World of Apple

Responding to rumours that spread late last week Softbank Corp has issued a statement calling such rumours “guesswork at best”

The rumours consisted of a report from the Nihon Keizai Shimbun saying that President of Softbank and CEO of Apple Computer had met up to reach an agreement on the upcoming iPhone.

Today’s two lined statement from Softbank denies all such reports, claiming they are simply assumptions by the media.

An image is circulating on the internet that supposedly purports the front page of Apple.com advertising the new MacBook. The image could have easily been faked but recent rumours have predicted that the MacBook could be released any day now.

A screenshot supposedly showing the MacBook featured on Apple.com’s front page

The image shows the MacBook to have a starting price of $999 and available in Black and White.

[Update]Confirmed as fake by many sources, many of the images used in the mock-up can be found else where on Apple’s website.

Adam Knight has written a lengthy article about his life at AppleCare, a very good read.

Almost makes you feel bad for shouting at those on the other end of the phone.

Softbank Corp and Apple are said to be planning to develop a mobile phone with iPod like functionality and have the ability to download songs directly from the iTunes Music Store.

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun is reporting that Softbank President and Apple CEO have met up and reached an agreement on the basic functionality.

“These handsets are to be released in Japan sometime this year at the earliest,” the states the Nihon Keizai Shimbun.

“Apple, which will be selling cell phone handsets under its own brand for the first time, is expected to outsource production,” the report said. “The company is believed to have chosen Softbank as its partner because Softbank plans to offer high-speed Internet access for cell phones, with a focus on improving convenience for consumers.”

A video has appeared on YouTube from the 1984 Shareholders meeting where the first Macintosh was shown to those closest to Apple.

This video is simple inspiring…

Brian of FreeMacBlog.com has posted a very impressive collection of Apple boxes, consisting of over 100 Mac mini boxes.

He was offering a prize for the first to name every box in the picture, the prize has been nabbed already, shame that.

AppleInsider is reporting that Apple is set to hold a “special briefing” in the brand new Fifth Avenue Store next Thursday at 10AM ET.

Although the story is still developing it appears that the invites are welcoming members of the press to come and have a look at the new flagship store ahead of the Grand Opening a day later.

Updates as we receive them.

The French Senate has been at it again, on Wednesday the Senate approved a new copyright bill but has amended the previous bill affecting music services such as iTunes, forcing them to open up their DRM.

The amended text in the bill which was approved retains the idea of DRM interoperability but inserts a loophole allowing companies to keep their DRM systems secret.

With the amended bill comes a new regulatory authority, the authority will have power to order companies to share details of their DRM, but companies should be able to refuse as long as the DRM systems only limit usage of content in an approved manner.

Apple has released an update for its Front Row application, the update is around 4MB in size and is described as the following:

Bugs fixed in 1.2.2 include:

Teaser on Apple’s website features a cube and the date of opening, the page also contains a timer

Apple today announced that its long awaited Fifth Avenue Store in New York with open on Friday 19th May at 6.00PM.

The store features a 32 foot glass cube out the front with stair cases that spiral down into the store below ground.

“Celebrate the grand opening of the new Apple Store, Fifth Avenue,” the company said. “Win great prizes. Get a commemorative t-shirt. Be one of the first to experience our amazing new store. We look forward to seeing you.”

The Store is said to be 20,000 square feet in size and will be the second store in New York City, it is uknown whether Steve Jobs will be attending the opening of the Store.

Rumours also continue on whether the Fifth Avenue Store will be Apple’s first 24 hour shop.