As The O’Jays once so eloquently put it: “Money money money money money…monnnneyyyy.” Whether it’s bonuses to Apple execs, the company’s new “EasyPay” retail system, a deal with another U.S. carrier, or an attempt to woo a content provider to the tablet, you can bet dollars to donuts that it’s the dollars—not the donuts—that make the world go round. Those and the lasers, anyway. Oh, what the remainders for Friday, November 4, 2011 couldn’t do with plenty of money and you.
Apple gives most of its top execs $60M bonuses (CNET)
Apple’s doing well financially. So why not reward Apple’s executive team—while also ensuring that they stick around? That’s what Apple did Wednesday, when it passed out 150,000 shares of stock to each of its most senior vice presidents. Getting the $60M payout (in today’s value, but vesting in 2013 and 2016) are SVP and general counsel Bruce Sewell, SVP of Operations Jeffrey Williams, SVP of Worldwide Product Marketing Phil Schiller, CFO Peter Oppenheimer, SVP of Hardware Engineering Bob Mansfield, and SVP of iOS Software Scott Forstall. SVP of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue gets a smaller 100,000-share grant (but previously was awarded 100,000 shares when he was promoted in September).
Apple Prepares Its Retail Stores For New ‘EasyTheft’ System (Cult of Mac)
That supposed Apple Store payment system revamp didn’t appear this week, as expected, but according to Cult of Mac, it’s coming soon: Signs have reportedly begun appearing at Apple’s retail locations, letting customers know they’ll be able to purchase certain items from their phone. Or, alternatively, letting them know just which items are ripe for the taking.
A report from 9to5 Mac says that Apple vice president of global security, John Theriault, has departed the company. The report links Theriault’s departure to the investigation for the missing iPhone 4S prototype earlier this year, but we think maybe he was just replaced with a more serious candidate.
U.S. Cellular: We said no to Apple’s iPhone (FierceWireless)
Domestic carrier U.S. Cellular says it turned down the chance to sell the iPhone because it wouldn’t have made economic sense—though it did mention it was open to reconsidering in the future. CEO Mary Dillon said during a financial conference call that Apple’s terms were “unacceptable from a risk and profitability standpoint.” The risk of making a profit was just too great!
CBS turned down an ad-based Apple TV deal (GigaOm)
Speaking of being turned down, CBS CEO Les Moonves (personal motto: “Les is more!”) said recently that the company had declined to sign on with an Apple TV subscription streaming service, because it didn’t want a revenue-sharing model. Why does nobody want any money?
Apple’s 5th Avenue Store closes as the wraps come off the Cube (9to5 Mac)
The redesigned glass cube at the Fifth Avenue Apple Store in New York has been unveiled and it’s…a glass cube. Now with, uh, 100 percent more transparency. Marvel at the…glass…ness.
Apple’s Supply-Chain Secret? Hoard Lasers (Bloomberg)
I have been saying this for years!
Product News:
Doctor Who Encyclopedia for iPad – The BBC has released a digital interactive encyclopedia for its popular science-fiction series, Doctor Who. The app offers more than three thousand entries, sorted by episode, character, place, or object; interactive portals for major characters; galleries; and episodes for preview and purchase. $7, which includes all information on the Eleventh Doctor; you can purchase additional sections on the Ninth and Tenth Doctors within the app.