Batangas Today: “Apple cuts orders for iPhone 5 parts due to low demand, reports say” plus 6 more

Apple cuts orders for iPhone 5 parts due to low demand, reports say
Swatch $1 billion deal with Harry Winston watch brand announced
World’s first lumpy tablet: Tactus’ Tactile Layer Technology at CES 2013 (Video)
Zipcar Bought For $500 Million By Avis
Jodie Foster speech at Golden Globe 2013 reveals she is gay, to retire soon? (Video)
Golden Globe 2013 winners announced, ‘Argo’ and ‘Les Miserables’ win big, Best Picture (Full List)
2014 Corvette Stingray debuts at Detroit Auto Show 2013, Chevrolet unveils C7 (Video)

Apple cuts orders for iPhone 5 parts due to low demand, reports say

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 09:30 AM PST

Apple cuts orders for iPhone 5 parts from its supplier and the apparent reason is due to low demand, as reported at Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing people who are familiar with the situation. Could this mean a sign that Apple will release a cheaper iPhone in the middle of this year?

Apple iPhone 5
Image Credit: Apple.com

Well, as noted in the WSJ report on Monday, January 14, 2013, the same people cited the reduction of Apple‘s order for the screen for iPhone 5 from January to March this year as an example, where the orders were cut to around 50 percent of the quantity they used to order.

According to the report, Apple has already informed their suppliers since last month about the cut orders, and that there are other iPhone 5 components other than screen that the company has reduced their orders. This therefore indicates that iPhone 5 sales have not been as huge as Apple has earlier projected.

Earlier this month, WSJ reported that Apple is now planning to release a less expensive iPhone later this year, citing people who were briefed with the matter, but not revealing whether it will be called iPhone 5S or iPhone 6. DigiTimes had almost the same report, noting that device will be released in China and other emerging markets.

Apparently, a major possible reason for the reduction of demand for iPhone 5 could be that Samsung have already overpowered Apple as being the world’s largest smartphone seller by market share. Other cheaper Android-powered models are also being noted to add pressure to the US-based smartphone company.

In a recent report by the International Data Corporation (IDC), Apple had only 14.6% of the global smartphone shipments in Q3 of 2012, which is lower than the 23% in Q4 2011 and in Q1 2012. On the other hand, Samsung's sales reportedly increased to 31.3% in Q3 2012 and the figure is being projected to rise.

Swatch $1 billion deal with Harry Winston watch brand announced

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 07:56 AM PST

Swatch agrees to pay $1 billion to buy the Harry Winston Diamond Inc., as announced by the two companies on their official websites today, Monday, January 14, 2013. The acquisition reportedly includes the Harry Winston production company in Geneva and its more than 500 employees worldwide.

Swatch Group and Harry Winston logos
Image Credit: Swatch Group/Harry Winston

According to a joint press release at SwatchGroup.com and HarryWinston.com, the Swatch $1 billion deal with Harry Winston includes paying for the company’s debt amounting to about $250 million. The luxury brand diamond jewelry is part of Harry Winston Diamond Corp., which is based in Toronto, Canada.

“At the time that we purchased the Harry Winston brand, resource investment opportunities for diamonds were rare and expensive following the euphoria of the Canadian diamond discoveries, and the involvement of the large international mining companies.” Robert Gannicott, Harry Winston Corporation Chairman and CEO, was quoted in the joint release.

“The Harry Winston brand was competitively priced compared with its peers and we could bring diamond expertise and strategic connections to enhance value. Today there is a range of diamond resource opportunities while the value of heritage luxury brands has increased dramatically.” Gannicott added.

“This transaction represents a sound return on our original investment. It will leave us well equipped to realize upstream opportunities in an environment where cash has become a strategic resource while preserving and expanding our relationship with the downstream diamond business.” Gannicott explained further.

“Harry Winston brilliantly complements the prestige segment of the Group. We are proud and happy to welcome Harry Winston to the Swatch Group family – diamonds are still a girl’s best friend.” Nayla Hayek, Chairwoman of Swatch Group, said. The said business deal still needs to be approved by the regulatory board.

Nevertheless, under the Swatch-Harry Winston agreement, Harry Winston Diamond Inc. has agreed to use a new name after the closing of the transaction, and will eventually be called Dominion Diamond Corporation. Both companies are therefore being expected to explore the opportunities for a joint diamond polishing venture.

World’s first lumpy tablet: Tactus’ Tactile Layer Technology at CES 2013 (Video)

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 05:06 AM PST

World’s first lumpy tablet
Image Credit: Tactus

The world’s first lumpy tablet makes its public debut at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2013). Many believe that this tablet may pose some challenge to Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Note.
(Scroll down to see the video.)

Tactus, a Fremont, California-based company, reportedly developed this new Tactile Layer technology that turns a typical flat tablet screen into a real keyboard with bumpy buttons.

A keyboard reportedly rises from the tablet screen when typing is needed and automatically disappear after typing.

As provided at Tactus’ website, below are some of the features of the Tactile Layer technology.

Replaces window and sits on top of the existing touch screen
Works with existing touch sensing and display technologies
Minimal power consumption
Size is scalable (mobile-phone screen to TV screen)
Button layouts, shapes, location and sizes can be customized

According to Tactus, its new technology:

Provides a new dimension of user interface with a fundamentally unique solution: application-controlled, completely transparent physical buttons that rise up from the touch-screen surface on demand. With the buttons enabled, users can push and type or rest their fingers as they would with any physical button or keyboard. When the buttons are disabled, they recede into the screen, becoming invisible and leaving a smooth, seamless flat touch-screen with maximum viewing area.

Below is a video of the world’s first lumpy tablet from Tactus.

World’s first lumpy tablet from Tactus
Video Credit: Tactus

Zipcar Bought For $500 Million By Avis

Posted: 14 Jan 2013 03:57 AM PST

Zipcar logo
Image Credit: Zipcar.com

Zipcar was bought by Avis for nearly $500 million. With Zipcar on-board, Avis is expected to continue Zipcar‘s service, which offers car rental for as short as one hour period. Zipcar was founded in 2000 and has more than 760,000 members already.

According to Avis Budget Group‘s press release posted online, the combined companies are expected to produce $50-70 million in annual synergies:

Avis Budget expects to generate $50 to $70 million in annual synergies as a result of the transaction. In particular, Avis Budget expects significant cost reductions across the fleet life cycle (from procurement to operations and maintenance to disposition, as well as financing), in addition to savings from eliminating Zipcar’s public-company costs. Avis Budget also plans to achieve substantial cost savings by increasing fleet utilization across the two companies. Significant revenue growth opportunities exist, including by leveraging Avis Budget’s fleet to meet more of Zipsters’ weekend demand, which is currently constrained by fleet availability.

“By combining with Zipcar, we will significantly increase our growth potential, both in the United States and internationally, and will position our Company to better serve a greater variety of consumer and commercial transportation needs,” Ronald L. Nelson, Avis Budget Group chairman and chief executive officer was quoted as saying in the press release.

“We are delighted to announce our intention to join the Avis Budget Group family of companies, and we believe this combination is a win across the board for our members, shareholders and employees. We will be well positioned to accelerate enhancements to the Zipcar member experience with more offers and additional services as well as an expanded network of locations,” said Scott Griffith, chairman and chief executive officer of Zipcar.

Jodie Foster speech at Golden Globe 2013 reveals she is gay, to retire soon? (Video)

Posted: 13 Jan 2013 10:45 PM PST

Jodie Foster made an emotional speech at the Golden Globe 2013 on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, where she admitted that she is gay, as shown in the video below, suggesting that she could be be retiring soon. That night, the films ‘Argo‘ and ‘Les Miserables‘ were the big winners.

Jodie Foster, during her speech at the Golden
Globes Awards 2013 (January 13, 2013)
Image Credit: NBC video

As aired live at NBC this Sunday night, Jodie Foster was given the Cecil B. DeMille award during the the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards and Robert Downey, Jr. presented to her the prestigious award. During her speech, the 50-year old actress thanked her mother and her longtime partner Cydney Bernard.

“While I’m here being all confessional, I just have the sudden urge to say something I've never been able to air in public. A declaration that I’m a little nervous about. Not quite as nervous as my publicist, huh, Jennifer? But uh, you know, I’m just going to put it out there. Loud and proud. I’m going to need your support on this. I am…single!” Foster said on her speech.

“I hope you’re not disappointed that there won’t be a big coming out speech tonight. Because I already did my coming out about a thousand years ago back in in the Stone Age. In those very quick days when a fragile young girl would open up to trusted friends and family and co-workers and then gradually proudly to everyone who knew her, to everyone she actually met.” Foster added.

“But now apparently I’m told that every celebrity is expected to expose the details of their private life with a press conference, a fragrance, and a prime time reality show. And you guys might be surprised, but I am not Honey Boo Boo Child. I’m sorry, that’s just not me, and it never will be.” Foster joked.

“But seriously, if you had been a public figure since the time you were a toddler. If you had to fight for a life that felt real and honest and normal against all odds, then maybe then too you'd value privacy about all else. Someday in the future, people will look back and remember how beautiful it once was.” Foster said, while getting to be teary eyed.

“There is no way I could stand here tonight without acknowledging one of the greatest loves of my life. My ex-partner in love but righteous soul sister in life, my most beloved BFF of 20 years, Cydney Bernard. I am so proud of our modern family.” Foster proudly said, as she gets more emotional in the latter part of her speech.

Jodie Foster speech at Golden Globe 2013
Video Credit: NBC/YouTube

Golden Globe 2013 winners announced, ‘Argo’ and ‘Les Miserables’ win big, Best Picture (Full List)

Posted: 13 Jan 2013 08:28 PM PST

Updated: January 14, 2013 2:40 p.m.

Read Jodie Foster speech at Golden Globe 2013 reveals she is gay, to retire soon? (Video)

The Golden Globe 2013 winners were announced this Sunday, January 13, 2013 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The movie “Les Miserables” won three awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Musical or Comedy, and Best Supporting Actress. The full list of winners is available below.

Anne Hathaway at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards,
while accepting her Best Supporting Actress award
for her role in “Les Miserables (January 13, 2013)
Image Credit: Paul Drinkwater/NBC

As aired live at NBC this Sunday night, which started at around 8 p.m. ET, the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards was hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, honoring the best films and TV in 2012 in 25 different categories. The drama film “Argo” won Best Motion Picture (Drama), beating 4 other films including “Lincoln.”

Interestingly, Ben Affleck won the Best Director award for his film “Argo,” beating other great directors, including Steven Spielberg of “Lincoln,” and Quentin Tarantino of “Django Unchained.” Nevertheless, Daniel Day-Lewis won the Best Actor award (Drama) and Tarantino won the Best Screenplay award.

“Blurg — thanks for that word Tina. Thank you for this lovely blunt object that I will forever use against self doubt. How encouraging it was to know that the flying nun grew up to be Norma Rae,” Anne Hathaway said, while accepting her Best Supporting Actress award for her role in “Les Miserables.”

For some of the special presenters, action superstars Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger presented the Best Foreign Language Film to “Amour” of Austria. Robert Downey, Jr. presented the Cecil B. DeMille award to Jodie Foster, who received a stranding ovation from the crowd.

On the comic side, Tina and Amy pretended to be drunk and “congratulated” Lena Dunham for winning the Best Actress award in a Television Series (Musical or Comedy), where both of them are also nominated. Fey jokingly advised Taylor Swift to stay away from Sam Fox, Michael J. Fox‘s son and this year’s Mr. Golden Globes.

For Movies:

* Best Motion Picture (Drama)
“Argo”

* Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama)
Daniel Day-Lewis, “Lincoln”

* Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture (Drama)
Jessica Chastain, “Zero Dark Thirty”

* Best Motion Picture (Comedy Or Musical)
“Les Miserables”

* Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture (Comedy Or Musical)
Jennifer Lawrence, “Silver Linings Playbook”

* Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture (Comedy Or Musical)
Hugh Jackman, “Les Miserables”

* Best Performance by an Actress In A Supporting Role
Anne Hathaway, “Les Miserables”

* Best Performance by an Actor In A Supporting Role
Christoph Waltz – “Django Unchained”

* Best Director
Ben Affleck, “Argo”

* Best Screenplay
Quentin Tarantino, “Django Unchained”

* Best Original Score
Michael Danna, “Life of Pi”

* Best Original Song
“Skyfall” for Skyfall (music and lyrics by Adel and Paul Epworth)

* Best Animated Film
Brave

* Best Foreign Language Film
“Amour” (Austria)

For TV:

* Best Television Series (Drama)
Homeland

* Best Television Series (Comedy Or Musical)
“Girls”

* Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series (Drama)
Damian Lewis, “Homeland”

* Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series (Drama)
Claire Danes, “Homeland”

* Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Kevin Costner, “Hatfields and McCoys”

* Best Performance by an Actress In A Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Julianne Moore, “Game Change”

* Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Ed Harris, “Game Change”

* Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Maggie Smith, “Downton Abbey”

* Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series (Comedy Or Musical)
Lena Dunham, “Girls” (HBO)

* Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series (Comedy Or Musical)
Don Cheadle, “House of Lies”

* Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made for Television
Game Change

Cecil B. DeMille Award
Jodie Foster

2014 Corvette Stingray debuts at Detroit Auto Show 2013, Chevrolet unveils C7 (Video)

Posted: 13 Jan 2013 05:35 PM PST

The all-new new 2014 Corvette Stingray sports car has finally made its debut this Sunday, January 13, 2013, at the eve of North American International Auto Show 2013 (NAIAS 2013), or the so-called Detroit Auto show 2013, as unveiled by top General Motors (GM) personnel in the video below.

As earlier promised, GM unveiled on Sunday evening at around 7 pm ET at the Russell Industrial Center, with GM North America President Mark Reuss introducing the seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette (C7), and was accompanied on stage by Ed Welburn, GM VP of global design, and Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer.

“This is the new Chevrolet. Tonight, we celebrate the introduction of the seventh generation or C7. For 60 years, the Corvette has represented the state of the art in performance cars. To put it simply, this car is the reason I work at General Motors,” Reuss said on his introduction of the new Corvette Stingray.

“Its presence, the performance, the history and the heritage; everything it stands for, always raises the hair on the back of my neck. Since 1953, through the good times and the bad times for this company, there was always Corvette, demonstrating what it means to win, to be the best.” Reuss added.

As noted by GM, the 2014 Corvette Stingray has an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm), making it capable of having an acceleration of 0-60 in less than four seconds, which is notably the most powerful standard Corvette in history, excluding its limited-edition models.

“Stingray is one of the hallowed names in automotive history. We knew we couldn't use the Stingray name unless the new car truly lived up to the legacy. The result is a new Corvette Stingray that breaks from tradition, while remaining instantly recognizable as a Corvette the world over.” Welburn said on the press release.

Among the key features of the new Chevrolet Corvette include having an interior with a real carbon fiber, aluminum, and hand-wrapped leather materials, which has two new seat choices. Each of them features a lightweight magnesium frame and dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens.

In addition, this latest model of the classic American sports car sports the all-new 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine that features three new technologies: direct injection, continuous variable valve timing, and an Active Fuel Management system, promising to deliver more power while using less fuel.

As of this writing, GM have not announced the actual price of the 2014 Corvette Stingray, which will be built at GM‘s plant at Bowling Green, Kentucky; but noted that it will go on sale in the third quarter of 2013. But to give the public an idea, the earlier 2013 Corvette model starts at around $50,000 for its basic version.