Tag Archives: sales

‘Grand Theft Auto V’ surpasses $1 billion in sales in three days

News, Technology, , , , , , ,

The latest installment in the lucrative video game franchise Grand Theft Auto is making headlines and I’m not talking about it’s near-perfect ratings. Today developer Rockstar Games announced in a press release that GTA V has surpassed more than $1 billion in worldwide retail sales in just three days. It went on sale on Tuesday and already it’s made more money than Man of Steel did during its opening weekend (the Zack Snyder directed superhero pic collected $800 million in the early days it debuted). It’s inevitable that the vid game title will surpass the highest grossing movie of the year Iron Man 3 sooner rather than later (the Robert Downey Jr. vehicle currently sits at a worldwide box office $1.2 billion gross). These are massive movies we’re talking about here. To compare this level of success to another fast-selling video game, Activision’s Call of Duty: Black Ops II took 15 days to reach the $1 billion milestone. In its first 24 hours on the market CoD: BOII made $500 million; GTA V made $800 million in the same time.

“We believe this marks the fastest that any entertainment property, including video games and feature films, has reached this significant milestone,” says Rockstar in a congratulatory statement posted in full after the break.

A billion dollars in three days–that’s beyond incredible. At this pace GTA V is poised to become one of the most successful pieces of entertainment property spanning all the major industries, including film, just like the PR states. Hell, whether or not it ever overtakes Avatar‘s record-setting $2.7 billion gross, it already is.

I’ve got to say it: achievement unlocked. Continue reading ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ surpasses $1 billion in sales in three days →

Apple reports 2013 Q3 earnings: $6.9b profit on $35.3b revenue

News, Technology, , , , , , , , , , , ,

On July 23 Apple reported its third quarter financial results. Apple posted a $6.9 billion profit on $35.3 billion in revenue. Compare this to one year ago, that’s down from a profit of $8.8 billion and slightly up on $38 billion in revenue. Says CEO Tim Cook: “We are especially proud of our record June quarter iPhone sales of over 31 million and the strong growth in revenue from iTunes, Software and Services. We are really excited about the upcoming releases of iOS 7 and OS X Mavericks, and we are laser-focused and working hard on some amazing new products that we will introduce in the fall and across 2014.”

Now let’s break it down by product category. Apple sold 31.2 million iPhones in the quarter (compared to 26 million in the year-ago quarter); 14.6 million iPads (compared to 17 million); 3.8 million Macs (compared to 4 million); and iPod sales dropped 32 percent year-over-year.

Looking ahead to the fourth fiscal quarter of 2013, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer expects revenue between $34 billion and $37 billion.

[Via Apple]

Apple reports 2013 Q2 earnings: $9.5b profit on $43.6b revenue

News, Technology, , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

On April 23 Apple reported its second quarter financial results. Apple posted a $9.5 billion profit on $43.6 billion in revenue. Compare this to one year ago, that’s down from a profit of $11.6 billion on $39.2 billion in revenue. That’s the first year-over-year drop in profits and revenue in nearly a decade for the tech company. But still, stay assured Apple is doing just fine in the big scheme of things; they currently have a healthy cash balance of $145 billion. Says CEO Tim Cook: “We are pleased to report record March quarter revenue thanks to continued strong performance of iPhone and iPad. Our teams are hard at work on some amazing new hardware, software and services, and we are very excited about the products in our pipeline.”

Now let’s break it down by product category. Apple sold 37.4 million iPhones in the quarter (compared to 35.1 million in the year-ago quarter); 19.5 million iPads (compared to 11.8 million); just under 4 million Macs (compared to 4 million); and 5.6 million iPods (compared to 7.7 million). Elsewhere, the App Store has seen 45 billion downloads, and iCloud has amassed 300 million users.

Looking ahead to the third fiscal quarter of 2013, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer expects revenue between $33.5 billion to $35.5 billion.

[Via Apple; Engadget]

Justin Timberlake’s ’20/20 Experience’ is out now; watch the “Mirrors” music video [Update: Big sales]

Music, News, Video, , , , , , ,

Justin Timberlake’s ten track The 20/20 Experience is out now. It’s available for digital download at iTunes for $10.99, but if you consider yourself a true JT fan you will make the trip to Target to purchase the deluxe physical version that includes two bonus tracks ($13.99). Oh and by the way, the standard version, the deluxe version, and the vinyl all feature different artwork. (And there’s more where this came from; Timberlake has confirmed that a 10-track sequel album is in the works to complete the “20/20” listening experience.)

Accompanying the grand total of 13 new tracks and the previously release music video for the Jay-Z assisted “Suit & Tie” is a new music video for the album’s second single “Mirrors.” The song is arguably the best cut off the release, and its music video does it the ultimate justice by telling a touching and engaging about an elderly couple exploring their long and journeyed relationship. The clip opens with a dedication to JT’s grandparents William and Sadie; his grandfather passed away last year after making it 63 years with his now-widowed wife. The Floria Sigismondi-directed music video does a fine job at interpreting the song’s lyrics:

Cause I don’t wanna lose you now/I’m lookin’ right at the other half of me/The vacancy that sat in my heart/Is a space that now you hold…And now it’s clear as this promise/That we’re making two reflections into one/Cause it’s like you’re my mirror/My mirror staring back at me, staring back at me.

That’s the hook and the actors who are portraying JT’s grandparents put on a believable performance as we watch their relationship blossom by a jukebox and a pool table. The video takes some twists and turns but by the end you should come to a realization of what it was all about: finding your soulmate and having the power to let go when the time comes (at least that is my interpretation). Intriguingly JT lets the story play out and is absent for the majority of the clip; he doesn’t turn up until the 5:45 mark when he catches the ring released by “his grandmother” (she’s letting go of her departed husband of so many years) to continue to legacy of love. He’s trapped in a fun house of mirrors and dances his way out of it in a fashion only JT can maneuver. A great song matched with a compelling music video; can’t really ask for more than that these days.

So how’s the album overall? For that I will guide you to SpeakSonic’s album review that covers the bases; spoiler alert: it garners a rave review.

Update (3/29): In its first week of sales, The 20/20 Experience quickly shot to #1 on the Billboard 200 selling 968,000 copies. This makes JT’s latest effort the best-selling album of the year so far outpacing Mumford & Sons’ Babel which has sold 658,000 to date. 20/20 also performed well in digital sales in week one with 452,000 downloads making it the third-largest debut indigital ever only behind Lady Gaga’s Born This Way (662,000 in 2011) and Taylor Swift’s Red (465,000 in 2012). JT’s third solo album is also his most successful debut, sales wise. His previous releases FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006) and Justified (2002) sold 684,000 and 439,000 copies, respectively, in their first week on the market.

Apple reports 2013 Q1 earnings: $13.1b profit, $54.5b revenue, Macs up 1%, iPhones up 58%, iPads up 26%, iPods down 19%

News, Technology, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

On Wednesday Apple reported its first quarter financial results and the company broke more records, naturally. Apple posted a $13.1 billion profit on $54.5 billion in revenue. Compare this to one year ago, that’s up from a profit of $13.06 billion on $46.33 billion in revenue. Says CEO Tim Cook: “We’re thrilled with record revenue of over $54 billion and sales of over 75 million iOS devices in a single quarter. We’re very confident in our product pipeline as we continue to focus on innovation and making the best products in the world.”

Now let’s break it down by product category. Apple sold 47.8 million iPhones in the quarter (compared to 37 million in the year-ago quarter); 22.9 million iPads (compared to 15.4 million); 4.1 million Macs (compared to 5.2 million); and 12.7 million iPods (compared to 15.4 million). The company’s “hobby” Apple TV sold 2 million units representing a 60 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter.

Looking ahead to the second fiscal quarter of 2013, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer expects revenue between $41-$43 billion.

Leading up to and following Apple’s quarterly financial results, its stock (AAPL) took a nosedive below the $500 threshold. Today, January 24, it dropped 63.51 points (12.35%) to $450.50 when the market closed. After hours it dropped another 2.13 points to $448.37. If there was a time to announce an exciting new product that promises to revolutionize the way we watch and consume TV content, that time would be now.

[Via Apple]

‘Call of Duty: Black Ops II’ generates $500 million in 24 hours, continues the record-streak

News, Technology, , , , , , , , ,

Another Call of Duty game released, another record is set. On November 13 Call of Duty: Black Ops II came out and in 24 hours the shooter generated more than $500 million worldwide. For the fourth consecutive year, Call of Duty is the biggest entertainment launch of the year following Modern Warfare 2 (generated $310 million in 24 hours in 2009), Black Ops ($360 million in 2010), and Modern Warfare 3 ($400 million in 2011). “Life-to-date sales for the Call of Duty franchise have exceeded worldwide theatrical box office receipts for Harry Potter and Star Wars, the two most successful movie franchises of all time,” said Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick in a press release.

In other video game sales news, Halo 4 released last Tuesday on November 6 and raked in over $220 million on launch day. This makes it the most successful Halo launch in the franchise’s history, narrowly beating sales of Halo: Reach which generated $200 million in 2010. It was expected that Halo 4 sales would surpass the $300 million mark during its first week on the market, but that figure has not been made official yet. Stay tuned.

Apple reports 2012 Q4 earnings: $8.2b profit, $36b revenue, Macs up 1%, iPhones up 58%, iPads up 26%, iPods down 19%

Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , ,

On Thursday Apple reported its fourth quarter financial results, and it’s another record-breaker for the company. Apple posted a $8.2 billion profit on $36 billion in revenue. Compare this to one year ago, that’s up from a profit of $6.62 billion on $28.72 billion in revenue. Says CEO Tim Cook: “We’re very proud to end a fantastic fiscal year with record September quarter results. We’re entering this holiday season with the best iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod products ever, and we remain very confident in our new product pipeline.”

Now let’s break it down by product category. Apple sold 4.9 million Macs during the quarter (representing a 1 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter); 26.9 million iPhones (representing an 58 percent unit growth); 14 million iPads (representing a 26 percent unit growth); and 5.3 million iPods (representing an 19 percent unit decline). Their “hobby” known as Apple TV sold 1.3 million units generating revenue that Cook admits is “quite small” but he is still dedicated to the streaming product.

Looking ahead to the first fiscal quarter of 2013, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer expects revenue of about $52 billion and diluted earnings per share of about $11.75.

[Via Apple; Engadget]

Apple sells over 5 million iPhone 5s during launch weekend

News, Technology, , , , , , ,

To say Apple’s latest iPhone is popular is a huge understatement. In a press release outed on Monday, Apple reported that over five million iPhone 5s were sold in three days over the course of the device’s launch weekend (Friday, September 21 to Sunday the 23rd). Two million of them were preordered in the first 24 hours. In addition, Apple shares that over 100 million devices have been updated to iOS 6 since its September 19 debut.

“Demand for iPhone 5 has been incredible and we are working hard to get an iPhone 5 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook. “While we have sold out of our initial supply, stores continue to receive iPhone 5 shipments regularly and customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date. We appreciate everyone’s patience and are working hard to build enough iPhone 5s for everyone.”

To restate what Cook said in his obligatory quote, the press release admits: “Demand for iPhone 5 exceeded the initial supply and while the majority of pre-orders have been shipped to customers, many are scheduled to be shipped in October.”

Today the iPhone 5 is available in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore,and the UK. On September 28 it goes on sale in 22 more countries and by the end of the year it will be sold in over 100 countries. This is only the beginning for the smartphone to beat. Jump after the break for the full PR.

[Via Apple 1, 2] Continue reading Apple sells over 5 million iPhone 5s during launch weekend →

Apple reports 2012 Q3 earnings: $8.8b profit, $35b revenue, Macs up 2%, iPhones up 28%, iPads up 84%, iPods down 10%

News, Technology, , , , , , , , , , , ,

On Tuesday Apple reported its third quarter financial results, and while this wasn’t a typical record-setting quarter, it was one the company still remains confident about. Apple posted a $8.8 billion profit on $35 billion in revenue.  Compare this to one year ago, that’s up from a profit of $7.3 billion on $28.6 billion in revenue.  Says CEO Tim Cook: “We’re thrilled with record sales of 17 million iPads in the June quarter. We’ve also just updated the entire MacBook line, will release Mountain Lion tomorrow and will be launching iOS 6 this Fall. We are also really looking forward to the amazing new products we’ve got in the pipeline.”

Now let’s break it down by product category.  Apple sold 4 million Macs during the quarter (representing a 2 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter); 26 million iPhones (representing an 28 percent unit growth); 17 million iPads (representing a 84 percent unit growth); and 6.8 million iPods (representing an 10 percent unit decline).

Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer expects revenue of about $34 billion and diluted earnings per share of about $7.65.

[Via Apple]

Apple reports 2012 Q2 earnings: $11.6b profit, $39.2b revenue, Macs up 7%, iPhones up 88%, iPads up 151%, iPods down 15%

News, Technology, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

On Tuesday Apple reported record March quarter results and they go like this. Apple posted a $11.6 billion profit on $39.2 billion in revenue.  Compare this to one year ago, that’s up from a profit of $6.0 billion on $24.7 billion in revenue.  Says CEO Tim Cook: “We’re thrilled with sales of over 35 million iPhones and almost 12 million iPads in the March quarter. The new iPad is off to a great start, and across the year you’re going to see a lot more of the kind of innovation that only Apple can deliver.”

Now let’s break it down by product category.  Apple sold 4 million Macs during the quarter (representing a 7 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter); 35.1 million iPhones (representing an 88 percent unit growth); an impressive 11.8 million iPads (representing a 151 percent unit growth); and 7.7 million iPods (representing an 15 percent unit decline).

Following this announcement, Apple stock (AAPL) jumped significantly to $610 (a +50 increase), just surpassing Google’s stock that was at $609 that day. Today APPL has cooled down a bit and rests at $603 and Google has taken the lead once more and holds steady at $614.98.

Looking ahead to the third quarter, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer expects revenue of about $34 billion and diluted earnings per share of about $8.68.

[Via Apple]

The new iPad sells like hotcakes, big surprise

News, Technology, , , , , ,

On March 19 Apple released a statement announcing that their “resolutionary” new iPad is the fastest selling slate they’ve sold so far. In just three days–from launch on March 16 to the 19th–Apple sold over three million new iPads.

Apple’s Phil Schiller said this. “The new iPad is a blockbuster with three million sold―the strongest iPad launch yet. Customers are loving the incredible new features of iPad, including the stunning Retina display, and we can’t wait to get it into the hands of even more customers around the world this Friday.”

That Friday, March 23, has come and gone and now the iPad is being sold in an additional 24 countries. No further announcements have been made, but rest assured that the new iPad is doing just fine on the market. Who knows? Maybe the idiom “sells like hotcakes” will one day become “sells like iPads.”

In other news, AT&T has announced that it has set a new single-day record for its iPad sales and activations. Full PR after the break.

[Via Apple; Engadget] Continue reading The new iPad sells like hotcakes, big surprise →

Nintendo 3DS turns one years old, sells 4.5 million units in the US

News, Technology, , , , ,

Nintendo is celebrating its 3D portable’s first (US) birthday a few weeks early by releasing an impressive sales figure. (The 3DS was initially released in Japan on February 26, 2011 and later in the US on March 27.) In the States, Nintendo has sold 4.5 million  3DS hardware units since March 2011–that’s nearly twice as many units as the original DS sold in its first year on the market.

Says Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime: “Nintendo 3DS closes its first year with a lengthy list of accomplishments but we’re still just scratching the surface. With a massive lineup of first- and third-party games and more on the way, a budding library of entertainment options and an engaged and growing installed base, Nintendo 3DS has an incredibly bright future. We’re just getting started but this platform is built for the long haul.”

Continue the party after the break with the official press release which takes a journey down memory lane highlighting some of the major milestones the 3DS captured over the past year.

[Via Nintendo] Continue reading Nintendo 3DS turns one years old, sells 4.5 million units in the US →