http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/features/the_back_page/ en The Mac Observer Copyright 2009 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:06:49 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_could_use_7_ipad_pricing_to_punish_competitors%2F&seed_title=Apple+Could+Use+7%26%238221%3B+iPad+Pricing+to+Punish+Competitors http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_could_use_7_ipad_pricing_to_punish_competitors/ Apple has gotten so good at manufacturing its devices, Bryan Chaffin thinks the company could use pricing to bludgeon would-be tablet competitors when it releases a 7.x inch iPad later this year. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, iPad Fri, 18 May 2012 19:41:23 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_death_knell_59_-_apples_valuation_is_unsustainable%2F&seed_title=Apple+Death+Knell+%2359+-+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Valuation+Is+Unsustainable http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_death_knell_59_-_apples_valuation_is_unsustainable/ Investment analyst Fred Hickey said in a newsletter that Apple’s valuation is unsustainable, and that the company is just another consumer electronics company with unsustainable margins subject to the whims of customers. Bryan Chaffin adds him to the Apple Death Knell Counter. News, Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis Thu, 10 May 2012 17:31:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fatt_ceo_loses_sleep_over_apples_imessage%2F&seed_title=AT%26amp%3BT+CEO+Loses+Sleep+Over+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+iMessage http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/att_ceo_loses_sleep_over_apples_imessage/ What keeps AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson awake at night? Is it war? Poverty? Hunger?  Nope, it’s Apple’s iMessage. Bryan Chaffin explains why AT&T is right to fear iMessage, but argues that fearing that kind of change is the wrong mindset for telcos. News, Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iOS Tue, 08 May 2012 16:31:10 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Frim_claims_responsibility_for_aussie_wake_up_stunt%2F&seed_title=RIM+Claims+Responsibility+for+Aussie+%26%238220%3BWake+Up%26%238221%3B+Stunt http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/rim_claims_responsibility_for_aussie_wake_up_stunt/ Research In Motion confirmed on Tuesday that it, not Samsung, was behind the “Wake Up!” stunt staged outside an Australian Apple Store in April. Bryan Chaffin scratches his head and looks for meaning in the stunt. News, Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, iPhone Tue, 01 May 2012 20:27:56 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_death_knell_58_apple_sony%2F&seed_title=Apple+Death+Knell+%2358%3A+Apple+%3D+Sony http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_death_knell_58_apple_sony/ Apple = Sony. So spaketh George Colony, and so landeth Mr. Colony in the Apple Death Knell Counter as entry #58. Writing for Forrester Research, Mr. Colony said that without a new charismatic leader to take over Apple, the company will go the way of other once-great companies like Sony, Polaroid, and Disney. Bryan Chaffin argues that Forrester is missing the boat. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:40:48 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_danger_in_quashing_apples_anticompetitive_publishing_deal1%2F&seed_title=The+Danger+in+Quashing+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Anticompetitive+Publishing+Deal http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_danger_in_quashing_apples_anticompetitive_publishing_deal1/ To all outside appearances, Apple and five of the six major U.S. publishers colluded to raise prices on ebooks when Apple launched the iPad. Bryan Chaffin argues that this is one instance where collusion benefits consumers by preventing Amazon from gaining too much power in the book industry. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, iObserver Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:12:34 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fjeff_bezos_groks_tech_better_than_tech_companies%2F&seed_title=Jeff+Bezos+Groks+Tech+Better+Than+Tech+Companies http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/jeff_bezos_groks_tech_better_than_tech_companies/ Why does it seem that Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos understands at least some aspects of technology better than the technology world, especially when it comes to tablets? Bryan Chaffin argues that PC and device makers are stuck in an open licensing mindset, while a retail mogul was able to grasp the value proposition of Apple’s whole widget model. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iOS, iTunes, iPad Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:53:10 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftim_cook_speech_reveals_passion_for_apple_products%2F&seed_title=Tim+Cook+Speech+Reveals+Passion+for+Apple+Products http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tim_cook_speech_reveals_passion_for_apple_products/ We were expecting Tim Cook to talk about Apple’s financials and operations, but we weren’t expecting him to show us how much he cares about making great products. In this installment of The Back Page, Bryan Chaffin tells us why he thinks this is so important. News, Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, Reports, Apple Stock Watch Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:10:34 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmacworldiworld_drum_cricle_brings_the_tribe_together%2F&seed_title=Macworld%7CiWorld+Drum+Circle+Brings+the+Tribe+Together http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/macworldiworld_drum_cricle_brings_the_tribe_together/ Throughout last week’s Macworld|iWorld event in San Francisco, there was something that tickling the back of my mind. I wrote a little bit about it on Thursday with an editorial titled, “Day One of Macworld|iWorld: It’s Not CES,” but it didn’t really crystallize for me until the final moments of the show on Saturday. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Reports, Conferences, Macworld Expo Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:42:53 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fi_have_seen_the_future_of_ui_and_it_is_gaze%2F&seed_title=I+Have+Seen+the+Future+of+UI%2C+and+It+Is+Gaze http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/i_have_seen_the_future_of_ui_and_it_is_gaze/ Bryan Chaffin saw a lot of things at CES, but one of the coolest was Gaze, a technology from Tobii that allows you to control your computer with your eyes. In this column, he talks about why he thinks it will be an important part of the future of technology. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Reports, Conferences, CES Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:15:18 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_death_knell_57_android_will_eat_apples_lunch%2F&seed_title=Apple+Death+Knell+%2357%3A+Android+Will+Eat+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Lunch http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_death_knell_57_android_will_eat_apples_lunch/ If you were wondering, 2012 is it for Apple. It’s been a fun ride, but a tech journalist tells us during the next year Apple is going to lose its cool and get eaten by “the collective Android gang.” Bryan Chaffin explains why he added it as the 57th entry to our Apple Death Knell Counter. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, iPhone Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:14:44 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fbreaking_it_down_apple_reportedly_testing_smaller_ipads%2F&seed_title=Breaking+It+Down%3A+Apple+Reportedly+Testing+Smaller+iPads http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/breaking_it_down_apple_reportedly_testing_smaller_ipads/ Apple is testing smaller iPads, according to reports coming out of Taiwan.Taiwan-based AU Optronics and a subsidiary of Korean electronics giant LG called LG Display have been sending samples of a 7.85” display for Apple to test, screens with the same 1024 x 768 resolution of today’s iPad and iPad 2. Bryan Chaffin breaks this rumor down to see if smaller iPads could be in our future. News, Rumor, Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, iPad Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:11:25 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fanalyst_amazon_can_compete_with_ipad_by_losing_money%2F&seed_title=Analyst%3A+Amazon+Can+Compete+with+iPad+by+Losing+Money http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/analyst_amazon_can_compete_with_ipad_by_losing_money/ If Amazon wants to compete with Apple’s iPad with its own tablet, it’s going to have to be willing to sell them at a loss, according to a report from Forrester. Bryan Chaffin argues that if the only lesson analysts take away from HP’s TouchPad debacle is that you can sell tablets by losing money, Apple’s iPad lead is assured. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, App Store, iTunes, iPad Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:43:53 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhp_cedes_greatness_to_apple%2F&seed_title=HP+Cedes+Greatness+to+Apple http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/hp_cedes_greatness_to_apple/ What happens when you put a software guy in charge of a hardware company? In the case of HP’s CEO, he pitches most of his hardware business—along with a chance to be a major player in mobile devices—turning a once-great hardware company into a software and services business in the process. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, iPhone, iOS, iPad Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:58:08 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fgoogle_microsft_is_tricksy_but_were_too_smart%2F&seed_title=Google%3A+Microsoft+is+Tricksy%2C+But+We%26%238217%3Bre+Too+Smart http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/google_microsft_is_tricksy_but_were_too_smart/ Google has fired back in the new war of words between it and Microsoft over the use of patents in the smartphone wars, calling Microsoft’s claims that it offered to buy a set of patents with Google nothing more than a dirty trick that Google was too smart to fall for. In this analysis piece, Bryan Chaffin takes Google to task faulty reasoning and trying to obfuscate the truth. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, iPhone, iOS Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:57:58 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fgoogle_apple_microsoft_using_bogus_patents_to_stifle_android%2F&seed_title=Google%3A+Apple%2C+Microsoft+Using+%26%238220%3BBogus%26%238221%3B+Patents+to+Stifle+Android http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/google_apple_microsoft_using_bogus_patents_to_stifle_android/ Google plays the victim and claims that Apple, Microsoft, and Oracle are all trying to stifle innovation by using a bunch of “bogus” patents to stifle and “strangle” Android. Bryan Chaffin labels that balderdash, and says that when it comes to patents in the smartphone world, Google isn’t the victim, it’s the perp. News, Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, iPhone, iOS Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:39:13 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fanalysts_android_windows_8_tablets_to_magically_catch_ipad%2F&seed_title=Analysts%3A+Android+%26amp%3B+Windows+8+Tablets+to+Magically+Catch+iPad http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/analysts_android_windows_8_tablets_to_magically_catch_ipad/ Bryan Chaffin found a herd of analysts who were hellbent to prove to the world that they have no idea what’s driving sales of the iPad. In a 90-page report, they said that Android and Windows 8 are going to put the hurt on the iPad, and Bryan offers his own analysis about the worth of that report. News, Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, iPad Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:28:33 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmicrosoft_coo_relishes_windows_on_mac_at_retail_store%2F&seed_title=Microsoft+COO+Relishes+Windows+on+Mac+at+Retail+Store http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/microsoft_coo_relishes_windows_on_mac_at_retail_store/ At Microsoft’s World Partners Conference, company execs displayed a little Apple angst, from a stumbling effort to make something “magical” to a little glee at Windows running on a Mac at a retail store. Bryan Chaffin offers his thoughts and screenshots from the event. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:42:17 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fdeath_knell_56_apples_closed_system_doomed_to_die%2F&seed_title=Death+Knell+%2356%3A+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Closed+System+Doomed+to+Die http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/death_knell_56_apples_closed_system_doomed_to_die/ Bryan Chaffin brings you the 56th Apple Death Knell, which comes to us courtesy of The Today Show’s Paul Hochman who told attendees of the Forward with Ford Futuring and Trends Conference that all closed systems fail, and thus Apple will fail, too. That’s pretty open and shut, right? Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, iObserver, iOS Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:59:47 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ffacebook_seeks_failure_by_challenging_apples_app_store%2F&seed_title=Facebook+Seeks+Failure+by+Challenging+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+App+Store http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/facebook_seeks_failure_by_challenging_apples_app_store/ Facebook is working on a super secret project called Project Spartan that would wrest control of mobile app distribution away from the likes of Apple and Google, and put it into the hands where CEO Mark Zuckerberg is delusional enough to think it belongs, Facebook. This is the kind of hubris that only phenomenally successful kids in their early 20s are capable of confusing with reality. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iOS, iTunes, iPad, iPod Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:56:30 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fno_new_apple_death_knells_but_ignorance_abounds%2F&seed_title=No+New+Apple+Death+Knells%2C+but+Ignorance+Abounds http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/no_new_apple_death_knells_but_ignorance_abounds/ Bryan Chaffin hasn’t found any new Apple Death Knells to add to the list, but he did come upon two articles today that are just awful examples of journalism, and he wants to fit both authors for some quality time with a dunce cap. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page Wed, 18 May 2011 17:52:16 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fonly_two_companies_can_compete_with_ipad_amazon_microsoft%2F&seed_title=Only+Two+Companies+Can+Compete+with+iPad%3A+Amazon+%26amp%3B+Microsoft http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/only_two_companies_can_compete_with_ipad_amazon_microsoft/ There’s only two companies that are capable of mounting a viable competitor to Apple’s iPad, according to Bryan Chaffin, and that’s Amazon and Microsoft. Only those two companies can offer a compelling experience in a tablet, and when it comes to tablets, experience is everything. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iOS, iTunes, iPad Thu, 05 May 2011 14:22:47 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_death_knell_55_-_dell_says_ipad_will_fail_in_enterprise%2F&seed_title=Apple+Death+Knell+%2355+-+Dell+Says+iPad+Will+Fail+in+Enterprise http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_death_knell_55_-_dell_says_ipad_will_fail_in_enterprise/ Bryan Chaffin is delighted to bring you the newest addition to TMO’s Apple Death Knell Counter: Death Knell #55 comes from a Dell exec claiming that the iPad will fail in the enterprise because it’s not open and it’s too pricey. News, Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, iObserver, iPad Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:36:37 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsome_amazon_appstore_apps_require_rooting_att_need_not_apply%2F&seed_title=Some+Amazon+Appstore+Apps+Require+Rooting%2C+AT%26amp%3BT+Need+Not+Apply http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/some_amazon_appstore_apps_require_rooting_att_need_not_apply/ Amazon announced its own “Amazon Appstore for Android” this week, and a couple of notes from the company caught my attention*. The first is that the company is selling some apps that require users to root their Android devices before they’ll work, and the second is a warning to those on AT&T’s network that Ma Bell doesn’t support apps downloaded from Amazon. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iOS, iTunes, iPad, iPod Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:54:12 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapples_app_store_rejects_readability_readability_abandons_app%2F&seed_title=Apple%26%238217%3Bs+App+Store+Rejects+Readability%2C+Readability+Abandons+App http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_app_store_rejects_readability_readability_abandons_app/ Apple has rejected readability’s self-titled iOS app because it violates Apple’s newly-instituted policies on in-app subscriptions. As a result, Readability has abandoned its iOS app, releasing an Open Letter to Apple accusing the company of greed and bad faith. Bryan Chaffin argues further that Apple is operating against its own long-term interests. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iOS, iTunes, iPad, iPod Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:02:12 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_death_knell_54_iphone_doomed_to_niche_status%2F&seed_title=Apple+Death+Knell+%2354%3A+iPhone+Doomed+to+Niche+Status http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_death_knell_54_iphone_doomed_to_niche_status/ Bryan Chaffin was able to find another Apple Death Knell, #54 in our Apple Death Knell Counter. Fabrice Grinda argues that Google is going to put a Microsoft over on Apple’s iPhone platform, dooming it to a niche status. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, iObserver, iPhone Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:58:44 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmicrosoft_embarrasses_itself_with_pc_vs._mac_web_site%2F&seed_title=Microsoft+Embarrasses+Itself+with+%26%238220%3BPC+vs.+Mac%26%238221%3B+Web+Site http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/microsoft_embarrasses_itself_with_pc_vs._mac_web_site/ Now that Apple has pulled the plug on its immensely popular “I’m a Mac” campaign, Microsoft has fired back with a new Web site called “PC vs. Mac: The PC has Blu-ray capability, more software choices, and more!” No, seriously, that’s the name. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:56:12 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fiphone_4_to_3gs_dropped_call_comparison_meaningless_without_context%2F&seed_title=iPhone+4+to+3GS+Dropped+Call+Comparison+Meaningless+Without+Context http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/iphone_4_to_3gs_dropped_call_comparison_meaningless_without_context/ During Apple’s iPhone 4 “Antennagate” press conference, CEO Steve Jobs made what I think is a convincing case that Antennagate is mostly much ado about little. One factoid that he gave us — that the iPhone 4 drops just one more call per hundred than the iPhone 3GS — has little value without context, however, and that’s just how it was presented, without context. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, iPhone Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:55:57 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fpolitician_accuses_apple_of_liberal_political_agenda_in_app_store_approvals%2F&seed_title=Politician+Accuses+Apple+of+Liberal+Political+Agenda+in+App+Store+Approvals http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/politician_accuses_apple_of_liberal_political_agenda_in_app_store_approvals/ A politician accuses Apple of pursuing a liberal political agenda with the App Store approval process, and Bryan Chaffin looks at the perilous position Apple puts itself into by being the gatekeeper of political speech. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, App Store, iPhone Mon, 24 May 2010 18:35:33 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fits_when_not_if_android_gets_bigger_than_iphone%2F&seed_title=It%26%238217%3Bs+When%2C+Not+If%2C+Android+Gets+Bigger+than+iPhone http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/its_when_not_if_android_gets_bigger_than_iphone/ Bryan Chaffin thinks that angst over who is bigger, Android or iPhone, is misspent. Android will eventually be bigger than iPhone, and Apple will continue making the big bucks. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, iPhone, iPod Tue, 18 May 2010 09:15:58 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fi_come_to_bury_gizmodo%2F&seed_title=I+Come+to+Bury+Gizmodo%26%238230%3B http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/i_come_to_bury_gizmodo/ Bryan Chaffin says that if we want to find fault for Gizmodo paying for a lost iPhone prototype, we need look no further than at ourselves and at one of Apple’s most important marketing tools, secrecy.  Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, iObserver, iPad Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:28:19 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fpoker_on_the_mac_rush_poker_on_fulltilt_is_awesome%2F&seed_title=Poker+on+the+Mac%3A+Rush+Poker+on+FullTilt+is+Fast%2C+Furious%2C+%26amp%3B+Fun http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/poker_on_the_mac_rush_poker_on_fulltilt_is_awesome/ Bryan Chaffin looks at FullTilt Poker’s new way to play poker, Rush Poker. It’s fast, and marks a major evolution in the game that really takes into account the fact that online poker is played on computers for the first time. Reviews, Quick Look Review, Columns and Opinions, The Back Page Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:14:21 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhen_to_worry_about_apples_control_over_the_ipad%2F&seed_title=When+to+Worry+About+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Control+Over+the+iPad http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/when_to_worry_about_apples_control_over_the_ipad/ Apple’s control over the iPad (and iPhone) is part of what makes those devices great, but Bryan Chaffin make the case that there could be a point at which we should all worry about that control. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iPad, iPod Tue, 06 Apr 2010 07:30:46 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_death_knell_53_john_dvorak_declares_ipad_a_non-starter%2F&seed_title=Apple+Death+Knell+%2353%3A+John+Dvorak+Declares+iPad+a+Non-Starter http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_death_knell_53_john_dvorak_declares_ipad_a_non-starter/ It's been many years since we've had a new entry into the Apple Death Knell Counter, but thanks to John C. Dvorak's tireless efforts to push our buttons, we do so today, with Death Knell #53, in which Mr. Dvorak proclaims the iPad a non-starter. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, iObserver, iPad Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:00:17 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhat_would_you_do_with_an_ipad%2F&seed_title=What+Would+You+Do+With+an+iPad%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/what_would_you_do_with_an_ipad/ Personally, I'm not overly interested in what the iPad can't do, but rather what it does well, what it does better than a laptop and better than a smartphone. Accordingly, we're asking our readers to tell us what you think you'll use it for. Tell us what kind of plans so you have for the device. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, iObserver, iPad Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:43:53 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Funderstanding_the_ipad_starts_with_understanding_apple%2F&seed_title=Understanding+the+iPad+Starts+with+Understanding+Apple http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/understanding_the_ipad_starts_with_understanding_apple/ As much fun as it is to laugh at the reactionary minority who are dismissing the iPad, I thought it would be useful to try and take a closer look at why Apple is releasing this device. And not to sound all wannabe zen koan or anything, I think that understanding this device starts with understanding Apple in first place. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iPad Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:05:58 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fcan_the_publishing_industry_save_itself_from_apple_saving_the_publishing_in%2F&seed_title=Can+the+Publishing+Industry+Save+Itself+From+Apple+Saving+the+Publishing+Industry%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/can_the_publishing_industry_save_itself_from_apple_saving_the_publishing_in/ Something crossed my desk today that reminded me of the iTunes/record label issue, a column warning The New York Times and other newspapers about "the iTunes trap." Seriously? "The iTunes trap?" Is that the trap of being saved? Of seeing new and increased revenues? Is that the trap of finally monetizing all those online eyeballs? For goodness sake, save us from the horror!!!!! Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, iObserver, iPhone, iTunes, iPad Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:00:01 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fis_the_industry_moving_closer_to_apples_whole_widget_approach_not_really%2F&seed_title=Is+The+Industry+Moving+Closer+to+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Whole+Widget+Approach%3F+Not+Really http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/is_the_industry_moving_closer_to_apples_whole_widget_approach_not_really/ Many people have been talking about Google's Nexus One and some other products as examples of companies moving towards Apple's "whole widget" approach to making dinner. Bryan Chaffin says that's bunch of hooey. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Reports, Mac OS, iObserver, iPhone, iPod Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:45:07 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_officially_writes_off_microsoft_moves_sights_to_google%2F&seed_title=Apple+Officially+Writes+Off+Microsoft%2C+Moves+Sights+to+Google http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_officially_writes_off_microsoft_moves_sights_to_google/ I wrote off Microsoft long ago. Except the Mac Business Unit - I think Office for Mac is a great product.  Seriously, though, under Steve Ballmer's leadership, Microsoft has largely floundered, moving from one blundered catch up project to another. Apple's purchase of Quattro has made me think that Apple largely agrees and largely sees Google as the competition going forward. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:17:51 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmiami_newspaper_tells_tale_of_heroic_psystar_founders_their_battle_for_medi%2F&seed_title=Miami+Newspaper+Tells+Tale+of+Heroic+Psystar+Founders+%26amp%3B+Their+Battle+For+Mediocrity http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/miami_newspaper_tells_tale_of_heroic_psystar_founders_their_battle_for_medi/ The Miami New Times has published a brazen attempt to cast Psystar's owners as heroic Davids fighting a corporate Goliath, all without any context for what's really at stake. So please allow me to provide that context.  I've been wanting to write something about why I think it's very important for the computing industry as a whole for these two sacks of crap to lose, and this is a good excuse to do so. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:52:52 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fbalderdash_theres_plenty_of_room_for_itablet_dedicated_ebook_readers%2F&seed_title=BALDERDASH%21+There%26%238217%3Bs+Plenty+of+Room+for+iTablet+%26amp%3B+dedicated+Ebook+Readers%21 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/balderdash_theres_plenty_of_room_for_itablet_dedicated_ebook_readers/ My learned colleague John Martellaro got me thinking - as he so often does - with his piece this morning saying that Apple's (as yet unannounced) iTablet will crush the life out of the dedicated Ebook readers from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Sony, and my primary thought was, "BALDERDASH!" Or maybe, "NONSENSE!" Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, iPad Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:42:05 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmicrosofts_guru_bars_could_be_a_success%2F&seed_title=Microsoft%26%238217%3Bs+Guru+Bars+Could+be+a+Success http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/microsofts_guru_bars_could_be_a_success/ I've been a vocal critic, some might even say jackass critic, of Microsoft's planned and upcoming retail stores, but some reader reaction to the news that Big Redmond was poaching Apple's retail management gave me pause for thought. That thought - and I assure you no one was as surprised as me - was that the company's "Guru Bars" might not be as big a disaster as many expect. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:32:45 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_stirs_muddy_waters_with_ipod_touch_emphasis%2F&seed_title=Apple+Stirs+Muddy+Waters+with+iPod+touch+Emphasis http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_stirs_muddy_waters_with_ipod_touch_emphasis/ There was one thing from Wednesday's media event I just didn't get. I mean, I've chewed it over with people that were there and people that weren't. I've thought about it and thought about it, and it just bugs me: What the hell was up with the 15 minute iPod touch recap during an event that's usually used to introduce new products to the media? Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, iObserver, iPod Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:28:26 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwindows_enterprise_columnist_builds_marvelous_apple_straw_man%2F&seed_title=Windows%2FEnterprise+Columnist+Builds+Marvelous+Apple+Straw+Man http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/windows_enterprise_columnist_builds_marvelous_apple_straw_man/ This just in: "Early Release Won't Help Apples Snow Leopard Win Corporate Converts." In other news, "Chevy Volt's High Mileage Won't Help GM Land DoD Jet Fighter Contract." Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Reports, Mac OS, Snow Leopard, Leopard Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:33:39 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Flooking_at_skype_google_voice_from_atts_point_of_view%2F&seed_title=Looking+at+Skype%2FGoogle+Voice+from+AT%26amp%3BT%26%238217%3Bs+Point+of+View http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/looking_at_skype_google_voice_from_atts_point_of_view/ Apple's created quite a kerfuffle by approving and then pulling third party Google Voice apps from the App Store, and by not approving Google's own iPhone client at all. Being the smartass contrarian that I am, I thought maybe I should speak for the other guy, which is AT&T. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:30:02 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fmicrosoft_stores_next_to_apple_stores_wheres_the_win%2F&seed_title=Microsoft+Stores+Next+to+Apple+Stores%3A+Where%26%238217%3Bs+the+Win%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/microsoft_stores_next_to_apple_stores_wheres_the_win/ As a columnist, there are days where you just dream something like this will land in your lap. This is one of those days. I wrote up the news coverage Wednesday, but more than 24 hours later I am still a little dumbfounded at the news that Microsoft is planning on opening up its own retail locations right next to some Apple Store locations. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Reports, Apple Stock Watch, iPhone Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:38:19 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapples_iphone_itunes_monopoly_seriously%2F&seed_title=Apple%26%238217%3Bs+iPhone+%26amp%3B+iTunes+Monopoly%3F+Seriously%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_iphone_itunes_monopoly_seriously/ I noted that David Coursey is calling for Apple's monopoly over the iPhone and iTunes to be brought to an end, and that seemed a good opportunity to note back that proprietary simply doesn't equal monopoly, no matter how you slice, dice, or julienne it. Columns and Opinions, The Back Page Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:24:18 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Flooking_ahead_at_the_app_stores_future%2F&seed_title=Looking+Ahead+at+the+App+Store%26%238217%3Bs+Future http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/looking_ahead_at_the_app_stores_future/  Seems the App Store had a birthday Monday, celebrating its first full year of operation, most of which was spent being a massive game changer in the cell phone/smartphone market. What's a poor pundit to do with such an auspicious occasion but look ahead to the next year and try to guess what will come?  Columns and Opinions, The Back Page Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:30:16 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fa_closer_look_at_apple_antitrust%2F&seed_title=A+Closer+Look+at+Apple+%26amp%3B+Antitrust http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_closer_look_at_apple_antitrust/ On Monday, I covered a report that the Obama Administration's DoJ is looking askance at the telecom industry, including the exclusive relationships that carriers and handset manufacturers have developed. I'm not a big fan of most monopolies, and this news prompted me into taking a closer look into whether or not this situation is deserving of the DoJ's attention.  Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Analysis, Reports, Apple Stock Watch, iPhone Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:30:26 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fthe_back_page&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhy_cant_the_competition_out-apple_apple%2F&seed_title=Why+Can%26%238217%3Bt+The+Competition+Out-Apple+Apple%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/why_cant_the_competition_out-apple_apple/ I just finished writing a story about how Asustek wants to make better products than Apple, and I came out of thinking to myself that there's just no way this firm was going to out-Apple Apple, which immediately begs the question of, "Why?" Why is it that no one can seem to do what it is that Apple does, even though Apple has provided a blueprint for how to do it? Columns and Opinions, The Back Page, Reports, Mac OS, iPhone Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:30:41 -0400