Tim Cook Seeking ‘Friendlier, More Approachable Face’ for Apple with New PR Chief Hire
With the retirement of Apple’s longtime public relations chief Katie Cotton having become official as of May 30, the company is now looking for her successor. according to Re/code, Tim Cook is personally overseeing the search and is seeking some external candidates who could put a “friendlier, more approachable face” on the company even as Apple has several in-house candidates who could step into the role.
[T]hough there are at least two well-qualified internal candidates for the job — comms veterans Steve Dowling and Nat Kerris — Apple is also looking outside the company for Cotton’s replacement. Sources in position to know tell Code/red that CEO Tim Cook is overseeing the search, aiming to find some high-profile external candidates for consideration. And he’s paying particular attention to those he believes could put a friendlier, more approachable face on Apple’s public relations efforts.
Apple software chief Craig Federighi posed for numerous photos with WWDC attendees (Photo: @alexford)
While there have been signs that Apple has been opening up a bit under Tim Cook’s watch, that evolution took a significant step forward at last week’s Worldwide Developers Conference with the company making a number changes such as loosening non-disclosure restrictions on developers and making session materials available to the public.
Developers in general reported a much greater feeling of openness from Apple at the event, from the confident and friendly attitudes of Apple’s executives and engineers to the developer “love letter” that was WWDC with the host of new tools for helping developers build better apps for iOS and OS X.
Costco Preparing to Begin Selling iPhone and iPad as iTunes Store Gift Cards Return
Back in late 2010, Apple and warehouse club chain Costco parted ways, ending a relationship that had seen Costco carrying iPods and iTunes Store gift cards. The two companies now appear to have patched up their differences, reaching an agreement that will see the second largest retailer in the U.S. begin carrying the iPhone and cellular iPads through its wireless kiosks.
The news comes via an email from Dan Brettler, founder and CEO of Car Toys and its Wireless Advocates subsidiary, which handles wireless sales for Costco. The email was sent to Wireless Advocates employees, notifying them of the new partnership.
Wireless Advocates Team,
I am extremely excited to share the news of a new partnership between Apple Inc. and Costco Wholesale. This partnership will bring a top selling line-up of Apple products to Costco members including the iPhone and embedded iPads. As Costco’s solution for wireless devices and services, we are proud to be a part of this new partnership and incorporate Apple products into our already strong product line-up in Costco.
We already know Apple products. They are not new to our business. We currently sell Apple products in two of our three enterprise channels (Car Toys and Military). We already have a great business partnership with them and this new opportunity strengthens that relationship. They are valuable to our long-term success and growth in our space. This initiative will accelerate same store sales through performance gains and new products and services, as well as enhance our strategic partnership with our suppliers. This is critical to the overall success of “Our 5 Strategic Business Initiatives”.
In his email, Brettler acknowledges that there is still “much backend work and physical kiosk work” to be done before Costco stores can begin selling iPhones and iPads, and he does not provide a timeline for the start of sales. He does, however, promise to keep employees updated as the project moves forward.
Beyond iPhone and iPad, several Twitter users have reported yesterday and today that Costco has once again begun selling iTunes Store gift cards. This is likely separate from the hardware partnership with Wireless Advocates but part of the broader agreement between Apple and Costco, with the gift card portion moving forward on a faster timeline due to the ease of rollout.
Apple Cracking Down on Apps That Incentivize Ad Watching, Social Sharing
It appears that Apple has begun cracking down on some of the methods that developers use to monetize their apps, including those that offer in-app rewards for viewing videos and sharing on social networks. Providing in-game currency, extra lives, or another incentive for watching an advertisement on another App Store app is common in freemium games, but some apps with these features have begun seeing rejections from the App Store staff.
As noted by TechCrunch and a source that spoke to MacRumors, Apple has been rejecting apps that incentivize social sharing and use ads as rewards since last week.
According to one developer, Apple rejected an app that had been previously approved many times after an update that included only a re-skin without changing any core functionality. Apple cited guideline 2.25, which it has used to shut down many app discovery apps like AppGratis, and 3.10, which involves manipulating app rankings.
2.25: Apps that display Apps other than your own for purchase or promotion in a manner similar to or confusing with the App Store will be rejected, unless designed for a specific approved need (e.g. health management, aviation, accessibility, etc.) or to provide significant added value for a targeted group of customers.
3.10: Developers who attempt to manipulate or cheat the user reviews or chart ranking in the App Store with fake or paid reviews, or any other inappropriate methods will be removed from the iOS Developer Program
Screenshots attached to the rejection pointed towards an advertisement within the app for a different game (a violation of 2.25) and a button that rewarded users with in-game coins for watching a video (a violation of 3.10).
The 2.25 rejection is for promoting other apps not your own. The attached screenshot showed an EA game as a “Free Game”.
Additionally, your 3.10 rejection was for offering free in-game credits for watching videos of other apps by developers other then yourself.
An Apple representative went on to explain that developers are not able to have a “More Games” or “Other Games” section that points to apps other than their own, and that it is not acceptable for users to watch a video about another app to get in-game credits or benefits. This could have a significant affect on both developers and app monetization companies that use incentivized video like Tapjoy, Flurry, and more.
Other developers have received similar rejections under the same guidelines, with one getting rejected for offering hints after an app was shared on Facebook. Incentives for sharing games on social networks and rewards for watching video ads are two highly popular monetization methods used by countless freemium apps, including major players like Candy Crush.
Apple’s crackdown on certain advertising methods being used by app developers may be related to an App Store overhaul that the company plans to introduce alongside iOS 8. iOS 8 will bring several changes to the App Store, including an improved App Store search algorithm, an “Explore” feature, app bundles offered at a discount, and TestFlight beta testing for developers.
Minecraft maker’s newest game blends cliffs, horses and Dogecoin
Markus “Notch” Persson is mainly known as the man behind Minecraft, but he’s quickly developing a reputation for eccentric games that cover everything from speed typing to existential drama. If there’s any doubt, you just have to look at his latest title, Cliffhorse. Yes, it’s as absurd as the title suggests — you play a horse pushing a giant ball around cliffs, and there isn’t more to it than that. However, that barely-there design (which took all of two hours to build) is really the point. Persson describes the Windows-only game as a jab at developers who abuse early access programs by charging money for “minimum effort” releases, where most of the content theoretically comes later. And yes, he’s aware of the irony given that he charged for Minecraft well before it was finished.
In case the silliness of the project wasn’t patently clear, Notch is only accepting voluntary Dogecoin donations as payment; you can download Cliffhorse completely for free, if you like. It’s just as well that there’s no real profit model, since there’s also “no guarantee of future updates.” You may not like Persson’s parody enough to send him virtual currency. Still, the launch may be helpful if it gets some developers to put in a bit more work before they ask gamers to pay up.
@bonzrat Two hours in Unity. Boom. Goty.
– Markus Persson (@notch) June 7, 2014
Source: Cliffhorse
Netflix will stop ‘test’ blaming streaming slowdowns on ISPs, for now
In Netflix’s latest ISP Speed Index, it’s not only tracking how well streams are flowing to customers, but has an update on the new error messages that started popping up last week. Referring to a message during buffering telling FiOS customers that “The Verizon network is crowded right now” as a “small scale test,” it says the plan is to stop the notifications on June 16th while it evaluates rolling them out broadly. It doesn’t say if this is related to Verizon’s cease and desist letter, but Netflix does keep insisting that it’s not at fault for slowdowns, saying that it “does not purposely select congested routes.” That’s what Comcast and Verizon have suggested, as they negotiate deals with Netflix to have it pay them directly for a better connection. As for the May report itself there’s little change, although both Verizon FiOS and Comcast speeds dropped slightly from the previous month.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Verizon
Source: Netflix
‘Halo: The Master Chief Collection’ coming to Xbox this fall, Halo 5 beta in December
The next installment of the Halo series isn’t coming out until next year, so there’s plenty of time to revisit the franchise and catch up on the timeline. Given today’s consoles, however, the four games featuring the Master Chief look like they could use a touch-up. As we reported two weeks ago, Microsoft confirmed Halo: The Master Chief Collection, which is a HD remastered collection of Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3 and Halo 4. The new setup comes courtesy of 343 Industries and will be coming to Xbox on November 11th (the 10th anniversary of Halo 2‘s release) with the multiplayer experience intact, including all DLC; in addition, you’ll be able to enjoy the multiplayer beta of Halo 5: Guardians this December.
Like a 4-tiered sandwich of #Halo goodness for $59.99. Halo: The Master Chief Collection. #OnlyOnXboxOne #XboxE3 pic.twitter.com/EoNXioIiPt
– Xbox (@Xbox) June 9, 2014
All four games will be practically unchanged, though they will come in 1080p and will run at 60fps; in Halo 2 you’ll have the option to switch back-and-forth from the original graphics to the Xbox One engine whenever you want, much like the anniversary edition of Combat Evolved. The soundtracks from the first two games will also be replaced with new music. Every difficulty level, map and mission from all four games will come unlocked, which means you’ll be able to play everything from the start, as well as curate playlists and mission types.
Those who purchase The Master Chief Collection will be able to access the multiplayer beta of Halo 5: Champions coming out this December, as well as a Steven Spielberg-backed live-action TV series called Halo: Nightfall, which will introduce a new character in the lead-up to Halo 5 next year.
Dance Central returns to Xbox as a download-only game
Kinect may no longer be a mandatory part of the Xbox One experience, but there could still be an incentive to pick one up: Harmonix has just used Microsoft’s E3 keynote to unveil Dance Central Spotlight, a revival of its long-serving rhythm game series. Apart from delivering the visual upgrades you’d expect with a new generation of hardware, the title promises more dance routines and a fitness mode that will give you a proper workout. While more details of the game mechanics have yet to come, Spotlight will be a download-only release when it arrives on the Xbox One in September.
SteelSeries Introduces Console Controller-Sized Stratus XL Game Controller [iOS Blog]
Building on the success of its wireless Stratus controller, SteelSeries today introduced the Stratus XL, a full-sized gaming controller for the iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. Similar to its pocket-sized counterpart, the Stratus XL connects to your iOS device wirelessly through Bluetooth instead of the Lightning port.
The Stratus XL features a larger, console controller-inspired design that provides room for two analog joysticks, a pressure-sensitive directional pad (D-pad), 4 pressure-sensitive action buttons and 4 shoulder buttons that include two trigger buttons.
“We have been working for well over a year now on perfecting the wireless controller experience for iOS devices. We have been incredibly impressed by the way the SteelSeries Stratus has been received by consumers so far and we are looking forward to introducing the Stratus XL to the iOS gaming community – who have been asking for a full-sized controller option,” said Tino Soelberg, SteelSeries CTO. “The Stratus XL was designed to meet their demands, delivered with the premium features and top-to-bottom quality expected from SteelSeries.”
The Stratus XL will support the same iOS 7 games as the original Stratus including Dead Trigger 2, Asphalt 8: Airborne, Bastion and more. The large format controller will debut later this year at a price that is yet to be announced. Customers can visit the Stratus XL product page and sign up to be notified when the product availability date and pricing are confirmed.
What you need to know about the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)
Spring rains are ending; the R train tunnel is nearly through with repairs (after being ravaged by Hurricane Sandy); and we’re nowhere near Engadget HQ in downtown Manhattan. Alas, it’s early summer: time for the Electronic Entertainment Expo once more. The annual game industry trade event, commonly referred to as “E3,” unofficially kicks off today in Los Angeles. A quartet of press conferences start at 9AM PT, with Microsoft and Sony bookending the day’s proceedings. But wait — what’s all the fuss about? “What’s the deal with E3?” you say in your best Jerry Seinfeld voice.
In short, E3 is a big marketing event for the game industry. In reality, E3 is much, much more than that.
WHAT IS IT?
E3 — the so-called Electronic Entertainment Expo — is a three-day game industry trade show in Los Angeles, California. It draws game makers, publishers, marketing and press all into the same venue, the Los Angeles Convention Center, for an annual marketing blitz aimed at showcasing the coming holiday’s big games. It’s where the CEOs, executives and game makers of Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo and many others make grandiose stage presentations announcing new hardware and software. It’s where game consoles are announced, interviews take place and deals are brokered. It’s where Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime originally said, “My body is ready,” and where former PlayStation head Kaz Hirai said, “Riiiiiiiidge Racerrrr!” It’s the place where many, many gaming memes originated.
To understand the event more clearly, you must first know that a tremendous portion of the game industry’s money is earned during holiday sales. What’s “tremendous” in this case? Try over one-third in 2013 alone. “But last year, right around the holidays, both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 launched!” you protest. Fair point! In 2012, the number was even higher: Just shy of 40 percent of the game industry’s money was earned in the holiday season (Oct. 1st through Dec. 31st). That’s not an aberration; it’s the standard.
As such, the game industry cares an awful lot about making a big splash with holiday plans in… June. It might sound early, but there are just four months between June and October; for many game publishers, it’s the beginning of a final marketing push before a game’s big holiday release.
Of course, the world of video games is wide and varied; much of what you read above applies directly to the biggies: Call of Duty, Battlefield, Madden, Halo, etc. Though smaller games have a bigger presence than ever at E3, it’s still primarily a trade event aimed at showcasing blockbuster games that cost millions of dollars.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Though the show “officially” runs from Tuesday through Thursday of whatever week it falls on (the second week of June in recent years), the show really begins on Monday. This year, Microsoft’s starting the show with a press briefing at 9AM PT, followed by Electronic Arts, then Ubisoft, then Sony in the evening. None of the briefings are in the same venue, and they occasionally overlap. If you were standing outside of downtown LA’s Orpheum Theater, for instance, around noon PT today, you might find an Engadget editor scurrying out ahead of the presentation ending. They’re not just going to get more coffee; they’re heading to the next event to hold a spot in line. Such is the first day of E3.
In the case of us, we liveblog; we interview; we run from place to place while sharing our favorite Luigi death stare GIFs along the way. Heck, last year we even did live broadcasts before and after the presentations.
E3 goes “official” on Tuesday at noon PT as the doors to West and South Hall inside the LACC open. Why noon? Well, you might be wondering why Nintendo’s press conference wasn’t mentioned yet. That’s because, as of last year, Nintendo no longer holds a dedicated press briefing event, instead opting for a direct-to-consumers video presentation ahead of the show floor’s noon opening (think: Nintendo Direct). But the long and short is this: Tuesday morning used to be Nintendo’s press conference, but not anymore. It’s as simple as that.
When the doors to each hall do open, swathes of attendees flood in: Approximately 50,000 people walk E3′s two enormous halls over the three days it exists each year.
WHY SHOULD I CARE?
Well, for starters, because video games are rad, but you probably already know that. The actual reasons you should care about E3 are far less esoteric. Want to know what the next major steps are from the megacorporations that make your favorite games? E3 is where to find out. How about never-before-seen games? E3 is also great for that. It’s also, occasionally, a venue for new hardware announcements. Both Project Natal (which became Kinect) and PlayStation Move were E3 announcements, as was Nintendo’s incredibly popular 3DS handheld.
In short, regardless of the marketing-driven angle, and the spectacle of two sprawling convention halls full of multi-million dollar booths erected for just three days per year, E3 is a hugely important event for both the game industry and the people who sustain it.
Also, it’s full of hilarious memes.
WANT EVEN MORE?
And who wouldn’t?! Last year, Sean Buckley wrote an incredibly thorough history of E3 — if you’re into learning more about E3, that is a must-read. For the Nate Silvers in the crowd, the body that runs E3 — the Entertainment Software Association — releases an annual statistical study of gaming, including E3 trends (PDF). And finally, Polygon’s Chris Plante made a pretty hilarious video walking through even more details about “America’s biggest video game event” (he means E3).
[Image credit: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong]
Filed under: Gaming, Software, HD, Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo
Watch the Xbox E3 2014 press conference right here!
It’s that time of year again, can you feel it? It’s E3! What will you be playing this fall on the Xbox One’s first birthday? We’ll find out today, and you can watch along as it happens. What should you expect? Probably more details on the Halo: Master Chief Collection, a heaping helping of the console’s colorful (and from the looks of it, pretty wacky) shooter Sunset Overdrive and some of Forza: Horizon 2‘s fancy rides. But wait, there’s likely more: you like Call of Duty, watching movies and TV shows on your Xbox and charming indie games too, right? Well, based on previous years we should see more news about those too. So be sure to check out our liveblog and follow along with the press conference that’s embedded just below. It’ll be fun!
[Image credit: Flickr user ‘Criisi’]
Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD, Microsoft
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