Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook held a meeting with UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Sunday to talk over a range of topics including enhancing the IT sector of the country, as well as education.
Speculations surrounding the meeting
Shaikh Mohammed was all in praise for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s contribution in bringing technology driven education programs around the world. On the other hand, Cook praised UAE for launching e-government programs, according to Khaleej Times.
The details of the meeting were not disclosed, but according to some onlookers Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) wants to supply devices to UAE for education purpose. Some time back, it was rumored that the company is in talks with Turkey to supply around 13.1 million iPads worth between $3 billion and $4 billion over a four year period.
Tim Cook also visited official Apple resellers like the Virgin Megastore in Abu Dhabi and Jacky’s Electronics in Dubai, according to the reports of tbreak.ae. Although it is not clear exactly how many stores Cook visited, many employees from multiple stores posted photos of Cook’s appearance.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) does not have any official store in the Emirates, and that’s the reason why Cook’s visit to the country was big news as many are expecting that the company is looking to build a flagship Apple store. Tim Cook visited Burj Khalifa, and according to some market watchers the building could house one of the official Apple stores.
Before meeting Shaikh Mohammed, Tim Cook also met Ireland’s Taoiseach Enda Kenny to discuss taxes and future regional operations.
Apple may bring Healthbook
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is rumored to bring all new apps in iOS 8, and one of them would probably be Healthbook, said a report from 9to5Mac. Through this app, the users will be able to keep a check on their health through the smart sensors, which would be included in the next generation iOS devices like iWatch.
Healthbook will be able to track the blood pressure, hydration level, heart rate and even glucose measurement. The company recently hired Michael O’Rilley, who can be a substantial part of the company in the development of the technology. Before Apple, O’Reilley worked with a pulse oximeter firm Masimo Corporation as an executive vice president of medical affairs.
