Amazon orders second season of buzzy original 'Transparent'
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After its first stab at original series fell short of the splash Netflix made with efforts like "House of Cards," Amazon's "Transparent" is getting early Emmy chatter.
After debuting last month, Amazon's "Transparent" has been mentioned by critics as an Emmy contender. Beth Dubber/Amazon
Amazon said Thursday it will renew its original series "Transparent" for a second season to premier next year, after the comedy quickly hit a degree of buzz that the e-commerce giant's first shows didn't drum up.
Amazon has been chasing Netflix's originals strategy for its Prime Instant Video service -- a component of its $99 Prime program best known for free second-day shipping -- to stay competitive. Where Netflix series like "House of Cards" and "Orange Is the New Black" snagged top nominations and quickly became standard watercooler fooder, Amazon's first originals "Alpha House" and "Betas" failed to get similar attention.
Amazon said "Transparent" is the top ranked series on Prime Instant Video, its streaming-video service that competes with Netflix. It also touted its scores on critic-review aggregators Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, with 98 percent and 91 percent positive ratings, respectively.
The company didn't discuss viewing metrics for the program, other than to say that it's the No. 1 ranked series on Prime Instant Video, referring to customer ratings, and that nearly 80 percent of all viewers "binge" on two or more episodes of the series in the same day.
Joan E. Solsman Joan E. Solsman is a senior writer for CNET focused on digital media. She previously wrote for Dow Jones Newswires and the Wall Street Journal. She bikes to get almost everywhere in New York City and has been doored only once. See full bio Icahn to Apple: You need to start buying back more stock
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In an open letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, activist investor Carl Icahn says the stock is worth double its current trading price.
Apple CEO Tim Cook unveils the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus during an event last month. James Martin/CNET
Carl Icahn is again calling for Apple to buy back its own stock, arguing that the iPhone maker's shares should be worth twice as much as their current trading level.
The billionaire activist investor on Thursday published an open letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, just as he vowed (a day earlier on Twitter) to do. In the letter, Icahn calls for Apple to use its cash position to accelerate and increase the magnitude of stock repurchases through a tender offer, which is an open call to all investors to sell their stock -- usually at a premium.
"You have said before that the company likes to be 'opportunistic' when repurchasing shares and we appreciate that," Icahn said. "With this letter we simply hope to express to you that now is a very opportunistic time to do so."
Apple shares inched up less than 1 percent to $101.65 in premarket trading. Apple's stock hit an all-time high of $103.74 on Sept. 2, a week before the company introduced the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Icahn said the stock should be valued at $203 based on his calculations.
It's the second time Icahn has called for Apple to boost its existing stock buyback program. The investor had backed off of his last proposal in February, but has returned to his previous position. If Apple does offer to buy back more shares, Icahn said he would commit to not shedding his own position, reiterating his belief that the stock is undervalued.
The letter comes a month after Apple released its newest smartphones and a week before it's poised to host another event, likely to reveal new iPads and Macs. The company is counting on its new devices to help it attract new customers and keep current users coming back. The iPhone continues to sell at record numbers, but the iPad has had some troubles. Sales for the tablet have declined and missed analysts' estimates for the past two quarters.
Icahn praised the significantly upgraded iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which feature larger screens, improved specifications, and the capability to make mobile payments, noting that he believed the phones would take market share in the premium category. He compared the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S5 dynamic to a choice between a Mercedes and a Volkswagen -- at roughly the same price.
Apple said it would take Icahn's feedback.
"We always appreciate hearing from our shareholders," said a company spokeswoman. "Since 2013 we've been aggressively executing the largest capital return program in corporate history. As we've said before, we will review the program annually and take into account the input from all of our shareholders."
Apple, which nearly declared bankruptcy before Steve Jobs returned to the helm in 1997, now is the most valuable company in the US. Its market capitalization of more than $600 billion tops Exxon Mobil, Microsoft, and IBM, all giants in their own right. In Apple's last fiscal year, ended Sept. 28, 2013, the company generated $170.91 billion in sales and $37.04 billion in profits.
Its current capital return program calls for returning $130 billion in value to shareholders in 2015 through buybacks and dividends.
Jobs largely ignored shareholders, but Cook has taken a more investor-friendly approach. He met with Icahn a year ago after after the investor built a large stake in Apple shares. At the time, Icahn criticized Apple's buyback program as too small and said he wanted Apple to buy back $50 billion worth of shares. He dropped his proposal in February after saying Apple was close to fulfilling his requested repurchase target.
Since the talks a year ago, Apple has significantly increased its share repurchase plans and boosted its dividend. The company in June also gave investors six additional shares of stock for every Apple share they owned as of June 2. Because of the split, shares now trade at a much lower level than in the past, but it also makes the stock more accessible to investors. It's much cheaper to own a chunk of Apple at about $100 versus $600.
Carl Icahn is a vocal investor.
The extent to which Apple buys back shares is important to Icahn and other investors. The more shares a company buys back relative to its total outstanding shares, the more the move can affect a stock price. In this case, it would mean that Apple's shares would rise as the total stock supply falls and demand continues to stay strong.
In Thursday's open letter, Icahn weighed in on Apple's various product lines, including the newly introduced Apple Watch. The investor believes the smartwatch "will have a significant impact on Apple's growth" over the next three years. He also said he believes that Apple will release an UltraHD television set in fiscal 2016, although he also acknowledged that it may never happen.
The activist investor has had a knack for getting what he wants. His pressure on Motorola after it failed to capitalize on the original Razr's success in 2008 led to then CEO Edward Zander stepping down and the business splitting. Last week, eBay said it would spin off its PayPal unit, a proposal first urged by Icahn earlier this year.
Icahn concluded his new letter by praising Cook and his team from an operational level. But he believes the stock remains undervalued by investors.
"At today's price, Apple is one of the best investments we have ever seen from a risk reward perspective, and the size of our position is a testament to this," he said.
Updated at 7:40 am P.T.: To include a response from Apple.
Roger Cheng Roger Cheng is the executive editor in charge of breaking news for CNET News. Prior to this, he was on the telecommunications beat and wrote for Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal for nearly a decade. He's a devoted Trojan alum and Los Angeles Lakers fan. See full bio No, Microsoft's Surface Pro tablets aren't dead
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Microsoft's latest public compatibility commitments refute rumors that it's planning to discontinue its Surface lineup.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Microsoft officials seldom deny pubicly rumors about product futures, even when they are from some sites with less-than-stellar Microsoft-prediction track records.
But on October 9, Microsoft execs broke that rule (at least indirectly) and posted on the Microsoft Surface blog that "Businesses can buy with confidence. We are here to stay."
Digitimes published a report on October 9 claiming Microsoft is planning to exit the Surface business, citing unnamed supply-chain sources.
In spite of CEO Satya Nadella's recent characterization of Surface (and hardware in general) as supporting rather than "core" Microsoft businesses, Microsoft isn't dumping the Intel-based Surface line, officials said.
"Surface Pro 3 is off to a strong start with both individuals and businesses," maintained Surface General Manager Brian Hall in that blog post. He said Microsoft is guaranteeing that Surface Pro 3 will be upgradable to Windows 10. He also said the current line of Surface Pro 3 accessories -- Surface Pro 3 Type Covers; power adapter, Ethernet adapter and other "infrastructure accessories," and the docking station -- will be compatible with "the next generation of the 'Pro' line of Surface."
(Hall didn't make any claims about Windows 10 compatibility for the Surface Pro and Pro 2 devices, but I am hearing from my sources that both those models should also support Windows 10. I'm less sure about the ARM-based versions. All Microsoft will say re: Windows 10 compatibility for Surface RT and Surface 2 is: "Windows on ARM-based processors continues to be an important element of our strategy for phones and tablets, and we'll have more to share on the Windows experience for mobile devices at a later date," in the words of a company spokesperson.)
Microsoft introduced today a limited-time Surface Laptop Replacement Bundle. Via that bundle, which Microsoft is making available through its authorized Surface resellers, users can get up to $150 off a bundle of a Surface Pro 3, Type Cover and Docking Station when purchased together.
The deal is available in the US immediately and coming to the "majority of markets where Surface is available worldwide in the coming weeks." It's a "while supplies last" offer.
There have been a number of renewed rumors lately about Microsoft's plans to roll out an ARM-based Surface 3 and/or a revised ARM-based Surface Mini.
I haven't heard from my contacts that either of these things are happening. In fact, I've heard from one of my trusted sources that Microsoft's Surface strategy, going forward, will be to focus on Intel and to cease production of any future ARM-based Surfaces. But that's only from one source, I'd note.
This story originally appeared as "Microsoft: Surface Pro line is here to stay" on ZDNet.
Mary Jo Foley Mary Jo Foley has been a tech journalist for almost 30 years. She is editor of ZDNet's "All About Microsoft" blog. She authored "Microsoft 2.0: How Microsoft Plans to Stay Relevant in the Post-Gates Era" and co-hosts the "Windows Weekly" podcast on the TWiT Network. See full bio Gymkhana: The XCAR team learn to get their Ken Block on
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12:36 / October 9, 2014
Gymkhana is the art of getting round a complicated track efficiently, quickly and with a little flare. Can the XCAR boys learn enough in a day to tackle a full track in a competitive time? CAT Driver Training thinks they can and tried to teach XCAR the art of
Transcription not available for Gymkhana: The XCAR team learn to get their Ken Block on.The laptop you could fry a steak on
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Usually, you want to keep laptops cool. An industrial designer comes up with an idea for one that does exactly the opposite.
Burgers and browsing. Dragan Trenchevski
Think "spam" and "laptop" and chances are good that the canned meat isn't going to come to mind. But if the laptop in question is the one dreamed up by designer Dragan Trenchevski, you might just want to bust out the oil and some onions.
Trenchevski has come up with a concept for a laptop-style cooking surface he calls the "Electrolux Mobile Kitchen." At first, it seems like a gag, but when you think about how convenient such a thing would be for camping or picnicking in the park, you kind of start to want one. I know I did.
Right now the Mobile Kitchen is just a concept, but Trenchevski has put a lot of thought into how it would work. When you lift the lid, you see a cutting board that lifts out easily thanks to a little fabric tab. The cutting board also contains a secret slide-out grater. Once the board is removed, you reveal an induction cooking surface. The surface would respond to differently sized pots or pans and only output the energy needed to heat their surface to save energy.
The lid itself is a touch-screen laptop which, Trenchevski says, could be used to stream cooking tutorial videos, look up recipes or Skype your mom to get help with a tricky dish. It would have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity as well as a camera, speaker and microphone. Hopefully it's also grease resistant because once that Spam gets frying, splatters can't be far away.
As an industrial designer, Trenchevski created a wide range of fun and practical design ideas while he was on the faculty of Mechanical Engineering at a university in Skopje, Macedonia, which you can check out on his Behance page.
The device when closed. Dragan Trenchevski
The cutting board. Dragan Trenchevski
The tech. Dragan Trenchevski
(Via Yanko Design)
Michael Franco Freelancer Michael Franco writes about the serious and silly sides of science and technology for Crave and other pixel and paper pubs. He's kept his fingers on the keyboard while owning a B&B in Amish country, managing an eco-resort in the Caribbean, sweating in Singapore, and rehydrating (with beer, of course) in Prague. E-mail Michael. See full bio How HTC plans to sell the quirky, peculiar Re camera
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The smartphone maker knows it faces challenges in selling its first camera, but has a strategy to overcome them.
It looks like an inhaler, a submarine periscope, or even a piece of PVC piping.
The HTC Re camera represents a new category for the long-time smartphone maker. CNET
But one thing HTC's newly unveiled Re doesn't look like is exactly what it is: a portable camera. And not just any camera; it's supposed to be the shooter that replaces your smartphone, allowing you to "live in the moment."
The Re camera represents HTC's first major break from its traditional mobile devices business, which has focused largely on smartphones. Re was formulated out of the company's newly established Creative Labs unit, and marks the beginning of its next act -- one in which it branches out with different products, as well as apps and services.
"The smartphone is just the overture of HTC's grand opera," HTC Chairwoman Cher Wang said at the company's launch event Wednesday. "There's so much more beautiful music to be made."
But it starts with the Re, which will face significant challenges as a new entrant in the market. The Re's unusual shape will likely be a source of curiosity but also a potential turn-off as it requires customers get used to the idea of blindly taking photos without a viewfinder. And at $200, it's a pricey purchase. Ultimately, HTC will have to convince consumers that they will actually need another camera when a smartphone does pretty well by itself.
"That's going to be a challenge for HTC," said Avi Greengart, an analyst at Current Analysis. "It's a product in a new category from a brand that's not known for this product category."
Even HTC concedes it faces a steep climb in getting the Re into the hands of consumers.
"We have a lot of work to do to get this in the market," said Jeff Gattis, head of marketing for the emerging devices business.
HTC's main pitch is that by holding the small, lightweight Re instead of a smartphone, you're able to enjoy the moment while simultaneously capturing it.
While on stage at the launch event, Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC's Americas unit, recalled watching a basketball game in which his son was playing. Like any proud dad, he had his smartphone up and was dutifully recording the game. But when it came down to the final, critical seconds, he made the decision to put down the phone and actually watch his son sink a game-winning buzzer beater. While he didn't regret putting the phone down, he said he wished there had also been a good a way to capture the moment for later.
Jason Mackenzie, president of the Americas region for HTC, shows off the Re camera. Sarah Tew/CNET
That's where the Re would come in. "We have to lure them in, then connect them with the problem," Gattis said.
Whether HTC can relay the same kind of story as Mackenzie's anecdote to the public remains to be seen. But early interest has been strong, HTC CEO Peter Chou told CNET at the sidelines of the event.
It was Chou who green-lit the Re four months ago, a surprisingly quick turnaround for any product, let alone one that represents a new category for the company. Initially, HTC had planned a "soft launch," making it available to US consumers through a website. But once HTC began showing the Re around, retailers jumped on board. HTC said the Re would launch in the US "in time for the holidays" but didn't provide more specifics. A launch to other markets is expected to follow.
Amazon and three of the major US carriers -- Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile -- plan to sell it. HTC expects a big push at big box retailer Best Buy, where HTC has invested in 32-inch screens running video promos to catch the consumer eye. Gattis said the marketing materials focus on "the moment."
The Re will be sitting near GoPro at Best Buy, but HTC emphatically denied that it was going up against the successful action camera maker. "We're not GoPro; if we went up against them we would lose," Gattis said.
HTC is instead targeting parents who are heavily involved with their children's activities, youthful people with an active social life, and travelers who want to take photos but don't necessarily want to lug around a professional-grade camera. The company plans to tout the Re as fun, durable (it's waterproof) and convenient. With only two buttons on the device, the company focused on simplicity.
Typically, a new product requires heavy marketing, but HTC lacks the resources for a massive campaign. Instead, the company will start slowly, getting the product into the hands of influential people in an effort to build buzz and interest.
It will likely get some play at AT&T, which will exclusively sell the Desire Eye, the selfie phone also unveiled at Wednesday's launch event. The carrier is expected to devote a section in its stores to the two HTC products. Carrier salespeople typically earn more from pushing accessories, so HTC is hopeful the Re will get more enthusiastic support than the typical smartphone.
Even after a consumer begins using the Re, there is the uncomfortable act of blindly taking photos and videos without seeing what's shot. HTC said that it developed an extra-wide-angle camera to ensure the proper image is captured, but it acknowledged that consumer comfort would be a challenge.
Lastly, with a $200 price tag , the Re is outside the "impulse buy" range.
"At $200, it's a tough case to make against many capable point-and-shoots for people who want a separate imaging device," said Ross Rubin, an analyst at Reticle Research.
Gattis conceded that the price is another challenge but said he hoped that the Re would see success at its current price. Eventually, the company would want to bring the price down to tap into the "sweet spot of moms and dads with kids," he added.
"We do think we can bring it down, it's something we can consider," he said. "We can't get to sub-$100 right away."
With the Re, HTC is showing it can still surprise with its music. But whether the little camera is a chart-topper or a flop remains to be seen.
The HTC Re features an unusual shape, and no viewfinder. CNET
Roger Cheng Roger Cheng is the executive editor in charge of breaking news for CNET News. Prior to this, he was on the telecommunications beat and wrote for Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal for nearly a decade. He's a devoted Trojan alum and Los Angeles Lakers fan. See full bio Verizon customers: Slacker Radio now lets you set a playlist as your ringtone
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If you have an Android phone on Verizon, you can now use streaming music for your ringtone for $2 per month.
Slacker Radio
Tired of the boring ringtones that come with your phone? Starting today, Verizon and Slacker Radio are giving you another option. For two dollars per month, you can sign up for Slacker Radio Tones, a service that lets you set your ringtone and ringback tone (the tone that callers hear when they dial your number) to a song or entire station from Slacker Radio.
It works like this: You first download the Slacker Radio app to your phone, head over to the Slacker Tones section and select the music you want to use. To set a ringtone, select an individual song within Slacker Radio that you want to play when someone calls you. That song will download to your device and then you can select it as your ringtone.
For Ringback Tones, you just have to pick the song or station you want to use and Verizon will play your selection for anyone who calls your phone. Instead of hearing the normal ringing sound, they'll hear a song. You can set one Ringback Tone for all calls, or pick a handful of contacts and assign them individual tones or stations.
Song-based ringtone and ringback tones have been around for years now, dating back to the days of early feature phones. However, this is the first time that you can use a streaming Internet radio service to pick your ringtone.
If you're on Verizon, you can sign up today for $2 per month. It's only available for in the Android app for now, with iOS coming soon. You don't even need a Slacker Premium Radio subscription, which costs $9.99 per month, to use the service.
Sarah Mitroff Sarah Mitroff is a CNET associate editor who reviews Android software and mobile hardware. In the past, she's also written about consumer tech, startups, and business news for Wired, MacWorld, PCWorld, and VentureBeat. See full bio