Showing posts with label WRLTHD Product Review. Show all posts

Apple launches star-studded streaming service Apple Music

By Rhiannon Williams

Apple has announced a music streaming service called Apple Music, offering a combination of music streaming, downloads and internet radio

Apple has teamed up with rap superstars Drake and Pharrell to launch a music streaming service designed to compete with Spotify at its annual developers conference in San Francisco.

Apple Music is the Californian company’s first foray into music streaming, having shaped the digital downloads market with the launch of the iTunes store in 2003, and will be available for $9.99 a month with an initial three-month free trial.

“Music is such an important part of our lives, and our culture,” said Apple chief executive Tim Cook. “Apple Music will change the way you experience music forever.”

The star-studded service has been created in collaboration with Beats, whom Apple purchased in May last year for $3bn (£1.8bn), and will be available for iOS users from later this month.

Music mogul Jimmy Iovine, who co-founded Beats with rapper Dr Dre, called it a revolutionary music service manned by experts which will benefit the up-and-coming artists in their bedroom as much as the established acts.

Former Radio One DJ Zane Lowe is among several presenters who will man digital live radio station Beats 1, broadcast from New York, Los Angeles and London across the world.

Around 7m individuals in the UK pay for music streaming subscriptions, while the number of digital download customers has declined by 2m since last year.

“There is definitely an appetite among iTunes users for this kind of service - over 20pc of them already stream compared to 14pc on average,” said Andy Saxton, consumer retail analyst at Kantar Worldpanel. “Yet with nearly three quarters currently using Spotify, the challenge for Apple will be to convert these users to their own platform.”

The company also showcased its latest software developments for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Macs, alongside the long-awaited launch date for Apple Pay in the UK, which has been available for US users since last October.

Apple’s head of e-commerce Jennifer Bailey announced Apple Pay’s introduction to the UK, linked with Halifax, Natwest and Santander among other banks and retailers, including Marks & Spencer and Waitrose from July. Users will also be able to use the contactless payment system on TfL to travel around London on the bus and train network and Underground. Apple has also collaborated with company Square to produce a new reader for the system, available from the Autumn.

Apple also launched iOS 9, the latest software update for iPhone and iPad, featuring significant updates to digital assistant Siri, which now answers more than one billion voice requests per week.

Asking Siri to display ‘photos from London last June’ will instantly return all pictures taking during this period, and returns search information drawn from news publications, Wikipedia and content from your own device.

New app News collates content from multiple news sources personalised to each individual users, allowing them to swipe between articles embedded with videos and animations based on interests and personal preferences.

Senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi introduced new Mac software OS X 10.11 El Capitan, which sported advanced search capabilities and side-by-side window management designed to enhance experience and performance.

Cook talked the crowd through WatchOS 2, the new platform to help developers create native apps specifically for running independently on the Apple Watch itself, instead of batting back to its paired iPhone. Users can now set their own photos or time-lapse photography as watch face backgrounds, and further customise their own background to include sports scores or other bits of information.

The App Store has seen more than 100bn app downloads, with the average individual downloading 119 apps, the company said.

Ford GT supercar storms into Detroit

Jan 12th, 2015

Stunning Ford GT uses V6 EcoBoost with over 592bhp, carbon-fibre tub and body panels and will enter production in late 2016

by Lawrence Allan / Jack Rix

Ford has stolen the Detroit Motor Show limelight with an all-new Ford GT supercar. Confirmed to start production in late 2016, and cost around £250,000, it features an advanced carbon-fibre tub with aluminium sub frames, carbon-fibre body panels and has ditched its predecessor's V8 for a EcoBoost 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 with 'in excess of' 592bhp.

"It's a showcase for all our latest technology, including EcoBoost performance and aerodynamics," Mark Fields, Ford CEO and President, told us. "We've been working on it for a little over a year."

Fields fueled speculation that Ford will return to the race track, specifically the Le Mans 24hr GT class, when he said; "t’s worth remembering that our first innovation as a company was not in a laboratory, but on the racetrack." Another spokesman said it was "a nice idea." The timing couldn't be better - 2016 is the 50th anniversary of Ford breaking Ferrari's six year winning streak at Le Mans, and going on a four year winning run of its own.

The stunning GT supercar concept is a modern take on the retro styling of the first Ford GT remake we saw back in 2004, with a shape that harks back to the 1960s racer. The front end is immediately recognisable, but the enormous flying buttresses, wider stance, deployable rear spoiler and rifled exhaust give it an agressive and far more modern look.

Under the lightweight carbon-fibre skin is a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged version of Ford's EcoBoost V6, generating more than 592bhp. That's mated to a unique seven-speed dual clutch transmission. From power output alone, the GT should produce performance that strikes fear into the world's most prominent supercar manufacturers, such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Mclaren.

Despite the dramatic styling details on the GT, the low stance and profile is instantly recognisable to fans of its predecessors. There's 20-inch wheels clad in Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tyres, and the suspension is a torsion bar and pushrod setup that is height-adjustable. Carbon ceramic brakes are also standard.

Slide into the two-seat cockpit through the scissor doors, and the interior is clearly race-influenced, with seats that are mounted directly to the floor. A huge number of functions are transferred to the F1-style steering wheel, with a configurable digital instrument display behind it.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, but a spokesman steered us towards the Lamborghini Aventador, which costs from £260,000, as a guide. There's no official word on the size of the production run either, although the spokesman said it would be "significantly more exclusive" than its predecessor that sold a little over 4,000 units between 2004 and 2006.

Apple iPhone 6 screen snag leaves supply chain scrambling

By Reiji Murai
TOKYO (Reuters) - Suppliers to Apple Inc are scrambling to get enough screens ready for the new iPhone 6 smartphone as the need to redesign a key component disrupted panel production ahead of next month's expected launch, supply chain sources said.

It's unclear whether the hiccup could delay the launch or limit the number of phones initially available to consumers, the sources said, as Apple readies larger-screen iPhones for the year-end shopping season amid market share loss to cheaper rivals.

But the issue highlights the risks and challenges that suppliers face to meet Apple's tough specifications, and comes on the heels of a separate screen technology problem, since resolved, in making thinner screens for the larger iPhone 6 model.

Cupertino, California-based Apple has scheduled a media event for Sept. 9, and many expect it to unveil the new iPhone 6 with both 4.7 inch (11.94 cm) and 5.5 inch (13.97 cm) screens - bigger than the 4-inch screen on the iPhone 5s and 5c.

Two supply chain sources said display panel production suffered a setback after the backlight that helps illuminate the screen had to be revised, putting screen assembly on hold for part of June and July. One said Apple, aiming for the thinnest phone possible, initially wanted to cut back to a single layer of backlight film, instead of the standard two layers, for the 4.7-inch screen, which went into mass production ahead of the 5.5-inch version.

But the new configuration was not bright enough and the backlight was sent back to the drawing board to fit in the extra layer, costing precious time and temporarily idling some screen assembly operations, the source said.

Output is now back on track and suppliers are working flat-out to make up for lost time, the supply chain sources added.

Representatives for those three suppliers, and for Apple, declined to comment.

WIDER IMPACT

Apple is known to make tough demands on its parts suppliers for new iPhones and iPads as it competes to create designs, shapes, sizes and features to set it apart and command a premium price in a fiercely competitive gadget market.

This can cause glitches and delays, including screen problems that crimped supplies at last year's launch of a high-resolution version of Apple's iPad Mini.

It also highlights the danger for suppliers of depending too heavily on Apple for revenues, creating earnings volatility.

Earlier this month, Japan Display, said to be the lead supplier for the new iPhone panel, said orders for "a large customer" - which analysts said was Apple - arrived as expected, but shipments may be delayed in the July-September quarter.

Japan Display's reliance on Apple's cyclical business has spooked some investors. UBS Securities has forecast that Apple will contribute more than a third of the Japanese firm's total revenue in the year to March 2015. Japan Display's share price dropped to a 12-week low of 501 yen after first-quarter earnings on Aug. 7 lagged market expectations.

In Taiwan, home to several Apple suppliers and assemblers, export orders grew less than expected in July, even as factories rushed output ahead of new smartphone launches, reflecting the erratic nature of the business.

"Currently, there's a small shortage in supply of a specialized component for our communication devices," said a spokesman for Pegatron <4938.TW>, which assembles iPhones. "This kind of problem regularly occurs and the impact on production is negligible."

Supply chain sources had previously said challenges with the new iPhone's screen in-cell technology, which eliminates one of the layers in the LCD screen to make it thinner, caused a delay in the production of the larger 5.5-inch version. One display industry source said the in-cell issues had now been resolved.

The pressure on Apple for stand-out products has increased as Samsung Electronics Co <005930.KS> and, more recently, a clutch of aggressive, lower-cost Chinese producers such as Xiaomi Inc and Lenovo Group Ltd <0992.HK> have eroded the U.S. company's market dominance.

The iPhone 6 unveiling has been widely anticipated to bolster momentum for Apple shares, which have risen by a third, to above $100 each, since the company posted strong first-quarter earnings in late-April.

(Additional reporting by Michael Gold in TAIPEI, Sophie Knight in TOKYO and Christina Farr in SAN FRANCISCO; Editing by Edmund Klamann, Miyoung Kim and Ian Geoghegan)

Apple's Profit Falls 18%, but Beat the Street

By JESSICA E. LESSIN And IAN SHERR

In one of its most closely watched earnings reports in years, Apple Inc. AAPL +1.87% eased Wall Street's biggest fears despite notching its first profit drop in more than a decade.

The Silicon Valley company's results for its second fiscal quarter surpassed analysts' estimates, and Apple boosted a program to return cash to shareholders by $55 billion to $100 billion by the end of 2015. The moves, which comes as investors have been agitating for the company to return more cash to shareholders, include stock buybacks and increasing quarterly dividends.

Apple's results—which included and 18% decline in profit and the slowest revenue growth since 2009—nevertheless underscored the resilience of its iPhone franchise. Sales of iPads were even stronger, with unit sales jumping 65%.

"We're very confident in our future," said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple's chief financial officer, in an interview. He added that "it a great time for Apple and it will continue to be a great time for Apple."

A less-positive undercurrent in Apple's results is a squeeze on gross profit margins, an important measure in the efficiency of the company's operations. The figures came in slightly lower than expected, as the company's product mix shifted to cheaper products like the iPad Mini.

The company predicted margins could shrink a bit more in the current period ending in June, while its revenue prediction was slightly lower than analyst expectations.

Apple shares rose as much as 6% in after-hours trading but were recently down less than 1% following the earnings announcement. The vicissitudes of Apple shares, which peaked last year above $700, are broadly felt. About one-fourth of all U.S. mutual funds that hold stock own Apple shares, according to Morningstar Inc.

For the quarter ended March 30, Apple reported a profit of $9.55 billion, or $10.09 a share, down from $11.62 billion, or $12.30 a share, a year earlier. Analysts had projected a per-share profit of $10. Revenue rose 11% to $43.6 billion.

The results helped ease some major concerns hanging over the Cupertino, Calif., company, whose years'-long growth streak has been wavering amid competition from Android-powered phones by Samsung Electronics Co. 005930.SE -1.33% and a delay in introducing new products.

Among the positive signs, Apple said it sold 37.4 million iPhones in the quarter, up from 35.1 million a year ago. Apple sold 19.5 million iPads, compared with 11.8 million the year before.

Executives also said a little more than usual about the timing of future products. Mr. Cook said on the call with analysts that the teams are working hard on "amazing new hardware software and services that we can't wait to introduce this fall and throughout 2014."

Apple's announcement on cash, which Mr. Cook said earlier this year the company had been examining, also settles questions about the company's plans for the stockpile, which grew to $145 billion at the end of March. Earlier this year, investors including David Einhorn lobbied the company to return more to shareholders.

Write to Jessica E. Lessin at jessica.lessin@wsj.com and Ian Sherr at ian.sherr@dowjones.com

An interview with Design Engineer, Bern Gropp

Story and photo's by Ray Tharaldson

When did you first start contemplate becoming a design engineer?

Back in eighth grade I signed up for wood shop & mechanical drawing. In high school I took pre-engineering, drafting classes.

What was your first job in this industry?

It was Garden City Fan in Niles, Michigan. I was a tool & die technician. We made huge industrial fans.

Where did you go from there?

I went to Phillips Industries as an engineer. We designed electrical brake systems for the RV industries. After that I began freelancing odd jobs that came along. That’s where I began working with plastics. One of my first projects was creating RV dashboards.

When did you open your first shop?

In 1983 I opened my shop in Mishawaka, IN.

I engineered what is commonly called a trapeziod trailer. I designed a front end to make them more aerodynamic and matched the design overall. Kinda stealth looking. Within a year everyone was incorporating the same design concept.

Did the success of this product open any other doors?

This product diffentently got my name out there and added to my professional creditability.

What other products have you been successful with?

The Taktop, it’s a fifth wheel truck lid for a goose neck horse and cattle trailer for storing related gear.

What followed the Taktop?

In the nineties, I began doing design work for companies like Twentieth Century, Jason, Hopcap, Lear, Astro and Covermaster. Things like outer shells of large motor homes.

When did you land at your current location?

About two years ago.

Why did you choose this location?

I choose it based on its proximity to the Hummer Plant. Loads of high visibility.

What are the current projects your involved with?

The EPK, Easy Portable Kitchen, The Plumbing Shroud and The Pontoon Wheel Assist.

Tell me about them.

Easy Portable Kitchen (EPK) is a portable, sanitary prep station. Made of quality materials from top to bottom.

The fiberglass basin is covered with a durable gelcoat finish and features an inset of marine grade starboard cutting surface. The EPK is supported by sturdy, aluminum, collapsable and adjustable legs to compensate for the physical needs of each user. Two large portholes fitted with bio-degradable plastic bags allow the user to easily dispose of waste. The EPK fitted with gravity feed plastic bags filled with water making food prep and final cleanup a breeze. Field tests with tailgaters, outdoorsmen and back yard party hosts has shown an overwhelming appreciation for this product.

What is the plumbing shroud?

A client came to me with the idea and I determined it was a mouse trap that needed to be redesigned.

What did you do to make it a better mouse trap?

My research on under sink shrouds showed a lack of durability and failure of bacterial resistance. By using marine gradable materials I was able to knock down the level of bacterial contamination, cut down the weight of the unit and made it more pleasing aesthetically.

How did you develop the idea for the Pontoon Wheel Assist?

I lived on a lake and noticed people struggling with getting their pontoons in and off the water. Most people don’t own trailers for their pontoons and must pay someone to do so. I calculated that over 10 years the average pontoon owner would spend about six thousand dollar’s. I also got to thinking these people leave the pontoon on one lake all season long unlike a boat that can be taken to different locations. I came up with a fairly simple cost efficient solution. That being a tandem wheel setup that slides under the pontoons while its still in buoyant . I figured it would cost probably about a oner time shot of six hundred dollars versus 6,000 over ten years to build. A pretty good savings compared to $6,000 a guy would spend to hire someone.

When did you get your first taste of working with Hollywood?

At the time I was doing work for Norm's Fiberglass in Mishawaka, In. One day NORM got a call from the west coast asking if we interested in building the ground effects for a Solstice for the movie Fast & Furious that was in pre-production.

How much leeway were you given in the creative process?

We had already developed four or five ground effects packages for the Solstice for the market before they called. So we weren't starting from ground zero.

What was it like to see your work on the screen?

Epic, the light bulb came on and I was instantly convinced that was the direction I wanted to go with my career.

Who’s been some of your inspiration?

Chuck Barrus, the Hollywood special vehicles designer really motivates me.

Where would you like to see yourself going in the future?

I really want to apply my talents to the movie industry. The projects in Hollywood really excite me. It seems like a major portion of the the movie success relies on talented engineers who can physically bring to life the vision the creators see in their minds.

That’s sounds exciting, I wish you the best of luck! Thanks for sitting down and sharing your knowledge with us.

For more information: (574) 807-5679