Plea to Apple: No Need to Become Less Secretive

by Holly Shoemaker

I recently read a special on cnn.com regarding how Apple should become a more open company. The article argued that Apple is more transparent than people think because it has to hold itself accountable to customers, employees and shareholders. That point is not a unique argument to companies. All of them, to some degree, need to divulge certain information, with public companies having a higher burden of course.

The article also argued that as Apple continues to grow, it will by default become less secretive. Apple has already grown throughout the years, and the company maintains that secrecy helps the company’s product development. With stock hitting record highs after the iPhone 5 launch and the Court upholding its patents, Apple does not need to become more open. In addition, the article discussed how Research in Motion (RIM) had to make itself more accessible to the public. RIM had no choice as it continues to suffer from not releasing the BlackBerry 10 update.

There are two areas that Apple will have to continue to work on: gaining customers trust back on Apple Maps and ensuring that it holds true to its word on improving working conditions in Chinese factories. That may take a little more time as Foxconn continues to gain bad press.

Concluding Thoughts

Consumers know that one way Apple retains its position in the marketplace is through secrecy. It also keeps its staff members to upholding those standards. Despite Apple coming across insincere at times, it has a formula that works and loyalists will remain true to the brand. Apple will continue to sell products because of its name.

Google will always remain more open and it should stay that way. Open-source technology differentiates the companies and assists consumers with choice. Besides, with Microsoft saying it may become more like Apple that is enough for now.

Apple v. Samsung Tests Consumerism, Capitalism

by Holly Shoemaker 

Apple’s lawsuit against Samsung started Monday in a California courtroom. In the current trial, there is another to come, Apple is suing Samsung for patent violations essentially saying Samsung copied its iPhone and iPad designs. One of the allegations includes patent infringement related to using touchscreen features. In turn, Samsung claims Apple violated some of its utility patents, including those that involve 3G capacity.

Monetary Damages Sought

Samsung’s rise in the smartphone market should weigh on Apple’s mind. Samsung sold 22.7 million tablets and smartphones in the United States, earning the company $8.16 billion in revenue. Apple is asking the court to award damages totaling over $2.5 billion. Samsung has asked the court to award 2.4 percent of the price of every sold iPhone as royalties.

Test of Consumerism and Capitalism

If the Court finds either company violated patents, Apple and/or Samsung will need to develop new ways to manufacture items, which could result in an increased cost of smartphones and tablets to consumers.

The onslaught of lawsuits in the smartphone and tablet markets affects capitalism and consumerism. That is exactly what Samsung’s lawyer argued – the legitimacy of competition in the United States. The anticipation of the latest and greatest device is heavily watched by technology enthusiasts, and consumers want the best product for the money. The ongoing patent battles should affect public opinion. In the end, everyone should be fed up with some of the childish antics and at times, over-the-top allegations.

Google Acquires Motorola Mobility: Moves Beyond Search and Software Company

by Holly Shoemaker

On Tuesday, May 22, 2012, Google officially acquired Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion.

The acquisition is notable for Google. It is the company’s largest transaction and helps the company change its image from a search-and-software company to a consumer product’s maker. 

Overview of the Acquisition

Google and Motorola first announced this deal in August 2011 and the news was not without its critics. Antitrust commissions cited concerns that the combined company would withhold patents from its competitors.

Google has confirmed that Motorola Mobility will operate as an independent subsidiary. The completion of the acquisition now gives Google more than 17,000 patents, with an additional 7,500 in the approval process.

Concluding Thoughts

Gaining additional patents will help Google with lawsuits, but the move is not only patent related. Google already has to ensure it keeps good business relationships with other smartphone manufacturers as the company has deals with Samsung and HTC to design the new Nexus. Google understands other company rely on its Android operating system.

In the end, the move reiterates the goal at the beginning – to move Google beyond a search-and-software company. With the acquisition of Motorola Mobility, Google, like Apple, has the ability to control software and hardware.