Community Corner

Apple Says Goodbye to HP Smartphone and Touchpad Competition

A look at the ways our favorite backyard tech giant has made the news this week.

Every week, Apple makes news with technology developments, business deals and sometimes controversies.

Controversies
Apple has made news lately for slapping lawsuits on over 20 counterfeit stores in China. But now it’s taken its battle to Brooklyn and Queens in New York, where it has accused two stores, Fun Zone, Inc. and Apple Story of also infringing the trademark. Apple sent its detectives, er, representatives to these stores over the past few weeks, finding allegedly pseudo products that still bore the official “Designed by Apple in California” seal.

New Products
Hear ye, hear ye, developers: Apple released its i0S 5 beta 6, which can be installed using OTA devices that have iOS 5 beta 4 or later installed. Apple is planning its release of iO5 in iPhones in October, with many news outlets reporting that the company is stepping up production of the new phone.

Those wondering about the life and times of elusive Steve Jobs will soon have a new biography to satiate their curiosity. Author Walter Jacobson has stated he is done penning the anticipated biography, which pieces together over 40 interviews with Jobs himself over two years, as well as over 100 from friends, family members and competitors. The book, sanctioned by Jobs, is slated for release sometime before next spring.

Business Deals and Developments
Apple can say goodbye to a hearty portion of its competition. HP announced today its plans to scrap its webOS smartphone and touch phone tablet, instead focusing on software and services. According to a Bloomberg report, HP "has been aiming to lessen its dependence on lower-margin PCs, where growth has stalled as consumers flock to tablet-style computers like those made by Apple."

Apple made big news lately than the U.S. government. And it keeps growing: Apple is now worth as much as the 32 top largest Euro zone banks. Earlier on Friday the DJ STOXX Eurozone banks fell by four percent, bringing the valuation of its 32 member banks to $340 billion. But since the Big Apple has been steadily rising in profit, at one point last week exceeding Exxon as the most valuable company in the world, its price tag is now also $340 billion.


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