The new Apple iPad has been unveiled!

Apple has unveiled an updated iPad tablet with a high-definition screen and faster communications. These were the two most important expectations set for the device. At an event in San Francisco on Wednesday Tim Cook unveiled the third updated version of the tablet which he referred to as the ‘new iPad’ instead of giving it a specific name. It will become available on March 16 in the US and nine other countries: UK, Canada, Germany, France, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Japan.The product looks and feels like iPad 2 although slightly heavier and thicker. Rupert Goodwins stated on his technology website: ‘Unless you are a big Apple fan it will look like any other iPad.’ Its starting price is also the same: $399 for the Wi-Fi only models, or $659 for models with Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity. The price of the iPad 2 is dropping to a starting price of $329. Apple tries to appeal to its users by the variety of technological improvements instead of the low price in its attempt to stay ahead of competitors.

The main features of the new iPad include HD retina display- an unusually sharp display, support for the 4G connectivity known as LTE (10 times faster than 3G found in the iPad 2) and a faster microprocessor chip with improved graphics performance that helps run realistic-looking videogames. It therefore seems like this new improved tablet is designed more as a tool for the creative class. The device important to Apple’s efforts to increase control over the number of activities consumers are able to do digitally. The new iPad proves that mobile devices such as tablets can in the future replace personal computers performing the same number of operations. Tim Cook talked on Wednesday about the ‘post PC era’; where PC is just a device not the centre of our technological world, and Apple’s dominance of it. He highlighted the company’s capability to create a broad range of digital devices that had become central part of consumers’ lives.

This launch is the first major event for Apple since the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Now Apple Executives need to show why all these innovations are worth it. Although the changes are not radical they seem to have met the expectations of technical analysts and Apple followers that have been speculating about the new device for months. Most technical experts are impressed by the improvements and believe the new iPad will sell well. However, others express their disappointment that Apple failed to include haptic touch-feedback technology in the display or access to the iPhone 4S’ voice-controlled Siri ‘intelligent assistant.’ So far there is no explanation as to why the device has not been given a specific name, like expected iPad 3, which may confuse the purchasers. It may be in connection to the trademark dispute raised by Proview but the only reason given was ‘because we don’t want to be predictable’.

Also see: ‘We have something you really have to see. And touch.’ Technological Updates

Since the introduction of the first iPad in 2010, the firm grew rapidly taking over the tablet market. Despite many disputes and lawsuits, Apple continues to dominate the market, having sold over 50 million iPads so far. More than 83 per cent of all U.S. tablet users choose iPad according to eMarketer. The company, however may face a challenge from Microsoft once tablets running Windows 8 system go on sale as the improvements introduced are not considered enough to ensure Apple’s lead in the market.

During the event, Apple also mentioned that a new version of its Apple TV device with higher-resolution video would go on sale March 16. The product enables viewers to get Internet video on traditional TV as well as purchase movies via iTunes across Apple devices. The event was closed by Mr. Cook announcing that there is still more to come this year.

Also see: Apple worth more than most countries in the world! | Apple remains in the centre of patent and trademark disputes | Patent disputes: protecting manufacturers or threatening innovation 

Apple TV | Apple iPad | Apple Accessories | Apple Covers

The Windows 8 experience

On Wednesday 29 February, Microsoft introduced the consumer preview version of Windows 8 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Steven Sinofsky considers it the most important ‘generational change’ since Windows 95 that introduced Start menu and taskbar.

The new version attempts to bridge the gap between desktop, laptop and tablet. The software is available to download, before its public launch in a few months. Since Windows 7 is quite difficult to use on touch-screen devices, the new operating system is designed for the low power chips to be compatible with mobile phones and tablets in an attempt to effectively compete with Apple and Google: ‘We challenged ourselves to bring the best of mobility and the best of PCs, in an experience where you don't have to compromise.’ Steven Sinofsky chose to present its new operating system at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona instead of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas which shows a new direction in Microsoft’s approach to computing.

Windows 8 has two modes: Metro-style, a modern mobile operating system built on a new ‘Windows Runtime’, and the standard Windows desktop, still needed by Microsoft for existing applications such as Office. In the Metro mode apps are installed from an online store, run full screen and are simple to use. Apps can run at the same time, but only two can share the screen, they also remain responsive when performing long operations thanks to the new runtime. Some important changes have been made since the Developer Preview. There are many more apps available which include Mail, Music, SkyDrive, and People. All store apps are free for the time being and will remain free until the commercial launch. The Metro-style Windows 8 performance of is excellent when tapping on-screen controls, using the keyboard or flipping through apps. Microsoft's social media account synchronisation also works great. As soon as you log into Windows Life  your contacts from Twitter (or other social networking site) are imported to the People app. Windows 8 will also use the cloud to store users' preferences so that they can automatically load when the user signs in.

Metro apps look quite different from the standard Windows apps that we are used to, with their clear design and bold controls. There are several swipe patterns set up to make the use of the tablet quicker and more convenient. Many familiar smartphone gestures; pinch to zoom out, tap to enlarge and swipe, remain featured. The mouse control has also been improved since the Developer Preview. When you move the pointer to the corner of the screen with your mouse you can perform common actions: access Start menu, Windows charms and switch apps. Finding applications however may prove frustrating at times as many of them are hidden and accessible only from the Start menu. There are two versions of the Internet Explorer included: the Metro-style Windows does pure HTML5 with no add-ins installed and the desktop mode has Adobeflash, Activex etc. Some sites therefore do not work on the Metro version but Microsoft is hoping that most sites will adapt to the changes. Another issue is whether it is possible to create a user interface that works as well with touch as with mouse or a keyboard. So far, it does seem that the Metro side works better with touch, while the desktop side is still difficult to use without peripherals.

It seems that most innovations were made to the Metro platform and therefore desktop Windows 8 users may feel disappointed by the new operating system. Some consider its features, designed mainly for the Metro-style software, awkward to use. However, a few changes to improve Windows’ overall performance have also been made, such as fast boot and smart networking that switches automatically to cheaper connections.

There are a lot of expectations set for Windows 8. Windows 7 sold 525m licenses however its popularity was only on PCs. The new software has a huge potential for success, its design is more elegant than Android and despite a few minor issues it works fine and is very convenient to use. The one obvious advantage of  is the possibility to access all desktop applications at any point on your tablet.This radical move however may run a risk of alienating ordinary Windows users. Furthermore, Microsoft cannot disregard its rivals. Windows 8 may find it difficult to get acceptance facing tough competition from Apple and Google.

Also see: Patent disputes: protecting manufacturers or threatening innovation?

Apple forced to disable push email service in Germany

Apple has been forced to disable iCloud and MobileMe push capabilities on mobile devices for its users in Germany.
Push email automatically send messages to users’ devices as soon as they are delivered, without having to load the mail program first. Receiving e-mail using other settings, opening the Mail app, to obtain them is still possible.
A court in Germany ruled that Apple's push technology infringed Motorola Mobility’s patent. Motorola claims that its patent, which dates back to the times of the pager, covers Apple's implementation of ‘push’ systems. Apple is appealing against the decision as it believes its own patent is valid.

This infringement only affects push service on mobile devices, other services remain unaffected.

While the company appeals against the court ruling iCloud users can find suggestions for temporary solutions they can follow on Apple’s German website, in the support section.
Apple and Motorola Mobility have been involved in a number of patent battles in for weeks. In December Apple was forced to remove some of its iPad and iPhone models from its online store in Germany after Motorola raised a patent dispute against it. The court case was related to the use of 3G and UMTS systems. However Apple complained about the decision claiming the injunction was abusing the Frand patents, essential patents that should be available to any company willing to license them. Microsoft also filed a similar complaint against Motorola.

Earlier this month Apple won a dispute with Motorola over ‘slide to unlock’ feature on smart phones. Motorola ensures it will not affect current users and confirms that has a new design in place.

Also see: Patent dsputes: protecting manufacturers or threatening innovation? | Apple could face a ban on iPad sales in China | Samsung and the patent abuse

Samsung | Motorola | Apple | Microsoft 

Patent disputes: protecting manufacturers or threatening innovation?

Patent disputes are becoming increasingly common, particularly now that smartphone and tablet market grows. Large technology companies like Apple, Motorola and Samsung fight for market share trying to find elements of their products and pieces of intellectual property that make them unique. These ‘patent wars’ are defining future innovations and design of smartphones as well as tablets.

Frand-patent disputes

Steve Jobs last year claimed Apple wanted to destroy Android for infringing its patents and called for more clarity over how patents should be handled. The company complained that the rules protecting intellectual property are neither transparent nor consistent. Both Samsung and Motorola sued Apple over Frand principles, which were put in place to ensure that technologies crucial to the industry are distributed under fair and non-discriminatory terms. Apple committed itself to these rules in 2007. Last year it also sued its rivals for alleged infringements on its non-Frand patents.

In the letter sent to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute Apple requested  ‘appropriate royalty rate’ and ‘common royalty base’ as well as no injunction policy under which patent holders cannot block sale of rivals’ products on the basis of Frand-patent dispute. The letter followed Frand-type patent dispute with Samsung as well as Motorola. Samsung attempted to sue Apple last year, but a Dutch court refused the claim as being too expensive. The European Commission is still investigating whether Samsung failed to license key technologies to its rivals and used its rights to ‘distort competition in European mobile device markets’.

Also see: Samsung and the patent abuse

Disputes with Motorola

Last week’s dispute with Motorola forced Apple to temporarily remove several of its devices, mainly iPads and IPhones, from its German online store. Its main focus was on GPRS data transmission standard used by GSM cellular networks- an innovation considered crucial to the industry. The ban was therefore suspended after Apple made a new licence payment offer. Another court dispute with Motorola centred around Apple’s iCloud and MobileMe. Motorola claimed that Apple infringed its patent on two-way communications between pagers and other devices. Apple however appealed against the decision considering the patent to be invalid.

Its latest lawsuit against Motorola focused on ‘slide-to-unlock’ feature on smartphones. The patent was granted to Apple in March 2010 and the company won the dispute. This marks company’s first patent victory over Motorola and is considered a very important win in the battle between Apple and Android. The defeated firm however believes the decision will have no impact on supply or future sales and plans to appeal against the judgement.

Motorola Mobility is currently in the process of being acquired by Google. Most of its handsets run on Android - Google's mobile operating system, which is Apple's closest rival in the mobile market. Although the judgement relates only to activity in the German market, the decision could potentially help Apple with other patent disputes. Microsoft and Cisco back Apple in the matter. Microsoft has also forced some Android handset makers to pay it for the use of some of its patents following the letter Apple wrote.

Most manufacturers are in favour of Frand-type agreements, particularly when they are on the receiving end of a lawsuit, however the principle cannot compromise rights of patent holders. On the other hand there is a worry that patent wars may hinder innovation. They are especially discouraging for small businesses that can not afford to get involved in lengthy legal battles. If large technology companies keep focusing all their resources on legal proceedings and smaller players are discouraged from launching new products, further development may be much slower in the future.

Samsung | Motorola | Apple | Microsoft 

Lenovo sales boost! The profits are increasing while PC market is declining?

Lenovo has reported a 54 per cent increase in sales despite harsh economic situation and declining PC market.

Recently, in the unstable economic conditions, most manufacturers have been struggling to make profit. For many sales have dropped significantly due to a weak retail demand. Lenovo, however not only managed to increase its profit in declining global PC market, but also experienced a substantial jump in sales. Since the company diversified its products to include tablet PCs and smartphones it reported a 54 per cent growth in profits in emerging markets as well as in the US. Although globally it cannot compete with Apple when it comes to smartphones and tablets Lenovo brand is very strong in China. Despite its moves into other sectors, however PCs still remain its main focus.

In the last three months of 2011 company’s profit rose to £96.8m. It overtook Dell to become the second-largest PC vendor, with Hewlett-Packard claiming number one spot. Expanding sales in China, acquisition of Germany's Medion and a joint venture deal with Japan's NEC Corp all contributed to this success. Lenovo’s worldwide market share also rose to 14 per cent, up from 10.3 per cent comparing to Dell’s which grew from 12 per cent to 12.9 per cent in the third quarter. The firm remains confident that its growth will continue in the future: ‘Although challenges to worldwide PC demand remain, such as the pace of global economic recovery and the ongoing debt crisis in Western Europe, and even a hard disk drive supply shortage and cost increases, Lenovo remains optimistic that its growth momentum will continue.’

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TV price crunch... good news for consumers, nightmare for manufacturers

 While flat panel television sales are expanding, producers struggle to make profit. However, it is not the lack of demand that causes this problem as consumers spent around $115 billion on 220m flat panel televisions last year. Furthermore, many screens, around $100 billion’s worth, went into tablets, smartphones and satellite-navigation devices. It is due to the discrepancy between prices of LCD panels and manufacturing costs. Between 2004 and 2008 prices fell by 80%, while the costs of manufacturing declined by 50%. Therefore suppliers did not have much choice but to sell their panels at a loss or not at all. In six years, between 2004 and 2010 the industry lost around $13 billion. In fact none of the companies making large crystal display panels actually earns money from it. Samsung, LG, Panasonic and Sharp all make a considerable loss on LCD production. Companies that used to earn profit margin of 10-15% a year on panel industry, are now faced with a situation where they struggle to cut the losses.

There are several reasons for the price fall. Firstly, the European financial crisis prevents people from excessive, unnecessary spending, even if prices are reasonable. Secondly, LCD TVs are normally hard to differentiate as all of them are portrayed as large, good quality, and cheap. Finally, in recent years suppliers significantly expanded capacity which led to an oversupply and drove prices down. This problem has been present for years, however it was very well masked by clever accounting. Companies like Samsung and Sharp, also involved in TV industry, tried to make up losses from panel business with profits from complete sets. However, once these have become uncertain, they also started to generate losses. Most companies predict their production to be unprofitable for some years.


Despite the demand on flat-panel screens remaining high and television sales thriving, panel industry became a very unprofitable business. Televisions became so inexpensive that the profits have largely been squeezed out of them. What has been great news for consumers, however became a nightmare for manufacturers. To make matters worse, even once they deal with recent unfavourable conditions there are more challenges to come. In 2012 when Chinese factories come online the prices may drop even further.


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