MEOW! Blog

Multimedia Ecosystem Opportunity Watch

The Nokia Reorg – First Take

Published in May 11th, 2010

Posted by ChairmanMEOW! in Digital Thoughts

Nokia announced there reorg that in my opinion this time – given the better understanding of the urgency – should mean a bit more. The appointment of Anssi Vanjoki to run the challenging part is a good thing – it means that creativity and risk-taking could potentially get more priority. I cannot understand why he [...]

Motorola, the New Darling of Tech Media

Published in April 29th, 2010

Posted by ChairmanMEOW! in Digital Thoughts

1 Comment

This morning Motorola surprised the Wall Street with somewhat positive earnings story. Immediately the press reacts to it as if this dying manufacturer buoyed by their bet on Android would be so kind of a new success story… This is in stark contrast to what reaction Nokia gets these days. After all to me Nokia [...]

Is the New Coming of Sprint Imminent?

Published in April 27th, 2010

Posted by ChairmanMEOW! in Digital Thoughts

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Been happy with my new Boost Mobile plan: $60 per month PREPAID all-you-can-eat voice/data/SMS/web/BBemail (new BB $250). No more $300 AT&T phone bills. My next move will be to get the Sierra Overdrive 4G modem and be ready for the Sprint 4G launch in LA in 4Q10 – including being able to use my iPhone/iPad/Mac [...]

Has the Russian Mafia Infiltrated Nokia? N8 Stirs Controversy

Published in April 27th, 2010

Posted by ChairmanMEOW! in Digital Thoughts

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I read through the new Nokia N8 specs and I think Nokia should be given some credit, this is a new overall benchmark in smartphones, all aspects considered (except app ecosystem). It is amazing that an unwashed Russian blogger gets to play the role of Walt Mossberg… Is it our fascination to find a ‘James [...]

What will Apple Eventually Do with All the Cash?

Published in February 2nd, 2010

Posted by ChairmanMEOW! in Digital Thoughts

1 Comment

$40 billion at end of 2009 shows acceleration over 2008. In 2008 Apple added $9.7B in cash while in 2009 it added $11.7B. Apple still has no debt. I consider it safe to assume that at least $10 billion will be added during 2010 for an end of year total of $50 billion. To put [...]

Restatements of Apple’s Financials Reveals iPhone ASP and Allows Closer Estimation of Margins

Published in February 1st, 2010

Posted by ChairmanMEOW! in Digital Thoughts

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Here is a table of the iPhone business so far (click on the table for larger view): 1. ASP has been increasing. It peaks immediately post-launch. Since it reflects a mix of two SKUs it also shows more early adopters opting from the higher-end model. 2. Gross margin reflects shipping and returns so there will [...]

Confirmation of Apple Ad Strategy

Published in February 1st, 2010

Posted by ChairmanMEOW! in Digital Thoughts

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When asked about the company’s recent acquisitions of Quattro and Lala after the recent earnings report, Apple’s chief financial officer Peter Openheimer answered, “In terms of Quattro and Lala we acquired Quattro because we wanted to offer a seamless way for developers to make more money on their apps, especially free apps.” As we have [...]

Nokia vs. Apple, Financial Performance in Devices & Services

Published in January 29th, 2010

Posted by ChairmanMEOW! in Digital Thoughts

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Nokia regained top spot in operating profit. I’ll leave net profit assumptions aside this time, but Apple is sure to have beat by having far lower R&D as percent of sales. Nokia Smartphones had a good quarter due to new launches. I attached share and ASP comparisons for smartphones in both companies. Much of Nokia’s [...]

Some Further iPad Thoughts

Published in January 28th, 2010

Posted by ChairmanMEOW! in Digital Thoughts

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I think it’s a logical evolution of mobile computing. A hop along the trajectory. When the iPhone first rolled out as an embodiment of the new touch-based UI–a disruptive technology, I said it was far too good as a phone. It could not be a better phone because phones were as good as they could [...]

iPad First Take

Published in January 27th, 2010

Posted by ChairmanMEOW! in Digital Thoughts

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Observations: 0. feature rationing in effect. Apple is also clearly demarcating the product as fitting in a continuum of usage behaviors. If there will be cannibalization, it will be affecting Mac, not iPhone. 1. it’s a new line in the income statement. Accessories and other revenues will add cream on top. 2. Guessing a $600 [...]

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