Compact -- you know, the O.G. one drafted by some rhythm-less puritans back around 1620.Unlike the annotations on the Mayflower Compact, which mostly provide historical context, the comments and explanations on the legalese for iTunes are almost all snark. For example, here's the note added for the part of the TOS that reads "And you agree to immediately notify Apple of any security breach of your Account.":... via the contact information clearly provided... wait where did that go? RapGenius hasn't taken down any of the hip-hop-deficient posts because the company sees itself as a platform that it hopes will expand to provide a notating community for everything from poetry to political speeches. In fact, transcripts of the first presidential and vice presidential debates have already been posted to the site, and some fact-checking and analysis (as well as a healthy dose of trolling) have already begun to be added. Let us know what you think of RapGenius as the latest platform hosting our global dialogue, or if you really want to let us know what you think, repost this story at RapGenius and go to town.
RapGenius was created for those of us who just might not be urban enough to understand what the hell Li'l Wayne is rapping about or what specific kind of "gas" 2 Chainz is "smokin' on."The site is basically a huge wiki intended to explain the lyrics of any and all rap songs, and since the entire Internet is invited to participate, there are naturally a few Justin Bieber songs up in the mix as well. But lately, some non-music entries have been uploaded to the site, including the Terms of Service for iTunes, which has already begun to be annotated to hilarious effect.Related storiesAndreessen Horowitz drops $15M on Web-annotation startupThe 404 805: Where real rap geniuses move in silence (podcast)Digital guru Clay Shirky was inspired to upload the iTunes TOS to the site after seeing another entry for the Pilgrims' Mayflower Compact -- you know, the O.G. one drafted by some rhythm-less puritans back around 1620.Unlike the annotations on the Mayflower Compact, which mostly provide historical context, the comments and explanations on the legalese for iTunes are almost all snark. For example, here's the note added for the part of the TOS that reads "And you agree to immediately notify Apple of any security breach of your Account.":... via the contact information clearly provided... wait where did that go? RapGenius hasn't taken down any of the hip-hop-deficient posts because the company sees itself as a platform that it hopes will expand to provide a notating community for everything from poetry to political speeches. In fact, transcripts of the first presidential and vice presidential debates have already been posted to the site, and some fact-checking and analysis (as well as a healthy dose of trolling) have already begun to be added. Let us know what you think of RapGenius as the latest platform hosting our global dialogue, or if you really want to let us know what you think, repost this story at RapGenius and go to town.
Apple's first iAds hit the iPhone
Apple's first iAds hit the iPhone
The first day of July brings the first real-world glimpse of Apple's foray into mobile advertising.As planned, iAds debuted on iOS 4-based devices on Thursday, with the first examples of Apple's program enabling advertisers to present interactive ads directly within iOS apps. Engadget has Dove's entry, starring Major League Baseball's Albert Pujols and Andy Pettitte. There's also a YouTube video of Nissan Motor's interactive campaign for the new electric Leaf. It's essentially the same as the Leaf ad Steve Jobs demonstrated at its Worldwide Developers Conference last month. As promised, the ads are embedded into iPhone applications, and when clicked, they appear as a window within the app. iAds do not send users to a Web advertisement.Dove's first iAd.EngadgetApple shelled out for Quattro Wireless earlier this year so that it could own and control the way ads are served on its devices and have a say over how analytic data is reported. Last month, Apple updated its developer agreement to exclude nonindependent ad networks from collecting analytic data from iAds. It was widely interpreted as targeting Google's newly acquired AdMob mobile-ad network.It's been reported that Apple charged $1 million to the first advertisers participating in the program. Together, companies such as Walt Disney, Nissan, Citigroup, Unilever, AT&T, Chanel, General Electric, Liberty Mutual Insurance, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, Geico, Campbell Soup, Sears Holdings, J.C. Penney, Target, Best Buy, DirecTV, and Turner Broadcasting System have put up $60 million in promised spending through the end of 2010, according to Apple.Jobs said Apple started the program, which is native to the iOS software developer kit, to help developers make money on free applications in the App Store.
The first day of July brings the first real-world glimpse of Apple's foray into mobile advertising.As planned, iAds debuted on iOS 4-based devices on Thursday, with the first examples of Apple's program enabling advertisers to present interactive ads directly within iOS apps. Engadget has Dove's entry, starring Major League Baseball's Albert Pujols and Andy Pettitte. There's also a YouTube video of Nissan Motor's interactive campaign for the new electric Leaf. It's essentially the same as the Leaf ad Steve Jobs demonstrated at its Worldwide Developers Conference last month. As promised, the ads are embedded into iPhone applications, and when clicked, they appear as a window within the app. iAds do not send users to a Web advertisement.Dove's first iAd.EngadgetApple shelled out for Quattro Wireless earlier this year so that it could own and control the way ads are served on its devices and have a say over how analytic data is reported. Last month, Apple updated its developer agreement to exclude nonindependent ad networks from collecting analytic data from iAds. It was widely interpreted as targeting Google's newly acquired AdMob mobile-ad network.It's been reported that Apple charged $1 million to the first advertisers participating in the program. Together, companies such as Walt Disney, Nissan, Citigroup, Unilever, AT&T, Chanel, General Electric, Liberty Mutual Insurance, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, Geico, Campbell Soup, Sears Holdings, J.C. Penney, Target, Best Buy, DirecTV, and Turner Broadcasting System have put up $60 million in promised spending through the end of 2010, according to Apple.Jobs said Apple started the program, which is native to the iOS software developer kit, to help developers make money on free applications in the App Store.
Apple's first 2013 earnings to be closely watched
Apple's first 2013 earnings to be closely watched
For Apple's iPad, which the company refreshed in late October, Wall Street's expecting between 23 million and 25 million units. That, too, is up from 14 million in the previous quarter and 15.43 million in the same quarter last year. It would also top Apple's previous sales record of 17 million iPads from its June quarter last year. One area to watch on Wednesday is Macs. Why's that? Some analysts are anticipating a possible year-over-year decline in sales, despite product refreshes last year that would point to stronger numbers. That's not necessarily the case, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said in a note to investors last week."The December quarter of 2012 faces a difficult comparison from 2011 as the 2011 quarter had an additional week," Munster wrote. "As a result, we remain comfortable with our down 7 percent year over year estimate, which implies 4.8 million Macs."Some other estimates expect Apple to beat last year's 5.2 million, including Gabelli & Co., which believes Apple sold 5.3 million computers, which would be an all-time sales record.That kind of performance would be especially impressive given two things: One is that Apple's iMacs did not start shipping until the very tail end of November and late December for the larger model. The other is possible cannibalization by Apple's growing tablet lineup, which doubled down with the iPad Mini during the quarter. "We have learned over the years not to worry about cannibalization of our own product," Apple CEO Tim Cook said about just such a phenomenon during last quarter's earnings call with analysts. "It's much better for us to do that than for somebody else to do it."Apple will report just after the market closes on Wednesday, followed by a conference call with executives at 2 p.m. PT.
For Apple's iPad, which the company refreshed in late October, Wall Street's expecting between 23 million and 25 million units. That, too, is up from 14 million in the previous quarter and 15.43 million in the same quarter last year. It would also top Apple's previous sales record of 17 million iPads from its June quarter last year. One area to watch on Wednesday is Macs. Why's that? Some analysts are anticipating a possible year-over-year decline in sales, despite product refreshes last year that would point to stronger numbers. That's not necessarily the case, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said in a note to investors last week."The December quarter of 2012 faces a difficult comparison from 2011 as the 2011 quarter had an additional week," Munster wrote. "As a result, we remain comfortable with our down 7 percent year over year estimate, which implies 4.8 million Macs."Some other estimates expect Apple to beat last year's 5.2 million, including Gabelli & Co., which believes Apple sold 5.3 million computers, which would be an all-time sales record.That kind of performance would be especially impressive given two things: One is that Apple's iMacs did not start shipping until the very tail end of November and late December for the larger model. The other is possible cannibalization by Apple's growing tablet lineup, which doubled down with the iPad Mini during the quarter. "We have learned over the years not to worry about cannibalization of our own product," Apple CEO Tim Cook said about just such a phenomenon during last quarter's earnings call with analysts. "It's much better for us to do that than for somebody else to do it."Apple will report just after the market closes on Wednesday, followed by a conference call with executives at 2 p.m. PT.
Apple's Find My Friends and Airport Utility apps arrive
Apple's Find My Friends and Airport Utility apps arrive
Ahead of releasing iOS 5 to users today, Apple released two new universal iOS apps: one for keeping track of other friends with iOS devices, and another for setting up and managing the company's wireless networking equipment. The first of those is Find My Friends (iTunes), an app Apple debuted at last week's "Let's talk iPhone" event. Like the company's "Find My iPhone" app, it lets you see where one or more iOS devices are on a map, though in Find My Friends' case, these are people who do not share your MobileMe or iCloud account, and have opted in to share that information with you.As for the Airport Utility app (iTunes), it gives iOS users the same controls that can be found in Apple's Mac OS X Airport Utility, letting them set up and make adjustments to Apple's Airport Extreme, Airport Express, and Time Capsule wireless networking hardware. That includes simple things like changing passwords and SSID names, to more advanced adjustments like running firmware updates and changing access controls. Worth noting is that Apple decided to keep both of these apps separate from the iOS 5 release, which the company has said will arrive today. That means Apple can roll out changes to these apps independently of iOS software releases, but also requires that users find and install them from the App Store in the first place. Apple blog 9to5mac, which spotted both pieces of software in the App Store this morning, notes that both apps require iOS 5, which has not yet been released.Here are some shots of what Find My Friends look like:AppleAnd screens from the Airport Utility:Apple
Ahead of releasing iOS 5 to users today, Apple released two new universal iOS apps: one for keeping track of other friends with iOS devices, and another for setting up and managing the company's wireless networking equipment. The first of those is Find My Friends (iTunes), an app Apple debuted at last week's "Let's talk iPhone" event. Like the company's "Find My iPhone" app, it lets you see where one or more iOS devices are on a map, though in Find My Friends' case, these are people who do not share your MobileMe or iCloud account, and have opted in to share that information with you.As for the Airport Utility app (iTunes), it gives iOS users the same controls that can be found in Apple's Mac OS X Airport Utility, letting them set up and make adjustments to Apple's Airport Extreme, Airport Express, and Time Capsule wireless networking hardware. That includes simple things like changing passwords and SSID names, to more advanced adjustments like running firmware updates and changing access controls. Worth noting is that Apple decided to keep both of these apps separate from the iOS 5 release, which the company has said will arrive today. That means Apple can roll out changes to these apps independently of iOS software releases, but also requires that users find and install them from the App Store in the first place. Apple blog 9to5mac, which spotted both pieces of software in the App Store this morning, notes that both apps require iOS 5, which has not yet been released.Here are some shots of what Find My Friends look like:AppleAnd screens from the Airport Utility:Apple
Apple's Facetime faces patent infringement suit in China
Apple's Facetime faces patent infringement suit in China
Apple's Facetime is the latest technology stirring up legal complaints against the Mac and iPad maker in China.A Taiwanese man who claims to hold a patent on a "voice network personal digital assistant" technology has filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that his technology is used in Facetime, says blog site MIC Gadget. The Intermediate People's Court in Zhenjiang confirmed the lawsuit and contacted Apple, but the company reportedly has not yet responded.CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if we get more information.The Taiwanese man, known only as Lee, said he discovered the alleged patent violation after buying an iPhone 4S. Working for a tech company, Lee claims to have come up with the idea for an Internet calling feature after he needed to contact people while traveling, MIC Gadget said. He also claims to have applied for a patent for the technology in 2003.Related storiesApple plays up FaceTime in iPhone adWill Apple's FaceTime app hog your data plan?Will AT&T charge you for FaceTime over its network?Apple settles iPad trademark dispute in China for $60MWith so many companies trading patent infringement suits these days, it's difficult to know which ones are legitimate and which ones are specious. But either way, Apple has to deal with the suit, which kicks off with a first hearing in September.Lee hasn't specified any financial amount in damages but wants Apple to stop the patent violation.This isn't the first time Apple has run into legal trouble in China. Most notably, the company recently had to pay out $60 million to settle a dispute with Proview Technology over the iPad trademark.
Apple's Facetime is the latest technology stirring up legal complaints against the Mac and iPad maker in China.A Taiwanese man who claims to hold a patent on a "voice network personal digital assistant" technology has filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that his technology is used in Facetime, says blog site MIC Gadget. The Intermediate People's Court in Zhenjiang confirmed the lawsuit and contacted Apple, but the company reportedly has not yet responded.CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if we get more information.The Taiwanese man, known only as Lee, said he discovered the alleged patent violation after buying an iPhone 4S. Working for a tech company, Lee claims to have come up with the idea for an Internet calling feature after he needed to contact people while traveling, MIC Gadget said. He also claims to have applied for a patent for the technology in 2003.Related storiesApple plays up FaceTime in iPhone adWill Apple's FaceTime app hog your data plan?Will AT&T charge you for FaceTime over its network?Apple settles iPad trademark dispute in China for $60MWith so many companies trading patent infringement suits these days, it's difficult to know which ones are legitimate and which ones are specious. But either way, Apple has to deal with the suit, which kicks off with a first hearing in September.Lee hasn't specified any financial amount in damages but wants Apple to stop the patent violation.This isn't the first time Apple has run into legal trouble in China. Most notably, the company recently had to pay out $60 million to settle a dispute with Proview Technology over the iPad trademark.
Apple's EarPods headphones torn apart for science
Apple's EarPods headphones torn apart for science
Gadget repair and teardown site iFixit has just finished giving Apple's latest earbuds the business, and says that the redesign has made the accessory more durable than previous iterations.In an 12-step teardown, posted today, the site has found Apple's new headphones to be as different on the inside as out. That includes the re-worked earbuds themselves which now use a paper cone (no longer metal), along with the beefier remote enclosure.iFixit says the redesign has improved the seal around the remote, which keeps water damage at bay. It's also been given new strain relief padding around the edges to keep the cable from splitting and exposing the internal wires. The innards of Apple's new EarPods.iFixitDespite the additions, iFixit says the EarPods are still a disposable product and not one that can be fixed if there's a problem later on down the line."Sourcing parts is next to impossible, and it would be a tough sell to convince someone to take apart their earbuds instead of buying a new pair," the site says. "They will never be the same once taken apart."Apple debuted the $29 EarPods at last week's iPhone 5 unveiling. The headphones, which Apple says took three years to develop, are included with the new iPhone. Apple also plans to ship them with its latest iPod nano and touch models, which debut next month. For more information on the EarPods, head to CNET's review posted last week.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Gadget repair and teardown site iFixit has just finished giving Apple's latest earbuds the business, and says that the redesign has made the accessory more durable than previous iterations.In an 12-step teardown, posted today, the site has found Apple's new headphones to be as different on the inside as out. That includes the re-worked earbuds themselves which now use a paper cone (no longer metal), along with the beefier remote enclosure.iFixit says the redesign has improved the seal around the remote, which keeps water damage at bay. It's also been given new strain relief padding around the edges to keep the cable from splitting and exposing the internal wires. The innards of Apple's new EarPods.iFixitDespite the additions, iFixit says the EarPods are still a disposable product and not one that can be fixed if there's a problem later on down the line."Sourcing parts is next to impossible, and it would be a tough sell to convince someone to take apart their earbuds instead of buying a new pair," the site says. "They will never be the same once taken apart."Apple debuted the $29 EarPods at last week's iPhone 5 unveiling. The headphones, which Apple says took three years to develop, are included with the new iPhone. Apple also plans to ship them with its latest iPod nano and touch models, which debut next month. For more information on the EarPods, head to CNET's review posted last week.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Scott Derrickson Updates Us on 'Two Eyes Staring,' 'When Gravity Fails,' 'Deus Ex' and 'The Postmortal
Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Sinister) has his latest horror movie, Deliver Us from Evil, hitting theaters next week. And while you;d think that may keep him occupied, he;s also producing Sinister 2, writing an Outer Limits movie, and directing Doctor Strange for Marvel Studios. But apparently that;s still not enough to keep this workaholic satisfied. A few months ago Derrickson tweeted a picture of the shelf where he keeps all of his completed scripts. So when we spoke with the writer-director earlier this week about Deliver Us from Evil, we couldn;t help but ask about status updates on some of the most recent projects revealed in that picture. We didn;t have time to hear about everything in it - like what would have been in his version of Poltergeist or Hyperion - but we did get updates on his remake of the Dutch horror movie Two Eyes Staring and a string ofsci-fi projects: When Gravity Fails, Deus Ex, Void Dogs and The Postmortal (a bookwe can;t recommend enough). Movies.com: What;s going on with Two Eyes Staring? Scott Derrickson: I wrote that script for Charlize Theron, who I adore. She;s just an awesome human being and obviously everyone knows she;s one of the greatest actresses working. She loved the script and we both wanted to make it, but right after finishing that script she committed to Fury Road, the new Mad Max movie. So that prevented it there, and from then on both of us have just been committing to things and there;s never been a window of time where it can happen. It;s a script I;m really proud of. It;s a good genre script, and it;s still there. I;m not sure what;s going to happen with it. I won;t be surprised if it does one day end up on the screen. Movies.com: What about When Gravity Fails? Derrickson: I don;t actually know what the status is of that. That was a hard script to get right, and I felt like [C. Robert] Cargill and I got it right. It;s an incredible book that we were adapting there, and it;s a script I;m really proud of as well. But it;s something that;s expensive, it;s a big movie, and those don;t come together too easily. I think everyone was happy with it, but again, it;s one of those scripts where before financing could come together, I had moved on to other things. It;s definitely not dead. I think it;ll be one of those scripts that;ll be revisited as time goes on. As of right now, there are no plans on that one that I;m aware of. Movies.com: Deus Ex? Derrickson: I don;t want to speak about the status of that because I don;t know what I should or shouldn;t say about it, but I will say it is definitely, definitely not a dead movie. Movies.com: Void Dogs? Derrickson: I am going to say, just... stay tuned. Movies.com: It looks like you;re entering the phase of your career where you;re going to start producing movies for other people. Is enabling other people;s visions something that really interests you? Derrickson: Very much so, but I;m not trying to branch out and produce a bunch of different things for money. I think that can turn into a distraction for a filmmaker. But what I am interested in is targeting very specific projects with specific filmmakers to produce because I believe in those filmmakers and those projects, especially if my involvement can facilitate the making of a movie that wouldn;t get made otherwise. That;s very rewarding for me. Movies.com: You seem to be finding great material that Hollywood isn;t paying attention to, but should be. Do you have to talk with your management about what material you should be doing, or do you just read a book, say you like it and buy the option on your own? Derrickson: It;s more the latter. It;s the way I;ve always operated. It;s why I read that nonfiction book by an anthropologist that had been out of print since ;78 called The Exorcism of Annelise Michel, I optioned it for $100 and knew I was going to turn it into a movie. At that point, no one had made a successful exorcism movie since The Exorcist. What I try to do is exactly what you described: bring to the table movies that Hollywood is not currently making but should be, and movies I think audiences would be excited to see. Like The Postmortal. It;s not a super-popular book, but I read it and just thought it had to be turned into something, whether it;s a movie or a TV miniseries. I read it and it was so right for a great adaptation, and yet it;s not like anything I;ve read, and it;s not like anything Hollywood is making. Movies.com: And what;s the status of The Postmortal? Derrickson: I;m still looking for what to do with it. The more I;ve worked with it, and the more I;ve talked with other writers - one writer friend in particular who I hope will commit to because I know he;s interested - I think it;s perfect for a limited series. Hopefully I;ll be able to get that done. Deliver Us from Evil hits theaters on July 2, 2014. Look for the rest of our interview with Scott Derrickson next week.
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