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iTunes, HBO, and Variable Pricing

Once upon a time, content pricing on iTunes was strict and unwavering. Every song was $0.99, no less, no more, and the music labels went along. They screamed and complained and cried... but they went along.

After all, it was Jobs way or the highway.

But in full deal-making mode, Apple just announced that HBO has joined the iTunes universe, with programs from some series priced at the "standard" $1.99 TV rate, and others a buck higher at $2.99.

And now, some pundits proclaim, the floodgates are open, with anyone and everyone now about to demand special dispensation.

But will they? And even if they do, will Apple grant it?

Apple, Intel, and PA Semiconductor: Part 2

In part one of this series we looked at a few reasons why Apple may have purchased PA Semiconductor, and debunked a few possible reasons as to why they didn't.

And in doing so, we were left with two valuable concepts that need further exploration: how to differentiate Apple's platform from all of the other generic beige boxes out there, and how to protect OS X from thieves and pirates.

But if the answer isn't in moving the Mac platform back to a proprietary processor design, then what gives?

What can PA Semi do for the Mac?

Apple, Intel, and PA Semiconductor

There's been a lot of speculation regarding Apple's recent $278 million dollar acquisition of PA Semiconductor.

Some believe that Apple did it simply to regain technical expertise in chip design for its its consumer electronics divisions (iPods, iPhones) and others simply for the companies' patent portfolio. A few misguided souls even believe that Apple did it in preparation for an eventual move to its own custom processor designs.

Personally, I think the primary reason lies elsewhere.