Type of Article: MacTech Blog

The iPad mini and autos — a match made in heaven?

The iPad mini and autos — a match made in heaven?

Posted by | Nov 6, 2012 | , |

Apple is very keen on iOS these days. What if it worked with an auto maker to implement in vehicles? Especially with the iPad mini now a reality.

It’s just the right size for integration into car dashes. The standard iPad is simply too big.

Think of the potential for commercial vehicles. GPS. FaceTime communication between drivers, the office, each other, and customers. Tracking vehicles with Loopt-type services. Accepting payments. Inventory. Video logging. Logging items for insurance. The possibilities are pretty incredible.

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Where will mobile apps and the cloud go next?

Posted by | Nov 5, 2012 | , |

The evolving mobile app and cloud marketplace is expected to grow to a U.S.$340 billion opportunity in the next five years, according to a new “Market Vision” report from Yankee Group (www.yankeegroup.com).

App monetization models are tipping toward in-app purchasing. In 2012, more than 20% of U.S. smartphone app users clicked on links within apps to purchase extra content. Developers, content owners and ecosystem competitors are backing in-app commerce as the surest way to make money from apps.

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Greg’s Bite: Microsoft vs Apple marketing 

Greg’s Bite: Microsoft vs Apple marketing 

Posted by | Nov 2, 2012 | , |

By Greg Mills

As a long term observer of the two companies, the differences between the Microsoft marketing style and Apple’s approach couldn’t be more stark. I submit that the differences are a lot of what has seen Apple soar while Microsoft flounders. Following-the-leader assumes you will never really get ahead of the leader, at least while playing that game.

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Ultrabook sales to rise dramatically? I don’t think so

Posted by | Nov 2, 2012 | , |

The IHS research group (www.isuppli.com) recently cut its projections of ultrabook sales in fiscal 2012 from 10.3 million to 22 million. However, Research and Markets (www.researchandmarkets.com) says that, although currently viewed as prohibitively expensive, ultrabook sales will explode in the next five years.

The research group thinks ultrabooks will account for 47% of annual notebook sales by 2016, based on info from business intelligence provider GBI Research. I think they’re wrong.

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The Northern Spy: A conversation between Nellie and the professor

The Northern Spy: A conversation between Nellie and the professor

Posted by | Nov 1, 2012 | , |

By Rick Sutcliffe

Even before I heard the boots clunk on the table behind me I didn’t need to turn around to know who’d dropped in.

Some people carry an unmistakable air about them. Besides, regular people knock, even though the door’s always open. Not Nellie Hacker. She, BTW for the new reader, helped me found this column back in the day. Well, at least she doesn’t wear spurs.

“Hi, Nellie. It’s been a while since you popped by to see your old professor.”

“Does it really matter?”

“It matters to me. It gets lonely here sometimes.”

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