LogMeIn remote desktop app goes free on iPhone and iPad

Looks like LogMeIn Inc. has suddenly cottoned on to the freemium business model, deciding to offer its basic remote desktop app for iPhone and iPad entirely gratis. Previously, you had to hand over $29.99 for the simple pleasure of accessing your PC and Mac desktops via LogMeIn Ignition, but the new free version (simply 'LogMeIn') amply provides for that barebones service, while bells and whistles are reserved for those who buy an in-app subscription to LogMeIn Pro at $40 per year - including things like HD video and sound streaming, file transferring and integration with cloud storage services . Confusing matters slightly, the old Ignition app won't die. It'll live on in the App Store with a massively inflated price to support old Ignition customers and - most importantly - give them grandfather rights to Pro features, so they don't feel left out and start sniffing around the competition. There's a full PR after the break, and it also mentions that Android update is on its way in 2012.

Apple may be rushing to launch the iPad 3 on Jobs's birthday

Is Apple planning to launch the iPad 3 on Steve Jobs's birthday next year? The idea might sound more like a conspiracy theory than a rumor but if you're looking for an update on when Apple might be launching its iPad 3, a new report says late-February. According to Focus Taiwan, Apple's component suppliers and manufacturing partners are hustling to build enough devices in time to get the tablet on store shelves by February 24th - Steve Jobs's birthday. Foxconn, which is reportedly building between 9.5 million and 9.7 million units, has allegedly asked its workers to work through the Lunar New Year holiday. While anything is possible at this point, the date doesn't quite match up with earlier rumors that suggested Apple will launch the device in March or April. The new iPad 3 is expected to offer a slightly revamped design and a high-resolution Retina Display, but Apple may have some competition right out of the gate this time around -  BGR exclusively reported earlier this month that Samsung is planning to unveil a tablet with a Retina-like resolution in February.

Apple reportedly has no plans for a 7-inch iPad, iPad 2 price to drop when iPad 3 launches

A number of reports have emerged in recent months claiming that Apple has a new smaller iPad in the pipeline set to launch in 2012. Scheduled to be released in the second half of the year, the slate will reportedly feature a 7.85-inch display and a lower price tag compared to the current iPad 2 model. A new note from Wedge Partners analyst Brian Blair suggests that Apple has no such plans, however, and it will stick to a 9.7-inch panel when it launches new iPad models next year. Read on for more.

“Don't expect a 7-incher. While we believe Apple has tested 7-inch screen prototypes for over a year, we don't currently expect the company to release anything in the 7-inch size in 2012," Blair wrote in a note to clients on Friday. He is also one of a few analysts who dispelled iPhone 5 rumors and correctly predicted that Apple would launch the iPhone 4S with a faster A5 processor, an 8-megapixel camera and the same case as the iPhone 4.

Blair adds that former Apple CEO Steve Jobs was very vocal in his stance against 7-inch tablets, suggesting that they do not offer a large enough canvas for Apple's iOS software in a tablet environment. It should also be noted, however, that Apple has made a number of similar statements over the years only to flip-flop later and make announcements in direct contradiction to earlier claims. One example is native app support, which Apple initially resisted out of fear it would sully the iPhone user experience.

While Blair doesn't see a 7-inch iPad hitting the market next year, he does believe Apple will adopt an iPhone-like strategy with its iPad line in 2012. Rather than simply replacing the iPad 2 with the iPad 3 next year, Apple will continue to sell the iPad 2 at a reduced price as it now does with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS.

“We believe Apple is highly likely to keep the iPad 2 on the production line after the launch of iPad 3 and offer it at a lower price point in an effort to address demand at the mid-tier, what we view as the $249 - $499 range,” the analyst wrote. “We believe iPad 2's price could drop to the $349 to $399 range with Apple offering a single 16GB model.”

iPad satisfaction rate at 84% according to new survey

While electronics vendors struggle to gain traction in the emerging media tablet market, Apple has managed to maintain a significant lead in the space despite an increasing number of rival offerings. Apple's share of the global tablet market in the third quarter was estimated to be 61.5% by market research firm IDC, and it's not just momentum keeping the company's market share high. Apple's user experience on the iPad has been touted by many as having a huge lead over rival platforms, and the majority of iPad owners seem to agree according to the results of a recent survey. 

Wichita State University's Software Usability Research Laboratory conducted a survey of iPad owners and found that 83.65% of users are satisfied with the tablet. 62% rated the Apple tablet as “excellent,” 21% said it was “good” and 10% of respondents said it was the “best imaginable” tablet. 4% of those surveyed said the tablet was “fair,” 2% said it was “poor” and another 2% called the device “awful.”

SURL's study used a small sample set of 52 respondents, but the results mirror a number of larger studies that sought to determine users' satisfaction level with the iPad. Studies conducted by ChangeWave have found the iPad's satisfaction rating to be as high as 95%, and a recent user survey conducted by PCWorld determined that the iPad is “miles ahead of the pack in durability, ease of use, and features such as battery life, screen quality, and overall speed.”

The Software Usability Research Laboratory at Wichita State University also found that apps continue to be a big draw for iPad users - 46% of users have between 21 and 60 apps installed on their iPads - and web browsing is still one of the most common uses for the Apple tablet. Almost 90% of respondents said they browse the Internet daily on their iPads while less than 70% said they checked their email each day, the second most popular iPad function according to the survey, and just over 60% said they read the news on their iPads every day.

7.85 inch iPad Mini to come in late 2012, iPad 3 in Q1 2012

That rumored 7.85 inch iPad – which can certainly be considered an iPad Mini - may not arrive early next year, as previously suggested, but only towards the end of the year.

According to DigiTimes, "sources in the supply chain" are saying that Apple will likely release the 7.85 inch iPad in the fourth quarter of 2012, with production for its panels to start at the end of the second quarter.

Before that, in the first quarter of the year, the Cupertino company should introduce the successor to the iPad 2, most probably called iPad 3 (reportedly, this will have a 10 inch display with a resolution increased to 2048 x 1536 pixels).

Rev360 iPad Case : It's Stylish, It's Different And It's Multipurpose!

The REV360 iPad 2 case has a swiveling base that allows the tablet to easily rotated for viewing in both portrait and landscape modes. The volume of the base makes it possible to rest the tablet on a flat surface forming an inclined angle, suitable for typing and viewing videos.

The back cover seems strong enough, and it's said to be made from 100 percent recycled plastic and resin in an effort to keep an 'eco-friendly' tag on its build. What more, it's available for $49.95 from the link after the break.

Here's a quick look at its features:

• Flip it, spin it, turn it share it
• Comfortably use you iPad while turning it for optimal viewing and easy manipulation of the touch screen without accidentally launching apps or randomly scrolling

• Molded polyurethane, material tough enough for skateboard wheels, that takes tons of abuse without scuffing
• Conforms to the iPad shape with shock-absorbing properties
• Molded ridges at the edges for ease of grip and tabletop stability

• Thermoplastic ABS, sturdy enough to take a beating
• Conforms to your hand's natural tendency to rest in a curved state
• A cover that rotates around the hand disc with a precise indexing mechanism — position your iPad at 36 points

• Heavy duty brushed finish elastic
• Stable enough to hold the iPad firmly in place, yet designed to easily slip on and off.

• Rests perfectly at a gentle slope for table top or desk use

Click here to know more.

Millennial: Kindle Fire outpaces iPad adoption but Android sees huge share drop in November

Usage of Amazon's Kindle Fire has exploded since the tablet launched last month, but its rapid adoption wasn't enough to keep Android from seeing its biggest share drop this year in November. Mobile ad network Millennial Media on Tuesday released its monthly Mobile Mix report for November, during which it saw Android's share drop significantly while iOS and RIM's BlackBerry platform showed gains. The firm reports that impressions served to Amazon's Kindle Fire have grown at an average daily rate of 19% since the tablet launched last month, outpacing Apple's iPad when it first launched in early 2010. As a whole, however, Android still lost six points compared to Millennial's October numbers, falling to 50% in November. Read on for more.

Millennial shows that Apple's iOS platform showed slight gains between October and November, growing its share from 28% to 30%, and Research In Motion's BlackBerry operating system grew from 13% to 17% during the same period - the biggest gain seen among all mobile platforms last month.

Samsung reclaimed the No.2 spot on Millennial's list of handset vendors, growing its share from 17.24% in October to 17.47% while the former No.2, HTC, dropped from 18.11% in October to just 12.64% in November. Apple retained its position as top vendor in November as its share grew to 25.66% from 23.50% in October. Despite its rough quarter, RIM's share increased to 14.57% from 10.86% in October to move the Waterloo, Ontario-based company past HTC and into the No.3 spot.

Apple's iPhone remained the top device in Millennial's November report, growing its share from 12.53% in October to 13.54% last month. RIM's BlackBerry Curve line jumped up to the No.2 position with 5.87% and Motorola's DROID X inched down one spot with 5.27%.

Disney-branded AppClix camera for iPad turns you into the world's happiest shooter

If you thought using the iPad's camera - or any other tablet, for that matter - was an awkward way to do mobile photography... well, you were right. But, this mind-boggling AppClix ($60) is about to take things to a new level. The bizarre external shooter gives you access to all of its 7.1 megapixels via Apple's proprietary connector, and you also get an SD card slot, 4X zoom for distant shots and a 1.5-inch LCD display for "previews." As if the souped-up specs weren't enough, the portable camera comes in a variety of flavors, so if Mickey or Minnie Mouse aren't your characters of preference, you'll be glad to know that you can also choose between Phineas and Ferb, Princes and Tinkerbell. Oh, and did we mention the Disney Pix editing app? If you're silly enough to buy this thing, we're told it's a must-download.

IDC: iPad maintains tablet dominance, HP's TouchPad fire sale burned brightly

While the Android tablets continue to roll in, Apple can still lay claim to the lion's share of the tablet market according to IDC's latest report. Its research suggests that the iPad holds onto 61.5 percent of the worldwide market share, down from 63.3 percent last quarter. Android devices in total also saw a slight contraction, down from 33.2 percent to 32.4 percent. This is partly explained by the HP TouchPad's final hurrah, which rocketed the ill-fated webOS tablet up to third place with a 5 percent of share of tablet sales and an estimated 903,354 devices sold. Samsung maintained its Honeycomb tablet crown, nabbing 5.6 percent of all tablet sales. The Korean manufacturer was closely tailed by Barnes and Noble's Nook Color with 4.5 percent and Asus, arriving at fifth place with a four percent share. Tablets in total sold less than the analysts had predicted, although E-readers outperformed estimates, with 6.5 million E-readers sold in the third quarter, up 165.9 percent from last year.

Apple may launch ‘iPad mini' in Q3

Apple is reportedly working on a smaller version of its popular iPad tablet that will launch in the third quarter next year. Citing sources in Apple's parts supply chain, DigiTimes on Friday claimed that a new iPad with a 7.85-inch display will enter production at the end of the second quarter. LG Display and AU Optronics will supply the panels, according to the site's report. DigiTimes suggests that Apple, which previously stated that a 7-inch display was too small for a tablet, will build the smaller slate to “cope with increasing market competition including the 7-inch Kindle Fire from Amazon and the launch of large-size smartphones from handset vendors.” Earlier reports from Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White suggested that Apple would launch an “iPad mini” in 2012, but that mini referred to a lower price in the high-$200 range rather than a smaller form factor.

Leaked part hints at upcoming iPad 3 redesign

A leaked component that is purportedly part of Apple's unannounced iPad 3 suggests that the tablet may feature a brand new design. The new part is a microphone mic flex cable ribbon that was leaked by TVC-Mall. Unlike the iPad 2, the flex cable in the iPad 3 makes a U-Turn, suggesting additional components have been reconfigured within the iPad 3′s case. Redesigned internal hardware don't necessarily mean the iPad 3 will will feature a cosmetic redesign, but earlier reports claimed that Apple's new iPad would feature a thicker case in order to accomodate a high-resolution display panel that isn't quite as slender as the iPad 2′s panel. The latest rumors suggest Apple could unveil the tablet as soon as March or April, and it may also be working on a new smaller iPad model that will launch later in the year.

7-Inch iPad To Launch Alongside The Next Generation iPad Next Year!

According to the report, Apple is prepping up a smaller iPad model to "cash in" on market demand for smaller tablets. Citing "sources in the supply chain", DigiTimes claims that a smaller iPad sporting a 7.85″ display may launch next year.

But, according to Steve Jobs, the 7-inch tablets did not make any sense which is why a smaller iPad wouldn't sound practical, but now that Steve Jobs has parted us, it is slightly possible that Apple might consider revising its decision.

As DigiTimes exclaims:

As per our inference, according to DigiTimes, Apple may launch two iPads next year. This includes the regular-sized 9.7-inch next generation iPad that may launch in first quarter of 2012. Besides that, a smaller 7-inch iPad would be released in late 2012.

We generally do not like the idea of going by rumors since most of them do not ever make it to reality. Nevertheless, there's always a chance that some of them may strike the target, but even if so, we wouldn't agree with the idea of Apple launching two iPads in one year.

So far, there have been no positive indications strongly suggesting the existence of a smaller iPad model. Likewise, there have been no suggestive word on the next-gen iPad either. But, reports continue to surge in in the name of an iPad HD, iPad 2 Plus, 3D iPad, a completely new iPad 3 and so on.

Apple is already said to have received samples of smaller displays for the aforementioned iPad, but it is possible that Apple could be just testing smaller-sized displays while it may not actually intend to release products sporting them ever to the market.

What comes next year out of the veils at launch is something that only Apple knows. We will keep you posted as more details surface. Stay tuned!

Apple loses iPad trademark suit in China, could owe $1.5 billion in damages

Apple recently lost a trademark suit in China after it attempted to sue a Chinese firm for infringing on its iPad trademark. Apple originally filed a complaint against Proview Technology, which argued that it registered for the iPad trademark in 2000, long before Apple introduced the tablet. Proview Technology says it continues to use the iPad moniker in China and several other countries and is now seeking $1.5 billion in compensation from Apple. The iPhone maker has six Apple Stores in China and, according to Reuters, executives believe they have just “scratched the surface” in terms of the sales potential that the Chinese market will offer. The company plans to open more stores to help fight a growing outcrop of fake Apple Store locations and, as such, it is important for Apple to be able to use the iPad trademark in the country.

Apple loses 'iPad' trademark in China

Apple prides itself on its brand value. But in China, the technology giant may be forced to sell their iPad tablets under a new moniker. The world's largest technology company lost an ongoing court battle to use their iPad trademark, after claiming that a Chinese company was infringing on the name with their own product.

The patent court in Shenzen, China ruled in favour of Proview Technology, who had previously trademarked the name 'iPad' in 2000. Proview sued Apple for 10 billion yuan ($1.6 billion) in October for copyright infringement; likely spurred by its 400 million yuan ($64 million) debt.

Apple had purchased rights to the trademark from Proview's global parent company last year. But the Chinese judiciary clearly did not share the same sentiments.

It has been suggested that Chinese patent law is deliberately designed to favour Chinese based companies, in efforts to proect Chinese intellectual property. This has resulted in Chinese versions of Western brands being protected by patent law, such as Weibo in place of Twitter, and Baidu in place of Google.

China is currently the world's largest smartphone market, after overtaking the U.S. earlier this year. For Apple, not being able to use one of its universally synonymous brand names will be an unfortunate blow to the company.

Apple did not comment on the ruling.

One question Apple faces is whether it will buy the rights from Proview once more? Or, if the case is upheld, will Apple choose to market the iPad under a different name?

Hands-on with Dijit's universal remote app for iPad

By now, you should all be familiar with Griffin's Beacon universal remote system, as we've gotten our hands on the iPhone version and let you know about the one for Android, too. Well Dijit, who creates the apps that work with the Beacon hardware, wasn't done, and so has released an iPad-specific app to take advantage of the extra screen real estate it affords. Dijit calls it a "reimagined" version of the iPhone app and it provides both a new look and some new functionality to the Dijit experience. We got to spend some time with the app at gdgt Live in San Francisco, and found it to be quite similar to the recently released Android version. Head on past the break for a video breakdown of Dijit for iPad and our impressions of the app in action.

Dijit for iPad supports the same sizable library of devices as its predecessors and helps you to find the right IR codes for your A/V gear, so the initial setup is relatively painless. The app itself integrates social networks to help you find new content of interest - similar to services like Miso and Buddy TV. Not only does the app show your TV listings, but it can access Netflix and let users play YouTube clips inside the app, plus there's episode and cast information on tap as well. As in previous iterations, the remote control layout is fully customizable and allows users to pick and choose their buttons of choice while arranging them in any configuration. Right now, the app still works using Bluetooth to communicate with the IR blaster hardware, but the folks from Dijit told us they're working on making the app communicate directly with smart TVs over WiFi using UPnP. Keep at it guys, you've got about six weeks to get it ready for show-and-tell at CES.

Scosche fitRAIL Exercise Mount for iPad and iPad 2

Walking on a treadmill can be boring, so some people try to prop a book on it so they can read while they workout.  What do you do if you have converted to ebooks and read exclusively on your iPad or what if you want to watch videos while you walk?  Scosche has created a mounting system to allow you to use an iPad or iPad 2 while you workout.  The fitRAIL Exercise Mount for iPad and iPad 2 is sturdy; it's made of aluminum and steel with a polished finish.  It holds your iPad/iPad 2 securely; your device sits on a tray and is stabilized with stickGRIP material and secured with a clip-on strap that attaches to the top of the iPad.  It has rubber feet on the back to prevent scratches to the machine, too.  It folds up and fits into a storage bag so you can throw it in your gym bag. Scosche says fitRAIL is also a great way to use the Scosche myTREK pulse monitor and app during workouts.  Simply attach the arm strap monitor to track pulse, calories burned and time on their iPad or iPad 2. fitRAIL will work with treadmills, exercise bikes, elliptical machines, and other exercise machines, and it will also work as a horizontal tabletop stand or a typing stand when you're not working out.  It's $49.99 at Scosche.

Rain Design iRest iPad LapStand Review

It is hard to believe its been over three years and five laptops since I did my Rain Design mStand review. I have gone through a lot of tech/gadget-stuff in those 40 months. But to this day, the mStand remains prominently situated on my desk, supporting all of my laptops from the 17″ MBPro I had while doing the original review to my current 13″ MBAir. Sufficed to say, I like I love the look, style, and function of the mStand especially when displaying my aluminum unibody laptops from Apple. Over the years, Rain Design has continued to release Apple centric designs to accentuate Apple's sleek aluminum and glass look and feel. This year, in that same tradition, they have created a stand engineered to hold your iPad while you're laying/lounging around, called the iRest.

The iRest is well made for its weight and transportability. It is compatible with the iPad 1 and iPad 2. According to Rain Design it also works with any tablet less than 0.47 inches (1.2 cm) thick. You can use your iPad/tablet vertically…..

…..or horizontally. The slot that the iPad resides in easily accommodates a naked iPad or the iPad 2 with or without its smart cover.

It does not allow either of the OtterBox Commuter or Defender (aka bulky) cases to fit within the iRest's rail.

As with the mStand, Rain Design has included/engineered adequate padding so that your iPad does not rub against the aluminum back of the iRest.

Specifications: The iRest can fold down into a relatively small volume. At two inches thick and less than a pound, it is very transportable.

The iRest stand is simple to get operational; take off the front pad, extend the acrylic back leg, replace the front pad, then screw in the two back padded feet.

As I stated above, the iRest is well made; from the aluminum stand and front foot, to the various types of padding, to the acrylic back leg. The back leg allows for large range of angles from nearly vertical to almost horizontal.

Quite often, the Gadgeteer Kid and I watch a show or movie in the evening before going to sleep. We typically negotiate (aka argue) who is going to hold the iPad while doing so. Being the end of the day and tired, holding the 1.5 lbs iPad in place is a hassle. The iRest eliminates this burden not only in bed but all around the house; from the couch, to the kitchen counter, to the desk, etc.

For what it is worth, the GK really likes the iRest and has said so more than a few times (this stand has, more or less, become his….). Other than before-bed movies, he primarily uses the iRest to hold his iPad when he is doing homework at the kitchen counter.

In addition to being able to use it as a lapstand, some or all of the padding can be removed, enabling the iRest to be used as a desktop stand for your iPad.  This is a nice feature.

Overall, we find the iRest useful throughout the house. My son takes advantage of its ability to display his iPad (vs him having to hold it or lean over it while laying horizontal). At $50, the iRest is comparably priced to other iPad stands and smart covers.  When factoring in its material and build quality it is a great buy.

Next iPad to launch in March, ‘real' iPad 3 coming in Q3 2012

Apple is preparing to launch a slightly upgraded iPad 2 in March of 2012, DigiTimes reported on Thursday. The new iPad is rumored to be thinner and is said to offer better battery life than the current model. It is unclear what Apple will call the device launching in March, but the company reportedly has plans to launch a “real” iPad 3 during the third quarter of 2012. Samsung, Sharp and LG are said to be working on a new Retina Display for the next-generation iPad, which may also pack a faster A6 processor, but rumors of manufacturing issues have suggested it may take Apple longer than originally planned to introduce a model with that equipment. A report last month from Ticonderoga Securities suggested that Apple is planning a cheaper iPad model that will debut early next year ahead of an iPad 3, which won't launch until the second quarter.

Apple isn't sweating Kindle Fire, says Android fragmentation will drive consumers to iPad

Several analysts believe Amazon has an imminent hit on its hands with its upcoming Kindle Fire, a $199 Android-powered tablet that features deep integration with Amazon's many digital services. While Amazon's new tablet will be available for just over six weeks in 2011, some analysts think the company could ship as many as 5 million Kindle Fire slates during the holiday quarter. Rapid adoption of that magnitude would certainly make the Fire the fastest-selling Android tablet of all time but according to Barclays Group analyst Ben Reitzes, Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Peter Oppenheimer aren't worried. Read on for more.

Following a meeting with the pair of Apple chief officers, Reitzes delivered a note to investors suggesting that the company sees Amazon's forthcoming tablet as good news for the iPad. The Kindle Fire's low price point makes it accessible, but Apple believes it further fragments the Android ecosystem, which may cause consumers to flee to the iPad.

“While the pricing at $199 looks disruptive for what seems to be the iPad's most important rising challenge, the Amazon Fire - it is important to note that it could fuel further fragmentation in the tablet market,” Reitzes wrote. ”While compatible with Android, the Apps work with Amazon products. The more fragmentation, the better, says Apple, since that could drive more consumers to the stable Apple platform. We believe that Apple will get more aggressive on price with the iPad eventually but not compromise the product quality and experience.”

Amazon will release its Kindle Fire tablet on November 15th, and a second Amazon tablet is expected to launch in the second half of 2012.

The official Gmail app for iPhone, iPad is officially official

Google has finally taken wraps off of its official iOS Gmail app. However, momentarily after being launched, the app was pulled by Google. Google's confirmed on its blog that the Gmail app contains a bug that breaks notifications, and it's pulled the app while it fixes it. A new version is promised “soon.”

Anyway, let's take a look at the app first shall we? The new app offers a number of “time-saving features,” including push notifications for new message alerts, quick message search and email address auto-complete from your Apple device's address book. The iPad version also offers up a split view, to read messages and check out your inbox at the same time.

On the efficiency side, the Priority Inbox shows your important messages first, and the app also lets you sort messages via labels and stars. Swiping down will refresh the messages and swiping right gives you a quick view of your labels. Gmail will work with devices running iOS 4 and higher.

Google launches official Gmail app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

Google released an official Gmail application for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch on Wednesday. According to Google, the application supports the following features:

• Get alerted to new messages with push notifications and sounds
• Find an email in seconds with search across your entire inbox
• Autocomplete email addresses from your Gmail contacts or select from your device's address book
• Upload photos with a click using the new attachment button in compose view
• On iPad, navigate your inbox and read your mail simultaneously with split view

Additionally, Gmail for iOS offers a priority inbox feature for finding your most important messages, threaded conversations, labeling, archiving and more. It also supports touch gestures so that users can swipe left or right to view labels and folders. Gmail requires an iPad, iPod touch or iPhone running iOS 4 or newer. It is available for free in the iTunes App Store now.

Victory in Valencia: Android tablet maker gets Apple's iPad design lawsuit dismissed in Spain

Apple's taken its war on Android around the world and has won several battles recently, but the latest news from Spain isn't so rosy for Cupertino. Last year, Apple filed suit against Spanish firm NT-K, alleging it was infringing Apple's iPad design-related IP. Shortly thereafter, Apple scored a customs ban on NT-K's tablets, but yesterday a Spanish court decided to dismiss Apple's legal complaint and set NT-K's Gingerbread slates free. Victory in hand, the company plans to pursue a civil suit against Apple for damages caused by the ban. Score one for the green bot army, let's see if Samsung and HTC can follow their fellow Android OEM to the courtroom winner's circle.

Google launches faulty Gmail app for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch

Yesterday we've heard it's coming, and today it's here: Google has announced the launch of its official Gmail app for iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch).

The app features an interface optimized for iOS, push notifications, comprehensive search across the whole inbox, threaded conversations, one-click photo uploads, and split view (only on the iPad).

Unfortunately, mere hours after its launch via iTunes, the Gmail iOS app has been removed by Google because “it contained a bug which broke notifications and caused users to see an error message when first opening the app.” Google is currently working to fix the problem and re-release the app. Meanwhile, “everyone who's already installed the app can continue to use it.”

When the bug is fixed and the Gmail app is again available in the App Store here, it will be compatible only with devices running iOS 4+.

Gmail app on iPad and iPhone hands-on

We've been clamoring for a dedicated Gmail app on iOS for so long that, now that there's one available, we couldn't help but take it for a test drive. Once installed the thing differentiates itself from the previous, HTML5-based app by using a darker, more mysterious black background for the app icon. Otherwise it's the same white and red envelope. Open that up and the app inside looks mighty familiar too. Join us after the break for some quick impressions.

On either the iPhone or the iPad the experience is much like the HTML5-based apps we've used before. On the phone (or iPod touch) the main view is a simple list of messages within the current label. Tap "menu" and a black bar pops in from the left, enabling your selection of other labels. We haven't yet found a way to specify which of those is kept in sync for offline viewing, but hopefully that's something coming in a future release.

Composing new emails does allow for attachments, but otherwise this offers little more functionality than we had before, and less than is found on the Android version - most notably, if you have multiple accounts fed into your Gmail account, you can't choose which of those to send a message from.

On the iPad it's the same functionality just presented with a three-column view: list of labels, list of emails within the current label and a view of the current email on the far right. It's clean and workable but sadly a bit buggy. We had to reboot our iPad before it would let us sign in and we got notification-related errors upon launching both apps for the first time. We also had issues with content falling off the right side of the screen, partially obscured from view.

But, the good news is the apps do now support notifications, so you'll always know when someone wants a reply. Ultimately the apps don't rock the boat, but they're a start and an encouraging step toward proper Gmail platform independence.

The official Gmail app for iPhone, iPad is officially official

Well, it's about bloody time. Google has finally taken wraps off of its official iOS Gmail app. It's live now in the iTunes App Store for use with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The new app offers a number of "time-saving features," including push notifications for new message alerts, quick message search and email address auto-complete from your Apple device's address book. The iPad version also offers up a split view, to read messages and check out your inbox at the same time. On the efficiency side, the Priority Inbox shows your important messages first, and the app also lets your sort messages via labels and stars. Swiping down will refresh the messages and swiping right gives you a quick view of your labels. Gmail will work with devices running iOS 4 and higher

iPad and cylindrical mirror used to create optical illusions

With the use of the iPad's multi-touch capability and a cylindrical mirror, the research group at the Ochanomizu Women's University has managed to come up with a pretty cool all-round display capable of creating mirror optical illusions. By using the iPad to project 2D visuals onto the cylindrical mirror they managed to create the illusion of a 3D object that can be rotated with the mirror. This technology, called Anamorphicons (a portmanteau of anamorphosis and icon) gives users a full 360 degree view of the object that's shown on the iPad's display.

The research team plans to use this technology in shopping sites to make them more user-friendly though I can picture them being used better in games - especially for special puzzles that will require the cylindrical mirror and the iPad.

Codify: Write and Run Software on the iPad

For a consumption-only device, the iPad sure is good at making things

The iPad is just a device for consumption, right? And — according to a screed by sci-fi author Cory Doctorow — it signals the end of computer programming, at least for the tinkerers like you and me.

This is, of course, complete nonsense, as is made clear by Codify, a new iPad app for writing software. Not only does it let you code games, music software or pretty much anything you like, it uses multitouch to make the experience better than many desktop coding apps. The video shows it best:

Codify uses the Lua programming language. You tap out the code and then press play to run it. Want to specify a color? Instead of looking it up the internet, you just tap the code itself and a color-picker pops up, filling out the numbers automatically. The same is true for game sprites and other elements.

My programming skills go back to the days of the Commodore 64 and the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, and have remained at that BASIC level ever since. But now I'm tempted to play around again with this $8 app. It's kind of like the Garage Band of coding.

And maybe now Doctorow can come in from the cold and trade up from Android to a proper tablet.

Codify for iPad [Two Lives Left]

Angry Birds to ride Russian rockets into space, follow iPads bound for bored cosmonauts

Slingshots and unbridled rage might be enough to launch Rovio's furious fowl across the battlefield, but they'll need some outside help if they hope to break free of Earth's atmosphere - it's time to call the cosmonauts. Two upcoming Russian space launches are scheduled to ferry a pair of iPads and a plush Angry Birds toy to the International Space Station. The twin tablets will fly on an unmanned resupply vehicle early next week, and the irritated avian is playing the part of a jocular gravity indicator in a manned mission next month - part of a russian tradition of hanging a toy by a string to signal when the vessel has escaped the Earth's gravity. NASA told collectSPACE that the iPads are only slated for recreational purposes, but mentioned that various tablets were being evaluated for future use. The plush bird? It's coming home; cosmonaut Shkaplerov's five year old daughter can't be expected to give up her toys forever, can she?

iPad 2 gets new Microshield SC and Microshield SCL cases

Own an iPad 2? Well, if you want to get a case for your spanking new tablet, then you might be interested to hear what XtremeMac has in store for you – specially designed to play nice with the Apple Smart Covers, the new iPad 2 cases known as the Microshield SC and Microshield SCL wil deliver both protection and style to your device, without stifling your movement since you can still access all switches, jacks and the rear camera.

The Microshield SC comes across as a thin impact-resistant case which will help prevent unwanted scratches, dust and dirt from dirtying the iPad 2's aluminum back, while a soft, satin surface provides additional grip while enabling access to all controls. It can be used as a standalone or as a companion to the Apple Smart cover for added protection, coming in clear, black, blue, pink and grey shades.

As for the Microshield SCL, this leather case was specially designed to complement the Apple Leather Smart Cover, offering full coverage protection in leather for the iPad 2's aluminum back. It will come in cream, black, navy, tan and red colors. Expect the Microshield SC and Microshield SCL to retail for $34.99 and $69.99, respectively. [Press Release]

Smart Cover can be used to unlock an iPad 2, security flaw reveals

The iPad 2 Smart Cover accessory can be used to gain access to a locked iPad, 9to5 Mac reported on Friday. Here's how it works: take a locked iPad 2 and hold the power button until the “Slide to Power Off” message appears, and then close the Smart Cover. When you lift the Smart Cover again and tap “Cancel,” the iPad 2 will allow you to access the last application that was open. This could be a big threat for anyone who was accessing contacts, viewing a website or checking email before he or she locked the iPad. The good news is any would-be thief does not have full access to the tablet, only the last application used. The bug has been spotted in iOS 5, although 9to5 Mac said it has also received reports from users noticing the flaw in IOS 4.3. Currently, the best fix for concerned users is to turn off Smart Cover unlocking entirely.

Smart Cover can unlock password-protected iPads running iOS 5

Psst. Hey, do you carry a spare Smart Cover around with you? Well, if you're an unscrupulous sort, you can actually use it to bypass the lock screen of any iPad running iOS 5. This multi-step security hole will let you browse whatever's running behind the passcode screen, whether that's email, apps or the homescreen.

To take advantage of the flaw, hold down the power button on the locked device until the power off slider appears, then whip the Smart Cover on, open and tap cancel. Fortunately for iPad owners, the rest of the tablet remains locked-down, but the main problem here is any sensitive information left on-screen.

If you unlock the tablet to the main screen, you won't be able to open new apps, although anyone feeling particularly nefarious can apparently delete apps from that meticulously arranged home screen.

Chinese iPad by Alibaba ready to rock and roll

Before you usher in the new year, Jack Ma, 'The Steve Jobs of China', has just confirmed that his company, Alibaba, will be rolling out a Chinese version of the iPad. It is not an iPad per se, but will instead rival one of Apple's hottest selling devices, while running on a Linux-based operating system.

For those living in China, they will most probably be very familiar with the names Tianyu and Aliyun, especially after having a go at the Tianyu-manufactured K-Touch Cloud-Smart Phone W700, which is also the first Aliyun-running device that was introduced earlier this year. While the phone itself costs $416, there was no mention on how much the upcoming tablet will cost.

It would also make sense should Alibaba's upcoming tablet will feature strong links to their very own online commerce, retail and payment platforms and cloud computing services. Unofficially known as the YanPad, it remains to be seen whether this will end up faring better than the iPad in that part of the world – what do you think?

iTar turns your iPad into a guitar

Surely by now you have seen dozens and dozens of music creating apps for your iOS device, but how about an apparatus that literally transforms your iPad into a musical instrument? Thanks to this innovative Kickstarter project created by Starr Labs, you will be able to live out all of your rock star fantasies!

Dubbed the iTar, this device utilizes a case along with one of Starr Labs' patented button-based guitar fretboards to transform any iPad into an even greater music making machine. With instruments built for countless famous musicians such as the Chemical Brothers, Pendulum, Linkin Park and even several TV/film studios, Starr Labs definitely knows their way around an electronic music instrument.

With 48 days left to go, Starr Labs has $7,000 worth of contributions towards their $50,000 goal. If you're interested in getting your hands on one of the first iTars, all you have to do is head on over to the Kickstarter page and pledge a minimum of $200.

iPad 2 knock-off packs more RAM and runs Android

While Shenzen products are usually poor copies of the original, once in awhile they're pretty decent like this iPad 2 clone from a tablet maker named Grefu. Looking like an iPad 2 on the surface, it's far from Apple's prized creation main on the inside. The tablet packs a 1.2GHz Cortex A8 processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, an SD card reader, optional 3G, rear 3-megapixel camera, front facing 2-megapixel camera, 9.7″ (1024 x 768 display), HDMI output, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and a 7,600mAh battery.

The tablet is a bit thicker than the original iPad 2 at 11.5mm and it could easily pass off as the real deal - as long as you keep the screen turned off. Great for folks who love the dimensions of the iPad 2, but prefer Android over iOS. No word on pricing but don't expect to break any banks.

The iPad 2 Smart Cover Is Now Also Available In Dark Gray PolyUrethane!

The available iPad 2 Smart Cover colors (as of this writing) are Blue, Dark Gray, Pink, Light Gray and Green in Polyurethane make while the iPad 2 leather Smart Covers include Cream, Tan, Navy, Red and Black. The Polyurethane covers are priced at $39.00 while the leather cases cost $69.00.

Regardless of the price and their build material, these iPad 2 smart covers retain their ‘smart‘ functionality. They not only protect the screen of your iPad 2 (pity, the back is left bare!) but also turn as a table-top stand for placing the iPad on a comfortably viewable angle while watching movies or inclining it against the desk while typing a mail.

And of course, it puts your iPad 2 to sleep when you flip down the cover or instantly wakes up your iPad when you flip open the cover. It's that simple, and in Apple's terms, it's a ‘genius' invention. Oh yes, we've agree.

As TUAW already reported, the Orange Smart Cover for iPad 2 has been dropped from the list. But, the rest are still available for your purchase. If you wish, you may pick yours now from here.

Millennial: Android usage doubled iOS in Q3, iPad king of tablets with 456% growth

Usage of Google's mobile platform across the Millennial network doubled iOS in the third quarter according to new data just released by Millennial Media. After representing 54% of impressions served by the mobile ad network in August, Android finished strong to account for 56% of impressions in the September quarter. That figure doubled iOS in the No. 2 spot with 28% during the quarter, and it dwarfed RIM's 13% share. Symbian accounted for just 1% of impressions and Microsoft's Windows Mobile and Windows Phone platforms combined to also account for 1% of impressions. The iPad dominated tablets, having grown a whopping 456% between the third quarter in 2010 and this past quarter, and impressions across iOS grew 60% over the same period. Apple was the top manufacturer on Millennial's network in the third quarter with a 23.09% share followed by Samsung (16.48%), HTC (15.5%), RIM (11.05%) and Motorola (10.7%). Apple's iPhones were also the top handset line with a 12.55% share, more than double the No. 2 device line, LG's Optimus phones, which accounted for 6.3% of impressions served. RIM's BlackBerry Curve line was next with 4.7% followed by Motorola DROID phones with 4.35% and the HTC desire with 4.01%.

Facebook for iPad app finally comes

Facebook users can finally stop wondering why no official Facebook app is available for Apple's iPad. As of Monday evening, Facebook's iOS app is now a universal binary that supports the iPhone and iPod touch as well as the iPad. Among the app's key features, Facebook lists high-resolution photo support, slide and pinch gesture support, Facebook game compatibility and quick access to messaging features from almost any view within the app. Facebook's full statement to the press follows below.

Today, Facebook announced their first app for the iPad.

Facebook for iPad not only includes popular features from the site like photos and games, but also optimizes them for the unique capabilities of the iPad.

Facebook for iPad is available today in the Apple App Store and additional information can be found in the blog post attached.

Additionally Facebook announced they are extending the Facebook Platform to mobile including the new iPad app, iPhone/iPod app and mobile web site. The Facebook Platform will allow mobile developers to take advantage of social channels for search of discovery of their apps and also the Facebook Credits payment system.

Additional details about the Facebook Platform on mobile can be found in the second blog post attached as well.

Read

97 Percent of Tablet Internet Traffic Comes From iPad

Try doing this with a desktop computer. Photo Veronica Belmont/Flickr

As if any Gadget Lab readers needed to be told, the mobile Internet is taking off. What might be surprising is that almost all tablet Internet traffic comes from the iPad. “In August 2011, iPads delivered 97.2 percent of all tablet traffic in the U.S.” says a new Comscore report. What's more, the iPad is even beating its older brother the iPhone, managing 46.8 percent of iOS Internet use vs. the iPhone's 42.6 percent.

According to the report, U.S mobile Internet use is still small compared to computer-based Internet use at just 6.8 percent, but it's growing fast. More interesting is what the tablets (read: iPads) are being used for. Half of all tablet owners have made a purchase from their device (likely via the App Store), and more than half read the news regularly on their tablets.

Further, while iOS accounts for 43.1 percent of market share (by installed base, vs Android's 34.1 percent), it accounts for a disproportionate 58.5% of traffic (Android 31.9 percent). This figure counts page views, so if you were to add in all the other non-browser Internet use, the number would surely jump a lot higher. Anyone used to a 3G connection for an iPad who suddenly has it cut will realize just how many apps rely on a data connection.

It may take a while, but computer Internet is going the way of the landline phone. We may still have internet-connected Wi-Fi networks in our homes to feed set-top boxes and stream things from here to there, but soon enough going to a special room and firing up a big machine to check Wikipedia is going to seem as clumsy and old-fashioned as punching a number into a landline phone.

Smartphones and Tablets Drive Nearly 7 Percent of Total U.S. Digital Traffic [ComScore via Twitter]

Root Cases launches wood iPad 2 duo, ditches the plastic for $79

Just in case that plastic shell you picked up has run its course and you're not looking to alert Al Gore with your next purchase, Root Cases offers a wee bit more environmentally friendly alternative. Now you can outfit your iPad 2 with either North American Walnut or eco-friendly, South Asiatic Bamboo. Both cases will protect your slate in book-like fashion, securing the tablet at the corners and sticking shut via magnetic closure. If you're ready to pull the trigger, you can grab both of these via the source links below for $79 each - or hit the gallery for another peek at the pair. At least you won't regret splurging for a wood case like you did if you shelled out cash for one of these.

Facebook For iPad App Now Officially Available For Download!

The Facebook iPad app allows you to access Facebook with ease (okay, much much ease). You can slide photos, swipe through, play games in full screen, playback full HD videos on Facebook or even stream videos wirelessly over AirPlay to a compatible TV.

Head past the break to download Facebook for iPad or to treat yourself with some more details and pictures of the app in action.

Here's an excerpt from official app page in this regard:

A New Way to Experience Facebook (now on iPad, too)

Enjoy bigger, better photos

Your photos take on new life on the iPad. They're big, high-res and easy to flip through - like a real photo album.

Focus on what matters

With less on the screen, it's easier to zoom in on your friends' photos, updates and stories.

Navigate anywhere, fast

Just tap, slide or pinch to get from one screen to another and back again in no time.

Never lose your place

Use simplified navigation to send a message, see your notifications or browse your bookmarks without switching screens.

Play games on the go

Play your favorite Facebook games wherever you are, and on a bigger screen.

Tap to send messages

A simple dropdown menu makes it easy to scan and send messages without visiting your inbox.

What's New in Version 4.0

With improved search and browsing, the facebook.com features you use most are now just a touch away. It's a faster, fuller

Facebook for iPhone.

- Games & Apps: Play games and access your favorite apps on the go

- Navigation: Send a message or see your notifications from any screen, and swipe to browse Facebook without losing your place in

News Feed

- Bookmarks: Your groups, pages and apps are all in your left-hand menu, and the ones you use most are right on top

- Search: Search for anything on Facebook - people, apps, pages and more - without having to click around or switch views

- Security: We've added a few updates to make the app more secure

While everything seems interesting, the Facebook Timeline feature may not be supported by the iPad app, at least in its first release. For a refresher, Facebook Timeline feature is one of the greatest features from Facebook and is currently available to developers only until it goes live for the common masses on 18th of October.

Click here to know more about Facebook app for iPad.

Click here to download Facebook app for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.

Apple may launch ‘iPad mini' in early 2012 to fend off Kindle Fire

Apple may be working on a new entry-level tablet scheduled to launch early next year. In a note to investors on Wednesday, Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White recounted numerous meetings with technology supply chain companies at a trade show in China this week. White noted a general ominous environment, with the majority of the companies he met with commenting on weakening demand across the industry. “The whole world is shrinking,” one company representative told the analyst. Read on for more.

White's meetings with Apple suppliers has turned up an interesting note, however. “Our research is pointing to the unveiling of a lower priced iPad in the first few months of 2012 that is aimed at expanding the company's market potential by tapping into a more price sensitive consumer segment,” the analyst wrote. “Essentially, this ‘iPad mini' will also fend off the recently announced Amazon (AMZN, $235.48, NR) Kindle Fire that addresses the low-end tablet market with a $199 price tag but could lead to bigger tablet ambitions from the online retailer in the future.”

White continued, noting that the “mini” moniker refers to the tablet's lower price and not necessarily a smaller screen size. “We believe this lower priced iPad could be priced in the mid-to-high-$200 range,” White said. “We expect this will be followed by a much more powerful, feature rich standard-priced iPad 3 in 2Q12.”

White reiterated a Buy rating on Apple stock with a 12-month price target of $666.

Bella Cases Veneta Slimmer Sleeve for iPad 2 Review

Last week, I reviewed the Smart Libretto case for iPad 2 from Bella.  When I opened the package, I found they had included an extra case, the Veneta Slimmer sleeve for iPad 2.  Just like their other cases, the Veneta Slimmer is handmade in Turkey, using fine Turkish and Italian genuine leathers. The Veneta Slimmer is a simple sleeve case for people who prefer to use their iPad 2 caseless, but want a little protection for it while it's packed away in a briefcase or gear bag.  Let's give it a closer look.

Some of these images can be clicked for a larger view.

The Veneta Slimmer is available in black, red, or brown leather;  I received the brown.  Just like the Smart Libretto, the Veneta Slimmer was just sliding around in an empty box with nothing to keep it centered or to protect it from scratches.  The case didn't have any scuff marks, though.

This sleeve is also made of leather, but the description didn't specify the type.  It had a pleasant leather smell with no hint of chemicals.  The stitching used a color-matched thread, and the stitches were even and straight.  The leather is smooth to the touch with visible grain.  The leather finish has a sheen, but it's not glossy.  The interior is lined with a sueded fabric.  The case is lightly padded.  The edges of the leather have a smooth, rubbery coating to protect the raw edges.  The only branding is “bella” embossed on one side, just under the top cutout.  The bright lights I use for taking review photos give an ombre effect to the color.  The case looks much more evenly colored to my eye than it does in these pictures.

The case measures 9.75″ long (at the longest point) X 7.9″ wide X 0.6″ thick with the iPad 2 inside.  It weighs 4.2 oz on my digital kitchen scale.  Because of its design, it won't add anything to the size or weight of the iPad 2 while it's being used.  It's small and thin enough that it won't add much to the weight of your gear bag or briefcase.

There is a large cutout at the top of the case which leaves quite a bit of the iPad 2 exposed (front and back) and a smaller cutout at the bottom of the case.  These cutouts allow you to get a grip on the iPad to remove it from the case.  The bottom cutout also allows you to charge the iPad 2 without removing it from the Venetta Slimmer sleeve.

The Venetta Slimmer has a very snug fit.  You don't have to worry about the iPad 2 slipping out unexpectedly.  Because it is so snug, there is no way that you can use the Slimmer with the Smart Cover or anything more than perhaps a skin on the iPad 2.

Just like the Bella Smart Libretto, the Veneta Slimmer looks very sleek and sophisticated.  This will look right at home in the boardroom, but it's not too “fancy” to use for casual trips to the coffee shop.  It's a nice case for anyone who likes to use a caseless iPad 2, but who needs some screen protection when the device is in their bag.