This was also written a few days ago, but didn't get published for some weird reason... Probably the booze again.
As I said in my last post, the speculation surrounding Steve Jobs’ announcement at the Apple World Developers Conference tomorrow (Monday, June 9th) are reaching a fever pitch. Mac Freaks are sniffing out any kind of information they can get their hands on to determine what new product will be revealed.
Even though most people expect a 3g iPhone, there could very well be a Tablet computer. But as usual, Apple’s wall of secrecy is impenetrable. People are responding by digging up far fetched clues wherever they can find them.
One of the more unusual sources of information is Import Genius, a website that collects, analyzes and sells data on every shipping container entering the US. Here's a taster... "Since mid-March, Apple Inc. and its logistics partners have imported 188 ocean containers of a product type never before declared on its shipping manifests. With iPhone's currently out of stock at many Apple stores, including its flagship outlets in New York City, rumors abound that the company is winnowing stocks in preparation for a new 3G version of the phone." Read the rest at the site... Very interesting!
Import Genius is just that ... genius. I'll probably never look at it again but It made me feel like Lieutenant Columbo. Cheers for the direct George.
I'm desperately trying to think of more direct media applications for an import genius-style start-up. How about one that measures the through-put of magazines and papers in distribution centres? We might get stories like: "Fans of Heat needn't worry as Bauer shipped X million copies today - yet, there are only 2 copies of the March 1 issue in Tescos in Sidcup. Is someone stockpilling copies of celebrity mags to give them something to read after the apocalypse?" Hmm ... thought not.
George Parker
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