Apple 10272 Published by Bob 0

Worldwide shipments of personal computers grew more than 14 percent in the third quarter, according to two reports, with HP and Apple posting strong market share gains. Gartner said PC shipments rose 14.4 percent in the quarter to 68.5 million units. Rival market research firm IDC, meanwhile, pegged growth at an even more robust 15 percent, with 66.8 million units shipped.

Apple, HP Big Winners as PCs Sell Like Gangbusters

Apple 10272 Published by Bob 0

After months of vehement proclamations that the iPhone would support only third-party applications over a Web browser, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced Wednesday in an open letter on the Apple Web site that the company will release a software development kit to developers in February. The kit would allow software makers to create iPhone applications that would reside on the phone itself, not on the Web.

Apple to Take Padlock Off iPhone

Apple 10272 Published by Bob 0

With a one-two punch, Apple is in the process of lowering the price of its iTunes Plus DRM-free music songs from $1.29 to 99 cents while at the same time adding 2 million songs to its iTunes Plus library. The additional songs, which come from music megalabel EMI -- along with a good many from independent labels -- will give Apple the largest DRM-free catalog in the world, the company said.

iTunes Cut: Will Labels Be Casualties of Music Price War

Apple 10272 Published by Bob 0

The next version of Apple's OS X operating system, Leopard, which was delayed by several months in favor of iPhone development efforts, will be released Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. in Apple's retail stores and at authorized resellers. In addition to a graphically rich and vibrant desktop, Apple has promised more than 300 new features in version 10.5 of the OS.

Apple to Turn Leopard Loose Oct. 26