News and Analysis

And it's a day of calm . . . oh I'm kidding. It's Big Apple Announcement day, and thus a massive progeeky news day! Let's dive on in!

Apple:
Apple unveils the iPhone 4S. OK so t's not the 5 everyone expected, but it's pretty powerful – and includes a kind of verbal-command personal assistant. Frankly it seems to be the "5" in all but name.

Here's the high points.

And my high points?

• The addition of Sprint further expands their audience
• There's a lot of improvements hardware and software-wise
• Siri, the assistant, is getting a lot of attention. That may interest – and distract – competitors

Economics/Geekonomics:
We're still getting all the data, but the greek mess appears to be winding down and it sounds like Greece will still be in trouble and some banks are hosed.

Music:
The Zune HD is dead. This is because Microsoft is moving towards Windows Phone devices – which is a bigger trend to follow actually. They're putting their eggs in two baskets – Phone and 8 (you are learning to develop in these I hope).

Adaptions and Remakes:
Fuel for our resident analyst Scott:

• Dante Harper is going to write the script for the adaption of Foundation. I'm really not sure he's the right guy, as to me the right out is JMS about 10 years ago, so color me cautious. As this could lead to a series, keep an eye on it, and it could in turn lead to more retro trends and adaptions (Skylark, anyone?)
• Fox bought the rights to a Mr. Ed film. I got nothing to say here except pending 'My Little Pony' jokes.

Comics:
A CG Batman series in 2013 on Cartoon Network that seems to be extra odd – unusual villains, a replacement for Robin, etc. Perhaps bigger is the "DC Nation" block which sounds like a near variety-show format of comicdom, and might provide room for innovators and newcomers (hint, hint). I also get the vibe DC's goal is to do multiple interpretations on everything possible.

Geek Law:
Amazon re-invites associates it shut out after the California out-of-state tax bill was repealed. I think it's actually good for them due to bad blood – but the taxes are coming one way or another.

Tablets:
Kindle Fire pre-orders sell like crazy. I'm sure you're surprised.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: OK, do you care about the iPhone 4S?

– Steven Savage

Kindle Fire
Like we weren't going to be discussing further.

• Yes, there are concerns about the Silk browser since it uses the Amazon EC2 cloud to accelerate and store data, raising privacy concerns. Don't expect this to go away.
• Amazon's strength? Consumer data.  Well, it's a consumer device – note though this could give any rivals an in to hammer them on privacy – as well.

Mobile:
Nokia makes cuts in some of its mapping/commerce division.  May want to be careful there.

Social Media:
A look at why Facebook's frictionless sharing has many problems.  Some good insights – we're really in a realm of unintended consequences media/social wise anymore.

Technology:
Meg Whitman will work for $1 a year at HP. Which is good considering the ton of money HP paid Apotheker to poke some holes in the hull of their ship. Probably a good confidence-building move on Whitman's part – or their part.

As no one didn't expect, Apple is obviously phasing out boxed software.

Video:
And the ecosystem rolls on, Microsoft making a bunch of deals to carry content from Comcast (there could be a complex alliance), Verizon, and more coming (including Sony Pictures Crackle). This is a lot of deals – which really starts turning the XBox into a service.

Roger Ebert provides some useful analysis of Netflix's future – he's positive on it.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: How long will we keep hearing about the Kindle Fire?

– Steven Savage

Absolutely nothing happened today. If you believe that, then you're really way too trusting.

Amazon's New Tablet And Everything Else

Well first of all there's the Techmeme Roundup. But yes, Amazon made all it's product announcements today, and that includes the "Kindle Fire" tablet.

• The Prices? $199 for the Kindle Fire, $149 for the Touch 3g, $99 for the Touch, and $79 for the regular Kindle. Amazing price points, and I think the regular Kindle just became the easy-to-give gift at that price rate. I would not be surprised if some of these were loss leaders.
• That price? It undercuts the iPad pretty far. Apple (and B&N) are clearly in their sights. Also, it's cheap enough people may buy it AND use other devices – think about that for a moment . . .
• Why this isn't an iPad killer makes some good points about it.

A look at how the Tablet is really a store makes a good point. Similar thoughts here – it's a shopping kiosk and media device that lets you play Angry Birds.

Comics:
Looks like ComiXology is on the Fire. Not surprising, but recall that Amazon wants this to be a consumer device, and they're already there with a comics app. This could increase/accelerate reading and interest in comics – and makes ComiXology a potential gategeeker.

Technology:
A look at Yahoo's latest strategies. Most interesting to me is the focus on an ecosystem – which of course is inevitable (and mores in light of today's announcements).

RIM not as doomed as we thought?  It gets more complicated with Ichann involved.

Video:
Sony expands and improves it's video on demand service. Video service, check. Music service, check. Games, check. Sounds awful ecosystem to me.

Video Games:
What Kindle Fire means for game developers – nothing surprising, but a good round-up.

Consoles will be around for awhile, says GameStop. Gives us an idea on their plans.

QUESTION OF THE DAY:What story is being eclipsed by the Kindle Fire.

– Steven Savage