The Apple Tablet May Come With A Barnes & Noble Bookstore ; And More
1/26/2010 12:50:00 PM
kenmouse
, Posted in
Of all the rumors swirling around the Apple Tablet expected to be announced on Wednesday, the one most everyone can agree on is that it will be used as a full color electronic reader which will put Amazon’s Kindle to shame. Over the past few weeks, Apple has been negotiating a flurry of last-minute deals directly with book publishers such as HarperCollins and McGraw-Hill. Magazine and newspaper publishers are salivating to get on the device. But one unanswered question so far is whether Apple will add books and magazines to iTunes or create an entirely new e-book store from scratch.
We believe there is a good chance there will be a Barnes & Noble bookstore built into the Apple Tablet, either as one of the showcase apps which launches with the device, powering a new book section in iTunes, or integrated directly into the Tablet’s e-reader. The two companies are thought to be working closely together, increasing the likelihood that Barnes & Noble will be part of the announcement on Wednesday. While Apple can run around cutting deals with the larger publishers, a built-in Barnes & Noble bookstore could include up to a million titles in one fell swoop, just like on B&N’s own Nook reader. Barnes & Noble already offers an eReader app for the iPhone (iTunes link) which lets you download and read electronic books on the smaller device. That app could be paving the way for an eReader or book store on the Tablet.
Of course, Amazon also has a Kindle app for the iPhone which allows people to buy electronic books from its store. We don’t know whether Apple is also working with Amazon for Wednesday’s launch, although given the recent moves by Amazon to shore up the Kindle in anticipation of Apple’s technicolor onslaught seeing them on stage would be really surprising. Allowing Amazon to create a Kindle app for the Tablet, though, seems more reasonable. After all, Apple wants to sell Tablets. If it doesn’t have to get into the bookstore business to do that, why should it?
For Barnes & Noble, however, if it can manage to become the default bookstore on the Tablet, or simply squeeze its app into a preferred slot, it could make real inroads against the Kindle. An Apple Tablet tied to a Barnes & Noble digital bookstore must be Jeff Bezos’ worst nightmare.
Apple Execs Downright Giddy About The Tablet (For Them Anyway)
Yesterday, we noted that multiple sources have heard Steve Jobs refer to the soon-to-be-unveiled Apple Tablet as the “most important thing I’ve ever done.” Today brought two statements out of Apple that are just about as close as you’re ever going to get to a confirmation of that.
In Apple’s press release for its strong Q1 2010 earnings, Jobs said the following: “The new products we are planning to release this year are very strong, starting this week with a major new product that we’re really excited about.” What’s odd is that not only does Jobs (or anyone at Apple, for that matter) usually make no comments about as-yet unannounced products, but why would he do so in a release about the previous quarter’s earnings — which have absolutely nothing to do with the tablet? He simply had no reason that he had to make that statement. I can only interpret that as he’s just that excited about what he’s going to unveil on Wednesday.
I’ve talked before of the importance of enthusiasm in any product, particularly with regard to Steve Jobs. Clearly, he has it again, and maybe more so than ever before — and that’s saying something.
Perhaps even stranger is what was said during Apple’s earnings call today. Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer fielded a question about unannounced products affecting Apple revenues next quarter, and quickly jumped to his own conclusion. “I think you’re alluding to our event on Wednesday.” While he said Apple had nothing to share on it today beyond “stay tuned,” the fact that he’s the one who brought up the Wednesday event as it relates to a new products also seems to signal his own excitement about it. Again, usually Apple completely stonewalls any questions related to these types of things.
And then there was Apple’s number 2, COO Tim Cook. During the call, he fielded a question more directly about a new product unveiling saying, “I wouldn’t want to take away your joy of surprise on Wednesday when you see our latest creation.”
It’s not that Apple is saying anything hugely revealing about the new product due on Wednesday — it’s that they’re saying anything at all. At times, Apple is a company that tries to dampen its own often-frenzied hype by way of strategic press leaks. But this time, they’re actually feeding it. I just can’t imagine they would do that unless the product really is that good.
The First Apple Tablet Commercial? No Way.
Earlier today, the French site Nowhereelse.fr posted a video of what looks to be a commercial for Apple’s new tablet device, expected to be unveiled on Wednesday during an Apple event in San Francisco. The video led VentureBeat to wonder if it wasn’t the first real commercial for the device. Unfortunately, I’m not sure VentureBeat even ran a translation of the French post about it, because if they did, they’d see that it reads “In the meantime, here’s what an advertisement might look like…” (emphasis mine). In other words, no way is this real.
And really, that should be easy to tell just by watching the video. Does it have somewhat of an Apple look and feel to it? Kind of, but several things don’t feel right. First of all, it’s predicated around the design of the invites that went out for Apple’s event this week, decorated with paint splashes. The likelihood that Apple would use that same concept in a new ad for the device is slim. Technologizer did a good overview of the history of Apple event invites last week, and as you can see, most have nothing to do with product marketing efforts. Sure, a few use the silhouetted people design that are used in iPod commercials, but those were popular before the events. Still, it’s not impossible that Apple would use this design for a tablet commercial, but several other things are still off.
The biggest problem is the image shown on the display of the device. Clearly, it’s running a full version of OS X, just as Macs run — but that’s not expected to be the case. In fact, given the rumored processor in the device, it’s unlikely that it could even run a full version of OS X (complete with GarageBand, iPhoto, iTunes and other processor-intensive apps) up to Apple’s standards. Instead, the device is expected to use a new version of the iPhone OS (which is Mac OS-based). And if you look at the image, you’ll see that the dock icons are being magnified as if a mouse is moving over them. That concept likely wouldn’t work at all on a touchscreen tablet because how and why would you run your finger over this area without clicking on any of the icons? And let’s not even get into why an (awful-looking) on-screen keyboard would appear as you were hovering over a dock item.
Also problematic: the whole “After 10 years in development…” thing. Is Apple likely to admit just how long it has been working on the tablet? If they do, it will be on stage on Wednesday, not in a commercial. Plus the whole 10 year number is hard to lock down, depending on which reports you believe.
Then there is the design of the device in the video. While its overall look does correspond with reports that it will look similar to a first generation iPhone, the likelihood that it will have all those ports on the back seems pretty small. I mean, that would be okay if the device were always docked, but that’s not the point of it, you’re supposed to be able to hold it. And while it could very well have USB ports, would it really have Firewire and ethernet cable ports? And why wouldn’t it use Apple’s newer Mini Display Port? And why is there a black stripe across the back?
There are a half dozen other little things that are off too: the typography seems a bit off, the “iPad” name is far from certain, it’s an odd song choice, etc. Oh, and then there’s the fact that on the front of the device, the left hand side of the screen has a black border, while there is no border on the right. Even if this was just a picture of a prototype Apple was using for a teaser commercial, do you think Apple would overlook something like that? No way.
So is this the Apple Tablet? No way.
Publishers Say Apple Tablet Won't Be Near $1000, Won't Have a Lot of Books Until Mid 2010
9to5Mac claims that they've talked to a few content publishers (magazines, newspapers), and those publishers are claiming inside knowledge about the device. Most importantly, that it'll be "[nowhere] near $1000, as has been reported elsewhere."
These publishers 9to5Mac talked to didn't actually see any prototypes, but it was described to them as a 10-inch glass screen that's smaller than a Kindle DX, but "with a similar weight." That the software is going to be the "game changer" is nothing new, but Apple's supposedly going around describing the tablet in comparison to the Kindle as the change from black and white TVs to color.
Other interesting bits: current ebook distributors on the App Store now are going to get screwed once Apple's official one hits, and don't expect a lot of content until "mid 2010 at the very earliest."
[9to5Mac]
Steve Jobs: "[We're] Starting This Week With a Major New Product"
Apparently Jobs is bullish about this "major new product's" chances. You'd often look for a company to attempt to downplay expectations on a product launch like this, but it's fun to watch Steve pour some fuel on the fire.
COO Tim Cook also gets in on the action with a bit of a taunt during the conference call, when prompted for tablet details:
"I wouldn't want to take away your joy and surprise on Wednesday when you see our latest creation."
Aw, Tim... you're far too kind.
[Apple]
Apple Set To Steal Amazon's Thunder And Maybe Media Sales Too
Amazon Inc. (AMZN) will likely post strong earnings growth when it reports fourth-quarter results on Thursday. But the online retailer's thunder may have already been stolen by Apple Inc. (AAPL)
On Wednesday, Apple is expected to unveil a tablet computer, an as-yet-unnamed device with wireless Internet and a touchscreen that is seen bridging the gap between laptops and a growing array of handheld devices.
Apple's tablet could also alter the landscape of the electronic-book reader market, dominated by Amazon's popular Kindle device. Though similar products, including Barnes & Noble Inc.'s (BKS) Nook, have been launched, Amazon's e-reader remains the market champion.
That could quickly change. Apple's device will likely serve as a book reader, Web-surfing device and games player, a combination of features that could lure potential Kindle buyers. Even more worrying for Amazon: Apple's device puts the company in a position to target Amazon's core media offerings.
"Not only is Apple taking aim at their hot product, Apple is taking aim at other offerings, like games, music and books," said JMP Securities analyst Sameet Sinha. "They should be extremely worried."
Both Seattle-based Amazon and Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple declined to comment for this story.
Analysts have long noted Amazon's core media sales, expected to account for slightly more than half its $24 billion in annual revenue in 2009, could be at risk over the long term if the company fails to develop compelling digital media offerings to offset declining sales of physical products.
The online retailer currently offers downloadable movies and TV shows, as well as digital music and games. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster expects Amazon's downloadable media sales to grow 68% in 2010 to $1.2 billion, although they will remain a minor part of overall revenue.
The Kindle has been a key part of Amazon's effort to spur interest in digital media. While it doesn't release specific sales figures, Amazon recently boasted the device has become the company's best-selling item by both unit sales and value. Analysts estimate the Kindle has helped Amazon capture about 80% of the e-book market.
But some observers believe Apple's multimedia device will enable it to muscle in on Amazon's core media markets. Apple is expected to back up the device with an array of downloadable books, periodicals, videogames and movies, as well as make it compatible with its formidable App Store.
Publishers will unveil "fairly soon" new types of enhanced content--featuring images, video, audio and embedded Web links-- to take advantage of the Apple tablet's multimedia capabilities, people familiar with the situation said. Apple is also expected to offer publishers a 70% royalty--double the 35% rate established by Amazon - the people said.
Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly in talks with CBS Corp., (CBS) Walt Disney Co. (DIS) and other studios about offering subscriptions to their content. Videogame publisher Electronic Arts Inc. (ERTS) is reported to be working with Apple on the tablet's game-playing potential.
Amazon has said the Kindle was designed specifically for reading and some observers believe there is room for both devices. Selling for as little as $259, the Kindle could remain a compelling alternative to Apple's tablet, which reportedly could cost $1,000.
Nor has Amazon stood still. It has offered authors and publishers a new royalty rate of 70% if they list their books for $9.99 or less, among other criteria. It also has opened the Kindle to third-party developers in hopes of recreating the success Apple has with its App Store.
Still, some observers doubt Amazon's efforts will be enough. Tim Bajarin, president of consultancy Creative Strategies Inc., says Apple's tablet will force Amazon to rethink the Kindle if it intends to remain a player in the digital media market.
He noted Apple's music franchise has succeeded because the hardware, software and services are integrated seamlessly. Amazon has adopted a similar strategy with books, but can't support its other digital media offerings with Kindle's monochrome screen, he said.
"They are going to have to think about dramatically redesigning their device to include color and video if they want to be relevant in three years," Bajarin said.
[WSJ]
We believe there is a good chance there will be a Barnes & Noble bookstore built into the Apple Tablet, either as one of the showcase apps which launches with the device, powering a new book section in iTunes, or integrated directly into the Tablet’s e-reader. The two companies are thought to be working closely together, increasing the likelihood that Barnes & Noble will be part of the announcement on Wednesday. While Apple can run around cutting deals with the larger publishers, a built-in Barnes & Noble bookstore could include up to a million titles in one fell swoop, just like on B&N’s own Nook reader. Barnes & Noble already offers an eReader app for the iPhone (iTunes link) which lets you download and read electronic books on the smaller device. That app could be paving the way for an eReader or book store on the Tablet.
Of course, Amazon also has a Kindle app for the iPhone which allows people to buy electronic books from its store. We don’t know whether Apple is also working with Amazon for Wednesday’s launch, although given the recent moves by Amazon to shore up the Kindle in anticipation of Apple’s technicolor onslaught seeing them on stage would be really surprising. Allowing Amazon to create a Kindle app for the Tablet, though, seems more reasonable. After all, Apple wants to sell Tablets. If it doesn’t have to get into the bookstore business to do that, why should it?
For Barnes & Noble, however, if it can manage to become the default bookstore on the Tablet, or simply squeeze its app into a preferred slot, it could make real inroads against the Kindle. An Apple Tablet tied to a Barnes & Noble digital bookstore must be Jeff Bezos’ worst nightmare.
Apple Execs Downright Giddy About The Tablet (For Them Anyway)
Yesterday, we noted that multiple sources have heard Steve Jobs refer to the soon-to-be-unveiled Apple Tablet as the “most important thing I’ve ever done.” Today brought two statements out of Apple that are just about as close as you’re ever going to get to a confirmation of that.In Apple’s press release for its strong Q1 2010 earnings, Jobs said the following: “The new products we are planning to release this year are very strong, starting this week with a major new product that we’re really excited about.” What’s odd is that not only does Jobs (or anyone at Apple, for that matter) usually make no comments about as-yet unannounced products, but why would he do so in a release about the previous quarter’s earnings — which have absolutely nothing to do with the tablet? He simply had no reason that he had to make that statement. I can only interpret that as he’s just that excited about what he’s going to unveil on Wednesday.
I’ve talked before of the importance of enthusiasm in any product, particularly with regard to Steve Jobs. Clearly, he has it again, and maybe more so than ever before — and that’s saying something.
Perhaps even stranger is what was said during Apple’s earnings call today. Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer fielded a question about unannounced products affecting Apple revenues next quarter, and quickly jumped to his own conclusion. “I think you’re alluding to our event on Wednesday.” While he said Apple had nothing to share on it today beyond “stay tuned,” the fact that he’s the one who brought up the Wednesday event as it relates to a new products also seems to signal his own excitement about it. Again, usually Apple completely stonewalls any questions related to these types of things.
And then there was Apple’s number 2, COO Tim Cook. During the call, he fielded a question more directly about a new product unveiling saying, “I wouldn’t want to take away your joy of surprise on Wednesday when you see our latest creation.”
It’s not that Apple is saying anything hugely revealing about the new product due on Wednesday — it’s that they’re saying anything at all. At times, Apple is a company that tries to dampen its own often-frenzied hype by way of strategic press leaks. But this time, they’re actually feeding it. I just can’t imagine they would do that unless the product really is that good.
The First Apple Tablet Commercial? No Way.
Earlier today, the French site Nowhereelse.fr posted a video of what looks to be a commercial for Apple’s new tablet device, expected to be unveiled on Wednesday during an Apple event in San Francisco. The video led VentureBeat to wonder if it wasn’t the first real commercial for the device. Unfortunately, I’m not sure VentureBeat even ran a translation of the French post about it, because if they did, they’d see that it reads “In the meantime, here’s what an advertisement might look like…” (emphasis mine). In other words, no way is this real.And really, that should be easy to tell just by watching the video. Does it have somewhat of an Apple look and feel to it? Kind of, but several things don’t feel right. First of all, it’s predicated around the design of the invites that went out for Apple’s event this week, decorated with paint splashes. The likelihood that Apple would use that same concept in a new ad for the device is slim. Technologizer did a good overview of the history of Apple event invites last week, and as you can see, most have nothing to do with product marketing efforts. Sure, a few use the silhouetted people design that are used in iPod commercials, but those were popular before the events. Still, it’s not impossible that Apple would use this design for a tablet commercial, but several other things are still off.
The biggest problem is the image shown on the display of the device. Clearly, it’s running a full version of OS X, just as Macs run — but that’s not expected to be the case. In fact, given the rumored processor in the device, it’s unlikely that it could even run a full version of OS X (complete with GarageBand, iPhoto, iTunes and other processor-intensive apps) up to Apple’s standards. Instead, the device is expected to use a new version of the iPhone OS (which is Mac OS-based). And if you look at the image, you’ll see that the dock icons are being magnified as if a mouse is moving over them. That concept likely wouldn’t work at all on a touchscreen tablet because how and why would you run your finger over this area without clicking on any of the icons? And let’s not even get into why an (awful-looking) on-screen keyboard would appear as you were hovering over a dock item.
Also problematic: the whole “After 10 years in development…” thing. Is Apple likely to admit just how long it has been working on the tablet? If they do, it will be on stage on Wednesday, not in a commercial. Plus the whole 10 year number is hard to lock down, depending on which reports you believe.
Then there is the design of the device in the video. While its overall look does correspond with reports that it will look similar to a first generation iPhone, the likelihood that it will have all those ports on the back seems pretty small. I mean, that would be okay if the device were always docked, but that’s not the point of it, you’re supposed to be able to hold it. And while it could very well have USB ports, would it really have Firewire and ethernet cable ports? And why wouldn’t it use Apple’s newer Mini Display Port? And why is there a black stripe across the back?
There are a half dozen other little things that are off too: the typography seems a bit off, the “iPad” name is far from certain, it’s an odd song choice, etc. Oh, and then there’s the fact that on the front of the device, the left hand side of the screen has a black border, while there is no border on the right. Even if this was just a picture of a prototype Apple was using for a teaser commercial, do you think Apple would overlook something like that? No way.
So is this the Apple Tablet? No way.
Publishers Say Apple Tablet Won't Be Near $1000, Won't Have a Lot of Books Until Mid 2010
9to5Mac claims that they've talked to a few content publishers (magazines, newspapers), and those publishers are claiming inside knowledge about the device. Most importantly, that it'll be "[nowhere] near $1000, as has been reported elsewhere."
These publishers 9to5Mac talked to didn't actually see any prototypes, but it was described to them as a 10-inch glass screen that's smaller than a Kindle DX, but "with a similar weight." That the software is going to be the "game changer" is nothing new, but Apple's supposedly going around describing the tablet in comparison to the Kindle as the change from black and white TVs to color.
Other interesting bits: current ebook distributors on the App Store now are going to get screwed once Apple's official one hits, and don't expect a lot of content until "mid 2010 at the very earliest."
[9to5Mac]
Steve Jobs: "[We're] Starting This Week With a Major New Product"
Apparently Jobs is bullish about this "major new product's" chances. You'd often look for a company to attempt to downplay expectations on a product launch like this, but it's fun to watch Steve pour some fuel on the fire.
COO Tim Cook also gets in on the action with a bit of a taunt during the conference call, when prompted for tablet details:
"I wouldn't want to take away your joy and surprise on Wednesday when you see our latest creation."
Aw, Tim... you're far too kind.
[Apple]
Apple Set To Steal Amazon's Thunder And Maybe Media Sales Too
Amazon Inc. (AMZN) will likely post strong earnings growth when it reports fourth-quarter results on Thursday. But the online retailer's thunder may have already been stolen by Apple Inc. (AAPL)
On Wednesday, Apple is expected to unveil a tablet computer, an as-yet-unnamed device with wireless Internet and a touchscreen that is seen bridging the gap between laptops and a growing array of handheld devices.
Apple's tablet could also alter the landscape of the electronic-book reader market, dominated by Amazon's popular Kindle device. Though similar products, including Barnes & Noble Inc.'s (BKS) Nook, have been launched, Amazon's e-reader remains the market champion.
That could quickly change. Apple's device will likely serve as a book reader, Web-surfing device and games player, a combination of features that could lure potential Kindle buyers. Even more worrying for Amazon: Apple's device puts the company in a position to target Amazon's core media offerings.
"Not only is Apple taking aim at their hot product, Apple is taking aim at other offerings, like games, music and books," said JMP Securities analyst Sameet Sinha. "They should be extremely worried."
Both Seattle-based Amazon and Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple declined to comment for this story.
Analysts have long noted Amazon's core media sales, expected to account for slightly more than half its $24 billion in annual revenue in 2009, could be at risk over the long term if the company fails to develop compelling digital media offerings to offset declining sales of physical products.
The online retailer currently offers downloadable movies and TV shows, as well as digital music and games. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster expects Amazon's downloadable media sales to grow 68% in 2010 to $1.2 billion, although they will remain a minor part of overall revenue.
The Kindle has been a key part of Amazon's effort to spur interest in digital media. While it doesn't release specific sales figures, Amazon recently boasted the device has become the company's best-selling item by both unit sales and value. Analysts estimate the Kindle has helped Amazon capture about 80% of the e-book market.
But some observers believe Apple's multimedia device will enable it to muscle in on Amazon's core media markets. Apple is expected to back up the device with an array of downloadable books, periodicals, videogames and movies, as well as make it compatible with its formidable App Store.
Publishers will unveil "fairly soon" new types of enhanced content--featuring images, video, audio and embedded Web links-- to take advantage of the Apple tablet's multimedia capabilities, people familiar with the situation said. Apple is also expected to offer publishers a 70% royalty--double the 35% rate established by Amazon - the people said.
Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly in talks with CBS Corp., (CBS) Walt Disney Co. (DIS) and other studios about offering subscriptions to their content. Videogame publisher Electronic Arts Inc. (ERTS) is reported to be working with Apple on the tablet's game-playing potential.
Amazon has said the Kindle was designed specifically for reading and some observers believe there is room for both devices. Selling for as little as $259, the Kindle could remain a compelling alternative to Apple's tablet, which reportedly could cost $1,000.
Nor has Amazon stood still. It has offered authors and publishers a new royalty rate of 70% if they list their books for $9.99 or less, among other criteria. It also has opened the Kindle to third-party developers in hopes of recreating the success Apple has with its App Store.
Still, some observers doubt Amazon's efforts will be enough. Tim Bajarin, president of consultancy Creative Strategies Inc., says Apple's tablet will force Amazon to rethink the Kindle if it intends to remain a player in the digital media market.
He noted Apple's music franchise has succeeded because the hardware, software and services are integrated seamlessly. Amazon has adopted a similar strategy with books, but can't support its other digital media offerings with Kindle's monochrome screen, he said.
"They are going to have to think about dramatically redesigning their device to include color and video if they want to be relevant in three years," Bajarin said.
[WSJ]
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