Apple 10267 Published by Bob 0

RealNetworks' Rhapsody thinks it knows how to end Apple's dominance of the online music distribution scene: remove the digital locks on its songs; make key deals with A-list names in media, wireless providers and social networks; and let consumers preview entire songs, not just 30-second snippets.

Rhapsody Tries to Drown Out iTunes

Apple 10267 Published by Bob 0

A lot of us are focused on Microsoft and Bill Gates this month as Bill's last day at the company he founded and ran to dominance passed last Friday. I've met Bill several times but only really once spoken to him. From a personal aspect, he has mostly been cordial and he once personally came to my rescue back when my career as an independent analyst first started, something I'll never forget.

Post-Gates: How Apple and OSS Are Making For a Better Microsoft

Apple 10267 Published by Bob 0

Since the release of the iPod, the market has flooded with accessories ranging from the mundane to the radical. All are meant to further incorporate the tiny device into another aspect of daily life. Many of these add-ons are innovative solutions for common problems. Others are just gimmicks targeting consumers with a taste for silly novelty items.

How Drunk Are You Just Ask Your iPod

Apple 10267 Published by Bob 0

Two particularly interesting topics caught the attention of the Apple-focused blogosphere this week. iSuppli released a projected tear-down cost list for the 3G iPhone, sparking interest in the new $199 price point that contract signing buyers will pay come July 11. Also, the Mac Business Unit at Microsoft, which is one of the world's largest Apple software development organizations, is apparently on a hiring frenzy.

iPhone Swings for Big Margins and Redmond Swings for Apple Experts

Apple 10267 Published by Bob 0

In its latest survey of practices among makers of electronic gadgets, Greenpeace has raised the bar of what the environmental group believes is required for green corporate citizenship. The analysis of the products and procedures of 18 major electronics manufacturers, released today, ranked two Silicon Valley giants -- Hewlett-Packard and Apple -- in the middle of the pack.

Greenpeace Prods Apple to Become Environmental Leader

Apple 10267 Published by Bob 0

Checks within Apple's supply chain reveal the iPhone maker to have hiked its iPhone 3G build orders through the end of the year to more than 15 million, according to one Wall Street analyst.

In a report issued to clients Thursday, FBR Capital Markets analyst Craig Berger said the Cupertino-based company revised both third and fourth calendar quarter iPhone build numbers "significantly higher" to more than 15 million units, in addition to placing orders for 2 million more 2G iPhones.
Apple ups 2008 iPhone 3G build orders to 15 million - report

Apple 10267 Published by Bob 0

First Apple built personal computers, then portable media players, and now the company is manufacturing cell phones. Apple also has its own branded set-top box -- Apple TV -- and its iTunes store is one of the biggest e-commerce marketplaces for music and videos in the world. What's next for Apple? What product categories might the company in Cupertino leap into?

What Should Apple Tackle Next