The March 11th tsunami that has devastated Japan is expected to create shortages of Apple's most popular products for the remainder of the month and through next quarter, as at least two of the company's core component suppliers in the region have temporarily shut down operations to assess damages.
Speaking to contacts in Asia last night, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster learned that the production status from Apple's Japanese-based component suppliers is changing hour by hour, but said that none of those partners have been able to quantify the extent of their damage with any degree of certainty, nor have they set a timeline for when production will resume.
In particular, Munster said that Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co, which he believes is Apple's primary supplier of BT resin -- used in producing printed circuit boards for chips in iPhone and iPad -- is temporarily shut down to assess damage related to the earthquake. Similarly, Toshiba, which produces around 40% of the world's flash memory and supplies a significant portion of that to Apple for its iOS devices, is temporarily shut down for the same reasons.
As such, the analyst expects component delays for some of Apple's key products, including iPhone 4 and iPad 2, to persist throughout the June quarter. That said, he notes that the company's investor community has historically chosen not to punish the company for supply-related issues as long as demand for Apple products remains strong. In this case, "demand is stronger than ever, which should move shares higher," he said.
Potentially helping to mitigate the affect of this month's natural disaster is Apple's strategic component purchasing deals, which have seen the company secure long-term supply arrangements (1, 2, 3, 4) for key components such as flash memory and displays from multiple vendors in order to create a layer of protection and redundancy that kicks in during situations such as these.
"This strategy has proven to be an effective way for Apple to leverage its balance sheet and its position as one of the largest buyers of many of the components it uses; moreover, this strategy may prove particularly helpful if supply is limited and pricing increases," Munster said. "Finally, we believe Apple buys futures on important components, which will help offset near-term pricing swings. Our conclusion is that Apple is well positioned to suffer proportionally less than its competitors."
Although the analyst isn't concerned with Apple maintaining its well-above-average profit margins during the March and June quarters, he does believe rising component prices as a result of the Japanese quake could apply some downward pressure on profits during the second half of the year as component prices may rise.
On the consumer buying side, Munster estimates that the disruption in Japan will impact his March quarter revenue estimates for Apple by just under 1%, or $202 million. In the worst case scenario, assuming the company generates absolutely no sales in the region through the first half of the June quarter, he believes the negative effect would equate to just 2.7%, or $563 million.
The analyst maintained his Overweight rating and $483 price target on shares of Apple.
(Quoted from: AppleInsider)
By Katie Marsal
Ads (Ujoin)
2011年3月19日星期六
2011年3月18日星期五
Android vs iPhone web page loading speed contest flawed
Test results promoted by Blaze Software that purport to prove that Android is much faster at loading web pages than Apple's iOS 4.3 did so using a poorly performing custom iPhone app, rather than using Safari itself.
The results of the test, according to Bloomberg, said that an Android-based Nexus S phone performed 52 percent faster on average after loading more than 45,000 pages from 1,000 websites compared to iPhone 4.
The average speed difference was about a second longer page load on iPhone 4: 2.14 seconds compared to 3.25 seconds. The more complex the page, the greater the performance difference, Blaze reported. Guy Podjarny, the firm's chief technology officer, said "it’s not that Apple doesn’t care about speed, but Google is fanatical about it."
However, while Blaze maintained that its benchmarks used the newly released iOS 4.3, suggesting that it took into account the fast new Safari browser with Apple's new Nitro JavaScript engine, the way it performed the tests completely bypassed those improvements.
Rather than using Apple's Safari browser directly, Blaze tested page loading on iPhone 4 using the company's own proprietary app that did not take advantage of the new improvements in iOS 4.3.
As noted in a previous report by AppleInsider, apps that implement Apple's UIWebView to provide web browsing functions within an app (as Blaze did), in addition to full screen web apps, do not take advantage of the new web acceleration features Apple introduced in iOS 4.3, including Nitro and a variety of other improvements to the mobile Safari browser.
While Apple hasn't officially commented on the disparity between the newly revamped Safari and the features of the UIWebView framework, it appears that the difference relates to both to the fact that Apple wanted to rapidly roll out new WebKit features quickly to mainstream iOS users in Safari (and simply didn't have time to retrofit every other element of the system with the new code), and also to security considerations.
Apple's new Nitro JavaScript engine (originally called Squirrel Fish Extreme) competes against Google's Chrome V8 and Mozilla's FireFox TraceMonkey to speed JavaScript (the programming language behind the web) using various different approaches, each of which has different strengths and advantages.
Apple's Nitro uses a JIT (just-in-time) compiler as opposed to a traditional interpreter. This requires that Nitro obtain additional security privileges required to compile data into executable code, something Apple reserves for the iOS itself and its bundled apps. Third party iOS apps can't compile code as both a security feature and, apparently, a limitation that prevents middleware platforms (such as Adobe Flash) from competing for iOS developers' attention.
Running an automated test on page loading using the actual Safari browser on iPhone 4 would be far more difficult to perform, but would also fail to account for other, likely more important differences between iOS and devices running Android.
These include overall stability and usability of the platform, power management and battery life, hardware quality, and easy access to iTunes music and movie rentals, iBooks, and App Store, three features Apple has started promoting in series of new ads that end with the line, "if you don’t have an iPhone, well, you don’t have an iPhone.”
(Quoted from AppleInsider)
By Daniel Eran Dilger
The results of the test, according to Bloomberg, said that an Android-based Nexus S phone performed 52 percent faster on average after loading more than 45,000 pages from 1,000 websites compared to iPhone 4.
The average speed difference was about a second longer page load on iPhone 4: 2.14 seconds compared to 3.25 seconds. The more complex the page, the greater the performance difference, Blaze reported. Guy Podjarny, the firm's chief technology officer, said "it’s not that Apple doesn’t care about speed, but Google is fanatical about it."
However, while Blaze maintained that its benchmarks used the newly released iOS 4.3, suggesting that it took into account the fast new Safari browser with Apple's new Nitro JavaScript engine, the way it performed the tests completely bypassed those improvements.
Rather than using Apple's Safari browser directly, Blaze tested page loading on iPhone 4 using the company's own proprietary app that did not take advantage of the new improvements in iOS 4.3.
As noted in a previous report by AppleInsider, apps that implement Apple's UIWebView to provide web browsing functions within an app (as Blaze did), in addition to full screen web apps, do not take advantage of the new web acceleration features Apple introduced in iOS 4.3, including Nitro and a variety of other improvements to the mobile Safari browser.
While Apple hasn't officially commented on the disparity between the newly revamped Safari and the features of the UIWebView framework, it appears that the difference relates to both to the fact that Apple wanted to rapidly roll out new WebKit features quickly to mainstream iOS users in Safari (and simply didn't have time to retrofit every other element of the system with the new code), and also to security considerations.
Apple's new Nitro JavaScript engine (originally called Squirrel Fish Extreme) competes against Google's Chrome V8 and Mozilla's FireFox TraceMonkey to speed JavaScript (the programming language behind the web) using various different approaches, each of which has different strengths and advantages.
Apple's Nitro uses a JIT (just-in-time) compiler as opposed to a traditional interpreter. This requires that Nitro obtain additional security privileges required to compile data into executable code, something Apple reserves for the iOS itself and its bundled apps. Third party iOS apps can't compile code as both a security feature and, apparently, a limitation that prevents middleware platforms (such as Adobe Flash) from competing for iOS developers' attention.
Running an automated test on page loading using the actual Safari browser on iPhone 4 would be far more difficult to perform, but would also fail to account for other, likely more important differences between iOS and devices running Android.
These include overall stability and usability of the platform, power management and battery life, hardware quality, and easy access to iTunes music and movie rentals, iBooks, and App Store, three features Apple has started promoting in series of new ads that end with the line, "if you don’t have an iPhone, well, you don’t have an iPhone.”
(Quoted from AppleInsider)
By Daniel Eran Dilger
2011年3月17日星期四
Steve Jobs Offers Support to Apple Employees Affected by Earthquake
Photo of Apple Store in Sendai, Japan by naok
Apple CEO Steve Jobs is reported to have sent a message to Apple staff regarding the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The contents of the email were posted to Chihouban.com (via Macotakara), and MacRumors had also received a copy of it independently. The email was said to have been sent to all Apple employees.
To Our Team in Japan,
We have all been following the unfolding disaster in Japan. Our hearts go out to you and your families, as well as all of your countrymen who have been touched by this tragedy.
If you need time or resources to visit or care for your families, please see HR and we will help you. If you are aware of any supplies that are needed, please also tell HR and we will do what we can to arrange delivery.
Again, our hearts go out to you during this unimaginable crisis.
Please stay safe.
Steve and the entire Executive Team
Apple has set up Red Cross donations through iTunes, and delayed plans to launch the iPad 2 in Japan due to the recovery efforts. We also previously reported on Digg founder Kevin Rose's email correspondence with a friend in Japan relaying Apple's efforts to support its customers and employees in the aftermath of the earthquake.We have all been following the unfolding disaster in Japan. Our hearts go out to you and your families, as well as all of your countrymen who have been touched by this tragedy.
If you need time or resources to visit or care for your families, please see HR and we will help you. If you are aware of any supplies that are needed, please also tell HR and we will do what we can to arrange delivery.
Again, our hearts go out to you during this unimaginable crisis.
Please stay safe.
Steve and the entire Executive Team
(Quoted from: MacRumors)
Written by Arnold Kim
即時去除 iPhone 影相雜訊
iPhone 在不夠光的環境下拍攝時，都會出現明顯的雜訊，尤其 iPhone 4 以前的機種更為嚴重。Adobe Photoshop Express iOS 加入了 Camera Pack 功能，能即時減低 iPhone 所拍的相片中的雜訊，更可以增加 拍攝時間制及自動檢視功能。主程式雖然是免費，但這個 in-app Camera Pack 需要 3.99 美金，筆者覺得暫時功能還是太少，相信 Adobe 日後會加進更多功能到 Camera Pack 中。
http://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/adobe-photoshop-express/id331975235?mt=8
(Quoted from: unwire.hk)
iPad 2 online orders start
By Jacob Schulman 
posted Mar 17th 2011 1:03AM
posted Mar 17th 2011 1:03AM Purported 'iPhone 5' cases show design near-identical to Apple's iPhone 4
Apple's anticipated fifth-generation iPhone will sport an exterior design largely identical to the current iPhone 4, if new cases from overseas are to be believed.
The picture of case renderings, obtained by HardMac, shows identical button placement and SIM card slot. It also has the same space on the back for a camera and flash.
The report noted that the information is not "confirmed," but dubbed the source "reliable."
"These cases would be prototypes of the iPhone 5 cases, based on the mockup that was provided by Apple," the report said. "There is apparently no fundamental change on the placement of the buttons and the SIM card slot."
If accurate, the renderings would likely disprove an earlier rumor that Apple is looking to abandon the steel outer frame of the iPhone 4 following bad publicity over alleged antenna issues. That rumor also suggested the so-called "iPhone 5" would adopt an antenna back, suggesting a major redesign.
Third-party cases from overseas companies have become a popular -- and sometimes very accurate -- source of potential information about Apple's secret upcoming products. As far back as early December, pictures of an iPad 2 case correctly revealed the device would have a rear-facing camera and a larger speaker grille on the back.
Last week, alleged engineering sketches claimed to show off the iPhone 5 showed a device with a larger edge-to-edge display. Aside from the bigger screen, the rest of the device was shown unchanged externally from the iPhone 4.
(Quoted from: AppleInsider)
By Katie Marsal
The picture of case renderings, obtained by HardMac, shows identical button placement and SIM card slot. It also has the same space on the back for a camera and flash.
The report noted that the information is not "confirmed," but dubbed the source "reliable."
"These cases would be prototypes of the iPhone 5 cases, based on the mockup that was provided by Apple," the report said. "There is apparently no fundamental change on the placement of the buttons and the SIM card slot."
If accurate, the renderings would likely disprove an earlier rumor that Apple is looking to abandon the steel outer frame of the iPhone 4 following bad publicity over alleged antenna issues. That rumor also suggested the so-called "iPhone 5" would adopt an antenna back, suggesting a major redesign.
Third-party cases from overseas companies have become a popular -- and sometimes very accurate -- source of potential information about Apple's secret upcoming products. As far back as early December, pictures of an iPad 2 case correctly revealed the device would have a rear-facing camera and a larger speaker grille on the back.
Last week, alleged engineering sketches claimed to show off the iPhone 5 showed a device with a larger edge-to-edge display. Aside from the bigger screen, the rest of the device was shown unchanged externally from the iPhone 4.
(Quoted from: AppleInsider)
By Katie Marsal
首宗 iPad 2 走私案
國內巿場對香港的水貨商人來說實在是一片黃金之地，就算你雙倍售價仍有多人搶著購買買！錢不是問題，最緊要是有貨好讓他們用來炫耀，也許這就是暴發戶的特色之一。這一點吸引了很多港人挺而走險把 Apple 產品走私上大陸賺取暴利。現時最新推出 iPad2 是國內最為搶手，昨日 2:00am 就在皇崗口岸發現 2 名旅客，在肚子前各藏了 3 台 iPad，（多拜 iPad2 機身薄了所賜）其中 5 台為 iPad 2，海關正對案件作進一步處理，這是深圳海關首宗的 iPad 2 走私案。
來源:
http://news.mydrivers.com/1/188/188610.htm
(Quoted from: unwire.hk)
iPad 2 sells out in USA, March 25th international launch in doubt
Less than a week after its launch in the United States, the iPad 2 is simply gone. If you don't have one already, you're not likely to get one anytime soon unless you have equal measures of patience and perseverance. Apple's retail stores are occasionally (and sporadically) getting new shipments, but the lines outside stores in key markets like New York City and San Francisco are still huge. Shipping time for online iPad 2 orders has increased to 4-5 weeks. The picture is clear: demand for the iPad 2 is vastly outstripping supply.
All of this has led at least one analyst to question whether Apple's scheduled March 25 international launch of the iPad 2 will still take place. After examining the current state of affairs in the U.S., Brian White of Ticonderoga Securities doubts Apple will have enough supply of the iPad 2 for an international launch. Unfortunately for Apple fans outside the States, he's most likely right.
Considering how the supply/demand scenario has played out in the U.S. so far, a couple things could happen with the iPad 2's international launch. Unfortunately, neither of them are likely to satisfy international customers or do much for Apple's image. First, Apple may cite supply issues and simply move the international launch date back. I think this is the most likely scenario, mostly because there's precedent for it: the same thing happened last year with the first iPad.
The other possibility is that Apple will go forward with the international launch on schedule, but with extremely limited stock. While discussing this scenario with fellow overseas TUAW colleague Richard Gaywood, I guessed that on launch day Apple might have perhaps 50,000 iPad 2 units available in the UK, where he lives. As for New Zealand, where I live, I estimated about 500 iPad 2s would make it down here -- and I was being optimistic. Given the state of affairs the last time Apple launched a major product where I live, even if the iPad 2 does make it to NZ on March 25, the launch is likely to be a debacle. Note that in both countries' cases these numbers were pulled out of the ether and formed from no evidence at all, so please don't go pitching a tent outside your local Apple Store based on my guesswork.
There is of course a third possibility: the U.S. iPad 2 supply may be limited because Apple has deliberately held units back to assure a smooth(ish) international launch. Based on Apple's history of preferential treatment for the U.S. market when it comes to product launches, I find this highly unlikely.
I saw this coming, so I planned accordingly: my iPad 2 is currently somewhere over the North Atlantic on its way to me, far on the other side of Earth. Unfortunately, whether the international launch happens on schedule or not, it's unlikely most would-be iPad 2 owners outside of the U.S. will be so lucky.
(Quoted from Tuaw)
by Chris Rawson on Mar 16th 2011 at 10:00AM
Deceleration in Foxconn manufacturing seen as a concern for Apple By Neil Hughes Published: 08:00 AM EST A "notable" slowdown in manufacturing at Apple's overseas partner Foxconn has been viewed as a potential issue for the iPad maker, and may result in less availability of products. JMP Securities downgraded its outlook on AAPL stock on Wednesday, with the change prompted by a deceleration in manufacturing at Foxconn. Analyst Alex Gauna said the change from "Market Outperform" to "Market Perform" is not a result of concerns with Apple itself, but rather the ability of Foxconn to produce Apple products. "(Foxconn) growth decelerated from 84% (year over year) in the month of December to 37% in January and then again to 26% in February, or levels that are tracking well below the (more than) 70% (year over year) sales growth consensus is looking for in the March quarter, and (greater than) 50% in June," the analysis reads. The firm has accordingly cut its estimates for the second fiscal quarter of 2011 to $22 billion in revenue, down from $23 billion. Consensus on Wall Street is for Apple to report revenue of $23.1 billion, while Apple's guidance is for $22 billion. "We don't know the source of the (Foxconn) deceleration, but possible causes could include simply in-line iPhone sales due to more significant Android competition, weakness in computing products as tablet demand grows, and/or product transition risk around the iPad 2," Gauna wrote. JMP Securities The downgrade is also based on what JMP Securities views as "complacency" on the part of investors over AAPL stock. Gauna noted that Apple has consistently delivered with five years worth of upside surprises in its quarterly earnings, averaging 23 percent. "Recent Street commentary appears biased towards the momentum continuing, with most numbers moving higher around the CDMA iPhone and iPad 2 launches where clear demand trends have yet to emerge," Gauna wrote. The note was issued as Apple continues to experience crushing demand for its new iPad 2 in the U.S., which was launched last Friday. Apple has been unable to keep up with consumer interest, and new online orders are now advertised to ship in 4 to 5 weeks. Also cited in Gauna's note is the recent earthquake disaster in Japan, which forced Apple to delay the launch of the iPad 2 in that country. It was noted that Apple derives 6 percent of its sales from Japan, and key components such as hard disk drives and NAND flash are obtained from the nation.
A "notable" slowdown in manufacturing at Apple's overseas partner Foxconn has been viewed as a potential issue for the iPad maker, and may result in less availability of products.
JMP Securities downgraded its outlook on AAPL stock on Wednesday, with the change prompted by a deceleration in manufacturing at Foxconn. Analyst Alex Gauna said the change from "Market Outperform" to "Market Perform" is not a result of concerns with Apple itself, but rather the ability of Foxconn to produce Apple products.
"(Foxconn) growth decelerated from 84% (year over year) in the month of December to 37% in January and then again to 26% in February, or levels that are tracking well below the (more than) 70% (year over year) sales growth consensus is looking for in the March quarter, and (greater than) 50% in June," the analysis reads.
The firm has accordingly cut its estimates for the second fiscal quarter of 2011 to $22 billion in revenue, down from $23 billion. Consensus on Wall Street is for Apple to report revenue of $23.1 billion, while Apple's guidance is for $22 billion.
"We don't know the source of the (Foxconn) deceleration, but possible causes could include simply in-line iPhone sales due to more significant Android competition, weakness in computing products as tablet demand grows, and/or product transition risk around the iPad 2," Gauna wrote.
The downgrade is also based on what JMP Securities views as "complacency" on the part of investors over AAPL stock. Gauna noted that Apple has consistently delivered with five years worth of upside surprises in its quarterly earnings, averaging 23 percent.
"Recent Street commentary appears biased towards the momentum continuing, with most numbers moving higher around the CDMA iPhone and iPad 2 launches where clear demand trends have yet to emerge," Gauna wrote.
The note was issued as Apple continues to experience crushing demand for its new iPad 2 in the U.S., which was launched last Friday. Apple has been unable to keep up with consumer interest, and new online orders are now advertised to ship in 4 to 5 weeks.
Also cited in Gauna's note is the recent earthquake disaster in Japan, which forced Apple to delay the launch of the iPad 2 in that country. It was noted that Apple derives 6 percent of its sales from Japan, and key components such as hard disk drives and NAND flash are obtained from the nation.
(Quoted from: AppleInsider)
By Neil Hughes
JMP Securities downgraded its outlook on AAPL stock on Wednesday, with the change prompted by a deceleration in manufacturing at Foxconn. Analyst Alex Gauna said the change from "Market Outperform" to "Market Perform" is not a result of concerns with Apple itself, but rather the ability of Foxconn to produce Apple products.
"(Foxconn) growth decelerated from 84% (year over year) in the month of December to 37% in January and then again to 26% in February, or levels that are tracking well below the (more than) 70% (year over year) sales growth consensus is looking for in the March quarter, and (greater than) 50% in June," the analysis reads.
The firm has accordingly cut its estimates for the second fiscal quarter of 2011 to $22 billion in revenue, down from $23 billion. Consensus on Wall Street is for Apple to report revenue of $23.1 billion, while Apple's guidance is for $22 billion.
"We don't know the source of the (Foxconn) deceleration, but possible causes could include simply in-line iPhone sales due to more significant Android competition, weakness in computing products as tablet demand grows, and/or product transition risk around the iPad 2," Gauna wrote.
The downgrade is also based on what JMP Securities views as "complacency" on the part of investors over AAPL stock. Gauna noted that Apple has consistently delivered with five years worth of upside surprises in its quarterly earnings, averaging 23 percent.
"Recent Street commentary appears biased towards the momentum continuing, with most numbers moving higher around the CDMA iPhone and iPad 2 launches where clear demand trends have yet to emerge," Gauna wrote.
The note was issued as Apple continues to experience crushing demand for its new iPad 2 in the U.S., which was launched last Friday. Apple has been unable to keep up with consumer interest, and new online orders are now advertised to ship in 4 to 5 weeks.
Also cited in Gauna's note is the recent earthquake disaster in Japan, which forced Apple to delay the launch of the iPad 2 in that country. It was noted that Apple derives 6 percent of its sales from Japan, and key components such as hard disk drives and NAND flash are obtained from the nation.
(Quoted from: AppleInsider)
By Neil Hughes
White CDMA iPhone 4 Icon Found in iTunes 10.2
While rumors have suggested that the white iPhone 4 may finally ship early next month, there has been very little discussion about whether Apple might ship a white version of the CDMA iPhone 4 for Verizon alongside the GSM version used on all other carriers around the world.
White CDMA iPhone 4 icon (left) vs. white GSM iPhone 4 icon (right)
One MacRumors reader did some poking around in iTunes 10.2 resource files and discovered an icon for the white CDMA iPhone 4 that would be displayed in the Summary window within iTunes when the device is connected. The image is distinct from the original white iPhone 4 icon and clearly shows the antenna break on the top right side of the CDMA version that is not present in the GSM version.
The presence of a white CDMA iPhone 4 icon within iTunes is certainly no guarantee that Apple considered releasing or is planning to release such a device, but clearly an Apple designer took the time to create the icon based on either belief that a white CDMA model may exist or simply as a "just-in-case" addition in the absence of any such knowledge.
(Quoted from MacRumors)
Written by Eric Slivka
White CDMA iPhone 4 icon (left) vs. white GSM iPhone 4 icon (right)
One MacRumors reader did some poking around in iTunes 10.2 resource files and discovered an icon for the white CDMA iPhone 4 that would be displayed in the Summary window within iTunes when the device is connected. The image is distinct from the original white iPhone 4 icon and clearly shows the antenna break on the top right side of the CDMA version that is not present in the GSM version.
The presence of a white CDMA iPhone 4 icon within iTunes is certainly no guarantee that Apple considered releasing or is planning to release such a device, but clearly an Apple designer took the time to create the icon based on either belief that a white CDMA model may exist or simply as a "just-in-case" addition in the absence of any such knowledge.
(Quoted from MacRumors)
Written by Eric Slivka
Display expert says iPad 2 LCD nearly as good as iPhone 4
An in-depth scientific analysis of the iPad 2 display reveals that Apple's latest tablet, despite having significantly lower pixel density, delivers "almost identical" performance to the iPhone 4.
Dr. Raymond Soneira, president of DisplayMate Technologies, conducted the tests in a "shoot-out" between the iPad 2 and the iPhone 4.
According to Soneira, the iPad 2 "has excellent LCD display hardware," but could benefit from a software update to improve anti-aliasing and automatic brightness controls. Soneira's overall assessment concludes that "other than PPI resolution the iPad 2 display delivers similar performance to the iPhone 4 Retina Display."
The report suggests that anti-aliasing enhancements to iOS would compensate for the iPad 2's lower pixel density. The iPad 2 maintains the same density, 132 pixels per inch (ppi), as the original iPad, while the iPhone 4 boasts a Retina Display with 326 ppi. Soneira sees the iPhone 4's high pixel density "as something of an overkill (and primarily there for App compatibility)" because anti-aliasing methods can reduce pixelation at lower resolutions and ppi.
Soneira also notes that a "bug" in Apple's automatic brightness controls locks brightness based on "the brightest ambient light sensor value that has been measured at any point starting from the time unit was awakened," even after a substantial decrease in ambient light. This issue, however, occurs across all iOS devices, and could be a simple software fix.
According to the report, Apple will likely upgrade the resolution of the iPad in the next-generation version. AppleInsider reported last month that cost and manufacturing restraints had led Apple to push back a Retina Display upgrade to the iPad 3.
It had previously been suggested that Apple planned to double the resolution of the iPad to 2048 x 1536 on the second generation of the tablet.
Though rumors have surfaced(1, 2) that the Cupertino, Calif., iPad maker had planned a tablet upgrade for later this year, Apple CEO Steve Jobs seemed to quash speculation when he declared 2011 the "Year of iPad 2" at a media event unveiling the device earlier this month.
The iPad 2 is set to have a blowout launch after drawing record lines last Friday. Checks by analysts revealed on Tuesday that new shipments of the device have sold out immediately, prompting speculation that Apple could delay the planned March 25 international launch of the iPad 2, as it did with the original iPad last year.
Shipping times for online orders of the iPad 2 have slipped to 4-5 weeks from launch day estimates of 2-3 weeks.
(Quoted from: AppleInsider)
By Josh Ong
Dr. Raymond Soneira, president of DisplayMate Technologies, conducted the tests in a "shoot-out" between the iPad 2 and the iPhone 4.
According to Soneira, the iPad 2 "has excellent LCD display hardware," but could benefit from a software update to improve anti-aliasing and automatic brightness controls. Soneira's overall assessment concludes that "other than PPI resolution the iPad 2 display delivers similar performance to the iPhone 4 Retina Display."
The report suggests that anti-aliasing enhancements to iOS would compensate for the iPad 2's lower pixel density. The iPad 2 maintains the same density, 132 pixels per inch (ppi), as the original iPad, while the iPhone 4 boasts a Retina Display with 326 ppi. Soneira sees the iPhone 4's high pixel density "as something of an overkill (and primarily there for App compatibility)" because anti-aliasing methods can reduce pixelation at lower resolutions and ppi.
Soneira also notes that a "bug" in Apple's automatic brightness controls locks brightness based on "the brightest ambient light sensor value that has been measured at any point starting from the time unit was awakened," even after a substantial decrease in ambient light. This issue, however, occurs across all iOS devices, and could be a simple software fix.
According to the report, Apple will likely upgrade the resolution of the iPad in the next-generation version. AppleInsider reported last month that cost and manufacturing restraints had led Apple to push back a Retina Display upgrade to the iPad 3.
It had previously been suggested that Apple planned to double the resolution of the iPad to 2048 x 1536 on the second generation of the tablet.
Though rumors have surfaced(1, 2) that the Cupertino, Calif., iPad maker had planned a tablet upgrade for later this year, Apple CEO Steve Jobs seemed to quash speculation when he declared 2011 the "Year of iPad 2" at a media event unveiling the device earlier this month.
The iPad 2 is set to have a blowout launch after drawing record lines last Friday. Checks by analysts revealed on Tuesday that new shipments of the device have sold out immediately, prompting speculation that Apple could delay the planned March 25 international launch of the iPad 2, as it did with the original iPad last year.
Shipping times for online orders of the iPad 2 have slipped to 4-5 weeks from launch day estimates of 2-3 weeks.
(Quoted from: AppleInsider)
By Josh Ong
2011年3月16日星期三
Bento for Mac 4.0
The biggest improvement in 4.0 is a feature so obvious that I mistakenly thought it was already part of the product: full label printing support. Bento now includes print templates for more than 250 label sheets from Avery and DYMO, and allows you to selectively include per-record images (like photos or QR codes for inventory stickers or conference badges). You can create custom label formats, and include your label setups in a template for easy export. Overall printing controls are also souped up in the new version.
Speaking of templates, Bento 4 makes it easier to share your database layouts with friends and colleagues or with the entire world. A new export feature (Template with Data) gives you a way to easily share a template pre-populated with your content; very handy for workgroups or family use. You can also do a one-button upload of your prized template (sans data) to the Bento Template Exchange if you think it's worthy/useful.
For data entry on the go, Bento 4 includes a location field type that can be applied to any record. Once it's there, it can automatically populate your latitude and longitude at the time the record is modified, based on your WiFi or GPS coordinates; this syncs/tracks with the iOS versions of Bento as well, so for mobile professionals (insurance/legal, real estate, civil engineering, etc.) who have a need to geotag their content, this seems like a winner.
Another data type that's syncing with the iOS Bento versions is voice memos. These can be captured on the Mac or on iPhone/iPad, letting you easily associate short audio snippets with a record for future reference. I could see the combination of an iPad 2 and Bento working very well for a recruiter or casting director who might need to keep a picture, resume and voiceover sample in one record.
There are more new features to explore, so check them out. Bento 4 is available immediately at a $29 upgrade price for existing users; it's $49 for a new single license, $99 for a family pack. The iPhone and iPad versions are $4.99 each, and they are indeed separate apps for the two device families.
(Quoted from: Tuaw)
by Michael Rose on Mar 16th, 2011
[Apps] 無須額外儀器，iPhone也可以用來測心跳率！
筆者說的就是這個由Senscare所推出的「Heart Fitness」！ 「Heart Fitness」的設計原理是透過鏡頭讀取手指微血管的血液流動，從而讀取心跳率，所以只可以在有鏡頭的iOS裝置上使用！但是，如果想效果理想的話，並 不建議在沒有LED補光燈的裝置上例3Gs、iPod Touch 4Gen和iPad上使用。只有在iPhone 4上配合LED燈才能有最理想和準確數據。
「Heart Fitness」使用方法很簡單，執行後切換到"Measure"一項，如果是使用iPhone 4的話，背後的LED補光燈就會亮起，然後只要把食指輕按到鏡頭上：
畫面會有指示告訴你手指放的位置正不正確，紅色代表找不到手指，灰色代表手指放的位置不好，綠色代表正確讀取。
只需30秒，「Heart Fitness」就能測出你的心跳速率。建議在五分鐘內連續測試幾次，這樣再算一個平均數就更加準確了。
完成後還有一些資料供你參考，例如最多能承受的心跳速率：
「Heart Fitness」還提供了圖表分析功能，不過這功功能是需要額外收費的，只需USD0.99，有需要的就在App裡直接購買吧。
軟件下載：在App Store內搜尋「Heart Fitness」 或到: iTunes App Store
QR Code下載：
軟件價格：免費
適用環境：iPhone, iPod touch (4th generation), iPad 2 Wi-Fi, and iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G
系統要求：iOS 4.0+
檔案大少：2.7 MB
目前版本：2.0.3
(Quoted from: unwire.hk)
2011年3月15日星期二
How the iPad 2's gray market works
Because the latest magical product from Apple came out in the US first, a couple of weeks ahead of the rest of the world, foreign dealers were keen to scoop up as many as they could and quickly ship them overseas to make a killing. M.I.C. Gadget has done an interesting analysis of how the process works.
Hong Kong vendors are making a killing -- bottom-of-the-line 16 GB Wi-Fi models sell for over US$1,000, which is more than twice the original price. "Mr. Lo, the 'master' of the gray market in Hong Kong, who distributed hundreds to thousands of iPhone 4s and iPads to China's gray market last year, has already received 200 orders before the launch," they say. He paid eight couriers in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles to hop on planes to Hong Kong after securing about 200 iPads, which he planned to have on sale by March 13.
When asked why he can charge more than double for most models, Mr Lo replied, "Apple fanboys are willing to pay our prices to have the iPad 2 earlier. That's how we earn money."
(Quoted from Tuaw)
by Chris Ward on Mar 15th, 2011
X-ray of Apple's A5 CPU in iPad 2 confirms manufacturing by Samsung
Though Apple is said to have just inked a deal with a rival chipmaker, the iPad 2 currently includes a custom-built A5 processor built by Samsung.
Chipworks this week disassembled the new iPad 2, and also took a closer x-ray look at the A5 processor that powers the second-generation device. The experts concluded, by comparing the shape of the transistor gates and dielectric layers in the A5 to last year's A4 CPU, that the A5 is currently being manufactured by Samsung. That's the same conclusion reached by an analysis at UBM TechInsights, revealed by AppleInsider on Sunday.
While Samsung has long built chips for Apple's mobile devices, news came last week that Apple has allegedly signed an agreement with an alternative chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., for production of the A5 processor. That led to speculation that Apple may already be working with TSMC for the CPU inside the new iPad 2.
But the conclusion from Chipworks would suggest that Apple may gradually phase out its chipmaking partnership with Samsung and transition to TSMC. Apple is said to be interested in switching from Samsung because the company competes with both the iPhone and the iPad with its own devices -- the Galaxy S smartphone and the Galaxy Tab tablet, respectively.
Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs even called out Samsung in his unveiling of the iPad 2 earlier this month. He called the 7-inch Galaxy Tab and other Android-powered tablets inadequate, and suggested Samsung would lead 2011 to become the "year of the copycats" as competitors scramble to compete with the iPad.
Apple's drubbing of Samsung comes as the Cupertino, Calif., hardware maker is expected to be the largest customer of Samsung in 2011. Between deals for mobile processors and flash memory, Apple is expected to buy $7.8 billion in parts from Samsung this year.
Chipworks' closer look at the A5 found that the new dual-core processor is more than twice as large as last year's A4 CPU. The new chip is 10.1 x 12.1 mm, compared to 7.3 x 7.3 mm in last year's iPad.
"Given that the A5 is a dual-ARM core, and has more graphics capability than the A4, more than doubling the size is to be expected, but it's also a clue that this is still made in 45-nm technology," they said.
Delayering the A5 processor and its nine layers of metal found the two ARM-based cores in the right half of the chip, each with about 4.5 megabytes of cache memory. The integrated 512MB of DDR SDRAM is also included in the bottom right.
Chipworks concluded in its teardown that the A5 is the "main innovation" of the iPad 2 internally. Aside from the new processor, the device's touchscreen relies on three chips, just like the first-generation iPad, and the CDMA 3G model utilizes the same chipset that shipped on the Verizon iPhone in February.
For a closer look at the rest of the iPad, see the iFixit teardown that discovered a slight increase in battery size in the second-generation device. The same company also took a peek inside the iPad 2 Smart Cover and its 21 magnets.
(Quoted from AppleInsider)
By Sam Oliver
Chipworks this week disassembled the new iPad 2, and also took a closer x-ray look at the A5 processor that powers the second-generation device. The experts concluded, by comparing the shape of the transistor gates and dielectric layers in the A5 to last year's A4 CPU, that the A5 is currently being manufactured by Samsung. That's the same conclusion reached by an analysis at UBM TechInsights, revealed by AppleInsider on Sunday.
While Samsung has long built chips for Apple's mobile devices, news came last week that Apple has allegedly signed an agreement with an alternative chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., for production of the A5 processor. That led to speculation that Apple may already be working with TSMC for the CPU inside the new iPad 2.
But the conclusion from Chipworks would suggest that Apple may gradually phase out its chipmaking partnership with Samsung and transition to TSMC. Apple is said to be interested in switching from Samsung because the company competes with both the iPhone and the iPad with its own devices -- the Galaxy S smartphone and the Galaxy Tab tablet, respectively.
Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs even called out Samsung in his unveiling of the iPad 2 earlier this month. He called the 7-inch Galaxy Tab and other Android-powered tablets inadequate, and suggested Samsung would lead 2011 to become the "year of the copycats" as competitors scramble to compete with the iPad.
Apple's drubbing of Samsung comes as the Cupertino, Calif., hardware maker is expected to be the largest customer of Samsung in 2011. Between deals for mobile processors and flash memory, Apple is expected to buy $7.8 billion in parts from Samsung this year.
Chipworks' closer look at the A5 found that the new dual-core processor is more than twice as large as last year's A4 CPU. The new chip is 10.1 x 12.1 mm, compared to 7.3 x 7.3 mm in last year's iPad.
"Given that the A5 is a dual-ARM core, and has more graphics capability than the A4, more than doubling the size is to be expected, but it's also a clue that this is still made in 45-nm technology," they said.
Delayering the A5 processor and its nine layers of metal found the two ARM-based cores in the right half of the chip, each with about 4.5 megabytes of cache memory. The integrated 512MB of DDR SDRAM is also included in the bottom right.
Chipworks concluded in its teardown that the A5 is the "main innovation" of the iPad 2 internally. Aside from the new processor, the device's touchscreen relies on three chips, just like the first-generation iPad, and the CDMA 3G model utilizes the same chipset that shipped on the Verizon iPhone in February.
For a closer look at the rest of the iPad, see the iFixit teardown that discovered a slight increase in battery size in the second-generation device. The same company also took a peek inside the iPad 2 Smart Cover and its 21 magnets.
(Quoted from AppleInsider)
By Sam Oliver
iPhone 5上內置NFC? Apple: 下次先
iPhone 5其中一個謠傳的新功能，是最近（才）在歐美地區興起的近地通訊技術（NFC），類似我們N年前就開始使用的八達通。當大家都很興奮的時候，英國獨立報最 近大潑冷水，表示NFC不會在iPhone 5上出現，據稱Apple的理由是「現時的NFC技術還未有一個清晰統一的標準」。大概要等到iPhone 6和iPad 3才會有這個讓一眾Apple粉絲再WOW的功能。所以嘛，把八達通貼在iPhone 5的機背上還不是一樣。
(Quoted from: unwire.hk)
Microsoft abandons Zune media players in defeat by Apple's iPod
Microsoft's direct effort to challenge Apple's iPod, introduced in 2006 under the Zune brand, is being abandoned after a failure to gain traction in the market.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Microsoft will stop making any new Zune models and shift its focus toward incorporating its music store and subscription software into mobile phones.
The report cited sources who "declined to be identified because the decision hasn’t been announced," but noted that Microsoft's Zune-branded players failed to break into the top five US portable digital music players last year, according to data by NPD Group.
Apple's iPod continues to dominate the media player market, with a 77 percent share of the US market and similar market share globally.
In 2006, Microsoft's chief executive Steve Ballmer said of Apple, "we can beat them, but it’s not going to be easy," and confirmed the company was going to remain in the market for the long haul, gradually building market share.
The Zune HD (below), introduced in the fall of 2009, expected to make a dent into Apple's iPod touch business by combining an OLED screen, NVIDIA Tegra processor, HD Radio, and a new gaming platform that was supposed to leverage Microsoft's Xbox 360. However, it completely failed to do so, for reasons detailed at the time by AppleInsider.
Zune phone?
The company has iterated the same long haul/slow growth strategy in smartphones, where it has dramatically lost market share since the appearance of Apple's iPhone in 2007. Microsoft now faces not just the entrenched competition from Apple's iPhone, but also a shift by many of its former Windows Mobile licensees to Google's free Android operating system.
One of the company's strongest partners, LG, described Microsoft's latest Windows Phone 7 product as being "a bit boring," but also said it views WP7 as having "strong potential," and that it does not want to be dependent upon just one vendor's OS.
LG also noted that carriers are concerned about Android taking too great of a share of the market too, explaining, "there is a need and demand from the operators saying there is too much ‘Android’ in the portfolio. In that sense LG always tries to balance our portfolio, and that’s not just in sense of hardware but OSes as well."
Microsoft recently partnered with Nokia to align the leading phone maker with its own plans for Windows Phone 7. However, Nokia and Microsoft compete in offering music and subscription media, with Nokia's Ovi media store and music subscriptions being a direct rival to Microsoft's efforts to shift its Zune software into the smartphone realm.
(Quoted from: AppleInsider)
By Daniel Eran Dilger
According to a report by Bloomberg, Microsoft will stop making any new Zune models and shift its focus toward incorporating its music store and subscription software into mobile phones.
The report cited sources who "declined to be identified because the decision hasn’t been announced," but noted that Microsoft's Zune-branded players failed to break into the top five US portable digital music players last year, according to data by NPD Group.
Apple's iPod continues to dominate the media player market, with a 77 percent share of the US market and similar market share globally.
In 2006, Microsoft's chief executive Steve Ballmer said of Apple, "we can beat them, but it’s not going to be easy," and confirmed the company was going to remain in the market for the long haul, gradually building market share.
The Zune HD (below), introduced in the fall of 2009, expected to make a dent into Apple's iPod touch business by combining an OLED screen, NVIDIA Tegra processor, HD Radio, and a new gaming platform that was supposed to leverage Microsoft's Xbox 360. However, it completely failed to do so, for reasons detailed at the time by AppleInsider.
Zune phone?
The company has iterated the same long haul/slow growth strategy in smartphones, where it has dramatically lost market share since the appearance of Apple's iPhone in 2007. Microsoft now faces not just the entrenched competition from Apple's iPhone, but also a shift by many of its former Windows Mobile licensees to Google's free Android operating system.
One of the company's strongest partners, LG, described Microsoft's latest Windows Phone 7 product as being "a bit boring," but also said it views WP7 as having "strong potential," and that it does not want to be dependent upon just one vendor's OS.
LG also noted that carriers are concerned about Android taking too great of a share of the market too, explaining, "there is a need and demand from the operators saying there is too much ‘Android’ in the portfolio. In that sense LG always tries to balance our portfolio, and that’s not just in sense of hardware but OSes as well."
Microsoft recently partnered with Nokia to align the leading phone maker with its own plans for Windows Phone 7. However, Nokia and Microsoft compete in offering music and subscription media, with Nokia's Ovi media store and music subscriptions being a direct rival to Microsoft's efforts to shift its Zune software into the smartphone realm.
(Quoted from: AppleInsider)
By Daniel Eran Dilger
Could the iPad 2 replace traditional video game consoles?
While Vesterbacka talks smack about consoles, former Sony executive Phil Harrison takes a much more balanced approach towards this subject. Harrison acknowledges that tablet hardware is evolving so rapidly that tablets could rival that of the console. The Apple tablet has more than doubled its performance in a year, while the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 remain unchanged after five years.
Though the hardware evolution may outpace the consoles, the gaming experience of a tablet will be different than that of the console. "I think while there are clearly some compromises in terms of user interface and user experience on a tablet, the touch screen interface will enable other forms of game experience and game design that you couldn't do on a TV-based console," said Harrison, "so I think there's going to be a tradeoff. But I think the pads/tablets market is going to be a very vibrant market for games."
Harrison points out the strength of the tablet gaming market comes from the diverse business models available to mobile game developers. Developers can choose to generate revenue from free, ad-supported applications, games with in-app micro transactions and paid games with value-added features like social networking. "These are 21st century business models that are going to prevail," says Harrison.
(Quoted from Tuaw)
by Kelly Hodgkins on Mar 15th 2011 at 8:30AM
[Apps] 時刻關心日本地震資訊 : NHK World TV Live
最新消息指日本靜崗東部於 21 點 31 分(GMT +8) 發生 6.0 級的地震，沒有引發海嘨的危險。其實日本的地震的幅射問題已引來各國的高度關注，擔心放射性物質經過雲層及雨水帶到各國。iPhone 用家想緊貼最新的地震消息可以安裝 NHK World TV Live 的 App，實時觀看 NHK 的新聞，以英語為主播語言。
http://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/nhk-world-tv-live/id350732480?mt=8
(Quoted from: unwire.hk)
Apple Seeds Mac OS X 10.6.7 Build 10J869 to Developers
Apple today seeded a new version of Mac OS X 10.6.7, termed Build 10J869, to developers for testing. The update comes six days after the company pushed Build 10J868 to developers.
According to those familiar with the new build, Apple continues to list no known issues and asks developers to again focus their testing on Safari, Mac App Store, AirPort, Bonjour, SMB, and Graphics Drivers .
With the build increment increasing by only one since the previous build and very little change in file size, Apple may be nearing completion of work on the update and preparing for a public release in the relatively near future. This new build marks the eighth version of Mac OS X 10.6.7 to make its way into developers' hands since seeding began in late January.
(Quoted from: MacRumors)
Written by Eric Slivka
2011年3月14日星期一
Apple attracts 70% new buyers with iPad 2 launch - survey
A survey of customers buying the iPad 2 at launch has found that 70 percent of those customers are new to the platform and did not own Apple's original iPad.
Researchers at Piper Jaffray, including analyst Gene Munster, polled 236 people in line for the iPad 2 when it went on sale last Friday. Launches are usually driven by users upgrading, like last year's launch of the iPhone 4, when just 23 percent of handset buyers were new to the iPhone platform.
But Piper Jaffray's poll found that more than two-thirds of first-day iPad 2 buyers are new to the iPad, suggesting that Apple's touchscreen tablet is attracting many new users with its second-generation model.
"We continue to believe that Apple sold 400k-500 iPad 2s over the weekend," Munster wrote. We note that the weekend number for iPad 2 is essentially a launch day total because stock across retailers was mostly depleted late Friday and not replenished during the weekend."
Munster's numbers are largely in line with other analysts, who expect Apple to sell at least a half-million of the iPad 2 in its launch weekend. At least one more bullish analyst has said investors shouldn't be surprised if Apple sells a million.
Munster has forecast sales of 5.5 million iPads in the March quarter, a number he said is now "likely conservative" based on strong demand for the iPad 2 in both stores and online. On Saturday, Apple was forced to delay the estimated ship date to as long as a month for new iPad 2 orders via its online store.
The Piper Jaffray survey also found that 47 percent of buyers were purchasing a 3G model, with a $130 premium over the Wi-Fi-only counterparts.
A total of 41 percent surveyed opted for the 32GB model, which was up from the 32% that bought the 32GB capacity of the first iPad. And the 64GB model also gained share, suggesting that the average selling price of the iPad 2 may be greater than the first iPad.
Of those in line on Friday, 65 percent of respondents said they owned an iPhone, 24 percent said they owned a Kindle, though only 6 percent intend to read with their iPad. A more popular use for the iPad 2 is using apps and playing games, which 17 percent said they intend to do.
(Quoted from: AppleInsider)
By Neil Hughes
Researchers at Piper Jaffray, including analyst Gene Munster, polled 236 people in line for the iPad 2 when it went on sale last Friday. Launches are usually driven by users upgrading, like last year's launch of the iPhone 4, when just 23 percent of handset buyers were new to the iPhone platform.
But Piper Jaffray's poll found that more than two-thirds of first-day iPad 2 buyers are new to the iPad, suggesting that Apple's touchscreen tablet is attracting many new users with its second-generation model.
"We continue to believe that Apple sold 400k-500 iPad 2s over the weekend," Munster wrote. We note that the weekend number for iPad 2 is essentially a launch day total because stock across retailers was mostly depleted late Friday and not replenished during the weekend."
Munster's numbers are largely in line with other analysts, who expect Apple to sell at least a half-million of the iPad 2 in its launch weekend. At least one more bullish analyst has said investors shouldn't be surprised if Apple sells a million.
Munster has forecast sales of 5.5 million iPads in the March quarter, a number he said is now "likely conservative" based on strong demand for the iPad 2 in both stores and online. On Saturday, Apple was forced to delay the estimated ship date to as long as a month for new iPad 2 orders via its online store.
The Piper Jaffray survey also found that 47 percent of buyers were purchasing a 3G model, with a $130 premium over the Wi-Fi-only counterparts.
A total of 41 percent surveyed opted for the 32GB model, which was up from the 32% that bought the 32GB capacity of the first iPad. And the 64GB model also gained share, suggesting that the average selling price of the iPad 2 may be greater than the first iPad.
Of those in line on Friday, 65 percent of respondents said they owned an iPhone, 24 percent said they owned a Kindle, though only 6 percent intend to read with their iPad. A more popular use for the iPad 2 is using apps and playing games, which 17 percent said they intend to do.
(Quoted from: AppleInsider)
By Neil Hughes
iPad 2s selling for silly money...
College student Amanda Foote queued for nearly 41 hours for the iPad 2 release at Apple's flagship store in New York, had a stranger eat her doughnuts and slept for a total of 3 hours 10 minutes -- and then sold her number one spot for $900 to app developer Hazem Sayed who said he needed an iPad 2 for a business trip. Foote says she plans to spend the money on tickets to see Lady Gaga. Ahem. Others in the New York line were being paid US $100 to wait for friends, and Craigslist was littered with similar 'I'll stand in line for you' offers priced at up to $1000.
With shipping delays increasing to 3-4 weeks, others are turning to eBay to get the tablet computer of their dreams, spending up to US $4,000 (with free shipping!) for the privilege. The $4,000 auction is for a 64GB model -- see the image above. Others are trying to sell iPad 2s on eBay for up to US $200,000 (including $0.01 shipping), although that looks like one Buy it Now price that may not result in a sale. Others are more realistically asking a US $200 premium for most models, promising full availability of all models.
(Quoted from: Tuaw)
by Chris Ward on Mar 13th 2011 at 3:00PM
iPad 2 jailbroken, no ETA on public release
(Quoted from Edgadget)
By Sean Hollister posted Mar 13th 2011 8:45PM
posted Mar 13th 2011 8:45PM Inside Apple's iPad 2 A5: fast LPDDR2 RAM, costs 66% more than Tegra 2
The new A5 processor used by iPad 2 incorporates Samsung's new 46nm Low Power DDR2 memory, uses a variable clock speed and costs about $25, a significant premium over NVIDIA's competing Tegra 2.
According to research performed by UBM TechInsights, Apple's larger A5 (12.1mmx10.1mm, compared to the 7.3mmx7.3mm A4) costs about $25 to build, making it $10 more expensive than similar dual core chips such as the Tegra 2 used by the Motorola Xoom.
Even so, the firm estimates the iPad 2 total Bill Of Materials costs about $270, compared to its BOM estimate of the Xoom, which weighs in at $288 (both numbers compare 32GB 3G versions).
Cheaper by the million dozen
"To help with their margins," UBM engineer and technical marketing manager Allan Yogasingam told AppleInsider, "this basically guarantees the A5 will be in most next generation Apple products like the iPhone 5 and the iPod Touch. It will help bring the costs down to the $15 range of their competition - especially if they have a plan in place to ramp up production through another fab like TSMC."
Yogasingam noted that despite rumors that Apple may be working with TSMC to build A5 chips, "the A5 in our possession is definitely manufactured by Samsung using their 45nm process."
"Our first inclination that this could be a Samsung manufactured processor was the similarity in word mark between this font and the font in the Apple A4," the Yogasingam stated (below, A4 wordmark is in the inset image.)
The A5 up close, really close
UBM TechInsights also said it "used optical die and SEM cross-section images to analyze features such as die edge seal, metal 1 pitch, logic and SRAM transistor gate measurements. These features were then compared to other manufacturers in our database, including other Samsung 45nm parts," indicating that the A5, like the previous generation Apple A4 processor, was built using Samsung’s 45nm process.
Yogasingam provided a full scale die photo of the Apple A5 Processor (above). A side view image of the A5 processor reveals the package-on-package of the processor and low-power DDR2 DRAM (below).
A SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) cross-section image showing the SRAM transistors in the Apple A5 processor (below).
Evolution of Apple's APL chips
Apple has used a series of Applications Processors in its iPhone, iPod touch and iPad models since 2007. Initial versions of the chips were designated as 8900B series, while later versions were labeled in an APL series. Only last year did Apple begin naming its processor as "the A4," a step similar to the company's previous branding of third, fourth, and fifth generations of PowerPC chips the G3, G4 and G5.
In addition to much faster graphics based on the dual core SGX543MP2 graphics technology licensed from Imagination Technologies, the A5 also boasts dual processing cores based on ARM Cortex A9, with a dynamically set clock speed.
Dynamic clock, faster RAM
"While the A4 clock speed was steady at 1 GHz," Yogasingam said, "the A5 clock speed varies depending on the application being run. This would indicate an advanced power management circuitry controlling the clock speeds of the cores—something new for the A5 and may explain the use of a different power management IC from Dialog Semiconductor."
Also notable in the A5 is the use of fast new Low Power DDR2 DRAM memory. "What is also interesting is that teardowns performed at two UBM TechInsights locations (in Austin and Ottawa) revealed two different LPDDR2 DRAM from two different manufacturers (Samsung and Elpida). The Samsung K4P2G324EC LPDDR2 die is the first time we’ve seen Samsung’s new 46nm LPDDR2 memory. This also tells us that Apple is fully prepared to package multiple LPDDR2 offerings."
(Quoted from: AppleInsider)
By Daniel Eran Dilger
According to research performed by UBM TechInsights, Apple's larger A5 (12.1mmx10.1mm, compared to the 7.3mmx7.3mm A4) costs about $25 to build, making it $10 more expensive than similar dual core chips such as the Tegra 2 used by the Motorola Xoom.
Even so, the firm estimates the iPad 2 total Bill Of Materials costs about $270, compared to its BOM estimate of the Xoom, which weighs in at $288 (both numbers compare 32GB 3G versions).
Cheaper by the million dozen
"To help with their margins," UBM engineer and technical marketing manager Allan Yogasingam told AppleInsider, "this basically guarantees the A5 will be in most next generation Apple products like the iPhone 5 and the iPod Touch. It will help bring the costs down to the $15 range of their competition - especially if they have a plan in place to ramp up production through another fab like TSMC."
Yogasingam noted that despite rumors that Apple may be working with TSMC to build A5 chips, "the A5 in our possession is definitely manufactured by Samsung using their 45nm process."
"Our first inclination that this could be a Samsung manufactured processor was the similarity in word mark between this font and the font in the Apple A4," the Yogasingam stated (below, A4 wordmark is in the inset image.)
The A5 up close, really close
UBM TechInsights also said it "used optical die and SEM cross-section images to analyze features such as die edge seal, metal 1 pitch, logic and SRAM transistor gate measurements. These features were then compared to other manufacturers in our database, including other Samsung 45nm parts," indicating that the A5, like the previous generation Apple A4 processor, was built using Samsung’s 45nm process.
Yogasingam provided a full scale die photo of the Apple A5 Processor (above). A side view image of the A5 processor reveals the package-on-package of the processor and low-power DDR2 DRAM (below).
A SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) cross-section image showing the SRAM transistors in the Apple A5 processor (below).
Evolution of Apple's APL chips
Apple has used a series of Applications Processors in its iPhone, iPod touch and iPad models since 2007. Initial versions of the chips were designated as 8900B series, while later versions were labeled in an APL series. Only last year did Apple begin naming its processor as "the A4," a step similar to the company's previous branding of third, fourth, and fifth generations of PowerPC chips the G3, G4 and G5.
In addition to much faster graphics based on the dual core SGX543MP2 graphics technology licensed from Imagination Technologies, the A5 also boasts dual processing cores based on ARM Cortex A9, with a dynamically set clock speed.
Dynamic clock, faster RAM
"While the A4 clock speed was steady at 1 GHz," Yogasingam said, "the A5 clock speed varies depending on the application being run. This would indicate an advanced power management circuitry controlling the clock speeds of the cores—something new for the A5 and may explain the use of a different power management IC from Dialog Semiconductor."
Also notable in the A5 is the use of fast new Low Power DDR2 DRAM memory. "What is also interesting is that teardowns performed at two UBM TechInsights locations (in Austin and Ottawa) revealed two different LPDDR2 DRAM from two different manufacturers (Samsung and Elpida). The Samsung K4P2G324EC LPDDR2 die is the first time we’ve seen Samsung’s new 46nm LPDDR2 memory. This also tells us that Apple is fully prepared to package multiple LPDDR2 offerings."
(Quoted from: AppleInsider)
By Daniel Eran Dilger
水貨 iPad2今早到港 手機店：料可炒至逾萬元
旺角先達商場 G-World Mobile負責人劉志剛表示， iPad2水貨最快今日早上約 10時在店舖發售，今次訂購反應較第一代熱烈，迄今訂購逾 100部，數量較上一代 iPad預訂時高出近兩倍，「反應出乎意料咁好，可能財爺派錢 6,000蚊，啲人有額外收入用嚟買機」。他說，由於今次有白色機殼 iPad2售賣，訂購客人明顯多了女性，「佔咗兩成人係女性客，好少見，因為啲女仔鍾意白色機身，所以多咗人買」。
劉志剛續稱，公司已派人到當地排隊購買，初步預計首批貨約有 50多部，八成是 3G版本及以白機為主，預料水貨價錢會炒高近倍至 7,500至逾萬元不等。 iPad2在美國開售的價錢維持與第一代一樣，由 499至 829美元（ 3,892至 6,466港元）。
同場的數碼盈動電訊專門店負責人胡小姐表示，水貨 iPad2最快要下周一在公司售賣，截至目前有百多人預訂，反應不俗，「有個客仲想一口氣訂幾十部，我哋都冇貨畀佢。啲機要留畀熟客先」。
她說，由於 iPad2搶先 iPhone首次推出白色機殼，故甚受巿民歡迎，「八成客人都係預訂白色機，我哋盡量攞白色機，最多都係攞百幾部。水貨價最高要賣過萬蚊」。
iPad2 固然搶手，電腦保護等周邊產品也被虎視眈眈；專門代理日本 iPad保護套的 Towervision Group負責人林先生表示，自 iPad推出後，多個品牌相繼推出平板電腦，港人對平板電腦趨之若鶩，相信 iPad2會更受歡迎，故公司推出一系列 iPad2保護套，料會吸引不少潮人購買，「都有成五至六款，總有一款啱佢哋，預計都會幾好賣」。
(Quoted from: Apple Daily)
劉志剛續稱，公司已派人到當地排隊購買，初步預計首批貨約有 50多部，八成是 3G版本及以白機為主，預料水貨價錢會炒高近倍至 7,500至逾萬元不等。 iPad2在美國開售的價錢維持與第一代一樣，由 499至 829美元（ 3,892至 6,466港元）。
同場的數碼盈動電訊專門店負責人胡小姐表示，水貨 iPad2最快要下周一在公司售賣，截至目前有百多人預訂，反應不俗，「有個客仲想一口氣訂幾十部，我哋都冇貨畀佢。啲機要留畀熟客先」。
她說，由於 iPad2搶先 iPhone首次推出白色機殼，故甚受巿民歡迎，「八成客人都係預訂白色機，我哋盡量攞白色機，最多都係攞百幾部。水貨價最高要賣過萬蚊」。
iPad2 固然搶手，電腦保護等周邊產品也被虎視眈眈；專門代理日本 iPad保護套的 Towervision Group負責人林先生表示，自 iPad推出後，多個品牌相繼推出平板電腦，港人對平板電腦趨之若鶩，相信 iPad2會更受歡迎，故公司推出一系列 iPad2保護套，料會吸引不少潮人購買，「都有成五至六款，總有一款啱佢哋，預計都會幾好賣」。
(Quoted from: Apple Daily)
2011年3月13日星期日
[MAC] 10.3 鑊氣多？FlashPlayer 移除大法
Adobe 早前發表了最新的 FlashPlayer 10.3 Beta，但筆者當時未有即時更新，原因是 Mac OS 的 FlashPlayer 出名多「鑊氣」。可是，支援 HTML 5 實在很吸引，筆者最終還是屈服了。惟 Beta 不愧為 Beta，安裝新版後令瀏覽器常出現 Plug-in Failure 問題。你也是受害者嗎？Unwire.hk 今次嘗試幫你重生。
FlashPlayer 不可直接移除
跟一般 Apps 不同，FlashPlayer 會將很多檔案安裝到不同的位置，用戶不可能純粹將 Icon 移到 Trash 當作移除。然而，Adobe 其實提供了 Mac 專用的 FlashPlayer 移除工具，用戶利用它便可成功移除 FlashPlayer 了。
下載網址：
http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/uninstall_flash_player_osx.dmg
移除方法：
Step 01)
關閉所有瀏覽器，包括 Safari、FireFox 等等。
Step 02)
打開下載得來的映像檔，點撃當中的 Adobe Flash Player Uninstaller 來執行。
Step 03)
按 Uninstall，然後輸入管理員密碼開始移除工作。
Step 04)
當完成後，Flash Player 已被徹底移除了。
Step 05)
重新安裝較穩定的 Flash Player 版本，筆者今次便選用了 10.2 p2 版本。
Step 06)
打開瀏覽器進行測試，若發現 Flash Player 持續不穩定，可重複以上步驟並安裝其他版本的 Flash Player。
評：Flash＠Mac 麻煩多多
Apple 和 Adobe 的關係平平是眾所周知的事，從 iOS 一直不支援 Flash 便可知，但支援 Flash 的 Mac OS 卻不見得好過，至少 Mac 友過去多年都未嘗很完美地支援 Flash。筆者無求，但願這文章很快不合用，那就是 Mac 友的最大喜訊了。
(Quoted from: unwire.hk)
Shipping times for new iPad orders continue to slip
Shipping times for new iPad orders continue to slip, with orders placed as of Saturday evening estimated to ship within 3 to 4 weeks
Demand for the iPad 2 has been so strong in its first 24 hours of availability that Apple has been forced to push back estimated ship times yet again. While initial orders placed in Apple's online store began shipping Saturday for a March 17 delivery, those who hesitated to buy will be forced to wait longer.
Initial orders were scheduled to ship in two to three days, but that estimate was quickly pushed back on Friday as orders continued to flood in. By later Friday morning, new orders were estimated to ship within 2 to 3 weeks.
But orders placed late Saturday may not ship for up to a month. And many retail locations, which began selling the iPad 2 in person Friday evening, have already sold out of their initial stock.
Analysts expect Apple to sell more than a half million of the iPad 2 in its first weekend of availability, besting the debut of the first-generation iPad last year. On the bullish end, one analyst has said that Apple could sell as many as a million of the iPad 2 at launch, thanks to expanded retail availability of the device and greater consumer interest.
Demand for the iPad 2 has been so strong in its first 24 hours of availability that Apple has been forced to push back estimated ship times yet again. While initial orders placed in Apple's online store began shipping Saturday for a March 17 delivery, those who hesitated to buy will be forced to wait longer.
Initial orders were scheduled to ship in two to three days, but that estimate was quickly pushed back on Friday as orders continued to flood in. By later Friday morning, new orders were estimated to ship within 2 to 3 weeks.
But orders placed late Saturday may not ship for up to a month. And many retail locations, which began selling the iPad 2 in person Friday evening, have already sold out of their initial stock.
Analysts expect Apple to sell more than a half million of the iPad 2 in its first weekend of availability, besting the debut of the first-generation iPad last year. On the bullish end, one analyst has said that Apple could sell as many as a million of the iPad 2 at launch, thanks to expanded retail availability of the device and greater consumer interest.
[Iphone Game] Beer Pong-《Glass Pong》
近日城中的酒吧盛行玩一種名為「Beer Pong」的Drinking Game，只要成功把乒乓球打進對方杯子中，對方便要把那杯酒喝光。這Drinking Game先在美國興起，再經由「香港人既啤酒」大力地廣告介紹，現在蒲吧的朋友無人不曉這遊戲。《Glass Pong》的背景設定於Pub，很明顯這隻遊戲就是為了讓各位手執iPhone也可以練習「Beer Pong」的技巧。
《Glass Pong》玩法非常簡單，玩家用手指點著發球位置，然後把平上的iPhone猛力的上移動，像乒乓球「的的仔」發球般，乒乓球就會打出，向上移動的力度， 同樣控制了遊戲中發球的力度，要成功把乒乓球打進那小小的酒杯，其實一點不簡單，自問眼界準的朋友，不妨挑戰一下咯！
遊戲名稱：《Glass Pong》
售價： Free
系統：iPhone (3G、3Gs、4)、iPod touch、iPad
檔案大小：13MB
下載網站：http://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/glasspong/id414650975?mt=8
要成功把乒乓球打進這小小的酒杯裡，除了眼界要準，運氣也不能缺少。
遊戲設有3種不同難度，Medium 和Hard的距離是超乎想像的遠，能碰到酒店已經是非常不錯了。
(Quoted from: unwire.hk)
訂閱：
文章 (Atom)