Apple Computer's next ally may be Sony

Article Abstract:

Apple Computer Inc, which recently agreed to a strategic alliance with IBM, is negotiating a new cooperative agreement, this time with Sony Corp of Japan. Few details are available to date, but executives from both companies confirm that talks are under way. The companies reportedly want to merge Apple's user-friendly computer software with Sony's consumer electronics technologies. This reflects Apple's longstanding interest in 'multimedia' technologies, which combine traditional computing with new capabilities such as video and graphics, and in a 'nomadic computer,' which would combine portability with advanced communications. Apple does not have the necessary skills and experience to create such products on its own. Sony could provide what Apple needs. Integrating Apple's innovative software into Sony's hardware products could revitalize Sony as well.

Prepackaged software, Household audio and video equipment, Games, toys, and children's vehicles, Planning, Video game industry, Video games industry, Negotiations, International competition (Economics), Multimedia technology, Multimedia systems, Technology transfer, Strategic Planning, Japanese Competition, Cooperative Agreements, Negotiation

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Japan acts on Apple and Canon; Fair Trade agency checks sales tactics

Article Abstract:

Japan's Fair Trade Commission is investigating Apple Computer Japan and Cannon Sales Company Ltd for violations of antitrust laws. The Commission searched the companies' offices looking for support to allegations that Canon forced four computer magazines to drop advertisements from independent Macintosh importers and that Apple forced two companies to stop offering service on micros from independent importers. Both Canon and Apple deny the charges. The large price difference between the major micro distributors and the discount distributors in Japan is creating causing the Japanese government much embarrassment in its negotiations with the US over unfair trade practices.

Japan, Microcomputers, Investigations, Antitrust law, International trade, Distribution, Canon Sales Company Inc., Microcomputer, Antitrust Laws, Distributors, Japan. Fair Trade Commission, Apple Japan Inc.

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Sony, Apple negotiating laptop deal

Article Abstract:

Apple Computer Inc is negotiating with Sony Corp for Sony to produce an inexpensive notebook-computer version of the Apple Macintosh. Apple has always manufactured its own computers, but the company's management has reportedly decided that Apple lacks the miniaturization skills needed to build a 'notebook' machine, which is an increasingly important type of product in the American market and is vital in Japan, where Apple has little presence. Apple currently markets a portable computer, but the product is expensive and relatively heavy.

Hand-held computers, Handheld computers, Contracts, Design and construction, Laptop computers, Computer Industry, Miniaturization

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