Apple ANNOUNCES iPad Mini in the Works and 3 Tech Titans Driving the Market

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL): After Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal became the most high-profile sources claiming that the rumored iPad Mini is in the works. Brian White of Topeka predicts that the smaller iPad may possibly cannibalize 20% or normal iPad sales, but could ship more than its larger sibling. The product may also see large sales in the education sector. According to AllThingsD’s Ina Fried, Steve Jobs disliked the 7″ tablets.

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Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG): Like the Kindle Fire, the Nexus 7 seems to be a money-loser. According to UBM TechInsights, manufacturing costs are around $184 and retail cost of the table is $199. With R&D, marketing, and distribution expenses the cost more than likely exceeds $200. David Pogue states that the Nexus 7   “humiliates the Kindle Fire,” but states that the iPad’s apps and content keeps it at best-of-breed. Also, Motorola revealed the Atrix HD on its site.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT): Although the Windows Phone has gotten a small following in Chine, local phone vendors are apparently cool to offering domestic models. Since Android phones have been selling for CNY1,000 ($157) or less, local vendors view the higher cost for Windows Phone hardware as a deterrent. These concerns drive home Nokia’s (NYSE:NOK) challenges in competing with low-end Android hardware in developing nations, while Symbian and feature phone sales fall.

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) looks to overturn a $1.4B antitrust fine European Union regulators imposed upon it in 2009, reports Reuters. The fine was imposed as a result of anti-competitive tactics against Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE:AMD). The shares traded down $0.23 (0.86%) recently at $26.63.

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