Steve Jobs vowed to patent everything and anything after losing a $100 million iPod lawsuit

By on October 8, 2012 at 2:20 PM.

Steve Jobs vowed to patent everything and anything after losing a $100 million iPod lawsuit

Steve Jobs Apple Patents

Believe it or not, Steve Jobs and Apple (AAPL) weren’t always the schoolyard bullies of patents. In fact, the Cupertino-based company rarely patented any of its technologies prior to the iPhone. But following a $100 million lawsuit from Creative Technology in 2006 targeting its iPod MP3 player, however, Steve Jobs vowed to “patent it all,” according to a report from The New York Times. Jobs and Apple engineers would reportedly hold monthly “invention disclosure sessions,” where the team would describe what projects were being worked on and a lawyer would decide whether or not the projects could be patented. More →

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Leaked cases reveal new iPod nano and iPod touch designs

By on September 7, 2012 at 1:55 PM.

Leaked cases reveal new iPod nano and iPod touch designs

Apple iPod Nano Touch Case Leak Rumor

So, new iPods are probably coming soon, and they could be announced at Apple’s (AAPL) September 12th iPhone 5 event next week. What will the new iPod touch and iPod nano look like? MacRumors published images of leaked cases that are purported to be for the new iPod nano and iPod touch. As the images show, the new iPod nano looks to ditch the small clip-on design for a look that more closely resembles the second-generation aluminum iPod nano. Observant readers will notice that the case shows cut-outs for what are presumed to be volume controls and two smaller holes on the bottom for an unknown feature. More →

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New iPods may be announced with iPhone 5 on September 12th

By on September 6, 2012 at 6:20 PM.

New iPods may be announced with iPhone 5 on September 12th

Apple iPods September 12 Rumor

Although Apple’s (AAPL) September 12th invite graphic suggests the event will be all about the iPhone 5, 9to5Mac reports that new iPods could debut as well. According to the site, Apple might give two of its iPod lineups a refresh — specifically the iPod nano and iPod shuffle. 9to5Mac also speculates that it’s possible a refreshed iPod touch might make an appearance next Wednesday, too. More →

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One in four iPad owners are first-time Apple buyers

By on April 26, 2012 at 9:30 PM.

One in four iPad owners are first-time Apple buyers

NPD Group on Thursday released the results of its Apple Ecosystem Study, which suggests that almost 25% of U.S. iPad owners are first-time Apple buyers. The firm’s data, as reported by AppleInsider, indicated that 33% of U.S. households own Apple products, with a majority owning an iPod. That number is growing beyond the 37 million American households the Cupertino-based company’s products are already found in, thanks to Apple’s flagship tablet. “iPad sales are growing much faster than any other Apple product has this soon after launch,” said Ben Arnold, director of industry analysis at NPD. “In fact, one-in-five Apple owner households has one — nearly equivalent to the number that own an Apple computer. This demonstrates the appeal of both the new form factor and Apple’s app ecosystem.” The study found that six out of ten homes with a Mac also own a Windows PC, and nearly 30% of so-called “Apple enthusiasts” own a smartphone other than the iPhone. The data comes from a survey NPD conducted in February of more than 3,000 consumers. More →

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On this day in 1976, Apple co-founder Ronald Wayne sold his 10% stake for $2,300

By on April 12, 2012 at 1:00 PM.

On this day in 1976, Apple co-founder Ronald Wayne sold his 10% stake for $2,300

On April 12th, 1976, one of three co-founders of Apple Computer sold his 10% stake in the company for $2,300. Ronald Wayne says he made the “best decision with the information available to me at the time” when he chose to sell his shares in the emerging technology firm. Unlike counterparts Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, Wayne had capital on the line and stood to lose his assets if Apple went under. Had he retained his full stake in Apple to this day, it would currently be worth nearly $60 billion. Wayne went on to enjoy a long career as an engineer with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and other firms, Wired reports, and he later opened a stamp shop before retiring to Pahrump, Nevada. Apple is currently the most valuable company in the world and as of Wednesday’s close, the company’s market capitalization totalled just under $585 billion. More →

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Half of all U.S. households own at least one Apple product

By on March 29, 2012 at 7:30 AM.

Half of all U.S. households own at least one Apple product

Apple’s stock recently crossed the $600 mark and there are no signs that the world’s most valuable company is slowing down. According to a poll from CNBC, half of all U.S. households own at least one Apple product and residents of one-in-10 homes that lack Apple products plan to buy their first Apple device over the next year. If accurate, the survey indicates that more than 55 million homes have at least one iPhone, iPad, iPod or Mac computer. Overall, the average household has 1.6 Apple devices and almost one-quarter are planning to buy at least one more in the next year. The survey also showed that the majority of Apple buyers tend to be male, college-educated and younger. Not surprisingly, the more money someone earns, the more Apple products he or she is likely to own according to the survey. Interestingly enough, 61% of households with children own an Apple device, compared with 48% of homes without kids. CNBC conducted the survey with 836 Americans alongside Hart Research between March 19th and March 22nd. More →

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Apple patent suggests real-time sharing of fitness workouts coming to iOS

By on February 2, 2012 at 9:40 PM.

Apple patent suggests real-time sharing of fitness workouts coming to iOS

Future versions of Apple’s iOS operating system may incorporate new fitness sharing technology, according to a patent uncovered by AppleInsider. The new technology will encourage users to be more competitive by allowing them to share and compare their performance in real-time with other users around the world. The patent, which was filed only three months ago, builds upon the functionality of the Nike+ iPod system, which allows a user to complete his or her workout and then upload and share the results with others. Apple’s solution, however, would allow users to share live data with other iOS users. Read on for more.

More →

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Pictures of iPod nano with camera re-emerge

By on February 1, 2012 at 6:05 PM.

Pictures of iPod nano with camera re-emerge

Last year a number of leaks and photos suggested that Apple had a redesigned iPod nano with an integrated camera in the works. The new device wasn’t released last time Apple refreshed its iPod family, but now another round of pictures has surfaced that lends credence to the possibility that such a device may launch in the near future. The images show a camera-equipped iPod nano complete with its signature clip design, and the device appears to be the same size as the current-generation iPod nano. It remains unclear if Apple will ever release an iPod nano with a camera but the source, Apple.pro, has published early details surrounding Apple hardware in the past that ended up panning out. Another report published Wednesday by MIC Gadget suggests that the device pictured is actually a prototype from several months ago that did not pass Apple’s tests. The site says some problems have been ironed out however, and that the new nano could become available in the coming months. Several additional pictures follow after the break. More →

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Apple granted 22 new patents, including one for ‘smart’ clothing

By on January 18, 2012 at 5:15 PM.

Apple granted 22 new patents, including one for ‘smart’ clothing

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published documentation on 22 recently granted patents for Apple on Tuesday. The patents, as reported by Patently Apple, cover items including clothing technology that could be built into future running shoes, the advanced multitouch trackpads found in Macbooks, and the technology found in Apple TV. The most intriguing patent relates to Apple’s Nike + iPod product. This patent outlines a system for monitoring and controlling user exercises with a sensor inside the shoe. Unlike the normal Nike + sensors, however, the new sensors are designed to send the “tracked garment usage and detected wear patterns to the external database.” The sensor will be able to inform the user of the life of a product, and could possibly incorporate training programs using a “virtual trainer.” Read on for more. More →

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Apple may be building wearable iPods with Siri support and curved glass

By on December 19, 2011 at 9:51 AM.

Apple may be building wearable iPods with Siri support and curved glass

Apple may be secretly developing wearable iPods that offer full support for voice commands using the company’s Siri software. Details surrounding the supposed project were revealed by The New York Times on Monday. Apple is reportedly working on a “curved-glass iPod that would wrap around the wrist,” which sounds similar to a watch-like device that could replace the iPod nano and shuffle in gyms around the world. Presuming Siri support would be the same as it is on the iPhone 4S, users could command the device to play a specific song, check the weather or more. We’re even imagining deeper Siri integration where a user might be able to ask their iPod how far they have run or what their current heart rate is. Read on for more. More →

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Apple teases Black Friday sale

By on November 22, 2011 at 8:20 AM.

Apple teases Black Friday sale

Apple recently announced that it will hold its own one-day Black Friday sale this Friday, November 25th, during which it will offer “amazing iPad, iPod, and Mac gifts for everyone on your list.” It remains unclear how much Apple will knock off of its standard prices but, if your kids are among those who have the iPad at the top of their list this holiday season, this might be a sale you’ll want to take advantage of. Apple’s past Black Friday sales have offered minimal discounts, however, so expectations should be relatively low. More →

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Apple may axe iPod shuffle and iPod classic

By on September 28, 2011 at 9:01 AM.

Apple may axe iPod shuffle and iPod classic

Apple will kill off its iPod shuffle and iPod classic lines to instead focus on the iPod touch and iPod nano, TUAW reported recently. The rumor follows early speculation by CNET, which noted just 8% of Apple’s fourth quarter 2010 revenue was from iPod sales. Typically, Apple unveils its new iPod family in the fall of each year. However, an invitation to Apple’s October 4th press conference suggests the iPhone will be the star of this year’s show. In addition, we have heard numerous reports that Apple will make minor changes to the iPod touch this year, if any at all, and will also offer a white version. We will be reporting all of the news as it breaks on October 4th. More →

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Apple suppliers expect minimal impact from Jobs's departure

By on August 26, 2011 at 11:30 PM.

Apple suppliers expect minimal impact from Jobs's departure

Foxconn and Quanta Computer, two companies that manufacture Apple products such as the iPhone and iPad, have suggested that there will be “minimal” impact on supply orders following news that Steve Jobs will no longer serve as Apple’s CEO. Reportedly, Tim Cook, who has replaced Jobs as CEO, was already working closely with the manufacturing process while Steve Jobs was out on leave. DigiTimes said that the move could affect Apple’s global brand recognition and the company’s innovation and creativity, although it will certainly take some time to see just how true those claims are. On Thursday, a number of analysts speculated that Jobs’s departure could benefit Apple’s iPhone and iPad competitors. More →

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