Jobs Prepares to Pass the Torch: Analyst

Swansong keynote labeled the dullest tech talk since Vista's rollout

(NEWSER) - Apple's keynote address at the MacWorld expo yesterday felt a lot like the end of an era to those who managed to keep their eyes open during it, Dan Lyon writes in Newsweek. Marketing chief Phil Schiller's "almost unbearable" rollout of various new software features instead of thrilling announcements from Steve Jobs left Lyon feeling like Apple is growing soft. More»

(NEWSER) - Apple CEO Steve Jobs won’t deliver the keynote speech at an event many thought would mark his return from a health-related leave of absence, the Telegraph reports. An Apple VP will speak in Jobs’ usual spot at the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 8. Jobs, on medical leave, could still appear at the event, at which Apple is expected to launch its iPhone 3.0 update. More»

(NEWSER) - Hackers today attacked an Apple gossip site covering the Macworld convention and falsely reported Steve Jobs’ death on a live blog, CNET reports. The hack is likely the work of shadowy collective 4Chan, which is also responsible for the “Anonymous” attacks on Scientology. The attack, which included random insertions like “SEX ME” and a bold assertion that “STEVE JOBS JUST DIED,” resulted in MacRumorsLive.com going offline. More»

With company's fortunes inordinately tied to founder, confidence is at stake

(NEWSER) - Apple’s foot-dragging on revealing its succession plan should founder and CEO Steve Jobs die has become a drag on the company, Michael Hiltzik writes in the Los Angeles Times. “A corporate succession plan is like the Soviet Doomsday Machine in Dr Strangelove,” he writes after 2008 saw Apple stock drop 56%. “It’s useless unless you announce it to the world.” More»

Jobs won't be giving keynote address for company's last appearance next month

(NEWSER) - Apple shocked observers by announcing yesterday that its appearance at next month's Macworld Expo will be its last, Marketwatch reports. CEO Steve Jobs will not be giving a final keynote address at the San Francisco industry gathering where he has traditionally unveiled new products. The company's stock dived 5% following the news amid rumors about its significance. More»