Apple Inc. (AAPL) News: Carl Icahn’s Meeting, Pricey Gadgets & Google Inc (GOOG)’s Patents

Editor’s Note: Related tickers: Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)

Icahn, Apple CEO To Dine, Talk Buyback (Finalternatives)
Carl Icahn is keeping his fans apprised of his burgeoning friendship with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook on Twitter. Icahn last month announced that he had taken a “large position in Apple” on the social-networking service and that he would push the company to launch a larger share buyback program. At the time, he wrote that he and Cook had “a nice conversation” and planned “to speak again shortly.” That conversation will apparently happen over a meal next month, Icahn told his Twitter followers yesterday.

Apple’s Falling China Share Vexes IPhone Case Makers (Bloomberg)
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s falling market share in China is prompting thousands of local accessory makers to give more attention to products that fit mobile phones and tablet computers made by Samsung Electronics Co. (005930) and domestic rivals. A shift to devices from Samsung, Lenovo Group Ltd. (992) and a widening array of Chinese makers offering cheaper handsets is pushing up costs for those that previously relied on the iPad and iPhone, said Vincent Kwok, chief executive officer of Guangzhou-based Magic Kingdom, a maker of protective cases.

Hon Hai Says It Sold Some Display Patents to Google (Nasdaq)
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (2317.TW) said Friday it sold some display patents to Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) for an unspecified amount. Hon Hai, also known as Foxconn, a key Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) supplier, said in a statement the patents sold to Google include Head Mounted Technology that generates “a virtual image and is superimposed on a real-world view.” The Hon Hai statement didn’t elaborate further. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) recently unveiled Google Glass, a headset that places a small computer screen above the wearer’s eye. The device is only available to a small group of testers right now, but a public launch is slated for it next year.

At Apple Inc., birth of iPhone 5S, 5C set to herald death of iPhone 4 (IndianExpress)
For Apple Inc. gadget lovers the month of September holds out much promise, not just for those who willingly pay top dollar for the company’s pricey gadgets, but also for those who covet the iconic products even though they can’t really afford them. But first things first. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s much-touted iPhone 5S’s launch is set for September 10, according to reports. Fingers crossed. Secondly, for the budget conscious, iPhone 5C (less feature rich, but affordable) is scheduled to go on sale latest by September 20. The date holds true also for iPhone 5S.

Apple drops just before Nasdaq halt (CNBC)