Luke, You've Switched Off Your Targeting Computer, Is Something Wrong?

Luke, You've Switched Off Your Targeting Computer, Is Something Wrong?

Luke, You've Switched Off Your Targeting Computer, Is Something Wrong? Yeah it Uses Apples Maps

Has Apple peaked? Apple Device News

If Steve Jobs were still alive, would the new map application on the iPhone 5 be such an unmitigated disaster? Interesting question, isn't it?

As Apple's chief executive, Jobs was a perfectionist. He had no tolerance for corner-cutting or mediocre products.

The last time Apple released a truly substandard product — MobileMe, in 2008 — Jobs gathered the team into an auditorium, berated them mercilessly and then got rid of the team leader in front of everybody, according to Walter Isaacson's biography of Jobs.

The three devices that made Apple the most valuable company in America — the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad — were all genuine innovations that forced every other technology company to play catch-up.


No doubt, the iPhone 5, which went on sale on Friday, will be another hit. Apple's halo remains powerful. But there is nothing about it that is especially innovative. Plus, of course, it has that nasty glitch. In rolling out a new operating system for the iPhone 5, Apple replaced Google's map application — the mapping gold standard — with its own, vastly inferior, application, which has infuriated its customers. With maps now such a critical feature of smartphones, it seems to be an inexplicable mistake.

And maybe that's all it is — a mistake, soon to be fixed. But it is just as likely to turn out to be the canary in the coal mine. Though Apple will remain a highly profitable company for years to come, I would be surprised if it ever gives us another product as transformative as the iPhone or the iPad.
Part of the reason is obvious: Jobs isn't there any more. It is rare that a company is so completely an extension of one man's brain as Apple was an extension of Jobs.

While he was alive, that was a strength; now it's a weakness. Apple's current executive team is no doubt trying to maintain the same demanding, innovative culture, but it's just not the same without the man himself looking over everybody's shoulder. If the map glitch tells us anything, it is that.
But there is also a less obvious — yet possibly more important — reason that Apple's best days may soon be behind it. When Jobs returned to the company in 1997, after 12 years in exile, Apple was in deep trouble. It could afford to take big risks and, indeed, to search for a new business model, because it had nothing to lose.

Fifteen years later, Apple has a hugely profitable business model to defend — and a lot to lose. Companies change when that happens. "The business model becomes a gilded cage, and management won't do anything to challenge it, while doing everything they can to protect it," says Larry Keeley, an innovation strategist at Doblin, a consulting firm.

It happens in every industry, but it is especially easy to see in technology because things move so quickly. It was less than 15 years ago that Microsoft appeared to be invincible.

But once its Windows operating system and Office applications became giant money makers, Microsoft's entire strategy became geared toward protecting its two cash cows.

It ruthlessly used its Windows platform to promote its own products at the expense of rivals. (The Microsoft antitrust trial took dead aim at that behaviour.) Although Microsoft still makes billions, its new products are mainly "me-too" versions of innovations made by other companies.

Now it is Apple's turn to be king of the hill — and, not surprisingly, it has begun to behave in a very similar fashion. You can see it in the patent litigation against Samsung, a costly and counterproductive exercise that has nothing to do with innovation and everything to do with protecting its turf.

And you can see it in the decision to replace Google's map application. Once an ally, Google is now a rival, and the thought of allowing Google to promote its maps on Apple's platform had become anathema. More to the point, Apple wants to force its customers to use its own products, even when they are not as good as those from rivals.

Once companies start acting that way, they become vulnerable to newer, nimbler competitors that are trying to create something new, instead of milking the old. Just ask BlackBerry, which once reigned supreme in the smartphone market but is now roadkill for Apple and Samsung.
Even before Jobs died, Apple was becoming a company whose main goal was to defend its business model.

Yes, he would never have allowed his minions to ship such an embarrassing application. But despite his genius, it is unlikely he could have kept Apple from eventually lapsing into the ordinary.
It is the nature of capitalism that big companies become defensive, while newer rivals emerge with better, smarter ideas.

"Oh my god," read one Twitter message I saw. "Apple maps is the worst ever. It is like using MapQuest on a BlackBerry."

MapQuest and BlackBerry.

Exactly.

Apple's iPhone 5: The positives

Apple's iPhone 5 has just hit the market and we've had it in our hands for a few days. Here's five positive things we've found about the iPhone 5 so far.

1. Design

The iPhone 5 looks somewhat similar to the previous iPhone 4S model in photos and pictures, but it's not until you've actually held it in your hand that you realise this is a very different beast. We almost dropped it the first time we picked it up simply because we expected it to be much heavier than it actually is. At just 112g, the iPhone 5's light weight defies its aluminium and glass construction and makes it one of the lightest smartphones on the market.

The detail in craftsmanship is very impressive, too. Although this is what most have come to expect from Apple, the iPhone 5 feels every bit a premium and expensive device. The bevelled edges on the sides, the machine drilled speaker and microphone holes at the bottom and the glass panels at the top and the bottom of the back are typical Apple touches. There's an extraordinary attention to detail in the construction of the iPhone 5 and it's something that most other smartphones lack.

2. 4G

If you're using the Telstra, Optus or Virgin Mobile networks in Australia, you'll be happy to know that the iPhone 5 is compatible with the 1800MHz LTE network band. That means you'll get 4G mobile coverage where it's available. 4G coverage is still fairly limited at the moment but when you are in a coverage area serviced by LTE, you're in for a treat. We managed to achieve download speeds of up 32 megabits per second (Mbps) on Telstra and up to 29Mbps on Optus when 4G was available. Unfortunately, Vodafone users are out of luck right now as the company isn't launching its 4G network until sometime in 2013.

Telstra launched its 4G network late last year, while Optus only lifted the lid on 4G earlier this month so it's still a relatively new phenomenon in Australia. With the iPhone 5's expected huge sales numbers, however, it is likely to be the smartphone that really kickstarts the 4G revolution in Australia. That can only a good thing for all consumers.

3. Display

Apple has fitted the iPhone 5 with a larger 4in screen, up from the 3.5in screen size of all previous iPhone models. The screen is exactly the same width but just taller. The advantage of this longer display means an extra row of icons now fits on the iOS 6 home screen.

The larger screen is actually rather deceptive. In your hands, the iPhone 5 doesn't feel like a much larger phone at all. The width means its easy to stretch your thumb to reach most areas of the screen. It's a bit of a stretch to tap the very top of the screen if you have small hands, but for most part, the iPhone 5 offers far better ergonomics than larger phones like the Samsung Galaxy S III and the HTC One X.

The iPhone 5's screen isn't all about size either. It offers superb colour reproduction, has excellent viewing angles and displays super crisp text. Next to the iPhone 4S, the iPhone 5 displays much deeper blacks and is slightly brighter.

4. Speed

The iPhone 5 is a fast smartphone, it's as simple as that. General performance is excellent, opening and closing apps is almost instant and switching between apps is speedy. If you're coming from an iPhone 4S you won't notice the increase in speed too much, but the iPhone feels buttery smooth and fast during everyday use.

I've been using a Samsung Galaxy S III for the past few months and in my opinion, the iPhone 5 feels faster, even though the S III is certainly no slouch. The speed is particularly noticeable when you open the camera app from the lock screen in iOS 6. Do the same on the 4S and it's a second or two slower. Not a huge deal breaker but it's faster nonetheless.

5. Camera

I've only spent a few days with the iPhone 5, but I can already tell you that its camera is exceptional. It's a slight improvement on the 4S, which was no slouch itself. Macro performance is particularly impressive — the iPhone 5 can capture an excellent amount of detail in close up shots.

Apple has significantly improved the front facing camera, too. It remains below average for any serious still photos, but outgoing video performance in apps like Facetime, Skype and Tango is excellent. If you use these apps regularly, the iPhone 5 will offer better video quality.

Apple's iPhone 5: The positives

Apple's iPhone 5 has just hit the market and we've had it in our hands for a few days. Here's five positive things we've found about the iPhone 5 so far.

1. Design

The iPhone 5 looks somewhat similar to the previous iPhone 4S model in photos and pictures, but it's not until you've actually held it in your hand that you realise this is a very different beast. We almost dropped it the first time we picked it up simply because we expected it to be much heavier than it actually is. At just 112g, the iPhone 5's light weight defies its aluminium and glass construction and makes it one of the lightest smartphones on the market.

The detail in craftsmanship is very impressive, too. Although this is what most have come to expect from Apple, the iPhone 5 feels every bit a premium and expensive device. The bevelled edges on the sides, the machine drilled speaker and microphone holes at the bottom and the glass panels at the top and the bottom of the back are typical Apple touches. There's an extraordinary attention to detail in the construction of the iPhone 5 and it's something that most other smartphones lack.

2. 4G

If you're using the Telstra, Optus or Virgin Mobile networks in Australia, you'll be happy to know that the iPhone 5 is compatible with the 1800MHz LTE network band. That means you'll get 4G mobile coverage where it's available. 4G coverage is still fairly limited at the moment but when you are in a coverage area serviced by LTE, you're in for a treat. We managed to achieve download speeds of up 32 megabits per second (Mbps) on Telstra and up to 29Mbps on Optus when 4G was available. Unfortunately, Vodafone users are out of luck right now as the company isn't launching its 4G network until sometime in 2013.

Telstra launched its 4G network late last year, while Optus only lifted the lid on 4G earlier this month so it's still a relatively new phenomenon in Australia. With the iPhone 5's expected huge sales numbers, however, it is likely to be the smartphone that really kickstarts the 4G revolution in Australia. That can only a good thing for all consumers.

3. Display

Apple has fitted the iPhone 5 with a larger 4in screen, up from the 3.5in screen size of all previous iPhone models. The screen is exactly the same width but just taller. The advantage of this longer display means an extra row of icons now fits on the iOS 6 home screen.

The larger screen is actually rather deceptive. In your hands, the iPhone 5 doesn't feel like a much larger phone at all. The width means its easy to stretch your thumb to reach most areas of the screen. It's a bit of a stretch to tap the very top of the screen if you have small hands, but for most part, the iPhone 5 offers far better ergonomics than larger phones like the Samsung Galaxy S III and the HTC One X.

The iPhone 5's screen isn't all about size either. It offers superb colour reproduction, has excellent viewing angles and displays super crisp text. Next to the iPhone 4S, the iPhone 5 displays much deeper blacks and is slightly brighter.

4. Speed

The iPhone 5 is a fast smartphone, it's as simple as that. General performance is excellent, opening and closing apps is almost instant and switching between apps is speedy. If you're coming from an iPhone 4S you won't notice the increase in speed too much, but the iPhone feels buttery smooth and fast during everyday use.

I've been using a Samsung Galaxy S III for the past few months and in my opinion, the iPhone 5 feels faster, even though the S III is certainly no slouch. The speed is particularly noticeable when you open the camera app from the lock screen in iOS 6. Do the same on the 4S and it's a second or two slower. Not a huge deal breaker but it's faster nonetheless.

5. Camera

I've only spent a few days with the iPhone 5, but I can already tell you that its camera is exceptional. It's a slight improvement on the 4S, which was no slouch itself. Macro performance is particularly impressive — the iPhone 5 can capture an excellent amount of detail in close up shots.

Apple has significantly improved the front facing camera, too. It remains below average for any serious still photos, but outgoing video performance in apps like Facetime, Skype and Tango is excellent. If you use these apps regularly, the iPhone 5 will offer better video quality.

Has Apple Done Enough With the iPhone?

ANALYSTS have questioned whether Apple has done enough to stave off an Android onslaught with its upgraded iPhone 5.

Telsyte research director Foad Fadaghi said the iPhone 5 "was missing in each component differentiator" compared with features offered by Google Android-based handsets, and was more an upgrade for the Apple faithful.

"It seems it's designed for existing Apple users. It's not going to create the 'wow' factor for people who use high-end Android handsets to switch over," Mr Fadaghi said.

He said Apple was unlikely to increase its market share in Australia but was likely to 'solidify' its position and maintain its current market share.

"It's a saturated market, something that no doubt Apple has considered when it designed this device."

The iPhone 5 is a thinner, lighter smartphone with a longer 4-inch screen and is compatible with Australian fourth generation LTE mobile networks being rolled out by Telstra and Optus. It will come with a new version of Apple’s mobile operating system – iOS 6.

Jan Dawson, chief telecoms analyst at Ovum, said the iPhone 5 highlighted risks involved in Apple's strategy of only releasing one device at a time. Apple always had to strike a compromise that would appeal to a wide base of users.

"The new device strikes that compromise most dramatically in the increased vertical height. With many Android and Windows Phone devices now significantly larger than the iPhone 4S and gaining popularity, the pressure has grown on Apple to release a larger device.

"By only increasing the vertical height, it's created a device that's notably taller and thinner in aspect ratio than most of those Android devices, and as a result it will stand out, which may not be a good thing.

"While keeping the device small enough for some hands is important, many customers would have wanted something bigger, and they'll be disappointed.

He predicted Apple would sell well over 100 million iPhone 5 handsets over the next year.

Ovum however said Android's lead in total shipments and installed base would continue to grow, as Apple's devices continued to target just a subset of the addressable market and Android devices met a much wider range of customer preferences and price points.

Informa Telecoms principal analyst David McQueen said Apple had delivered a new iPhone that offered few surprises but promised a better user experience with faster LTE (long term evolution) connectivity, processor speeds and better Retina display.

"The iPhone 5 release has provided a much needed physical update of the device, despite the screen not being the largest in the smartphone market and it still lacks NFC (near field communication) and wireless charging," Mr McQueen said.

"While the new hardware may not quite stack up against other products expected in market, it is Apple's ability to create stylish, desirable products attached to a rich set of services that it hopes can still set it apart to create differentiation.

"The new optics, an upgrade to Siri, photographic capabilities and mapping functionality also add to the importance of those elements for the competitive landscape, especially in light of recent announcements from Nokia, Samsung and Microsoft."

He said 2012 had already been a strong year for Apple, having sold more than 60 million iPhones in the first half of the year, although sales had dropped by more than 9 million units from Q1 to Q2 this year, largely due to consumers waiting for the release of the iPhone 5.

Adam Leach, leader of Ovum's Devices and Platforms practice, said consumers were notoriously fickle when it comes to buying handsets.

"Without the continued innovation which we are accustomed to with Apple, the company risks losing consumer appeal. The iPhone re-defined the smartphone category in 2007 but it can't rely on past success to guarantee its future or rely on litigation to keep its competitors at bay."

MobilePhoneFinder.com.au, a smartphone specialist which analyses and compares phone plan prices, said the upgrade was "slightly underwhelming".

"We are of the view it's very much an iteration of the (iPhone 4S)," director Fred Schebesta said.

"We are slightly underwhelmed. Sure, there's been engineering advances but no quantum leap.

"Take the (new) iPod Nano. If that was the phone, there's be a wow factor. It's completely different to everything else."

Gartner research vice president Carolina Milanesi however said it was more likely that users in future would migrate from Android to Apple in future rather than the other way around.

"A lot of users buy Android but they haven't quite bought into the ecosystem yet," she said.

"It is a solid upgrade. A lot of the things that were rumoured were actually delivered."

Apple's 7-Inch Tablet Will Be Named iPad Mini, Says Report

Apple's much-rumored iPad Mini will in fact be called the iPad Mini.

At least, that's the latest from Apple blog site Macotakara. Citing info from an "Asian source," the Japanese site said the 7.85-inch tablet is expected to sport the familiar iPad logo on the back.

If true, this means that news reports and blogs speculating about the tiny tablet actually got the name right. Apple sometimes surprises its audience with its choice of names. Those of us expecting an iPad 3 earlier this year were treated simply to the iPad or the new iPad, perhaps not the ideal name but certainly unexpected.

The purported iPad Mini will pop up in October, according to a report in AllThingsD. Citing several unnamed sources, ATD's John Paczkowski said that Apple will host two separate product launches for its newest devices.

The iPhone 5 is expected to debut on September 12, ATD says, with actual sales to start September 21. Apple will then announce the new iPad the following month.

That report contradicts earlier rumors pointing to a single September 12 launch event for both the new iPhone and iPad Mini. But holding separate events would make sense as it gives both products their moment to shine.

Though the attention is on the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini, the iPod lineup may also be up for a refresh.
The iPod Nano will receive Wi-Fi connectivity and support for a cloud-based iTunes service, according to Macotakara's source.

The next iPod Touch also sports a "mysterious hole" next to its iSight camera, which Macotakara speculates could be used for near-field communication, or NFC.

Apple, Samsung Locked in Standstill in Patent Case

Apple Inc. (AAPL) and Samsung Electronics Co. (005930) reported they made no progress toward narrowing their dispute over smartphone and computer tablet patents, increasing the chances a jury will decide the matter starting Aug. 21.

The companies said yesterday they weren’t able to narrow the scope of claims at issue in the lawsuit in out-of-court talks.

The judge overseeing the case in federal court in San Jose, California, asked the parties to try to simplify the dispute, while also ordering the chief executives of the two companies to talk one more time before a jury begins deliberating.

“I think it’s too late to hold out much hope that the parties will settle before the jury comes back,” Mark Lemley, a Stanford University law professor, said yesterday by e-mail after the companies’ reported to the court. “When there is a settlement -- and there will be -- it will be a global deal involving more than just this case.”

Suits over technology patents between the companies are active on four continents. Lemley said the patent portfolios for both sides are too deep and broad not to settle and there’s a risk that both parties could face injunctions blocking the sale of their products. Apple is seeking to make permanent a preliminary ban it won in court in San Jose on U.S. sales of a Samsung tablet, and to extend the ban to Samsung smartphones.

U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh last week directed the companies to report no later than yesterday on whether “there has been some successful horse trading” to streamline and simplify claims in the case.

Koh said she remained “pathologically optimistic” a settlement could be reached. Barring such an agreement, she said, she hoped to simplify the matter for jurors, who are to begin deliberating Aug. 21.
Joint Statement

“The parties have met and conferred about case narrowing, but have not been able to narrow their cases further,” according to a joint filing signed by attorneys on both sides. The filing didn’t refer to talks between the CEOs, Tim Cook at Apple and his counterpart at Samsung, Kwon Oh Hyun.

Adam Yates, a spokesman for Suwon, South Korea-based Samsung, declined to comment on yesterday’s filing. Kristin Huguet, a spokeswoman for Cupertino, California-based Apple, also declined to comment.

Apple sued Samsung in April 2011, accusing it of copying patented designs for mobile devices, and Samsung countersued. The case is the first to go before a federal jury in a battle for dominance in a smartphone market valued by Bloomberg Industries at $219.1 billion.

The case is Apple Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., 11- cv-01846, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Jose).