Apple wins WIPO dispute, secures ownership of iPhone5.com domain

Less than two weeks ago, Apple filed a dispute claim with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) over the iPhone5.com domain name. The move has been deemed an obvious attempt at keeping those pesky traffic-hungry web masters at bay ahead of a forthcoming sixth-generation iPhone introduction.

It appears Apple has won this dispute, as indicated on the WIPO’s website and WHOIS search, which now lists the iPhone5.com domain as ‘Terminated’, a tell-tale indication that the original owner has relinquished ownership…
As explained by The Next Web, the domain is now in the hands of brand protection agency Corporation Service Company.

The domain was registered in 2008 and operated as a online bulletin board. Its owners stated that it was “not endorsed, sponsored, nor otherwise affiliated with Apple” and was “for the sole purpose of entertainment and knowledge.”

Apple, like other big companies, secures certain domain names through brand protection agencies. The company owns a lot of domains that simply forward to certain sections of their official website, thus preventing shady website owners from banking on the popularity of Apple’s brand names.

For example, Apple owns such domains as applesales.com, appleproductsonline.com, appleipods.com and ipods.com, all of which forward to appropriate sections of the Apple.com website.

The company also secured ownership of the iPhone4.com and WhiteiPhone.com domains that used to forward to pornography sites.

Be that as it may, Apple owning the iPhone5.com domain doesn’t necessarily mean that the next iPhone will be called the iPhone 5, though it’s interesting how Apple recognized that the moniker has already gained enough traction to draw significant amount of traffic on the web.

Fancy sharing an iPhone 5-related domain name that could be used to make a quick buck?


Rumor: part suppliers preparing to ramp up production for ‘iPad Minis’

This 7-inch iPad seems to be becoming more and more real by the week. Not only has the device been confirmed by industry insiders and other credible sources, but part suppliers are now receiving orders from Apple to build the thing.

Makotakara passes along a report from The Liberty Times, a publication that the site describes as “one of the top four major Taiwan news media,” regarding the purported ‘iPad Mini.’ And it appears that Apple is moving forward with plans to produce the smaller tablet…
“LG Display and AU Optronics have already passed certification test for LCD panel for iPad mini, and have started to prepare to ship a part of production. The device, considered to be iPad mini, will be released during in 2012 3Q or 4Q, and target shipping amount seems to be expected to reach 6 million.”

The report goes on to say that Apple has also tapped Nissha Printing to provide touch sensors for the device, and has asked TPK Holding and Chimei Innolux to produce a total of 6 million backlight modules.

This story actually lines up perfectly with a previous report we heard out of China last month, which also claimed that Apple was looking to produce 6 million sub-$300 tablets for a 2012 Q3 release.

In fact, the only aspect of the device that the rumor mill seems to be conflicted on is whether it will have a Retina display, similar to that of the new iPad, or the 1024×768 display found on the first and second generation models.

Now the important question is, will people buy it? Would you buy one?


Rumor: Apple looking to acquire German television maker Loewe

There’s been no shortage of talk regarding an Apple-branded TV set this year, as the entire television industry awaits the company’s entry into the market. Everyone wants to see if it can do for TVs, what it’s done for phones and tablets.

Well AppleInsider is adding more fuel to the fire today, as it’s reporting that Apple is in talks to purchase Loewe AG, a German TV manufacturer. Apparently, the iPad-maker has put an offer up of $100+ million for the company…

“Apple is said to be negotiating to acquire Loewe AG, a manufacturer and distributor of televisions, audio components and integrated entertainment systems, with a final decision expected to be announced by the end of this week.

Apple is reportedly offering 87.3 million Euros (about $112 million USD), a slight premium over the firm’s last closing share price of 4.519 Euros (giving it a market cap of 58.79 million Euros or $76 million USD). Loewe’s primary shareholders currently include Sharp (28.83 percent) and LaCie (11.17 percent0.”

In edition to TV-making (since 1929), Loewes also produces high-end audio components. It even has an interesting application in the App Store called the Loewe Assist Media app, which “transforms the iPad into a luxury remote.”

It’s worth noting that AppleInsider has a shaky track record in Apple rumors. Most recently, it’s report that Tim Cook was spotted at Valve’s headquarter was immediately debunked by company head Gabe Newell.

However, should this particular story materialize, it would have huge implications. Why else would Apple be acquiring, something it rarely does anyways, a TV manufacturer, unless it was planning on getting into the TV business?

Here’s Ashton Kutcher playing Steve Jobs

TMZ, a celebrity news site, just posted a set of nice photos depicting actor Ashton Kutcher dressed in Apple’s late co-founder Steve Jobs’ classic attire.

The image was allegedly taken as Kutcher was making his way to the set of an upcoming independently produced biopic aptly named Jobs: Get Inspired.

The flick is not to be confused with Sony’s biopic entitled Steve Jobs: The Movie, based on Walter Isaacson’s authorized bio book.

Here, have a look at Kutcher channeling Jobs and tell us what you think…
According to TMZ, paparazzi-style photos were snapped as Kutcher was making his way to the set in Los Angeles on Friday.

Kutcher can be seen clad in Jobs’ trademark blue jeans, a black turtleneck sweater and New Balance running shoes. He also got long hair and a beard right.

Kutcher’s physique on the photographs does appear to resemble Apple’s late honcho in the early days, down to his forwardly leaned walking posture.

Kutcher appears to be really getting into character, though it’s too early to tell until we see some footage. Besides, Jobs was a complicated man so it’ll be interesting seeing whether Kutcher, 34, has the mojo to channel Jobs, but in a believable and dignified manner.

As you know, Ashton Kutcher is best known for his comedic roles. That’s why some folks fear he is a bad choice to portray a very important person like Steve Jobs.

The actor is also an investor in various Silicon Valley startups.

Jon Cryer will apparently play Steve Wozniak in Jobs: Get Inspired. The movie will cover the early years of the Apple founder’s life from 1971 until 2000.

Principal photography began in May and the project is said to wrap up in time for a fourth-quarter release.

Regardless of your feelings about Kutcher, would you say he looks the spitting image of a young Steve Jobs?

Is this movie gonna tank?