The much vaunted special relationship connects the U.S. and the UK, but apparently it also links Apple and the BBC? Also, Cupertino may plan to encheapen iPhones, the Comcast-NBC merger isn’t all bad news, and don’t go, Jony Ive! The remains for February 28, 2011, are staying right here.
Updated: Apple And The BBC To Co-Host iPad 2 Release Event? (CrunchGear)
While all eyes are on San Francisco in anticipation of Wednesday’s event, it seems that Apple has also scheduled a simultaneous joint presentation with the BBC across the pond—rumors say the shindig will be hosted by British actor, writer, comedian, and tech pundit Stephen Fry. The anglophile in me has his fingers crossed that, if Steve Jobs’s health precludes him from hosting the California event, frequent Fry collaborator and House star Hugh Laurie will show up to take the reins. Most. Charming. Apple. Event. Ever.
Apple Plots Move To Expand iPhone’s Market Share (Forbes)
Apple COO Tim Cook apparently sat down with Bernstein Research analyst Toni Sacconaghi to talk company strategy. In the meeting, he offered a few tantalizing tidbits: for example, the company is apparently working on “clever things” to deal with the prepaid cell phone market (Thrills!). Cook also noted that Apple didn’t want the iPhone to be “just for the rich,” leading many to conclude that the company will be making cheaper iPhones (Chills!). Finally, the famously fit executive finished up the meeting by challenging all present to a Jack Palance push-up contest.
Comcast, NBC deal opens door for online video (Yahoo Finance)
The merger of giants NBC Universal and Comcast has been viewed by many—including yours truly—with the same level of trepidation as the opening of the Hellmouth. But there may be an upshot: in order to get government approval of the marriage, the new company must allow its content to be distributed online via Netflix and iTunes. Seems all hunky-dory, but we’re sure the company has its crack legal firm trying to find a loophole as we speak.
Ive due $30m stock windfall, may seek relocation back to UK (TUAW)
Say it ain’t so, Jony. A weekend report suggests that Apple senior vice president of industrial design, Jonathan Ive, may be looking to return to his native land of England. Ive is now able to sell company stock that he required as part of an option grant in 2008, enabling him to come into some serious bread and honey. But it’s not all happy-fun-sunshine land: supposedly, the designer and his wife want to educate their kids in the UK; Ive has engaged in discussions with Apple over this move, but the end result may entail him leaving the company. Don’t panic, though: if anybody can replace Jony Ive, it’s a special robot designed by Jony Ive (in California, naturally).