News
iPod outsells Macs
For the first time, the iPod has outsold Macintosh computers. “We feel great,” Steven P. Jobs, Apple’s chief executive, said in an interview. “We sold a lot of Macs, but we’ve sold more iPods in the quarter than all the Macs put together.”
807,000 iPods sold, up more than 900 percent
MacMinute reports that Apple on Wednesday posted a net profit of US$46 million, or 12 cents a share, for its fiscal 2004 second quarter ended March 27, 2003. These results compare to a net profit of $14 million, or 4 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter. Revenue for the quarter was $1.909 billion, up 29 percent from last year. Apple said it shipped 749,000 Macs and 807,000 iPods during the quarter, representing a 5 percent increase in CPU units and a 909 percent increase in iPods over the year-ago quarter. “Apple had a great quarter with 29 percent revenue growth and 200 percent earnings per share growth year-over-year,” said Apple CEO Steve Jobs. “We experienced growth in most areas of our business-most dramatically in selling a record 807,000 iPods, up more than 900 percent over the prior year.”
Free iPod personalization promo extended
MacMinute is reporting that Apple has extened its iPod personalization promotion, which allows customers to get free custom laser engraving on any new iPod purchased between March 28 through June 26, 2004. The engraving normally costs US$19 extra.
Beatles to sue Apple over music business
iPod mini to boost Apple profit
The iPod mini has “fueled a 22 percent increase in the company’s [Apple] stock in the past two weeks.” “Shares of Cupertino-based Apple have risen to their highest since September 2000 as investors bet the business card-sized iPod mini, released last month, will boost profit.”
Apple legal targets PocketPC iPod emulator
StarBrite, developers of the pPod PocketPC iPod emulator software has been asked by Apple legal to change the name and to revise the interface so it does not resemble an iPod. StarBrite has complied with Apple’s requests and has changed the name to pBop and changed the layout so the touch wheel is now located between the menu and row of buttons. “Apple felt pPod was being ‘passed off’ as an Apple iPod,” says Ryan Kelly, a Starbrite spokesperson. “We were surprised to hear this as we have heard of no one buying a Windows-powered Pocket PC application being confused they are buying a hardware device.”
iPod sales to reach $1 billion this year
And the iPod isn’t expected to be small business for Apple. Milunovich estimates iPod’s revenue to come in around $1 billion this year, contributing 15 cents to per-share earnings. By fiscal year 2006, the analyst said revenue for the iPod could double to $2 billion, adding 25 cents to the EPS.”
Update: Braving the cold to get an iPod mini
Rajeev and Jeremy have reported with an update from the Grand Opening of Apple Store SF. Rajeev described the opening as ‘hectic’ as hundreds of people swarmed the front entrance while San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, former Mayor Willie Brown, and Apple CEO Steve Jobs cut the ceremonial ribbon for the opening at 10 am PT. Apple sold 200 $259 grab bags marked ‘Do you feel lucky?’ containing; Apple Airport Extreme Base Station, Bluetooth adapter, Apple Wireless Keyboard, Apple Wireless Mouse, .Mac account, Keynote (presentation software), iLife ‘04 and a 10% gift card. In addition, some (1 in 6) lucky individuals also received Silver iPod minis and 15GB iPods, but one lucky person got a 40GB iPod. Both Rajeev and Jeremy got an iPod mini in their bags.
A couple of hardcore Apple fans are enduring the cold San Francisco night as they camp out in front of the new Apple Store San Francisco to be the first 200 people to be able to purchase a $259 grab bag valued at $600 - some containing iPod minis. Two San Jose State Apple Campus Reps, Rajeev and Jeremy sent us an email describing the situatuion as they await the Grand Opening at 10 am Saturday morning.
MacMinute reports details of Enimen vs. Apple lawsuit
MacMinute - As reported yesterday, Eight Mile Style, Eminem’s music publisher, is suing Apple claiming that the company used one of the rapper’s songs—"Lose Yourself” from the 2002 film “8 Mile"—in an iTunes television commercial without permission. MacMinute has obtained the 15-page lawsuit, which was filed on Feb. 20 in U.S. District Court in Detroit, Michigan. The suit—which also names Viacom, its MTV subsidiary and the TBWA/Chiat/Day advertising agency—said “Eminem has never nationally endorsed any commercial products and… even if he were interested in endorsing a product any endorsement deal would require a significant amount of money, possibly in excess of $10 million.”
Apple vs. Apple, Judge owns iPod
Lord Grabiner QC, for Apple Computers, said he was delighted to hear the judge had an iPod and added: ‘We would perhaps have sent you one free if that would not have been improper.’”
Related news: FOXNews: The Beatles Sue Apple Computers Over IPod, ITunes
Eminem sues Apple over iTunes ad
Eight Mile Style filed the copyright infringement suit late last week against Apple, Viacom Inc., its MTV subsidiary and the TBWA/Chiat/Day advertising agency.
At issue is an ad for Apple’s iTunes pay-per-download music software, in which a 10-year-old sings Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” The suit claims the commercial aired on MTV beginning in July 2003 and ran numerous times for at least three months. It also appeared on Apple’s Web site.”
Analyst says Apple “stands to benefit greatly” from Pepsi partnership
The report looks at the true strategy behind the store—increasing iPod sales. As most competing players utilize an incompatible file format, IDC says: “Apple stands to develop a built-in market for the iPod”. It agrees that if users use and choose iTunes then they will be more likely to buy Apple’s music player in preference to competing products.
The conclusion? “Apple stands to benefit greatly form this promotion and carry its momentum forward".”
Apple sued over iPod battery life
Apple today filed its quarterly report with the Securites and Exchange Commission. The report listed several lawsuits against Apple, one of which was five plaintiffs; Craft, Chin, Hughes, Westley and Keegan “filed purported class action cases in various Northern California courts alleging misrepresentations by the Company relative to iPod battery life. The complaints include causes of action for violation of California Civil Code Section 17200 (unfair competition), the Consumer Legal Remedies Action (“CLRA”) and claims for false advertising, fraudulent concealment and breach of warranty. The complaints seek unspecified damages and other relief. The Company is beginning its investigation of these claims. Plaintiffs have filed a motion to consolidate these claims in San Mateo County. The Company has opposed the motion on the grounds that Santa Clara County would be the most appropriate venue for consolidation.”
Steve Jobs talks iPod, iTunes and the recent HP deal
A: HP looked at the choices they had, and they thought what we were doing was the best in the industry, and they expressed an interest in working with us. The more we discussed it, the better it sounded. Look, we don’t make our own printers. We use HP’s printers. They’re better at making printers than we are. HP decided that we’re better at making portable music players and online music stores, and there is no shame in any of that. I think it’s pretty smart.
Q: The iPod is Apple’s first non-Mac hit in years. What’s the significance of that to you?
A: It’s very exciting to be able to apply Apple’s innovation, engineering excellence, and marketing skill in a market where we don’t have that 5% market-share ceiling to see what we can do. And it feels good.”
iPod accessories added $14 million to Apple’s Q1 revenue
MacMinute reports: “An estimated 733,000 iPods were sold, accounting for $256 million in revenue. This doesn’t include iPod accessories, which added up to another $14 million. Plus, the iPod numbers would have been even higher, but Apple’s supply couldn’t keep up with the demand, Anderson [Apple Chief Financial Officer] said.”
Apple sells 733 thousand iPods, up 235%, profits are up
BusinessWeek: Apple + HP = iPod Forever
‘He was smart enough to go do something that was beneficial to the music industry in creating a paid environment that protects their interests. He’s pretty much golden in terms of getting deals with the labels,’ says Tim Bajarin, CEO of consultancy Creative Strategies. That Jobs could become the most powerful guy in digital music from a platform with a mere 5% or less of total market share is like Houdini pulling a Hummer out of his hat.”
Macworld UK: MS’ video-player plans ‘misguided’ – Jobs
In an interview with the New York Times Jobs explains that high price and long up-load times means Microsoft’s move into this business area is “misguided”.
Jobs said: “There’s just no equivalent of headphones. While a music player gives you a concert-hall experience, watching video on a tiny three-inch hand-held screen is nothing like the experience of watching a movie in a cinema or even on TV.”
AppleMatters: The HP-iPod Deal is Brilliant
HP and Apple Partner to Deliver Digital Music Player and iTunes to HP Customers
As part of the alliance, HP consumer PCs and notebooks will come preinstalled with Apple iTunes jukebox software and an easy-reference desktop icon to point consumers directly to the iTunes Music Store, ensuring a simple, seamless music experience. This offering is yet another way that HP is helping consumers enjoy more from their personal digital entertainment content.”
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