Remains of the Day: Ad vantage

Are Apple’s ads falling behind those of their rivals? One ad man thinks so. Elsewhere, Apple forks over credit to parents bit by inadvertent in-app purchases, and one CEO tells us how he really feels about the company under its new leadership. The remainders for Tuesday, February 26, 2013 aren’t pulling any punches.

Apple battling where it used to crush (Ken Segall’s Observatory)

Ken Segall, who used to work at Chiat/Day and consulted on Apple’s ad campaigns, says that the company’s current commercials are on the lackluster side, especially when compared with competing spots from … Samsung!?. I don’t know about you, but last time I saw a Samsung ad I threw a hammer through my TV.

Uh, speaking of which, anybody got a line on when that Apple TV set might come out?

Apple settles lawsuit over apps aimed at kids—will pay $5 iTunes credit or cash (GigaOm)

If your tiny tot got ahold of your iPhone and started buying in-app purchases willy-nilly, the good news is that Apple will recompense you. For amounts of $5 and over, you can claim an iTunes Store credit; if the amount is more than $30, you can ask for cash. If the amount is over $500, then your kid has a lot of lawns to mow.

Apple Now a Bit Easier to Deal With, and Other Observations From France Telecom’s Straight-Talking CEO (AllThingsD)

Stephane Richard, CEO of France Telecom-Orange, described Apple without Steve Jobs as “a little less arrogant” and “a little more under pressure.” Then the somewhat irreverent CEO led the assembled press in a karaoke version of the David Bowie/Queen classic.

Apple Finally Abandons their Iconic “Newton” Trademark (Patently Apple)

If you had your fingers crossed that the Newton might someday make a comeback, I think it’s time you put that particular daydream to rest. As of February 12, Apple relinquished its trademark on the erstwhile PDA (at least in Canada). Then again, maybe the company’s just playing the long game … introducing the iPhone Newton!

Staples now selling accessories for the iPad, iPhone, iPod and Mac (TUAW)

So, yeah, I guess they’ve got that.