REPORT SAYS APPLE SMARTWATCH TO COME THIS FALL

 Apple is likely to launch a computerized
wristwatch this fall that includes more than 10 sensors to take health measurements and other data, according to a published report.
The Wall Street Journal also said Friday that Apple Inc. is planning multiple screen sizes for the device, which some people have dubbed the Watch.
Samsung, Sony, Qualcomm and others have already released smartwatches, but the gadgets have mostly functioned as companions to smartphones, offering email notifications, clock functions and the like. Samsung’s Gear 2 line, released this year, added fitness-related apps and has a heart rate sensor.
There’s been longstanding speculation that Apple has been working on a smartwatch. The main question has been when it would come out.

 Apple intensified speculation this month when it said the upcoming version of its mobile operating system, iOS 8, will include tools for managing health data. The software is expected in September, along with new iPhones. 

Apple has been under pressure to release new products, as investors question whether the company that popularized the smartphone and the tablet computer is still able to innovate following the death of co-founder Steve Jobs. CEO Tim Cook has hinted at new products coming this year, but the company hasn’t provided details.
Citing unnamed people familiar with the matter, the Journal said production of the smartwatch is expected to begin in two or three months at Quanta Computer Inc., a Taiwanese company that has worked on Apple’s Mac computers. Sales of the device could begin as early as October.
Apple declined comment in line with its policy of not discussing future products.

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT APPLE’S DUET WITH BEATS

 Apple CEO Tim Cook looked like he wanted to dance Wednesday as he discussed his company’s $3 billion acquisition of Beats Electronics. The deal, by far the most expensive in Apple’s 38-year history, will give the iPhone and iPod maker a line of trendy headphones known for their hip appearance and thumping bass sound.

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT APPLE’S STOCK SPLIT

Apple’s resurgent stock may have as much to do with financial engineering as the company’stechnological wizardry.Monday marked Apple’s first stock split in
nine years, a move designed to make it more affordable to buy shares of the iPhone and
iPad maker.The maneuver provided a boost even before itwas completed. Since the split was announced in late April, Apple’s stock has climbed 25percent, creating more than $100 billion inshareholder wealth while the Standard & Poor’s 500 edged up just 4 percent.