Larry Magid: Apple evolving into a services company

In 2007, Apple changed its name from Apple Computer to Apple, Inc. That was the year Apple launched its Apple TV set-top box and the iPhone, joining the iPod in Apple's growing list of consumer products other than personal computers. There's no reason for Apple to change its name again, but if things keep going the way they are, one might describe the company as "Apple Services Company," kind of like the old AT&T which built and rented out telephones but made the bulk of its money by charging for phone service. That strategy became more obvious this week as Apple rolled out new iPads and Apple Watch models but also announced two new services: Apple Fitness and Apple One. As per hardware, the most interesting announcement is the addition of a blood oxygen sensor on its new Apple Watch 6 which, like some previous models, also includes an ECG (electrocardiogram) sensor.