Addressing rumors of an Apple productivity suite reportedly called iWork, Microsoft said today that it remains on good terms with Apple and is already working on new versions of Office and Virtual PC. “Our relationship with Apple remains productive and strong,” Scott Erickson, group product manager for Microsoft’s Macintosh Business Unit, told CNET News.com.
Read MorePioneer Electronics today announced a direct-connect auto adapter to play songs from an iPod through the company’s car stereos. “Through Pioneer’s IP-Bus system, the CD-IB100 is backwards compatible with more than 3 million Pioneer car stereos sold during the past several years. Users will be able to operate their iPods as easily as they would using the stereo unit, by means of the stereo’s front panel controls.
Read MoreIn addition to the Apple Cinema Display price drop in the US today, Apple also cut prices on all Macs and displays in the UK. Apple has cut up to £50 off the price of iMac G5s, up to £200 off Power Mac G5s, and £20 off the eMac. Apple UK also lowered PowerBook and iBook prices by £50. Prices of the Cinema Displays were slashed up to £450.
Read MoreJ.P. Morgan has raised its estimates for Apple, citing robust sales of Macs and iPods through December. Analyst Bill Shope said in a research note that the “key catalyst” for the increase was “improved availability of 1-inch drives for the iPod mini.” The firm expects earnings per share of 49 cents for the December quarter, up from its previous estimate of 47 cents. J.P. Morgan also raised fiscal 2005 forecasts, now predicting EPS of $1.71, up from $1.69.
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