Apple Stops PhotoFast's MacBook Air SSD Replacement?

[charlituna]

Bottom line is Apple wants the products you paid for to be used in the way it approves of, and thats why Photofast is being bullied into not selling this SSD.

One, you don't know that any bullying took place. It is total conjecture that Apple has threatened their MFI membership. Second Photofast is marketing these using Apple's trademarks without permission. And under US law if you don't protect your mark you can lose it. So of course Apple is going to point out their error and firmly ask them to stop

 

[lilo777]

One, you don't know that any bullying took place. It is total conjecture that Apple has threatened their MFI membership. Second Photofast is marketing these using Apple's trademarks without permission. And under US law if you don't protect your mark you can lose it. So of course Apple is going to point out their error and firmly ask them to stop

Here is quote from the Mac Observer: "Apple has asked Taiwanese device maker PhotoFast to stop making and selling 256GB SSD upgrades for Apple’s MacBook Air laptops. “A source close to the company” told 9to5Mac that Apple asked the company to stop selling the upgrades over the Thanksgiving, and the company complied under fear of losing its MFi license from Apple to make iPod, iPad, and iPhone accessories."

What's your conjecture?

 

[TinHead88]

Here is quote from the Mac Observer: "Apple has asked Taiwanese device maker PhotoFast to stop making and selling 256GB SSD upgrades for Apple’s MacBook Air laptops. “A source close to the company” told 9to5Mac that Apple asked the company to stop selling the upgrades over the Thanksgiving, and the company complied under fear of losing its MFi license from Apple to make iPod, iPad, and iPhone accessories."

What's your conjecture?

Perhaps you need a lesson in critical reading?

1. Apple has asked PhotFast to stop selling those 256GB SSD drives marketed as MacBook Air upgrades.
2. PhotoFast complied.

No mention of threats. No mention of reason behind it.

We don't have the facts, and yet, some people insist on making negative statements about Apple as if their assumptions are facts.

Really, get a grip people.

 

[KnightWRX]

Perhaps you need a lesson in critical reading?

1. Apple has asked PhotFast to stop selling those 256GB SSD drives marketed as MacBook Air upgrades.
2. PhotoFast complied.

No mention of threats. No mention of reason behind it.

We don't have the facts, and yet, some people insist on making negative statements about Apple as if their assumptions are facts.

Really, get a grip people.

Engadget contacted Photofast and talked to them. Photofast's representative is where the origin of Lilo777's comment. We have facts, sorry, you just want to ignore them because it paints Apple in a negative light.

 

[TinHead88]

Engadget contacted Photofast and talked to them. Photofast's representative is where the origin of Lilo777's comment. We have facts, sorry, you just want to ignore them because it paints Apple in a negative light.

No, it seems to be you that wants to ignore the facts and make up a story and call it a fact to support your little dig at Apple.

You show me where a credible source (not some 3rd hand information with some vague interpretation of the situation) states anything that justifies an attack on Apple.

You say you have the facts. Now please show them.

 

[KnightWRX]

No, it seems to be you that wants to ignore the facts and make up a story and call it a fact to support your little dig at Apple.

You show me where a credible source (not some 3rd hand information with some vague interpretation of the situation) states anything that justifies an attack on Apple.

You say you have the facts. Now please show them.

The link was posted around page 2 or 3 of this thread or feel free to dig around Engadget's site. Again, this isn't some 3rd hand info, Engadget called Photofast directly and got the comment from them. This is 1st hand.

Who's attacking Apple ? They wanted it stopped, the manufacturer feared they would lose their MFi license if they didn't and hence they stopped. Now we're stuck with an inferior SSD from Toshiba instead.

 

[TinHead88]

The link was posted around page 2 or 3 of this thread or feel free to dig around Engadget's site. Again, this isn't some 3rd hand info, Engadget called Photofast directly and got the comment from them. This is 1st hand.

Who's attacking Apple ? They wanted it stopped, the manufacturer feared they would lose their MFi license if they didn't and hence they stopped. Now we're stuck with an inferior SSD from Toshiba instead.

I have asked you show me a credible source that states any more than:
1. Apple have asked PhotoFast to stop the sale of the MBA SSD upgrade.
2. PhotoFast have complied.

All this bs about threats is just people's interpretation. It was simply not in PhotoFast's best interests to defy Apple's request.

I ask you to provide these facts that make you criticise Apple so harshly and you fail yet again to provide any. How about you put a little effort into your replies instead of just repeating your argument.

If you're accusing Apple then the proof has to be a statement from Apple. All the information seems to be coming from "a source close to" PhotoFast further interpreted by technology reporters. Can you comprehend that this is not 1st hand information?

By the way there have been many (however inconsistent) reports of sandforce based SSDs causing problems with hybernation in MacBook Pros. That could well be a good reason not to have a third party company sell such devices marketed specifically as an Apple upgrade.

 

[mrochester]

I have asked you show me a credible source that states any more than:
1. Apple have asked PhotoFast to stop the sale of the MBA SSD upgrade.
2. PhotoFast have complied.

All this bs about threats is just people's interpretation. It was simply not in PhotoFast's best interests to defy Apple's request.

I ask you to provide these facts that make you criticise Apple so harshly and you fail yet again to provide any. How about you put a little effort into your replies instead of just repeating your argument.

If you're accusing Apple then the proof has to be a statement from Apple. All the information seems to be coming from "a source close to" PhotoFast further interpreted by technology reporters. Can you comprehend that this is not 1st hand information?

By the way there have been many (however inconsistent) reports of sandforce based SSDs causing problems with hybernation in MacBook Pros. That could well be a good reason not to have a third party company sell such devices marketed specifically as an Apple upgrade.

Ah the old 'I'll only believe you if you provide evidence that I know doesn't exist' argument. You can't pick and choose who or where evidence for these stories come from. Evidence is evidence, and so far it looks like Apple are throwing their weight around to stop PhotoFast from selling this product. What we actually need is a statement from Apple to clarify that this isn't the case, and the reasons behind why production of this upgrade have apparently stopped and their involvement (if any) in that.

 

[TinHead88]

Ah the old 'I'll only believe you if you provide evidence that I know doesn't exist' argument. You can't pick and choose who or where evidence for these stories come from. Evidence is evidence, and so far it looks like Apple are throwing their weight around to stop PhotoFast from selling this product. What we actually need is a statement from Apple to clarify that this isn't the case, and the reasons behind why production of this upgrade have apparently stopped and their involvement (if any) in that.

"A reliable source close to Apple has provided information that PhotoFast's aftermarket SSD upgrades for MacBook Air are not %100 compatible with the SATA implementation of the MBA and cause issues with hybernation."

There.
Now, according to your rule of evidence is evidence (since we can't pick and choose where this evidence comes from) we can put this to rest.

 

[mrochester]

"A reliable source close to Apple has provided information that PhotoFast's aftermarket SSD upgrades for MacBook Air are not %100 compatible with the SATA implementation of the MBA and cause issues with hybernation."

There.
Now, according to your rule of evidence is evidence (since we can't pick and choose where this evidence comes from) we can put this to rest.

Well forgive me, I was wrong, we can pick and choose where this evidence comes from. So far we have some evidence from PhotoFast, I think the issue is you're just choosing to ignore it as not credible.

 

[TinHead88]

Well forgive me, I was wrong, we can pick and choose where this evidence comes from. So far we have some evidence from PhotoFast, I think the issue is you're just choosing to ignore it as not credible.

No, I'm trying to make a point that all we know is:
1. Apple have asked PhotoFast to stop the sale of the MBA SSD upgrade.
2. PhotoFast have complied.

All the other stuff is emotional knee jerk reactions in some part due to sensationalised reporting.

It's the old case of People see what they WANT to see.

I have listened to Steve Jobs answer questions in that long interview that happened a while ago. Of course Apple is a business, and as such there are certain business decisions that have to be made. However, I get the impression that he was speaking honestly and freely when he stated that he's in it for the satisfaction of bringing great products to the world.

It's sad when people use any opportunity crap on something. That's why I keep trying to bring people back to the facts.

Doesn't it remind you of the old days when someone spread some rumour about someone else and all of sudden you have a mob of angry villagers with pitch forks marching towards the accused. They didn't need any facts either.

 

[KnightWRX]

"A reliable source close to Apple has provided information

Yes, because Photofast commenting is less credible than a "reliable undisclosed source close to Apple".

No, I'm trying to make a point that all we know is:
1. Apple have asked PhotoFast to stop the sale of the MBA SSD upgrade.
2. PhotoFast have complied in fear of losing their MFi license.

All the other stuff is emotional knee jerk reactions in some part due to sensationalised reporting.

Fixed that there for you. Again, since you keep ignoring this point : Photofast themselves are the ones who reported about their fears of losing their license. They were in direct contact with Engadget.

 

[charlituna]

Here is quote from the Mac Observer: Apple has asked Taiwanese device maker PhotoFast to stop making and selling 256GB SSD upgrades for Apple’s MacBook Air laptops.

asked, not demanded.

“A source close to the company”

typical tabloid tactic, which has just as much chance that there is no source as there is one

told 9to5Mac that Apple asked the company

again asked not demanded

and the company complied under fear of losing its MFi license from Apple to make iPod, iPad, and iPhone accessories.

Shouldn't that read "Apple threatened to revoke their MFI license and blacklist them from ever supplying parts for any current or future Apple products if they do not immediately comply."

If, as you want state as truth, then why didn't this source say exactly that instead of sugarcoating the matter

Yes, because Photofast commenting is less credible than a "reliable undisclosed source close to Apple".

When it is an unnamed source it is not more credible

Photofast themselves are the ones who reported about their fears of losing their license. They were in direct contact with Engadget.

Being afraid that something could happen is not the same as being told it would

This story is full of the same tabloid tactics as most anti-Apple stories. Pity that some folks are too blinded by their hate and gullibility to see the flaws. I suppose you also believe that Elvis was killed by the CIA, Suri Cruise was a test tube baby from the dna of L Ron, and the kids from Twilight are madly in love and have been secretly married for the last two years with no less than 3 secret babies

 

[TinHead88]

Yes, because Photofast commenting is less credible than a "reliable undisclosed source close to Apple".




Fixed that there for you. Again, since you keep ignoring this point : Photofast themselves are the ones who reported about their fears of losing their license. They were in direct contact with Engadget.

Oh dear. The more you post the sillier you look. I made up that statement about a "source close to Apple" to illustrate a point. You just helped to show how easy it is to get this fiction to be mistaken for facts.

In your second comment, again, it is a problem with what you seem to WANT to read into the report. Nowhere does it state that Apple actually threatened to withdraw their MFi status.

The Engadget report is certainly worded in a way to incite anti Apple sentiments without having real foundation, but it's people's comments that seems to be taking this whole lot further.

Of course KnightWRX, you just can't admit that you've been taken for a ride because you will keep insisting that things are they way you think they are despite having no evidence for it. I suspected early on that it would be futile to argue with you.

 

[leroypants]

Ah the old 'I'll only believe you if you provide evidence that I know doesn't exist' argument. You can't pick and choose who or where evidence for these stories come from. Evidence is evidence, and so far it looks like Apple are throwing their weight around to stop PhotoFast from selling this product. What we actually need is a statement from Apple to clarify that this isn't the case, and the reasons behind why production of this upgrade have apparently stopped and their involvement (if any) in that.

Honestly don't waste you time, he and the apple can do no wrong crows have a position and will be sticking to it no matter what obvious evidence their is.

 

[mrochester]

Oh dear. The more you post the sillier you look. I made up that statement about a "source close to Apple" to illustrate a point. You just helped to show how easy it is to get this fiction to be mistaken for facts.

In your second comment, again, it is a problem with what you seem to WANT to read into the report. Nowhere does it state that Apple actually threatened to withdraw their MFi status.

The Engadget report is certainly worded in a way to incite anti Apple sentiments without having real foundation, but it's people's comments that seems to be taking this whole lot further.

Of course KnightWRX, you just can't admit that you've been taken for a ride because you will keep insisting that things are they way you think they are despite having no evidence for it. I suspected early on that it would be futile to argue with you.

Something must have happened for PhotoFast to pull this product. Would they have even begun development of such a product if they feared their MFi license would be revoked? It seems more likely that something was said or done mid-product development that caused the plug to be pulled. PhotoFast are stating that this was due to a fear of their MFi license being revoked; maybe Apple issued a warning when they got wind of such a product?

 

[TinHead88]

Honestly don't waste you time, he and the apple can do no wrong crows have a position and will be sticking to it no matter what obvious evidence their is.

Actually, I'm being objective.
If only you could show us this "obvious evidence".

 

[TinHead88]

Something must have happened for PhotoFast to pull this product. Would they have even begun development of such a product if they feared their MFi license would be revoked? It seems more likely that something was said or done mid-product development that caused the plug to be pulled. PhotoFast are stating that this was due to a fear of their MFi license being revoked; maybe Apple issued a warning when they got wind of such a product?

Yes.
Apple asked them to stop selling these Macbook Air SSD upgrades.

PhotoFast did not state that Apple threatened that they would withdraw their MFi license. It simply didn't make sense to take that risk.

Biased reporting leading people to make careless assumptions in line with their own preconceptions.

 

[mrochester]

Yes.
Apple asked them to stop selling these Macbook Air SSD upgrades.

PhotoFast did not state that Apple threatened that they would withdraw their MFi license. It simply didn't make sense to take that risk.

Biased reporting leading people to make careless assumptions in line with their own preconceptions.

No, but they did state that they were in fear of their license being revoked. Something must be making them fear that.

 

[TinHead88]

No, but they did state that they were in fear of their license being revoked. Something must be making them fear that.

EVERY product manufacturer that has an MFi agreement would be hesitant to blatantly ignore a request made by Apple. Nothing special or unusual here.
But, of course, if we use the word fear we might have a greater impact on our readers.

 

[mrochester]

EVERY product manufacturer that has an MFi agreement would be hesitant to blatantly ignore a request made by Apple. Nothing special or unusual here.

The thing is, selling an unrelated upgrade part shouldn't have any bearing on their MFi license unless the manufacturer attempt to make a connection between the MFi license and the upgrade part they are selling. As long as all their products that they claim are MFi follow the MFi guidelines, the manufacturer should be free to make and sell any other part or device they like without fear that an unrelated license is revoked. Apple shouldn't be asking them to stop making this product unless it violates the MFi license in some way. If it doesn't violate this license, then Apple are simply abusing their position to stifle innovation, development and competition.

 

[TinHead88]

The thing is, selling an unrelated upgrade part shouldn't have any bearing on their MFi license unless the manufacturer attempt to make a connection between the MFi license and the upgrade part they are selling. As long as all their products that they claim are MFi follow the MFi guidelines, the manufacturer should be free to make and sell any other part or device they like without fear that an unrelated license is revoked. Apple shouldn't be asking them to stop making this product unless it violates the MFi license in some way. If it doesn't violate this license, then Apple are simply abusing their position to stifle innovation, development and competition.

Tell me why Apple asked PhotoFast to stop selling the SSD upgrade.
You obviously know this because you state that Apple are abusing their position.

 

[mrochester]

Tell me why Apple asked PhotoFast to stop selling the SSD upgrade.
You obviously know this because you state that Apple are abusing their position.

I don't know what the reasons are; what I'm saying is that if this product violated the MFi license, Apple are justified to ask them to stop making it. If the product didn't violate the MFi license, Apple are not justified to ask them to stop making it, and doing so with any sort of threat or indication that the MFi license would be revoked would be an abuse of their dominant position.

 

[KnightWRX]

Look, just so Tinhead can shut up, here's the exact quote (http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/30/apple-forces-photofast-to-abandon-256gb-upgrade-kit-for-macbook/ :

we just confirmed it directly with the PhotoFast GM2_SFV1_Air product manager. The risk of losing access to Apple's product licensing program was just too grave a threat to ignore.

This statement implies that it is in fact Apple that mentionned pulling Photofast's MFi license. Now can we drop the "Apple does no wrong" line of thinking ? This was confirmed on page 2. Go read it next time instead of arguing around in circles.

sheesh. Welcome to the thread 5 days late and a dollar short Tinhead. Next time, read up before posting.

1st hand account directly from the source. At least we're not making up stuff as we go along, it's just reposting these links ad nauseum gets tiring for people that are getting to the party late.

I don't know what the reasons are; what I'm saying is that if this product violated the MFi license, Apple are justified to ask them to stop making it. If the product didn't violate the MFi license, Apple are not justified to ask them to stop making it, and doing so with any sort of threat or indication that the MFi license would be revoked would be an abuse of their dominant position.

This product has nothing to do with the MFi license. MFi stands for Made For iPod. This product was not for the iPod line.

 

[mrochester]

This product has nothing to do with the MFi license. MFi stands for Made For iPod. This product was not for the iPod line.

Sorry, I do know what MFi stands for, but what I meant is that there could be other clauses as part of the license in relation to what other products or services a manufacturer can offer to Apple customers, and that PhotoFast could be breaking these clauses. But if they aren't breaking any of these rules, Apple shouldn't be sticking their nose into their business at all.