Most recent Apple iPad Commercial

I just finished viewing the latest commercial for the iPad and realized their exceptional marketing skills. The highlight and main point of the advertisement was to accentuate the main feature of the full screen concept as does a PC. They highlighted this by showing it's features and capabilities on TV. It was exceptional and amazing to say the least. I'm an Apple follower all they way! They come up with the best products in our current times of upgraded technology.

Release Date: iPhone 4g

We all know that the release date of new iPhones for the past couple of years are always in the month of June!! We now have a date! You can pre-order the phone on June 15th and it will go on sale in stores starting June 24th!!! I can't wait to get mine!!! If your still viewing blogs Professor Evans I know you can't wait either!!! I'm an apple fanatic for life!!!!!

New Information on the iPhone 4G and it's hardware

While you're going to have to wait until June to get your hands on iPhone OS 4.0, app developers have already been tinkering with it for weeks, providing plenty of juicy details about the features buried within the software's code. The most recent version of the iPhone OS Software Development Kit (SDK) released earlier this month reveals that the new software, and by association, the iPhone 4G hardware, will be capable of capturing 720p HD video.

Initially reported by MacRumors, the media capture preset values in the latest SDK update list two modes: AVCaptureSessionPreset640x480 and AVCaptureSessionPreset1280x720.

The former refers to the video capture functions currently offered by iPhone OS 3.0, at a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, while the latter suggests that the new software will be capable of recording video at a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.

The addition of HD video support seems to fall in line with initial reports on the leaked iPhone 4G, which noted the lost prototype incorporated a larger, higher resolution camera.

For all the latest on the iPhone 4G, OS 4.0, and more, stay tuned to IGN Gear.

Final Blogpost

Apple's Mission Statement defines and clearly states what their company is about. It let's consumers know they're valued and respected, and also that they're constantly finding ways to improve their products, and strive for excellence.

Through my posts, you can see their mission statement to be true to form. For example, in my second blog post regarding their current marketing situation, I discussed Apple's Ad Campaign launch for the "iPad". As this product was launched there was a great deal of skepticism as to how great the product was intended to be as well as the Media trying to figure out the adverse affects the iPad would have towards the sales of other Apple products. I feel that when it comes to Apple all publicity both good and bad, are relatively good for Apple in hindsight. It's similar to the saying "All publicity, is good publicity." When the iPad campaign was launched, the iPad was definitely the topic of conversation.

In my March 10th post, I discussed how Apple participates in both Business Marketing and Business to Business. The mere fact that Apple participates in both is absolutely phenomenal, because it only helps to strengthen their product awareness to consumers. Apple's products are generally marketed to relatively all consumers. They have products designed to fit the specific needs of a consumer, by ranging their products in size, colors and ability..

Originally, Apple products were considered more of an "luxury item". Now, like many other companies are trying to do, Apple has ventured part of their focus on satisfying the wants and needs of a customer as well as making their products more cost reasonable, by setting different price ranges for their products. This tactic is definitely a plus for the company because not only does it build trust and loyalty from customers, it also keeps them coming back and also recommending their products to friends and family.

Apple is without a doubt an innovator in our present technology era. They are determined, dedicated and very well educated to make sure they are always one step ahead of the market demands and their competition. Over the years their Marketing strategies continue to improve, ranging from commercials, print ads, billboards, web specials and many more. It almost seems as if the Apple products sell themselves. If and when a company is able to have their products sell themselves, it definitely shows how successful they are in the marketing aspect. Even if this is the case with Apple, that definitely would not hinder Apple from continuing to find more innovative ways to market and sell their products.

Branding

Branding is an exceptional form of trademarking a company. For instance, Target's branding/logo is a picture of a "bullseye". Their logo alone stands for the representation of that particular company, when and wherever that logo is seen, it's known to consumers that the logo is a representation of the Target company. Apple's logo/branding has the same affect. Their logo is placed on every product that the coompsny develops and sells. In my opninion their logo also represents quality and luxury. 
Branding is not an easy task to do, it takes a lot of consideration and planning to know what will stick with a customer for years to come. Like target Apple has been and still is very successful with how they decided to brand their product. The picture of an Apple was probably the most effective and smartest decision the company made when they first launched their business. Branding is not something to be taken likely, the choice a company makes, can in fact make or break them.  

Update on the new iPhone 4g

iPhone Leak: Police Seize Gizmodo Computers
Date: Apr 26, 2010
Author: Scott Lowe

Following last week's leak of the fourth generation iPhone, police have seized computers and other hardware used by Gizmodo.com, the tech blog who paid for, and later posted a detailed analysis, of the prototype device. According to reports today, California Rapid Enforcement Allied Computer Team (REACT) entered and searched the home of Gizmodo editor, Jason Chen, and seized four computers, two servers, and other components as potential evidence in their investigation of the theft, sale, and transportation of Apple's prototype technology. 

The search warrant issued by the Superior Court of the County of San Mateo, which was posted in full on Gizmodo, states that the property was seized under the belief that it was used as the means of committing a felony. 

Last week, Gizmodo shocked the tech community when it published a detailed analysis of what they claimed was the next generation iPhone. The prototype was lost by an Apple employee and later found by a yet-to-be identified person at a bar in Redwood City, CA, just 20 miles north of Apple's Cupertino headquarters. Later, Gizmodo purchased the prototype from the unnamed party for a sum of $5,000 and posted pictures and video online. 

In the days to follow, Gizmodo said that they weren't certain of the prototype's origins but onceApple formally claimed the device as their own, they would promptly return it. Sure enough, Apple issued a request for the prototype's return, thus confirming the device's authenticity. 

It remains unclear whether the raid was targeting Chen, Gizmodo, or the unidentified seller of the prototype. 

Apple has yet to comment on the leak or the investigation. 

For more on the 4G iPhone leak, check out ourinitial coverage and stay tuned for updates.

Product Concept

Products are what make a business. The general concept of products determine the financial status of how successful your business can be. There are different types of product concepts such as business products which are goods that service customers while showing a businesses purpose. Then You have consumer products which best describe Apple, their consumer products are made to satisfy customers needs and or wants. For example, the iPhone, iPod and MacBook are all made for personal use. Consumer products, in my opinion, seem to be those of most value when it comes to consumer decision making. Most consumers react before they think when it comes to purchases, if an item seems like a good deal or if the customers makes him or herself believe they need it, the chances are they're more likely to purchase. This type of customer is known to the marketing force as an "impulsive shopper". 
When apple came out with their latest device the ipad that product in itself is looked upon as a specialty product because no other company sells an item like this. This also gives apple the upperhand on selling the most innovative and upcoming products in technology. This reason alone is why Apple is more successful than any other company selling up and coming technology related devices. APPLE IS THE BEST!    

Iphone 4g Prototype

Below is Apple's formal request to have their iPhone 4g prototype given back. Although, they haven't confirmed that this device is in fact the iPhone 4g they do confirm that it is a product of Apple. However it is seemingly obvious that it bares great resemblance to the iPhones already on the market. They have yet to make any official announcements to the media proclaiming the devices purpose. It will be interesting to see if the company waits until June to make any formal announcements because the past few years have shown this is the month which they've announced all new iPhones that were going to hit the market. Or will they come out out in the coming days and weeks to publicly state any information that the public is ready to hear. Either way as discussed in class Apple seems to be in the limelight of the media right now, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

"It has come to our attention that Gizmodo is currently in possession of a device that belongs to Apple. This letter constitutes a formal request that you return the device to Apple. Please let me know where to pick up the unit."

Israel ban's Ipad from their country

Israel has banned Apple's newest product the "ipad" from being sold in their country. The reason the country's government has given for banning this product from their country is that this new device has been made and configured to the United States technology standards and not those of Europe or Israel. They're also concerned that the technology of the ipad would interfere with their technological devices. Some experts claimed that this ban may have more to do with concerns of the ipad interfering with their military technology.
If a visitor/tourist from the United States were to visit Israel and have an ipad with them, their ipad would be confiscated and they would have to pay a storage fee to hold it upon their departure from the Israel.
I'm personally not technology savvy and I don't quite understand their skepticism towards the product but I do know that technology can be a scary concept to those who don't understand. Technology is broadening more and more as time passes, it has given us much power especially in the internet realm that we now live in. I do however believe their concerns are more than what's been stated on the surface. It's going to be interesting to say the least to see if Israel comes around to the product placement in their country. I will definitely keep up with this story to see what the end result will be.

Pricing

Apple is flexible when it comes to pricing their products. They make several of the same products in different sizes and storage options at different prices, which is beneficial to an array of customers. For instance, they sell iPod shuffles that carry 2 gigabyte in memory for about $59 and they also have a 4 gigabyte iPod shuffle for $79, next they have an iPod nano for 8 gigabytes for &149.

For the Iphone they have an iPhone 3G for $99 and it has 8 gigabytes in memory and for the iPhone 3GS it's priced at $199 for 16 gigabytes of memory and they also have a 32 gigabyte for $299.

Giving customers options in different prices for products that have similar features and functions is a really great look for apple because they're focused on selling their products to customers of all different income brackets. It's very rare to find a big company such as Apple that can make their products affordable and available to just about anyone.

Ipad Release - Sales are not as high as expected according to some analyst

The above picture shows consumers lined up outside of an Apple store in San Francisco.




Although Apple has not given an exact number on its anticipated sales, several analysts such as Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, had anticipated even higher sales projections of 600,000 to 700,000 units. So far reports are showing around 300,000 ipads sold around the U.S. from Saturday to Monday from it's release date. This number seems astounding simply because the when the iphone was first released it sold 270,000 units in the first 30 hours. From most of my findings it seems to be more heresay than anything else at this point. One good piece of news is that more than one million applications and 250,000 e-books from iBooks during the first day. It seems as if Apple and most analyst are waiting for the quarter to end (June) so that they can get a better sense of how many ipad's were sold and if they were able to meet a quota, if any.

Advertising & Public Relations

Over the years Apple has developed some very mind-blowing yet feasable advertisements for their products. They have iPhones plastered on billboards with slogans that stick such as "Your life in your pocket". This ad is logical because apple builds their products on convenience and they thrive on making products that make it easier to be more technology savvy without necessarily having to sit in front of a PC all day.

Public Relations has been an amazing help with boozing the awareness of all Apple products, from the commercials to billboards in very visible and high traffic areas such as times square. Their ads are also taking the front of most radioshack windows, circulars such as best buy. The list of places where Apple advertisements can be found is pretty extensive. Overall, I believe Apple is or should be one of the leading companies when it comes to advertising and public relations.

Possibility of Verizon selling iphones

Wall Street Jorunal - March 31, 2010
"The Wall Street Journal reported late Monday that Apple plans to release an iPhone this year that would work on CDMA networks — a technology used by Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel Inc. in the U.S., as well as some carriers overseas."

There has been a lot of speculation as to whether or not Verizon and Apple are contemplating a deal with the sell of iphones. Personally, I feel a merger between the two company's would be very beneficial financially. Verizon is known to be #1 around the world as far as reliable service is concerned. If in fact this deal is factual I would be one of the first to jump on board with Verizon and leave At&t as a distant memory.

Please describe your company's sales operation. How do they sell, through what distribution channels, who does the selling etc.

The Apple company has proven to be very successful in sales for the past couple of years. Their network and advertising techniques range from their website, commercials, store advertisings, billboards and word of mouth. For apple their products seem to really sell themselves, Apple definitely has done an amazing job in regards to making all products whether new or old well known to the general public.

For the most part Apple really does their share of selling their products because of the different ways they advertise. The company as a whole can really stand on their own, going through over companies just helps to make profits quicker, such AT&T selling iPhones.
So although they are a vital part of the selling aspect, and they are the ones with the primary focus on sales they also have help in this field because some of their products are involved on B2B, such as their dealing with Bestbuy  and AT&T. 

Retail Experience

This morning I visited one of the local AT&T stores which carries products of Apple such as the iPhone. I was looking to purchase new headphones, much like the original headphones that originally came with the phone. I was told that they don't sell them there but they neglected to tell me, purposely I believe, that I would have to go to the Apple Store if I wanted the same exact headphones. I ended up purchasing a different pair, and the cashier at the counter was insistant on getting me to purchase a different pair of headphones that just happned to be $20 more! He kind of belittled me on my choice of headphones and swore that I'd be back to return them. I was very appalled at how he spoke to me regarding my choice. I asked him if the product was so bad then why is your store carrying it and selling it at that. For that he remained quiet. When trying to get someone to purchase something there should be a certain etiquette and respect for the customers decision, otherwise it can turn customers off to your store or product. I don't plan on visiting any AT&T stores unless it's necessary, from now on I will continue to go out of my way to visit an Apple location because at the very least I know I'll be respected more as a customer.

Describe the market segmentation of your product and how it works in favor or against ur product?

The iPhone has two main market segments. The first is the general population who likes to stay updated with the latest technology which in turn helps them keep up-to-date with school assignments and and personal things as well this group is young adults and college students of this generation and the second is business oriented persons who like to have all the functions of a computer in touch of a hand so that they can always be on top of perspective business.

This market segment works in favor of Apples iPhone because bot only is there a demand for it but there is also a need and want for it. 

Does Apple participate in Business Marketing and/ B2B?

The Apple company participates in both Business Marketing and B2B. One example of Business Markekting is the a 10% student discount that the company offers College students whom are purchasing apple products for school purposes, such as a Laptop.

Apple has also set up B2B's with high school and colleges as well as some businesses. They offer their computers in bulk at a discounted rate.

The fact that Apple is able to do both forms of business helps substantially in making their business even more successful.

Consumer Decision Making

The Apple company has virtually taken over in the technology world as we know it. There's a quote in particular that I like to use which is "Apple is the new Microsoft".
As far as consumer decision making goes it would appear that Apple being the innovator that they are, are constantly educating consumers on all their products. For instance on their official website they have several tutorials for most if not all of their products. This gives consumers the ability to see that although they have some of the most advanced technology devices in the market right now, their products are easy to use and also self explanatory. Showing potential customers the simplicity of a product and how it can be used in their everyday lives for just about anything helps to make a consumer more inclined to purchase their product. Apple is aware that customers are not only looking for a sleek and pretty design of a particular product but customers are also looking for something easy to use. Customers are often turned off by a product simply because it may be difficult to navigate through. Apple has and is continuing to make products that fit the customers needs and wants, not the other way around.   

iPhones global market

The iPhone is being marketed globally. However, after an extensive amount of research I found that the iPhone could do better, marketing wise in other parts of the country. 

For example, in Brazil, Russia, India and China, Nokia has the upperhand on their cellphone/smartphone devices. These four countries account for 40% of the population. It would be smart to devise a way to make the iPhone more of a need and want in these areas as well as finding simple and easier ways to distribute the iPhone and make it mote compatible for the phone users in these countries.

Apple has made some sort of distribution deal with China, however the details of this are unattainable. Nonetheless it does help in boosting their global market.

iPhone

iPhone 

Originally the iPhone's target was to those of the workforce. They were looking forward towards inventing a phone that would work best with those in the business industry. The iPhone is away to not only keep in contact with your family and friends but also a way to be ahead of the game in the prospective business of your choice.

In the past few years the Iphone has proven to be beneficial to not only those in the business industry but as well as students or aspiring business professionals. 

The iPhone is designed to keep any individual in direct contact with any individual seeking other purposes.
The iPhone in itself is much like mini pc...at this day and age you can work and surround your whole life all through the touch of a phone...and I myself am a proven study of that. Everything you need can be in the touch of your hands with an iPhone! 

Apple's Latest Marketing Situation

Recently the Apple Company has launched it's new ad campaign for the "Ipad", which is a tablet form of a computer, with similar functions of an iPhone. However, many articles and news reports are diving into this product with full force asking tons of questions and in someways depleting the value of the product before it has hit the stores. There are a lot of expectations And speculations of what people think this product should entail. Skeptics as well as customers view Apple a leader in technology and the bar has been raised for them. So critics like myself are left to wonder, what if this product is not all it's cracked up to be, and will it affect the companys already high standards?

I doubt that even if the product deems to be unsuccessful it will break the company, but it might diminish some sort of respect to the value and trust of any future product.

Apples Mission Statement

"Apple's Mission Statement"

Here at Apple we are committed to bringing you, our loyal and valued customers the latest, most efficient and convenient Cellular phone. We strive on exellence and are continuously searching for new ways to improve our product, the Iphone. We want you to have the convenience of a computer all in the palm of your hands with the Iphone. We will continue to search for new ideas for the iPhone, because we firmly believe there is always room for improvement.