Big Change at Apple Inc

Scott Forstall, the person who oversees the development of Apple’s iOS mobile software, is leaving the company.

Today, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook announced two major departures from the company’s senior management.
SVP of iOS Software Scott Forstall will be leaving the company sometime next year, as will SVP of Retail Operations John Browett who had only recently joined the company, replacing the man who pioneered the Apple Store and Genius Bar concepts, Ron Johnson.

While Browett’s departure likely won’t signify big changes for Apple’s products since retail is a secondary focus for the company, Forstall’s influence has been significant.

Forstall was the person behind the development of the iPhone’s software – now known as iOS – software which powers the vast majority of the products that Apple sells from a revenue point of view. If you’ve ever swiped, tapped or downloaded an app on one of Apple’s iPhones, iPods or iPads, you’ve experienced Forstall’s work.

orstall’s exit from Apple could signify a victory of sorts for Ive. According to GigaOm’s Erica Ogg, he will “become responsible for a new Human Interface.” Of course, there’s also a chance that Fortsall is being made to pay a hefty price for the decision to launch Apple’s in-house Maps app, before it was ready-for-primetime.

Sources: Sync Blog

Read more »

Android 4.2 (JELLY BEAN)

Android 4.2 takes the speed and simplicity of Jelly Bean to a different level – a completely new camera experience that’s beyond smart, a new form of typing that helps you power through your messages, and much more.

One tablet, many users.

It’s your fully customized tablet. And theirs, too. With support for multiple users, you can give each person their own space. Everyone can have their own homescreen, background, widgets, apps and games – even individual high scores and levels! And since Android is built with multitasking at its core, it’s a snap to switch between users – no need to log in and out. Available only on tablets.

Share what’s on your phone on the big screen.

Android 4.2 allows devices to enable wireless display. You can share movies, YouTube videos, and anything that’s on your screen on an HDTV. Just connect a wireless display adapter to any HDMI-enabled TV to mirror what’s on your screen quickly and easily.

Sources:  Andriod

Read more »

Amoled Transparent Display

Here’s something innovative that Apple (AAPL) can’t accuse Samsung (005930) of copying from the iPhone: transparent displays. Samsung on Monday announced that it will be bringing its new NL22B transparent display to the IFA electronics trade show in Berlin, which kicks off on August 31st and lasts through September 5th. 

Samsung says that the display, which will be launched shortly after the IFA, comes complete with “a built-in PC, speakers, LED bar and protective glass” that make it perfect for retail companies who want to create interactive display cases for their products. Samsung also noted that the display’s “thin LCD panel on the front of the transparent display allows images and animations to dynamically interact with the merchandise inside the showcase while still enabling passers-by to view the product.”

According to Samsung, the display is designed to help users create "artistic video walls," daisy-chaining up to 100 separate units together.

Sources:    Planar

Read more »