- 9to5 Mac (the source of plenty of Apple scoops) reports Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has "assembled a team to work on various hardware products for the home" that integrate with its existing hardware.
- Details are scant on the products being eyed, but sources do state Apple is likely building "advanced speaker systems or control panels for homes," and that it probably won't compete against Google's Nest Labs unit (run by ex-iPod chief Tony Fadell) in the smart thermostat and smoke detector markets.
- Apple is 3 weeks removed from showing off its HomeKit platform, replete with Siri integration and a long list of hardware and chip partners. Last week, Google/Nest announced it's buying Wi-Fi monitoring camera upstart Dropcam for $555M.
- Apple has replaced the 16GB $229 iPod Touch (has no rear camera) in its lineup with a $199 16GB model that features a rear camera and more color options. In addition, the 32GB and 64GB models (feature rear cameras) now go for $249 and $299, down from a prior $299 and $399.
- Smartphone cannibalization led Apple's iPod revenue to fall 53% Y/Y in FQ2 to $461M. Unit shipments totaled 2.8M.
- Following a 1 1/2-year hiatus, Costco is once more selling Apple hardware ... and with sizable discounts. The 16GB iPhone 5S is offered on the Costco Mobile site for a subsidized $78, and 4G versions of the iPad Air and retina Mini (for Verizon's network) are $100 off normal retail prices.