Friday, March 27, 2009

Public opinion on Apple stock sags, stays healthy

Public opinion on Apple stock sags, stays healthy
Public opinion of Apple's stock value dropped substantially in February, but remains good, claims Piqqem. The latter company gathers opinion on stock performance from online subscribers, and notes that Apple stock now sits at a score of 2.68, which is still bullish but below a six-month peak closer to 3.0. The figure began plunging dramatically on February 22nd, though it has since stabilized....



Charter files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Charter today said it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The anticipated move will see the cable and Internet provider restructure itself under a plan that it had already established ahead of the actual filing to recover its operations. Under the efforts, Charter expects to eliminate about $8 billion of debt and won't require that debtors finance the company to keep it running. Microsoft co-f...



iPhone OS 3.0 brings the speed for JavaScript

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mobile safari in iphone os 3.0 to get speed boostArs is reporting the 3.0 speed improvements to Mobile Safari's JavaScript engine range from 3x to 16x -- a blessed boon to web developers everywhere. No one seems to know if Mobile Safari will be sporting Nitro or SquirrelFish or what, but whatever it is, it'll be faster. If you check out the benchmarks originally posted on Wayne Pan's blog, iPhone OS 3.0 blazes past 2.2 in every category except divisions (the benchmarking tools are available at Craig Hockenberry's blog here).

It's nice to see progress, but I don't think anyone expected Apple to let the JS engine in Mobile Safari lay fallow for long. Every day browsers like Opera Mini and Android's WebKit-based browser are getting better. Heck, even WinMo's version of IE is supposed to support H.264, Flash and Silverlight. Will the upgraded js engine and technology like CSS3 and Canvas draw more developers to iPhone web apps? I doubt it, but the speed improvements will make many browser-based services feel more responsive. That's certainly a win for consumers.

TUAWiPhone OS 3.0 brings the speed for JavaScript originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple Stores selling contract-free iPhones

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Last week came the sneak peek at internal AT&T memos meant to coach employees on the sale of unsubsidized iPhones. Today, there's news that Apple has begun selling no-contract iPhones at their retail stores. You can grab an 8GB iPhone 3G for $599 or a 16GB model for $699, take it home and do what you will. Unlike restrictions set up by AT&T, Apple Store customers may purchase as many unsubsidized phones as they please.

With WWDC and the release of iPhone OS 3.0 both scheduled for June, it looks like Apple might be clearing house for something new. Perhaps the current model will drop in price and become the entry-level iPhone to make room for the rumored 2009 model.

In any case, go and pick up a contract-free iPhone directly from Apple, if that's your thing.

TUAWApple Stores selling contract-free iPhones originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Skype for iPhone nearly ready

Filed under: , ,

VOIP for iPhone is the dream of many a user, and Om Malik suggests that it might be days away. Citing a "...very reliable source," Om says that Skype is ready to launch their iPhone app, perhaps at next week's CTIA Wireless event.

That's whole lot of "suggests" and "might" and "perhaps," is it not? Frankly, I don't see why Apple or AT&T would be keen on Skype for the iPhone or iPod touch. Of course, here are other VOIP options available, like fring and iCall (among others), so what do I know? It's an interesting rumor, but for now, that's all.

TUAWRumor: Skype for iPhone nearly ready originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iLife '09 and iWork '09 Updated

Apple released 5 updates covering applications being part of iLife and iWork '09:
- iWork '09:
iWork ’09 Update 1 is recommended for all iWork ’09 users.. 
- iWeb:
This update addresses issues when publishing to an FTP server and other minor issues..
-
iMovie:
This update improves overall application stability as well as addressing minor issues related to usability.
- iPhoto:
This update improves overall stability and addresses minor issues in a number of areas, including Faces, Places, photo sharing, and slideshows.
- iLife Support:
This update improves overall stability and addresses a number of other minor issues. It is recommended for all users of Aperture, iLife 09, and iWork 09. 



Repair company promotes misleading Mac reliability rating
A computer repair company based in New York has issued a report this week claiming that Apple's reliability ranking has dropped precipitously over the past three months compared to other PC makers, using statistics that make little sense.


AT&T stores now offering early upgrade pricing on iPhone 3G
In the latest move aimed at helping Apple clear inventory of iPhone 3Gs ahead of new models anticipated this spring, AT&T retail stores are now offering some customers early upgrades to the Apple handset at subsidized pricing.


Apple contemplating biometric locks for iPhone?
Apple may be considering integrating some form of biometric security for iPhones, as well as Macs, a newly-published patent application hints. While iPhones and Macs can currently be locked with passcodes and passwords in turn, the patent filing suggests that a more secure option is desirable. Biometrics are the leading candidate, and could potentially come in the form of a fingerprint or finger...



Public opinion on Apple stock sags, stays healthy
Public opinion of Apple's stock value dropped substantially in February, but remains good, claims Piqqem. The latter company gathers opinion on stock performance from online subscribers, and notes that Apple stock now sits at a score of 2.68, which is still bullish but below a six-month peak closer to 3.0. The figure began plunging dramatically on February 22nd, though it has since stabilized....



Charter files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Charter today said it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The anticipated move will see the cable and Internet provider restructure itself under a plan that it had already established ahead of the actual filing to recover its operations. Under the efforts, Charter expects to eliminate about $8 billion of debt and won't require that debtors finance the company to keep it running. Microsoft co-f...



iPhone OS 3.0 brings the speed for JavaScript

Filed under: , , ,

mobile safari in iphone os 3.0 to get speed boostArs is reporting the 3.0 speed improvements to Mobile Safari's JavaScript engine range from 3x to 16x -- a blessed boon to web developers everywhere. No one seems to know if Mobile Safari will be sporting Nitro or SquirrelFish or what, but whatever it is, it'll be faster. If you check out the benchmarks originally posted on Wayne Pan's blog, iPhone OS 3.0 blazes past 2.2 in every category except divisions (the benchmarking tools are available at Craig Hockenberry's blog here).

It's nice to see progress, but I don't think anyone expected Apple to let the JS engine in Mobile Safari lay fallow for long. Every day browsers like Opera Mini and Android's WebKit-based browser are getting better. Heck, even WinMo's version of IE is supposed to support H.264, Flash and Silverlight. Will the upgraded js engine and technology like CSS3 and Canvas draw more developers to iPhone web apps? I doubt it, but the speed improvements will make many browser-based services feel more responsive. That's certainly a win for consumers.

TUAWiPhone OS 3.0 brings the speed for JavaScript originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Apple Stores selling contract-free iPhones

Filed under: , ,

Last week came the sneak peek at internal AT&T memos meant to coach employees on the sale of unsubsidized iPhones. Today, there's news that Apple has begun selling no-contract iPhones at their retail stores. You can grab an 8GB iPhone 3G for $599 or a 16GB model for $699, take it home and do what you will. Unlike restrictions set up by AT&T, Apple Store customers may purchase as many unsubsidized phones as they please.

With WWDC and the release of iPhone OS 3.0 both scheduled for June, it looks like Apple might be clearing house for something new. Perhaps the current model will drop in price and become the entry-level iPhone to make room for the rumored 2009 model.

In any case, go and pick up a contract-free iPhone directly from Apple, if that's your thing.

TUAWApple Stores selling contract-free iPhones originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumor: Skype for iPhone nearly ready

Filed under: , ,

VOIP for iPhone is the dream of many a user, and Om Malik suggests that it might be days away. Citing a "...very reliable source," Om says that Skype is ready to launch their iPhone app, perhaps at next week's CTIA Wireless event.

That's whole lot of "suggests" and "might" and "perhaps," is it not? Frankly, I don't see why Apple or AT&T would be keen on Skype for the iPhone or iPod touch. Of course, here are other VOIP options available, like fring and iCall (among others), so what do I know? It's an interesting rumor, but for now, that's all.

TUAWRumor: Skype for iPhone nearly ready originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

iLife '09 and iWork '09 Updated

Apple released 5 updates covering applications being part of iLife and iWork '09:
- iWork '09:
iWork ’09 Update 1 is recommended for all iWork ’09 users.. 
- iWeb:
This update addresses issues when publishing to an FTP server and other minor issues..
-
iMovie:
This update improves overall application stability as well as addressing minor issues related to usability.
- iPhoto:
This update improves overall stability and addresses minor issues in a number of areas, including Faces, Places, photo sharing, and slideshows.
- iLife Support:
This update improves overall stability and addresses a number of other minor issues. It is recommended for all users of Aperture, iLife 09, and iWork 09. 



Repair company promotes misleading Mac reliability rating
A computer repair company based in New York has issued a report this week claiming that Apple's reliability ranking has dropped precipitously over the past three months compared to other PC makers, using statistics that make little sense.


AT&T stores now offering early upgrade pricing on iPhone 3G
In the latest move aimed at helping Apple clear inventory of iPhone 3Gs ahead of new models anticipated this spring, AT&T retail stores are now offering some customers early upgrades to the Apple handset at subsidized pricing.


Apple contemplating biometric locks for iPhone?
Apple may be considering integrating some form of biometric security for iPhones, as well as Macs, a newly-published patent application hints. While iPhones and Macs can currently be locked with passcodes and passwords in turn, the patent filing suggests that a more secure option is desirable. Biometrics are the leading candidate, and could potentially come in the form of a fingerprint or finger...


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