Steve Jobs has died. The passing of a visionary. I don’t want to degrade his memory by turning his death into news fodder. But I do want to mark it down on my blog.
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs has passed away at age 56 on Oct 5, 2011.
To me, he created. He literally created the market that his products thrived in, and others followed.
Steve Jobs brought Apple from the brink of bankruptcy to become the biggest company in the WORLD.
He created trends and completely new categories of products and market segments, that competitors had no choice but to follow.
There are companies and there are big companies. But with the same amount of resources or more, none has been able to reinvent the technology scene like he did.
This will be the passing of an age, and I don’t think we’ll see another Steve Jobs for a long time.
May he rest in peace.
Here is the statement from Apple’s Board of Directors:
CUPERTINO, Calif. — October 05, 2011
We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.
Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.
His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.
Tim Cook delivered his first major product launch since taking over from Steve Jobs as the CEO. The main anticipation for an iPhone 5 did not come through. Instead an iPhone 4S with changed out innards was offered. By the way, Steve Jobs was absent from the event
"Let's talk iPhone" launches iPhone 4S instead of iPhone 5
The headline for the launch was the iPhone 4S. Identical to the iPhone 4 in terms of external design and appearances, the innards have been completed changed out with much better components. These include a more powerful A5 dual-core CPU promising 2x the previous computing speed and 7x graphics performance, new 8 megapixel camera, full HD video, and iOS 5.
Other highlights inlcude Siri, the voice-activated intelligent assistant and iCloud, a set of cloud services that works and syncs with all the Apple devices a user owns.
New apps and iPod Touch and nano devices were also presented.
Here’s a quick executive summary of the various products launched, their prices (in the US and in Singapore), as well as when they would be available.
Product / Availability
Prices
iPhone 4S
(black & white)
Oct 14:
US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan & UK Oct 28: 22 countries including Singapore Dec 2011:
Rest of the world
US prices (w 2 yrs contract):
16GB: US$199
32GB: US$299
64GB: US$399
The new operating system will run on tablets, desktop and laptop computers via a touch screen, mouse or keyboard. It will also be backward compatible to existing Windows software.
Windows 8 represents Microsoft’s hope of wrestling market share for tablet computers from Apple iPads and Android tablets.
Microsoft will unveil the next iteration of their Windows operating system software today at a developers conference in Anaheim, California. A preview of the design was first released in June this year.
Tough days for PC makers
Windows sales have missed analysts’ estimates for three straight quarters and personal-computer sales have stalled as consumers favor tablets over notebook computers running the software, reported Bloomberg.
Of the 9.3 million iPads sold in the quarter that ended in June, about 20 percent of them went to customers who would have otherwise bought a Windows PC, estimated Colin Gillis, an analyst at BGC Partners LP in New York.
This will be the first time that a Windows operating system is capable of running on chip technology from ARM. Microsoft aims to make Windows 8 capable of running smaller, thinner tablet computers with battery life that can rival that of the market leader – Apple’s iPad.
Out of 60 million media tablets expected to be shipped 2011, 74 percent will be Apple’s iPads, according to an August forecast by IHS. The global market is forecasted to rise to 275.3 million units in 2015, with Apple expected to account for 43.6 percent of the market.
Windows 8 design
The user interface for Windows 8 resembles Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 smartphone operating system – it uses digital tiles instead of icons to help users navigate between programs. The tiles are on the computer’s home screen can display updated information from inside applications, so that users can see the info at a glance without having to fire up those apps.
An overseas friend uses the Viber app on her iPhone for free VOIP international voice calls and text messages on her smartphone. I installed the free app on my Android phone and tested it. Setup was swift and quality was superb.
I was at the petrol station and the attendant was filling up an almost empty tank with petrol. While waiting, I whipped out my Android phone, searched the Android Market for Viber and installed it. Before the attendant had finished filling up the tank, I was already chatting with my friend in Kuala Lumpur on her iPhone – for free.
Set up was really simple on the Android phone. Once it was downloaded and installed, it gets your permission to access your contacts and sends you a 4-digit access code to activate your account. After that, you’re set to go!
Viber is free and works on the iPhone and Android phones.
The interface looks similar to the usual numeric dialpad with tabs to access recent calls, contacts, messages and more activities such as inviting friends, sharing on Facebook, tweeting etc.
Basically, Viber emulates the usual phone calling and sms usage – everything is based on your regualr phone number.
Viber dialpad on Android phone
Your account id is your phone number. If the party you’re calling has Viber installed on her Android or iPhone, you just dial her usual number, complete with international dialing code, to get connected. Viber is currently only available on the iPhone and Android phones. A BlackBerry version is in the pipeline.
Quality was good. Voice quality was loud and clear, although there was just a split-second lag, which didn’t affect the flow of the conversation in the slightest bit.
If the other party does not have Viber installed yet, the app gives you the option to place a regular call through your carrier.
Conclusion: Fast and easy to set-up and use, call quality is fantastic. The free app is compatible with iPhone 3GS (and later) and Android phones.
Nübox will be at Level 3, Booth 3105 and Level 4, Booth 8236 during COMEX 2011. Customers purchasing any MacBook Air, MacBook Pro or iPod from these booths will receive a special bundle worth up to S$361.
Consumers can also enjoy up to 70% discount on an extensive range of accessories including latest iPad 2 cases, mobile charger for iPhones and wireless Bluetooth keyboard. Nubox is offering Windows 7 Home Premium and Parallels Desktop 6 at a special price of S$249 (usual price S$318) with free upgrade to Parallels Desktop 7.
“The Wanted” giveaway
Nubox offers for Apple products during COMEX 2011.
In an exclusive tie-up with Universal Music Group, Nubox is giving away UK’s new pop sensation, The Wanted’s self-debut album and passes to the five-piece band showcase on September 17 at Comex 2011.
The first 200 customers to spend S$300 and above at the Nubox booths during Comex 2011, and “Like” the Nubox Facebook page can redeem The Wanted debut album at Nubox@Raffles City from September 10 to September 16.
The first 50 customers who purchase a Mac and “Like” the Nubox Facebook page will be entitled to a pair of showcase passes and The Wanted debut album. They can redeem the passes and debut album at Nubox@Marina Bay Link Mall from September 10 to September 16.
Sad and ominous news – for the industry, for Apple fans and surely for Steve Jobs personally. In his typical fashion, Steve Jobs has sent a letter to the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community.
In the letter, he resigns as the CEO, recommends Tim Cook as his successor, and volunteers to serve as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
Here is the text from the letter (for the moment, it’s not on Apple’s press releases site yet):
To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know.
Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.
EpiCentre will launch an App on August 29 that updates COMEX visitors of promotions from the Premier Apple Reseller during COMEX 2011 from September 1-4, and for two weeks after, at its six stores: Wheelock Place, Ion Orchard, 313 Somerset, Bugis Junction, Marina Bay Sands, and Suntec Singapore.
The App will include a QR code reader that allows only EpiCentre App users to access bargains and giveaways below:
$20 training voucher (for the first 1,000 redemptions at Comex and all EpiCentre stores)
10 Nixon backpacks to be redeemed (first 10 to spend $2000 during the Comex period at the show or all EpiCentre stores will automatically qualify)
Five $599 Geneva S Speakers to be won! Ask for your chance at Geneva’s corner at EpiCentre’s booth (Answer a simple question to qualify. A winner a day!)
Free EpiCentre membership that entitles you discounts on Apple and non-Apple products and accessories (for the first 1,000 redemptions at Comex and all EpiCentre stores)
The new ‘Apps-perience’ adds a new dimension to EpiCentre’s roadshow iPavilion concept, which showcases a large range of Apple accessories.
“We aim to keep the iPavilion concept fresh by adding a new dimension to every show. This time it’s the EpiCentre App which is not only fun, but puts great bargains right in the hands of show-goers,” said Mr Jimmy Fong, EpiCentre’s Chief Executive Officer.
Visitors to the iPavilion will also get expert advice from Apple-certified trainers on the top free and paid-for Apps: how to download the Apps with or without revealing credit card details; and help with installing Apps on-the-spot. Gamers can have the popular Angry Birds or Plans vs Zombie installed by the EpiCentre experts without lifting a finger.
The fun-packed, interactive iPavilion programme also features a noted iPhone photographer, who will have a show-and-tell session on stage on using iPhone apps to capture the perfect picture.
Demo sessions on the new OS X Lion and new MacBook Air will also be conducted.
All EpiCentre customers will enjoy $5 off for every $50 purchase. Applicable on top of Comex deals.
An online quiz from August 15-31 that culminates in a live face-off for Mac enthusiasts in Singapore on September 24 2011.
“As an Apple Premium Reseller in Singapore, we want to engage the user community, including the new and potential users. It’s a chance to see how well they really know their Mac and win Nubox vouchers for their favourite gadgets at the same time,” said Evelyn Chua, Business and Marketing Manager of Nubox, an arm of Newstead Technologies.
Notice to all macheads: pit yourself against other Mac aficionados under the ticking clock and win up to $1,300 worth of Nubox vouchers.
The inaugural “The Ultimate Mac Challenge” will be held from August 15 (tomorrow) to September 24, 2011. The quiz on the new OSX Lion, iLife and new range of MacBooks is organised by Nubox, an Apple Premium Reseller in Singapore. Only 10 participants from the qualifying online quiz will be selected for the live challenge.
The online quiz runs from August 15 to August 31, 2011. Participants can register and answer 10 questions hosted on http://www.nubox.com.sg/umc/.The top 10 participants with the correct answers achieved within the shortest time will announced on September 12 and be eligible for the finals to be held “live” at Nubox@Raffles City on September 24, 2011.
The top 2 winners will walk away with $1,300 and $300 worth of Nubox vouchers.
Samsung has agreed not to sell its latest Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet computer in Australia until Apple’s patent lawsuit against it in Australia is resolved.
Apple told the Federal Court in Sydney yesterday that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 infringes ten Apple patents, including the “look and feel,” and touchscreen technology of the iPad.
The Cupertino, California-based company sought an Australian injunction to stop Samsung from selling the tablet in Australia because Samsung has had “announcements of an imminent launch of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 device ongoing since July 20,” Bloomberg quoted Apple’s lawyer, Steven Burley, as saying. It also wants to prevent Samsung from selling the tablet in other countries, although Burley did not name the countries.
Samsung has agreed to stop advertising the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia and will not sell the device until it wins court approval or the lawsuit is resolved. The accord between lawyers from both companies were reached during a break in the hearing.
If Apple eventually loses its patent infringement lawsuit, it has agreed to pay Samsung unspecified damages.
Apple first sued Samsung in the U.S. claiming that the Galaxy tablets “slavishly” imitated the designs and technologies used for its iPad and iPhone. Samsung retaliated with lawsuits in South Korea, Japan, Germany and the U.S. The Suwon, South Korea based company supplies memory chips to Apple.
As part of the agreement submitted in court, Samsung will provide Apple three samples of the Australian version of the tablet computer at least seven days before any plans to launch it in Australia so Apple could review it, according to the agreement submitted in court. This was because Apple’s claim in Australia was based on a U.S. version of the Galaxy tablet, which is different, Neil Murray, the lawyer representing Samsung disclosed.
The Federal Court Justice Annabelle Bennett has scheduled a hearing for August 29 to review the status of the case and set a trial date if necessary.
Two new tablets based on Android 3.1 will hit the shelves in the U.S. Lenovo, China’s largest maker of personal computers, will be launching the IdeaPad Tablet K1 (from $499) and the Thinkpad Tablet (from $479).
Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet K1 (from $499), orders from July 20, 2011; and the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet (from $479), available from August 2.
Lenovo began sales of its LePad tablet in China in March. Its two new tablet devices will be competing in a tightly fought market dominated by Apple’s iPad.
Lenovo's IdeaPad Tablet P1, based on Windows 7, is coming this fall.
Hewlett-Packard, Dell and Lenovo, the world’s three biggest makers of PCs, are introducing new tablets as the popularity of Apple’s iPad eats into demand for desktop and notebook computers.
Gartner reports that global PC shipments rose 2.3 percent in the three months ended June – much less than the 6.7 percent increase predicted by the research house.
Although the two tablets uses the Android operating system from Google, Lenovo plans to launch a new tablet- the IdeaPad Tablet K1 – in the fourth quarter based on the Windows 7 operating system from Microsoft.
The Cupertino, California-based company sought an Australian injunction to stop Samsung from selling the tablet in Australia because Samsung has had “announcements of an imminent launch of the 
