Apple shares surged more than 14 percent to US$64 in early trading Monday after Piper Jaffray raised its price target on the stock to $100 from $52, citing bullish expectations for iPod sales (see previous report). Separately, Fulcrum Global raised its target to $65 from $53, forecasting strong demand for iPods and iMac G5s. Apple shares were last up nearly 13 percent at $62.10.
Read MoreApple is now hiring for its second and third UK retail stores, which are scheduled to open this fall. The forthcoming Birmingham and Kent Apple Stores were announced at last week’s media event at the new London store. “The Apple Store offers a unique opportunity to share your passion for Apple products and technology with customers and Mac enthusiasts alike.
Read MoreOvolab today announced the release of Phlink 1.6, the latest version of its telephony software for Mac OS X. Phlink is a software and hardware product that turns your Mac into a “flexible and powerful answering machine and telephone information center.” Version 1.6 extends support for caller ID to more countries, including Sweden, The Netherlands, Denmark, Iceland and more. Phlink retails for US$149.95 and requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later.
Read MoreAdobe today announced a call for entries in the Fifth Annual Adobe Design Achievement Awards, which this year expands to ten countries (Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United States, and the United Kingdom) and nine competition categories. The awards “honor the most talented and promising student graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, animators, digital filmmakers and computer artists from the world’s top design, film and broadcast institutions,” notes the announcement.
Read MoreJefferson Graham has written an interesting article on USA Today examining the success of Apple’s retail outlets. In particular, Graham is impressed with Apple’s “Genius Bars,” where consumers can get advice and technical assistance from Apple staffers about the company’s products. “The concept has struck such a chord that the original 10-foot Genius Bar has been extended to 40 feet in many stores and has gone from four customer stools to 20,” notes Graham.
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