Reports from two companies find that users are increasingly watching long videos on their smartphones and tablets instead of on TV sets and PCs. A report from Digitalsmiths, a maker of video search software, found that more than 42% of North American Internet users viewed news videos on smartphones and more than 36% viewed TV shows and movie previews on their smartphones. Moreover, 31% said they used their Apple (AAPL) iPhones and Google (GOOG)
Apple’s (AAPL) holiday commercial “Misunderstood” has rekindled debate over the impact of personal technology such as smartphones on society. The much-talked-about Apple (AAPL) TV commercial shows a sullen, disconnected teen fixated on his iPhone while his family celebrates the joys of Christmas. But, surprise, it turns out he was making a video of his family the whole time. Some thought the tear-jerker ad was wonderful, while others found it sad. Check out the debate at Forbes and Gizmodo. Comedians have long addressed through humor the impact of technology on our personal relationships and culture. Satire website the Onion had perhaps the best response to the Apple commercial with its article, “Relatives Gather From Across The Country To Stare Into Screens Together.” Online comic the Joy of Tech illustrated outtakes from the Apple commercial. They included Grandpa yelling: “You mopey little brat! Stop playing with your stupid phone and join the rest of this happy family!”
JAMF Software has made a living convincing companies that Apple products mean business. The company’s rallying cry will be getting louder. The maker of software to manage Apple (AAPL) devices used by businesses and the enterprise market is preparing a global push after securing $30 million in a funding round led by Summit Partners. The 11-year-old company will use the investment to follow along with the explosive sales of Apple iPhones and iPad