Apple IPad users unwilling to pay for Entertainment
New survey has revealed that the iPad is still a ways off from becoming a fourth screen and creating new revenue streams for content providers. A survey of 205 iPad owners and users, the report found early adopters are not demonstrating unique behaviors: six of the seven top reported activities are familiar ones, like web surfing and email.
The report also found that 76% of owners use the iPad at least five days a week, while 55% of owners use the device everyday.
But these users are bringing the free Internet mindset to the iPad, and only a small portion of users is willing to pay for content. This is a trend worth watching, as the iPad’s advertising-supported media model is different from that of any other medium, since iPad users must register with iTunes, providing much personally identifiable information through a pay wall. At the same time, Apple’s iAd advertising product can be purchased only through Apple, creating an entirely different advertising ecosystem that industry analysts are watching closely.
Early-adopters are currently treating the iPad as an Internet appliance. Media companies and other content creators cannot assume that iPod behaviors – purchasing content for the device – will be immediately transferred to the iPad. In early-adopter group, it was seen that iPad users prefer an ad-supported model over a pay model to gain access to content. At this point, a pay-for-content model would appeal only to a niche group of consumers.
Ironically, users who watch TV episodes or movies on their iPads most often learn about them from branded apps created by services like YouTube, Netflix and SlingBox. Word-of-mouth, typically the most common information source, came in second in the survey, just ahead of TV network apps, with iTunes mentioned less.
The study also shows that 70% of iPad owners/users have read an e-book on the device; 61% electronic magazine or journal; and 51% have watched network TV programs. Yet only 13% of iPad owner/users would be willing to pay extra for an iPad-friendly version of a magazine or TV show they already pay for in its standard format (such as a cable or magazine subscription).
Apple surpasses PetroChina to become No. 2 in World: Chart of Day
Apple Inc. has become the world’s second-most-valuable company, raised by investor optimism for sales of the iPhone, iPad and Macintosh.
The CHART OF THE DAY has revealed that the rise in Apple’s market value, which today surpassed PetroChina Co. and now, follows only Exxon Mobil Corp.
Apple climbed $2.71 to $334 in Nasdaq Stock Market trading, giving it a market value of $306.4 billion. PetroChina has a market value of $302.7 billion.
According to Michael Yoshikami, Chief Investment Strategist at YCMNet in Walnut Creek, California, Apple’s share price has more than tripled since the introduction of the iPhone in 2007, when it entered a market that would become its biggest source of revenue. The iPad, which went on sale last April, also has emerged as a main product, eclipsing the iPod. A recovery in consumer spending is helping as well, setting up Apple for a record quarter when it reports financial results on Jan. 18. Discretionary spending has bounced back and that has put wind at Apple’s back. In all likelihood, Apple is going to report surprisingly strong numbers.
Apple to face Vizio’s Low-Priced Smartphone, Tablet (USA)
The second-largest U.S. television supplier Vizio Inc. will introduce a low-cost smartphone and tablet computer using Google Inc.’s Android software to attract consumers who can’t afford Apple Inc.’s devices.
According to Chief Technology Officer Matthew McRae, the smartphone with a 4-inch screen and tablet with an 8- inch display will be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which begins Jan. 6. Irvine, California-based Vizio will also showcase TVs and Blu-ray players that use Google TV software.
He added that with the new products, closely held Vizio will challenge Apple, maker of the iPhone and iPad, and Research in Motion Ltd., which plans to offer its Playbook tablet this year. Vizio, known for low retail prices for its flat-screen televisions, intends to make its smartphone and tablet very aggressively priced. There is a huge gap in the market for people who can’t afford the iPad or whatever else. The tablet and smartphone will be sold at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Costco Wholesale Corp., and a carrier for the devices will be announced closer to their summer debut.
he added that Vizio, second to Samsung Electronics Co. in sales of TVs in the U.S., is customizing its Internet applications platform, combining the interface with Google’s Android software on the tablet, smartphone and new TVs. They are going to make sure all this stuff works well together. You’ll see a nearly identical interface on the phone, tablet, TVs and Blu-ray players, hooked to the same application store.
NTT DoCoMo to launch tablet computer (Japan)
NTT DoCoMo, Japan’s mobile operator is reportedly planning to launch a tablet computer that will be produced by LG Electronics and run on software developed by Google.
According to reports, the device, which is scheduled to be released in Japan by the end of March, is expected to have a smaller than 9-inch screen, but other details have yet to be determined.
The tablet PC would compete with a slew of models from the likes of Dell, Samsung Electronics and Sharp to challenge Apple’s iPad in the new gadget segment.
Skype to add Wi-Fi, 3G video calling to iPhone app
Skype has announced that the new version of its iPhone application adds video call support, allowing users to make video calls over 3G and Wi-Fi networks. The announcement suggests that users of the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch are now able to make and/or receive free video calls with one another, as well as with anyone else running Skype software that supports video calling.
According to Neil Stevens, General Manager of Skype’s consumer business, with video calling representing approximately 40% of all Skype-to-Skype minutes for the first six months of 2010, our users have been eager to get Skype video calling on their mobile phones. By bringing video to mainstream users at their home or work via their desktops, on the go with their mobiles, or into their living room via their TV, Skype has made it possible for millions of people to share video moments wherever they are.
The new Skype for iPhone app will be able to make and receive video calls with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and 4th generation iPod touch with i0S 4.0 or above. The iPad and 3rd generation iPod touch are now able to receive, not send, video calls. Calls can be made between any device using the new Skype for iPhone app and desktop computers including Skype for Windows 4.2 and above, Skype for Mac 2.8 and above, Skype for Linux, and the ASUS Videophone.
Video calls use QVGA video and are reported to average 15 frames per second on received video and 12 frames per second on sent video. But these numbers are very much dependent on the quality of the 3G or Wi-Fi environment being used to make and receive the video calls.
According to a representative from Skype, mobile is a huge priority for them and you will see a lot more updates on the mobile front including Android in the New Year.
Nokia files further lawsuit against Apple
Nokia has filed patent claims in the U.K. High Court, Dusseldorf and Mannheim District Courts in Germany and the District Court of the Hague, Netherlands, again alleging that Apple infringes Nokia patents in many of its products sold in these countries, including iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
According to Paul Melin, Vice President, Intellectual Property at Nokia, these actions add 13 further Nokia patents to the 24 already asserted against Apple in the US International Trade Commission and the Delaware and Wisconsin Federal courts. The Nokia inventions protected by these patents include several which enable compelling user experiences. For example, using a wiping gesture on a touch screen to navigate content, or enabling access to constantly changing services with an on-device app store, both filed more than ten years before the launch of the iPhone.
Nokia’s filing in the UK covers 4 Nokia patents related to touch user interface, on-device app stores, signal noise suppression and modulator structures. Whereas in Dusseldorf, Germany it covers 7 Nokia patents related to touch user interface, antenna structures, messaging functionality and chipsets. Nokia’s filing in Mannheim, Germany covers 5 Nokia patents related to on-device app stores, caller ID, display illumination and the integration of multiple radios. Nokia’s filing in the Hague, Netherlands covers 2 Nokia patents related to signal noise suppression and data card functionality.
The company added that none of the asserted patents have been declared essential to any wireless communication standard.
GO launches digital voice product in Saudi Arabia
GO (Etihad Atheeb Telecom), a leading telecom services provider in Saudi Arabia has launched the company’s latest digital voice product, GO Terhal†thus introducing a revolutionary concept for the first time in the Kingdom.
According to the company, GO Terhal provides a range of unique features starting with the ability to transform any smart device (iPod Touch, iPad, and Samsung Galaxy Tab) to a phone device to make local and international calls and receive calls free of charge, with a special number from GO starting with 08111.
Besides, any smart phone device (iPhone, Galaxy S, HTC, Sony Ericsson, Nokia, and Blackberry) running on operating systems such as (iOS, Google Android, Smibian^3, and Windows Phone 7) or any Personal computer or Laptop (Windows, MAC, Linux), can work without a SIM Card and with the ability to customize infinite numbers on one device and ability to share one number among infinite number of devices.
GO Terhal†can be downloaded free of charge from any of the popular App Stores such as iTunes App Store, Ovi Store and Google Android. Calls within GO Terhal†network are free of charge during launch period.
According to Raed Kayal, acting Chief Executive of GO Telecom, the company is pleased to launch the Digital calling service GO Terhalâ€, which is a significant step for both the company and the Saudi telecom market, as a varied number of segments inside and outside Saudi Arabia will benefit from this high-definition voice service. The company’s aim is to fully utilize their advanced infrastructure and increase the number of subscribers as every internet user inside or outside the Saudi Arabia is a potential customer regardless of their internet service provider.
KDDI Eyes M&A to reach consumers in Asia
KDDI Corp. President Takashi Tanaka has claimed that the company wants to offer consumer-oriented services in neighboring Asian countries, whose cultures are similar to Japan’s.
According to Tanaka, given that they have no local presence there, they will discuss entering the markets through merger and acquisition (M&A) projects with influential partners.
When asked about the company’s smartphone strategy in Japan, Tanaka stated that the KDDI will definitely catch up with rivals, adding that he don’t think it will take much time. The company will introduce products similar to Apple Inc.’s iPad in several years.
