New iPad Mini rumor: 6M coming in third quarter
Another day, another iPad Mini rumor.The latest comes by way of a report from Chinese portal Netease, translated by Kotaku, which states that a smaller version of Apple's hit tablet will come to market in the third quarter.The report says that 6 million units will be ready for launch, and the smaller tablet could sell for $249 to $299.While Steve Jobs himself has dismissed the notion of a smaller iPad, rumors have continued to pop up that Apple is readying a smaller version of its iPad. The success of Amazon's Kindle Fire, which has sold well largely thanks to its lower price tag, may have convinced Apple that there is an opportunity for a smaller, more affordable tablet. Analysts have said such a device would help it maintain its lead over competitors. Apple may be preparing the smaller iPad as a response to the expected launch of competitive devices running on Windows 8, according to the report. While Android tablets haven't sold as well, Microsoft could have more luck given the potential to integrate desktop, laptop, and tablet operating systems. For now, the iPad continues to dominate the market.A representative for Apple declined to comment.
Monday, March 23, 2015
New iPad hits South Korea, 11 more countries on Friday
New iPad hits South Korea, 11 more countries on Friday
Apple said today that its new iPad will hit a dozen new markets, including South Korea, on Friday. Along with South Korea, the new iPad will be available in Brunei, Croatia, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Malaysia, Panama, St Maarten, Uruguay and Venezuela. The following Friday, it will be available in Colombia, Estonia, India, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, South Africa and Thailand.The new iPad, despite minor upgrades such as a higher-resolution screen and slightly improved processor, has been another success for Apple, which continues to dominate the tablet business. The expansion into 22 new markets over the next two weeks should only help to cement its lead over rivals running on Android or Research in Motion's BlackBerry PlayBook. The iPad, along with the iPhone, is expected to power the next phase of growth for the company. South Korea, meanwhile, marks an important market because it is the home country of rival Samsung Electronics, which Apple is combating in the courtroom over a myriad of patents, as well as in the market against Samsung's line of Galaxy tablets. The prices for the iPad remain the same, starting at $499 for a Wi-Fi only 16GB version, and going as high as $829 for the 64GB 4G version, although Apple notes that 4G LTE is only available in markets in North America.
Apple said today that its new iPad will hit a dozen new markets, including South Korea, on Friday. Along with South Korea, the new iPad will be available in Brunei, Croatia, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Malaysia, Panama, St Maarten, Uruguay and Venezuela. The following Friday, it will be available in Colombia, Estonia, India, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, South Africa and Thailand.The new iPad, despite minor upgrades such as a higher-resolution screen and slightly improved processor, has been another success for Apple, which continues to dominate the tablet business. The expansion into 22 new markets over the next two weeks should only help to cement its lead over rivals running on Android or Research in Motion's BlackBerry PlayBook. The iPad, along with the iPhone, is expected to power the next phase of growth for the company. South Korea, meanwhile, marks an important market because it is the home country of rival Samsung Electronics, which Apple is combating in the courtroom over a myriad of patents, as well as in the market against Samsung's line of Galaxy tablets. The prices for the iPad remain the same, starting at $499 for a Wi-Fi only 16GB version, and going as high as $829 for the 64GB 4G version, although Apple notes that 4G LTE is only available in markets in North America.
New iPad comes with 1GB of RAM, report says
New iPad comes with 1GB of RAM, report says
Lost amid the talk of Apple's new iPad yesterday was a mention of how much RAM the device features. But a new report claims to have the answer.Apple's new iPad comes with 1GB of RAM, according to The Verge, citing sources. Although Apple has not confirmed that claim, it would make sense. Apple's first iPad launched with 256MB of RAM onboard. The second iPad bumped that figure to 512MB of RAM. If history is to be our guide, this time around, Apple's new iPad should come with 1GB of RAM.Related storiesAll 'new iPad' coverage on CNET (roundup)Hands on Apple's new iPad (photos)Apple's new iPad: Get all the details here Apple's new iPad: Now the company competes with everyoneNew iPad shows tablet trajectory from nice to necessaryAt 1GB of RAM, the new iPad not only beats out its predecessor, but also doubles the RAM found in Apple's new iPhone 4S.Aside from RAM, Apple's new iPad, which the company unveiled at an event in San Francisco yesterday, comes with a host of improvements, including the Retina Display, the A5X processor, and an improved camera. The new iPad is expected to launch on March 16 and will come in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions. The Wi-Fi-only models start at $499, while the Wi-Fi and LTE options go for $629 and up.Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment on The Verge's report.
Lost amid the talk of Apple's new iPad yesterday was a mention of how much RAM the device features. But a new report claims to have the answer.Apple's new iPad comes with 1GB of RAM, according to The Verge, citing sources. Although Apple has not confirmed that claim, it would make sense. Apple's first iPad launched with 256MB of RAM onboard. The second iPad bumped that figure to 512MB of RAM. If history is to be our guide, this time around, Apple's new iPad should come with 1GB of RAM.Related storiesAll 'new iPad' coverage on CNET (roundup)Hands on Apple's new iPad (photos)Apple's new iPad: Get all the details here Apple's new iPad: Now the company competes with everyoneNew iPad shows tablet trajectory from nice to necessaryAt 1GB of RAM, the new iPad not only beats out its predecessor, but also doubles the RAM found in Apple's new iPhone 4S.Aside from RAM, Apple's new iPad, which the company unveiled at an event in San Francisco yesterday, comes with a host of improvements, including the Retina Display, the A5X processor, and an improved camera. The new iPad is expected to launch on March 16 and will come in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions. The Wi-Fi-only models start at $499, while the Wi-Fi and LTE options go for $629 and up.Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment on The Verge's report.
New iPad app could help save endangered whales at sea
New iPad app could help save endangered whales at sea
You might not think that an iPad could help save whales, but that's just what an app released today is designed to do.Known as Whale Alert, the iPad app is designed to help ship captains avoid colliding with whales in congested shipping channels. Specifically, the app, which was created in partnership between the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), private companies, academia, and the government, is meant to link "the bridge of a ship to the latest data about right whale detections and informs users when their vessels enter right whale management areas."North Atlantic right whales, which can be found from Newfoundland to Florida, are a highly endangered species, with just 450 remaining today. And while almost all of them have been named and identified by scientists, one of the leading causes of death for right whales is collision with ships.According to a release from IFAW, "a key feature of Whale Alert is a display linking a system of near real-time acoustic buoys that listen for right whale calls to an iPad...on a ship's bridge showing the whale's presence to captains transiting the shipping lanes."As well, the app uses GPS, the Automatic Identification System, the Web, and digital nautical chart tech to provide alerts that give captains real-time information on government conservation measures in their vicinity.
You might not think that an iPad could help save whales, but that's just what an app released today is designed to do.Known as Whale Alert, the iPad app is designed to help ship captains avoid colliding with whales in congested shipping channels. Specifically, the app, which was created in partnership between the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), private companies, academia, and the government, is meant to link "the bridge of a ship to the latest data about right whale detections and informs users when their vessels enter right whale management areas."North Atlantic right whales, which can be found from Newfoundland to Florida, are a highly endangered species, with just 450 remaining today. And while almost all of them have been named and identified by scientists, one of the leading causes of death for right whales is collision with ships.According to a release from IFAW, "a key feature of Whale Alert is a display linking a system of near real-time acoustic buoys that listen for right whale calls to an iPad...on a ship's bridge showing the whale's presence to captains transiting the shipping lanes."As well, the app uses GPS, the Automatic Identification System, the Web, and digital nautical chart tech to provide alerts that give captains real-time information on government conservation measures in their vicinity.
New images of iPad 5 screen, digitizer crop up
New images of iPad 5 screen, digitizer crop up
Images purporting to show a replacement screen for the next-generation iPad 5 have surfaced.Macfixit Australia, a company that provides parts for Apple products, published photos recently of what it claims is an iPad 5 screen/digitizer replacement. The company received the images from its supplier, which said it is the new iPad 5 display.The images seem to show a display that looks more similar to the iPad Mini than the current-generation, full-sized iPad. The replacement part shows a screen with thin bezels to the left and right, and thicker borders at the top and bottom.According to Macfixit, the part includes the same screen size -- 9.7 inches -- as the current model. Internally, the display will feature new connectors, called Flexible Printed Circuits, like those found in the iPhone 5. Previous iPads used Flat Flexible Cable.Macfixit didn't provide information on when the screens would be available or when the iPad 5 might launch. The replacement part comes with a suggested price of 249 Australian dollars ($229).(Via Macrumors)
Images purporting to show a replacement screen for the next-generation iPad 5 have surfaced.Macfixit Australia, a company that provides parts for Apple products, published photos recently of what it claims is an iPad 5 screen/digitizer replacement. The company received the images from its supplier, which said it is the new iPad 5 display.The images seem to show a display that looks more similar to the iPad Mini than the current-generation, full-sized iPad. The replacement part shows a screen with thin bezels to the left and right, and thicker borders at the top and bottom.According to Macfixit, the part includes the same screen size -- 9.7 inches -- as the current model. Internally, the display will feature new connectors, called Flexible Printed Circuits, like those found in the iPhone 5. Previous iPads used Flat Flexible Cable.Macfixit didn't provide information on when the screens would be available or when the iPad 5 might launch. The replacement part comes with a suggested price of 249 Australian dollars ($229).(Via Macrumors)
New Apple TV set-top box coming in first half of 2014, report says
New Apple TV set-top box coming in first half of 2014, report says
Apple is getting set to release an updated version of the TV set-top box it already has on the market, according to a report by 9to5Mac. The report says the product is well into testing, and could be out by the first half of this year. The report may come as a disappointment for those hoping the company would finally come out with an actual Apple TV set, a long-rumored product that has become something of a white whale for the company. Apple declined to comment. The new version of the set-top box is said to include a "revamped operating system," based more closely on iOS. The product will also include new types of content, the report said, citing anonymous sources. In what could be a turnaround from previous thinking at the company, the box's software could include a version of the App Store to house content from third-party developers. A report from iLounge earlier today also said that Apple TV would be updating its gaming support, allowing for games to be directly downloaded to the set, rather than having to go through an iOS device. Both reports suggest that the software revamps could be compatible with current generations of the set-top box, through upcoming software updates. Update, 12:29 p.m. PT: States that Apple declined to comment.
Apple is getting set to release an updated version of the TV set-top box it already has on the market, according to a report by 9to5Mac. The report says the product is well into testing, and could be out by the first half of this year. The report may come as a disappointment for those hoping the company would finally come out with an actual Apple TV set, a long-rumored product that has become something of a white whale for the company. Apple declined to comment. The new version of the set-top box is said to include a "revamped operating system," based more closely on iOS. The product will also include new types of content, the report said, citing anonymous sources. In what could be a turnaround from previous thinking at the company, the box's software could include a version of the App Store to house content from third-party developers. A report from iLounge earlier today also said that Apple TV would be updating its gaming support, allowing for games to be directly downloaded to the set, rather than having to go through an iOS device. Both reports suggest that the software revamps could be compatible with current generations of the set-top box, through upcoming software updates. Update, 12:29 p.m. PT: States that Apple declined to comment.
Rovio flings you to the 'Pork Side' in Angry Birds Star Wars II
Rovio flings you to the 'Pork Side' in Angry Birds Star Wars II
Angry Birds Star Wars surprised a lot of gamers by infusing new life into the seemingly tired bird-flinging franchise. The title has a 4.5-star rating on both Google Play and iTunes, and it made CNET's list of the 30 best iPad games.Perhaps inevitably, Rovio just announced Angry Birds Star Wars II. Due to hit app stores September 19, the game will focus on the three "Star Wars" prequels, offering more than 30 characters, most of them new to the Angry Birds Star Wars, er, universe.Speaking of new, the sequel will introduce two fairly major gameplay twists. First, instead of playing solely as bird characters, you'll have the option of "joining the Pork Side," meaning you get to step into the cloven shoes of a pig -- a first for the Angry Birds series.Second, Rovio is partnering with Hasbro, which will introduce new Telepods figures (also in September). Reminiscent of the popular Skylanders games, which mesh physical figurines and video gameplay, Telepods will "teleport" real-world Angry Birds action figures into the game."New characters and super powers can be unlocked for players by placing one of the collectible Telepods physical characters from the Hasbro line on the phone or tablet camera and scanning it into the game," according to Rovio's press release.You can see this in action, along with some Star Wars II gameplay, in the following teaser video.What do you think? Will the Force be with this Star Wars sequel? Are you looking forward to it?
Angry Birds Star Wars surprised a lot of gamers by infusing new life into the seemingly tired bird-flinging franchise. The title has a 4.5-star rating on both Google Play and iTunes, and it made CNET's list of the 30 best iPad games.Perhaps inevitably, Rovio just announced Angry Birds Star Wars II. Due to hit app stores September 19, the game will focus on the three "Star Wars" prequels, offering more than 30 characters, most of them new to the Angry Birds Star Wars, er, universe.Speaking of new, the sequel will introduce two fairly major gameplay twists. First, instead of playing solely as bird characters, you'll have the option of "joining the Pork Side," meaning you get to step into the cloven shoes of a pig -- a first for the Angry Birds series.Second, Rovio is partnering with Hasbro, which will introduce new Telepods figures (also in September). Reminiscent of the popular Skylanders games, which mesh physical figurines and video gameplay, Telepods will "teleport" real-world Angry Birds action figures into the game."New characters and super powers can be unlocked for players by placing one of the collectible Telepods physical characters from the Hasbro line on the phone or tablet camera and scanning it into the game," according to Rovio's press release.You can see this in action, along with some Star Wars II gameplay, in the following teaser video.What do you think? Will the Force be with this Star Wars sequel? Are you looking forward to it?
PayPal co-founder Levchin leaves Google
PayPal co-founder Levchin leaves Google
Google also plans to shutter almost all of Slide's applications including Photovine, a picture-sharing service the company launched just last week. AllThingsD first broke the news of Levchin's departure and the elimination of the Slide-created apps."Max has decided to leave Slide and Google to pursue other opportunities, and we wish him the best," a Google spokeswoman said via e-mail. "Most of the team from Slide will remain at Google to work on other opportunities."A note on the Slide Web site disclosed that several other applications will be "retired" as well. They include Slideshow, SuperPoke! Pets, Video Inbox and Pool Party."We created products with the goal of providing a fun way for people to connect, communicate and share," the company said. "While we are incredibly grateful to our users and for all of the wonderful feedback over the years, many of these products are no longer as active or haven't caught on as we originally hoped."The one Slide service that Google plans to continue is Prizes.org, which connects people who are seeking help with a problem to those who can offer a solution for cash.Levchin's departure is surprising, given Google's recent push into social networking with Google+. But Levchin didn't play any sort of public role in launching the new social network, and it's unclear if he played a significant role in the creation of it. What's more, when Photovine launched, it would have logically been integrated into Google+. But that never happened.
Google also plans to shutter almost all of Slide's applications including Photovine, a picture-sharing service the company launched just last week. AllThingsD first broke the news of Levchin's departure and the elimination of the Slide-created apps."Max has decided to leave Slide and Google to pursue other opportunities, and we wish him the best," a Google spokeswoman said via e-mail. "Most of the team from Slide will remain at Google to work on other opportunities."A note on the Slide Web site disclosed that several other applications will be "retired" as well. They include Slideshow, SuperPoke! Pets, Video Inbox and Pool Party."We created products with the goal of providing a fun way for people to connect, communicate and share," the company said. "While we are incredibly grateful to our users and for all of the wonderful feedback over the years, many of these products are no longer as active or haven't caught on as we originally hoped."The one Slide service that Google plans to continue is Prizes.org, which connects people who are seeking help with a problem to those who can offer a solution for cash.Levchin's departure is surprising, given Google's recent push into social networking with Google+. But Levchin didn't play any sort of public role in launching the new social network, and it's unclear if he played a significant role in the creation of it. What's more, when Photovine launched, it would have logically been integrated into Google+. But that never happened.
iTunes 9 update fixes podcast syncing, app sorting, and more_0
iTunes 9 update fixes podcast syncing, app sorting, and more
Last week, Apple released iTunes 9.0.1, which addresses a number of iPhone syncing issues as well as making some performance and stability improvements.During our first hands-on look of iTunes 9, we noted two problems with podcast episodes being listed in random order and being unable to arrange certain apps based on their being checkmarked and therefore set to sync to the iPhone or iPod Touch in question. Later, we discovered more problems with syncing in general, including wrong episodes being synced to playlists containing podcasts, podcasts failing to sync, etc. Smart Playlists, according to users, were generally messed up and did not behave as expected.iTunes 9.0.1 has addressed all of these issues with the exception of the Smart Playlist problem. Podcasts are now properly synced, podcast episodes display in the correct order, and you can arrange apps regardless of their sync status.The temporary workaround for new or existing Smart Playlists that no longer work as they used to is to uncheck "Live updating" in the settings. Uncheck Live updating for a Smart Playlist workaround.David MartiniTunes 9.0.1 also addresses other issues, including performance issues that can lead to iTunes freezing or unexpectedly quitting, problems browsing the iTunes Store, and improved app syncing for the iPhone and iPod Touch.The update is available from Software Update or via direct download from Apple's downloads page for both Mac or PC.
Last week, Apple released iTunes 9.0.1, which addresses a number of iPhone syncing issues as well as making some performance and stability improvements.During our first hands-on look of iTunes 9, we noted two problems with podcast episodes being listed in random order and being unable to arrange certain apps based on their being checkmarked and therefore set to sync to the iPhone or iPod Touch in question. Later, we discovered more problems with syncing in general, including wrong episodes being synced to playlists containing podcasts, podcasts failing to sync, etc. Smart Playlists, according to users, were generally messed up and did not behave as expected.iTunes 9.0.1 has addressed all of these issues with the exception of the Smart Playlist problem. Podcasts are now properly synced, podcast episodes display in the correct order, and you can arrange apps regardless of their sync status.The temporary workaround for new or existing Smart Playlists that no longer work as they used to is to uncheck "Live updating" in the settings. Uncheck Live updating for a Smart Playlist workaround.David MartiniTunes 9.0.1 also addresses other issues, including performance issues that can lead to iTunes freezing or unexpectedly quitting, problems browsing the iTunes Store, and improved app syncing for the iPhone and iPod Touch.The update is available from Software Update or via direct download from Apple's downloads page for both Mac or PC.
iCloud logo unveiled as Apple sets up for WWDC
iCloud logo unveiled as Apple sets up for WWDC
SAN FRANCISCO--As it does every year, Apple started setting up for its Worldwide Developers Conference days in advance of its kickoff, offering a glimpse at what will greet attendees next week.Signage put up by the company today inside the lobby of San Francisco's Moscone Center doesn't unveil anything we didn't already know from a press release issued earlier this week, but offers the first look at the logos for iCloud and iOS 5.iCloud was first mentioned and named by the company on Tuesday, along with word that Apple CEO Steve Jobs would be doing the keynote address. iCloud's rectangular, app-like appearance on the banner suggests it will exist separately of iTunes, and potentially fit in with the company's existing lineup of MobileMe services to which it bears a resemblance. As for the iOS 5 logo, it's nearly identical to the one for iOS 4, short of having a 5 instead of a 4. That could simply be a branding choice rather than an indication it will be an modest update from the current version. Along with iCloud and iOS 5, Lion is given a spot at the very front of the pack. Apple first introduced the upcoming version of the Mac OS at an event back in October, and is likely to offer a price and release date at Monday's keynote. For more shots of the inside and outside of Moscone, hit the gallery below.iCloud unveiled as Apple readies Moscone...See full gallery1 - 4 / 7NextPrev
SAN FRANCISCO--As it does every year, Apple started setting up for its Worldwide Developers Conference days in advance of its kickoff, offering a glimpse at what will greet attendees next week.Signage put up by the company today inside the lobby of San Francisco's Moscone Center doesn't unveil anything we didn't already know from a press release issued earlier this week, but offers the first look at the logos for iCloud and iOS 5.iCloud was first mentioned and named by the company on Tuesday, along with word that Apple CEO Steve Jobs would be doing the keynote address. iCloud's rectangular, app-like appearance on the banner suggests it will exist separately of iTunes, and potentially fit in with the company's existing lineup of MobileMe services to which it bears a resemblance. As for the iOS 5 logo, it's nearly identical to the one for iOS 4, short of having a 5 instead of a 4. That could simply be a branding choice rather than an indication it will be an modest update from the current version. Along with iCloud and iOS 5, Lion is given a spot at the very front of the pack. Apple first introduced the upcoming version of the Mac OS at an event back in October, and is likely to offer a price and release date at Monday's keynote. For more shots of the inside and outside of Moscone, hit the gallery below.iCloud unveiled as Apple readies Moscone...See full gallery1 - 4 / 7NextPrev
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