We reported earlier that Apple CEO Tim Cook and Samsung CEO Choi Gee-sung will meet on 21-22 May 2012 to discuss patent issues, in a bid to settle them.

At the time of this news report being written the meeting has started and the updates are awaited.

Meeting of two CEOs will be held at San Francisco. The talks will be mediated by a federal judge.

Before his departure to the United States for the talks, Samsung mobile division chief JK Shin said that while significant differences between Apple and Samsung still exist, a number of “negotiation options” remain on the table.

“There is still a big gap in the patent war with Apple,” JK Shin said, before departing for the United States for the mediation talks. “But we still have several negotiation options.”

??Court documents show the two companies have had at least one mediation session, although it is not clear if Cook and Choi were involved.

Legal experts are not optimistic that the two companies will reach a settlement. However, with courts increasingly pushing companies to seek alternative dispute resolution processes in hopes of staving off drawn-out court battles, Apple and Samsung have agreed to participate in the talks.

Source: Mac Rumors

CEOs Of Apple and Samsung Meeting To Discuss Patent Issues is a post from: The Apple Bites

A new report has asserted that Hon Hai Precision Industry, also know as Foxconn, is investing $210 million in an upcoming plant in Huai’an city which is meant to help satisfy the ever-growing demand for Apple products around the world.

Though this facility would not be as big as Foxconn’s other plants in Shenzen where an estimated 200,000 workers churn out millions of devices each month, it will employ 35,8000 workers.

The China Daily based the report on the official confirmation by the office of Taiwan Affairs of Huai’an.

Foxconn Technology Group will invest $210 million to build an Apple production line in October in east China’s Jiangsu province, local authorities announced Monday.

The plant housing the production line, to be located in Huai’an city, will produce components for American multinational corporation, Apple Inc, said the office of Taiwan Affairs of Huai’an city.

The new facility is said to stretch 40,000 square meters. It is expected to be capable of producing up to $1.1 billion worth of products.

Foxconn will begin construction of the plant in October 2012. It was not known at press time which products will be assembled at the new facility.

As Apple’s products are gaining more and more popularity, the manufacturing scale also needs to grow.

To meet this demand, Foxconn, Apple’s favorite contract manufacturer, has opened new plants in Brazil that currently produce iPhones.

Apple is also said to be looking to produce iPads in Brazil.

CEO Tim Cook recently visited Foxconn’s new manufacturing plant in Zhengzhou, during his China tour.

Some more rumors say that Apple is looking to make a massive $9.76 billion investment in Foxconn, ahead of a rumored television set launch that Foxconn representatives recently hinted at. They were quick to deny their comments later.

Apple is also reportedly investing some of its $110+ billion in cash reserves toward improving labor conditions in Foxconn plants.

Foxconn is opening new plants and making strategic acquisitions such as buying a stake in Sharp coincides with Tim Cook’s CEO tenure.

Source: iDownload Blog

Foxconn Building High-Tech $210 Million Apple Plant is a post from: The Apple Bites

Recently, Apple won an appeal from the federal court that would have certainly boosted its morale. Now, Apple has filed a motion for injunction against Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 which could see the tablet pulled from US shelves as soon as early as June.

The motion which was filed last weekend. It was based on a US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruling that found Apple’s iPad-related design patent was likely valid. It overturned previous findings from a California court which originally barred the Apple from seeking a preliminary injunction against the Samsung tablet.

According to Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents, Apple’s second injunction attempt is likely to succeed, given that at least one circuit court judge feels such a relief is justified and went as far as to issue a dissenting opinion, stating that merely vacating the California ruling was not enough.

Mueller wrote:

“Circuit Judge Kathleen O’Malley argued that the CAFC should have reversed the decision in order to provided Apple with immediate injunctive relief in light of the irreparable harm it is suffering. But the majority of the judges saw ‘no reason to believe that there will necessarily be delay, or if there is delay that it will be unjustifiable.”

The Cupertino, California-based company is asking Judge Lucy Koh, who denied the first injunction as well as two others regarding smartphone patents, to rule on the matter without a hearing. The request is seen as being a reasonable one as the court already heard arguments over the issue in October. Judge Koh is unlikely to grant the motion for preliminary injunction during the settlement talks scheduled for 21-22 May 2012. Thus Apple has given Samsung until 25 May 2012 to respond.

It is unlikely Samsung will ask for a hearing on the Galaxy Tab injunction if and when the talks fail. In the above scenario, Judge Koh may schedule it on the same 7 June 2012 date as a separate injunction case involving the Galaxy Nexus smartphone.

Although an injunction may not be a devastating blow to the Korean electronics giant, it would signify a publicity win for Apple. It will also force Samsung to redesign the tablet as it did in Germany with the Galaxy Tab 10.1N. Ultimately, the disputes between the two tech giants continue and at the moment, it seems that there is no end.

Source: Modmyi

Apple Files For Another Galaxy Tab Injunction is a post from: The Apple Bites

Come September 2012, and Apple is bringing its iTunes Festival to London, once again. Apple is inviting more than 60 artists to perform for 30 consecutive nights of incredible music.

The event will run from 1 September 2012 to 30 September 2012 and it will feature performances from Usher, Jack White, Norah Jones, Emeli Sandé, One Direction, and more.

The festival will take place at The Roundhouse on Chalk Farm Road, which has previously hosted the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin. Like previous years, every ticket to the iTunes Festival is going to be free. All you need to do is apply online to win your ticket.

If you fail to get tickets, you can watch every gig live — or on-demand for a limited time — on iTunes, or if your iOS device uses the free iTunes Festival app. This app is also AirPlay compatible. Thus, it would allow you to stream the event to your Apple TV to watch on the big screen.

You can apply for tickets through the iTunes Festival website. Entrants must be 14 or above.

Do you live in London? Which Superstar do you wish to see performing in iTunes Festival? Share with us.

You can also share your comments on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

The Apple Bites is giving away free iTunes Gift-cards for exciting games and interesting apps. All you need to do is to participate in the discussions The Apple Bites starts. No offensive words allowed. No spamming! The winners would be contacted and the gift cards would be given to them.

Source: Cult Of Mac

Image Source

iTunes Festival Returns To London In September is a post from: The Apple Bites

Apple is involved in a new lawsuit. However, this time, no patent infringement claims are being made.

Apple has been sued by Danyelle Comer, who filed suit in the US District Court for the Northern District of California.

Comer is going after Apple because of massive inconveniences and setbacks born of the tech giant’s iCloud service going down when its services are most needed. The suit blasts Apple for failing to usher in a smooth transition between the paid MobileMe service and what we now know as iCloud.

Comer said:

“Throughout the migration, Apple failed to adequately ensure that features MobileMe users were paying for would be accessible, including access to their e-mail accounts for which customers pay additional fees. As a result, numerous MobileMe users suffered damage from the inability to access their individual accounts.”

The court document reads:

“Unfortunately for many users it doesn’t ‘just work’ and has resulted in a series of headaches due to lack of syncing ability, lack of email functionality and other complications and losses and corruption of data. In fact a number of users have been forced to hire outside technical assistance at significant cost, just to migrate to the iCloud platform or get around it to obtain minimal functionality of emails and other systems.”

The damages being sought were unspecified.

Source: Modmyi

New Lawsuit Over iCloud Service And MobileMe is a post from: The Apple Bites

Last weekend, makers of the Ashton Kutcher Steve Jobs biopic “jOBS” made an announcement that can be seen as a tribute to Late Steve Jobs. Makers said that they would begin the principal photography in the original garage that would later become the birthplace of Apple.

According to a press release, Five Star Feature Films, the production company behind the made for TV movie, is attempting to be as authentic as possible by shooting early scenes of the film in Jobs’ old Los Altos home and garage where Jobs and Steve Wozniak built the first Apple computer.

Five Star claims that the production of “jOBS” began immediately after Jobs’ retirement in 2011. The research supposedly included extensive research, which included interviews with friends, co-workers and mentors. The press release claimed that the producers wanted to create an accurate and enthralling of what they refer to as the “30 most defining years” of Steve Jobs’ life.

Executive Producer Mark Hulme said he hoped the movie, described in the press release as “dark, honest, and uncompromising,” will be completed in time for the fourth quarter of 2012. So far Kutcher, director Joshua Michale Stern (Swing Vote) and Oscar-winning cinematographer Russel Carpenter (Titanic) are attached to the project which will focus on Jobs’ life from 1971 to 2000, leading up to the release of the iPod.

Source: Modmyi

Steve Jobs Biopic Starring Ashton Kutcher To Be Shot In Old Garage Of Jobs is a post from: The Apple Bites

The rumors of HDTV set from Apple are going strong. So it is time for rumors about a car from Apple to join in.

It may seem absurd or a joke but there are some vestiges of truth behind the assertion that Apple could produce a company-branded automobile dubbed the “iCar.” It turns out that Steve Jobs actually spoke of such a creation.

Shortly before his sad demise in October 2011, the iconic co-founder of Apple began dramatically expanding – at least on the drawing board – the potential reach of Apple’s product line. In addition to laying the groundwork for a forthcoming connected HDTV offering, Jobs envisioned something much more unorthodox.

J. Crew CEO and Apple board member Mickey Drexler said in a new interview:

“Look at the car industry, it’s a tragedy in America. Who’s designing the cars? Steve’s dream before he died was to design an iCar and I think it would’ve been probably 50% of the market. He never did design it.”

He also did not deny that such a vehicle could still manifest. If the Google “smart car” continues to make progress, there is a chance Apple may attempt to bring Jobs’ vision for the iCar to life. For the present time, however, Drexler says Apple’s next venture is the living room. This means that that the iTV (if Apple is really making it) will be here much sooner than the iCar.

Source: Modmyi

Steve Jobs Wanted To Make An Apple Branded Automobile is a post from: The Apple Bites

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has been brought in as a “tutor” to coach Sony Pictures on its adaptation of the biography of the late Steve Jobs. The movie to be made by Sony Pictures would be based on the biography written by Walter Isaacson.

Aaron Sorkin spoke to the press about his approach to the project. According to an online report, Wozniak was to consult on technology for the film along with providing insight on Jobs’ character.

Wozniak served as the technical mind behind Jobs’ sharp business sense in the early days of Apple. Wozniak said:

“We were very much alike in that time frame. Steve [Jobs] was an incredible leader and a manager, he went through an awful lot of things in life that got him to that point.”

Sorkin also revealed that the film would not just be a biopic as he feels it would be difficult to structure. He said that he wanted to write about Jobs in a similar style to his previous work, “The Social Network”. The film centered around the lawsuit between Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his early partners. Describing the film, Sorkin said:

“Drama is tension versus obstacle. Someone wants something, something is standing in their way of getting it. They want the money, they want the girl, they want to get to Philadelphia – doesn’t matter … And I need to find that event and I will. I just don’t know what it is.”

Sony Pictures worked out the deal for the movie rights to the biography within days of the late executive’s death. At the time, Sorkin was Sony’s top choice for a scriptwriter and not surprisingly their first choice worked out. We want to remind our readers that this film is not to be confused with the independent production company looking to make its own film about Jobs as well. Ashton Kutcher has been cast as the lead role in that project. This movie is said to cover events from the year 1971 to 2000.

Source: Modmyi

Steve Wozniak Hired As Tutor For Sony’s Film On Steve Jobs is a post from: The Apple Bites

Facebook posted an application to the App Store earlier this week, on Wednesday. This application left many stumbling for their i-Devices to download it.

However, later, iOS users realized that the app is currently available in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.

The new app launched by Facebook is called Pages Manager. This app lets the page admins check out what is going on with their page wherever they are.

As it stands, Facebook is set to roll the app out to the UK and the US in the next few days. You will gain access to this app very soon.

How do you value to the utility of this app? Post your comments.

Source: iSozial

Facebook Launches Pages Manager For iOS is a post from: The Apple Bites

Apple and Samsung may have sued each other over patents in various courts worldwide but this did not affect the business relations between them. However, now it seems that it may affect them very soon.

Samsung is about to hit a rough patch because earlier this week, shares of Samsung Electronics fell 6% percent. This effectively swiped away $10 billion from the company’s mighty market value.

The sell-off was sparked by speculation that Apple is planning to drastically reduce its working relationship with Samsung. The Cupertino-California-based company is said to have begun placing chip orders with Samsung rival Elpida instead.

Online news sources like Reuters and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) indicated that Apple had secured the services of several suppliers (none of which is Samsung) to provide new iPhone screens for the next gen-device, many investors went into a panic and dumped the stock.

Choi Do-yeon, an analyst at LIG Investment & Securities, told Reuters:

“It looks like Apple doesn’t want to see Samsung and hynix dominate the chip market. Apple wants to maintain its bargaining power by keeping Elpida running.”

So far, neither Samsung nor Apple will formally commented on the matter.

Source: Modmyi

Apple Planning To End Business Relations With Samsung is a post from: The Apple Bites

If you watch ESPN, you must be familiar with WatchESPN, a wonderful app that enables users watch ESPN on their iPhone and iPads.

Now, there are speculations that it will come to Apple TV very soon.

Bloomberg has reported that ESPN is currently in talks with Apple to bring the WatchESPN app to the Apple TV. That means subscribers of ESPN would be watching ESPN content very soon on their Apple TVs too.

This app/feature would probably look more like ESPN on Xbox where you could watch ESPN3 games and coverage on your TV but not ESPN and ESPN2. This is because having ESPN and ESPN2 content would just duplicate the cable channels you already pay for.

In a time when many people subscribe to cable only to watch ESPN, the sales of Apple TV are bound to go up if ESPN becomes available on Apple TV.

However, ESPN has said that the deal is not exactly imminent. But it is interesting that the sports giant made its talks with Apple public. The two companies may to time the launch with the Apple HDTV.

Source: Gizmodo

ESPN Coming To Apple TV is a post from: The Apple Bites

First Motorola won a lawsuit against Apple. Then HTC blamed the success of iPhone for the losses it was suffering in the market. Apple has won lawsuits against Motorola and HTC in many courts.

However, the list of lawsuits is long. This reason is big enough to annoy the judges.

Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents has reported that Apple is now battling one less lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida.

Apple was facing two separate lawsuits in the courts, one filed by Motorola Mobility and another by HTC. Judge Robert Scola has decided to merge the two lawsuits because “the parties have shown a complete inability to agree upon anything and it is frustrating the progress of these cases.”

According to the report, Apple pushed for this consolidation, while HTC and Motorola opposed it.

Source: TUAW

Lawsuits Involving Motorola And HTC Against Apple Merged Together is a post from: The Apple Bites

Not long ago, Aaron Sorkin, won an Oscar for writing the screenplay of “The Social Network,” the movie telling the story behind the foundation of Facebook.

Now Sorkin is moving from Facebook to Apple. According to the reports in Variety magazine, Sony has hired Sorkin to turn Walter Isaacson’s “Steve Jobs” biography into a feature film.

Sony had acquired the movie rights to Isaacson’s biography a couple weeks before it was released in October 2011. There are rumors surrounding this movie that either George Clooney or Noah Wyle will play the character of Steve Jobs in the movie.

Another unrelated and independent film on Steve Jobs biopic is scheduled to begin filming this month. This film, with the working title “Jobs,” stars Ashton Kutcher and covers the life of Steve Jobs from 1971 to 2000. “Jobs” is slated to be released in the fourth quarter of this year.

There is no relation between two movies on Steve Jobs and you should not be confused about the same as the movie starring Ashton Kutcher will focus only on the youth of Steve Jobs.

Source: TUAW

Aaron Sorkin To Pen Steve Jobs’ Biopic is a post from: The Apple Bites

Taking a look at the latest legal tangle involving Apple, Apple was left with an egg on its face, this past Wednesday. US District Judge Denise Cote rejected a request to dismiss a class action lawsuit against Apple and five publishers.

Cote scoffed at the idea that Apple and the publishers acted independently in coming up with what is known as agency pricing, their defense to the charges that they were price-fixing ebooks. Cote also accused Steve Jobs at being at the center of it all. Parts of the opinion, as excerpted by paidContent, reads:

In short, Apple did not try to earn money off of eBooks by competing with other retailers in an open market; rather, Apple ‘accomplished this goal by [helping] the suppliers to collude, rather than to compete independently.’”

“Finally, the fact that Apple might have had different motivations for joining the conspiracy, and was involved in only a portion of it, does not undermine the existence of the conspiracy itself or Apple’s role as a participant.

Cote also cited ongoing investigations against Apple, which included the antitrust suit filed by the US Department of Justice, as other reasons to maintain the class action suit. This suit was filed in August 2011.

Source: TUAW

Judge Refuses To Dismiss E-book Class Action Suit is a post from: The Apple Bites

Apple has been defeating Samsung in terms of sales and revenue in various countries.

Some Apple Fanboys say that this is because Samsung often copies from Apple.

Rivalry apart, we are talking about a research.

Data vendor MM Research Institute has tracked smartphone sales in Japan. It has discovered the iPhone is greatly outselling its competitors. A report on these latest found statistics was published in Computerworld.

According to the company’s analysis, about 24.2 million smartphones were shipped in Japan and 30 percent were iPhones. On the other hand, Samsung accounted for only 8.3 percent of the total smartphone shipments in the country. Most of Apple’s success in Japan is attributed to the iPhone 4S which is sold by Au and Softbank.

Source: TUAW

Apple Ahead Of Samsung In Japan is a post from: The Apple Bites

Seventeen more states have joined the antitrust lawsuit against Apple and several book publishing houses over the pricing of ebooks.

Perhaps more interesting are certain details released in the latest filing that were previously redacted. Here an email from Steve Jobs is also included. Portions of this email have been seen before, but this is the first chance the public has had to see a major negotiation written by the former CEO.

PaidContent reported that Steve Jobs became directly involved in the pricing negotiations after Apple executive “Eddy Cue could not secure one of the Conspiring Publisher’s commitment directly from an executive.” Jobs “wrote to an executive at the parent company, in part”:

As I see it, [Conspiring Publisher] has the following choices:

1. Throw in with Apple and see if we can all make a go of this to create a real mainstream ebooks market at $12.99 and $14.99.

2. Keep going with Amazon at $9.99. You will make a bit more money in the short term, but in the medium term Amazon will tell you they will be paying you 70% of $9.99. They have shareholders too.

3. Hold back your books from Amazon. Without a way for customers to buy your ebooks, they will steal them. This will be the start of piracy and once started, there will be no stopping it. Trust me, I’ve seen this happen with my own eyes.

Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t see any other alternatives. Do you?

The complaint has claimed that the publishers and Apple “worked together to force” Random House – the one publishing company to turn down the agency pricing model favored by Apple – to adopt it as well. The claim went on as far to claim that publishing companies tried to convince Barnes & Noble to not feature Random House books in any of its advertising. Apparently, Barnes & Noble obliged.

Regarding the case, Apple has publicly defended itself. Apple also said that it wants to defend itself in a jury trial, saying that allegations against the company were “simply not true.”

Source: Mac Rumors

Book Pricing Lawsuit Reveals More Details Of Apple’s Negotiations is a post from: The Apple Bites

Recently, Foxconn CEO Terry Gou had leaked information about Foxconn manufacturing the rumored television set from Apple. Obviously, his comments would enraged Apple who are well-known for their secrecy regarding projects under development.

Now, to save its face, Foxconn has issued a public statement denying the news of CEO making comments about preparing for a rumored Apple television. However, Gou had also said that the manufacturing of development of rumored TV set had not begun yet.

The Chinese manufacturer provided a written statement to TheNextWeb. It stated that Gou neither confirmed nor speculated about the company’s involvement in the production of any product.

It is Foxconn’s policy not to comment on any customers or their products. The statement claimed:

“Any reports that Foxconn confirmed that it is preparing to produce a specific product for any customers are not accurate.”

Although Foxconn did not issue any comments about a possible Apple television set, the company did forge a deal with LCD maker, Sharp, in March giving it a 11% stake in the company for $808 million. The deal has sparked speculation that Foxconn and Sharp have teamed up to produce panels for an anticipated television set from Apple.

Foxconn is usually a good source of Apple-related leaks over the past few years. However, none of those leaks came from public comments by any of the company’s CEOs. As for news regarding the Apple television set, one needs to wait with patience.

Source: Modmyi

Image Source

Foxconn CEO Denies His Comments On Apple Television Set is a post from: The Apple Bites

The Time Warner Cable CEO, Glenn A. Britt, has recently admitted that he is unfamiliar with AirPlay. According to a report by New York Times, Britt does not think it affects the cable business.

Many consumers and analysts find this statement to be one of true ignorance. This statement comes as a shocker to many.

During a group interview last week, Britt said there was no easy way to get internet video onto a TV. Obviously, he overlooked the fact that AirPlay allowed consumers to do just that. AirPlay can easily send a media stream from your iOS device to your TV via an Apple TV wirelessly. Furthermore, Apple’s TV offering is not the only option here as others such as Boxee Box, Roku, or Google TV all have similar offerings.

Despite claiming to be an Apple user, Britt said:

“I’m not sure I know what AirPlay is.The current Apple TV, the little thing, the hockey puck, really doesn’t do anything to help you enable you to get Internet material on your TV.”

It seems a bit surprising that a chief executive of a cable company would not know about the very feature that may hurt his business in the future. The ignorance does not say much about the company or Britt himself and it definitely does not bode well for future plans.

After all the criticism about his statements, it would not be a surprise to learn that Britt figured out what AirPlay is and is planning on taking action to improve the cable business accordingly.

Source: Modmyi

Time Warner CEO Does Not Know AirPlay Feature is a post from: The Apple Bites

One has to appreciate the confidence (and sporting spirit to appreciate a competitor) that Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has in the leadership abilities of Facebook’s boss Mark Zuckerberg that he would buy shares of the social networking giant when it goes public on 17 May 2012, no matter what the opening price is.

The famous engineer who created the Apple I computer and co-created the Apple II system in the mid-1970s sees the 28-year-old Facebook CEO closer to the combination of himself and Steve Jobs.

Specifically, Wozniak called Zuckerberg a “real acute” businessman who mixes technical ability with the vision and corporate acumen of Steve Jobs…

The Woz told in an interview with Bloomberg Television on Sunday, 13 May 2012:

I would invest in Facebook. I don’t care what the opening price is.

I’m glad they held out so long. You don’t have to think that your only goal can be an IPO.

This saying means a lot as it comes from a guy who co-founded Apple with Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne in a garage.

It should be noted that Woz is now chief scientist at flash storage startup Fusion-io, whose biggest customer Facebook makes up 36 percent of its revenue. Apple accounts for an additional 24 percent and Hewlett-Packard for 14 percent of Fusion-io’s revenue.

Wozniak sees certain similarities between his partnership with Steve Jobs and Zuck:

I was thankful to have a partnership with Steve Jobs and I see Mark Zuckerberg closer to the combination of us.

Why does Woz says that? He explains:

When he speaks he speaks with a lot of idealism for the users and a lot of good ideas for the product overall.

Zuckerberg recently wrote in a letter to prospective shareholders that “we don’t build services to make money; we make money to build better services.” He also added:

And we think this is a good way to build something. These days I think more and more people want to use services from companies that believe in something beyond simply maximizing profits.

Zuckerberg was also frank about his making comments on the Beacon scandal back in 2007:

We’ve made a lot of mistakes building this feature, but we’ve made even more with how we’ve handled them. We simply did a bad job with this release, and I apologize for it. While I am disappointed with our mistakes, we appreciate all the feedback we have received from our users. I’d like to discuss what we have learned and how we have improved Beacon.

Facebook is filing for an initial public this coming Thursday, hoping to raise $11.8 billion, giving it an instant market capitalization of an astounding $96 billion.

Are you foing to invest in Facebook, irrespective of the opening price? Post your comments.

Source: iDownload Blog

Woz To Invest In Facebook Regardless Of The Opening Price is a post from: The Apple Bites

We recently reported about Ashton Kutcher playing Steve Jobs in an independent movie.

Now the gossip website, TMZ, recently published photos of Ashton Kutcher “in full character” for the Steve Jobs movie. Kutcher was found wearing the iconic black turtleneck, jeans, and sneaker outfit that people remember Jobs wearing often. Not surprisingly, Kutcher’s appearance resembles that of Jobs during his youth quite well.

The movie starring Kutcher has been titled “Jobs: Get Inspired.” It is said to show what events from Jobs’ life between the years 1970s and 2000. Kutcher had been noted for resembling Jobs and the film’s producer, David Hulme, has set out to “prove to the world that this is the right part for him.”

Hulme indicated that the film is being aimed for release in the fourth quarter of 2012. Hopefully, this movie will be an inspiring movie.

Source: Modmyi

Image Source: TMZ

See A Photo Of Ashton Kutcher Dressed As Steve Jobs is a post from: The Apple Bites

German HDTV maker Loewe has denied rumors that the company was in talks with Apple about a potential buyout.

The rumors surfaced this past Saturday, 12 May 2012, after an unnamed tipster provided Apple Insider with unconfirmed information claiming that Loewe’s board of directors planned to make a final decision on the Apple acquisition before Friday, 18 May 2012.

Loewe responded to the claim by issuing a statement to German website Heise on Sunday, 13 May 2012. The HDTV maker stated that the rumor was false.

The direct response seems to disprove AppleInsider’s source’s information but the rumor seemed incredibly plausible. Loewe has been in the television business since 1929 and their current television sets feature a very Apple-esque minimalist design with a price-tag to match.

The rumor gets more believable when considering the rumors last year that Apple nearly bought a stake in LCD panel maker Sharp. Instead Foxconn bought an 11 percent share in the company. Looking a little deeper, Sharp in turn owns a 30 percent share of Loewe. The relation between Apple and Foxconn needs no introduction.

Apple>Foxconn>Sharp>Loewe.

This rumor may seem to be true and this story is likely to become interesting in coming days.

Source: Modmyi

Image Source

German HDTV Maker Loewe Denies Apple Buyout is a post from: The Apple Bites

We have been anticipating a High Definition Television (HDTV) set from Apple for past few months. Now, Foxconn chairman Terry Gou has leaked information potentially confirming the existence of Apple’s HDTV.

At the very least it certainly confirms the chairman’s belief that Foxconn will be involved in the manufacturing of Apple’s much rumored HDTV.

In an interview published in the China Daily Gou said that Foxconn was making preparations for Apple’s new HDTV.

Gou said Foxconn is making preparations for iTV, Apple Inc’s rumored upcoming high-definition television, although development or manufacturing has yet to begin.

iTV reportedly features an aluminum construction, Siri, and FaceTime video calling

Foxconn’s recent 50-50 joint venture factory with Sharp in Japan is one of the preparations made for the new device, Gou added. — China Daily

Foxconn has been working with Apple for over five years. Foxconn’s employees should have understood how private Apple keeps information about forthcoming products. Especially employees as high up as Gou.

One should not expect Apple to comment on Gou’s comments. Nor one should expect iTV or Apple HDTV announcement anytime soon.

Source: Modmyi

Image Source

Foxconn Chairman Confirms Existence Of Apple HDTV is a post from: The Apple Bites

With the legal feud between Apple and Samsung irking judges, Apple recently, filed a new motion in the Northern District of California. The motion was filed on 1 May 2011.

The new motion claimed that according to a legal jargon, Samsung ruined documents it needed to submit for the discovery process in a “spoliation of evidence.” NetworkWorld elaborated:

In effect, Apple wants the Judge to instruct the jury as follows:

1. Samsung had a duty to preserve relevant evidence, failed to do so, and acted in bad faith in failing to meet its legal duty.

2. The jury may infer that documents Samsung failed to produce would have been advantageous to Apple’s position.

3. If the jury finds Samsung liable for infringement, they may presume that the infringement was ”intentional, willful, without regard to Apple’s rights.”

Apple’s motion doesn’t pull any punches, accusing Samsung of spoilating ”vast quantities of relevant evidence in blatant disregard of its duty to preserve all such evidence.” Consequently, Apple writes that strong adverse inference instructions are required.

A hearing on Apple’s motion is scheduled for 7 June 2012, with Samsung’s reply brief due by 15 May 2012. However, Samsung has said that the claims are without merit, and it wants the due date extended to 29 May 2012. It is also seeking to have the matter’s hearing pushed to 10 July 2012. However, Apple wasted no time and quickly filed a reply on 7 May 2012 that asked Samsung’s motion to be denied.

Source: 9TO5 Mac

Apple Says Samsung Intentionally Destroyed Evidence is a post from: The Apple Bites

Last month, we reported the 4G LTE Network that Verizon was bringing in USA. Later, we told you about five more towns in Virginia that would come under Verizon’s 4G network.

NowVerizon has announced its next bombardment of 4G LTE rollouts and it is coming this summer. Verizon plans on lighting up and expanding its 4G LTE service up and down the East Coast beginning next week.

Following is the list of new and expanding markets where Verizon will bring 4G LTE:

1. In Jersey Shore, Verizon will cover Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach, Belmar, Point Pleasant, Toms River, Atlantic City and into Cape May County.

2. In Long Island areas, Verizon will cover Nassau County, Huntington area, South shore and Eastern end of Suffolk County.

3. In Cap Cod, Barnstable will be covered which includes Villages of Barnstable, Centerville, Cotuit, Hyannis, Marstons Mills, Osterville and West Barnstable. Other towns and counties to be covered are Bourne, Dennis, Falmouth, Mashpee, Sandwich and Yarmouth.

4. In Delaware, Rehobeth Beach and Bethany Beach are to be covered. Verizon has also included Lewes and Seaford.

5. In Maryland, Verizon will cover Ocean City, Chestertown and Queen Anne’s. The Counties to be covered are Kent and Talbot County. Queenstown and Easton along with Maryland from Fenwick Island to South Ocean City have also be included.

6. In Virginia, Virginia Beach and the whole state from Fort Story to Sandbridge are set to join the five towns that were announced earlier.

7. In North Carolina, Verizon will cover, the Outer Banks from Corolla to Hatteras. This launch will take place on Memorial Day Weekend.

8. In Pennsylvania, Verizon is set to cover Lancaster area, including the surrounding communities of Mt. Joy, Lititz and Elizabethtown. It will also cover City of York, stretching south to Hanover.

9. In Vermont, Verizon will bring the largest 4G LTE network of this rollout. It will cover Barnet, Barre, Brookfield, Burlington, Cambridge, Colchester, Coventry, Ely, Essex, Fairfax, Ferrisburg, Georgia, Jeffersonville, Jericho, Lyndon, Lyndonville, Middlebury, Middlesex, Milton, Montpelier, Morrisville, Newport, Randolph, Saint Albans, Saint Johnsbury, Shelburne, Smugglers Notch, South Burlington, Stowe, Thetford, Underhill, Vergennes and Williston.

With such large rollout, this time Verizon should cover your city this summer, if it was not covered first time. Which city do you live in? Post your comments.

Source: Cult Of Android

Another Large 4G LTE Rollout By Verizon Coming Soon is a post from: The Apple Bites

Yesterday, we reported the latest update to Safari. Brad Arkin, Adobe’s senior director of security, products and services, has commended Apple for disabling old Flash Player versions in a recent Safari update.

The older versions of Adobe’s flash player were potentially susceptible to malicious code and other security vulnerabilities.

“We welcome today’s initiative by Apple to encourage Mac users to stay up-to-date. Remember: The single most important thing we can do to protect ourselves from the bad guys is to stay up-to-date. A thank you to the security team at Apple for working with us to help protect our mutual customers!” — Arkin

The Safari update (version 5.1.7) automatically disables Flash software older than version 10.1.102.65, which dates back to November 2010. Users will need to manually reinstate the older software if they want to use legacy players.

While Arkin praised Apple’s recent update, he also acknowledged Adobe’s lack of support for the Mac platform when it comes to automatic updating tools. Adobe issued a fix last week for a recently discovered Flash exploit and Windows users had the luxury of an automatic fix downloaded in the background on their systems. On the other hand, Mac users had to install the software manually.

Arkin mentioned that a Mac version of the Flash Player background updater “is currently in beta and will be available very soon.”

Source: Modmyi

Adobe Senior Security Director Praises Latest Safari Update is a post from: The Apple Bites

Foxconn chief executive Terry Gou has confirmed that Apple will use some of its cash to help improve the labor conditions for more than 1 million workers in Foxconn’s Chinese factories. Devices like the iPhone, iPad, and iPod are assembled in these factories.

Gou did not disclose any numbers. Nor, did he elaborate on how the bill would be split. What he did reveal was that Foxconn had been spending “heavily” to improve working conditions following reports of worker mistreatment in its factories.

Reuters reported:

“We’ve discovered that this (improving factory conditions) is not a cost. It is a competitive strength,” Gou told reporters on Thursday after the ground-breaking ceremony for a new China headquarters in Shanghai.

“I believe Apple sees this as a competitive strength along with us, and so we will split the initial costs.”

Foxconn also assembles products for Sony, Microsoft, Dell, Nokia, Nintendo, and HP. It has already increased workers’ wages by 16 to 25 percent, and agreed to reduce worker over time by hiring tens of thousands of new recruits to improve working conditions for its staff. Foxconn was accused ill-treating workers, months ago.

This has been a big part of Apple’s focus since Tim Cook took over as CEO in August 2011. During his first few months in the role, Cook has already organized Foxconn audits from the Fair Labor Association (FLA), and visited Foxconn’s Chinese factories himself to meet with its workers.

However, it remains to be seen whether other companies working with Foxconn will be interested in helping out or not.

Source: Cult Of Mac

Apple To Use Some Of Its Cash To Help Foxconn Improve Labor Conditions In Chinese Factories is a post from: The Apple Bites

Twitkafly is one of the favorite apps for many to send tweets. Many people wished this app could support Facebook as the Facebook and Twitter are favorite social networking websites for many.

Now this is a reality.

TwitkaFly has been updated. Along with the update, comes a new plugin that lends Facebook support to the formerly Twitter exclusive tweak.

The video shared on this page gives your he preview of the new Facebook functionality. The update to TwitkaFly is free for those who have previously purchased it. The new Facebook plugin will set you back $0.99 on Cydia’s BigBoss repo.

Are you happy to finally see Facebook support in TwitkaFly? Post your comments.

You can also post your comments on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

The Apple Bites is giving away free iTunes Gift-cards for exciting games and interesting apps. All you need to do is to participate in the discussions The Apple Bites starts. No offensive words allowed. No spamming! The winners would be contacted and the gift cards would be given to them.

Source: iDownload Blog

Video Source

TwitkaFly Facebook Plugin Now Available On Cydia is a post from: The Apple Bites

Proview wants to harass Apple, just because Apple is an American company. Despite insisting on out of court settlement, Proview is dragging the argument with Apple which it is calling settlement talks.

Despite selling rights to Apple in a meeting which was attended by its officials from Shenzen and Taiwan, the Chinese company is falsely claiming the rightful ownership of the iPad moniker, only to extort more money from Apple. The corrupt judiciary and government are blindly supporting Proview, on the name of nationalism and patriotism.

According to China’s Beijing Times, Apple pitched a settlement offer to Proview worth 100 million yuan, which amounts to about $16 million dollars. But Proview apparently declined the proposed settlement. This information has come just days after attorneys for Proview admitted publicly that settlement talks with Apple were ongoing.

After a long legal battle that has dragged on for months, Apple remains in no danger of losing the rights to sell the iPad in China (although the new one still is not on sale there yet). But this reality is not going to stop a rabid Proview from pursuing every legal channel possible to apparently get something more than $16 million out of Apple.

However, by the time of this news reports being written, there are unconfirmed reports that Apple is actually willing to settle for 400 million yuan (or $63 million). This claim has not been independently verified.

Source: Modmyi

Proview Declines Apple’s Settlement Offer? is a post from: The Apple Bites

Facebook phone might be far away but the Facebook App Center is aimed at growing the use of Facebook on mobile devices.

The App Center will give developers an additional way to grow their apps. It would also create opportunities for more types of apps to be successful.

In the coming weeks, Facebook users will be able to access the App Center on the web and in the iOS and Android Facebook apps.

For the over 900 million users of Facebook, the App Center will become the new, central place to find great apps like Draw Something, Pinterest, Spotify, Battle Pirates, Viddy, and Bubble Witch Saga.

Facebook usage is shifting dramatically to mobile and this a problem for the Facebook advertising business. This past Wednesday, Facebook updated their IPO S1 document with that situation. Facebook like many other companies struggle to find a good way to run ads on mobile devices that work.

Source: i4U

Image Source: i4U

Facebook App Center To Compete With The App Stores Of Apple And Android is a post from: The Apple Bites

Along with OS X 10.7.4, Apple also released Safari 5.1.7. The latest Safari update includes several general improvements and bug fixes.

The update also includes a new way of handling Adobe Flash on the web. If an older version of Flash attempts to run in Safari 5.1.7, Apple’s browser will automatically disable it and give you the option to install the newest version of Flash from Adobe’s website.

Following is the release Apple issued for Lion users:

Safari 5.1.7 contains improvements to performance, stability, compatibility, and security, including changes that:

*Improve the browser’s responsiveness when the system is low on memory
*Fix an issue that could prevent webpages from responding after using a pinch to zoom gesture
*Fix an issue that could affect websites using forms to authenticate users
*Disable versions of Adobe Flash Player that do not include the latest security updates and provide the option to get the current version from Adobe’s website.

Windows users running the latest Safari should also see improvement in browser responsiveness. The issue relating to web form authentication has also been fixed.

Safari 5.1.7 can be downloaded directly from Apple’s website or via Software Update.

Source: Cult Of Mac

New Version Of Safari Updates Adobe Flash is a post from: The Apple Bites

Apple and Proview maybe discussing settlement in their dispute over the iPad trademark in China, but the two companies are unable to reach an agreement despite Proview insisting on an out-of-court settlement.

Proview is aiming at extorting more money from Apple as it has the support from corrupt judiciary and government in China, thanks to their perverted sense of nationalism. On the other hand, Apple, now alone in this fight is trying to solve the matter by offering compensation which we can term as “alms” that may save Proview from inevitable bankruptcy.

Proview is not accepting what Apple is offering.

Roger Xie, lawyer for Proview, told Bloomberg:

“The Guangdong Higher People’s court is trying to mediate this, and both parties are trying to negotiate and come to a settlement. Right now, there is still a big gap between the two sides on the settlement amount.”

Proview is battling Apple over the rights to the iPad name and falsely claims that it still owns the trademark. Apple asserts it bought the trademark from the Taiwanese division of the Chinese company in 2009 which was attended by the officials of Shenzen branch as well. The dispute has made its way to the Guangdong Higher People’s court after Apple appealed a lower court ruling that said Proview owned the iPad name.

In China, currently Apple can sell iPad only in Shanghai. Proview sued Apple in USA and lost.

Source: TUAW

Proview Notes “Big Gap” In Apple’s Settlement Terms is a post from: The Apple Bites

We recently reported about the vast 4G LTE network that Verizon is covering USA with.

Now the network is set to spread across five more towns in Virginia.

Virginia already enjoys the blazing fast speeds of LTE in a number of areas such as Richmond, Roanoke, Blacksburg, Greater Hampton Roads, and Northern Virginia.

However, from 17 May 2012, 4G LTE network will also come to Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro and Martinsville.

Verizon is undoubtedly leading the LTE charge. Currently it is offering service in 230 markets nationwide. Couple that service with a new 4G LTE device and you will be on your way to enjoying average data rates of 5 to 12 Mbps on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.

For more information, you can see the full press release below:

VERIZON WIRELESS IS BRINGING THE POWER OF ITS 4G LTE NETWORK TO MORE VIRGINIA TOWNS ON MAY 17, 2012

FREDERICKSBURG, HARRISONBURG, STAUNTON, WAYNESBORO AND MARTINSVILLE AMONG 230 NATIONWIDE MARKETS TO BE COVERED

LAUREL, MD – Verizon Wireless announced today that it is bringing the nation’s largest 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to several more Virginia communities on May 17, 2012. Customers in and around Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Martinsville will soon be able to use 4G LTE wireless devices to access the Internet faster; listen to music or watch video on their phones; use thousands of apps; and stay in touch with family and friends, all with speeds up to 10 times faster than before. 4G LTE from Verizon Wireless is currently available in many other locations throughout Virginia, including Richmond, Roanoke, Blacksburg, Greater Hampton Roads, and Northern Virginia.

This latest expansion of its 4G LTE network is part of Verizon Wireless’ aggressive nationwide network investment strategy. Nationally, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $70 billion since it was formed in 2000 to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide networks and to add new services for customers. Last year alone in the Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland region, Verizon Wireless invested $354 million in wireless network enhancements, including 4G LTE expansions and new market launches like these coming online May 17.

“The future is here, and it is Verizon Wireless 4G LTE,” said Mike Maiorana, regional president for Verizon Wireless in Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia. “Our commitment to 4G LTE is bringing customers a new level of wireless data service with upload and download speeds and connectivity that is revolutionizing the way we communicate.”

4G LTE Devices and Plans
Verizon Wireless customers can choose from a variety of more than 20, 4G LTE-enabled devices, including notebooks and netbooks; hotspots and modems; and smartphones and tablets, including the new LG Lucid™, an easy-to-use smartphone offering 4G LTE speeds at a low price, and the soon to be launched DROID Incredible 4G LTE by HTC, which will allow users to shoot HD video and capture photos at the same time with its Video Pic feature, all over the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network.

The company also recently introduced HomeFusion Broadband, a solution that leverages the power and speed of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network to deliver high-speed, in-home Internet access for residential broadband, particularly in areas where Internet options are limited or are not currently available. HomeFusion is available in Roanoke, Fredericksburg, Martinsville, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Mechanicsville, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Massaponax (SEE NEWS RELEASE BELOW).

4G LTE Overview
Verizon Wireless introduced the globe’s first large-scale LTE network on December 5, 2010, and currently offers service in 230 markets nationwide, and is on course to deliver 4G LTE to its entire 3G wireless footprint by the end of 2013. The company’s 700 MHz spectrum gives Verizon Wireless specific advantages with 4G, including a contiguous, nationwide network license.

In real-world, fully-loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside a 4G coverage area, their devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network was named “Fastest 4G Network Yet” by Popular Science’s 2011 Best of What’s New Awards, and was ranked No. 1 on PC World’s 100 Best Products of 2011. For more information about Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, please visit: www.verizonwireless.com/lte.

Do you live in Virginia? What is your opinion about 4G LTE? Share with us.

Source: Cult Of Android

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Verizon 4G LTE Coming To Five More Towns In Virginia is a post from: The Apple Bites

Recently, a judge asked Apple and Samsung to reduce the number of patent infringement claims they had filed against each other.

On Tuesday, 8 May 2012, Apple and Samsung capitulated a tad to one another with regard to how many patent infringement claims each is presenting in their California legal showdown.

As of Monday, Apple told the US District Court for the Northern District of California that the company was willing to drop roughly half of its assortment of patent-infringement claims. Samsung offered to drop five of its 12 patent infringement claims.

Last week, Lucy Koh effectively demanded that two tech giants slash their mounting piles of claims.

Koh said:

“I think that’s cruel and unusual punishment to a jury, so I’m not willing to do it. If you’re going to trial in July, this is not going to be acceptable.”

The fighting between Apple and Samsung has been curtailed with regard to the number of issues both companies are fighting over. However, it does not look like Apple and Samsung are truly any closer to resolving this matter in a timely fashion.

Source: Modmyi

Apple And Samsung Relent On Numerous Patent Infringement Claims is a post from: The Apple Bites

In the legal dispute involving Apple and Chinese company Proview, the biased judiciary and government have been supporting Proview’s unfair and false claims due to their perverted sense of patriotism. Apple is a lone warrior in a battle where whole system is corrupt.

Then came a ray of hope when a Chinese court allow the sales of iPad in Shanghai after seeing through Proview’s lies. Seething with anger about losing on its home turf, Proview sued Apple in a US court.

Proview alleged that it legally owned the “iPad” trademark in China despite a deal December 2009 between Proview’s Taiwanese arm and a dummy corporation set up by Apple for the purposes of acquiring the trademark. Ironically, the meeting in which Proview sold the rights of trademark was attended by representatives from Shenzen and Taiwan. In the lawsuit, filed in California in late February, Proview alleged that Apple had engaged in deception in its efforts to acquire the trademark.

The American judicial system is all about fairness and justice.

The Wall Street Journal now reports that the judge handling the case has thrown it out of court. The judge cited an apparent agreement between Apple and Proview to adjudicate their differences in Hong Kong courts, where Apple won a decision last year.

After Proview took its legal case to the U.S., Apple argued for the case to be dismissed on the grounds that the parties had agreed to settle any legal disagreements in Hong Kong.

Judge Pierce upheld that view, writing that Proview failed to provide evidence that the selection of Hong Kong was “unreasonable or unfair,” according to a copy of the order.

In response to the decision throwing out the US case, Proview’s lawyers claimed that the decision was not based on the merits of the case and that the company will appeal the decision.

The US developments come as Apple and Proview continue their litigation in China, where the two companies are engaging in court-suggested settlement talks that have reportedly seen Apple for the first time making a settlement offer. Proview’s aim is to extort more money from Apple save itself from bankruptcy. As the possibility of Proview’s victory is more in China, Apple offered a compensation to Proview.

But the two parties apparently remain far apart in their expectations for a settlement, and it is unclear whether the talks will yield any agreement.

Source: Mac Rumors

US Judge Tosses Proview’s American Suit Against Apple is a post from: The Apple Bites

John Browett, Apple’s new senior Vice President (VP) of Retail has introduced himself to Apple Retail employees in an email obtained by IFO Apple Store.

Looks like he has started warming up to the people who have take orders from him. His humbleness would certainly impress the employees.

This is what the mail from VP reads:

Team,

At last I’ve officially started at Apple, and it’s great to be here. I’ve had the chance to meet many of you at stores in the U.S. and across Europe, and one of my top priorities for the coming months is to meet many more people on our team around the world.

It’s incredibly impressive to be on the inside of Apple Retail. Many of my friends, relatives, and former colleagues have written to tell me how lucky I am to be working with such a great group of people, and I couldn’t agree more. While our stores are fantastic and our products are amazing, it really is our people who make the difference in creating the best retail experience.

There will be much more to share in the weeks ahead, and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone over time.

I am thrilled to work with all of you as we build the future of Apple Retail together.

Browett, joined Apple from British electronics retailer Dixons. He started work at Apple on 20 April 2012, nearly six months after former retail head Ron Johnson left the company to head up JC Penney’s turnaround efforts. Browett was awarded restricted stock units worth more than $60 million to stay with the company for the next five years.

Source: Mac Rumors

John Browett Sends Introductory Email To Store Employees is a post from: The Apple Bites

For months, lawyers representing Apple and bankrupt monitor vendor Proview have been trying to negotiate a way out of a high-stake trademark dispute which has been preventing the launch of the new iPad in the 1.33 billion people China market.

According to the latest update out from China’s official government newswire Xinhua, Apple has now put a dollar value on their settlement offer to Proview. Earlier Proview claimed an out-of-court settlement which Apple refuted. Later, a Chinese government official said that IPAD trademark belonged to Proview.

This showed that even if Apple won in court, Chinese Government would make a new law to give victory to Proview over Apple. Probably, this would have been the reason for Apple to accept the proposal for out-of-court settlement.

According to the state-owned Xinhua news service, “pragmatic progress” has been made in the dispute between the Shenzen-based maker of computer screens and LED lights and Apple over the use of iPad trademark.

Specifically, the two parties discussed a compensation package, with Apple tabling an undisclosed amount to which Proview has not agreed on yet.

A lawyer for Proview told the news gathering organization on Sunday:

We feel that the attitude of Apple Inc. has changed. Although they expressed that they were willing to negotiate, they have never taken any action before. But now, they are having conversations with us, and we have begun to consult on the case.

A cash payout from Apple would enable Proview to pay its debt back to creditors. Apple has already launched the third-generation iPad in 57 countries. However, it is not yet available in China over pending trademark suit.

Despite the legal mess, Apple can continue to sell iPads in Shanghai.

Another lawyer who knows about intellectual property rights cases told Xinhua that the possibility of Proview prevailing in court remains “very high”, but warned “it may take years to get the compensation”. Despite selling rights to Apple, Proview can still emerge as the victor in court battle because judiciary and government has been supporting Proview out of their perverted sense of nationalism (read jingoism).

Proview’s stance jives with their proclaimed willingness to settle the dispute as both parties recently entered a voluntary mediation procedure that should lead to negotiations over a possible settlement.

Tim Cook had met with Chinese politicians to talk patents, a few weeks later the government unexpectedly sided with Proview, insisting the company owns rights to the iPad trademark in China.

Should Apple lose its court fight with Proview (a possibility with 99% chances of coming true), it could face a big fine, followed by a country-wide ban on iPad sales in China.

Under the guidance of CEO Tim Cook, Apple has shown some willingness to negotiate.

Cook recently said he wasn’t fond of a “thermonuclear” option regarding Android patent infringement cases that had been pursued by late co-founder Steve Jobs. Instead, the new CEO would rather explore licensing options.

The company would reportedly settle for a royalty for of up to fifteen bucks per Android device sold.

Do you really think that the greedy Proview would let go of Apple that easily? Or will it try to extort more money, with the top-to-bottom corrupt Chinese government and judiciary on its side? How long can Apple fight against corrupt verdicts. Post your comments.

Source: iDownload Blog

Apple Tries To Appease Proview With A Settlement Figure is a post from: The Apple Bites

Last month, we reported that Google was being investigated by Federal Trade Commission (FTC) due a privacy debacle by Apple’s web-browser Safari.

Co-incidently, the biggest search going on at Google these days has nothing to do with the company’s search engine. Instead, the top search may involve finding a way to pay the massive fine that can be levied on Google any moment by FTC.

Although the amount would not be of a wholly detrimental or company-collapsing magnitude, the penalty will definitely hurt Google financially and damage its reputation as well. Last weekend, some published reports indicated that Google may be fined ten million dollars… or more.

The penalty stems back to the company’s alleged creation and deployment of false code meant to willfully work around user privacy settings in Safari.

The fine could amount to more than $10 million dollars, said the person, who declined to be identified because the talks are confidential. The fine would be the first by the FTC for a violation of Internet privacy as the agency steps up enforcement of consumers’ online rights.

Jeffrey Chester, executive director of the Center for Digital Democracy, told Bloomberg:

“Google is quickly becoming the privacy problem child for regulators in the U.S. and Europe. The Commission’s work to enforce its consent decree with Google shows there’s a real regulatory cop on the digital beat.”

How do you think this fine will affect Google? Post your comments.

Source: Modmyi

FTC May Fine Google For Sidestepping Safari Privacy Controls is a post from: The Apple Bites

Asymco’s Horace Dediu has released his data on operating profits among the eight top mobile phone vendors for the first quarter of 2012. The report made by Dediu on the basis his data reveals that Apple and Samsung together now hold 99% of the profits with Apple representing the lion’s share at 73%.

Apple’s share was down slightly from 75% in the previous quarter. However, Samsung boosted its share from 16% to 26% to shut out nearly all other vendors.

Among the other six vendors, only HTC managed to eke out a profit. HTC took 1% of the total industry profits. Research In Motion (RIM), LG, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, and Nokia failed to turn a profit on their handset businesses.

The rise of Apple and Samsung at the expense of all of the other major vendors has come as the mobile phone market is expanding and more expensive smartphones are making up an increasing percentage of overall mobile phone sales.

Consequently, Apple and Samsung share growth is coming even as the total pool of profits is surging. Over the past two years, profits taken by top eight vendors has risen from $5.3 billion to $14.4 billion, driven in large part by carrier subsidies worth hundreds of dollars on each of the growing number of smartphones sold.

Source: Mac Rumors

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Apple And Samsung Claim 99% of Profits Among Top Mobile Phone Vendors is a post from: The Apple Bites

Apple is facing a new class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed last week, accused Apple of double billing customers for purchases made via iTunes.

New York resident Robert Herskowitz filed the suit. He alleged that Apple charged him twice for purchasing the pop song single “Whataya Want from Me?” by Adam Lambart.

The lawsuit claimed that Lambart immediately contacted Apple after discovering the song had been double-billed. Lambart received the usual automated response informing him his request was being reviewed and that Apple would send a “personal response soon.”

The alleged “personal” response is as follows:

Originally Posted by :
Your request for a refund for “Whataya Want from Me” was carefully considered; however, according to the iTunes Store Terms of Sale, all purchases made on the iTunes Store are ineligible for refund. This policy matches App1e’s refund policies and provides protection for copyrighted materials. — Apple
The lawsuit claims:

Originally Posted by :
“Apple has ‘double billed’ customers for purchases made through the Apple Stores. Even more troubling, Apple has implemented a policy and practice of refusing to refund the extra charge to customers who have been over-billed, causing their credit cards or PayPal accounts to be billed twice for a purchase…

This is what happened to Plaintiff Robert Herskowitz. On or about December 2, 2010, Mr. Herskowitz purchased twenty-two songs from the iTunes Store. However, Apple double-billed Plaintiff for one of his selections, a ‘pop’ song entitled, ‘Whataya Want from Me.” In other words, Apple billed Mr. Herskowitz a total of $2.58 for a song that cost $1.29 to download.”
What is unclear is if Herskowitz accidentally purchased the song twice on his own volition, only later noticing the error or not. Still, Apple’s lack of an explicit return policy leaves holes open for class action lawsuits like this to gain traction. The lawsuit is looking for no less than $5 million in restitution for those involved.

Have you ever been double billed by Apple? Narrate your experience in the comments section.

Source: Modmyi

Class Action Lawsuit Against Apple Over iTunes ‘Double-Billing’ Customers is a post from: The Apple Bites

Apple CEO Tim Cook’s salary came up in the news last month when he was awarded a million shares of Apple stock. Cook cashed out a few, in addition to his many other forms of compensation.

Now here is another Apple manager who is taking advantage of Apple’s soaring stock price when he can. Vice President of iOS Scott Forstall reportedly cashed out over 64,000 Apple shares last week. He earned US $38.7 million from the sale.

Forstall is the same person who was described by Adam Lashinsky as the Apple’s CEO-In-Waiting. Forstall picked up those shares in 2008. He got 120,000 shares back then as part of a bonus, and as those just vested (minus about half for taxes), he went ahead and cashed them out. But this does not leave Forstall without an investment in the company.

Forstall still has 250,000 shares set to vest at different times in the next few years, in addition to 2,988 shares currently held. That is in addition to an annual salary of $700,000. Of course Forstall got such a huge amount of money for running Apple’s iOS division, which picked up $29 billion for Apple in just the last quarter.

Source: TUAW

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Apple Vice President Of iOS Scott Forstall Cashes In $38.7 Million Of Apple Shares is a post from: The Apple Bites