News Archive for 07/05/16

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iPod users back iPhone

05/16, 5:25pm

Study: iPod users to switch for iPhone

Surveys based in Europe and the UK published today suggest that nearly half of Europe's iPod users are likely to consider Apple when making their next mobile phone purchase. "Apple’s rating improves dramatically when you talk to existing iPod owners," Canalys senior analyst Pete Cunningham said. "Almost half the respondents who owned an iPod rated Apple as likely to be considered for their next phone, compared to just 20 per cent for those who didn’t have an iPod, and they were five times as likely to give Apple the highest rating. There is a lot of loyalty that Apple can tap into." Respondents were asked how likely they were to choose different cellphone manufacturers, according to Macworld UK, with Nokia coming in first place and Apple ranking in the mid-range behind LG and just ahead of smartphone vendors such as RIM and Palm.

Analyst on Amazon music

05/16, 4:25pm

Analyst: Amazon move a "me-too" effort

Amazon today revealed the forthcoming launch of a direct-download music store offering tracks without DRM (Digital Rights Management) in the open MP3 format. "The announcement is a carbon copy of Apple's deal with EMI," said Piper Jaffray senior analyst Gene Munster. "Amazon will offer the same DRM-free tracks as iTUnes, and therefore will have no competitive advantage over Apple." The analyst says Amazon is playing catchup with iTunes, and points out that Amazon's music store will not carry any DRM-free tracks that Apple's own iTunes store doesn't already offer. "We believe the Amazon music store will not materially impact Apple's business," said Munster. "In fact, although Apple's dominance frustrates music studios, the reality is that Apple's market share (70 percent in the U.S.) gives Steve Jobs and iTunes the upper hand." Piper Jaffray maintains its "Outperform" rating on Apple shares with a $140 price target.

ezGear debuts iPhone cases

05/16, 10:05am

ezGear to ship three iPhone cases in June

ezGear today unveiled three new cases for Apple's forthcoming iPhone which include the ezSkin, ezSkin Bumperz, and ezSkin Xtreme. ezSkin cases are made from high quality silicone for a snug fit along with a smooth coating to repel dirt, and provide unfettered access to the iPhone's physical functions. The company is offering a thin transparent screen protector with all ezSkins that allow users to manage the touch screen normally while protecting the multi-touch display from scratches. The basic ezSkin is a slimline protective case with a separate removable belt holster, removable neck strap, and a protective flap for the iPhone's dock connector. ezSkins for iPhone are slated for shipment in June of this year alongside iPhone's planned launch (pricing was unavailable).

Cocoia Timezones 1.0

05/16, 9:50am

Time zone navigation software for iPod

Cocoia has released Cocoia Timezones 1.0, the full version of the time zone navigator for Apple's iPod. Cocoia Timezones 1.0 features themes, personalized overlays that indicate time differences, and a city bar that shows settlements per time zone on an iPod. The full version is personalized to always show the difference between the selected time zone and users' local time, and comes with a wide array of themes to choose for a world map -- including limited editions. The software works with first- and second-generation iPod nanos, as well as iPod with color display and video iPod. Cocoia Timezones 1.0 is priced at $3 (system requirements were unavailable).