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iPhone Developers Now Allowed to Issue Promo Copies of Apps

Dave — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:25:23 +0000

At long last Apple is officially allowing developers the right to issue “promotional” copies of applications free of charge to beneficiaries.

Developers had previously found it difficult to apportion promotional copies of applications, having to opt for Ad-hoc distribution or gift certificate issuance. Macrumors reports that upon App Store approval, developers will be able to dish out up to 50 promotional codes which can allow a user to download a full version of the application without cost. Such codes are currently exclusive to the U.S. iTunes store and can be accessed by selecting a “Redeem” link.

ArsTechnica had managed to speak with a few developers that were enthusiastic about the recent change. Developer Raven Zachary, noted “I think this is great—it will reduce dependency on using ad hoc distribution for friends and family as well as reviews by the press and bloggers,” adding, “This is one of the things that developers have been asking for since the launch of the App Store.” Ben Gottlieb of Stand Alone, Inc. showed similar vehemence stating, “With the addition of promo codes to our tool box, developers are now able to finally promote their apps with something a little less shady than passing around iTunes gift cards.”

While all seems hopeful, there are a few developers that feel there is room left to grow. Jonathan Wight of Touch Code stated “Now I just wish they would allow demos, too,” which was met with agreement from Gottlieb adding, “I’m sure Apple will be fine tuning this approach over the coming weeks. 50 copies seems a little constraining, given the sheer number of iPhone review sites out there.”

AT&T Officially Offering Free Wi-Fi for iPhone Users

Dave — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:07:21 +0000

AT&T has officially announced that they will be offering free Wi-Fi service for iPhone users across America.

While we have heard word of such offerings before, this time it is official. The new announcement states:

“AT&T knows Wi-Fi is hot, and FREE Wi-Fi is even hotter. Which is why FREE AT&T Wi-Fi access is now available for Apple iPhone at thousands of hotspots nationwide, including Starbucks*. Users can relax and access music, email and web browsing services with their favorite blend in hand from the comfort of their nearest location. For information visit www.att.com/attwifi.”

AT&T also notes that thousands of Wi-Fi hotspot locations can be found at Airports, Hotels, Universities, Convention Centers, Sports Centers, Restaurants, Bookstores, Supermarkets, and even Starbucks across the country.

They have also provided the following steps that iPhone users should take to access the free Wi-Fi:

• Activate Wi-Fi from the settings icon on your iPhone
• Select “attwifi” from the list of available networks
• Enter your 10-digit mobile number and check the box to agree to the Acceptable Use Policy. Tap ‘continue’
• You will receive a text message from AT&T with a secure link to the AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot. You will not be charged for the text message.
• The SMS link will only be valid for 24 hours at the location it was requested. Another request must be submitted when using another hotspot location.
• Open the text message and tap on the link for 24-hour access to the AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot

Analyst: Slumping Economy Leads to Trimmed Mac Sale Estimates

Dave — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:51:06 +0000

American Technology Research analyst, Shaw Wu, maintains that even Apple is susceptible to downturn due in part to the severe economic situation, as he has cut his December and March quarters as well as 2009 revenue and EPS estimates.

Wu notes that while September quarter Mac sales could potentially remain healthy due to the school season and free iPod promotion, future estimates do not appear so bright. AlleyInsider reiterates Wu’s justification for slumping Mac estimates which has been broken down into three main reasons.

• First and foremost, people are buying cheaper Macs. “…it appears that more affluent consumers may be feeling the effects of a tighter credit environment.” Specifically, sales and build plans of the MacBook Air “appear more modest.”

• The second being that the industry is “likely to aim for lean inventory” during slow macro conditions.

• The third and final reason is that supply chain checks offer “low visibility in the December and March quarter, which we believe will likely impact build plans.”

It is commonly thought that distributors and OEMs may be looking to keep inventory low and supply chain checks reveal that companies are gearing towards low and mid-range Macs. Wu has cut September and December quarter estimates by nearly $100 million each and trimmed fiscal 2009 revenues by about $500 million.

Less we forget all of the recent rumors circulating about, that may indicate an imminent refresh to Apple’s notebook line to be unveiled at a special event speculated to take place on October 14. While Mac notebooks have been in dire need of an overhaul, price cuts may not be out of the question for Mac to maintain sales during such economic conditions. Additionally, Apple’s iMac has been rumored to see a refresh before the ever important holiday season, which may provide some support as well.

“We continue to believe that MacBook Pro and MacBook are due for refreshes with more radical redesigns, likely at a special event later this fall. In addition, we are picking up that MacBook Air could see a minor refresh and potential price cut to increase its value proposition as build plans have slowed from earlier robust levels as customers have opted for MacBook or MacBook Pro instead.”

Microsoft to Replicate Apple Genius Program

Dave — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:48:48 +0000

If imitation is the highest form of flattery then Apple should be blushing right about now.

Microsoft has recently stated that their latest marketing campaign will include expertly trained in-store personnel. The company’s GM of corporate communications, Tom Pilla, has stated that the Microsoft representatives, dubbed “Microsoft Gurus,” will provide support and answer customer questions, effectively copying every aspect of the Apple’s Geniuses.

Microsoft will perform a trial run, sending out 155 trained Windows experts into large electronic retailers such as Best Buy and Circuit City. The Gurus, will perform similar duties as the Apple Geniuses, answering general questions about Windows and providing live demonstrations of Microsoft programs and services. Similar to their Apple doppelgangers, the Microsoft Gurus will not be paid on commission, focusing their help on which ever customers are in need of it.

The new breed of experts are said to be released into the wild by the end of 2008, yet no word has been given about when the program will expand if proven to be successful. Coming into this year’s holiday season, the Guru program will be just one piece of Microsoft’s vigorous effort to make up for lost ground.

[via Electronista]

iPhone 3G lands the cover of Best Buy Circular. Ooh La La.

Dave — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:00:29 +0000

Despite recent legal issues of over-saturating the market with iPhone 3Gs, Apple is showing no signs of slowing down as Best Buy is set to begin selling the device come September 7.

AppleInsider has gotten their hands on a copy of next week’s Best Buy circular which prominently features a cover shot of the handset in all its glory, further confirming the relationship between Apple and the nation’s largest specialty electronics retailer.

“According to next week’s circular, Best Buy will be promoting free in-store phone and email setup — a complimentary offering at Apple’s own retail shops — to customers who purchase an iPhone 3G with one of four pre-designed accessory packages. The packages range in price from $106 for an “On the go” bundle with a 5-pack of DLO surface shields and Shure Stereo headset, to $234 for an “In the car” kit that includes a Belkin FM transmitter and Jawbone Bluetooth headset.”

If you are at all familiar with Best Buy, you will have noticed by now that Apple products have been sold through the retail giant for quite some time. The two companies have enjoyed a partnership since the fall of 2006, when Best Buy began testing out an Apple center concept within 50 stores. After proving fruitful, the company expanded their Apple sector to reach 600 of their retail outlets.

Until now, Americans could only purchase the device directly through an Apple or AT&T retail outlet, of which there are approximately 2,200 throughout the nation combined. Yet beginning this Sunday, Best Buy plans on carrying the device at every one of its 970 or so US retail stores, which will undoubtedly spur an incremental boost of sales.

Apple’s Free iPod, Back to School Promotion Ends September 15th

Aviv — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:11:11 +0000

Apple’s annual “Back to School” promotion is massively successful, generating the company extensive revenue, while getting new computers, iPods and software into new user’s hands. This year’s Back to School promotion ends September 15th.

While it would be easy to say “Students Hurry, it’s almost the 15th,” Apple’s notebook and iPod line is currently in limbo. With a special event confirmed by Apple for September 9th, we can expect to see some new iPods and if we’re lucky, we might even get some new notebooks (though I wouldn’t hold your breath). If you’re in the market for an iPod or Apple notebook, it would be an intelligent decision to hold out until we know what is released on the 9th.

Analyst Predicts Record Breaking September Quarter Mac Sales

Dave — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:55:31 +0000

Apple’s back to school promotion may be showing booming signs of Mac sales that may lead to a record breaking quarter.

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) analyst, Mike Abramsky, is expecting the Cupertino based company to ship just over 3 million Macs in the September quarter, which represents 41% year-over-year growth and 22% quarter-over-quater growth, up from previous estimates of 2.8 million.

RBC’s most recent technology adoption survey of 4,400 consumers indicates, “massive Mac sales… demonstrating resilience despite a sluggish consumer spending environment.” The study further shows that 34% of respondents are planning on purchasing a Mac within the next three months, while an additional 30% plan on buying a Mac desktop.

“We forecast Apple’s global PC share to rise to 4.2 percent [in 2009], from 2.9 percent [in 2007],” he said, adding that every 25 basis points of market share gain will equate to $1 billion in incremental revenue and $0.15 in per share earnings. via AppleInsider.

There are two factors that may be driving this increased Q4 growth. The first of which, is Apple’s back-to-school promotion that offers up a free iPod touch (rebate) to educational customers that purchase a qualifying Mac by September 15. The second factor is, what is referred to as the “iPhone halo effect,” in which 17% of those involved in RBC’s survey say that they are more likely to buy a Mac after purchasing an iPhone 3G.

[via AlleyInsider]

Bodog Announces “Apple MacBook Blackjack Promotion”

Christina — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:22:59 +0000

For those of you interested in gambling…or for that matter gambling ONLINE…Listen up! Bodog Casino has recently announced one of its best promotions (in our opinion) to date. This September, Bodog will be offering up thousands in cash prizes in ADDITION to Apple Macbook computers.

From August 20th to October 1st, Bodog will implement the “Apple MacBook Blackjack Promotion”. During this 6-week tourney (poker lingo) Bodog Casinos will be offering up weekly goodies to the top ten players with natural Blackjacks. (Now, I don’t know that much about card, but I believe a “Natural Blackjack” is when the participants is dealt an ace and a face card….Please, correct me if I am wrong.) Out of these ten people per week, the top 5 players overall that his the most “NBJs” win an Apple laptop. Anyone can enter (over the legal age). The weekly top ten players automatically win $100 ever week with a total of $6000 up for grabs as well as shiny new hardware. Clearly those at Bodog know the value of owning a Mac…

In my opinion this was a wise move by Bodog Casinos. The fact that I am able to write “Bodog Casino” and “Apply Computers” in the same article almost bogles my mind. It is undeniable that online gambling is racking in the dough, but who would have though that part of their incentives would include luxury (and practical) winnings such as a new Macbook laptop….So we can gamble our days away in style!

Bodog Casinos touts itself as one of the few online casinos that allows the participation of US players. Established in 1995, Bodog has grown to be on of the largest online gambling companies in the world, comprising of a sports book, online casino, and poker room. For more information, check out their website at www.bodog.com.

Too read the full article at Pokernewscasino.com, click here.

Microsoft Retains Jerry Seinfeld as Part of $300 Million Ad Blitz

Dave — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:47:58 +0000

In order to combat the battered reputation that Microsoft has been receiving over the past several years, they are going to begin a $300 million ad campaign that is set to star known Mac user Jerry Seinfeld.

The decision follows in the wake of Apple’s, “Get a Mac” campaign, a series of humorous ads aimed at bashing Microsoft’s Vista operating system, while simultaneously displaying the various strengths of the Mac platform.

In lieu of feeling completely ousted, Microsoft has retained the services of comedian Jerry Seinfeld to appear in a new campaign built around the principle of “Windows breaks down barriers that prevent people and ideas from connecting.” Perhaps it should be,” Windows breaks down and prevents people with ideas from connecting.”…that was far too easy.

Anyway, Seinfeld is reported rake in a cool $10 million for his efforts, and will appear alongside Bill Gates, in what will presumably be some funny commercials. The $300 million campaign marks the marks one of the largest in the company’s history. According to the WSJ, Microsoft had considered hiring a number of different comedic celebrities including Will Ferrel and Chris Rock.

In attempts to revitalize Vista’s image, Microsoft’s Chief Exec, Steve Ballmer, said “Now it’s time to tell our story. In the weeks ahead, we’ll launch a campaign to address any lingering doubts our customers may have about Windows Vista. And later this year, you’ll see a more comprehensive effort to redefine the meaning and value of Windows for our customers.”

[via WSJ]

Aussies get iPhone Thursday at midnight… so Friday, but early.

Craig — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:30:11 +0000

“Technology buffs have a wait of less than a day before they get their hands on Apple’s new iPhone, with Optus holding a launch party at midnight on Thursday.”

“Optus will begin selling the iPhone to registered customers at their Sydney store on George Street, with the rest of the country getting access to the much-anticipated device at 7am (AEST) on Friday.”

“Apple release the iPhone internationally on Friday, and thanks to our place in the international time zone, Australians will be among the first in the world to purchase the much-anticipated gadget.”

“Optus’s Melissa Clare said the launch party in Sydney would begin at 10pm (AEST) on Thursday night, with MTV’s Gaustina Agolley, or Fuzzy, hosting the event.”

“Anybody will be able to buy the phone on Friday morning, but Optus will give priority to those that have registered.”

Additional Thoughts: Hey, I like to party but unfortunately there is no scheduled event to mark this historic occasion like that here. So instead I’m just going to have to stand in line for hours like the rest of us. Damn.

Full article here.