New Apple Operating System Aims to Knit Together Its Products

New Apple Operating System Aims to Knit Together Its Products

By BRIAN X. CHEN.

With the next version of Apple's OS X operating system for its Mac computers, the company has one clear message: If you're going to buy one Apple product, you might as well keep buying more.

Apple released a preview on Thursday of the software, called Mountain Lion. It introduces several new features that move it closer to iOS, the software running on iPhones and iPads. While Apple is the world's biggest smartphone maker, its share of the PC market is still small, so tying the two together could help it sell more computers.

Mountain Lion includes some apps and features that were previously exclusive to Apple's mobile devices: Messages, Notes, Reminders and Notification Center. And it has a strong focus on iCloud, Apple's online service for storing and synchronizing data between mobile devices and Macs.

When users first start up Mountain Lion, they are asked to enter their iCloud credentials. This way, content like notes, messages and event reminders can be easily shared between multiple Apple devices. For example, if a user jots something down in the Notes app on an iPhone or iPad, that same note will appear in the Notes app in Mountain Lion on a Mac.

Apple's iCloud is one of several new so-called cloud services available from technology companies, including Amazon, Dropbox and Microsoft. Though the details of these services vary among companies, they generally focus on storing files on online servers as opposed to a local hard drive, so that multiple devices can have access to the data over an Internet connection.

Apple is thinking about "a world where the personal cloud is rapidly displacing the personal computer as the center of the consumer's digital life," said Michael Gartenberg, an industry analyst with Gartner.

With the Mountain Lion update, Apple is calling the overall operating system OS X, instead of Mac OS X. This move and the continuing convergence between Macs and iOS devices raises questions about whether one day, the two products will run the same operating system. Mr. Gartenberg said he did not think that would be the case.

"When you try to unify those devices, you end up with weird devices," he said. Apple is creating a similar look and feel for the two operating systems to create a sense of familiarity among its different computing platforms, which could make customers more loyal to the brand, Mr. Gartenberg said.

In other words, the similarities and new features mean that if you own an iPhone, it makes more sense to buy a Mac as opposed to a Windows PC. Or if you own a Mac, you might as well get an iPhone or iPad, as opposed to an Android device.

"Consumers don't like change and they don't like uncertainty," said Stephen Baker, vice president for industry analysis at the NPD Group. "When I, as the consumer, know that I can get a consistent experience across all my devices, it makes it much easier for me to buy products from that company since I know the learning curve will be short."

Apple released the early version of Mountain Lion on Thursday for software makers to get a head start on making apps for the operating system. The official Mountain Lion upgrade is due for release this summer, one year after the release of Mac OS X Lion, Apple's current Mac operating system.

An Apple spokesman said no executives were available to comment.

The annual release schedule for OS X upgrades shows that Apple is still pushing Mac products, even though the iPad and iPhone account for 72 percent of the company's total revenue. But many features in Mountain Lion are already in iOS, so it appears that the Mac is still in the back seat.

"Apple's future is iOS," said Phillip Ryu, chief executive of Impending, a company that makes iPhone apps. "It's obvious OS X is playing catch-up and second fiddle. The Mac is in Apple's future, but it's not the destination."

Take a load off with crowdsourced bathroom locator apps

By Scott Raymond.

Summary: In a hurry? Feeling the pressure build? Don't strain any longer, there are public bathroom locator apps available for Android and iPhone.

How often has this happened to you? You're in an unfamiliar place, and the call of nature hits you unexpectedly. Many stores don't let you use the bathroom, even if you buy something. What if you're not in a mall, or a department store, or near a gas station where facilities are ubiquitous.

Don't feel down in the dumps, because you don't have to dance around the issue any longer. Thanks to your smartphone and a selection of applications, you can relieve yourself of worry. I found several apps that were available on both Android and iPhone platforms. They really help out in a pinch.

First up is Sit or Squat. This app is free for both Android and iPhone, and also has a website. You can find bathrooms by entering a location, or by GPS locator. You can rate the facilities, leave a review, or even add a new location with photos.

Next up is Toilet Finder. Free for both Android and iPhone, it also has Nokia and Windows Phone versions as well. Also a crowd-sourced bathroom locator, it shows the nearest bathrooms on the map, along with distances-which is handy when your speed is reduced by clamping your legs together.

Finally there's Find Toilets, which is free for Android (with ads) and 99 cents for the iPhone version. This one stands out by providing custom directions to the nearest facility. With GPS, it also provides latitude and longitude, which is quite handy if you need to nuke the site from orbit after that burrito.

And if you need to keep yourself occupied while you're taking care of business, you can grab these games for your phone: Drag Toilet Paper for Android and iDrag Paper for iPhone.

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Would you buy 8-inch iPad?

Would you buy 8-inch iPad?

By Joe Wilcox, VIA:betanews.com.

Wall Street Journal claims that Apple is testing a smaller tablet, around 8 inches. The question: Would you buy one, if available?

Who knows, maybe your answer will help Apple, given how super-secretive is the company's product development. You can be the customer research Apple should seek before launching new products, particularly now that Steve Jobs -- master of good taste and guiding voice of one -- is gone. Please answer in comments and take our poll. But first read this perspective on what 8 inches could mean.

Pricing Continuum

Analysts have debated whether or not tablets are PCs. Canalys and DisplaySearch say yes, Gartner and IDC say no. But from Apple's perspective, the answer is meaningless. The company sells a continuum of mobile computing products available to consumers from free to $2,499:

iPhone: free, $99, $199, $299, $399

iPad: $499, $599, $629, $699, $729, $829

MacBook Air/Pro: $999, $1,199, $1,299, $1,499, $1,599, $1,799, $1,999, 2,499

The only meaningful gaps are $1,399, $1,699 and $1,899 -- and up in that range, does it matter? No. At the low end, Apple has pricing covered, and that's ignoring any overlap from iPod nano and touch. Apple doesn't price to compete with other companies so much as to offer a full spectrum of its own stuff. The approach presumes the buyer already thinks "I want to buy Apple" and just needs something that fits his or her needs and budget.

Pricing is an important consideration for anticipating any Apple product strategy because the company is master of the upsell, providing something just a little bit better -- different/additional benefits -- for a little more money. Related: Offering something a little bit less for lower price to attract new buyers. So immediately I ask: Where does 8-inch iPad fit in?

Size Matters

The question is important because Apple also maximizes margins like no other hardware manufacturer selling consumer products. Where would an 8-inch tablet add to overall sales without taking away from (presumably) higher-margin iPad 3? More importantly, does size matter that much as a differentiator?

In the laptop space, Apple shows that size does matter, given the popularity of MacBook Air and Intel's push to get every OEM in the Windows camp to adopt ultrabook. Consumers (and many business users) want something lighter and thinner to carry around; heck, even iPad sales -- 55 million since launch -- is proof point. Additionally, Amazon's success selling 7-inch, $199 Kindle Fire shows there is a market for lower-cost, smaller tablets. The strategy proved most successful with iPod, where size was a huge sales differentiator.

Taking the size conundrum before price, there's question: Does the buyer benefit more from an 8-inch iPad versus 9.7 inches, which is what Apple offers today? iPad 3 is the answer, if rumors about high-resolution display and other features are true.

Apple typically doesn't lower prices like many of its competitors. Rather, the company introduces something else, with different features, for less money while adding more value to the product line already available for higher price. From that perspective, 8-inch iPad makes lots of sense. iPad 3 would sell for the same prices as today, while the smaller tablet would cost consumers less, maybe as low as $299 to start. iPad 3 would differentiate from its smaller sibling with extras like higher-resolution display, better camera (maybe none on the 8-incher) and Siri, for example.

Where some readers will disagree: The reason. I don't see Apple responding to competition from Kindle Fire or other, smaller, cheaper tablets so much as conducting business as usual. Apple effectively used this kind of pricing strategy throughout iPod's rise. Lower prices on newer, smaller models -- like the original iPod nano seven years ago -- broadened the customer base of buyers. Same can be said of MacBook Air, which compelling features are size and price. If consumers want more graphics capabilities, larger screens or higher resolution, they pay more for MacBook Pro.

iPhone is an interesting variation on the model. Rather than introduce new, lower-cost smartphones, Apple chose to keep older ones (with less storage capacity) in market selling for less money. The approach is possible because wireless carriers subsidize the phone's price, which keeps Apple's margins still fairly high. Nevertheless, people choosing free iPhone 3GS or $99 iPhone 4 get less than they would with 4S. Apple broadens the iPhone market after initial sales expansion to more buyers. But only after maximizing margins from smartphones selling for more money.

Teach Me

So what about iPad? Is there room in the continuum for a smaller, lower-priced tablet? Yes is the answer based on Apple's historical strategy. The question: Is it too soon, since iPad still sells so well starting at $499? Normally I would answer yes.

But there is another consideration: electronic textbooks. Last month, Apple kicked off a major push into the e-textbook market with iBooks 2, iBooks Author and iTunes U. Seems to me that an 8-inch iPad would be much better suited to reading books than iPad 2 (or presumably its successor).

However, just because Apple might be testing an 8-inch iPad doesn't mean we'll ever see it, or anytime soon. Apple is known for testing lots of products that either never come to market or do so much later as something else. For example, Apple was rumored to be testing a smartphone for years before Jobs announced one in January 2007.

So I regard any rumors of smaller iPad as only being somewhat credible. However if Apple was to release a smaller iPad this year, back-to-school season would make sense, except it would be uncharacteristic for a model so different to release so soon after major update to a flagship product -- in this case the forthcoming iPad 3.

So back to the question, if available, would you buy 8-inch iPad? Again, please answer in comments below and take the poll above.

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Apple iPhone design changed

Apple iPhone design changed

EU issued a new directive passed to force Apple to change iPhone battery design

Oct. 8 news, the EU is considering requiring all cell phone battery must be able to be easily replaced. This requirement may cause Apple iPhone cell phone problem.

AppleInsider site found that the British trade publication the "new electronic" to an article published in the European Union is considering a number of regulations on the computer industry. A few years ago with the enforcement of RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) Directive requires the computer industry in the production process to cancel harmful chemicals and / or hazardous materials, the EU is considering taking on a new battery directive.

The new battery directive will require manufacturers to ensure that they are easy to replace the battery, or by sliding the battery compartment cover or by removing a few screws can be replaced. Of course, iPhone and the iPod does not fit this requirement. Apple requires users to Apple's iPhone and the iPod to replace the battery. The battery of these products are below the main circuit board.

Currently, these commands is quite vague, unclear whether the iPhone caused a major change in design. As AppleInsider site pointed out, the idea of this directive is to prevent the battery thrown wild. If Apple can show it to the EU battery replacement program prevents that result, Apple may be able to meet the requirements of EU directives.

However, according to the "new electronic" reported that the proposed instruction does require the design to ensure that the battery can be easily replaced.

Built in Fujian's first solar cell production line

Recently, Nanan City, Fujian Crystal Light and Power Company Limited of 25 three-megawatt solar photovoltaic cell production line installed and officially opened. The line is Fujian's first self-designed solar photovoltaic cell production line, covering the upper reaches of the solar photovoltaic industry purified polysilicon materials, silicon rods stretching, slicing, solar panel manufacturing process.

It is reported that Fujian has photovoltaic industry as a key to fostering a new industry planning, Nanan City in August 2007 plans to build a high starting point optoelectronic information industry base. The base has been included in Fujian Province, the "Eleventh Five-Year" special plan for the information industry, the base land use planning 7.5 square kilometers, all built in 2020.

Construction of a 2.3 sq km land use planning, focusing on the development of photovoltaic and LED and other optoelectronic information cluster, with a total investment of nearly 1.8 billion. Base year will be completed for an infrastructure, and ensure the realization of 2009 and other four companies of polysilicon production projects and two projects part of the earnings pre-production, actively promoting the three assigned to the project have been signed as soon as floor building, expected to be fully put into production years.

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Apple wants patent on networked power-Box A

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Apple wants patent on networked power-Box A

One of two applications describes a device for Intelligent Energy Management. The other deals with the necessary communication interface. The networking will take place via Powerline.Apple has applied for two patents that describe a device for managing power consumption of home electronics. Consumers are thus the energy demand of computers or iPods can optimize.

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The past two years by the lack of upstream and downstream of polysilicon capacity expansion effect, photovoltaic cells and modules downstream industry sectors face a reshuffle. This stage, the industry moving in two directions breakthrough: on the one hand, a significant increase in polysilicon capacity and will focus on the end of 2008 and early 2009 release, the decline in polysilicon prices will drive down PV prices, and to stimulate demand further. The other hand, amorphous silicon thin film solar cells, represented by the rapid development of alternative products, cost advantages in the short term to rely on the rapid expansion of market share.

In the polysilicon area, represented by Hemlock seven plants have traditional international expansion, together with the international community and our country a lot of new capacity, we expect 08 -10, the global polysilicon production up to 5.1 million tons, 80,000 tons , 12.5 tons; which about 27,000 tons of solar grade polysilicon, 5.4 million tons, 97,000 tons. Solar grade polysilicon is expected to demand 08-10 years, about 42,000 tons, 60,000 tons, 83,000 tons. Early 2009, polysilicon prices will start to decline, but by the end of 2010 will be in excess supply of polysilicon.

Present in polysilicon prices continued rising trend, the amorphous silicon thin film solar cells are ushering in a historic development opportunity. At present the international expansion of amorphous silicon cell production capacity rapidly in the past year a large number of new capacity under construction is expected to amorphous silicon 2009, global capacity will reach 1000MW. Expected between 2008 and 2013, will go hand in hand amorphous silicon and crystalline silicon cells the pattern. The long term, crystalline silicon solar cells will remain the mainstream, but the amorphous silicon thin film solar cell market is expected to reach 20%.

Recommendations focus on the historical development opportunity is coming for the non-"silicon" solar energy companies such as Rio Nisshin, and earlier up to enjoy the profits of the polysilicon production companies: Sichuan Investment and Energy, Tianwei change security.

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Apple Unveils 27 January new products before A

This article via: Apple Unveils 27 January new products before A

Apple Unveils 27 January new products before A

The event in San Francisco has the motto "Come see our latest creation". Apple is expected to present a Tablet PC. Allegedly are also iPhone OS 4.0 and iLife 2010 on the agenda.

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Apple is on 27 January, the public think of a new product. This emerges from an invitation by the company yesterday sent to media representatives. The event which has the motto "Come see our latest creation" takes place on 27th January at 10.00 local time clock (19.00 German time clock) in the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco instead.

The invitation does not refer to the type of product that Apple will introduce. It will probably be either the Mac Tablet, which is at the center of rumors in recent weeks and months.A report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) According to the 1,000-dollar device via a 10 or 11-inch touch screen and a UMTS connection have un din cooperation with mobile operators are represented.

In addition, the WSJ will have learned that Apple is negotiating with the publisher Harper Collins for the distribution of e-books. Whether the sale through iTunes or a new e-Book Store is made, it turns out yet. The New York Times should have an agreement with Apple.

Two breakthrough photovoltaic solar industry sub-sector investment opportunities highlighted

Represented by the coal oil increasing scarcity of fossil energy, renewable energy is within the scope of the unprecedented global attention. In the past five years, technological advances, market expansion, economies of scale to promote the global PV industry, with an average annual 40% pace. Now because of cost reasons, photovoltaic power generation is not yet the traditional water, fire, nuclear power competitive. In the next 3-5 years, the cost of photovoltaic power generation is expected to drop to 1 yuan / kWh; this is to consider the environmental pollution and coal price increases after the combination of factors such as thermal power prices fairly. Can be expected that, once the economic advantages compared with conventional energy, solar power will achieve a landmark development in the coming decades is expected to gradually become the main energy sources. This change comparable to "energy instead of fossil wood," comparable.

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Material cost of the Apple iPad broken

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Material cost of the Apple iPad broken

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Experience shows that it takes not very long until the material costs of a new product, which is represented everywhere in the media, until it is broken down into its smallest details. It is not surprising that only a few days after the iPad official unveiling of Apple’s manufacturing and material costs are known.

When it comes to Brian Marshall, his sign of U.S. investment bank analyst Broad Point Amtech, as are the pure material, including a $ 10 surcharge on manufacturing costs, the 16-gigabyte version for about 270 U.S. dollars. Basis of this statement is a “bill of materials” (BOM BOM), but not included in the 20 U.S. dollar as a reserve for warranty costs. With this award would be the variant with 16 gigabytes of memory and Wi-Fi at a production price of 290.50 U.S. dollars.

By far the most expensive component is as expected, the 9.7 “display, which is estimated at about 100 U.S. dollars. Followed by the aluminum enclosure and space for every 25 U.S. dollars. With about U.S. $ 15 from Apple suggests A4 has developed a chip component viertteuerste book.

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The situation is different however from the accounts in the UMTS version with 16 gigabytes, for Apple’s approximately 130 U.S. dollars more calls, but only a marginally higher material and production deployment of just over 16 U.S. dollars. Thus, the UMTS device will cost around 306 U.S. dollars, but sold for 629 U.S. dollars and can thus remain about 52 percent of the selling price to cover the development costs, among other iPad for that.

In similar regions also move the 32-gigabyte versions. While the version that has the only WLAN on board, for around 316 U.S. dollars and produced for 599 U.S. dollars are sold, it is the device that can also connect to the mobile Internet, with 332 U.S. dollar production costs a retail price of 729 U.S. dollars. Apple iPad Sales & material prices Product Price Costs iPad 16GB $ 499 $ 290.50 iPad 32GB $ 599 $ 316.00 iPad 16GB + 3G $ 629 $ 306.50 iPad 32GB + 3G $ 729 $ 332.00

Marshall expects for 2010 sales figures for the iPad between 2,2 and 7 million shares, for which the iPad would be a bestseller. Another analyst Ezra Gottheil, volunteered to speak with speculation, which consider that Apple in the future to further price cuts are in the position and could pose a serious competitor to the iPad the netbook market.

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