citpeks
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Nissan signals interest in 'Apple Car' following Hyundai exit
CarmB said:Mazda would make a lot of sense in so much as Mazda has limited resources compared to a lot of competitiors. As such, having a partner with deep pockets like Apple could go a long way towards moving Mazda successfully into the electrification era.
From Apple's perspective, it would gain a partner with a great reputation for chassis development. Mazdas are known for possessing solid chassic dynamics. Their powertrains are well done but the company is using aging technology largely because the resources to replace that technology as often as competitors just isn't there. For instance, Mazda currently uses a six-speed automatic that is far behind the units others are using with more gears, though it is a good unit, just the same.
Mazda is looking to move upmarket somewhat, in part by delivering products with interior fit and finish that is a cut above the mainstream, volume class.
Seems to me that potentially, a Mazda/Apple partnership could prove to be a win for both parties, though certainly Apple would have to be prepared to allow Mazda to use some of its tech in Mazda-branded models in exchange for Mazda producing for Apple a product that would be marketed primarily as an Apple product.
Certainly Honda and Mazda have the right idea in terms of not talking about any negotiations that could be happening with Apple. It's not an Apple trait to be comfortable with a potential partner talking to the press before a deal is consummated.That could be a good pairing, as Mazda is an engineering-driven company, and could benefit from a partner who could help it move into the BEV space. Its size and relative lack of resources has forced it to keep refining ICE powertrains, instead of more forward-thinking technology.Its only current tie is with Toyota, which, despite its position, has also resisted BEVs and autonomous driving, and lags behind its peers in those respects.The real questions are what Apple could bring to the table besides money, and what kind of relationship it seeks, whether it's strictly contract manufacturing, or something greater.
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Apple Store suppliers suffering through longer payment terms, consignment model
For suppliers, product placement in Apple's stores surely has some value, in terms of exposure to the desirable demographics who frequent them and a tacit endorsement as solutions that Apple offers, either solely, or alongside Apple's own products.Since Apple doesn't appear to directly charge slotting, listing or placement fees, it can exploit the desirability of those benefits in other ways, such as through the terms it demands from suppliers.While debates can, and are, being had about the market power Apple holds via its app stores, and whether that falls outside legal bounds, no such argument can be made in this case. Apple's stores are not the exclusive outlet for related product accessories, for either third party suppliers or even Apple's own first party accessories. It may benefit suppliers to utilize Apple's stores as a distribution channel, but they are far from the only option, and Apple is not obligated to those who do not agree to its terms.As with the brouhaha over recent news of Apple's rental agreements, many responses betray an ignorance of the machinations behind business negotiations, and a failure to recognize that business markets differ from consumer markets.Ever wonder why one can't order a Pepsi at a McDonalds, or why Coke's products are no longer an option at Costco's food courts, but Pepsi's are? The same Costco that at one point stopped carrying Apple's products altogether? Surely that was illegal, no?Or why one must stretch to the top or the bottom of the shelf to reach Brand Y and Z, while Brand X can be easily grabbed at eye level? Or why there is a bunch of Lays chips at the end of the aisle, and not another brand? Those situations are not due to coincidence, or chance.Many other examples of how the retail market operates abound, and none of them are "trouble" for the retailers who practice them.
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Mark Zuckerberg says 'competitive interests' drive Apple's push for privacy
Gates was much better at the FUD game.Anyone with a modicum of critical thinking ability could see through Zuckerberg's lame attempts to deflect criticism away from his own company, and try to cast Apple in a bad light.Sadly, a lot of people lack that ability.
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Top Mac keyboards to complete your work from home setup
crowley said:
I noticed that when I was browsing. Seems a bity odd, there's a model that supports both Mac and Windows, with dual function keys clearly labelled; so why produce a Mac-only version. I couldn't find a Windows only version, which surely you'd expect to be the bigger use case.citpeks said:It should be noted that there are two versions of the MX Keys, the one pictured in this story, with the PC labels, extra Fn key on the right of the space bar, and PC numeric keypad. The Mac-specific version fully adheres to Apple's layout, omits the PC labels,, and is grey in color, and is the one in the linked review here.The black one is the Windows version, that also happens to be cross compatible with Macs, if desired.As far as the Mac version, there are those who prefer a straight Mac keyboard, with the true Apple layout, and free of any extraneous markings or extra keys. That takes cost and effort, so they should be applauded for it. Most manufacturers just start with a typical generic PC keyboard design, add some markings, and call it a Mac keyboard. -
Top Mac keyboards to complete your work from home setup
It should be noted that there are two versions of the MX Keys, the one pictured in this story, with the PC labels, extra Fn key on the right of the space bar, and PC numeric keypad. The Mac-specific version fully adheres to Apple's layout, omits the PC labels,, and is grey in color, and is the one in the linked review here.
