As predicted, Walter Isaacson’s ‘Steve Jobs’ biography is Amazon’s best-selling book of 2011. It is remarkable considering that ‘Steve Jobs’ is only released in late October. The biography is an interesting read into the man for fans and non-fans alike.

‘Steve Jobs’ at Amazon.com

It’s a sad day. A lost for our generation and mankind. RIP.

Finally, the October 4 date is confirmed. Apple today sent out invitations for a special event titled “Let’s talk iPhone”. Venue is at Apple’s Cupertino headquarter Town Hall auditorium and the event will begin 10:00 AM Pacific Time.

Apple is expected to roll out new iPhone hardware. It is still a wild guess if we will see an improved iPhone 4S, a brand new design iPhone 5 or both. iOS 5, iCloud and new iPods are also expected during this event.

The Wall Street Journal’s AllThingD site is reporting that Apple will unveil iPhone 5 on an event on October 4. Tim Cook is expected to lead the launch. This sounds like a mega launch event as besides iPhone 5, we can also expect iOS 5, iCloud, new iPod touch and iPod models, or even new AppleTV.

AllThingsD

Since the launch of the first iPhone in June 2007, Apple has consistently brought us a new iPhone model every June. But not this year. This prompts wide speculation on the reason for the delay. Here’s our take:

• Apple is waiting for iOS 5 and iCloud to be ready before the launch of the new hardware. Apple can easily launch iPhone 5 in June with iOS 4. But iCloud and iOS 5 will bring a whole new experience. And Apple wants iPhone 5 to be associated being the device for the iCloud.
• The usual annual refresh cycle for iPod is September. Apple plans to merge the launch of iPhone with the annual iPod refresh, as there is not a lot of excitement anymore for iPod models. iPod touch is running the same software as iPhone, thus it makes sense to launch both together.
• A new iPad model is expected every April. By making iPad and iPhone about 5-6 months apart, there are more breather and less contention for resources for Apple’s supply chain vendors.
• The annual Apple developer conference WWDC is in June. It makes sense to launch a new device few months apart so that developers can get ready their apps.
• One new feature in iOS 5 is iMessage, which will by pass telco’s SMS gateway if you’re sending the message to another iMessage user. This means potentially hugh loss of income for telco especially in Asia market where there are high penetration of SMS usage. It takes time to negotiate with worldwide telcos for the launch.
• September//October is nearer to the golden shopping period that is Christmas. A launch and marketing event nearer Christmas will bring a greater mindset to consumers than a June event.

Can’t get enough news on Steve Jobs? Here is an inspiring commencement speech by Steve Jobs in 2005 at Stanford, for those who have not seen it.

Apple’s executive profile page is updated in no time to reflect the new team at Apple. And new CEO Tim Cook has sent out an email to Apple employees reassuring them that “Apple is not going to change”. The full text of the email:

Team:

I am looking forward to the amazing opportunity of serving as CEO of the most innovative company in the world. Joining Apple was the best decision I’ve ever made and it’s been the privilege of a lifetime to work for Apple and Steve for over 13 years. I share Steve’s optimism for Apple’s bright future.

Steve has been an incredible leader and mentor to me, as well as to the entire executive team and our amazing employees. We are really looking forward to Steve’s ongoing guidance and inspiration as our Chairman.

I want you to be confident that Apple is not going to change. I cherish and celebrate Apple’s unique principles and values. Steve built a company and culture that is unlike any other in the world and we are going to stay true to that—it is in our DNA. We are going to continue to make the best products in the world that delight our customers and make our employees incredibly proud of what they do.

I love Apple and I am looking forward to diving into my new role. All of the incredible support from the Board, the executive team and many of you has been inspiring. I am confident our best years lie ahead of us and that together we will continue to make Apple the magical place that it is.

Tim

Apple Leadership Executive Profile

In less than 30 days, we will know all about iPhone 5 or whatever it will be called. The Apple rumor mill is boiling up as is common around this pre-announcement period. Wall Street Journal has reported that Sprint will get iPhone 5 when it is launched in mid-October. This is from a source “familiar with the matter”. And now there is report that T-Mobile will get iPhone 5 too. If these claims are true, then all four major US carriers will offer iPhone 5, which could only be good news for subscribers.

This news is inevitable but still many are surprised. Thank you Steve Jobs for your many and great creations that change the world. Here’s the letter from Steve Jobs:

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

Apple:  Steve Jobs Reigns as CEO of Apple

Apple: Letter from Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs: A Biography by Walter Isaacson is the first authorized biography which was reported to release March 6, 2012. However Barnes & Noble has updated the release date to Nov 21, 2011, together with an overview and book cover as above.

Based on more than forty interviews with Jobs conducted over two years as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues this book chronicles the rollercoaster life and searingly intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing.

Published by Simon & Schuster, the book will be 448 pages long. Amazon.com has updated the book cover but the available date remains at March 6, 2012.

Pre-order Steve Jobs: A Biography hardcopy or Kindle edition at Amazon.com