The Apple Watch manufacturing process moves Jean-Louis Gassée from pure skeptic to embracing the idea of an Apple Car.
Business
Tim Cook on philanthropy
There have been plenty of CEOs who have turned to philanthropy after they retired. But few have stood for change, taken public stands on controversial issues while they were still CEO.
How to get hired
Jason Mark (no relation) talks about the process of winnowing a pool of almost 150 applicants to find that perfect new hire. This is not an anecdote about the hiring process. It is a list of things to watch out for, things to NOT do when you are trying to get hired, along with attractive traits that separate you from the field.
UK House of Commons buys all 650 members new iPads
The thing I found most interesting about this story was the role of ecosystem in the purchase decision. There’s a great quote in the article that brings this point home. Read on.
Apple Watch at the Apple Store: Build trust, offer fashion advice, upsell bands
The Apple Watch is the first product I can think of that requires such a left-shift in thinking from Apple Store sales staff.
New Apple TV reportedly debuting at WWDC, with App Store and Siri integration
The second the $69 price drop was announced, the first thought I had was, new Apple TV in the pipeline, price dropped to clear out inventory.
Apple rolls out Apple Watch Apps page
Exciting times for the Apple Watch and Apple Watch developers.
“Your naivety over Nintendo is astounding.”
Some Claim Chowder™ directed at and detected by M.G.Siegler.
On the core of Apple Pay fraud
A poorly written article yields two key points: poor motivation and badly planned process.
Apple said to start trade-in program for Android, BlackBerry devices
If true, Apple will take Android and BlackBerry devices as trade-ins. Smart move?
Nintendo buys into game developer, to bring their games to smart devices
Zelda? On my iPhone? That does sound promising.
Transcript of Tim Cook’s surprise Mad Money call
Serenity Caldwell pulls another rabbit out of her hat, listening and typing, sometimes typing and listening. All for our benefit. A great call, thanks for the transcript.
The significance of Apple’s China-focused rollout
Good insight into the obvious value Apple sees in growing their Chinese presence. Very interesting.
On Apple Watch pricing (redux)
The long wait is over. The prices have been established. Here are the details.
Don’t have time to watch the entire Apple Watch event video? Watch this instead
This is a nice cut-up of the two hour event video, focusing on the highlights. Unfortunately, it’s in flash, so you’ll need to watch it on your computer. Update: I’ve now added in an embed of an Apple Insider video as well.
On today’s Apple Watch event
Link to the live feed, plus a few other ramblings.
What HBO Now means to Apple and to Big Cable
Why HBO Now is so critical to Apple and the future of Apple TV
Pebble founder Migicovsky shares insights on smart watch market, Apple Watch, and Android Wear
Interesting interview with Pebble founder Migicovsky. With his $16 million in kickstarter money, I think he has Pebble right where it needs to be, a real sweet spot in the market.
Financial Times interviews Jony Ive, offers more Apple Watch detail
Terrific long form piece on Jony Ive by Nick Foulkes of the Financial Times. Well worth the read.
Instant logo design
Withoomph takes a business name and a set of keywords and gens up a set of logos for your consideration.
HBO in talks with Apple to roll HBO Now out on Apple TV
HBO wants Apple as a launch partner.
Apple Watch wins gold at renowned IF design awards
From the International Forum web site:
Apple Watch features revolutionary new technologies, a pioneering interface, and a design that honors the rich tradition of watchmaking.
Apple Pay: A new frontier for scammers
The Guardian:
Criminals in the US are using the new Apple Pay mobile payment system to buy high-value goods – often from Apple Stores – with stolen identities and credit card details.
This is a short term issue, a weakness with bank verifications, not an issue with Apple Pay.
Apple Car seen as serious competitor by auto execs
Respect, with a tinge of fear.
Samsung’s next chess move
Samsung revealed their next counter to Apple’s iPhone 6, 6 Plus, and Apple Pay. Samsung’s Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are being decried by most people as shameless copies of the phones that have brought Apple so much success. Here are some thoughts on Samsung’s rapid shift in strategy.
Tim Cook Telegraph interview
A few highlights from yesterday’s Tim Cook Telegraph interview. Some good little nuggets there.
Apple ranked first as fastest and most most efficient online retailer
Apple Insider:
In its first ever quarterly study, customer service analytics firm StellaService ranked Apple as the fastest and most most efficient online retailer in terms of shipments for the fourth quarter of 2014, taking an average of 2.5 days to send out orders.
Firehouse Subs rolls out Apple Pay at 800 US locations
Firehouse is at 800 locations and growing rapidly. A nice win for Apple Pay.
The lawsuits keep on coming
SmartFlash LLC follows their recent court victory with a follow-on lawsuit to include more recent devices. And Ericsson AB announced their own lawsuit against Apple, a bit of hardball following a failed licensing deal.
Every Apple Watch, and repairability
A gallery of every single Apple Watch, and a discussion of repairability and the Apple Watch lifespan.