Editor’s Note: Related tickers: Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB)
Apple’s iPhone Trade-in Program Is Already Being Piloted, Here’s How It Works (TechCrunch)
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is about to introduce an iPhone trade-in program that will allow users to walk into a Retail store and trade up from an old model to a new one. We’ve heard some interesting details about the way that the program will work, and indeed, is working right now in some pilot Apple Stores. The program, has gotten a bit of press today, with Macrumors‘ Eric Slivka reporting that the training for the program is underway and Mark Gurman of 9to5Mac quoting a start date sometime in September.
Siri-ously?! Siri makes fun of Google Glass (MacWorld)
Apple’s snarky personal assistant has it out for Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s Glass. Telling Siri, “OK Glass,” earns you a smart aleck response that can only be described as unfavourable. Some of the responses we got included jokes about Glass being ‘half empty’ and Siri telling us to stop trying to strap our phones to our foreheads. The snide remarks are available on Siri-equipped phones running iOS 6, but the Verge reports you’ll hear several more witticisms if you’re running the iOS 7 beta. It’s unknown if Siri’s smack talk is anything new, but with Apple rumoured to be launching a smartwatch in the coming months, it makes sense that the company would try to put down Google’s piece of wearable tech as much as possible.
Microsoft Seeks to Buoy Morale Amid CEO Search (BusinessWeek)
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is telling employees that a reorganization plan by departing Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer will go ahead, seeking to reassure senior managers who are concerned that the search for a successor will throw turnaround efforts into disarray. Some members of Microsoft’s senior leadership team e-mailed their staff on Aug. 23 to say they remain committed to Ballmer’s vision and the reorganization, said three people with knowledge of the matter. Some Microsoft executives have seen an increase in outside job offers since the July restructuring plan and others may be tempted to leave after stock grants and bonuses are awarded in late August, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the communications were private.
Wozniak praises Apple’s formula for success (BBC)
Apple’s co-founder Steve Wozniak believes one of the secrets of the company’s success is that it found the formula to remain nimble and innovative despite its size. That cannot, perhaps, be said of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), which has rested on markets and products it build up a long time ago, he says. Nevertheless, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has a fight on its hands with companies such as Samsung, he tells the BBC’s Chief business correspondent Linda Yueh.
Google Glass: Preparing for a ‘Cyborg-Surveillance Society’ (WorldMeets)
When a new technology is introduced, it isn’t unusual to feel curious and even a little afraid. The history of media is a good example. When print technology was introduced, some argued metal type was satanic and undermined the sanctity of handwriting. In the early days of television, people feared video images would destroy high culture. The same goes for the Internet. Critics were concerned that unverified information would spread suspicion throughout society. As civilization addressed these concerns, these forms of media became widely accepted. Recently, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Glass has been a controversial invention, garnering both curiosity and concern. It is a wearable smart device that can perform online searches, make phone calls and record video via audio command.
What if GE’s CEO pulls a ‘Ballmer?’ (CNBC)
Apple Takes Over Mapping Company Embark (Yahoo)
Finally, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) seems to have taken the mapping business seriously. Reportedly, Apple recently acquired Embark, which offers mass transit information of selected cities in Europe and the U.S. However, the financials associated with the deal were not disclosed. The current deal follows back-to-back acquisitions of HopStop.com Inc. and Locationary Inc. in Jul 2013. These were preceded by the takeover of WiFiSLAM, a provider of indoor mapping application technology earlier this year.
How Google’s Chromecast Will Change My Life (Forbes)
I don’t consider myself an early adopter of technology. I still prefer books in paper and I don’t feel the need to try out every device or app that comes on the market. At best, I’m a reasonably fast follower. Nevertheless, when Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) came out with Chromecast, I ordered it within a few days (which still made me too late to get one before the first batch sold out). It came last week and so I’ve had some time to put it through its paces…
Microsoft Said to Reassure Workers That Plan Is On Track (BusinessWeek)
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is moving to reassure employees that a reorganization plan by departing Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer will go ahead. …The communications follow concern at the software maker that any new CEO — especially an external one — won’t keep the company as Ballmer laid out last month in the biggest restructuring in more than a decade. Ballmer is refocusing Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) on hardware and Internet-based services, in a bid to move the company away from software for the declining personal-computer industry and onto better footing with Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)
