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Apple Sued For "Malpractice" In Release Of iPad 4 Only Five Months After iPad 3
Mobility Reigns as the Smart Connected Device Market Rises 29.1% in 2012 Driven By Tablet and Smartphone Growth, According to IDC
Apple Patent Filing Points Directly To 'iWatch' Concept With Flexible Touchscreen Display
Why Does Everyone Hate Apple Right Now?
Is Apple Losing Its Coolness Edge To Microsoft and Android?
Wishes He Hadn't Switched to Android
Street View: New App Brings Street View Back to Maps App
Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet Latest Example of Staples Meeting Technology Needs of Small Business
MLB.com At Bat 13 Reports For Spring Training; #1 Sports Mobile App Ever Back For Its Fifth Year
Apple Sued For "Malpractice" In Release Of iPad 4 Only Five Months After iPad 3
The Portuguese-language Brazilian news journal OHOJE reports that Apple is now facing a class action lawsuit by the Brazilian Institute of Politics and Law Software (IBDI) which is accusing Apple of unfair business practice in the launch of iPad 4 jsut five months after the iPad 3 release, thus breaking the paradigm of expected annual releases established with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations of the iPad. The plaintiffs contend that that the iPad 4 is not a great enough technological evolution vs. the the iPad 3, which they maintain could've been released with the characteristics the fourth generation iPad - faster processor, Lightning connector and a better camera. If Apple loses, the company may be forced to compensate all consumers who purchased the third-generation tablet.
"Consumers thought they were buying high-end equipment, not knowing that the iPad 3 was already an obsolete version," attorney IBDI, Sergio Palomares is quoted commenting.
Last week, Apple lost the right to use the name iPhone smartphone in Brazil, due to IGB Electronics, owner of Gradient, copywriting the name in 2000, seven years before Apple launched its first iPhone.
For the full report (Portuguese) visit here:
http://www.ohoje.com.br/noticia/10087/apple-processada-por-lancamento-do-ipad-4
Google machine translation:
http://goo.gl/Nq9e1
Mobility Reigns as the Smart Connected Device Market Rises 29.1% in 2012 Driven By Tablet and Smartphone Growth, According to IDC
When looking at a holistic view of smartphones, tablets, and PCs, one thing is clear smartphones and tablets are driving mobility growth. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Smart Connected Device Tracker, vendors shipped 367.7 million desktop PCs, portable PCs, tablets, and smartphones a collective view IDC refers to as "Smart Connected Devices" the fourth quarter of 2012 (4Q12), up 28.3% from the prior year. As desktop PCs and portable PCs declined (-4.1% and -3.4%, respectively), the overall smart connected device space continued to surge to just over 1.2 billion shipments cumulatively in 2012. Tablet shipments experienced the largest year-over-year growth in 2012, up 78.4% over 2011, while smartphones grew 46.1% but accounted for 60.1% of all smart connected devices shipped throughout the year.
Smartphones and tablets are growing at a pace that PCs and tablets can't realistically keep up with because of device prices and to some extent disposability
After finishing 2011 second to Apple in the smart connected device market, Samsung arose to the number one position in 2012 with just over 20% share across the four device categories. Samsung shipped 250.0 million PCs, tablets, and smartphones in the past year, up 119.3% from the previous year, driven largely in part by its surge in the smartphone space. While Samsung managed to ship more smartphones and portable PCs than Apple in 2012, Apple led all in tablet shipments, was eighth in portable PC shipments, and fifth overall in desktop PC shipments.
"Smartphones and tablets are growing at a pace that PCs and tablets can't realistically keep up with because of device prices and to some extent disposability," explained Ryan Reith, program manager, Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers at IDC. "The average selling price (ASP) for a tablet declined 15.0% in 2012 to $461, and we expect that trend to continue in 2013. However, smartphone APSs are still lower at $408. We expect smartphones to continue to carry a shorter life cycle than PCs for the years to come based on price, use case, and overall device size."
Rounding out the top 5 smart connected device vendors in 2012 was Lenovo at number 3 with 6.5% share. Lenovo's strong point is still in portable PCs where it shipped just over 30 million units in 2012. However, smartphones are a growing space for the Chinese vendor as shipments grew from 3.7 million in 2011 to 23.7 million in 2012. In the fourth position was HP with 4.8% share, however shipments of smart connected devices were down 8.5% year over year primarily for the lack of smartphone and tablet offerings. And in the fifth position was Dell with 3.2% share, down 12.9% from 2011 as it also struggles with a lack of presence in the smartphone and tablet markets.
"The fourth quarter market share numbers showed a fairly dramatic resurgence for Apple," said Bob O'Donnell, program vice president, Clients and Displays. "After falling well behind Samsung early in 2012, Apple came roaring back in final quarter of the year thanks to its latest hits the iPhone 5 and the iPad Mini and reduced the market share gap to less than a single percentage point. The question moving forward will be whether or not Apple can maintain its hit parade against the juggernaut of Samsung."
In addition to the tables above, a graphic illustrating IDC's smart connected devices forecast for 2011-2016 is available at:
http://IDC.com
Apple Patent Filing Points Directly To 'iWatch' Concept With Flexible Touchscreen Display
Appleinsider's Mikey Campbell reports:
A patent application discovered by AppleInsider on Thursday reveals Apple is indeed investigating a wearable accessory device that not only boasts a full-length flexible touchscreen display, but conforms to a user's body through the use of a 'slap bracelet' mechanism.
For the full report visit here:
http://goo.gl/IzNDz
Why Does Everyone Hate Apple Right Now?
Macworld UK's Karen Haslam wonders if there's a media conspiracy against Apple, and has Apple changed its media relations focus as a result?
Haslem says she can't help but notice that the mainstream press coverage of the company over the past few months appears to have taken a turn for the worse, observing that you might conclude that the sentiment towards Apple follows the same pattern as Apple's share price. In its article 'Is there a media conspiracy against Apple' The Street suggests that: "When AAPL was printing $700, practically everyone was passing out party hats - Now, we're just operating in the opposite direction". Is this true?
For the full commentary visit here:
http://goo.gl/nQK7U
Is Apple Losing Its Coolness Edge To Microsoft and Android?
iDownloadBlog's Ed Sutherland says that while Apple is seen as cooler now than previously by 60 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds, even more people point to Android as the king of cool, and even buttoned-down Microsoft is experiencing a coolness perception boost thanks largely to its smartphone OS and Surface tablet
Sutherland cites a Reuters/Ipsos poll finding that 70 percent of young people who responded tipped Android for improved coolness, followed by Apple with 60 percent and Microsoft at 50 percent.
For the full report visit here:
http://goo.gl/Hd5FX
Wishes He Hadn't Switched to Android
Motley Fool blogger Alec Eiber has been an iPhone user since the iPhone 3G came out in 2008, but when the iPhone 5 came out and his y contract had just expired he went to every Apple store in the area to get one, but every store was sold out and didnt know when new stock would arrive. Being home for only a week before heading back to college, Elber says he really couldn't wait to get a new phone, so decided to go ahead and buy a Samsung Galaxy S3 rynning Google's Android operating system.
After three months on the GS3, Elber says he misses the iPhone. He acknowledges that Android has a lot to offer, but as a long time iPhone user, he cant seem to shake it off, and when his contract expires, I doesn't plan to get another Android.
For the full commentary visit here:
http://goo.gl/Y0Wgo
Street View: New App Brings Street View Back to Maps App
In the old iOS 5.0, everything was in order. There was the Maps app with Google Street View built-in. Then came the updated, new version of Maps designed by Apple. It all seems great until you realize that street view is gone! Many users are missing this handy feature... that is until FutureTap (Where To?) brought it back. The new app, Street View integrates with Apple Maps and allows it to easily display the widely popular street view panoramas.
Feature Highlights:
(*) Launched directly from the Maps app
(*) Displays Street View panoramas in worldwide locations
(*) Searches cities, addresses or contacts
(*) Selection of 300 gallery panoramas
(*) Supports indoor panoramas with multiple levels
(*) Corner mini map displays current position, viewing angle and field of view
(*) Integration with the location finder, Where To?
In iOS 6.0 Apple ditched the beloved Google Maps app and replaced it with an in-house work in progress. One big user concern: the street view feature is missing. First-person street perspectives of homes, businesses and streetscapes are important to users. Travelers, for example, can use Street View to check out neighborhoods before booking hotel rooms or other reservations. Many sightseeing spots are even covered with special gallery panoramas.
iPhone and iPad users demanded the return of street view to their beloved devices.
Street View by FutureTap: the app that brings street view back! The German company FutureTap, known for its high quality location finder, Where To?, is proud to introduce the all new app, Street View. The app allows the user to feel right at home, using a street view implementation that stays true to the original iOS 5 Maps app.
The best surprise is that Street View can be launched directly from the iOS 6 Maps app. It is supported like any other 3rd party app. By tapping the bus icon in the Maps app the user can see what lies ahead.
Ortwin Gentz, FutureTap CEO says, "Now all iPhone and iPad users can launch Street View for any place, view the panorama and return to the Maps app with a single tap."
Street View integrates seamlessly with FutureTap's Where To? app, and also can be used on its own.
Street View has more than 300 gallery panoramas. After it's launched, Street View displays the map of the current location. Dropping a pin or searching for a city, address or address book contact is seamless. Both satellite and hybrid map modes are supported.
If available for the selected location the user can jump to street view and navigate through the panorama. The mini map in the corner always displays the current position, viewing angle and field of view.
The app is preloaded with more than 300 worldwide gallery panoramas. It showcases museums, ski resorts, theme parks and even underwater destinations. The indoor panoramas, such as museums, reach over their impressive multiple floor levels. All recent searches and the selected map type are automatically synced between the user's devices via iCloud.
Language Support:
English, French, German
Device Requirements:
(*) iPhone 3GS/4/4S/5, iPod touch (3rd/4th/5th generation), and iPad
(*) Requires iOS 6.0 or later
(*) Universal app optimized for display on all iOS devices
(*) 2.3 MB
Street View 1.0.1 is $0.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Navigation category.
Street View:
http://www.futuretap.com/streetview
Purchase and Download:
http://itunes.apple.com/app/id598024897
Facebook Profile:
http://www.facebook.com/streetviewapp
Twitter Profile:
http://twitter.com/futuretap
Trackback URL:
http://goo.gl/sOXdx
Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet Latest Example of Staples Meeting Technology Needs of Small Business
Staples, the world's largest office products company and second largest Internet retailer, has announced the availability of the Windows 8 Surface Pro from Microsoft, a tablet PC that provides the power of a laptop. The Surface Pro is the latest example of Staples expanded technology assortment and helps bring to life the company's vision to provide every product businesses need to succeed.
With an Intel Core i5 Processor and full 1080p HD display, the Surface Pro is compatible with a wide range of Wiondows desktop apps like Quicken, Outlook and Adobe Photoshop. Staples customers can purchase the Surface Pro 64GB Tablet both in store and online for $899 and the Surface Pro 128GB Tablet online for $999. Staples also offers the must-have Surface tablet accessories, including covers, power adapters and keyboards.
Staples stores feature more than 4,000 Certified Advisors, associates certified by Microsoft Corp. with extensive product and new operating system knowledge, who assist customers with personalized one-on-one training on how to get the most out of Windows 8.
"Staples makes it easy for customers to research, purchase, install and maintain all of their technology products," says Scott Rankin, Senior Vice President, Technology Products and Services. "Staples has an extensive assortment of the latest tablets, smartphones, laptops and technology accessories, and customers can shop however and whenever they want, whether its in the store, online or on-the-go."
Small businesses looking to take advantage of the Windows 8 platform can purchase the Windows Phone 8X by HTC for Verizon or T-Mobile and can use the Staples upgrade eligibility tool to check instantly if/when they are eligible for an upgrade.
A wide selection of printers for small businesses, with top brands like HP, Brother and Epson. HP Officejet Pro 8600 series, Brother multi-function printers and Epson WorkForce Pro printers are perfectly suited for small businesses with fast print speeds.
For small businesses, Staples features the Lenovo Twist, a four-in-one convertible Ultrabook that can be used in notebook or tablet mode for maximum productivity, or easily switch to a stand or tent mode for watching movies, reading or browsing.
As customers increasingly look to run their businesses using-cloud based services, the Staples App Center lets small businesses purchase and manage cloud-based applications all in one place, with a selection of the best business apps, an administrative console and one consolidated bill.
More information about Staples is available at:
http://www.staples.com
MLB.com At Bat 13 Reports For Spring Training; #1 Sports Mobile App Ever Back For Its Fifth Year
MLB.com At Bat, the top sports mobile application in each of the past four years, has been updated today with the launch of At Bat 13 and its suite of new features across iPhone, iPad, supported Android smartphones and tablets and Kindle Fire. As announced in January, At Bat will debut on the new BlackBerry 10 by Opening Day.
MLB.TV Premium subscribers again may upgrade to At Bat 13 for free, unlocking all premium features. Fans also may subscribe to MLB.com At Bat 13 for the one-time annual fee of $19.99, covering the entire season through the World Series. iOS users may pay $2.99/month with the recurring billing offering.
New For 2013 (Spring Training update only; Opening Day update coming soon)
• Multi-platform live audio access for At Bat 13 subscribers, offering account portability to listen to live games on Mac/PC desktops and laptops
• Universal iOS and Android support for At Bat 13 subscribers, full feature accessibility across all supported smartphones and tablets
• Sortable batting, pitching and fielding statistics (iPad and Android tablets)
• Re-designed individual team pages (iPhone and Android phones)
• Updated news section interface (iPhone and Android phones)
• Expanded video highlight integration (iPhone and Android phones)
• Classic games video library archive (all devices)
• Re-architected app navigation (all devices)
• Additional push notification options (iPhone)
• Favorite team enhancements (iPad and Android tablets)
• Searchable video highlight library expansion to include access to complete video archives (all devices)
• In-app annual subscription purchase (Google Play)
Spring Training Features
• Watch live streaming of more than 200 available Spring Training games with a subscription to MLB.TV Premium (iPhone, iPad, select Android phones & tablets)
• Listen live to available Spring Training radio broadcasts (all)
• Track league-wide scoreboards and batter-by-batter action for every game (all)
• Breaking news, schedules and interactive rosters and players stats for every team (all)
• Full-season schedule calendars (all)
At Bat is the official application of Major League Baseball. For more information, visit:
http://MLB.com
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