Warren Buffett bought some 5.41 million shares of Apple during the June quarter, according to regulatory filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The investment cost more than half a billion dollars, and represents a 55% increase in Berkshire Hathaway’s stake in Apple.
Apple Music and iTunes Downloads Combine into One Powerful Music Platform
Apple’s decision to continue selling iTunes downloads alongside its Apple Music streaming service is proving to be a powerful combination. Three albums debuted in the number one spot this year as exclusive offerings from Apple. No other competing service can claim to have pushed an album to number one.
Microsoft Expertly Demonstrates Why Encryption Backdoors Are Terrible Ideas
Microsoft did long term privacy advocates a huge favor, even while it screwed over untold millions of customers. The company expertly demonstrated the foolhardy nature of backdoors even existing by accidentally leaking a so-called “golden key.” That key will allow anyone to bypass Microsoft’s Secure Boot protections, rendering them moot.
Samsung Pay Transaction Tokens Can Be Intercepted, But It's All Cool, Bro
An interesting story is developing around Samsung Pay: the first part is that transaction tokens can be intercepted; and the second part is that Samsung calls this an “acceptable risk” because it’s hard to do.
Apple Uses Black Hat Conference to Launch Bug Bounty Program, Will Pay up to $200K
Apple announced a bug bounty program on Thursday, a much-needed departure from the past. The program will pay up to US$200,000 for bug reports on its software. In another departure, Apple made the announcement at the annual Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas. Apple hasn’t given a presentation at the event in four years.
New Hardware Could Complete Apple's 4K/UHD TV Future
Apple has been nibbling around the edges of the TV experience for a long time. The Apple TV has been a good start, and the recent emphasis on the 4th generation Apple TV and apps has been good. And yet, Apple hasn’t really closed the loop for a complete viewing experience and has delivered only pieces of the needed hardware. John fantasizes a bit. But with logic.
FBI Still Wants Encryption Compromise Where None is Possible
FBI Director Comey is still searching for a so-called compromise on encryption, even though no such compromise is possible. Mr. Comey wants America to discuss the issue before a terror or criminal event involving encryption makes rational discussion impossible.
Apple, Accustomed to Skating to the Puck, Now Also Guiding the Puck
When Apple was struggling to gain acceptance in the marketplace, it was profitable to surge relentlessly forward, leaving the enterprise behind and mesmerizing the consumer. Nowadays, Apple tends to nurture the markets it has while seeking new avenues for growth. This makes it harder to estimate Apple’s future prospects. Yet, investors are starting to appreciate the nuances.
T-Mobile, Pokémon GO, and Another Test for Net Neutrality
T-Mobile customers will soon get one year of free unlimited data for Pokémon GO, the hit new augmented reality mobile game. While exciting for fans of the game, net neutrality advocates should be wary of this latest move from “the un-carrier.”
Apple Innovation Timeline - Revolutions Keep on Turning
Apple continues to turn out product and service revolutions, even after the loss of Steve Jobs. This Apple innovation timeline shows the company is pumping out those revolutions at the same pace it did with Steve.
Apple Continues to Leverage Its Supply Chain to Maximize Margins (Like Always)
Apple is putting pressure on its suppliers to cut prices to maintain its profit margins, according to a report from DigiTimes that’s been picked up by other publications. What’s missing from the piece, however, is that Apple is always pressuring its suppliers to cut costs for the sake of its own margins.
Tesla Autopilot Death a Stark Reminder that Autonomous Vehicles Are Still Early
The death of a Tesla-driver whose car was in “Autopilot” mode is a tragic reminder that self-driving cars are in their infancy. We have far, far to go before self-driving vehicles are the norm, though that day remains inevitable.
Apple's Change From OS X to macOS Hardly 'Muddies the Waters'
On June 30, an article was published at Computerworld claiming that Apple’s change from “OS X” to “macOS” will “do nothing for the Mac except accelerate its downward spiral as a fringe hardware product… and muddy the waters.” John Martellaro takes a look at this article with a critical eye and sets the record straight.
Why I'll be Buying a New iPhone 7
Some say, the iPhone 7 will be a yawner. What’s forgotten is that our appetite for new (useful) toys and being state-of-the art always outweighs the cynicism of skeptics and critics. John’s going to have a new iPhone 7, and states why you should think seriously about one too. Ignore the voices that seek control.
Apple Discontinues Thunderbolt Display, Directs Customers to Unspecified 3rd Party Displays
It is with a mix of sadness, contempt, and relief that I offer you the news that Apple acknowledged it has put a bullet in its 5-year old Thunderbolt Display. The company issued a statement to The Verge confirming the news, directing customers to third parties for their external display needs.
