Thoughtful Preparations: Media Spin Blog

On Feb. 10 Synaptics stock shares tumbled because a few Wall Street analysts rumored that Apple’s future iPods would no longer use their wheel interface. Their opinions caused a panic that brought Synaptics stock down 50% in price, from the mid $30 range to below $21. (I had to buy some at those prices!)
“Bear Stearns analyst Andrew J. Neff said Apple last week unveiled its latest PowerBook laptop computer outfitted with a TrackPad, its own touch-sensitive interface developed using chips made by Cypress Semiconductor Corp.

Further indications suggest that Apple will use its internally developed technology on the next generation of its wildly popular iPod media player, Neff said. He added that Synaptics, whose most popular design is the iPod’s scroll wheel, historically has been Apple’s sole supplier of touchpad components.”

Today Synaptics provided the much needed facts, sweet official words, dispelling the rumors.
“We have received numerous inquiries from investors and analysts regarding the use of our products in the Apple iPod. In the absence of definitive communications from Apple regarding these matters, we have not believed it appropriate to comment on unconfirmed rumors and speculation. In addition, our policy generally is not to comment on market rumors, speculation, and changes in our stock price.

We are filing this Form 8-K in order to respond to inquiries regarding recent announcements of new product introductions.

Yesterday Apple announced several new iPods and we are confirming that our interface solutions are being used in those products. As has been the case since our initial product introductions in fiscal 1996, we compete for designs on a product by product basis and have no assurances from any of our OEM customers that they will utilize our interface solutions in any of their future products.”

Apple’s iPod is so successful, Apple’s stock has doubled and is set to split, so why would they change their design? Think about it.

’cause I’m hung up on dreams I’ll never see – Allman Brothers, Dreams.

There are great rock songs from the late 60’s and 70’s that still endure today, many as backup fuel for TV car ads. A month ago, in January, I was contacted by an individual who planned to develop a theatrical rock show, featuring a live cover band playing great rock anthems of 1976. His focus was on Boston, Kansas, Aerosmith, and Bad Company. Although I am familiar with these groups and some of their songs, they were never my big favorites, so I was doubtful of the success of this venture. The rock entrepreneur, had a long time vision of this grand show with montages of news and movie footage from 1976, 3D animation and sophisticated video projection as a big drawing multimedia extravaganza. Still, I was a bit skeptical when I saw very slim writing and storyboards defining specific content. The rock impresario could not be daunted, and he sent me a check telling me to go ahead, we’ll make a great 5 minute demo tape and sell this idea to his very big people. “Golly,” I thought, “how often do I have the chance for this kind of creative freedom, even if the music is Wayne and Garth goofy?” Carry on my wayward son! So, I’m wrestling with Maya particles for a week, animating the first Boston cover, when Mr. Retro Rock realizes the rights are going to be too expensive to acquire for this project. Poof! Done. Over. Kaput.

You know, I’ve learned the hard way, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t,” and this is one big classic rock reaffirmation.

Sometimes I feel, sometimes I feel, like I’ve been tied to the whippin’ post. – Allman Brothers, Whipping Post.

Frank Zappa’s page is consistently the lead heavy hitter on this site. Seems as though there are still many fans of unique compositions out there. Or maybe it’s the Steve Vai influence. For whatever reason most of the hits originate from Singing Fish. Must be a relative of the Mud Shark.

OK, it’s gone that far… I’ve begun dreaming CSS interface blog site design. It’s under my skin. Deep. Audio for eBay Auctions has been finalized enough at this date to ping it on out to the blogosphere. The template, which has been hacked a bit, is by Jason Sutter a work hard play hard nugget of San Franciscan Internetian lifestyle of conflicting cultural joys and historical sorrows.

But that’s not all… I redesigned this humble site with Sadish Balasubramanian’s subtle yet calmly effective Shaded Grey theme.

‘nuf said, good day jas, good night sadman.

I’m in a 3-D vacuum while using Maya, plus I don’t want to be charged twice year to update the software, so I sign up for the excellent technical support provided by Alias. Biomedical 3-D illustrations can get hairy, so Alias has the right medicine to cure the problem. See the full story at the Alias web site.

Tim Onosko has an independent film in the works, “Lost Vegas: The Lounge Era.” Featuring interviews with 17 veteran Las Vegas performers, this promises to be an intiguing show, eclipsing the fictional Broadway Danny Rose.

Long time PDI/DreamWorks staff member, Adam Chin, has written and directed an independent film, Maladaptive. Congratulations Adam, on doing this without Spielberg or Katzenberg putting in their 2 cents! Incredibly, Adam was able to work long hours on PDI/DW’s computer animated Shrek 2 and Madagascar feature films while completing his movie. Maladaptive will be shown at San Jose’s Film Festival in March, Cinequest.

Hear ye! Seller’s Voice is an powerful way to distinguish yourself on eBay.

Another related site of interest, the wave of the future: SimpleMoneyMachines