MacRumors
Sep 6, 05:52 PM
http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)
With the new iMac updates ("]Mac mini[/url] and [url=") released today, it appears Apple will focus on their Movie initiative during their September 12th media event. Variety provides (http://www.variety.com/VR1117949519.html) some details of the upcoming announcement.
As reported elsewhere, Variety expects Apple to provide movies for $9.99/download for older movies and $14.99 for new releases. This price range is reportedly a concession to movie studios who want variable pricing. Apple has long been a proponent of a one-price model. As a result, only Disney is said to be definitely on board with the initial launch with the other studios potentially joining in the next year.
In contrast, Amazon is also launching a movie store later this week, and they are expected to have all major movie studios signed on. Amazon's pricing will be in line with current movie download services ($9.99-$19.99).
An Associated Press report (http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/060906/apple_online_movies.html?.v=1) offers a similar perspective on the ongoing negotiations between Apple and the movie studios:
...substantial disagreements between studios and Apple remain to be resolved and Apple's movie service could launch with a limited number of films, according to two studio executives who asked to remain anonymous because talks were still ongoing.
With the new iMac updates ("]Mac mini[/url] and [url=") released today, it appears Apple will focus on their Movie initiative during their September 12th media event. Variety provides (http://www.variety.com/VR1117949519.html) some details of the upcoming announcement.
As reported elsewhere, Variety expects Apple to provide movies for $9.99/download for older movies and $14.99 for new releases. This price range is reportedly a concession to movie studios who want variable pricing. Apple has long been a proponent of a one-price model. As a result, only Disney is said to be definitely on board with the initial launch with the other studios potentially joining in the next year.
In contrast, Amazon is also launching a movie store later this week, and they are expected to have all major movie studios signed on. Amazon's pricing will be in line with current movie download services ($9.99-$19.99).
An Associated Press report (http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/060906/apple_online_movies.html?.v=1) offers a similar perspective on the ongoing negotiations between Apple and the movie studios:
...substantial disagreements between studios and Apple remain to be resolved and Apple's movie service could launch with a limited number of films, according to two studio executives who asked to remain anonymous because talks were still ongoing.
AlligatorBloodz
Apr 19, 12:39 PM
I don't know if this goes along with it. But Best Buy has recently sold out online of the Mac Pro as well. A few weeks ago the $2500 one sold out, and I just checked today and the $3500 is sold out as well. I bet Apple refreshes both the iMac and the Mac Pro real soon.
TheBobcat
Nov 28, 02:07 PM
MS did sell the Xbox at a loss. They were still losing money at $299 a pop and had to lower to $199 to keep up with Sony's unexpected price drop the spring after it came out. I seem to remember that the per-unit cost to make an Xbox was somewhere around 420-450 per unit.
However, MS did some things very well with the Xbox that caused it to succeed. First, they bought a lot of game developers to create games for it. They struck gold with Halo, and that alone caused a lot of people to buy it.
The second was the built-in hard drive, which allowed for expanded functionality in games as well as an end to costly memory cards being required.
The third, and biggest, was a true innovation in online play. Xbox Live was the first system to standardize online names, messages, and supported technologies across a whole set of games. MS was the only player that took online seriously, and they capitalized, big time. Nintendo still really doesn't care, and Sony has effectively copied MS's innovations for PS3. MS didn't invent online play, but they brought it to the masses in a way that was easy and fun. Slice it any way you want it, MS really innovated and executed Xbox Live.
Xbox relatively succeeded for those reasons. However, all of those things are virtual non-factors to the Zune. Zune (as of now) has no exclusive content, it has no revolutionary built-in feature, and has no real huge innovation to the way music is listened to, or a better execution thereof. All it really has is a stretched iPod-res screen, and very limited Wifi connectivity between Zunes.
However, MS did some things very well with the Xbox that caused it to succeed. First, they bought a lot of game developers to create games for it. They struck gold with Halo, and that alone caused a lot of people to buy it.
The second was the built-in hard drive, which allowed for expanded functionality in games as well as an end to costly memory cards being required.
The third, and biggest, was a true innovation in online play. Xbox Live was the first system to standardize online names, messages, and supported technologies across a whole set of games. MS was the only player that took online seriously, and they capitalized, big time. Nintendo still really doesn't care, and Sony has effectively copied MS's innovations for PS3. MS didn't invent online play, but they brought it to the masses in a way that was easy and fun. Slice it any way you want it, MS really innovated and executed Xbox Live.
Xbox relatively succeeded for those reasons. However, all of those things are virtual non-factors to the Zune. Zune (as of now) has no exclusive content, it has no revolutionary built-in feature, and has no real huge innovation to the way music is listened to, or a better execution thereof. All it really has is a stretched iPod-res screen, and very limited Wifi connectivity between Zunes.
mints
Mar 22, 09:38 PM
I've been patiently waiting for a decent update to the classic for a few years. 120GB was not enough to justify buying a new one, since I still wouldn't have enough space to put all of the music I've accumulated through the years. Right now I've got about 1-1.5TB of music and I'm constantly adding more as I go through my old vinyl and rip things that are out of print.
Please don't kill the classic.
Please don't kill the classic.
Chef Medeski
Jul 14, 11:31 AM
I just saw this and though it was pretty interesting:
Sony also introduced their own small-format 90.0 � 94.0 mm disk, similar to the others but somewhat simpler in construction than the AmDisk. The first computer to use this format was the HP-150 of 1983, and Sony also used them fairly widely on their line of MSX computers. Other than this the format suffered from a similar fate as the other new formats; the 5�-inch format simply had too much market share. Things changed dramatically in 1984 when Apple Computer selected the format for their new Macintosh computers. By 1989 the 3�-inch was outselling the 5�-inch.
Here is the source:
Sony's 3.5" Floppy Disk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floppy_drive#The_3.C2.BD-inch_microfloppy_diskette)
Yeah, but wasn't that also when Apple had something like 50% of the consumer market share. I mean... I think its a very different situation even if its the same names.
Sony also introduced their own small-format 90.0 � 94.0 mm disk, similar to the others but somewhat simpler in construction than the AmDisk. The first computer to use this format was the HP-150 of 1983, and Sony also used them fairly widely on their line of MSX computers. Other than this the format suffered from a similar fate as the other new formats; the 5�-inch format simply had too much market share. Things changed dramatically in 1984 when Apple Computer selected the format for their new Macintosh computers. By 1989 the 3�-inch was outselling the 5�-inch.
Here is the source:
Sony's 3.5" Floppy Disk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floppy_drive#The_3.C2.BD-inch_microfloppy_diskette)
Yeah, but wasn't that also when Apple had something like 50% of the consumer market share. I mean... I think its a very different situation even if its the same names.
Rt&Dzine
Mar 22, 10:52 AM
I don't think that apple should be in the business of approving apps.
I think they should do their best to categorize them and create methods to protect certain age groups from accessing inappropriate apps.
But otherwise get out of the business of approving 'this' while denying 'that'.
Should this apply to Apple's competitors as well? Or only Apple should not be allowed to approve/disapprove apps?
I think they should do their best to categorize them and create methods to protect certain age groups from accessing inappropriate apps.
But otherwise get out of the business of approving 'this' while denying 'that'.
Should this apply to Apple's competitors as well? Or only Apple should not be allowed to approve/disapprove apps?
I'mAMac
Sep 1, 01:28 PM
**THIS IS NOT A RUMOR** There will be a new iMac with Merom and probably 23". Sounds like it will be a 2.33 ghz but not sure.
7on
Feb 21, 01:51 PM
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5170/5322249630_f13fec39df_z.jpg
WHAT is that orange contraption? MUST acquire!
WHAT is that orange contraption? MUST acquire!
dmw007
Nov 15, 07:57 AM
8-Core Mac Pro! :eek:
***drool*** :D :cool:
***drool*** :D :cool:
jgould
Feb 22, 07:43 PM
MonoPrice.com> CABLES > Video Cables - DisplayPort > Mini DisplayPort to DVI Cables (http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10246&cs_id=1024604)
Why is it that searching on line for this never crossed my mind. (Of course, I've only had the MacBook for 2 days, so maybe I haven't gotten that far yet)
Thank you.
Why is it that searching on line for this never crossed my mind. (Of course, I've only had the MacBook for 2 days, so maybe I haven't gotten that far yet)
Thank you.
acslater017
Aug 6, 11:04 PM
you know everyone's going mac nuts when it says "update: photo of cloth covered banners".... :)
scott523
Nov 15, 11:23 AM
How can this get negative votes? In fact, how do a lot of perfectly benign threads get negative votes? Are there just members out there who vote negative on everything?It could be the fact that the 8-core Mac Pro butchered the iTunes encoding and Quake 4 test? I'm shocked myself that Mac Pro tied for the lowest score in the iTunes test.
danielwsmithee
Nov 27, 03:06 PM
You people are incorrigible. I do hope people start reading the thread or doing some research before anyone else makes a fool of themselves.
I find you the one that is incorrigible. The 23" inch price is competitive where it is as your link so eloquently points out. The Apple displays are easily worth a 15-20% mark-up. The problem is since the last time the display prices were updated 20" wide-screen panel prices have dropped nearly in half. So a year ago when Apple released this $699 price point it was a good price because competitors were selling the same panels at $599. Now they are at $399 and some times as low a $299. Apple's display is worth extra just not 75% to 100% extra.
I find you the one that is incorrigible. The 23" inch price is competitive where it is as your link so eloquently points out. The Apple displays are easily worth a 15-20% mark-up. The problem is since the last time the display prices were updated 20" wide-screen panel prices have dropped nearly in half. So a year ago when Apple released this $699 price point it was a good price because competitors were selling the same panels at $599. Now they are at $399 and some times as low a $299. Apple's display is worth extra just not 75% to 100% extra.
marksman
Apr 21, 03:01 PM
So somebody sues you for (insert nefarious activity of your choice) and you deny it saying you were nowhere near Location-X at the time. Then, under rules of disclosure, they subpeona your iPhone/iPad/MBP/TC to obtain your data. The data shows you were at least in the vicinity of Location-X and so had the opportunity to perform (aforesaid nefarious activity).
They can do that anyways. They could subponea the cell phone records and the cell phone company would have the exact same record from the other side. People really don't understand what is going on here when they fly off the handle with these wacky examples.
The cell phone provider has a log of every cell tower you have visited with your phone. This is often used in legal cases as evidence.
I agree that the location data should be dumped... every few hours... so the files contain minimal information. Backups should exclude all this location data. I cannot imagine why any application needs to know my location from more than a few hours ago.
That is because you don't understand what the data is for... It is a database to help assist with the functioning of the device. It is not a log file of places you visited. See you don't even know what the file is for but you are demanding how it should be changed.
Dumping the file every few hours would make the significant functionality it provides the phone worthless.
Did you know the future of cellular phones is going to use systems where you are predictably moved to a specific tower based on where they believe you are going as it will help with throughput for data, signal quality, reduced power consumption and overall functionality. Such databases will absolutely be a part of all cell phones going forward. It is part of the technology, part of the functionality.
If someone steals your phone they might see some of that data, and they might also see the roll of pictures you took at the furry convention.
They can do that anyways. They could subponea the cell phone records and the cell phone company would have the exact same record from the other side. People really don't understand what is going on here when they fly off the handle with these wacky examples.
The cell phone provider has a log of every cell tower you have visited with your phone. This is often used in legal cases as evidence.
I agree that the location data should be dumped... every few hours... so the files contain minimal information. Backups should exclude all this location data. I cannot imagine why any application needs to know my location from more than a few hours ago.
That is because you don't understand what the data is for... It is a database to help assist with the functioning of the device. It is not a log file of places you visited. See you don't even know what the file is for but you are demanding how it should be changed.
Dumping the file every few hours would make the significant functionality it provides the phone worthless.
Did you know the future of cellular phones is going to use systems where you are predictably moved to a specific tower based on where they believe you are going as it will help with throughput for data, signal quality, reduced power consumption and overall functionality. Such databases will absolutely be a part of all cell phones going forward. It is part of the technology, part of the functionality.
If someone steals your phone they might see some of that data, and they might also see the roll of pictures you took at the furry convention.
MacSA
Nov 27, 02:52 PM
meh - does this matter? Isn't 17" is getting to be a bit skimpy by any consumer standards.
I'm still using a 15" monitor. :p
I'm still using a 15" monitor. :p
jakemikey
Aug 25, 11:51 AM
just a thought. I'd like to see at least one mini stay as cheap as possible. cheap minis are condusive to the "non desktop" or "inivisible" situations we all love them for.
creative things like
Home automation,
Home theater
automotive fun
art installations
internet radio.
cash registers
security systems
advertising kiosks(shoot me)
rhumba?
Every single one of those (except perhaps home theater) would be much better suited with a cheaper VIA mini-ITX system running Linux. The only reason you should ever choose Mac OS X over Linux is in *visible* setups, not *invisible* setups.
creative things like
Home automation,
Home theater
automotive fun
art installations
internet radio.
cash registers
security systems
advertising kiosks(shoot me)
rhumba?
Every single one of those (except perhaps home theater) would be much better suited with a cheaper VIA mini-ITX system running Linux. The only reason you should ever choose Mac OS X over Linux is in *visible* setups, not *invisible* setups.
vand0576
Sep 1, 01:09 PM
Hmm... the problem with that line-up is that when consumers see the shiny new advert saying "Meet the new iMacs" they'll look at the clock speeds and say "What new iMacs?". I think it would be reasonable for Apple to offer...
17" iMac - $1,199 - 2 GHz, X1650 Pro 128 MB
20" iMac - $1,699 - 2.16 GHz, X1650 Pro 256 MB
23" iMac - $2,199 - 2.33 GHz, X1650 Pro 256 MB
I think EVERYONE's suggested prices are way too high, even for a chip upgrade. They'll want to do a cost comparison for these new machines the same way they did the Mac Pro. iMacs are still quite overpriced compared to similar desktops from other companies, even with monitors. Bring those prices down Apple, and you'll have a TON of "switchers" with these machines.
17" iMac - $1,199 - 2 GHz, X1650 Pro 128 MB
20" iMac - $1,699 - 2.16 GHz, X1650 Pro 256 MB
23" iMac - $2,199 - 2.33 GHz, X1650 Pro 256 MB
I think EVERYONE's suggested prices are way too high, even for a chip upgrade. They'll want to do a cost comparison for these new machines the same way they did the Mac Pro. iMacs are still quite overpriced compared to similar desktops from other companies, even with monitors. Bring those prices down Apple, and you'll have a TON of "switchers" with these machines.
mfram
Feb 26, 02:31 PM
So when will automakers sell a compact pickup with a 2 liter diesel in the US? I want a diesel pick up. But I don't want a behemoth that requires a ladder to enter and hogs 2/3 of a 2 car garage.:p
I prefer diesel in a work truck for three reasons: torque, torque and torque.
Don't know about trucks, but Volkswagon has been selling 2.0L 4-cyl diesel engines for a while. You can get a Jetta Wagon TDI.... but that's not quite the same as a truck.
I personally own a Jetta TDI sedan. It's a nice engine.
I prefer diesel in a work truck for three reasons: torque, torque and torque.
Don't know about trucks, but Volkswagon has been selling 2.0L 4-cyl diesel engines for a while. You can get a Jetta Wagon TDI.... but that's not quite the same as a truck.
I personally own a Jetta TDI sedan. It's a nice engine.
Fiveos22
Aug 6, 09:49 PM
My cup runneth over with excitement.
Too bad I'll be in class all day tomorrow and won't get the minute by minute MR coverage...unless I bring my macbook to class with me. :D
Too bad I'll be in class all day tomorrow and won't get the minute by minute MR coverage...unless I bring my macbook to class with me. :D
k995
Apr 23, 03:17 AM
you can turn off the GPS in a phone and most people assume that when you do it stops tracking you yet as it already been shown it just starts storing info base the cell towers.
I just do not like the fact you can not opt out of it. It just feels wrong to me.
Not just wrong but probably illegal in several countries.
My own country belgium for example its illegal to store such data without consent of the person itself.
I just do not like the fact you can not opt out of it. It just feels wrong to me.
Not just wrong but probably illegal in several countries.
My own country belgium for example its illegal to store such data without consent of the person itself.
reflex
Aug 25, 01:51 PM
And Apple doesn't like to be selling historical artifacts any longer than they must
So that's why they stuck with G3s in iBooks for so long? :p
So that's why they stuck with G3s in iBooks for so long? :p
X2468
Apr 2, 07:20 PM
Urgh, new iCal really is horrible.
Yes, it's designed to simplify and bring the computers down to the level of basic consumer electronics items. That way Apple will sell even more. All they seem to care about these days is having media events, and announcements where they spend their time bragging about how many they've sold.
Yes, it's designed to simplify and bring the computers down to the level of basic consumer electronics items. That way Apple will sell even more. All they seem to care about these days is having media events, and announcements where they spend their time bragging about how many they've sold.
mambodancer
Jul 18, 09:14 AM
The assumption is that the movies will be downloadable. It's entirely possible that Apple may follow a model like netflix. Have an online DB of thousands of movies that you can review online, read reviews and member comments, and then rent the movie and have it shipped to you like Netflix and Blockbuster. Return it when you have watched it. Order and buy brand new and used DVD's. Charge a monthly subscription service. Maybe Apple will buy Netflix?
Additionally, if Apple does provide the option of at once delivery via downloads then I don't think they need to provide DVD quality as a download (though resolution options and a price structure to match would be nice-being able to watch HD-DVD on my Mac would be great)*.
I like the $9.99 price point for movie downloads that you can keep if they are DVD quality and I'm sure Steve will continue to fight for this. This isn't much different than what the Columbia DVD movie club offers now when you consider the number of movies that you get - for their member offer you can buy 7 DVD's for an average price of $3.90 each. Movies sell from Columbia starting at $14.95 to $19.95 and they always have some kind of special offer-buy one at regular club prices, get your next DVD for 50% off.
This would be another step toward dropping cable TV for me altogether. The $45 a month I'm paying to rent TV and movies from Comcast is a great incentive to cancel cable. The quality of cable downloads (record to VCR) isn't so great and if I'm downloading TV I still have to deal with commercials. I'd much rather do the "movie and TV on demand" thing through my computer.
And yes, I finally got rid of my TV, CD player, amps, tape drive, DVD player, VCR and entertainment console in favor of listening and watching through my computer system. I love not having that hugh piece of furniture crammed full of electronics and cabling in my living room!
Additionally, if Apple does provide the option of at once delivery via downloads then I don't think they need to provide DVD quality as a download (though resolution options and a price structure to match would be nice-being able to watch HD-DVD on my Mac would be great)*.
I like the $9.99 price point for movie downloads that you can keep if they are DVD quality and I'm sure Steve will continue to fight for this. This isn't much different than what the Columbia DVD movie club offers now when you consider the number of movies that you get - for their member offer you can buy 7 DVD's for an average price of $3.90 each. Movies sell from Columbia starting at $14.95 to $19.95 and they always have some kind of special offer-buy one at regular club prices, get your next DVD for 50% off.
This would be another step toward dropping cable TV for me altogether. The $45 a month I'm paying to rent TV and movies from Comcast is a great incentive to cancel cable. The quality of cable downloads (record to VCR) isn't so great and if I'm downloading TV I still have to deal with commercials. I'd much rather do the "movie and TV on demand" thing through my computer.
And yes, I finally got rid of my TV, CD player, amps, tape drive, DVD player, VCR and entertainment console in favor of listening and watching through my computer system. I love not having that hugh piece of furniture crammed full of electronics and cabling in my living room!
840quadra
Nov 28, 02:35 PM
I don't think I'd hold up Sony as an example of how to innovate and market -- they lost their focus decades ago. Aside from the walkman, let's see what products has Sony pushed in the last 30 years...
Beta
MiniDisc
Memory Stick
ATRAC
Now we sit back and see if the PS3 and Blu-Ray follow the recent trend. If we're comparing Microsoft to Sony that's what you have to look forward to.
Sorry to have to say this, but the Playstation and PS2 (early years) were a great success.
The PS3 was late, but it is still too early ( like the Zune) to discount it as a good device or threat.
Beta
MiniDisc
Memory Stick
ATRAC
Now we sit back and see if the PS3 and Blu-Ray follow the recent trend. If we're comparing Microsoft to Sony that's what you have to look forward to.
Sorry to have to say this, but the Playstation and PS2 (early years) were a great success.
The PS3 was late, but it is still too early ( like the Zune) to discount it as a good device or threat.
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