BBC Launches Subscription-Based International iPlayer for iPad

Yes, you can watch the first three seasons of Blackadder in their entirety

The app differs from the local, UK-only version quite significantly. The UK iPlayer service is intended as a way to catch up on shows from the past week, and all content is free for its short life on the service. The international iPlayer works more like Hulu. There is a significant back catalog of around 1,000 hours stretching back 60 years — currently featured are vintage episodes of Doctor Who starring William Hartnell. The iPlayer also contains non-BBC content. The excellent Misfits from Channel 4 is in there, for example.

Also new are streaming over 3G and offline viewing. The latter lets you download and keep episodes to watch later — perfect for vacations or plane rides.

Some content is free, and you can grab the app and try it out right now. For the meat of the service, though, you'll have to pay. A monthly subscription costs €7 ($10) and a yearly one €50 ($71). This is very cheap compared to the compulsory television License Fee payable by every TV owner in Britain, currently £145.50, or $238, or €166. Subscriptions are paid for in-app, just like any other iTunes purchase.

So how is the app itself? Not bad. The experience is slick, and navigation is fast. You can browse or search for shows. Each episode has a plot summary, where you can hit play, download the show or — inevitably — recommend it via Twitter or Facebook.

Streaming starts pretty much immediately (you get a bandwidth warning first if you aren't connected to a Wi-Fi network), and the quality isn't bad. It's not as good as a torrented file ripped from the hi-def version, but its good enough for the small screen.

Two major faults stand out. The first is a lack of subtitle support, which is absurd in an app showing English language shows to foreign audiences. For example The Lady, who speaks perfect English, is sometimes foxed by the weirder English accents on TV.

The second is a lack of AirPlay support, even for audio. This is thanks to the app's custom video player. You can always hook up the iPad to a TV or stereo using a cable, though.

The iPlayer app is pretty great, and fills the gap for smug Europeans left by Spotify launching in the U.S. And best of all, unlike the paid version of Hulu, there are no ads (you do get some pre-roll commercials in the free version).

iPlayer iPad app [iTunes via the Guardian]
source: Gadget Lab

School-Friendly Case Puts iPad in a Bind(er)

It might seem silly at first, but the BinderPad case may be very useful indeed

When I first saw the product shot of ZooGue's BinderPad Case I let out a short bark of laughter. Who on earth would want to clip their tablet into a ring binder? And then I started to think.

The BinderPad is a stiff, woven polyester slip-case with three metal-grommeted holes for securing it into a standard three-ring binder. The iPad slides in as it would into a folio case, only there is no front flap. It weighs 3.3 ounces (94 grams) and at half an inch thick it barely adds any bulk to the iPad 2 within.

And I think it could be very useful. Obviously you won't carry the iPad in this all day, whether inside the binder or out, but for use during class it looks great. I do Spanish lessons a couple times a week, and I am forever juggling my iPad, my textbook and a paper notebook, along with all the handouts from the teacher. The slippery, angled “desk” which is joined to the chair seems intent on throwing everything to the (hard) floor whenever I look away.

Keeping the iPad in the binder makes sense, keeping it both close to hand and safe from the evil combined machinations of gravity and wood-polish.

The BinderPad Case is on sale now, for $30. It comes in black or dark gray.

ZooGue BinderPad [ZooGue. Thanks, Tim!]
source: Gadget Lab

BBC releases ‘global' iPlayer app for European iPads, €7 per month

The wonders of iPlayer on the iPad are no longer Brits-only. As of today, iPad users in 11 other countries across Europe can subscribe to the service for €7 per month or €50 per year. That equates to $10 — just about living up to BBC's promised maximum price. The subscription grants access to a wealth of TV classics, like Fawlty Towers and Only Fools & Horses, as well as unwitting comedies like EastEnders. Of course, the highly acclaim Top Gear is also available, for those who like cars and middle-aged men in pointy shoes with lame jokes. The app will allow for downloading as well as streaming, and marks a “pilot phase” for the service, which should hopefully reach the former colonial outpost of America before too long.
source: 2DayBlog.com

iPad 2 BinderPad Pouch from ZooGue

Back to school shopping means buying pencils, paper, and 3-ring binders. But perhaps now your student is lucky enough to have access to digital textbooks or is attending one of the schools that are requiring an iPad or other tablet, so you'll also need a cover for that. ZooGue is offering the iPad 2 BinderPad Pouch that fits into the rings of a standard binder so your student can keep his iPad 2 with his other school gear. The BinderPad Pouch has a frame to hold the iPad 2. The back is padded for protection, and all ports and controls are open, even the back camera. The BinderPad snaps into a 3-ring notebook; it weighs 3.5 oz and is 0.5″ thick. It's available in black or gray (shown) for $29.99.
source: The Gadgeteer

EA Says the iPad is its Fastest Growing Platform

Thanks to app stores and mobile games like Cut the Rope and Plants vs. Zombies, mobile gaming has become a huge market and it's one that's growing at an extremely fast pace. Even big name developers are taking mobile gaming seriously. In fact, EA says the iPad is its fastest growing platform.

Speaking during an interview with IndustryGamers, Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitello said that consoles currently only account for 40 percent of the games industry and that the iPad is the fastest growing platform. While discussing the regularity of console refreshes (in particular, whether or not Nintendo is ‘off-cycle' with the rest of the industry because of the Wii U), Riccitello said the length and timing of these refresh cycles is no longer as relevant because consoles are not the dominant force in gaming.

“Consoles used to be 80 percent of the industry as recently as 2000,” he told IndustryGamers. “Consoles today are 40 percent of the game industry, so what do we really have? We have a new hardware platform and we're putting out software every 90 days. Our fastest growing platform is the iPad right now and that didn't exist 18 months ago,” he continued. “So the idea that we're categorizing the industry as being [cyclical]… Nintendo is off cycle with what? I mean, the point of reference is gone.”

The advent of the iPad has led to an explosion for mobile gaming, for sure. The fact that Angry Birds' publisher Rovio is collaborating with 20th Century Fox and has the capacity to push out updates for every major holiday and season is a testament to how lucrative and strong the market really is. To ignore mobile gaming completely would be a bad call, but is EA right to be putting so much stock in mobile gaming? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
source: 2DayBlog.com

Splashtop XDisplay turns your iPad into an extra screen for your PC

Wish you had an extra monitor but don't feel like spending any extra money on getting one? If you have a computer running Windows 7, a WiFi connection and an iPad - you're in luck. Splashtop Inc. has just announced the release of its Splashtop XDisplay app for iPad that turns your iPad into your second monitor for your desktop or laptop computer.

While it's not the same as having a gorgeous 32″ monitor to match your primary display, most of the time the 9.7″ of the iPad should be good enough for most people. Now if you're wondering what the point of having two displays is; there's so many advantages provided with the use of a second screen. Users can reduce the amount of clutter on their desktops by moving their extra icons, widgets and apps such as instant messengers or Twitter onto the secondary screen, while the primary screen can be used to focus on work/entertainment without any distractions.

Other advantages include the ability to view extra large images or spreadsheets without having to zoom, or scroll all over the place; the second monitor can be used as a presentation device if you choose to use it as a mirror instead, and since your iPad is the second screen, you can use it to watch movies without having to deal with the time-consuming file conversion process.

Splashtop XDisplay on the iPad works by connecting to a PC that is running a free Windows Streamer. It's that simple. On the iPad, users can even pinch to zoom and use other gestures for interacting with the content on screen. Splashtop XDisplay is available now as a free app which limits users to an unlimited amount of 10-minute sessions. If users want to remove the limit, they will have to make an in-app purchase of $9.99. However, Splashtop is having a promotion right now and is selling the app at $4.99 for a limited time. And yes, it is compatible with both the iPad and the iPad 2. Head over to the Apple Store to download Splashtop XDisplay now.
source: Ubergizmo

Piano Keyboard for iPad Teaches You to Tickle Those Ivories

Piano Apprentice is a different kind of external keyboard for your iPad

Here's one for all the luddites who whine that “the iPad doesn't have a proper keyboard.” Piano Apprentice is an external keyboard for your tablet, only instead of adding QWERTY, it brings do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do.

The keyboard comes with a free iPad companion app which plugs in via the 30-pin dock connector. With these two parts, you can learn how to play the piano by following the on-screen instructions and/or pressing the keys as their internal LEDs light up.

But that's not all. The 25-note keyboard is also Core MIDI compliant. This means that you can use it as a controller for other MIDI-aware apps on the iPad — Garage Band, for example. The keys are even touch-sensitive, so you won't lose Garage Band's excellent velocity-sensing when you use it.

The Piano Apprentice will go on sale in September, ready for the cool days and early nights of Autumn, and will cost around $100. The companion app will be free.

Piano Apprentice [Ion Audio via Oh Gizmo!]
source: Gadget Lab

Did Facebook just release a dedicated iPad app?

Mark Zuckerberg ruffled some feathers when he said the iPad “isn't mobile” enough to deserve a dedicated Facebook app. But now he's probably having a second thought after Apple successfully selling millions of iPads all over the world.

TechCrunch just revealed that not only has Facebook created a fully-fledged iPad app, they've even released it — albeit in secret. The code lies buried in yesterday's update to the iPhone app and it's entirely executable on jailbroken tablets.

What's the software like? Well, TechCrunch reckons the left-sided navigation system and use of overlay menus is “great,” as is the ability to chat with buddies while simultaneously doing other Facebook tasks in landscape mode. There's also a ton of screen grabs at the source link which tell much of the story.

Barnes & Noble to offer over 175 periodicals to NOOK for iPad customers

Barnes & Noble has just announced a treat for its NOOK for iPad users in the coming days. The world's largest bookseller has stated that iPad NOOK customers will be able to access one of the largest selections of digital periodicals including more than 175 full-color, interactive magazines and leading newspapers. NOOK Kids for iPad app users will be able to access over 550 interactive children's picture books through the newly updated app.

For users who are tired of only reading books on the NOOK app, this increase in selection will no doubt prove to be a welcome move to people who are looking for something easier to pick up and read than a novel. Users will have access to magazines like Esquire, Maxim, Forbes, Newsweek, Popular Science, ESPN The Magazine, the Oprah Magazine, The Washington Post, USA Today, and more. NOOK Newsstand periodicals are available for subscription at www.nooknewsstand.com with a 14-day free trial and via single copies.

As for NOOK Kids users, they will now have access to interactive books such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Curious George, Barbie and many more. To access these new selection of books and magazines, make sure you've got the latest version of the NOOK app or NOOK Kids app from the Apple App Store.
source: Ubergizmo

WaterField iPad Travel Express Bag Review

There isn't a shortage of bags and sleeves designed for carrying an iPad or any other similarly sized tablet device. Finding one that matches your particular style might take a bit of shopping though. In an effort to give you yet another option, I want to show you the WaterField iPad Travel Express which can be used as a storage sleeve or a shoulder bag. Let's take a look.

Note: Click the images in this review to see more detail.

The iPad Travel Express has been designed to accommodate the original iPad or the iPad 2 with or without the Smart Cover.

The bag is made of durable black ballistic nylon (the same material used in bullet-proof vests) with a narrow stripe of color. You can choose from 6 different stripe colors: Black, Copper, Flame, Green Pearl and Pine. I was sent the Flame version of this bag to review.

The Travel Express differs from most sleeves / bags in that it has a zipper that not only goes across the top, but also goes down one side. The YKK zippers are heavy duty and have an attached loop to make them easy to open. The only weird thing I noticed is the way the ends of the zipper have been sewn into the bag. As you can see from the image above, they are sort of wrapped around each other. Visually, it's not a big deal, but functionally, I found the zipper doesn't want to completely close. A small fingertip sized opening remains. This will probably either bug you a lot or not at all.

The zipper issue has been resolved since they sent my sample. You can see the improved design in the image above.

If you're willing to add an additional $5 to the price of the bag, you can have 2 metal D-rings added so that an optional shoulder strap can be attached. One D-ring is located on the Left side.

The other D-ring is sewn into the top back Right corner.

I was sent their suspension strap mini to test with this bag, which costs an additional $22. Also available is a simple strap mini for $12.

The shoulder pad has nubby rubber surface to keep it from sliding around while you're wearing it.

Heavy spring loaded clips connected to the ends of a narrow woven strap that can be adjusted for length.

Unzipping the Travel Express reveals the iPad pocket which is lined with a soft knit material that protects the contents from scratches.

The front and back of this pocket are lined with a rigid plastic insert to offer additional protection.

Sewn into the front of the iPad section are 2 stretchy pockets that can hold various items. Here you see that I've placed a Rhodia notebook into one of the pockets. The Rhodia is similar in size to a small Moleskin notebook.

Two more pockets are attached to back wall of the bag. These are thicker pockets that work perfect for holding accessories such as the iPad's AC adapter and charging cable.

The Travel Express can even accommodate the Apple wireless keyboard.

Like other WaterField products that I've reviewed and used over the years, this bag is constructed very well. I could find no defects in the materials or workmanship. I can honestly say that if you buy this bag, you'll probably never need to buy another as it will last longer than you'll have your iPad. I've been using the same WaterField wallet for almost 6 years and it still looks great.

Here I am wearing the Travel Express. It's a great bag that can hold just the right amount of gear.

If I had the ability to make a couple changes to to this bag, I'd fix the zipper issue (see above) and add an additional flat pocket on the exterior that could hold a magazine or plane tickets. That it would make a perfect travel companion – for me. As is, I still really like this bag because it fits my style. It's not flashy, but stylish at the same time. It's made extremely well and does exactly what it's meant to do – protect a tablet and accessories.
source: The Gadgeteer

Hard Graft Back Up Case for iPad 2

The Smart Cover for iPad 2 is a wonderful screen cover and stand, but it leaves the back of your expensive device exposed. There are a variety of skins, cases, and covers available for iPad 2, but not all of them work with the Smart Cover. Hard Graft is introducing their new Back Up Case for iPad 2 that will protect the metal back and still allow you to use the Smart Cover. The Back Up has a suede exterior and a smooth leather interior. It completely covers the back and has leather tabs that hook over the corners of the iPad 2 to hold it in place. It's available in three colors. Hard Graft is a European company, but their website says they ship internationally. The cases are 89 Euros (about $129). They will begin shipping in August.
source: The Gadgeteer

Analyst: Android tablet horde to overtake iPad by 2016

According to analyst Informa Telecoms & Media, Android's low-price policy will eventually help it overhaul iPad in the hotly contested new tablet space, but it's going to take until the year 2016 to do so. And the victory will come about thanks to Android heaping up the affordable tablet options.

The turnabout will bring Apple's iPad down from its current 75% domination of the tablet market to a more equal 39%, with Android tabs taking 38%. It's good to share, Apple. Here's a snippet of the release:

“We expect Apple to retain its leading market share until 2015 but only just. From 2013, as cheaper and more advanced Android tablets enter the market, we forecast that sales will pick up considerably, eventually surpassing iPad sales in 2016″

We'll be launching the Europad in Q3 of 2013. Here's the full text of IT&M's findings. Link via Mob-Ent.

Android Tablets to close the gap on iPad in 2015

Tablet market to grow to over 230 million in 2015 from under 20 million in 2010

According to the latest forecasts from Informa Telecoms & Media, Android tablet sales will be neck and neck with the iPad in 2015 with 87 million and 90 million unit sales, respectively. Although Apple has dominated this space since the launch of the iPad in 2010, this is set to change with the introduction of low-cost Android tablets, the wider launch of Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) and the possibility of other major brands such as Amazon launching tablets on the OS.

"We have seen a huge explosion in the tablet market in recent years, driven primarily by the iPad, and we estimate that the market will go from strength to strength, growing from under 20 million tablets sold in 2010, to over 230 million in 2015," comments David McQueen, principal analyst at Informa Telecoms & Media. "We expect Apple to retain its leading market share until 2015 but only just. From 2013, as cheaper and more advanced Android tablets enter the market, we forecast that sales will pick up considerably, eventually surpassing iPad sales in 2016."

Apple currently has 75% of the market but this will drop to just 39% in 2015. Meanwhile Android will see a huge increase in its market share, as the devices and the ecosystem around the platform improve. By 2015, it will have 38% market share, putting it on a par with the iPad.

"Three factors have proven to be decisive in the success and failure of tablets: brand; access to distribution channels; and product quality, including the application environment offered. At the moment, the iPad leads in all three areas but Apple's edge is likely to wane as the quality of the competing products and application environments improves," adds McQueen.

It is anticipated that, once Windows 8.0 is launched, there will be a variety of tablets available in the market based on Intel and ARM architecture. These are most likely to include a Nokia device as well as a number from the traditional PC vendors.

RIM's PlayBook is expected to show only modest growth early on following its launch as some mobile operators have shown to be reticent to carry the device as they are struggling with the business model owing to it initially being Wi-Fi only. However, volumes will be buoyed by the inclusion of Android apps on the device and the introduction of cellular connectivity (HSPA+ and LTE versions are expected before end-2011).

"Most mobile operators are expected to focus on supporting iOS and Android tablets in line with demand, and their current indifferent support for Windows, BlackBerry OS (QnX), WebOS and MeeGo tablets will prove decisive in shaping consumers' purchasing decisions in the short term. However, it is those devices that can also dominate the consumer-electronics sector and online retail channels as well as nurture their current partnerships with the mobile operators that will win out," concludes McQueen.
source: Eurodroid

OverDrive Media Console App for iPad Review

I've been a fan of ebooks for many years, starting with Peanut Press books on my Handspring Visor Deluxe back around 1999. After writing code for 9 hours/day for many years, you can imagine my wrists were shot, and I loved ebooks because they weren't as heavy and hard to hold as a physical book. Most public libraries didn't lend ebooks back then, so I eventually resigned myself to purchasing everything I wanted to read. When the Sony readers started supporting borrowing books from libraries, I checked to see what titles were available in the Greensboro library - basically none. I had given up on borrowing library books until recently when I posted about the OverDrive Media Console universal app for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad. The app was free, so I downloaded it and decided I'd give the local library another try.

As I mentioned, OverDrive is a universal app, but I decided I'd download it to my iPad 2. (My aging eyes prefer to read on the bigger screen.) All the images in this review are screen shots from my iPad 2. When you start the app, you're prompted to authorize your reader app with your Adobe ID. This must be done if you want to read EPUB files that are protected by Adobe digital rights management, as all library books are. If you don't have an Adobe ID, you can create one.

Now you're ready to find your local library; you need to know before you begin that a valid library card for your library is required. You can enter address/zip code information for your library, or you can search by country/state/city to find your location. Apparently many library systems in NC banded together to form the NC Digital Library so they could pool their resources. I confirmed that Greensboro was in the list, and entered my library card number. I could have the app remember my library card to make my subsequent "trips to the library" easier.

There was already a title in my bookshelf - an audiobook with a short introduction to using the OverDrive Media Console. (Just a note: the bookshelf isn't a copy of the wooden bookshelf design used by iBooks. It's just a simple list.) I gave the audiobook a listen. There are standard controls you'd expect: play/pause, reverse, fast-forward. You can also jump back by 15 seconds if you missed something, and you can set a sleep timer to turn off the playback after 15x30x60x90 minutes. You can multi-task while listening to audiobooks, just as you can when using iTunes to listen to music. The app will automatically remember where you left off listening to the book, and it will start playback from that point when you return to the book. You can also set bookmarks during playback. You'll be able to see a list of the bookmarks so you can quickly return to the area of interest.

My library does offer audiobooks, but I don't like to listen to them. I'm too easily irritated by the narrator's voice or distracted by something going on around me, so I decided I'd go check out an ebook from my library. From the bookshelf, you tap the Get Books + button at the upper right. You are sent to Safari to search the library. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of books available to me; there were thousands of books in fiction and non-fiction categories. The home page offers featured EPUBs and audiobooks. You can search by entering a search string: author's name, book title, or keyword. You can also browse by selecting a category from a list of non-fiction or fiction offerings. Books fitting the search or browsing criteria are shown in a list that can be further sorted by title, creator, popularity, or date added. Tap on a book, and you'll see publication information, library holdings, a description, and sometimes a sample chapter from an ebook.

The library holdings information tells you how many copies the library owns and how many are available for immediate lending. If there are none available for lending, you'll see how many people are on the waiting list for the book. You can enter your name on the waiting list; you'll have to leave an email address to put a hold on the book. I suppose different libraries will treat holds differently, but the Greensboro library will email you when the book is available to you and hold the book for three days. If you don't check it out in that time, you'll be dropped off the list and the book will be offered to the next person. You can also add the book to a wish list to help you remember a title you're interested in but don't wish to check out at the moment.

If a copy is available for immediate lending, tap the "Add to my NCDL eBookBag" button. Think of the eBookBag as a shopping cart. Again, I suppose different libraries could have different limits, but my library allows up to 5 books to be added to the eBookBag. I have a limit of four titles checked out at once, and eBookBag displays information about how many titles I have checked out now and how many I'll have still available if I check out the contents of the eBookBag.

My account information

I already had to enter my library card number when I logged in, so checking out is quick and easy. I can make last minute removals of any books I changed my mind about, then I just click to confirm. You'll then see a list of books available to download. Since most ebook titles are small, downloading was very quick. You complete the downloads from the browser, then return to the OverDrive app to read.

The downloaded books are added to the bookshelf. Each entry shows the cover, title, and format (ebook or audiobook). Library books also have a small calendar icon with the number of days left in the lending period. Tap the title, cover, or most anywhere else on that shelf to open the book and start reading. If you tap the gray arrow in a circle at the far right of the shelf, you'll go to a screen displaying information about the book. If the cover has a small magnifying glass icon, tap it to see an enlargement. You'll see a description of the book, publisher, and the dates when you added and last opened the book and the date/time the book expires. Other tabs on this screen show the file format and size, the table of contents (tap an entry to jump to that location in the book), and a list of bookmarks you've made in the book (tap to jump to that location).

In addition to library books, you can also access free, out-of-copyright books from Project Gutenberg. Look at the bottom of the browser screen to find access to these free books. Right now, there are 15,000 free books available to me. I can search by entered string, by subject, or in a list of featured books. I don't have to go through a checkout process to get these books. Just tap the download button and choose to add the book to iBooks, OverDrive, or other appropriate book reader apps on the iPad. These books have no expiration date.

I can also add EPUBs to the OverDrive bookshelf by emailing them to the email account I access in the iPad mail program. When the email arrives, tap and hold the attachment icon. You'll be prompted for the program you want to add the book to; just choose OverDrive.

When you open a book to read, dark gray navigation bars are shown at the top and bottom of the page. From the top bar, you can return to the bookshelf by tapping the left arrow at the left of the screen, adjust the screen brightness or select a white-on-black night reading mode by tapping the sun icon, adjust the font size (but not the type face) or turning on a sepia-toned background by tapping the double-A icon, and finally see the table of contents by tapping the bars icon at the far right. The bottom bar shows a progress display bar with a button. Slide the button to jump to a desired page. At the left is a lock icon. You can read in either horizontal or vertical orientation, and you can use this lock button to fix the screen in your desired orientation even if you don't have the screen locked outside this app.

Navigation and controls are like the standards used in iBooks. Tap in the middle of the screen to turn the navigation bars on/off. Tap the left side to turn back a page; tap the right side of the screen to turn forward a page. Your last location in the book is automatically remembered when you close the book, and the book opens to that page. If you intend to jump around in the book by using the table of contents, the slider bar, or any bookmarks you added, you'll need to first bookmark your current place or it will be lost.

I normally read in iBooks, and I always use my iPad in the horizontal orientation. I love the two-page format in iBooks. I find the column layout is easier to read because my eyes don't have such a long line to track as I read. There is no double-page layout in OverDrive. I don't prefer that, but I can deal with it. There are no fancy page-turning animations in OverDrive. I'll admit that's a cool feature in iBooks when you first see it, but it's not necessary by any means. I don't miss the animation at all.

The first book I checked out happened to be a young adult book that was a very quick read. I finished in a couple of hours, and I could have waited to the end of the 14-day lending period and the book would be automatically "returned" to the library and deleted from my iPad. I didn't want to waste one of my allowed books, so I manually returned it to the library. To manually return and/or delete a book, swipe a finger over the "shelf"; a red "delete" button appears at the right end of the shelf. Tap the button and choose to return and delete the book or delete without returning. (You'll be able to re-download the book later during the lending period if you chose to delete without returning.)

I've only discussed the OverDrive Media Console for iOS mobile devices, but there are versions for Android, Blackberry, Mac OS X, Windows (98 SE or newer), and Windows Phone 7. Check the OverDrive FAQs to learn version requirements for these platforms. Different platforms can use various file formats. The Windows program supports MP3 and WMA audiobooks, WMA music, and WMV video. The mobile apps support MP3 audiobooks and EPUBs. The Mac console supports only MP3 audiobooks.

The OverDrive Media Console makes browsing for, borrowing, and returning a book easy - I don't know how it could be much simpler. I can borrow audiobooks or ebooks, and the app lets me easily enjoy either type of book. It doesn't have note-taking functions, so I see it more for leisure reading. (You shouldn't be writing in library books anyway - not even when it's not a permanent defacing of the book! ) It's also an easy way to add free, out-of-copyright books to your personal library. For a free app, it offers a ton of value.
source: The Gadgeteer

iPad 2 Display Dock for the ultimate iOS fan

How many iOS gadgets do you own? If the answer is more than one, then you're probably looking for convenient way to store them when not in use, so they don't end up missing all around your house. Plus it would be convenient for you to find, after all nobody likes looking around the house for their phone, tablet or mp3 player when they're in a rush right?

And that's what the iPad 2 Display Dock does. Looking similar to the docks found at the Apple Store, the iPad 2 Display Dock is made from clear acrylic that is custom milled and hand polished. It's see-through so it should have no problem matching its surroundings (if that is important to you). It has a place just for your iPad 2, with a slot that allows you to attach the charging cable so you can keep it charged while it's in use. The dock is even tilted at what is said to be the optimum viewing angle for the iPad 2.

If you have extra iOS devices (i.e. iPod touch or iPhone), the dock even has two extra slots which you can use to store them as well. The perfect solution for the Apple aficionado with multiple devices? Possibly. The iPad 2 Display Dock is available now for $74.95, though it also comes in a version without the extra two docks for a cheaper $69.95. Head here if you're interested in purchasing the iPad 2 Display Dock.
source: Ubergizmo

Official iPad Facebook App Hidden Inside iPhone App

Now you can experience the full confucion of Facebook in a native iPad app. Screen capture MG Siegler

Facebook's iPad app could be a lot closer to launch than we thought. A full-sized, fully-functional version of the iPad app is hidden inside the current iPhone app. That means that, if you are running the iPhone app you already have the iPad executable on your phone.

Discovered by M.G Siegler, Apple writer for AOL's Tech Crunch, the iPad app is a lot more modern-looking than the tired old iPhone version, and looks a lot like Twitter's official iPad app. On the left is a source list to navigate between your Wall, info, photos and friends sections.

Up top, below the status bar, you'll find more icons to take you to different sections (places and chat, amongst others), and if you flip to horizontal orientation you get a combination of both these navigation “aids,” and the top-bar nav icons remain.

In short, Facebook has managed to fully port the signature confusion of its Web site to a tablet app, a not insignificant achievement.

Siegler, who found the app after reading about it on Twitter, calls the app “spectacular.” The discovery was made by a an engineering student named Marvin Bernal, who also gives instructions on how to get it running on your own iPad:

If you are smart enough to know what that means, and yet you still use Facebook, then go ahead and hack away. The rest of us can either wait for the official launch, or wait for Google to release Google Plus for the iPad.

Facebook's iPad App Is Hidden Inside Of Their iPhone App [AOL's Tech Crunch]

Personal Audio sues Apple again, targets iPhone 4, iPad 2 and newer iPods

And you thought that the beef between Personal Audio and Apple has been solved, well think again. Everyone's favourite patent licensing company is back, hitting Cupertino with another suit. You'll recall an earlier ruling by a federal jury in Eastern Texas found the CE maker guilty of infringing upon PA's playlist-related IP with an assortment of older iPods. This new filing alleges that newer Apple devices, like the iPhone 4, iPad 2 and modern day iPods — which weren't part of the original 2009 case — also violate that same IP, in a move we'd surmise serves to pad Personal Audio's coffers.
source: 2DayBlog.com

Facebook iPad app stashed within Facebook iPhone app

It seems that the recursive nature of programming has also spilled over to the world of Facebook – as the iPad app for the social network has been revealed to be hidden inside, of all places, the Facebook iPhone app. It does make us wonder why Facebook has yet to develop an iPad app since the Apple tablet has done phenomenally well worldwide, and since they have already rolled out the iPhone app some time ago, why not do the same for the tablet? Guess the answer is out there somewhere, but if only someone wring get the real answer out from Facebook employees.

TechCrunch realized that the the code to Facebook's iPad app was well hidden inside the code of Facebook's iPhone app. The iPad app code was never there all the time, first debuting with the 3.4.4 update of the Facebook for iPhone app. As for TechCrunch's MG Siegler, read what he has to say about it after the jump.

All of this is possible apparently thanks to a seemingly tiny update Facebook pushed yesterday to their iPhone app. Version 3.4.4 seemed like a small version that restored the “Send” button for comments and chat among a few other little things. Facebook may have even pushed it out in response to some backlash they had been getting about the app, as Financial Times covered a few days ago. Perhaps it was the rush to fix some of those issues that caused Facebook to push this version – which will clearly eventually be Universal Binary (meaning it will house both the iPhone and iPad versions of the app) – with the iPad elements inside. Whatever the case, the app is carrying a payload of much greater importance than some bug fixes.

He even ran the iPad app after installing it, and came away quite impressed to say the least. Perhaps the long wait is over? This apparent leak might just force Facebook's hands to issue the iPad app sooner than expected.
source: Ubergizmo

Images of official Facebook for iPad app leaked

Images of Facebook's unannounced iPad application have been leaked by TechCrunch. Reportedly, the official application has been hidden inside the iPhone app all along. We're impressed by what we see in the leaked photos so far; there is clearly a robust gallery feature and the news feed is rich with profile photos and status updates. TechCrunch‘s MG Siegler, who has already tested the application, says that it offers an “HTML5-rich experience” and that Facebook for iPad is a vast improvement over the mobile Web interface currently available. Facebook for iPad is expected to launch soon but an exact release date is still unknown. At least we now know the social network didn't just skip out on one completely. Read on for two more images and check the read link for a full gallery.
source: Boy Genius Report

Booq Viper Slider case for the iPad 2 works with docks

While it's usually a great idea to have protective cases for your iPad, one of the drawbacks to using one is the fact most cases usually make the tablet impossible to use with a dock. This is largely due to the design of the cut outs on the case itself or the fact that the case makes it too bulky to fit into a dock. Well the folks over at Booq have come up with a new iPad 2 case designed just to solve that problem.

Called the Viper Slider, the iPad 2 case has a specially designed bottom quarter that easily slides off (hence the name Slider), leaving the bottom of the iPad 2 compatible with almost any docking station available on the market. In addition to being dock-friendly, the Viper Slider protects your iPad 2 from the usual drops and mishaps with its durable polycarbonate casing and is said to give you a better grip when holding the tablet as well.

With sleek looks to match its functionality, the Booq Viper Slider sure looks like a useful case for the iPad 2. Folks will definitely enjoy the convenience it brings. It is available now for $39.95 from Booq and various retail outlets nationwide.
source: Ubergizmo

Fotoboard, a Beautiful Photo Album Creator for iPad

Fotoboard is flawed, but a great way to sort and view photo albums on the iPad

Even with the new features coming in iOS5, the iPad (and iPhone) Photos app is pretty poor for actually viewing photos — the very reason for its existence. If you use iPhoto to organize your photos on your computer (Mac-only), then you can have it generate albums of faces and places, but most of the time you're left scrolling through the “Photos” section, which contains everything, just to find one photo.

Fotoboard is an iPad app which creates albums. You can make these manually, or you can browse a calendar which lets you go see all the photos you took on, say, your birthday two years ago. This alone would be worth the price of the app (currently free) if it weren't for a couple of annoyances (more on those in a minute).

You can't drag to re-order, but the app sure looks great

Creating your own albums is easy. You click the “plus” sign, add a title and then choose the photos in a batch from the familiar iOS photo-picker. You can add more photos later, too, as well as removing them.

You can view the images individually and swipe through them. In this case you see the pictures on a neat wood-style background, along with a piece of paper with limited metadata displayed (a map will also show up if there is geo-data in the image file). You can also add captions, and send photos via email, Facebook or Twitter.

You can also start a slideshow, choosing either the same wooden-table view, or a fullscreen mode. Finally, you can share photos with other Fotoboard users on your local network via Wi-Fi.

Fotoboard is still very young, and there are some big omissions. You can't re-order photos in an album, for example. But the biggest pain is the behavior of the calendar view.

It defaults to the oldest picture in your library, and to page through dates you need to tap the tiny arrows which flip you one month at a time. Exit the calendar and re-enter and you have to start over. Fotoboard desperately needs a better way to navigate dates.

That said, its easily the prettiest and easiest to use Album app I have yet found (and I have tried a lot). And right now it is also free, which means that iPad-toting photographers have no excuse not to try it out.

Fotoboard for iPad [iTunes]
source: Gadget Lab

iPad news reader SkyGrid hits Android, with custom tablet interface

The popular iOS news reader SkyGrid has now popped up on the Android Market, bringing a fancy graphical interface along to totally jazz up all your news feeds. The app works on both mobile phones and tablets, with the latter seeing a very nice customised interface indeed.

Here's SkyGrid running on an Android 3.X tablet of some sort:

The standard non-tablet version doesn't look anything as nice as that. In fact, it's pretty awful on a phone. Get yourself some SkyGrid action here if you admire the above and have a flashy tablet. Link via The Guardian.
source: Eurodroid

Sid Meier's Pirates Now Available On iPad

Sid Meier's Pirates game is now available for Apple's iPad. It is an exciting high-seas adventure that allows players to captain one of 27 fully customizable ships. As a fearless Pirate Captain you will collect hidden treasure maps, undertake daring missions and courageous rescues, and swiftly hand out pirate-style justice to local braggarts at every port. You can now purchase the new Sid Meier's Pirates iPad game from the iTunes App Store for $3.99. [iTunes App Store]
source: TechFresh

Versetta Prime Collection – Handbags with Built-in iPad Storage

I like a good, rugged gear bag as much as the next person, but sometimes I just want to carry a handbag. I still need to take along my phone and my tablet, so I've been looking for that perfect bag that allows me to carry them both safely in one bag. Versetta, a purse and bag company, realizes that many women have the need to carry their iPad in a handbag. Their Prime Collection line of faux leather “luxury cases” in “high end designs” incorporates a padded, zippered frame case for iPad or iPad 2 on the exterior of the bag. You'll be able to use the iPad and access its controls and connectors without removing it from the frame. They have a variety of styles, each in a variety of colors. Some of the bags seem to be large enough to also hold a netbook or small laptop in the main compartment. The bags each cost $189.00, and they are available now from Versetta's online store.
source: The Gadgeteer

Panda iPad case is nice to look and touch

When it comes to iPad cases, usually the choices taken are either something sleek, which adds as little weight as possible to the device, or something totally bulky, which is aimed at protecting the device from 60-foot drops. Of course we have the keyboard case alternatives which seem to be gaining popularity, essentially transforming your iPad into a MacBook-ish sort of device. Then we also have cases where its function is more about adding aesthetic value, with practicality taking a back seat.

Meet the Panda from Hooby Groovy Land. Coming in a $54.95, this iPad case is made out of 2mm felt material which not only makes this pleasing to the eyes, but pleasing to the touch as well (who doesn't like to touch felt, right?). It even comes with a back pocket that supposedly will be able to hold pens and CDs, with the Panda's "claws" doubling up as a hook for your headphones when they're not in use.

The Panda case is also available in iPhone size, along with a variety of other designs such as Yoshi, Goomba and Super Mushroom, which are available from Hooby Groovy Land's etsy shop. Granted they probably won't be able to withstand a car running over them, but if you're going for cute then these ought to do the trick.
source: Ubergizmo

ZAGGfolio iPad 2 Folio Case with Keyboard

ZAGG has a new keyboard case for iPad 2. The exterior of the ZAGGfolio case has a carbon fiber design and the interior is a soft microfiber. The Bluetooth keyboard has its own 510mAh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery that ZAGG says provides a couple of weeks of normal usage between charges. The case and keyboard work together to make a stand that can hold the iPad 2 in either horizontal or vertical orientation. You can even remove the keyboard from the case and use it with the iPad 2. The ZAGGfolio will cost $99.99 and is available for pre-order.
source: The Gadgeteer

Col. Littleton No. 42 Courier Bag for Laptop and iPad Review

After reading Julie's (very favorable) reviews of the Col. Littleton wallets, iPhone wallet (No. 50), and pocket for the iPad (No. 5) and Janet's announcement that they would be creating a new bag to carry not only your laptop but your iPad as well, I knew I wanted to see it in person. I don't want to say Julie was gushing, but she did have very positive commentary on Col. Littleton's outstanding craftsmanship and thick, rich leather; definitely weaknesses of mine. So, when the folks at Col. Littleton agreed to create me a monogrammed No. 42 Courier Bag for laptop and iPad to review, I was excited to say the least.

I have to agree with Julie, the leather and craftsmanship are the best I have ever seen…..true artistry. I have reviewed many leather bags over the years and the Col. Littleton No. 42 is one of the very best. The Col. Littleton No. 42 Courier Bag for laptop and iPad is styled to look like a mail courier bag from the American Old West.

I should take a step back because the Col. Littleton experience goes beyond just a top-notch bag, it begins with their website. Where you first see Col. Littleton's personality — from the product videos, to the youtube ‘television' shows he stars in, to the wallpapers he has created for your download pleasure, to product pictures, letters and articles from around the world, and much more. This experience follows into the arrival of your new product; the packing tape is custom made and printed with the Col. Littleton emblem, and even includes a MoonPie (something not easily found here in the Pacific Northwest). What I am trying to say is that Col. Littleton brings back some of the niceties and added touches lost in modern times……like folks checking your tire pressure & oil when you filled up. The Col. Littleton motto says it all ‘Purveyor of Fine Accouterments in the Americana Tradition.‘ But, back to the review .

Craftsmanship: The Col. Littleton Courier Bag is exquisitely done; soft supple leather, solid brass hardware, Old World styling, finely done stitching and edge finishing. From a craftsmanship and materials standpoint, I can find nothing but positive things to say about this tech-bag.

The leather is thick and very soft. While obviously brand new, the leather feels like it has been broken in for years if not decades. This is very different from other leather products that I have reviewed, where the leather is so thick and rigid it can stand on its own. The leather is well finished; the stitching and edging are expertly done throughout the courier bag.

The hardware is solid brass and accentuates the leather and style of the bag nicely. Not only does it look awesome, but from an engineering/strength perspective, it is strong and definitely holds the bag, laptop, and iPad firmly on your shoulder or in your hand.

From the leather stamping to the lock assembly, the No. 42 Courier Bag is about the finer details, the polish, the TLC. This bag radiates Old World charm. I have used it on several cross country trips and have received numerous compliments. Even one from an older gentleman in a wheelchair in the airport, asking me where he could order ‘something like that'.

Function: There is no argument that the No. 42 Courier Bag is extremely well made with the finest materials. But I find myself wishing that I could change it's functional design to better protect and more efficiently transport my tech-gear. I have reviewed/used a great many tech-bags in my day and have become very particular in what and how I transport my gear.

I like/need to carry around a fair amount of stuff with me most of the time. Along with my MacBook Air and occasionally my iPad, the items you see above are my ‘with me all the time' gear. Except for the sunglasses, they really do not take that much volume. But the overall lack of pockets in the No. 42 bag, leaves items like these rattling around the bottom of the satchel.

My MacBook Air slides into a separate section located on the front inside of the Courier Bag. There is plenty of room in the front slot to hold large laptops as well. The inside dimensions are 14 1x2″H x 12 1x2″W x 3″D. The iPad slides into a leather slipper case that snaps to the back inside of the bag. My only real disappointment with this bag is that the laptop section is not a true pocket. Instead of being a separate compartment, it is an eight inch piece of leather that spans the width of the case but does not keep the laptop isolated from the rest of the bag. Since there are no pockets to hold other stuff, your other items rattle around the bottom of the bag rubbing against your laptop.

Another criticism I have is, when your laptop and iPad are in the courier bag, it is difficult to get other items in and out of the bottom of the bag. Other than the pockets on the iPad sleeve, there are no other pockets inside the Courier Bag. I would suggest as a minimum, that Col. Littleton include two pockets at the bottom of the bag to hold the power cords/pucks of your iPad and whatever laptop the owner carries.

The leather iPad slipper case can be detached (unsnapped) from the bag to carry separately or if you need only your laptop and more space in bag. It has five pockets: one for business cards, two pens, and two for misc paperwork.

On a positive note, the slipper case is not form fitted for the iPad. Getting the iPad in and out of the slipper case is quick and easy. There is enough room in the sleeve to accommodate the iPad in a reasonably large case.

Comfort: Along with being incredibly stylish, the No. 42 Courier Bag is comfortable to wear over your shoulder or carry via the handle. Even fully loaded, the No. 42 Courier Bag is reasonably weighted and travels well.

Bottom Line:

Without a doubt, I love the No. 42 Courier Bag for it's Old World style and craftsmanship. But as I stated above, I would definitely tweak/modify it's interior design and layout to more effectively carry and protect my tech-gear. That aside, this handmade craftsmanship comes at a price: $695 to be exact. That price tag is comparable to other high end laptop bags from Saddleback, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana and the like. From a quality/style/craftsmanship standpoint, you are definitely getting your money's worth.
source: The Gadgeteer

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore App for iPad

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore iPad book app is based on the award-winning short film of the same name. The story tells of Morris Lessmore's life after a hurricane and of his love of books and how they impact his life. Each page has a beautifully detailed illustration with text along the bottom. (The above image is a screen capture from my iPad 2; it's been resized to fit the website's format.) A narrator reads the story aloud. The iPad book app is interactive; swipe a page to animate the image or even play a song on a virtual piano keyboard. Setup functions let you turn off the text, turn off the narration, or select a page to jump to. The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore app is for iPad only. It's $4.99 in the iTunes app store. You can also purchase the short film from iTunes for $1.99 or $2.99 for the HD version.
source: The Gadgeteer

White iPad 2 Knockoff Found in China

We all know by now that China is a world leader when it comes to knockoff devices. There have been several cheap iPad 2 wannabes on retails shelves of the People's Republic, but never in white until MIC Gadget finds one in an electronic store in Shenzhen. Note that its whole cover is in white, unlike the original iPad 2 that only features a white front cover.

The tablet features a 9.7-inch resistive touchscreen with 800 x 600 resolution, an 800MHz VIA 8650 processor, 256MB memory, Android 2.2, 4GB of storage, WiFi, microSD card slot, and a 1.3-megapixel rear-facing camera. At 9.9mm and 479 grams, it is thicker yet lighter compared to the real thing.

The iPad 2 copycat costs a mere 600 yuan (about $93).
source: Gadget.com

Apple reportedly testing out a new display for the iPad 3?

When Apple's iPad 2 was announced, we're pretty sure that there were tons of fans that were disappointed that the tablet did not sport the same Retina display that was found on the iPhone 4. Granted it's still a pretty good tablet, and one that many other tablet manufacturers have tried to go up against, releasing devices that they have boasted to be "iPad killers". Well it seems that a recent report by Korea Times has suggested that Apple is quality-testing a new display for their iPad 3.

Now, there have been many rumors surrounding the iPad 3, some have even suggested that we might even see the device be released this year, a move which probably will not sit too well with current iPad 2 owners. A photo leak of what was reported to be an iPad 3 component was also discovered online, so it looks like the iPad 3 rumor mill has started gaining momentum.

Regarding this rumored new display for the iPad 3:

“Apple's upcoming iPad 3 will feature an improved display to support quad extended graphics (QXGA), a display resolution of 2048x1536 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio to provide full high definition (HD) viewing experience,'' said a source close to the talks.

The report also suggests that Apple is looking to secure orders from both LG and Samsung in a move to start weaning themselves off the latter company, whom they have been embroiled in a patent infringement lawsuit with for the past couple of months.

While we may not necessarily be seeing the iPad 3 any time soon, the rumors may not be so far fetched. After all with Android tablet manufacturers starting to push out devices with better looking displays, it can be safely assumed that for the next iPad (or even possibly the next iPhone), Apple would be looking to achieve something similar, if not better, to stay ahead of the competition.
source: Ubergizmo

Look fashionable or professional with the Versetta iPad bag

If you ever saw the need to access your iPad directly from your bag, it seems that Versetta has the perfect solution for you. It will come in two models, the Prima and the Affari, with the first model aimed at the fashion-conscious woman in mind, and the Affari targeting the business professionals.

It's basically a bag with a side pocket that can be unzipped, revealing the iPad (as pictured above). Unlike your regular brief case or tote bag, the Versetta seems to stow your iPad away by making it part of the bag itself, as opposed to your iPad just being another item within your bag.

Supposedly all ports and buttons are accessible from the bag itself, which means you will not need to remove the iPad from the bag in order to access it or to charge it. Seems like a good idea during bus or train rides where your bag will usually be placed on your lap.

The bag will come in colors ranging from business black and brown, to turquoise, pink, sunny yellow and trendy coral. Unfortunately the Versetta bag does not come cheap, as it is tagged at a price of $189, but for a bag that not only fits your iPad, but a range of other items, perhaps some might consider it to be value for money.
source: Ubergizmo

PDF Converter for iPad, An Indispensable Tool

PDF Converter takes almost any document or web-page on your iPad and turns it into a PDF

Readdle's PDF Converter will do just that. It takes pretty much any file on your iPad and turns it into a PDF. There are a few hard-to-use web services that will do this for you, but PDF Converter takes care of everything on the iPad itself. This is both more secure, and way more convenient.

There are lots of ways to get documents into the converter. The main one is to use the “Open with” command in other applications (like Dropbox, Mail or MobileMe). Supported document types can then be sent to the app, where you can do the actual conversion. The app will open Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, TXT, HTML, JPG and PNG files. Once converted to PDF, you can store them in the app itself or open them in your favorite PDF reader.

You can also convert any image saved in your Photos app, or even put together a PDF containing the contact details of single or multiple entries in your contacts list.

But the biggest feature is the conversion of web pages. When you find a page you want to convert — an online form, say, or a flight boarding pass — just tap the URL bar and add “PDF” (without quotes) in front of the “HTTP” prefix. Hit return and the page opens up in PDF Converter, ready for action.

This is great. I use it like this: In my Spanish classes, I take a snap of the whiteboard with the iPad camera (or my actual camera, if I want to actually read anything). I then convert to PDF and open in the PDF Highlighter app. From there, I can add highlights and notes on top.

PDF Converter costs $7. Available now.

PDF Converter [Readdle]
source: Gadget Lab

Bone Horn Stand Amplifies Your iPad 2 Without Batteries

Remember the Bone HORN speaker amplifier for the iPhone? Now they have a version for the iPad 2. The HORN is a silicone adapter that fits on the bottom of the iPad 2 and uses acoustic science to amplify the sound from the built-in speakers by 15 decibels without using any additional battery power. There's even a fold out prop on the back that you can use to orient your iPad in either portrait or landscape position. The Bone HORN stand is available in 3 colors (Black, Grey and Pink) and can be purchased from CyberGuys for $29.95.
source: The Gadgeteer

Apple releases iOS 4.3.4 update

Remember the report about the possible exploitation through PDFs on iOS discovered last week? Well, we were told to hold on tight to our horses while Apple fixed the bug. In the meantime we had to either stay away from PDF files or jailbreak our phones to apply an unofficial fix. It looks like we won't have to resort to either of those methods anymore.

Apple has just released an update that fixes the security flaw in the operating system for all its devices. Other than the security update to fix the problem, it doesn't look like it brings any new features to iOS (we'll have to wait for iOS 5 for that). To update your iOS device, just plug it into your computer, run iTunes and follow the onscreen instructions. The update (iOS 4.3.4) is available for the GSM iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, iPad, third and the fourth generation iPod Touch. For CDMA iPhone 4 users, the same update is labelled iOS 4.2.9 instead.
source: Ubergizmo

Belkin ViewLounge for iPad 2

Although the picture seems to show an original iPad, the Belkin ViewLounge stand works with iPad 2. The base is a weighted beanbag that will mold to any surface, so your device stays stable. And the grippable texture helps hold your iPad on any surface. The stand accommodates the iPad 2 with or without a case. You can choose any viewing angle simply by adjusting the beanbag. The stand will hold the iPad in the horizontal or vertical position for viewing or in a typing position. The Belkin ViewLounge for iPad 2 is $29.99 at Belkin.
source: The Gadgeteer

Images of purported iPad 3 parts emerge, reveal design changes

Images of what are claimed to be parts from an unreleased third-generation Apple iPad have been posted on the Web by Taiwanese tech site Apple.pro. The site has a history of accessing authentic parts from China-based Apple product manufacturers and publishing images of the parts before the related devices are made official by Apple. The part obtained in this instance is a new connector cable with a tip that is white in color, thus leading Apple.pro to speculate that the new iPad 3 will launch in both black and white like the current iPad 2 model. Also of note, the connector shown has a new model number and different design compared to the corresponding iPad 2 part; Apple.pro's component is labeled “821-1259-06″ while the similar connector in the iPad 2 is labeled “821-1180-A.” Another image can be seen below.
source: Boy Genius Report

iPad 3 component spotted in photo leak

You know the old saying – where there is smoke, there is a fire. Well, if you decide to apply that to iPad 3 rumors, then surely an iPad 3 is all but confirmed. What you see above would be the first photos of what some claim to be a part of the rumored upcoming iPad 3, dropping hints of material design changes at the same time. It seems that this component will feature different part numbers, where what used to be “1180″ for the iPad 2 has been “increased” to “1259″ for the new component. This might mean nothing at all, but if you are an avid conspiracy theorist, then surely you cannot move away from the spectre that this is an iPad 3 component.

Do you think that Apple will be releasing an iPad 3 so soon after the iPad 2 rolled out? Surely the changes are not all that incremental to warrant an upgrade for many, as I have already met a fair number of folks who are still holding on to the iPhone 3GS because they decided to overlook the Retina Display factor in the iPhone 4, touting that the 3GS is still good enough for their use of making calls and checking email. What about you?
source: Ubergizmo

DIY Batmobile has an iPad in dashboard

Over the years, it has been a fantasy for many a Batman fan to possess the engineering skills required to build their very own Batmobile. Well, Casey Putsch is a member of a select club who not only dreamt about it, but actually decided to get his hands down and dirty to build a working Batmobile from scratch. Yes sir, this model has an actual turbine jet engine that was salvaged from an old US Navy drone helicopter, burning jet fuel to get it going – but if times get hard, there are always alternatives such as kerosene or diesel. This street-legal vehicle measures 20 feet long and 7.5 feet wide, tips the scales at a whopping 2,800 pounds and can seat two – perfect for that Saturday night out with a date.

There are 365 ponies under the hood, and to keep up with the times, Putsch's vision of the Batmobile comes with an iPad that has 3G connectivity so that you can always fight crime even in unfamiliar territory when you run a mapping program on the iPad.

This is one Batmobile that even Bruce Wayne would be proud of, don't you think so?
source: Ubergizmo

ZAGGfolio iPad 2 casing comes with a Bluetooth keyboard as well

Keyboard docks and keyboard cases for the iPad have been sprouting up like weeds lately, but that's not necessarily a bad thing (keyboard cases/docks I mean, not weeds) as it gives us consumers multiple brands to choose from.

The latest offering from ZAGG, makers of the InvisibleSHIELD, is the ZAGGfolio, a multi-functional iPad 2 casing. Multi-functional in the sense that it can be an iPad 2 casing, a keyboard dock, or even an iPad 2 stand.

It's made out of microfiber lining and it's designed to look like carbon fiber, and it comes with a removable Bluetooth keyboard which features iPad 2 specific shortcuts, such as volume control, music control, home, search, and copy and paste. It even comes with a 510 mAh rechargeable lithium polymer that ZAGG claims will provide up to weeks of normal use without charging.

All in all, it sounds like a pretty handy casing, and when closed it could even fool some of your friends into thinking that it is a laptop with the only thing missing would be a mouse. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, the ZAGGfolio is now available for pre-order at $99.99 on ZAGG's website with the company estimating the accessory to start shipping come 21st of July.
source: Ubergizmo

G-Form introduces new Extreme Portfolio iPad case

Only just last week we reported that G-Form had come out with the successor to their G-Form Extreme Sleeve iPad casing, the G-Form Extreme Sleeve 2. Despite it just being only a week since their last product announcement, G-Form has announced yet another iPad casing, this time in the form of the Extreme Portfolio iPad case.

Don't let the iPad name fool you as the G-Form will be able to protect other brands of tablets, such as the Android-based Motorola Xoom tablet, and basically any tablet of the 10-inch variety. With the Extreme Portfolio, G-Form has brought about several new features and improvements, as well as another extreme way of testing, which you can view in the video below.

The main difference as you can see in the photo (and video), is that the Extreme Portfolio opens up like a...well, portfolio. It also includes an internal pocket and an extra Reactive Protection Technology edge layer. For those who are new to G-Form and their RPT, it's a technology that G-Form employs which the company claims will be able to absorb 90 percent of the energy of an impact, and stiffens when shocked by a drop or other force impact. Like the original iPad Extreme Sleeve cases, the Portfolio is also lightweight, flexible, and touted to be water-resistant.

The G-Form Extreme Portfolio is priced at $79.95 and is available for pre-order from G-Form's website, with the product estimated to be shipped come the 11th of August.
source: Ubergizmo

Haier parades HaiPad that does phone functions as well

Haier of China has just lifted the curtain on a new device known as the HaiPad. Come on now, the name itself isn't very imaginative, and if you were to cover up the first two letters of the HaiPad, you'd end up with…the iPad. Well, Chinese manufacturers aren't noted for their originality, although they are famed in releasing clones of famous devices in a jiffy. With the HaiPad from Haier, this device is said to tread the line between a smartphone and a tablet device. Sure, you have 7″ of viewing goodness, but you might think twice about bringing a 7″ smartphone with you wherever you go, right? Calling it a tablet might reduce the consternation level somewhat though.

The HaiPad will run on Android 2.2 Froyo (why can't they just release it with Android 2.3 Gingerbread instead?) that has been customized by DianXin, while an 800MHz Freescale iMX515 A8 processor will remain at the heart of the tablet to keep things running. Just in case you are not in the vicinity of a Wi-Fi hotspot, fret not, there is always a built-in 3G connection to rely on.

Apart from that, the HaiPad will feature dual cameras and might ship next month for nearly $500 after conversion.
source: Ubergizmo

Hermes HigHtechH iPad Leather Work Station

This iPad case from Hermes costs more than even the most expensive iPad. Heck, it cost more than two 32GB WiFi iPad 2s! The HigHtecH leather work station covers your iPad when it's not in use, and it allows you to prop it up for comfortable typing or horizontal viewing. It's available only in ebony calfskin from Hermes for $1400.00. Just think, it will look great in your 5-figure Hermes Birkin handbag! (Now, if I could only win a huge lottery so I could get on the waiting list for these things…)
source: The Gadgeteer

Dolce & Gabbana unveils their luxury iPad casing

Fans of luxury brands will be pleased to know that the Dolce & Gabbana fashion house has recently released an iPad case that will definitely put all eyes on you (or your iPad). Made in Italy out of black leather and shimmery sequins, with gold hardware, a chain shoulder strap with star charms, we're guessing that D&G probably had the ladies in mind when they created this.

Some fashion experts may argue that being stylish or fashionable does not have to cost a fortune, but in this case they may be wrong. The D&G iPad case will set you back a pretty hefty sum of $1,175, which should be able to buy you at least two copies of the WiFi only version of the iPad 2, but then again, we're guessing customers who are even considering the D&G iPad casing will probably have the funds anyway.

If you're interested in placing a pre-order on the D&G iPad casing, Neiman Marcus has it up on their site, with the casing expected to ship no later than the 21st of October 2011. So if you have the funds to spare, and you're looking to be the envy of all your girl friends, perhaps this could be just what you need.
source: Ubergizmo