RUMOR: APPLE TO INVEST $1 BILLION IN SHARP LCD FACTORY

Apple may invest $1 billion in a Sharp LCD factory to ensure adequate production of screens for its iPhone and iPad, according to MF Global FXA Securities analyst David Rubenstein. Apple typically buys its LCD displays from Samsung, LG and Chimei Innolux, although recent reports have suggested the iPhone maker has boosted its orders with Samsung after LG failed to meet iPad 2 display requirements.

Apple’s recent legal battles with Samsung in the United States, the European Union and Australia could be why the company is looking to invest in other manufacturers. “If the situation escalates into a state of war, this could mean a huge shift in orders,” a source told Reuters, suggesting that Apple could give larger orders to Elpida Memory and Toshiba.

Sharp is expected to provide the LCD displays for Apple’s sixth-generation iPhone, which is expected to launch next year.

SHARP HALTS PRODUCTION AT TWO LCD PLANTS IN JAPAN

Toshiba, Hitachi, and Panasonic already said they would shutter their liquid crystal display plants for a month following the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck the country on March 11. Now, Japan's largest exporter of LCD TVs, Sharp, has suspended production at its two biggest factories, thanks to a shortage of a gas used in the manufacturing process. The Osaka and Mie plants, which have a combined capacity of 172,000 sets per month, won't reopen until May 6, at the earliest. Until then, the company claims it has enough TVs in its inventory to last about a month. One JP Morgan Chase analyst estimates that the company stands to lose 50 billion yen ($590 million) this fiscal year due to the freeze.

NETFLIX TO GET DEDICATED BUTTON ON REMOTES

Netflix's partners including Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Dynex, Haier, Memorex, Iomega and Roku will also offer one-touch Netflix buttons on remotes for TVs, Blu-ray players and media streamers. It's pretty obvious, Netflix Watch Instantly is a killer app for any connected TV platform at this point and one of the most used features, making access quicker and easier is a no-brainer.

GOOGLE TV TO BE DELAYED

According to The New York Times Google has asked Toshiba, LG and Sharp to hold off on their presentations of Google TV at CES to give Google more time to refine and tweek the software.

Google TV is suppose to be the next generation of television viewing. It will allow viewers to access the internet and watch TV at the same time. Want more facts on something a character said in your favorite TV show? Launch the in frame browser. Sign into Twitter and tweet about what you are watching right this minute.

The New York Times article does not say of the companies have agreed to give delay the launch of their products until Google can get its product right, so plans can change rapidly as CES approaches or even during CES. [Gizmodo]

SHARP QUITTING THE PC BUSINESS

Sharp has become the latest causality of the electronic companies tough times. They announced they are leaving the low margin, cut-throat personal computer business to focus on more profitable areas.  Sharp still has plans to develop tablet computers starting with Galapagos and concentrate on related ebook, music and video services for those tablets. [Engadget]