Zach Bass

Is the iPhone SDK 3.0 Really All That?

I'm a former chief architect with Sun Micro, and an expert with Object Design and methodology. I think I have a handle on the design of APIs.


On Mar 23 06:31 PM SiliconValleyJoe wrote:

> Woha! I apologize for my word choices, not meant to give you grief
> about your experiences.
>
> The architecture reference I made earlier was not about website design.
> I was referring specifically to software architecture just below
> the web layer. In this case, it would be the component architecture,
> the class structure and inheritance hierarchy, the API design and
> various encapsulations to make developer's job easier.
>
> FOr websites, my use of architecture refers to the back end that
> makes website possible. Everything from what development environment
> to use to compiler choices to coding standards to class structures,
> inheritance hierarchy to component architecture to cache design,
> data access management, concurrency issues to database selection,
> schema design and query encapsulation and on and on. In some cases,
> it involves even selection of server boxes and IT architecture to
> integrate with the software architecture. This whole world is wrapped
> up and exposed to the web portion as an API layer. The Web portion
> is generally one piece in this architecture and it often sits on
> top of that API layer. The Web portion also has its own component
> level architecture that involves Java, Javascript and HTML and/or
> PERL and/or other pieces. This web portion would interact with the
> back-end via the back-end API.
>
> So we are likely talking about different things.
>
> In any case, it is fine to agree to disagree. :)

Is the iPhone SDK 3.0 Really All That?

Hey, I put out a buy alert on AAPL between 97.50 and 99, with a target of 115, with a stop at 92 a week ago. And that based on technicals. My opinion of this 3.0 release has nothing to do with my analysis of the stock.


On Mar 23 04:36 PM winindthedust wrote:

> Hey Zach;
>
> Apple is up $6 to $107 today.
>
> One week of gains for Apple, independent of the rest of the market.
> Please, do us a favor, and use your chart expertise, to tell us what
> it all means!

Is the iPhone SDK 3.0 Really All That?

In my 30 years as a technologist, I've held architect-level positions for at least 15 years. I've also provided guidance to countless companies, and help create and develop some of the biggest websites on the net. So, I'm very aware of the difference between features and architecture, and have the vision to see where this API can lead. And my conclusion is that it's really not that ground-breaking, period! It's true that it is evolutionary, incremental, or any other term you might use, but I would have never put a major release tag on it like Apple has done.


On Mar 23 11:58 AM SiliconValleyJoe wrote:

> Whether it is 2.0 or 3.0 is unimportant, the content of the announcement
> is the key. You claim to be a software developer but focused mostly
> on consumer features. This release was less about consumer and much
> more about developers.
>
> There are developers who understand the importance of architecture
> and those who just cut code. Architecture changes were an important
> change in this release. Thus the 3.0 designation. While you think
> of API, we are looking at how Apple will support such capabilities.
> A clean architecture ensures stability and performance well into
> the future. A poor architecture guarantees a ball of yarn within
> a couple of more release.
>
> There are developers who think outside the box, there are those who
> do what they are told. For those thinking outside the box, this release
> is significant because of what can be achieved with an iPhone. The
> dock access is a key feature. I only wish that Apple came out with
> its own eye-opening offerings to seed the creative juices and speed
> new product innovations. May be Apple will come June. As it is, developers
> now can start thinking about how to use iPhone *BEYOND* just software.
> The iPhone has become an actual bona fide Mobile Computing Platform
> or a mini-computer.
>
> If you are a forward-looking technologist, you may be able to see
> where this all can lead. If you are only a feature-chasing person,
> you will see this as nothing more than a cell phone.
>
>
>

Is the iPhone SDK 3.0 Really All That?

I got the connector, and Twittered about it. Didn't see it as being ground-breaking. Maybe I was wrong. BTW, here's my Twitter account

twitter.com/AppleInvestor


On Mar 23 10:25 AM greenskyrocket wrote:

> Well Zac, if thats your analysis of the iPhone OS 3, I don't think
> your analysis of Apple or any other company is going to grab the
> readers interest much. As a demo of your analytical powers, you
> failed.
>
> Kontra's perspective of things is much closer than yours, and I too
> was struck by your inability to recognize that the the dock connector
> is open to developers. Were you there, did you watch the presentation,
> maybe, but the best bit went in one ear and straight out the other.
> Apple just lapped all the other players.

Is the iPhone SDK 3.0 Really All That?

That's my point, this 3.0 release means very little to some simple hardware updates that would have far longer legs.


On Mar 23 08:05 AM peter02l wrote:

> "Just give me video and a 3 megapixel camera with a flash, oh, and
> longer battery life, and I’ll be happy."
>
> None of these is possible with any SDK release. They require new
> hardware. You are barking up the wrong tree. Just ask for a new iPhone.

Is the iPhone SDK 3.0 Really All That?

I own no AAPL shares. I'm invested, or was invested in Oil, but sold my position just an hour ago.


On Mar 23 07:43 AM Eel Tamer wrote:

> You've conveniently not mentioned the ability of developers to now
> take advantage of the dock connector and wireless to connect the
> iphone to other hardware and software solutions. Now the iphone can
> be used by diabetics to hook up to blood sugar monitors wirelessly
> so they can track, adjust and share their medical information with
> professionals or their parents in the case of kids. The dock connector
> could be used to allow a keyboard to be developed by a third party
> into which the iphone slots: a mobile phone with a full size keyboard.
> Think about that. The list goes on.
>
> "Disclosure: none". What does that mean? No interest or no disclosure
> of your interest? Got burnt on your shorts? I hope so.

Is the iPhone SDK 3.0 Really All That?

That's where I said to buy. And by the way, I called the bottom on the S&P of 666, way back in November of 2008 in this blog and podcast... bit.ly/spxhell

And recently, when AAPL was at 98 I gave a buy signal to investors, with a target of 115, and a stop of 92


On Mar 23 07:36 AM Ara wrote:

> Didnt this guy say the stock would drop to $80 or less? whatever,
> not expecting him to admit he is wrong but its at $103 today.. hmmm
> nice.. my purchase at $84 is solid..

Is the iPhone SDK 3.0 Really All That?

Hey, I have 4 iPhones; my personal one, both my teenage daughters, and my wife. I'm just pointing out that most of these features could have been enabled with a simple software/firmware update. And thus probably doesn't deserve the 3.0 status.


On Mar 23 07:30 AM fauxscot wrote:

> Not sure anything will make you happy.
>
> Whether or not there's anything in the SDK that will make another
> 25,000 apps is less material than whether the iPhone is an effective,
> dynamic, useful device that is say.... 2 years ahead of any other
> lame POS on the market. Please, point me to another Swiss Army
> Phone. Tell me how many iPhone users hate their machines enough
> to scrap them? Tell me why, o why, does Apple have nearly 30 billion
> in cash while Palm tries to raise money at bake sales for its "Post"
> offerring, which will be here any day now. Really.
>

Yesterday's Rally: More Upside Volume than Monday's Sell-off

Wow! Two articles in a row with no comments, that's a change! Where's all the Zach Bass-hers?

Does no one care about the state of the economy?

With a King's Ransom in Cash, Why Still No Buying Spree in the Tech Space?

Two things Kara:

1) Apple actually has $28.2 billion in the bank. This money is another source of revenue in this tough economy. So if Apple has T-bills, this hoard might be contributing another $2 billion to the bottom line.

2) If we get another bis swoosh down in the market, there's gonna be a house cleaning, taking a lot of supply off the market. Perfect time to scoop up IP, talent and properties. With zero debt and a huge wad, Apple has nothing but time on their side.

Why Apple Has Risen from a Technical Analysis Perspective

Well, in fact I wrote an article that following weekend that AAPL was poised to pop, here's the link bit.ly/nhFm


On Feb 15 10:40 AM moose60061 wrote:

> I think this article would have been more valuable had it been posted
> around Jan. 20th.........not 25 days after

Why Apple Has Risen from a Technical Analysis Perspective

Rocca, your right that it is desirable to have the confirmation of higher volume on a breakout. We did have strong volume off the bottom. However, when a move breaks through strong down trend resistance, that is significant in of itself. The real test is to see if it holds on a back test of that downtrend line. That will confirm it as new support.

If we break away from the downtrend, that will be good confirmation as well, even though we don't have "breakout" volume. In general, the volume has been trending down, not only with AAPL, but also with the indexes. This is typical in a descending triangle that sports a bullish reversal.

Now, this isn't to say that everything is hunky dory, oh no! Having a few leaders breakout without the mid and small caps joining in the parade is not a good thing. We need these little guys to ante up, or this advance will mean nothing to the greater market.


On Feb 15 08:16 AM rocca wrote:

> Zach, nice chart but take into account that there is no break volume
> so I think market do not see the same figure as you.
>
> Perhaps is building a rounded bottom in which you need more time
> in order to reach higher values.
>
> Yours,
>
> Rocca

Tech Won't Lead Markets Out of Bearish Pattern

You are delusional A.S. Never made such a promise. Besides, I would love it if AAPL gets above 100, I just think it's gonna be tough, and if it does, it will be short-lived in 2009. Things could get better by years end, but they'll get much worse before they get better.

On Feb 05 02:43 PM A.S. wrote:

> Zach, please stick to your promise and DISAPPEAR for good once AAPL
> passes 100, since u predicted it will NOT trade over 100 in 2009...so
> in the next few days, you'll be lost in the wilderness !!

If Apple Does Correct, It Will Do So Soon

I don't make calls that we going to one limit or the other. I never said AAPL is going to 60 or it's going to 120. I'm simply providing the probable outcomes based on current conditions. Like a weather man.

In New England we like to say weathermen are 100% right 50% of the time. Hopefully my forecasts are a bit better than that!

If Apple Does Correct, It Will Do So Soon

I have a hard time reconciling the consternation of some commenters here. I have been consistentlt down on the markets and AAPL since last September, calling the drop just 4 days prior. Navigating the markets this past few months hasn't been easy as it is obvious that we've no progress to the upside, in fact the general direction is still down.

Boy have I gotten flack the whole way down, now that I make a call for a correction, and do so accurately and timely, people are still not happy. Perhaps I should just write every post saying AAPL is a 200 dollar stock, and everything we're witnessing these days is but a mirage. Would that make you feel better?