Archive for the ‘Business’ Category

We are all excited about the iPad. And everyone wants to know how many of these tablets will sell. But can you really predict the sales volume of a new device in a new category, if there is virtually no knowledge about pre-orders and manufactured devices? Can you simply rely on preliminary surveys and Apple’s talent to market this new product. Apparently you can. Analysts believe that Apple will sell between 2 and 6 million units. Feel free to add your guess here ____ .

Apple is apparently taking steps to open up its iPhone to more carriers and phase out its single carrier strategy in the U.S. and possibly other regions around the globe. The news comes courtesy of the usually well-informed Wall Street Journal. The decision, if accurate, certainly does not mean that Apple finally has mercy with other carriers or that there is a problem that affects the company’s relationship with AT&T. It is much more likely that AT&T has saturated its customer base and that it hampers the growth potential of the iPhone.

Apple is set to launch its iPad in the next few days, and rumor is that it’s already sold out its first batch and has to ration the devices. This isn’t any real surprise, as the Apple aficionados are always first in line to obtain the latest gadget. And this is a compelling gadget. But the question remains, can the iPad assume the market position and massive adoption so many have predicted for it, or will it be relegated to a fast, first impact, and then trail off in sales?

You just know when Microsoft gets something right: And Bing might very well turn into Microsoft’s most underestimated  product in recent tech history. The company announced a wave of new features to that are not only conclusive, but have all the right ingredients to offer a compelling search experience. Google should be watching.

News from around the web you shouldn’t miss today: The WSJ has a pricey iPad version, a new version of Bing is coming up, Google testifies about China, Verizon talks 4G and Netflix for Wii is coming. iPad version of WSJ: $17.99 a month From the article: “The Wall Street Journal has reported on itself [...]

News from around the web this morning today: Apple is the most valuable PC maker, Microsoft accelerates IE9, AT&T has a new music store, the PSP turns 5 and the happiest days on Facebook.

Briefly noted today: Europe rules in favor of Google, Firefox 3.6.2 released, Apple iPhone/iPad capture video game console market share, Dell Mini with WiMax, Intel has a many-core test result, Clearwire announces more WiMax locations, and a new security solution promises to beat hackers.

Google today said that it is re-routing access to Google.cn to Google.com.hk, where the company provides uncensored search results. While the site of Google.cn is effectively shut down at this time, Google says it will keep a presence in China and is taking precautionary rhetoric steps to protect its employees in China.

NewsByte - Amazon isn’t taking chances with the iPad and Apple’s iBook app idea. The company said that it will make the recently announced Kindle app available for the iPad “soon”. The software is already offered for iPhone, iPod touch, Blackberry, PC and Mac. Extra: SLIDESHOW

Read elsewhere this morning: Bing gets a view to the stars, Sprint  has a 4G iPhone and an eco-friendly LG cellphone, and Facebook and Twitter users are prone to burglaries (surprise).

Feature - There are rumors that won’t die. One of my favorite ones is that Apple will open the iPhone to other U.S. carriers. T-Mobile is the most recent carrier rumored to be interested in making an enticing offer in order to be able to return to growth. However, the move may be shortsighted and very costly. What about an Android expansion? Extra: SLIDESHOW

Here is our headline selection of news not to miss this morning:Desktop sales explode with double-digit growth, Google has a Buzz widget for Android, Sony gets Move to PAX East, Sony invades shopping malls and Apple files for social patent.