Amazon first with downloadable videos

There have been rumors that Apple will sometime soon, maybe even on September 12, announce downloading of videos but Amazon has beaten them.  See Unbox.

So far it’s only available in the US. 

The fine print says that the Unbox player is required, and the movies are not compatible with Apple hardware, including iPods.  The downloads are viewable for up to 30 days, and after you commence viewing the video you have 24 hours to complete it.

Robert Cringely had some comments in his latest Pulpit about Apple vs Amazon for movie downloads.

Update:  although Unbox is available, there aren’t too many positive reviews.  For example, see the CNET review and user comments

Goggle’s CEO now on Apple’s Board

Apple has appointed Google’s CEO to its board of directors.  It will be very interesting to see what unfolds as a result of this!

From SMH

Now Apple recalls Sony batteries

When we heard of Dell recalling Sony batteries, we wondered how many other companies’ computers were being affected.  Now we hear that Apple is recalling 1.8 million batteries, in the older G4 iBook and Powerbook.  Sony expects that the recall (of the Dell and Apple batteries) will cost them $172-258 million.

Apple notebooks now 12% market share

 Apple’s retail notebook market has doubled to 12% as measured by units in June from January.  Apple’s net income increased by 48% as a result of sales of iPods and Intel-powered computers.

http://today.reuters.com/investing/FinanceArticle.aspx?type=businessNews&storyID=2006-07-19T213736Z_01_WEN1428_RTRUKOC_0_US-APPLE-EARNS.xml

Sony again top in ‘Best brands’ poll

For the seventh year in a row, Sony is again top of the list, followed by Dell and Coca Cola.  Apple is now in the top 10 list, and Microsoft has dropped out of the list.

The question asked in the poll was: “We would like you to think about brands or names of products and services you know. Considering everything, which three brands do you consider the best?”

http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=682