Bounded Innovation ? the limitations of ... - Business Perspectives

Guest blogger:

?Fiona Beukes, The Open University MBA, UK Marketing specialist,?BNY Mellon
?

Innovation in some respects is like the Holy Grail of business ? How do you do it: disruptive or continuous? How do you foster it in your organisation: Incentives? Creative downtime? Hire the right talent? Although these are obviously worthy avenues to explore, they do take time to implement.

Is your organisation agile enough to foster innovation?

I think many organisations are hampered by their internal environment which prevents a dynamic, agile response to market change. There is definitely a tension, in my view, between Grant?s internal resource perspective and Porter?s economic view of the workings of the external business environment.

From a practical perspective, I also think many companies find it hard to innovate through disruptive change. In my view, the larger and larger an organisation becomes the more bounded I feel it is to its BAU (Business as Usual) and the day-to-day constraints that just ?getting things done? place on its internal environment.

The leaner, younger, more nimble upstart is likely to steal a larger company?s thunder and swiftly re-engineer the external environment. Think of Apple launching the iPod ? a lower quality sound compared to compact discs so Sony engineers believed at the time ? a product that rapidly caught the attention of a mass market interested in synching their PC to a portable, lighter device. In the end, a good quality product (CDs) lost out to unperceived customers? needs and wants (iPods).

I think it is this disconnection from the customer which fosters continuous improvement in an organisation rather than disruptive market change. As a product or service exists already and a level of stakeholder engagement is in play ? internally and externally ? it becomes safer to adapt and improve a product or service rather than launch new ones. Why ruin a good thing?

It is also seems safer to improve the operational side of an organisation by being leaner and more cost-effective rather than radically altering the product or service and risk a customer backlash: something Coca-Cola experienced when they launched new coke in the 1980s. Why risk upsetting the apple cart, and more importantly, an organisation?s shareholders by changing the status quo?

There are certainly many barriers to innovation in organisations ? people, culture, shareholders to name a few ? and varying ways in which to be innovative. In my mind, how an organisation chooses to innovate is contingent on a range of external and internal factors. And also its strategic, longer-term vision of what the future holds.

To read more of Fiona?s articles, visit her blog.

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Source: http://openbusinessperspectives.com/2012/10/31/bounded-innovation-the-limitations-of-organisational-reality/

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November Food Calendar Sneak Peek! | Ate by Ate

So, why the sneak peek of the November Food Calendar while it?s still a work in progress?? Let?s just say you?ll want to snatch up a ticket for some of these events sooner rather later!? Some of these events have a limited amount of tickets and since several of these take place during the first half of the month, posting these an extra few days in advance just might save you a little heartbreak!? Yes, I?m looking you, you burger/chocolate/wine lovers!? Read on for the goods!

Toronto Chocolate Festival 2012: Chocolicious, October 13-November 4.? Various times and locations; check the Chocolicious passport in the link below for all participating locations!? As part of the Toronto Chocolate Festival, Chocolicious offers everyone a rich, decadent taste of some of the finest chocolates, and chocolate pastries and desserts.? Various chocolatiers and patisseries around the city participate in this event by offering coupons, discounts, and special event promotions via the Chocolicious Passport, which chocolate lovers can download and present when they visit participating locations.? http://www.torontochocolatefestival.com/events/chocolicious

Toronto Chocolate Festival 2012: Chocolate High Tea, October 13-November 4 (Fridays and weekends only).? 2:30pm-5pm.? 37 King Street East at the King Edward Skyline Hotel.? $33-$55 +HST/person.? As part of the Toronto Chocolate Festival, the King Edward will be hosting this year?s chocolate high tea!? Indulge in a chocolate inspired afternoon tea menu with loose leaf teas, pastries, desserts, and savoury bites.? http://www.torontochocolatefestival.com/events/chocolate-high-tea

Winterlude at Steam Whistle Brewery, November 2.? 6:30pm-11:30pm.? 255 Bremner Blvd. at Steam Whistle Brewery.? $35/person; must be 19+ years of age to attend.? In support of the Ontario Track 3 Association for the Disabled, Winterlude at Steam Whsitle Brewery will gear you up for the upcoming winter season with carnival games and mechanical snowboard rides, music, silent auctions, and plenty of food and drink to keep you warm!? Brewery tours, finger foods, product booths, sample booths, and more!? http://www.track3.org/innerpage.aspx?x=EdU2leiPwBsW3kxLgxbig5SNEqO746zzeoaRAHIswb4hAlyASiznwwozOF09BP1i

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, November 2-11.? 9am-9pm Monday to Saturday, 9am-9pm Sunday November 4, 9am-6pm Sunday November 11; check schedules and listings on the fair?s website below for specific show times.? 100 Princes? Boulevard and Exhibition Place grounds.? For almost a century, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has dazzled visitors with its world class equestrian competitions and horse and agricultural shows, dining, shopping, and more.? The fair celebrates its 90^th year this year with numerous culinary delights including the royal wine competition, wine tastings dinner, mixology competition, chef challenges involving some of Food Network Canada?s most beloved chefs and personalities, butter sculpting, and so much more!? See calendar listings below for more specific event details.? http://www.royalfair.org/

D?a de los Muertos at Evergreen Brick Works, November 3.? 8am-2pm.? 550 Bayview Ave at Evergreen Brick Works Pavilions.? FREE; cost of food and drink on-site.? Come and celebrate Mexican and Latin American culture, history, and tradition at the Brick Works with art, crafts, music, and FOOD!? Eat to your heart?s content from a number of Mexican and Latin American vendors at the farmers? market including ChocoSol, Pancho?s Bakery, Agave y Aguacate, Oxala, and others serving sweet and savoury baked goods, street food, and more!? And, for $6, take part in a special sweet and savoury tamales competition where you?ll taste and vote on the goods of 4 Toronto chef participants!? http://ebw.evergreen.ca/whats-on/special-events/dia-de-los-muertos

Ice, Wine & Dine, November 3.? 4pm-10pm.? Street festival on Elm Street and around the Yonge-Dundas area.? FREE; cost of food and drink on-site as well as $5 sampler menus from participating restaurants.? As part of Toronto?s Downtown Yonge Winter Magic festival, Ice, Wine & Dine is back for another year!? Embrace the upcoming winter season with a cocktail street party in the heart of downtown Toronto!? Enjoy martinis and cocktails at the Ice Martini Lounge, seasonal wine tastings, and sampler menus from 12 different restaurants in the area.? Ignite the senses at this fun and fabulous winter wonderland culinary event!? http://www.wintermagic.ca/icewinedine

Nth Lounge & Emporium, November 3.? 11am-9pm for general admission (10am for VIP entry which includes continental breakfast along with general admission amenities).? 1214 Queen Street West at the Gladstone Hotel, 2^nd floor lounge.? $25 for general admission, $30 for VIP entry; must be 19+ years of age to attend.? Mix luxury with shopping, pleasure, relaxation, wine, sweets, and cupcakes at this exclusive event at the Gladstone Hotel.? Nth Lounge & Emporium brings experiences such as shopping, art, spa, and food together under one roof with their events and product shows.? Enjoy complimentary wine and cupcake tastings as well as tea and a sweets bar.? http://www.nthlounge.com/tickets.html

Toronto International Luxury Chocolate Show, November 4.? 11am-6pm.? 60 Simcoe Street at Roy Thomson Hall.? $25/person (13+) at the door; $21/person (13+) on-line; $15/child ages 5-12 when accompanied by an adult (tickets only available at the door); FREE for children 4 and under accompanied by parent.? NOTE: strollers are not permitted on show grounds.? Immerse yourself in the luxurious, decadent world of chocolate as you taste and sample your way through hundreds of vendors and chocolatiers, engage in chocolate-making workshops and demos, learn about the history of chocolate and chocolate-making practices, purchase chocolates and chocolate products, and sip on wines at wine and chocolate tastings!? http://www.torontochocolateshow.com/index.html

Food 4 Thought ? A Taste of India, November 9.? 7pm-9pm.? 631 Crawford Street at the Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada.? $20/person or $35 for two.? Enjoy a relaxing evening meditation session in the temple before sitting down to a special 3-course vegetarian meal prepared by volunteers, focused on building, feeding, and maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul.? At this Food 4 Thought session, the flavours of India are showcased.? http://kadampa.ca/event/food-for-thought/

Mariposa?s Holiday Dinner Cruise, November 10.? 6:30pm-10:30pm.? 6:30pm boarding time.? 207 Queens Quay West at the Queens Quay Terminal.? $72.95 +fees and taxes.? Celebrate the holiday season in culinary style at one of Mariposa?s holiday dinner cruises on Toronto?s harbour!? Menu items include shrimp and scallop pasta, roast turkey, prime rib of beef, winter root vegetables, Mediterranean dips and breads, and so much more!? Enjoy a festive evening and a grand winter wonderland buffet dinner on a beautifully decorated cruise ship.? http://www.mariposacruises.com/cruises-special-events.php

Gluten Free Garage at Wychwood Barns, November 11.? 10am-4pm.? 601 Christie Street at Artscape Wychwood Barns.? $10/person, FREE for children 12 and under.? Pay-at-the-door, cash only.? With over 40 different vendors, Gluten Free Garage is Toronto?s very first pop-up gluten-free marketplace showcasing everything from gluten-free lifestyle, nutrition, and food!? Sample and taste your way through this extraordinary event and take away valuable information for eating and living well, gluten free.? Learn about shops, restaurants, and services around the city that offer gluten-free food and products, shop for products, eat gluten-free meals prepared by local chefs, and more.? A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the Canadian Celiac Association.? http://glutenfreegarage.ca/

Gourmet Food & Wine Expo, November 15-18.? 6pm-10pm Thursday (VIP preview), 2pm-10pm Friday, 12pm-10pm Saturday, 12pm-6pm Sunday.? 255 Front Street West at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North building.? $40/person 19+ for VIP preview evening ticket on Thursday, $20/person 19+ for general admission Friday-Sunday.? The annual food and wine show is back for another year with plenty of food and drink to tantalize the tipple!? Sample from hundreds of wine, beer, spirits, and global and local cuisine food and drink vendors, explore the Fine Wine Tasting Lounge, see Food Network Canada chefs and stars, watch demos and more at the All You Need is Cheese Stage, and much more!? http://www.foodandwineexpo.ca/sitepages/

Holiday Craft & Bake Sale, November 17.? 9:30am-1pm.? 1 Overland Drive at the Better Living Health & Community Centre.? FREE; cost of goods on-site.? Do some holiday shopping, support local crafters and artists, and enjoy some fresh, homemade baked goods while you do it!? http://wx.toronto.ca/festevents.nsf/591df5f4e9bb95b0852572ff00502015/11105aa18a7b546385257a98006d0f3c?OpenDocument

Mariposa?s Holiday Dinner Cruise, November 17.? 6:30pm-10:30pm.? 6:30pm boarding time.? 207 Queens Quay West at the Queens Quay Terminal.? $72.95 +fees and taxes.? Celebrate the holiday season in culinary style at one of Mariposa?s holiday dinner cruises on Toronto?s harbour!? Menu items include shrimp and scallop pasta, roast turkey, prime rib of beef, winter root vegetables, Mediterranean dips and breads, and so much more!? Enjoy a festive evening and a grand winter wonderland buffet dinner on a beautifully decorated cruise ship.? http://www.mariposacruises.com/cruises-special-events.php

Tea for Teens Fundraiser, November 20.? 11:30am-3pm.? 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive at the Lakeshore Community Cultural Centre, Assembly Hall.? Cash donation of $25-$50 or a gift card suitable for a tween or teen.? Show the spirit of giving at this fundraising tea event organized by the Junior League of Toronto in support of underprivileged youth this holiday season.? The event, which has assisted a number of charitable organization make a difference in the lives of teens, especially during the holiday season, will incorporate raffles, a tea, music, shopping, and a live fashion show.? http://www.jlt.org/

Burger Broads Burger Ball, November 22.? 8:30pm-11pm.? 364 Danforth Ave. at Burger Stomper Burger Bar.? $45 +$3.69 fee/person ages 19+.? Tickets are limited.? Enjoy all things burger at this first-ever Burger Broads vegetarian food bank fundraiser!? The Burger Broads (a passionate club of women in Toronto who are dedicated to burgers in all their bun and patty glory) report on everything meatatarian and vegetarian when it comes to burgers and to celebrate this passion, the group is hosting this special fundraising event in support of the Ontario Vegetarian Food Bank.? Meet fellow burger lovers and enjoy great music! ?Meet their broads behind the burger!? Eat sliders and mini burgers as you drink from Steam Whistle Brewery!? And best of all, help out a great cause!? http://burgerbroadsburgerball.eventbrite.ca/

2012 Ukrainian Christmas Bazaar, November 23-24.? 11am-8pm Friday, 10am-7pm Saturday.? 135 LaRose Ave. at St. Demetrius Church Hall at Eglinton & Royal York Rd.? FREE; cost of food, drink, and goods on-site.? This annual Christmas show is back for another year with plenty of arts, crafts, shopping, and food!? Feast on baked goods, chocolate and confectionery, jams and jellies, deli, and traditional Ukrainian cuisine including borscht, cabbage rolls, perogies and more!? http://www.stdemetrius.org/

Mariposa?s Holiday Dinner Cruise, November 24.? 6:30pm-10:30pm.? 6:30pm boarding time.? 207 Queens Quay West at the Queens Quay Terminal.? $72.95 +fees and taxes.? Celebrate the holiday season in culinary style at one of Mariposa?s holiday dinner cruises on Toronto?s harbour!? Menu items include shrimp and scallop pasta, roast turkey, prime rib of beef, winter root vegetables, Mediterranean dips and breads, and so much more!? Enjoy a festive evening and a grand winter wonderland buffet dinner on a beautifully decorated cruise ship.? http://www.mariposacruises.com/cruises-special-events.php

Cooking Classes, Demonstrations, and Seminars

GE Caf? Chefs Series: French Cuisine with Local Allure ? Celebrating Southern Ontario Terrior at Evergreen Brick Works, November 6.? 6pm-9pm.? 550 Bayview Ave.? $75 each workshop.? Learn tips and techniques from local Toronto and Ontario chefs, discuss and explore food issues over wine and a great meal with other participants!? Funds raised through the series will help support children?s educational food programs at Evergreen Brick Works.

This fall series focuses on the food culture of southern Ontario.? Join French chef and owner of French bistro, Mogette, Daniel Muia in this workshop devoted to examining and exploring French gastronomy, cultural food heritage, and classics and how these flavours have translated in Toronto.? http://ebw.evergreen.ca/whats-on/food/chefs-series#nov6

GE Caf? Chefs Series: Pasta Party ? Celebrating Southern Ontario Terrior at Evergreen Brick Works, November 13.? 6pm-9pm.? 550 Bayview Ave.? $75 each workshop.? Learn tips and techniques from local Toronto and Ontario chefs, discuss and explore food issues over wine and a great meal with other participants!? Funds raised through the series will help support children?s educational food programs at Evergreen Brick Works.

This fall series focuses on the food culture of southern Ontario.? Join Chef Fabio Bondi, co-owner of Toronto?s Local Kitchen & Wine Bar and Bar Salumi, in this workshop devoted to examining and exploring homemade pasta making, the role pasta making plays in the home in familial relationships and in Italian food culture, and Italian cuisine.? http://ebw.evergreen.ca/whats-on/food/chefs-series#nov13

Green Bites Cooking Workshops ? Total Mexico at Evergreen Brick Works, November 15.? 7pm-9pm.? 550 Bayview Ave.? $55/person.? Green Bites workshops are back for another exciting round of seasonal classes!? Join chefs, producers, farmers, and food experts for some hands-on cooking workshops that are sure to expand your breadth of food knowledge and technique.? These cooking workshops will allow participants to explore tastes, flavours, and aromas while engaging in food issues that affect communities.

At this workshop, join Chef Francisco Alejandri on this whirlwind Mexican culinary tour of culture and heritage.? Learn about the basic tenants of Mexican cuisine, traditional Mexican dishes and ingredients, and explore and enjoy menu items such as ceviche tostadas, chicken mole, Carlota de Limon (Lime Charlotte)!? http://ebw.evergreen.ca/whats-on/food/green-bites#nov15

Green Bites Cooking Workshops ? Fish From Around the World at Evergreen Brick Works, November 29.? 7pm-9pm.? 550 Bayview Ave.? $55/person.? Green Bites workshops are back for another exciting round of seasonal classes!? Join chefs, producers, farmers, and food experts for some hands-on cooking workshops that are sure to expand your breadth of food knowledge and technique.? These cooking workshops will allow participants to explore tastes, flavours, and aromas while engaging in food issues that affect communities.

At this workshop, join Kristin Donovan, co-owner of Hooked Inc., on this global tour of fish and ethnic flavour!? Fish is incredibly versatile and at this workshop, participants will explore how different ethnic and international cuisines utilize different cooking methods and different types of fish in some of their most iconic, traditional dishes and all the different flavours that play into them.? Feast on menu items such as ceviche (Peru), gravlax and cured salmon (Sweden), traditional chowder (Atlantic Canada), whole steamed fish (Asia), and tandoori fish (India). http://ebw.evergreen.ca/whats-on/food/green-bites#nov29

Source: http://atebyatescrapbooking.wordpress.com/2012/10/28/november-food-calendar-sneak-peek/

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Pippa is queen of entertaining as she hosts children's party ... - Hello!

26 OCTOBER 2012 A straightforward book signing was never going to cut the mustard for the launch of Pippa Middleton's first foray into the publishing world. So what better way to unveil a guide to entertaining than to host a party to celebrate?

Marking the release of Celebrate: A year of festivities for Families and Friends with a children's Halloween party at a book shop in Fulham, The Duchess of Cambridge's sister looked to be in her element.

CLICK ON PHOTOS FOR FULL GALLERY

The 29-year-old put the advice in her book to good practice, joining in with games and activities with the children, who all looked to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. The happy group didn't appear to be put off by the eight camera crews from around the world which were on hand to capture the moment.

Pippa was on sparkling form in a LBD with three-quarter length sleeves with a dark green front panel. Her glossy hair was styled with a side parting and half pinned up, the rest tumbling over her shoulders in soft waves.

She completed the look with some gold and tortoiseshell hooped earrings, but her best accessory was her warm smile, which hardly left her face for a moment. By all accounts, the party planner was enjoying her day in the spotlight.

Just before the party she had worn a plum-coloured shift dress from one of her sister's favourite designers Roksanda Ilincic to pose with her book. And before that she had attended a book signing at Foyles.

After the children's party was over, she made another costume change ? putting on tweed panelled dress from Stella McCartney before leaving to celebrate her debut book with friends and family.

In the tome, Pippa details recipes, tips and advice for parties and family gatherings such as Halloween and Bonfire Night. She delves into her family past to divulge traditions like how to make lollipop-studded pumpkins and floating garden ghosts.

Writing in the book, the pretty brunette acknowledges that many readers may initially check it out due to her high profile as the future Queen's sister.

"I know many of you will pick up the book out of nothing more than curiosity," she writes. "[But] I can assure you that it feels even stranger to me than it probably does to you to have seen so much written about me when I have done so little to paint a picture of myself. This is my first chance to do that and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

"The book is designed to be a comprehensive guide to home entertaining, based on my experience in my family's business Party Pieces and work for London-based events company Table Talk."

Pippa was reportedly given a 400,000 advance for the book, which is 417 pages long and perfect for that last minute party rush. She explains that because "entertaining on any scale can be stressful and daunting", Celebrate puts all its focus on "ways to manage and enjoy the process".

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Source: http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/201210269838/pippa-middleton-book-launch/

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'Iron Man 3' Trailer: Why Tony Stark Is His Own Worst Enemy

Tony goes emo and Mandarin makes his move in MTV News' five key scenes from the sneak peek.
By Josh Wigler

Sir Ben Kingsley as Mandarin in the "Iron Man 3" trailer
Photo: Walt Disney Pictures

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1696082/iron-man-3-trailer-key-scenes-mandarin.jhtml

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Why Is Samsung The Only Company Investing In The Stylus ...

This holiday season is shaping up to be absolutely insane in the mobile technology space, with new products landing almost more quickly than we can cover them. The pace of announcement and release shows no sign of slowing, but if you?re an OEM, one of the nice things about launching a truly impressive beast of a device is that it stays in the headlines a while.

Such is the case with the Galaxy Note II, a device we featured rather heavily in the weeks leading up to and following its release, crowned by the longest review I?ve ever written. It?s one of the year?s most significant devices, and not just because of its screen real estate, monumental spec sheet, or still-surprising success as a hybrid product. It must be said: the Galaxy Note II, and its predecessor, are successful devices in part due to their styli. Sorry ? their S Pens.

The distinction is important not just from a snobby branding perspective; the S Pen really is different. In case you missed our S Pen Lesson from a few weeks back, check it out below to see a few ways Samsung has enhanced the stylus experience on the Galaxy Note II. And no, you don?t need to remind me: I know about the ?menu? and ?back? gestures (now), but I still find them cumbersome.

Weirdo shortcuts aside, it?s plain to see how much utility the S Pen brings to the Galaxy Note II experience. It?s not perfect, as pointed out both above and in the full review video; the feel of the pen on the screen and the sub-1:1 responsiveness are slight dings against the user interaction. But overall, the experience of using the device is enhanced by the addition of the S Pen, and that seems true in the tablet-sized Note experience as well.

Why, then, aren?t more manufacturers hopping aboard the stylus bandwagon? HTC got closest with the functionally similar (but massive) stylus for its Flyer tablet, but other OEMs seem content to offer only unimpressive capacitive styli for use with their devices. LG?s Optimus Vu/Intuition suffers from this deficiency, combined with the fact that the device offers no dock or silo to accommodate the stylus.

It?s the very nature of capacitive styli that immediately handicap any would-be Galaxy Note competitor. If you?re not hip to the e-pen world, the difference between an S Pen and a capacitive stylus might not be immediately apparent, so check out this video on how cool Samsung?s C Pen isn?t:

The crucial difference tends to be this: most manufacturers are willing to slap on a capacitive stylus as an available accessory, or even to bundle one with a device. Far fewer are willing to go the extra step of changing their smartphone designs to accommodate the added technology a stylus requires to truly shine.

As we?ve covered before, the Galaxy Note phablet/tablet family doesn?t just rely on the S Pen itself to increase its utility. The displays of these devices are different, incorporating a Wacom digitizer in addition to the standard capacitive elements we?ve come to know and love in our smartphones. The result is a display that can sense pressure, not just mere contact? over 1,000 levels of it, in the case of the newer Notes. The inclusion of the digitizer means Galaxy Note displays diverge significantly from their Wacom-less counterparts. As a Wikipedia clipping from XDA-Developers explains:

Under the tablet?s surface ? is a printed circuit board with a grid of multiple send/receive coils and a magnetic reflector attached behind the grid array. In send mode, the tablet generates a close-coupled electromagnetic field (also known as a B-field) ? [which] stimulates oscillation in the pen?s coil/capacitor (LC) circuit when brought into range of the B-field ?

In receive mode, the energy of the resonant circuit?s oscillations in the pen is detected by the tablet?s grid. This information is analyzed by the computer to determine the pen?s position, by interpolation and Fourier analysis of the signal intensity. In addition, the pen communicates other vital information, such as pen tip pressure, side-switch status, tip vs. eraser orientation, and the ID number of the tool (to differentiate between different pens, mice, etc.). For example, applying more or less pressure to the tip of the pen changes the value of the pen?s timing circuit capacitor.

Anatomy of a first-generation S Pen.

That?s a pretty hefty design change right there, and it?s one that other companies have been unwilling or unable to commit to. As a result, they offer a stylus experience that?s either nonexistent or severely deficient by comparison.

You could make the argument that a deficient stylus experience on a smartphone is all but irrelevant in today?s world; after all, phablets have been more successful than many anticipated, but they can hardly be called mainstream. Many still consider a stylus to be little more than an artifact from the days of the Treo. But Samsung is clearly looking to change that with the Galaxy Note II; it?s about to launch nearly simultaneously on all four major U.S. carriers (an event we?ll be covering, so stay tuned). Clearly the company is no longer content with niche success, and has its sights set on porting the phablet concept to the masses.?At the risk of repeating myself: the stylus is a crucial component of the hybrid phone/tablet formula, and doing it right is a requisite to success in that segment.

If other companies want a piece of the pie, they must be willing to execute properly rather than tacking a rubber nub onto the end of a fancy-looking pen and selling it as an accessory. And there?s still time; Samsung has a lot of momentum and a ton of buzz surrounding the Galaxy brand in general, and the Note family in particular, but it?s not perfect. A competitor who figures out how to improve on the stylus experience still has a chance to carve out a sub-niche in the formerly narrow phablet sector. They just have to care enough, and believe enough that they?d realize a substantial return on the effort, to do it right.

___

Title image source: SlashGear

S Pen anatomy info, photo source: XDA-Developers

Source: http://pocketnow.com/2012/10/22/why-is-samsung-the-only-company-investing-in-the-stylus

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October 23 preview: Imagining Apple's iPad mini event

Back in May, iMore learned Apple would be going ahead with a 7-inch iPad and targeting an October release. Now Apple has gone and announced an October 23, 2012 event, and while we won't know the exact agenda until Apple executives take the California Theater stage, it's widely expected that the iPad mini will be star of the show. But it won't be the whole show. Whether Apple runs the October iPad/Mac event like the September iPhone/iPod event, as essentially two separate events glued together, or whether they run them as a single event like the WWDC Keynote that flows from one topic to another, rumors persist of a focus on iBooks, of an updated iPad 3, of new Macs, and perhaps of more.

Figuring out which are red herrings and which are real leaks, which are actual products and which are just products of the imagination is an interesting exercise. Apple doesn't pre-announce, but they also don't just throw things at walls to see what will stick. They're secretive but focused, surprising but sane. Based on their past behavior, we can try and predict their future behavior. And based on their past events, we can make some educated guesses about this week's event.

Apple update

As usual, it's likely Apple's CEO Tim Cook will take the stage first, welcome everyone, and the proceed to give a quick overview of how Apple is doing. Apple Retail, iPhone 5 sales, Mac sales, App Store, iTunes Store, iBookstore, and everything else we usually see at the beginning of an Apple event. And again, unlike most other companies, we won't get bullshit percentages of specific markets or inventory stuffed into channels. We'll get numbers, big ones, and lots of them.

iPad mini

There is a segment of the market for which the current 9.7-inch iPad is too expensive, to heavy, or for one or both of those reasons doesn't make it the reading-centric experience they're looking for. An iPad mini -- or iPad air -- that costs less, is substantially lighter, and is launched in conjunction with an expanded and improved iBooks initiative, addresses that market segment.

It could well be the next big (little) thing, and Apple's next hundred million seller. And it could kick Amazon's Kindle teeth in. Here's the deal:

• iPad mini preview redux

iPad 3 mark II

Back in August iMore reported that Apple was planning to update the iPad 3 to the new Lightning connector as well. In addition, new chipsets also sounded like their were on the agenda, including an iPhone 5-style cellular radio for international LTE. Although not at all a direct parallel, think of it like the Verizon iPhone 4 and its improved antenna -- a mid-cycle update to add additional markets, that just happens to improve a few things along the way.

• Regarding the iPad 3 mark II
• iPad 3 mark II pricing reportedly leaked, same configurations as before

iBooks

If Apple really intends to use the iPad mini to clear the tablet skies of Amazon and their budget-ilk, than it needs to address books. Apple is so far ahead of any other online content provider in almost every area, it's almost laughable (if those of us outside the U.S. weren't so busy crying...), but books are a different matter. Apple's iBooks have always been technically ahead of Amazon's Kindle books in terms of capabilities, but Amazon is closing that gap. The gap Apple has to close is catalog.

It doesn't matter how good looking your books are if the ones people want to read aren't in your catalog. If Apple can equal Amazon's catalog, only then can their technology really eclipse Amazon's offering.

(And hey, can we get a Mac version already?)

Macs

The Retina Mac revolution began with the 15-inch at WWDC. Where it goes next has been the question ever since. 21- and 27-inch iMacs (and Thunderbolt displays) probably aren't imminent. Making panels that big and that dense sounds cost prohibitive at this point. Driving that panel is also beyond the throughput of current generation ThunderBolt connectors. Too. Many. Pixels.

Likewise, the MacBook Air line lacks the discreet GPU needed to run Retina, and lacks enough space in the unibody for batteries to power it. That leaves the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Apple could add a GPU to the 13-inch, and the panel size is smaller than the 15-inch, so it's both doable and affordable. And it looks like that's exactly what Apple has done -- the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro.

The Mac mini will likely see updates to the latest Intel chipsets, along with USB 3.

That just leaves the iMac. It won't be Retina, it will also get updates to the latest chips and USB 3. The big question is whether it will get the same, new laminated panel the new MacBook Pros enjoy. That wouldn't make it denser, but it would make it better looking.

• New details on new Macs rumored for Oct. 23 Apple event

iTunes 11

Apple showed off iTunes 11 for the first time at the iPhone 5 event back in September, but won't be releasing it until October. That leaves the potential for additional features to be shown off. And that's a mixed bag. People still use desktops and Apple still needs a single hub it can easily port to Windows, but iTunes is the past.

Regardless of what we get this Tuesday, it might just be the beginning of that end.

iOS 6.x

Time was Apple released new versions of iOS in the summer alongside the new iPhone, and updated them to iOS x.1 alongside thew new iPod touch. But now iPhone's are released in the fall, and this year the iPod touch with it, so could there still be an iOS 6.1 before year's end?

We've heard rumors of additional iOS 6 functionality, things that didn't make it into the first release. AirPlay direct, and other direct device-to-device data transfer features are one. Expanded background downloads and other activity is another.

We've all seen the iPad before. We've all seen iOS 6 before. Apple makes their money on hardware, but their soul is in software. If there's something else to either the device or the event, if there's something else on the roadmap this year, we'll know it when and if Apple SVP of iOS, Scott Forstall, takes the stage.

Join us for our coverage on Tuesday.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/uB-O7NVRmyU/story01.htm

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Southwest Airlines to take over more AirTran routes

13 hrs.

AP staff , Associated Press

DALLAS -?Southwest Airlines will take over routes from AirTran Airways in four cities next April as Southwest continues to combine the two airlines.

Southwest said Monday that AirTran will end several nonstop routes to and from Charlotte, N.C.; Flint, Mich.; Rochester, N.Y.; and Portland, Maine, on April 13.

The flights will begin as Southwest service the next day. The changes are part of Southwest's new schedule, which runs through May.

Southwest Airlines Co. bought AirTran last year. It is gradually phasing out the AirTran operation and folding it into Southwest.?

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/travel/southwest-airlines-take-over-more-airtran-routes-1C6610018

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