Jobs' Stand-In Is Apple's New Star

Sick CEO still handling firms products, strategies

(NEWSER) - Steve Jobs is keeping a firm grip on the goings-on at Apple despite being on medical leave, sources tell the Wall Street Journal. The chief executive's stand-in, Tim Cook, is handling the day-to-day running of the firm, but Jobs has been working on strategies and products from home, especially the user interface of the iPhone's recently released new operating system. More»

...but just barely, according to new ranking

(NEWSER) - Tim Cook had some big shoes to fill as Apple CEO, but it looks like he's managing. According to a poll on Glassdoor.com, some 97% of employees approve of the new boss' work over the past year—an even higher proportion than the 95% who approved of Steve Jobs the year before. Of course, Cook is probably benefiting from a "honeymoon period," GigaOm notes. Cook leads tech CEOs with the highest approval rating on Glassdoor; Paul Jacobs of Qualcomm and Larry Page of Google round out the top three. More»

The iCEO is going for $60

(NEWSER) - Cuddle up with your favorite CEO: A 15-inch plush stuffed doll of the late Steve Jobs is now for sale. The "iCEO," released by pillow company Throwboy , will set you back $60. It features removable glasses, a black turtle neck, and real denim jeans, reports Mashable . The toy is limited-edition, with only 1,200 being made. No word yet on whether Apple will try to stop the doll, as it did with an action figure earlier this year . More»

But remember, with Apple, nothing is certain: Mashable

(NEWSER) - Apple is holding another one of its big events today, expected to be the unveiling of the iPad 3. Mashable runs down 11 things to watch for when it begins at 1pm ET:

• Tim Cook will be "the main attraction." He may not be as theatrical as Steve Jobs, but he's definitely Apple's biggest gun.
• There will be a lot of buildup. Before answering all your burning questions, Apple will have to build up to the big reveal by hyping its "dazzling" sales and download stats.
• Get ready for Mountain Lion. Apple's new Mac OS won't go on sale until the summer, but its new features will most certainly be previewed.

But he's 'not a product guy'

(NEWSER) - Tim Cook is already, if not remaking, at least tweaking Apple in his image. He’s been streamlining Apple’s corporate structure and changing some of its corporate philosophies, the Wall Street Journal reports. He has, for example, announced that Apple will now match employee donations to charities and nonprofits up to $10,000, something Steve Jobs always opposed. He’s also announced that he’s open to things like stock buybacks that were verboten under Jobs. More»