Analyst: iPad, iPhone, Apple to feel squeeze in 2013

Prospects aren't as rosy as expected, UBS says, for lots of reasons, from rising competition and a supply chain squeeze to the iPad Mini going cannibal.

Apple faces a few challenges that could take a bite out of iPhone and iPad sales next year, at least in the opinion of one analyst.

In an investors note out today, UBS analyst Steven Milunovich slashed his iPhone sales estimates for the March, June, and September 2013 quarters by 5 million units each quarter. Sales estimates for the iPad were cut by 2 million per quarter for the same three periods.

The analyst now expects Apple to sell 41 million iPhones in the March quarter, 36 million in the June quarter, and 33 million in the September quarter. iPad sales are forecast at 21.7 million in the March quarter, 24.5 million in the June quarter, and 20.7 million in the September quarter.

In line with the lower estimate for unit sales, Milunovich also trimmed his earnings estimates for Apple for fiscal 2013 and 2014 and lowered the stock's target price to $700 from $780.

Supply chain checks show that the manufacturing rate for the iPhone is dropping to 25 million units for the March quarter. TheiPhone 5 is just now starting to sell in China, but UBS's Chinese sources don't think it will sell as well as the iPhone 4S.Why the dour outlook? Milunovich cited a few reasons.

The lower-priced iPad Mini looks to be cannibalizing sales of the larger and more expensive iPad.

And finally, the analyst believes his previous estimates were too aggressive in light of the lackluster economy in Europe and rougher competition from other smartphones.

The analyst did throw Apple a bone, citing some optimism ahead.

"We expect that China Mobile may start to sell iPhones in the Dec quarter, so a summer 5S with TD-SCDMA and fingerprint recognition is possible," Milunovich said. "Apple is driven to make beautiful products. Whether it is an iTV, wearable computers, or another new product category, we have faith that innovation is not dead."

Earlier this week, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek struck a bearish tone when he cut his price target for Apple stock to $800 from $900.

Apple was once the dominant smartphone and tablet player. But lately the company has been challenged on both fronts. Samsung's Galaxy S lineup and other Android smartphones have given the iPhone a run for its money. And the iPad's market share has been sliced by an array of lower-cost Android tablets.

The company has also put itself in a dicey position by releasing so many new products around the same time -- the iPhone 5, the iPad Mini, the 4th-generation iPad. Though the new devices are positioned to take advantage of the holiday buying season, the timing of them puts a temporary strain on Apple's profit margins.

Apple's stock has been battered the past couple of months. From a high above $700 in September, the stock has slipped almost 200 points. In trading early this morning, shares were hovering around $514.

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Colbert visits Google, is clueless about Google Play

Interviewed by Eric Schmidt, Colbert is stunned to discover he can buy his own book through the great hydra that is Google.

No, he's not corpsing.

(Credit: Google screenshot by Chris Matyszczyk/CNET)

Google's Eric Schmidt is a very busy man.

But he still found the time to interview fellow political philosopher Stephen Colbert, when the latter appeared at Google this week.

Indeed, Schmidt even found the time to post a chunk of the escapade onto his Google+ account. (The full hour has been posted to YouTube and I have embedded it at the bottom of this post.)

You might imagine that Colbert would be au fait with all of Google's services before presenting himself before an audience of Googlies.

But, no.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlXRWdjhefs&feature=player_embedded

Colbert was there to push his masterwork "America Again: Re-Becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't." He wanted people to go to their local bookstore or to the "one that's named after the rain forest."

Schmidt, ever the subtle salesman, explained to him that his book was for sale not merely on Amazon, but on Google Play.

"What does that mean?" asked a bemused Colbert.

Patiently, Schmidt explained that the Google hydra had a book-selling arm too.

Colbert still worried that -- Google being Google -- it would only sell e-books. He was stunned to discover that there might even be the possibility to buy a physical book too.

Yet he still had brand recognition problems. Shortly afterward, he appeared to forget the name again altogether.

When he learned his book would be for sale on Google Play at list price, Colbert said: "So go to Google Plus for no deal!"

How extraordinary that despite Google becoming one of the bigger tech spenders in advertising, there is still work to be done.

The whole interview embraced vast numbers of topics. Many will enjoy Colbert telling Schmidt that Google Maps are phenomenal. Schmidt agreed. "Ask an Apple user," he said.

Should you be keen to hear someone say "bulls***" to Eric Schmidt, then I recommend the 19th minute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HpBHWUPa8Q&feature=player_embedded

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CID probes suspected OL paper leak

A group of parents from Colombo complained to the Examinations Department that a teacher conducting private tuition distributed a model paper of the GCE Science and Technology exam among his pupils, that bore 12 identical questions contained in the original exam paper, Examination Department sources said.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) began investigations after Examination Commissioner General W M N J Pushpakumara lodged a complaint.

Sources said of the 40 questions in the Science and Technology paper, 12 were identical to the question paper in the model paper distributed by the tuition master.

The Education Ministry previously decided to prohibit the issuing of model papers one week from the examination date to curb examination fraud.

The Examination Commissioner General requested the CID to conduct a special investigation into this incident.

Police Media Spokesman SSP Prishantha Jayakody yesterday said the CID commenced an investigation under the directions on IGP N K Illangakoon.

An ASP attached to the CID is conducting the investigation, he added.

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President sends condolences to the US

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday sent condolences to the US President Barack Obama on the shoot-out in an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, where 27 persons, including 20 innocent little children were tragically gunned down.

“I wish to convey my personal heartfelt sympathies to Your Excellency, while the people and the Government of Sri Lanka join me in expressing our sincere condolences to the Government and the people of the United States at this tragic moment, “ President Rajapaksa said in his message.

Full text of the message:

Barack Obama

President of the United States of America

Excellency,

“I was greatly saddened to hear the news of the shoot-out in an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, where 27 persons, including 20 innocent little children were tragically

gunned down. “I wish to convey my personal heartfelt sympathies to Your Excellency, while the people and the Government of Sri Lanka join me in expressing our sincere condolences to the Government and the people of the United States at this tragic moment.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the parents and siblings of the children who lost their lives, as well as the families of the six adults who were killed.

In this Christmas season, our sympathies are also with the people of Newtown, who will need fortitude and courage to come to terms with their grief over this terrible carnage in their community.”

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Dilshan 147, Mathews 75 save blushes for Lanka

Australia who struggled to dismiss Sri Lanka for 336 and gain a lead of 114, were 27 for the loss of no wicket an overall lead of 141 at the end of the third day of the First Test at the Bellerive Oval, here today. At the wickets were Ed Cowans on 16 and David Warner on 8 in 14 overs.

It was the determined 5th wicket stand between Tillekeratne Dilshan and Angelo Mathews that saved the blushes for Sri Lanka. When they resumed on 87 or 4, they still required 164 to make Australia bat again.

It was a tall ask. But being the experienced batsmen that they are, they summoned all their experience to thwart the Aussie bowlers, who were at them to slowly, but surely take Sri Lanka to safe land from having to follow on.

Dilshan scored his runs manly off drives. His pet stroke was the off drive which he executed to perfection with good footwork and sweet timing. He also pushed the singles and exhibited good running between the wickets with Matthews.

After tea Dilshan was yorked by Starc for 147 with 21 fours, Jayewardene was LBW to Siddle for 40 with 6 fours, Rangana Herath also LBW to Siddle for no score, Nuwan Kulesekera made merry hitting 2 sixes and a four in his 23 before lofting Lyon to substitute fielder at mid wicket and Chanaka Welegedera was caught by Hussey in the gully off Siddle without scoring.

Peter Siddle who was always a trier finished with figures of 5 for 54, while Lyon had 2 for 76. Bright and beautiful Unlike Saturday where it was overcast with intermittent showers and very cold and playing time was lost, Sunday dawned bright and beautiful with blue skies with the sun shining and no interruptions likely. To recap – Play started 30 minutes early to catch up with the time lost on day two. On day two when play ended, Sri Lanka were tottering on 87 for 4, still needing 164 to avoid the follow on. Of the four Lankan batsmen out, the most unforgiving was that of Thilan Samaraweera in the last over.

When keeping his wicket intact was the need, he attempted to cut a delivery from off spinner Nathan Lyon and was taken by wicket keeper Matthew Wade for 7 to the jubilation of the Australians.

Great responsibility

Veteran Tillekeratne Dilshan batted with great responsibility. He batted with ease and was not troubled by any of the Australian bowlers. He defended the good balls and cut loose when the hittable balls came along. His 50 was well constructed. When Dilshan and Angelo Mathews began the Lanka innings, it was obvious that their strategy was to go after the bowling and not let them settle down and dominate. Both went after the pacemen and were particularly severe on spinner Nathan Lyon lofting him for fours every time he pitched up. That was good thinking by the batsmen and it upset Captain Clarke’s plans and looked bereft of ideas.

Aggressive batting

Dilshan and Matthews hoisted their 50-run stand and continued their aggressive approach taking the fight to the bowlers, never letting them settle into a length and in the first 75 minutes of play had scored almost a run a ball 70.

The batsmen were going well and Dilshan reached a well earned century when he dabbed a ball from Siddle past point to the boundary to go to 103, his 15th three figure score in Tests and his first in Australia. While the ball was on its way to the boundary, Dilshan was celebrating, raising his bat to the crowd and doing the kangaroo hop.

The century came with 16 fours, off 148 balls in 240 minutes.

100-run partnership

It also signaled the 100-run stand for the 5th wicket. Immediately the rains came down and when the umpires took the players off, the score was 187 for 4 with Dilshan on 103 and Mathews on 45. They had put on 100 in 120 minutes. Early lunch was taken.

After lunch Dilshan and Mathews continued the good work in their attempt to save face for Sri Lanka by going past the humiliating follow on mark of 251 which was the need of the hour.

Dilshan was quite at easy negotiating everything that the Australian bowlers threw at him. They tried to lure him with short pitched deliveries and teased him with spin. But he never wavered in concentration.

Mathews held back

Captain in waiting Mathews, held back his natural attacking game and realising the plight that his team was in gave Dilshan good support and together they hoisted the 50 then the 100 and 150 run stand for the 5th wicket, but when the stand was worth 161 Mathews was out. With the Aussies in a wicket drought, Clarke took the new ball immediately it was due and success was not long in coming. Siddle spearheading the bowling attack, got a delivery to cut back sharply to hit Mathews on his back foot. Umpire Tony Hill raised the dreaded finger.

Mathews referred, but was not successful. His stand of 161 with Dilshan was the best for the 5th wicket in Tests against Australia and came in 341 balls. He fell at 248 with Sri Lanka needing three more runs to avert the humiliation of following on.

Best 5th wicket stand

His 161-run stand with Mathews was the best for the 5th wicket against Australia and came in 341 balls. It was a partnership that Sri Lanka badly needed considering that the team was stuttering at the end of the second day at 87 for 4. Wicket keeper batsman Prasanna Jayewardene who has a century to his credit against England at Swalec Stadium in Cardiff where Sri Lanka collapsed in a heap in the second innings to gift England a victory in a Test marred by rain, joined Dilshan and enjoyed a cuppa with Dilshan on 132 and Jayewardene no score.

The Australian attack was depleted with Ben Hilfenhaus leaving the field early without completing his over, complaining of a back strain. Bellevrive Oval, Hobart, Sunday.

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Nurse’s death left ‘unfillable void’

The children of a nurse found hanged after she was duped by a hoax call to the hospital treating Prince William’s wife Catherine told a mass in her memory Saturday that her death had left “an unfillable void”. Indian-born Jacintha Saldanha, 46, apparently killed herself in nurses’ accommodation at King Edward VII’s Hospital in London on December 7.

After the service at London’s Westminster Cathedral on Saturday, Saldanha’s family paid tribute to a loving wife and mother whose death following what the hospital described as a “cruel trick” had left them bereft.

“We will miss your laughter, the loving memories and the good times we had together.

The house is an empty dwelling without your presence,” her 14-year-old daughter Lisha said, reading out a statement. “We are shattered, and there’s an unfillable void in our lives

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World leaders express shock over US shooting

US: World leaders expressed shock and horror after a gunman massacred 20 small children and six teachers Friday in the US state of Connecticut, one of the worst school shootings in history.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon wrote to Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy to give his “deepest condolences at the shocking murders,” a statement said.

“The targeting of children is heinous and unthinkable,” he added.

European Union diplomacy chief Catherine Ashton expressed “shock” at the “tragic shooting” at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

European Commission Head Jose Manuel Barroso, spoke of his “deep shock and horror” upon hearing of the massacre.

“Young lives full of hope have been destroyed,” he said in a statement.

There were almost no non-fatal injuries, indicating that once targeted, there was little chance of escape, and that the gunman, believed to be 20-year-old Adam Lanza, was unusually accurate or methodical in his fire.

“The news is just awful. The thoughts and prayers of Canadians are with the students and families in CT affected by this senseless violence,” Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper wrote on his Twitter account.

His foreign minister, John Baird, said Canadians “stand shoulder to shoulder with our American friends at this difficult time.” The child victims were reported to be aged between five and 10.

Pope Benedict XVI sent a letter of condolence to the community, which was read aloud at a vigil in Newtown Friday evening.

The pope “has asked me to convey his heartfelt grief and the assurance of his closeness in prayer to the victims and their families, and to all affected by the shocking event,” Vatican Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone said in the letter.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said he “was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about today's horrific shooting.” “My thoughts are with the injured and those who have lost loved ones. It is heartbreaking to think of those who have had their children robbed from them at such a young age, when they had so much life ahead of them.”

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II sent a message to President Barack Obama in which she said she was “deeply shocked and saddened” to hear of the shootings.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone in the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth are with the families and friends of those killed and with all those who have been affected by today's events.” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the massacre had brought “indescribable grief to many families just before Christmas”, adding: “I have a heavy heart thinking about the pupils and teachers who were killed.” French President Francois Hollande also extended his condolences in a message to Obama.

“This news... horrified me and I wish to express my deep shock and consternation,” Hollande said.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast drew parallels between the school shooting and the “children and teenagers who fall victim to armed actions... inside Gaza, the US, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran or Syria,” calling on Americans to mobilize against “warmongering and the massacre of innocent people anywhere.”

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, also expressed his support to the US after the deadly shooting.

“My solidarity with the American people and President Barack Obama after the tragedy this morning in Connecticut,” he wrote on Twitter.

And Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said: “Australia grieves with America today following the mass shooting of primary school children and teachers in Connecticut.

“Like President Obama and his fellow Americans, our hearts too are broken.

“We share America's shock at this senseless and incomprehensible act of evil.” Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Saturday offered his support, expressing “deep admiration over the manner in which the American people have reached out to comfort the afflicted.”

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Vijay's Thuppakki stopped!

Director AR Murugadoss, who is doing Thupaki has announced that he is holding the making of the film, until further announcement come.

The shooting was going on in Mumbai, but all of a sudden Murugadoss has annonced that the making of the movie will be continued only after the FEFSI issue is settled amicably.

This sudden announcement has sent shock waves across Kollywood and has angered Vijay' fans.

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Danush to make his own music album

As Danush's Kolaveri has got him tremendous encouragement, he has decided to come out with his music album soon!

As the making of 3 is almost complete and Danush is gearing up for his next movie, he is working hard to come out with an album of his own.

The album is being made with video graphic background and for this photographer Velraj is working along with Danush.

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Direcor Cheran and Vasanth in Kerala's jail

Cheran along with Director Vasanth were in Kerala and have been taken to jail.

A special event was organised for inmates in Kerala's Trivandrum Central Prison, in which Cheran, Vasanth and actress Banu participated.

The speciality of this prison is that, inmates here make food items like chappathi and others and are sold to open market.

Cheran along with others tasted the food prepared in the prison.

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