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Apple Getting Frustrated In Negotiations With Cable Networks; Could Go It Alone
Haswell MacBook Pros Coming In September - Taiwan Newspaper
Should You Buy A Mac Desktop or Laptop?
Don't Buy A New PC or Mac Without Checking Its CPU's Up-To-Dateness
How To Clean Apple Products
G-Technology Releases G-DOCK ev Thunderbolt Storage Drives
Worldwide Hardcopy Peripherals (Printer et al.) Market Shows Encouraging Signs of Slower Year-Over-Year Declines for Both Units and Shipment Value in 2Q13 - IDC
Apple Getting Frustrated In Negotiations With Cable Networks; Could Go It Alone
Quartz's Zachary M. Seward, Gina Chon, and Kevin J. Delaney report that years of halting negotiations with cable companies haven’t gotten Apple much closer to its grand vision for television. But a newer strategy of talking directly to content providers seems more promising.
They note that Apple is negotiating with production studios and networks to provide content for a television set that would emphasize apps over cable TV, and that according to sources, Apple’s strategy could include forming its own pay TV service, essentially becoming a cable company itself, except with content delivered entirely over the Internet, aloing with releasing a full-fledged television set, seeking to control the entire experience of watching TV, and having concluded that it doesn’t need all, even most, content providers on board before it can release a TV set that people would buy - just enough good programming to distinguish the new product.
They further note that one alternative being considered is that Apple could essentially become a cable company itself, launching what is formally known as a virtual multichannel video programming distributor, although they observe that a complicating factor in Apple’s quest to release a television is internet bandwidth, but that Internet speeds and bandwidth optimization may have improved enough in some parts of the US for Apple to go it alone.
For the full report visit here:
http://goo.gl/BQhlPz
Haswell MacBook Pros Coming In September - Taiwan Newspaper
Japanese blogsite EMSOne says according to Taiwan's Want Daily newspaper, Apple is gearing up to have its release supply chain shipment pipeline in full swing for a September release of Haswell-powered MacBook Pros.
Google Translate:
http://goo.gl/n76oEk
EMSOne Original:
http://www.emsodm.com/html/2013/08/22/1377148309924.html
Want Daily:
http://www.want-daily.com/portal.php
MacRumors notes that it is still unclear as to whether both Retina and non-Retina MacBook Pro models will be updated in this round, since Apple has been rumored to be planning to phase out the non-Retina models.
For the full report visit here:
http://goo.gl/yyvgw0
Should You Buy A Mac Desktop or Laptop?
Macworld UK's Mark Hattersley notes that Apple desktops offer more features, but chain you to a desk; while its notebook range lets you roam free but at what cost? Hattersley takes a look at Apple's desktop and notebook ranges of computers,
noting that Apple's laptop range is more popular than its desktop range, three different roduct families to choose from; the MacBook Air being the most popular model, while the MacBook Pro comes in two models.
He also notes that Apple computers are notoriously difficult to upgrade, and the latest range offers even more restricted computing than ever. The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Retina Display both have soldered RAM and hard drives and are basically non-upgradable, what you buy is what youll use forevermore, and the iMac 21.5-inch is technically upgradable but so hard to strip down that it might as well not be, but both the iMac 27-inch and Mac mini allow you reasonably easy access to the RAM and hard drive.
He concludes that it may sound trite, but in the most cases it really does boil down to how portable do you want your computer to be?
For the full commentary visit here:
http://goo.gl/Mwt2Cn
Don't Buy A New PC or Mac Without Checking Its CPU's Up-To-Dateness
CNET's Dan Ackerman says you should check to find out if
the laptop, desktop, or tablet you plan to buy is stuck with a last-gen CPU, noting that could be a reason to wait -- or a way to get a great deal.
He notes for example that Intel's Haswell fourth-generation Core i series CPUs offer significant battery life improvements in the laptops CNET has tested so far. So, unlike the more ho-hum Intel updates we've seen in years past, there's a real-world payoff in seeking out a Haswell-equipped laptop, and that as we move farther into the Haswell era, the market is in flux, with Many "new" laptops and hybrids, such as the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S, Apple's MacBook Pro lines, and the Toshiba Kirabook, all still shipping with processors from Intel's third-generation "Ivy Bridge" Core i series, originally introduced in spring 2012.
Akerman says that a growing number of Haswell PCs (and Macs) tested, have yielded very impressive battery life results and also offer Intel's better integrated graphics, either the HD 5000, HD 4600, or HD 4400, rather than the now-outdated Intel HD 4000 graphics found in third-gen Core i-series systems.
Nevertheless, Akerman says he wouldn't rule out buying a non-Haswell system altogether, and has posted some guidelines that represent his current thinking on the subject.
You can check it out at:
http://goo.gl/AR7Kv3
How To Clean Apple Products
A new Apple Knowledge Base article updates Apple's recommendations and guidelines for cleaning your Apple computer, iPad, iPhone, iPod, display, or peripheral device.
The article notes that materials used to make Apple products vary; and in some cases each product may have specific cleaning requirements, which may vary by the part you are cleaning. Some tips that apply to all products to get you started inbclude:
• Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. Abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, and similar items may cause damage to the item.
• Disconnect your Apple product from any external power sources.
• Disconnect any external devices and other cabling from the product.
• Keep liquids away from the product.
• Dont get moisture into any openings, and don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives.
• Do not spray cleaners directly onto the item.
Note: If liquid does make its way inside your Apple product, seek assistance from an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store as soon as possible. Liquid damage is not covered under the Apple product warranty or AppleCare Protection Plans. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail store, make a reservation at the Genius Bar using http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/ (available in some countries only).
For more detailed instructions for your Apple product you can check it out at:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3226?
G-Technology Releases G-DOCK ev Thunderbolt Storage Drives
Designed with the flexibility to accommodate unique workflows, G-Technology's G-DOCK Evolution Series is a robust, expandable dual-bay storage solution. The G-DOCK ev with Thunderbolt is the hub of the system, which ships with two removable G-DRIVE ev hard drives.
Now you can seamlessly transfer and store all your digital content with one system. The portable standalone G-DRIVE ev hard drives are your go-to devices in the field, with plug-and-play USB 3.0 connectivity and transfer speeds up to 136MB/s. Back at your workstation, insert drives into the G-DOCK ev and transfer your content with the ultra fast, high-performance Thunderbolt interface.
The Evolution Series includes not only the G-DOCK ev, but also G-DRIVE ev and G-DRIVE ev PLUS. Designed for speed and flexibility, G-DRIVE ev offers transfer speeds up to 136MB/s, features USB 3.0 for use as a single direct attached drive and a SATA connector for use in the G-DOCK ev. The G-DRIVE ev PLUS provides transfer speeds up to 250MB/s, and also features USB 3.0 and a SATA connector.
Have a need for speed? The G-DOCK ev is also compatible with the G-DRIVE ev PLUS. Sold separately, the G-DRIVE ev PLUS packs fast transfer rates up to 250MB/s. Both drives feature USB 3.0 and a SATA connector for use in the G-DOCK ev.
G-DOCK ev Kit Contents:
(1) G-DOCK ev Device with Thunderbolt connectivity
(2) G-DRIVE ev USB 3.0 Hard Drives
(2) USB 3.0 Cables,
(1) Thunderbolt Cable
Quick Start Guide
Universal AC Power Supply
Dimensions: 7.87" x 5.12" x 3.54" / 200 x 130 x 90 mm
Weight: 5.87 lbs / 2.66 Kg
Type: SATA III
Storage Capacity: 2TB
Drive Speed: 7200 RPM
Max Write Speed: up to 250MB/s
Cooling System: smart cooling fan
3-Year Limited Warranty
MSRP: 2TB $749.95
Available at Amazon.com for $726.63 & free Shipping:
http://goo.gl/5Y7EwM
For more information, visit:
http://www.g-technology.com/products/g-dock-ev-thunderbolt
Worldwide Hardcopy Peripherals (Printer et al.) Market Shows Encouraging Signs of Slower Year-Over-Year Declines for Both Units and Shipment Value in 2Q13 - IDC
After several quarters of notable decline, the worldwide hardcopy peripherals market showed encouraging signs of recovery in the second quarter of 2013 (2Q13). According to the latest data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker, the market experienced its smallest year-over-year decline in unit shipments (-1.8%) since the fourth quarter of 2011. The 26.1 million units shipped in 2Q13 suggest a relatively stable hardware market opportunity. In addition, IDC quantified the total 2Q13 market value at $13.8 billion, which is a decline of just -1.7% year over year.
Underlying this market stability, 2Q13 marks the first quarter since the fourth quarter of 2010 where the two largest markets, the United States and Western Europe, both saw positive year-over-year growth in unit shipments, 1.4% and 3.9%, respectively.
While the total worldwide hardcopy peripherals market experienced a small decline in 2Q13, IDC is optimistic about the segments demonstrating growth opportunities. In particular, the higher speed monochrome speed segments (31-44 ppm and 45-69 ppm) and the total color laser market are driving the best growth prospects for the worldwide hardcopy peripheral market.
"We anticipate that initiatives such as managed print services and wider availability of digitally-based content will continue to gradually shift hardcopy peripheral devices away from the desktop and toward more shared and centralized machines. As such, vendors who concentrate on these opportunities should find the best payback for future hardcopy peripheral unit and value shipments," says Phuong Hang, Program Manager, Worldwide Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker.
Technology Highlights
While the inkjet market contracted -6% year over year, it remains the dominant hardcopy peripherals technology segment with a 58% unit share. In 2Q13, 15.1 million inkjet devices were shipped with 85% of these devices being multi-function printers (MFPs).
In 2Q13, the monochrome laser market grew 3.5%. Monochrome laser devices continue to rank second in both units shipped (8.2 million units) shipment value ($5.4 billion). Monochrome laser units have a 31% share of the hardcopy peripherals market in terms of unit shipments and 39% share in terms of shipment value.
The color laser market remained the strongest technology growth segment with 9.7% year-over-year growth in 2Q13. Color laser devices retain a 43% share of the hardcopy market shipment value in 2Q13, while taking up a 7% share of unit shipments. With 59% MFP penetration and year-over-year growth of 13%, the color laser market beats these same metrics for the monochrome laser market, which were 47% and 5%, respectively.
Vendor Highlights
HP HP continued to be the number 1 ranked vendor in 2Q13 with worldwide market share of 40.5% and 0.5% year-over-year growth. HP's year-over-year growth averaged 5% in six (Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan)(APeJ), Canada, Japan, Middle East & Africa (MEA), Western Europe, and the U.S.) of the eight worldwide regions.
Canon Canon maintained its position as the number 2 vendor, with worldwide growth of -2.0% year over year. The vendor showed positive year-over-year growth in two of its top three markets Western Europe (12.6%) and the U.S. (2.2). Canon enjoyed 14.2% growth in the inkjet segment in Western Europe, the best year-over-year trend among the top 5 in the region.
While Epson held onto the number 3 worldwide market share position, its unit shipments declined by -7.3% year over year. This decline represented the biggest drop among the top 5 vendors. Epson experienced year-over-year declines in all regions except the U.S., where its year-over-year growth was 12%.
Brother maintained the number 4 market share position with 1.8 million units shipped and a 6.9% share. The vendor grew 3.6% in unit shipments, representing the best year-over-year performance among the top vendors. Similar to HP, Brother experienced year-over-year unit shipment growth in six of the eight worldwide regions.
Samsung rounded out the top 5 market share vendors with 1.4 million units shipped in 2Q13 and a 5.3% unit share. The vendor showed a unit shipment increase of 3.0% year over year making it the second best performer among the market share leaders. Samsung's double-digit year-over-year growth in Western Europe (28.1%) was driven by deals won in Italy as well as their solid relationship with channel partners in Germany.
In addition to the table above, an interactive graphic showing the market share of the top 5 hardcopy peripheral vendors over the previous five quarters can be found here. The graphic is intended for public use in online news articles and social media.
Notes:
IDC tracks A2-A4 devices in the Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals
Hardcopy Peripherals include single-function printers, multi-functional printers (MFPs), and single-function digital copiers (SF DC) for both office-based and production segments. Data for all vendors are reported for calendar periods.
For more information, visit:
http://www.idc.com/
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