Tim Sinclaire, Author at Rush Times

Spanish PM Warns Scotland Regarding Long, Arduous EU Reapplication

September 17, 2014 By Tim Sinclaire

With Scotland potentially seceding from the United Kingdom, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy warned that the country will have to reapply for European Union membership, a long process that could last up to eight years.

Speaking in front of the Spanish Parliament, Rajoy said that voting in favor of Scottish independence would serve as a “torpedo” to the EU’s vulnerabilities, and that the EU was created to integrate states, and not to break them up. He added that independence would be bad for everyone involved, meaning the region, the state, and the EU in general, saying that “there would be very little support” for an independent Scotland. Rajoy’s comments were made after a report from UK publication The Telegraph stated that Scotland First Minister Alex Salmond was purposely misleading Scots regarding an independent Scotland’s status within the EU. R\

Salmond had recently spoken on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, claiming he had spoken to representatives from other EU members, and that Scotland would not have to reapply from scratch, instead receiving a fast-track entry in between a potential Yes vote and the formal separation, which would potentially take place in March 2016. This was denied by the Belgian and French governments, as well as Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, all of whom asserted they had not had any talks with Salmond or his government.

Separate from Rajoy, Spanish European Affairs Minister Inigo Mendez de Vigo said earlier in the week that an independent Scotland would have to wait five years or more before joining the EU, which would be the only time it can sign for reapplication. This would have to be unanimously approved by all 28 member states, with these member states deciding the terms of an independent Scotland’s membership in the union.

New GTA 5 Release Dates Announced – Nov. 18 for Xbox One, PS4, Jan. 27 for PC

September 12, 2014 By Tim Sinclaire

Rockstar Games made it official earlier today that the long wait shall be over in time for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC gamers who missed out on the Grand Theft Auto 5 release date almost one year ago. With the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions nearing their first year on shelves, Rockstar had some good news and bad news, though this should all depend on how long you’re willing to wait for a hot new game.

The good news comes for Xbox One and PS4 gamers, as Grand Theft Auto 5 shall be out for those platforms on November 18, which is only two months from now. The bad news comes for PC gamers, who shall have to wait until January 27, 2015 – a good four-and-a-half months – before the GTA 5 release date. Once again, it looks like the PC “remake” of GTA 5 has gotten the short end of the stick, but it’s still better than totally killing off the PC version of a popular game, just like what’s happened to other best-selling video game titles.

Like classic album re-masters stand out for higher fidelity audio and a crisper listening experience, the same would apply to the GTA 5 “re-master” for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. All three versions will come with enhanced graphics, with more detail to textures, weather and damage effects, and objects that are far from a player’s point of view. The usual addition of new weapons and vehicles can also be expected, same with new songs for the game’s 17 radio stations, while all gamers who pre-order GTA 5 will be getting $1,000,000 million in in-game cash, with half going to story mode and the other half going to GTA Online.

It’s been a long time coming, and PC gamers may really have to tough it out, but at least that GTA 5 release date for other platforms is now official.

Rumor – Microsoft Will Do Away with Nokia, Windows Phones Branding

September 11, 2014 By Tim Sinclaire

Could this be the end of Nokia – and Windows Phone – as brand names, as we know it? A new report claims that Microsoft will no longer be using the iconic Nokia brand nor the long-running Windows Phone operating system brand on its promotional literature, as it ramps up for the upcoming holiday shopping season.

According to GeekOnGadgets, which sourced its report from “a confidential internal document,” Lumia is poised to become Microsoft’s “hero brand” for smartphones. As for the Windows Phone OS brand, the documents claim that Microsoft may simplify things and go with basic “Windows” branding for its mobile platform. This comes on the heels of earlier and separate reports that claimed Microsoft plans to bring Nokia branding to an end, months after Redmond’s successful buyout of the Finnish phone maker’s mobile business.

While reports of the above aren’t anything new, there have been some sightings backing up the reports, as some have claimed Microsoft is now referring to its mobile OS as “Windows,” as opposed to “Windows Phone” on its advertising and marketing literature. Further, there has also been talk of Lumia’s being the “hero brand” also covering a rebranding for Microsoft’s Surface brand. As Microsoft had just recently released the Surface Pro 3 and no documents have been spotted corroborating such a rumor, such speculation is still best taken with a grain of salt.

New Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is Flashy High-Performance Sports Car, Will Cost $120,000

September 10, 2014 By Tim Sinclaire

c/o AutomobileMag

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT debuted yesterday as a new high-performance model that the German carmaker says would help move it to a new segment in the sports car space. And while it’s all good that Mercedes is spicing things up with this new vehicle, it has some big shoes to fill in the form of the previous Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Pricing is, as expected, quite hefty for the new AMG GT, as the car is expected to sell at a base price of $120,000. Still, Mercedes has the AMG GT visualized as an everyday car with some practical features, rather than a traditional sports car that wows on performance, and performance alone. According to Mercedes, the new AMG GT is “a comfortable and reliable companion for everyday motoring thanks to its practical decklid, easily accessible luggage compartment, and high level of comfort on long journeys.”

In terms of design, the 2016 Mercedes AMG GT is primarily made out of aluminum, while its long hood and wide rear proportions are a nod to the carmaker’s history as a maker of rear-wheel drive vehicles. But it is, at the end of the day, a “sports car in its purist form,” according to Gorden Wagener, VP of Design for Mercedes parent company Daimler. “Breathtaking proportions, powerfully sculpted surfaces and flowing lines turn the new AMG into a contemporary sports car which embodies the spirit of the glorious Mercedes sports cars,” he added.

The 2016 Mercedes AMG GT comes with a twin-turbo, 4-liter V8 engine that makes 456 horsepower, and its performance is estimated at 3.7 seconds from 0-60 mph, and 193 mph for its top speed. An upscale GT S version will come with even more power under the hood, at 503 horses for the upscale option.

AAPL Stock Surges as iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Apple Watch Launch in California

September 9, 2014 By Tim Sinclaire

c/o Getty Images

As Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) continues launching its new products at today’s media event in Cupertino, Calif., the company’s stock continues surging, as heavy trading volume has been reported upon the unveiling of the Apple Watch and introduction of a new product range.

As of the current writing, AAPL is trading at $100.48 per share (+2.12 percent), though Apple stock had actually reached a high of $101.56 earlier today, good for a 3.2 percent surge and the largest increase since April 28. Total trading volume is at approximately 109 million shares, as per Reuters, which more than doubles Apple’s 50-day average volume of 49.1 million.

Interestingly, Apple stock was fickle as the company introduced its new-generation iPhones, the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. At one point in the day, movement was flat, but the eventual Apple Watch announcement had driven the big increase, and had, in turn, helped the broader NASDAQ and S&P indices cut its losses.

The Apple Watch marks Apple’s first foray into the smartwatch space, and several exciting features have been confirmed for the device, including Siri integration and a strong tie-in with several health-related apps. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, on the other hand, come with Retina Display technology, but with pixel density (326 ppi) still the same as compared to the iPhone 5s, and despite the addition of several new features, including a potentially groundbreaking mobile payment solution, some other specs remained relatively the same, including the devices still coming with 8-megapixel iSight rear cameras.

As Barnes & Noble Split Nears, Losses Narrow, But Sales Stats are Down

September 9, 2014 By Tim Sinclaire

Quarterly financials are in for Barnes & Noble, and the bookseller announced this week that while fiscal first quarter 2014 losses did narrow, sales did go down in the first quarter of the new fiscal year.

With book buyers now opting for e-books as an alternative to traditional soft-bound and hard-bound books, Barnes & Noble has had a hard time keeping up with the times, even with products like the Nook e-reader. As it turned out, the Nook found itself against some tough competition, as Amazon’s Kindle e-readers and tablets dominated Barnes & Noble’s competing Nook devices; last quarter, the Nook space experienced a 54 percent decrease in revenue to $70 million, while the company’s digital content space took a 24 percent hit to $52 million in revenue.

All told, Barnes & Noble’s retail business experienced a 5.3 percent decline in revenue to $954.8 million in the recently-concluded fiscal Q1 2014, or the second quarter of the current calendar year. Net losses were down from $87 million in fiscal Q1 2013 to $28.4 million last quarter, while overall revenue was down to $1.24 billion, a decrease of 7 percent.

One reason for Barnes & Noble’s solid performance was cost-cutting initiatives such as releasing a co-branded Samsung Nook tablet based on the Galaxy Tab 4. According to CEO Michael Huseby, Barnes & Noble ” continued to improve our financial performance, while further executing on our strategic initiatives, including work on the proposed separation of the Barnes & Noble Retail and Nook Media businesses.”

Regarding Barnes & Noble’s eventual split, prepared comments from the retailer suggest that it is still weighing its options and considering the chance of some agreements being restructured. Barnes & Noble believes that this process of shopping around “could affect the structure and timing of the separation.”

Georgia Joins War Against Tesla Direct Sales Model

September 3, 2014 By Tim Sinclaire

Currently, Tesla is prohibited from directly selling vehicles in four states, namely Arizona, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas. If a Georgia auto dealers’ group has its way, there may be a fifth state where Tesla couldn’t use its tried-and-true business model when selling vehicles to consumers.

Last Friday, the Georgia Automobile Dealers Association made it official and filed a complaint with the Georgia Department of Revenue, claiming that Tesla’s direct-selling model is in violation of state laws. Cited in the case was the fact that Tesla sold 173 Model S sedans in its only store in the state, located in suburban Atlanta; this is 23 more cars than the 150 vehicles allowed per carmaker-owned store. And while this may seem like another case of dealers groups trying to block direct sales in all ways, shapes, and forms, GADA insists that is not the case. “There’s real demand for electric cars in Georgia,” said GADA spokesman Derrick Dickey in a statement. “All we’re asking is that Tesla sell cars in compliance with the law.”

After days of not speaking regarding the Georgia/GADA issue, Tesla finally issued a statement yesterday evening, rebutting the dealers group’s claims that Tesla failed to comply with state laws on direct sales. “Tesla has been and remains in full compliance with all Georgia laws in the opening and operation of its retail operations in that state,” read the succinct email statement sent to Bloomberg by Tesla VP of Communications and Marketing Simon Sproule. He further added that the GADA complaint served as a “thinly veiled attempt to stifle new innovation and eliminate consumer choice.”

iPad Sales Could Disappoint as Tablet Market Saturation Continues

September 1, 2014 By Tim Sinclaire

Sales of Apple’s iPads, including the upcoming iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3, may take a hit this year, as the tablet market continues to grow saturated and sales growth continues to decline. This was pointed out late last week by market analysts, who all believe this slowdown may be most pronounced in North America and Europe, two continents where iPad sales have traditionally been bullish.

According to IDC research director for tablets Jean-Philippe Bouchard, so-called “mature markets”, meaning economically-strong markets where tablet shipments and/or sales have usually shown strength, may combine for firm, or flat sales growth in 2014. IDC believes that most of the growth will be experienced in emerging markets, as tablet shipments in those countries may combine for a 12 percent year-over-year growth.

With an iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 supposedly due for release before the end of the year, iPad sales have contracted in three out of the last five quarters, and the March-ending (Q1 2014) and June-ending (Q2 2014) frames of this year. Sales were down 16 percent in Q1, and down 9 percent in Q2, and Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Brian White believes this downward trend will continue for the rest of the calendar year. He believes iPad sales may total 12.8 million in the third quarter of 2014, and 23 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, and while these numbers may seem strong, it suggests that the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 may not drive sales as much as new models typically would; the above stats would mark 9 percent and 12 percent year-over-year declines respectively.

Interestingly, but not too shockingly, Apple remains committed to the iPad, with CEO Tim Cook having recently told Re/Code writer and industry veteran Walt Mossberg that declines in iPad sales have merely amounted to a “speed bump.” Cook also said in July’s quarterly earnings call for Q2 2014 that the tablet space is “still in its early days”, and “significant innovation” is still expected going forward for the iPad product line.

Questionable Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Leak Emerges as Launch Date Approaches

August 29, 2014 By Tim Sinclaire

Samsung has been known for its secrecy when it comes to the design of its upcoming devices, but it was just a few weeks ago when supposed leaks of the Galaxy Note 4 phablet had appeared, hinting at a design quite similar to that of the recently-unveiled Galaxy Alpha. A second leak emerged yesterday, and while it does show some similarity to the first batch of leaks, it also comes with some suspicion of being bogus.

Thanks to an anonymous Android Authority reader, photos of the Galaxy Note 4’s front were posted yesterday evening, and a look at the design of the 3D render suggests that it will come with a tougher, more rectangular appearance and a slim profile, with very slim bezels. However, Android Authority was also quick to cast its own doubts on the leak, saying that it had come out just one day after another leak, this time featuring the official Galaxy Note 4 wallpaper. This could be a sign that the press render may not be a legitimate one, even if it does resemble the leaked Note 4 from earlier in the month.

Rumors suggest that the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will come with the same 5.7-inch display as the Galaxy Note 3, but with a much-improved resolution of 2560 x 1440, or QHD resolution. It was also rumored recently that the phablet will sport a 16-megapixel rear camera with Optical Image Stabilization and a 3.7-megapixel front camera, while the device may be powered by an eight-core Exynos processor for the international market, or a quad-core Snapdragon 805 processor for the U.S. market and maybe a few others.

The Galaxy Note 4’s features are said to include some carryovers from the Galaxy S5, specifically its heart rate monitor and fingerprint reader, plus some new ones like an ultraviolet sensor and multiple new camera modes. The same report that had suggested the above camera specs claims that these modes will include three distinct settings for “selfie” taking.

Multiple Sources Confirm iPhone 6 Launch on Sept. 9, iWatch Debut at Same Event

August 28, 2014 By Tim Sinclaire

A series of reports is now suggesting that the iPhone 6 won’t just take place on September 9, but may also include the reveal of another much-hyped device – the so-called “iWatch.”

It’s pretty much “old news”, albeit unconfirmed, when someone says the iPhone 6 launch event may be held on September 9; when invitations presumably start circulating beginning next week, that should be all the confirmation we need for something that’s seemingly a done deal. But a report from Gotta Be Mobile cites “multiple sources who shared information” with the blog site, claiming that Apple is “talking to business partners to gather details” for a September 9 event. Separately, the site also claims it has spoken to “sources familiar with Apple’s plans” who have corroborated the possibility of a September 9 iPhone 6 launch.

Despite the presence of the usual “weasel words,” all this is adding up to the big-time possibility of a major Apple press event and the long-awaited arrival of the iPhone 6 in less than two weeks.

A second report from Re/Code’s well-connected John Paczkowski is claiming the exact same thing, and at this point, we should remind you that Paczkowski is the same man who had first posted rumors of a September 9 iPhone 6 launch. According to his latest report, Apple may be launching the iWatch at that press event, which is one month earlier than he had expected in June, and several months ahead of what naysayers may have predicted – some earlier rumors had suggested the iWatch may not be out until early 2015.