Hey MobBat!

What goes on Mobile Kombat?! Finally, a voice has been given to the other side of the Mobile OS war. I'm here to give you the latest and greatest news from the Evil Empire...no not Walmart. Apple.

Obviously, the biggest news today was that Apple CEO Steve Jobs would be out of the spotlight for a while. A memo from Steve Jobs was sent to all Apple employees today, stating that Jobs will take a medical leave of absence so that the CEO can "focus on his health." Full details below.

"Team,

At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple's day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.

I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.

Steve"

As when Jobs took six months off in 2009, he'll continue to be CEO and to have a hand in strategic decisions for the company. And, as before, Tim Cook will oversee Apple's day to day operations. There's no indication of how long Jobs will be away from the helm this time.

It's unclear whether this leave of absence is related to his 2009 liver transplant or his earlier battles with pancreatic cancer. Presumably more details will come to light when Apple holds its quarterly earnings call tomorrow. Whatever the case, we certainly wish him a speedy and complete recovery.

Last time Steve-O was on "sick leave" their was serious concern that he was really, really sick and that if anything happened to him Apple's stock and direction would take a dive. We'll have to see how this episode plays out.

Later Internet.


- DezHuez