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Mr. Garcha expects Apple will do well thanks to the popularity of the iPhone, according to Forbes. “Across the key smartphone success factors of software, services, product portfolio, distribution, brand, [intellectual property], and chip set efficiency, we believe, three years after the launch of the iPhone, few competitors have managed to narrow Apple’s advantage,” he…

The email, according to Mac Rumors, states:To Our Team in Japan,We have all been following the unfolding disaster in Japan. Our hearts go out to you and your families, as well as all of your countrymen who have been touched by this tragedy.If you need time or resources to visit or care for your families,…

At issue is reported growth from Hon Hai Precision, which owns Foxconn, one of Apple’s largest manufacturers. Mr. Gauna told clients in a research note that Hon Hai Precision reported growth of 84% in December, 37% in January, and 24% in February. The implication is that this slowdown in growth must reflect a slowdown in…

AAPL Chart for March 16th, 2011 Source: Yahoo! Finance To put the downward slide in perspective, the DOW was down 196.82 (-1.66%) to 11658.60; the NASDAQ was off 39.63 (-1.49%) to 2627.70; and the S&P 500 dropped 20.49 (-1.6%) to 1261.38. Microsoft is trading at $24.81, down $0.58 (-2.28%); Intel was down to $19.835, off…

By logging into the Twitter Web site via HTTPS, the data that goes between user’s computers and the service remains encrypted when in transit. “This will improve the security of your account and better protect your information if you’re using Twitter over an unsecured Internet connection, like a public WiFi network, where someone may be…

“We are delaying the launch of the iPad 2 in Japan while the country and our teams focus on recovering from the recent disaster,” Apple spokesperson Natalie Kerris told Reuters.Apple’s iPad 2 launch in Japan is delayedApple began selling the iPad 2 in the United States on March 11, and quickly ran through its available…

“We believe this shows Apple is expanding its base of iPad users, which is critical to maintaining its early lead in the growing tablet market,” Mr. Munster said. “As the user base grows Apple’s lead widens, and the company has a proven track record of building unmatched brand loyalty, which we believe will be a…

Apple TV 2, for instance, now sports sports in the form of Major League Baseball (MLB) and National Basketball Association (NBA) “apps” located under the Internet drop-down menu. iPhones, iPod touches, and iPad are a bit snappier when loading webpages in Safari now, and I’ve notices that Words with Friends has gotten a bit friskier…

Lines have been forming outside Apple Stores ahead of the iPad 2 launch, and Best Buy, Walmart and Target have all confirmed their stores will have at least limited quantities available this evening.Apple’s iPad 2 won’t be available at some reseller locationsSome Authorized Apple Resellers hoping to offer the second generation version of the multimedia…

Twitter’s latest update addresses Quick Bar complaintsThe Twitter 3.3.1 update doesn’t include an option to disable the Quick Bar, but in addition to moving its location so it’s less obtrusive the update also includes a fix for location services-related crashes, security improvements, and improved performance.The Quick Bar shows current trending topics on Twitter. When the…

Wallaby is an Adobe AIR-based application that focuses on translating Adobe Flash Professional files (FLA) into HTML 5. So far, Adobe has been focusing its efforts on making the converted files WebKit-compatible — think Safari and Chrome.Wallaby turns Flash banner ads iOS-compatible HTML 5Adobe’s Tom Barclay told The Mac Observer that Wallaby is more of…

Mr. Hawkins’s problem with Apple today is that the App Store is overcrowded. According to CNN, the gaming exec said at the Game Developer Conference last week that “[Apple has] over-encouraged supply,” and that Apple has only crated the illusion of a viable business model for game developers.Trip Hawkins, former Apple Exec, Founder of EA,…

WD said that it was paying $4.5 billion in cash and 25 million WD shares “valued at approximately $750 million” to Hitachi to acquire the business. Hitachi as a whole is a far, far larger company with divisions in electronics, railroads, manufacturing, and other areas. The combined company will retain the name of Western Digital…

The iPad 2 line starts in TexasThe iPad 2 launch is a little different than the original iPad roll out because Apple isn’t offering pre-order sales or reservations, so anyone that wants the new tablet on day one will have to stand in line. Online sales will be available some time on March 11.The MacCast…

“While Apple’s iPad may continue to set the bar high for experience, we expect Android to dominate (40% share Tablets by 2014), given its broader support from OEMs and carriers and expected budget-priced Android Tablets from Asia,” Mr. Abramsky wrote in a research note to clients obtained by Boy Genius Reports. Innovation & Cheap Competitors?…

“We will have to improve the parts that are inadequate,” said Samsung’s mobile division executive vice president Lee Don-joo. “Apple made it very thin.”Samsung is feeling a little inadequate over iPad 2Big concerns for Samsung include the iPad 2’s thinner body along with the tablet’s price points. The new model is about a third the…

From November of 2010 to January of 2011, Android devices usurped both Apple’s iPhone and RIM’s BlackBerry platform to take 29% of the smartphone market in the U.S. Apple is now tied with RIM for #2, each with 27% of the market. In a report, Nielsen wrote, “But an analysis by manufacturer shows RIM and…

Random House switched to an agency model for selling ebooks a day ahead of the media event, and the publishers titles began appearing on Apple’s iBookstore this morning ahead of the media event.Apple’s media event is still underway. Be sure to check in with The Mac Observer for additional information about the company’s announcements.

OK, we have to stop ourselves right there, because even had Mr. Jobs been granted a knighthood, he could not have called himself Sir Steve – a technicality reserved for subjects of the Queen. He could, however, include the initials OBE after his name, signifying that he is an honorary member of the Order of…

The iPhone App “You Gotta See This!” stitches together a montage of multiple iPhone 4 or iPod touch 4G camera images right after you shoot. Just press the start button and wave the camera over the area of interest. You can use either of the two cameras. When you’re done, the app creates a beautiful,…

The approach that Apple is taking with publishers has been discussed just about everywhere, at length. In a recent Hidden Dimensions column, I argued that the criticism of Apple, in many cases, is not well grounded. There is a component of the publishing industry that doesn’t want to change, blames Apple, and some news sites…

The Kensington PowerLift Battery and Dock is a compact 8 x 3 x 6-inches when folded and it will easily fit into a pocket, case, or bag. However it quickly opens to provide a docking station for iPhones and iPod touches. There is a kickstand that fold out to hold the iPhone/iPod in place while…

In a tweet, Dino Dai Zovi, co-author with Charlie Miller of The Mac Hacker’s Handbook (2009), said, “Apple has invited me to look at the Lion developer preview. I won’t be able to comment on it until its release, but hooray for free access!” In an e-mail interview with CNet, Charlie Miller said, “As far…

Source: Yahoo! Finance On Friday, the stock closed at $348.16, up $5.28 (+1.54%), on light volume of 13.5 million shares trading hands. The gains occurred amidst a broad rally, with all three major U.S. indices ending the day higher. The DOW ended the day at 12130.45, up 61.95 (+0.51%); the NASDAQ closed at 2781.05, up…