Apple turns iTunes up to 11: Software at a crossroads
Twelve years ago Apple was lagging. Consumers with PCs were ripping music to their hard drives and creating mixes. They were even taking those mixes and burning them onto CDs for listening to in the car, or on the go. The same experience could not be had easily on a Mac.Apple's solution was iTunes. A piece of software that promised to do all those things, but with more simplicity than rivals, and only on a Mac.iTunes quickly became a case study in the benefits of tightly integrated hardware and software. You had to own a Mac to use it, a tie that became even stronger with the addition of the iPod. The slick MP3 player, which would rocket Apple into incredible growth and popularity as a consumer brand, relied on iTunes to bring it to life out of the box, and keep it alive with content. Today things could not be more different. The CD is nearly dead. Instead people get their music whenever they want, and wherever they are. This happens on paid streaming services from rivals, as well as through Apple's own paid Match service, which stores copies in the cloud, and lets users re-download them any time.What's more, Apple's portable devices, which have since stretched from the iPod to the iPhone and iPad, can all be set up and used without even touching iTunes the desktop software. As a result, iTunes is no longer the hub, something that's given the software a bit of an identity crisis.The next version of iTunes, which Apple says will be out by the end of the month for both Mac and Windows, represents the latest step to address some of these changes in the way people store and use their content on computers. It's more deeply tied into Apple's media store, as well as a user's music collection that can now be backed up and stored indefinitely in Apple's cloud as part of a paid subscription service. Apple's even redesigned its player to put many of the commonly used features in a widget that can be used even when you're doing something outside of iTunes.iTunes 11's new mini player lets you access numerous iTunes features without keeping the full app open.AppleAll these things are likely to be welcome additions for longtime users, but the fact remains that the software now plays a less important role in the way people are finding, purchasing, and ingesting content. Consumers have bought more than 20 billion songs from Apple during the past nine years, but where that's happening has changed dramatically. According to Apple, two-thirds of iTunes downloads now come from iOS devices, as opposed to desktops. That statistic, mentioned by the company at the unveiling of iTunes 11 in September, is more impressive when you consider that iOS devices have only been in existence since the iPhone in mid-2007, a little more than four years after Apple added its store to the desktop software in early 2003.For its part, the experience of iTunes on the desktop versus mobile devices is a tale of two ideologies. On the desktop everything goes through iTunes. If you want to find and download an app, audiobook, podcast, music album, TV show, movie, or even to rearrange your app icons on an attached iOS device -- you can do it through the software. On the iOS device itself, many of those same things are siloed into their own apps. iTunes there is just a store, which puts the content you buy into different app buckets. Apple has shown little interest in attempting to consolidate all this, and has instead proceeded to break out things like finding, downloading, and listening to podcasts into its own app -- something that used to work from right within iTunes on iOS. But that's not the real issue.Even with a redesign there looms a threat at the business behind the software. iTunes faces fiercer competition from upstarts that have focused squarely on music on demand. Services like Spotify and RDIO aim to tempt users away from maintaining and storing a library of their own music, instead offering a way to stream anything and everything both on the computer and through apps for portable devices. There's also Google's YouTube, which might sound a bit funny in the same breath as music streaming services, but it's filled to the brim with music tracks that many in the record industry say are cannibalizing demand for Apple's downloads.Related storiesiTunes 11 (CNET first take)Web radio growing faster than on-demand services (study)Apple's proposed Web radio service is no certaintyAdding to that are streaming radio services like Pandora, which recently pulled in a reported 27 percent year-over-year increase in audience,according to a study by the NPD Group. That same report suggested that listeners were tuning into products like Pandora and other streamers, leading to a 21-point year-over-year drop in playing music files off portable devices.While the jury remains out on whether such businesses cannot just exist but also thrive in the long term, they're proof that the way people find and discover music continues to change. Apple has fought back by pursuing exclusivity. You can now buy specially mastered music collections and extra content that comes bundled into music albums. Apple has even dabbled in offering previews of entire albums that can be streamed through the software. The next step is a much-rumored streaming radio product that will rival Pandora and other such services, however it's not a part of iTunes 11 just yet. What's clear is that even when it arrives, you have to believe that there will be few advantages to using it on a computer versus mobile, once again leaving Apple's desktop music product in a lurch.
Microsoft's mobile news- Facebook, refunds, Mizrahi
Microsoft's mobile news: Facebook, refunds, Mizrahi
Windows Live, Hotmail, FacebookFor more than a year, we've been wondering when Facebook and Microsoft were going to grace Windows Mobile phones with an official and native Facebook app like its free, downloadable applications for BlackBerry, iPhone, and Palm. While we weren't able to get anything out of Facebook back then, on Tuesday, Microsoft made Facebook's presence official. Microsoft's Facebook application is due in April, followed by a native MySpace application set to descend sometime "in summer."For those who live in the moment, Microsoft has already made Windows Live for Windows Mobile available to download on platforms running version 6 of the operating system or higher. The Windows Live services suite installs mobile versions of Hotmail, Messenger, Live Contacts, Spaces, and Live Search on the phone. Those with older phones can still access Hotmail with a new beta version optimized for the Web, accessible at m.mail.live.com. Windows Marketplace: Apps and refundsNot to be outdone by Apple and BlackBerry, Microsoft is readying its own application storefront, dubbed Windows Marketplace for Mobile. The few details released in advance of Microsoft's Thursday keynote showcase application developers whose apps will be featured in the mobile Marketplace. EA Mobile, Gameloft, and Hands-On Mobile are well-known game makers. AP Mobile, Accuweather, and Pandora also stand out in an otherwise obscure lineup.Also Marketplace related, Microsoft says it will let customers buy applications two ways--through a credit card, or as an add-on to the monthly cellular bill. In addition, Microsoft will let remorseful users return unwanted applications within 24 hours of purchasing, a refund service that neither Apple nor RIM has offered so far for the iTunes App Store or forthcoming BlackBerry App World.Inspiration for a Windows theme?Isaacmizrahiny.comHaute interface themesMicrosoft hasn't traditionally been hailed as computing's graphical genius, but its recent efforts at interesting design haven't gone unnoticed. Microsoft is taking that a step further with designer themes it's offering through luminaries of the likes of haute couture icon Isaac Mizrahi, among others that will be later announced. In addition, Microsoft's partnerships with Design Museum London and the Council of Fashion Designers of America will churn out additional themes. An online Theme Generator, set to release later in the year, will let you match the navigation and scroll bar colors to your select photo.There's little doubt that Microsoft has more to share of its plans once CTIA gets officially underway--particularly details related to the Windows Marketplace for Mobile. We'll keep you posted.
Windows Live, Hotmail, FacebookFor more than a year, we've been wondering when Facebook and Microsoft were going to grace Windows Mobile phones with an official and native Facebook app like its free, downloadable applications for BlackBerry, iPhone, and Palm. While we weren't able to get anything out of Facebook back then, on Tuesday, Microsoft made Facebook's presence official. Microsoft's Facebook application is due in April, followed by a native MySpace application set to descend sometime "in summer."For those who live in the moment, Microsoft has already made Windows Live for Windows Mobile available to download on platforms running version 6 of the operating system or higher. The Windows Live services suite installs mobile versions of Hotmail, Messenger, Live Contacts, Spaces, and Live Search on the phone. Those with older phones can still access Hotmail with a new beta version optimized for the Web, accessible at m.mail.live.com. Windows Marketplace: Apps and refundsNot to be outdone by Apple and BlackBerry, Microsoft is readying its own application storefront, dubbed Windows Marketplace for Mobile. The few details released in advance of Microsoft's Thursday keynote showcase application developers whose apps will be featured in the mobile Marketplace. EA Mobile, Gameloft, and Hands-On Mobile are well-known game makers. AP Mobile, Accuweather, and Pandora also stand out in an otherwise obscure lineup.Also Marketplace related, Microsoft says it will let customers buy applications two ways--through a credit card, or as an add-on to the monthly cellular bill. In addition, Microsoft will let remorseful users return unwanted applications within 24 hours of purchasing, a refund service that neither Apple nor RIM has offered so far for the iTunes App Store or forthcoming BlackBerry App World.Inspiration for a Windows theme?Isaacmizrahiny.comHaute interface themesMicrosoft hasn't traditionally been hailed as computing's graphical genius, but its recent efforts at interesting design haven't gone unnoticed. Microsoft is taking that a step further with designer themes it's offering through luminaries of the likes of haute couture icon Isaac Mizrahi, among others that will be later announced. In addition, Microsoft's partnerships with Design Museum London and the Council of Fashion Designers of America will churn out additional themes. An online Theme Generator, set to release later in the year, will let you match the navigation and scroll bar colors to your select photo.There's little doubt that Microsoft has more to share of its plans once CTIA gets officially underway--particularly details related to the Windows Marketplace for Mobile. We'll keep you posted.
AppleTV update adds TV show buying, Vimeo
AppleTV update adds TV show buying, Vimeo
A new software update for Apple's Apple TV streaming box has added a feature that makes up for the lack of built-in storage by making purchased video content available whenever viewers want to watch it. The company's $99 box can now stream purchased TV shows on demand directly from Apple's servers, and also lets users buy content directly from the box.The move to serve up purchased videos is no minor addition. One the Apple TV's biggest losses in the move to a rental-only model (besides no longer storing content locally) was that you ended up with a more limited selection of video content, since only a handful of TV networks were offering rentals. One workaround was to use another device with that purchased content stored on it, be it a computer or an iOS device like the iPhone or iPad. Now Apple's taken on that responsibility by storing the content on its own servers and making it available whenever it's needed.Adding on-demand streaming for video also suggests that the feature is on its way to other devices and software, including iTunes itself, which is expected to receive its annual update next month. When debuting iCloud back in June, notably missing was a video component, though this update would suggest it's set to be added. Along with the TV show tweaks, today's update brings Web videos from Vimeo, which joins Google's YouTube and Yahoo's Flickr as popular Web properties in app form. In CNET's hands-on time with the update, my colleague John Falcone noted that streaming a standard definition version of a TV show directly from Apple required waiting for the box to buffer for a full six minutes on a speedy network through a controlled 802.11n network. During this time users can go about using other Apple TV features. The official version number change in the update goes from 4.2.2 to 4.3. Apple is planning to bring the box up to a full new version number with iOS 5, which will bring the streaming of iOS applications to the Apple TV using Apple's AirPlay technology. During the last fiscal quarter earnings call, Apple chief operating officer Tim Cook once again referred to the Apple TV as a "hobby" device, and noted that the company doesn't position it with the same profile as some of its other devices since it's not "another leg of the stool." John Gruber at Daring Fireball picked up on the software update earlier today.Updated at 10:45 a.m. PT with additional photos and observations about the new features.Update at 11:51 a.m. PT: MacRumors notes that the purchased TV show download feature has come to the company's iTunes software, as well as iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad, letting users on those devices re-download previously purchased content.Vimeo's Web video player app looks just like the one for YouTube.Sarah Tew/CNET
A new software update for Apple's Apple TV streaming box has added a feature that makes up for the lack of built-in storage by making purchased video content available whenever viewers want to watch it. The company's $99 box can now stream purchased TV shows on demand directly from Apple's servers, and also lets users buy content directly from the box.The move to serve up purchased videos is no minor addition. One the Apple TV's biggest losses in the move to a rental-only model (besides no longer storing content locally) was that you ended up with a more limited selection of video content, since only a handful of TV networks were offering rentals. One workaround was to use another device with that purchased content stored on it, be it a computer or an iOS device like the iPhone or iPad. Now Apple's taken on that responsibility by storing the content on its own servers and making it available whenever it's needed.Adding on-demand streaming for video also suggests that the feature is on its way to other devices and software, including iTunes itself, which is expected to receive its annual update next month. When debuting iCloud back in June, notably missing was a video component, though this update would suggest it's set to be added. Along with the TV show tweaks, today's update brings Web videos from Vimeo, which joins Google's YouTube and Yahoo's Flickr as popular Web properties in app form. In CNET's hands-on time with the update, my colleague John Falcone noted that streaming a standard definition version of a TV show directly from Apple required waiting for the box to buffer for a full six minutes on a speedy network through a controlled 802.11n network. During this time users can go about using other Apple TV features. The official version number change in the update goes from 4.2.2 to 4.3. Apple is planning to bring the box up to a full new version number with iOS 5, which will bring the streaming of iOS applications to the Apple TV using Apple's AirPlay technology. During the last fiscal quarter earnings call, Apple chief operating officer Tim Cook once again referred to the Apple TV as a "hobby" device, and noted that the company doesn't position it with the same profile as some of its other devices since it's not "another leg of the stool." John Gruber at Daring Fireball picked up on the software update earlier today.Updated at 10:45 a.m. PT with additional photos and observations about the new features.Update at 11:51 a.m. PT: MacRumors notes that the purchased TV show download feature has come to the company's iTunes software, as well as iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad, letting users on those devices re-download previously purchased content.Vimeo's Web video player app looks just like the one for YouTube.Sarah Tew/CNET
The 404 1,060- Where we break through the clusterzuck (podcast)
The 404 1,060: Where we break through the clusterzuck (podcast)
Now that the Internet isn't flooded with Facebook IPO news, we can move on to more breaking news, like Hollywood finally answering our prayers for a Hook prequel that tells the Rufio origin story.That's right, the original actor who played Rufio, Dante Basco, recently announced in an interview that a Rufio prequel film is in the works under the directing eye of Rpin Suwannath. Maybe we'll finally get to the bottom of how he got those fabulous red tights.We'll also take a closer look at the Internet Protection Act proposed for New York that wants to reveal the identity of anyone posting "baseless political attacks" on the Internet. There's a argument for the 1st Amendment to be made here, and while we don't personally think it'll pass, it's worth noting the possible conspiracy theories behind the proposal.Thanks to all the listeners who sent in pictures of their podcast-loving pets! Our favorite is this picture of James's cat Salt glaring menacingly at Jeff's face, but there's also Greg's dog Lucy aka the official mascot of The 404, Emily's cranky cat Deeders, Kelsey's Greek tortoise Mr. Tibbles, Nick's Shih Tzu blocking his view, and Deejay's 8-year-old Pomeranian, Hero Slaughterpuff!Bathroom break video: Smallest firetruck in the worldThis content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayEpisode 1,060PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff Bakalar
Now that the Internet isn't flooded with Facebook IPO news, we can move on to more breaking news, like Hollywood finally answering our prayers for a Hook prequel that tells the Rufio origin story.That's right, the original actor who played Rufio, Dante Basco, recently announced in an interview that a Rufio prequel film is in the works under the directing eye of Rpin Suwannath. Maybe we'll finally get to the bottom of how he got those fabulous red tights.We'll also take a closer look at the Internet Protection Act proposed for New York that wants to reveal the identity of anyone posting "baseless political attacks" on the Internet. There's a argument for the 1st Amendment to be made here, and while we don't personally think it'll pass, it's worth noting the possible conspiracy theories behind the proposal.Thanks to all the listeners who sent in pictures of their podcast-loving pets! Our favorite is this picture of James's cat Salt glaring menacingly at Jeff's face, but there's also Greg's dog Lucy aka the official mascot of The 404, Emily's cranky cat Deeders, Kelsey's Greek tortoise Mr. Tibbles, Nick's Shih Tzu blocking his view, and Deejay's 8-year-old Pomeranian, Hero Slaughterpuff!Bathroom break video: Smallest firetruck in the worldThis content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayEpisode 1,060PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff Bakalar
iTunes U hits 1 billion downloads
iTunes U hits 1 billion downloads
That old college try seems to be working. Content downloads from iTunes U have surpassed 1 billion.Apple today announced the passing of the milestone for the repository of free educational content from schools, libraries, museums, and other sources. iTunes U hosts more than 2,500 public and thousands of private courses from over 1,200 universities and colleges, and 1,200 K-12 schools and districts."There are now iTunes U courses with more than 250,000 students enrolled in them, which is a phenomenal shift in the way we teach and learn," Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, said in a statement.The service is widely used around the world. More than 60 percent of app downloads from iTunes U come from outside the United States, Apple said. The scholastic content can be accessed in 155 countries, and educators can create iTunes U courses in 30 countries, including the recently added Brazil, South Korea, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates. That diffusion of access, as with other online learning initiatives such as the Khan Academy, means that students don't have to be on, say, the Stanford campus to partake in lectures and other coursework."Because of iTunes U, I have been able to introduce students and colleagues in China to research on the links between chronic multitasking, information overload and stress; discuss research publications and degree programs with students in Europe; and exchange information about the influence of neighborhood design on community levels of physical activity and obesity with students in Australia," Dan Stokols, a professor at University of California, Irvine, said in Apple's statement.iTunes U hit 300 million downloads in August 2010.
That old college try seems to be working. Content downloads from iTunes U have surpassed 1 billion.Apple today announced the passing of the milestone for the repository of free educational content from schools, libraries, museums, and other sources. iTunes U hosts more than 2,500 public and thousands of private courses from over 1,200 universities and colleges, and 1,200 K-12 schools and districts."There are now iTunes U courses with more than 250,000 students enrolled in them, which is a phenomenal shift in the way we teach and learn," Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, said in a statement.The service is widely used around the world. More than 60 percent of app downloads from iTunes U come from outside the United States, Apple said. The scholastic content can be accessed in 155 countries, and educators can create iTunes U courses in 30 countries, including the recently added Brazil, South Korea, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates. That diffusion of access, as with other online learning initiatives such as the Khan Academy, means that students don't have to be on, say, the Stanford campus to partake in lectures and other coursework."Because of iTunes U, I have been able to introduce students and colleagues in China to research on the links between chronic multitasking, information overload and stress; discuss research publications and degree programs with students in Europe; and exchange information about the influence of neighborhood design on community levels of physical activity and obesity with students in Australia," Dan Stokols, a professor at University of California, Irvine, said in Apple's statement.iTunes U hit 300 million downloads in August 2010.
Apple's hiring binge could point to more iPhone development
Apple's hiring binge could point to more iPhone development
With a massive hiring binge in China and Taiwan, it looks like Apple is working to boost product production. The tech giant has reportedly poached engineers from smartphone maker HTC and other companies to create new Apple teams in Shanghai and Taipei, according to The Wall Street Journal. It's said that the company now has more than 600 engineers and operations staff in China.The Journal reports that the hiring push is due to Apple's focus on developing components for the iPhone and iPad, which could lead to more product releases more often."Apple is building an engineering team in Taipei to drive new iPhone product development," Apple said in a LinkedIn recruiting e-mail, according to the Journal. In September, Apple introduced two new versions of the iPhone for the first time ever, including the less-expensive but more colorful iPhone 5C. Apple also rolled out the new iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina Display the following month.The iPhone has proven to be a popular product in China. Last month, research firm IDC reported that Apple's iPhone 5S broke sales records in the country as market share rose from 6 percent in the third quarter of 2013 to 7 percent in the fourth quarter. These numbers are sure to increase since Apple recently inked a deal to sell the iPhone through China Mobile -- the world's biggest wireless carrier. CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
With a massive hiring binge in China and Taiwan, it looks like Apple is working to boost product production. The tech giant has reportedly poached engineers from smartphone maker HTC and other companies to create new Apple teams in Shanghai and Taipei, according to The Wall Street Journal. It's said that the company now has more than 600 engineers and operations staff in China.The Journal reports that the hiring push is due to Apple's focus on developing components for the iPhone and iPad, which could lead to more product releases more often."Apple is building an engineering team in Taipei to drive new iPhone product development," Apple said in a LinkedIn recruiting e-mail, according to the Journal. In September, Apple introduced two new versions of the iPhone for the first time ever, including the less-expensive but more colorful iPhone 5C. Apple also rolled out the new iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina Display the following month.The iPhone has proven to be a popular product in China. Last month, research firm IDC reported that Apple's iPhone 5S broke sales records in the country as market share rose from 6 percent in the third quarter of 2013 to 7 percent in the fourth quarter. These numbers are sure to increase since Apple recently inked a deal to sell the iPhone through China Mobile -- the world's biggest wireless carrier. CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
Apple's Healthbook app would play virtual doctor -- report
Apple's Healthbook app would play virtual doctor -- report
Apple's rumored Healthbook app could break new ground in the area of health and fitness tracking.Reports of Healthbook have previously popped up, but new information and recreations of screenshots of the app from 9to5Mac reveal Apple's ambitious plans for the app.Healthbook would be able to monitor many of your vital stats, according to 9to5Mac, including heart rate, blood pressure, weight, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and blood sugar. It also reportedly will track your bloodwork, hydration, physical activity, nutrition, and sleep.The Weight feature would let you enter your height and weight to keep track of your BMI (Body Mass Index) and your percentage of body fat. You could then watch these indicators over time as part of a weight loss program. The Nutrition feature would allow you to enter your daily food intake as you try to stay true to your diet, according to 9to5Mac.Healthbook will be able to store and track your blood pressure as well as your heart rate. It will record your oxygen saturation to help measure your respiratory rate and quality of breathing. It will also track your blood sugar, a key factor in determining your risk for diabetes, and it will be capable of keeping tabs on your sleep cycles, said 9to5Mac.Other apps and devices offer some of these same features. But Healthbook would combine them all in one single mobile interface. As for the data that feeds into Healthbook, it is unclear if that information will come directly from an iPhone or if the app will pull data from an Apple or third-party activity-tracking device. Though Apple is reportedly testing Healthbook with iOS 8, the app could be postponed for a future version or potentially cancelled altogether, 9to5Mac added. But assuming the app is the real deal and on track for the next version of iOS, when might we expect Apple to announce it?Apple typically unveils new iOS features at its Worldwide Developer's Conference in June. But if Healthbook is tied to a specific Apple device, like an iWatch, its debut may be delayed until the launch of that device.
Apple's rumored Healthbook app could break new ground in the area of health and fitness tracking.Reports of Healthbook have previously popped up, but new information and recreations of screenshots of the app from 9to5Mac reveal Apple's ambitious plans for the app.Healthbook would be able to monitor many of your vital stats, according to 9to5Mac, including heart rate, blood pressure, weight, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and blood sugar. It also reportedly will track your bloodwork, hydration, physical activity, nutrition, and sleep.The Weight feature would let you enter your height and weight to keep track of your BMI (Body Mass Index) and your percentage of body fat. You could then watch these indicators over time as part of a weight loss program. The Nutrition feature would allow you to enter your daily food intake as you try to stay true to your diet, according to 9to5Mac.Healthbook will be able to store and track your blood pressure as well as your heart rate. It will record your oxygen saturation to help measure your respiratory rate and quality of breathing. It will also track your blood sugar, a key factor in determining your risk for diabetes, and it will be capable of keeping tabs on your sleep cycles, said 9to5Mac.Other apps and devices offer some of these same features. But Healthbook would combine them all in one single mobile interface. As for the data that feeds into Healthbook, it is unclear if that information will come directly from an iPhone or if the app will pull data from an Apple or third-party activity-tracking device. Though Apple is reportedly testing Healthbook with iOS 8, the app could be postponed for a future version or potentially cancelled altogether, 9to5Mac added. But assuming the app is the real deal and on track for the next version of iOS, when might we expect Apple to announce it?Apple typically unveils new iOS features at its Worldwide Developer's Conference in June. But if Healthbook is tied to a specific Apple device, like an iWatch, its debut may be delayed until the launch of that device.
Apple's hardware-boss shuffle ruffled feathers, report says
Apple's hardware-boss shuffle ruffled feathers, report says
Why exactly is Apple's former hardware chief Bob Mansfield sticking around, despite announcing plans to retire? When this occurred in late August, Apple didn't provide an explanation. A new story claims some of the company's top employees did not believe Mansfield's replacement was ready for the job, something that led to infighting within the company's top ranks.In a piece looking back at Apple's past year without former CEO Steve Jobs, who died one year ago on Friday, Bloomberg Businessweek throws in a tidbit about the situation, saying that some of Apple's senior engineers went straight to current CEO Tim Cook when they learned Dan Riccio would replace Mansfield as the company's hardware chief:According to three people familiar with the sequence of events, several senior engineers on Mansfield's team vociferously complained to Cook about reporting to his replacement, Dan Riccio, who they felt was unprepared for the magnitude of the role. In response, Cook approached Mansfield and offered him an exorbitant package of cash and stock worth around $2 million a month to stay on at Apple as an adviser and help manage the hardware engineering team. The outlet referred to the incident as a possible "insurrection." Apple announced Mansfield's retirement in June, saying that the transition to Riccio would take place over "several" months. Mansfield had been with Apple since 1999, though took on the chief hardware role in 2010. His departure was going to be the first from Apple's executive team since Cook took over as CEO last August.
Why exactly is Apple's former hardware chief Bob Mansfield sticking around, despite announcing plans to retire? When this occurred in late August, Apple didn't provide an explanation. A new story claims some of the company's top employees did not believe Mansfield's replacement was ready for the job, something that led to infighting within the company's top ranks.In a piece looking back at Apple's past year without former CEO Steve Jobs, who died one year ago on Friday, Bloomberg Businessweek throws in a tidbit about the situation, saying that some of Apple's senior engineers went straight to current CEO Tim Cook when they learned Dan Riccio would replace Mansfield as the company's hardware chief:According to three people familiar with the sequence of events, several senior engineers on Mansfield's team vociferously complained to Cook about reporting to his replacement, Dan Riccio, who they felt was unprepared for the magnitude of the role. In response, Cook approached Mansfield and offered him an exorbitant package of cash and stock worth around $2 million a month to stay on at Apple as an adviser and help manage the hardware engineering team. The outlet referred to the incident as a possible "insurrection." Apple announced Mansfield's retirement in June, saying that the transition to Riccio would take place over "several" months. Mansfield had been with Apple since 1999, though took on the chief hardware role in 2010. His departure was going to be the first from Apple's executive team since Cook took over as CEO last August.
Apple's Grand Central store won't open by Black Friday
Apple's Grand Central store won't open by Black Friday
Grand Central Station commuters looking to score a holiday deal at Apple's imminent New York City store may have to wait a while.Recent rumors had pegged the launch of the new Grand Central Terminal store for sometime this week as the holiday shopping season officially kicks into gear. But a construction worker reportedly confirmed to Mashable yesterday that Apple's latest store probably won't open for business until next month."It won't be any time too soon," the worker told Mashable. "We still have a lot to do, so my guess is that it will be ready in December."An Apple spokeswoman told CNET that the company has made no announcements on the date.For now, the new store remains boarded up and hidden from the public as construction continues. But a photo of the store's front boarding taken today touts it as "arriving soon."Related storiesApple's Grand Central store to open this week, report saysThe secret sauce to Apple's retail success? This man made itAnother Apple win: Retail sales per square footOnce it opens its doors, the store will be Apple's fifth outlet in New York City and promises to be one of the company's biggest. Stretching between two balconies, the store will take up more than 23,000 square feet. In comparison, Apple's Regent Street store in London is 25,000 square feet in size, but only 22,000 square feet is available to the public.The Apple Store has been one of the retail industry's biggest money makers, generating more sales per square foot than any other U.S. retailer, according to research firm RetailSails. And the new Manhattan store is likely to add its own fair share of customers.The station draws around 750,000 visitors on an average day and as many a million a day during the holidays, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Apple will reportedly pay more than $1 million each year in rent.Updated story 7:30 a.m. PT with photo of Apple Store front boarding.Update at 4:00 p.m. PT: The New York Post claims that Apple will open up the store on Friday, December 9.
Grand Central Station commuters looking to score a holiday deal at Apple's imminent New York City store may have to wait a while.Recent rumors had pegged the launch of the new Grand Central Terminal store for sometime this week as the holiday shopping season officially kicks into gear. But a construction worker reportedly confirmed to Mashable yesterday that Apple's latest store probably won't open for business until next month."It won't be any time too soon," the worker told Mashable. "We still have a lot to do, so my guess is that it will be ready in December."An Apple spokeswoman told CNET that the company has made no announcements on the date.For now, the new store remains boarded up and hidden from the public as construction continues. But a photo of the store's front boarding taken today touts it as "arriving soon."Related storiesApple's Grand Central store to open this week, report saysThe secret sauce to Apple's retail success? This man made itAnother Apple win: Retail sales per square footOnce it opens its doors, the store will be Apple's fifth outlet in New York City and promises to be one of the company's biggest. Stretching between two balconies, the store will take up more than 23,000 square feet. In comparison, Apple's Regent Street store in London is 25,000 square feet in size, but only 22,000 square feet is available to the public.The Apple Store has been one of the retail industry's biggest money makers, generating more sales per square foot than any other U.S. retailer, according to research firm RetailSails. And the new Manhattan store is likely to add its own fair share of customers.The station draws around 750,000 visitors on an average day and as many a million a day during the holidays, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Apple will reportedly pay more than $1 million each year in rent.Updated story 7:30 a.m. PT with photo of Apple Store front boarding.Update at 4:00 p.m. PT: The New York Post claims that Apple will open up the store on Friday, December 9.
Apple's Grand Central store to open this week, report says
Apple's Grand Central store to open this week, report says
Apple's latest retail store in New York's iconic Grand Central Terminal may have its opening date announced tomorrow, with a launch by the end of this week, a new report says.Without citing sources, 9to5mac says that Apple plans to literally take the wraps off the store's opening date tomorrow by uncloaking a massive sign affixed to its exterior (pictured above). The company is said to be stocking up the store with products in time for a launch as early as this Friday, to coincide with start of holiday-shopping season on Black Friday.When reached for comment on the report, an Apple spokeswoman said the company had nothing to announce.The space, which Apple is reportedly paying in excess of $1 million a year to rent, is more than 23,000 square feet and stretches between two balconies. By comparison, Apple's Regent Street store in London is 25,000 square feet, 22,000 square feet of which is accessible to the public. Perhaps more impressive is the potential foot traffic. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority reports that roughly 750,000 visitors come through the station each day--and up to a million a day during the holidays.Murmurs that Apple was seeking a spot in the iconic transportation hub began in February with a report from Cult of Mac that Apple planned to open one up in time for the 10th anniversary of its retail efforts, which took place in May. The rumor surfaced once again in late May with a Wall Street Journal report that the MTA was looking to fill up a 15,230-square-foot space, and that Apple had "expressed interest" in it. By July, more details emerged, including renderings of the store. Apple has yet to acknowledge that it's got a store on the way for the location.Apple currently has 358 retail stores, most of which are located in the United States. The company already has four stores within New York City, including its Fifth Avenue "cube," which re-opened earlier this month after undergoing a multi-million dollar overhaul to make its glass exterior more seamless.Iconic Apple stores around the world (ph...See full gallery1 - 4 / 18NextPrev
Apple's latest retail store in New York's iconic Grand Central Terminal may have its opening date announced tomorrow, with a launch by the end of this week, a new report says.Without citing sources, 9to5mac says that Apple plans to literally take the wraps off the store's opening date tomorrow by uncloaking a massive sign affixed to its exterior (pictured above). The company is said to be stocking up the store with products in time for a launch as early as this Friday, to coincide with start of holiday-shopping season on Black Friday.When reached for comment on the report, an Apple spokeswoman said the company had nothing to announce.The space, which Apple is reportedly paying in excess of $1 million a year to rent, is more than 23,000 square feet and stretches between two balconies. By comparison, Apple's Regent Street store in London is 25,000 square feet, 22,000 square feet of which is accessible to the public. Perhaps more impressive is the potential foot traffic. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority reports that roughly 750,000 visitors come through the station each day--and up to a million a day during the holidays.Murmurs that Apple was seeking a spot in the iconic transportation hub began in February with a report from Cult of Mac that Apple planned to open one up in time for the 10th anniversary of its retail efforts, which took place in May. The rumor surfaced once again in late May with a Wall Street Journal report that the MTA was looking to fill up a 15,230-square-foot space, and that Apple had "expressed interest" in it. By July, more details emerged, including renderings of the store. Apple has yet to acknowledge that it's got a store on the way for the location.Apple currently has 358 retail stores, most of which are located in the United States. The company already has four stores within New York City, including its Fifth Avenue "cube," which re-opened earlier this month after undergoing a multi-million dollar overhaul to make its glass exterior more seamless.Iconic Apple stores around the world (ph...See full gallery1 - 4 / 18NextPrev
Could We Ever See a Big Movie Released the Way Beyonce's New Album Dropped?
There are really only two different kinds of movies today. There are the big Hollywood tentpoles that we hear about as soon as they;re an idea in someone;s head. We discuss those to death for years until the weekend of their release. And then there are the indies that we hear about just before their Sundance debut. The critics who;ve seen those discuss them to death for months or sometimes years until the weekend of their limited release date. In both cases, the chatter can either build anticipation to the point where expectations can never be met or kill all excitement about something as a result of inevitable backlash.But what if there could be a third kind of movie, one that we first hear about right before its release, in a format that;s accessible to all? What if there could be a movie that arrives suddenly out of the blue the way Beyonce;s new album did last week? Variety;s Marc Greiser ponders this question and pretty much concludes that it will happen eventually. Could it really work, though?It seems impossible, for a number of reasons. For one, moviemaking is a whole lot different than album making. There are a lot more people working on a movie, usually there;s a lot more money and time involved and there;s just not quite the distribution platform to aim something directly at the masses the way music is via iTunes. Sure, movies can go to iTunes and other digital outlets such as Netflix and Amazon, but none are quite as universally embraced as iTunes is for music downloads.Even the indie movies are mostly becoming less surprising thanks to a large number of them showing up on Kickstarter or Indiegogo way ahead of their festival showing. There are a ridiculous amount of crowd-funded films in next month;s Sundance program, to the point where a lot of the usual surprise of never-heard-of-before titles was lessened when the titles were announced earlier this month.Those arelittle movies, though, and the true equivalent of Beyonce;s album would be something huge. A new movie from the likes of Christopher Nolan, Michael Bay or James Cameron. It;d be like Disney suddenly unloading a Marvel or Star Wars installment without any promotion or leaks on the blogs. The only way that could be done is with a special kind of Marvel or Star Wars movie, a smaller, lower budget one-shot involving a no-name actor as a new or little-known character.Does Joss Whedon;s Much Ado About Nothing count? I can;t recall exactly how suddenly that was announced before its Toronto Film Festival premiere, but regardless it didn;t hit theaters for nine months. And Whedon isn;t a Beyonce-level filmmaker even after The Avengers. Another movie that comes to mind is Cloverfield, which still was teased like crazy and made us appreciate J.J. Abrams; mystery box idea for a few years (until the whole Khan situation with Star Trek Into Darkness). I expect he;ll eventually try to produce another secret movie one of these days.If there;s any major reason we won;t ever see a huge blockbuster dropped out of the blue, it;s not because of the theater industry or the whispers of Hollywood rats. I think it;s tie-ins. Licensing deals. Big movies tend to come out alongside merchandising and promotional partners that would be very difficult to either avoid or keep hush-hush. This isn;t just about marketing, it;s about extra side dough.But who knows, maybe in 10 years those partnerships can be done in a special secret way that;s all Internet based, just as the movie;s release would be. And someone like Cameron could just make an all-CGI movie secretly in his basement -- well, not him, because he likes cameras too much -- or in Korea like the secret special effects done for Escape from Tomorrow.It;ll be tricky, but the first to come up with how to do it will be talked about as much as we;re talking about Beyonce right now, so it;s worth trying.Could and should a movie ever be released like Beyonce;s new album was?Here are some responses received so far via Twitter:@thefilmcynic Too many people work on a film to completely avoid any leaks, but I would love to see it happen at least once.— Ethan Anderton (@Ethan_Anderton) December 18, 2013@thefilmcynic Yes, but it would have to be a director with a massive, passionate following, like Tarantino or Nolan.— Mike McGranaghan (@aisleseat) December 18, 2013@thefilmcynic seems rather impossible— justin robinson (@TheJSRobinson) December 18, 2013@thefilmcynic possibly, it could be like a perks of being a wall flower thing. Started as a thing that got passed around and then recognized— Joshua Buchholtz (@jfilm88) December 18, 2013@Ethan_Anderton @thefilmcynic Richard Linklater and the Before series?— Tyler Schirado (@TyRawrrnosaurus) December 18, 2013@thefilmcynic Much Ado About Nothing kinda came outta nowhere, right?— Daniel Tucker (@dtuck318) December 18, 2013@thefilmcynic Upstream Color sort of came out of nowhere, rather suddenly.— S B Rosencrans (@sbr1979) December 18, 2013and
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