Magnus iPad 2 Stand – Most Elegant iPad Stand Yet?

If you've been trying to find an elegant and minimal stand for your iPad 2, the Magnus stand from Ten One Design looks like it might be it. Designed specifically for the iPad 2, this hand-finished aluminum stand takes advantage of the magnets that are built in to the Left side of the tablet to hold it in place. The result is a stand that you will barely notice. There are a few caveats though. The stand only works with an uncased iPad 2 in landscape orientation. If you're cool with that, then plunk down your $49.95 for this sexy stand.

Apple's iPad textbook sales estimated at 350,000 in first three days

Apple announced its new digital textbook product last week during a press conference in New York City and some analysts are already viewed the company's efforts as an early success. According to Global Equity Research analyst Trip Chowdry, Apple sold approximately 350,000 iBooks textbooks within the first three days of availability. Using Global Equity's third-party tracking system, Chowdry also estimates that Apple's iBooks Author tools was downloaded 90,000 times during the same period, AllThingsD reports. Those numbers would certainly be impressive, but Apple has not announced any numbers with regard to its new iBooks textbooks product. It is also unclear what percentage of Chowdry's estimates went to students and what percentage went to curious iPad owners looking to sample Apple's new interactive textbook product.

Are iBook 2's high-res images meant for the iPad 3?

Apple's iBook 2 app comes with some interesting media bundled in it. Developers have uncovered high resolution images that seem designed for use in a Retina display but the iPad 2 doesn't have one. Is this evidence that the iPad 3 will? The pictures are denoted with “@2x” in their filename and at, 2048x1536 pixels, they are double what the iPad 2 can natively display. What's more, they display at 260 pixels per inch (PPI). That's not quite the 300PPI that the latest iPhones can do - and what Apple has said officially constitutes a Retina display - but still dense enough to fool your eyes at the increased viewing distance. This isn't the first time that Apple's leaked @2x pictures. An earlier version of iBooks (version 1.1) included similar pictures back in 2010, which led to speculation that the forthcoming iPad 2 could have a Retina display. So, is Apple prepping for a surprise iPad 3 launch or is someone on the iBook development team just trolling us?

iPhone 4S, iPad 2 untethered jailbreak almost ready for release

The uncharacteristically long wait iPhone 4S and iPad 2 owners have been forced to endure before their devices can be jailbroken is almost over. In a blog post early Friday morning, the iPhone Dev Team stated that an untethered jailbreak solution for the iPhone 4S and iPad 2 is almost ready for a public release. The iOS hackers wrote that it has taken the combined efforts of pod2g, the Chronic Dev Team and their own group to develop the new jailbreak, and that all technical hurdles have now been overcome. The teams are now working on making the solution as bug-free as possible ahead of general release. Once available, the new jailbreak tool dubbed “corona” will support iPhone 4S handsets running iOS 5.0 and iOS 5.0.1 as well as iPad 2 tablets running iOS 5.0.1. Users hoping to jailbreak their devices should not update to newer versions of iOS in the event Apple pushes out any software updates ahead of corona's release.

Case makers already producing next-generation iPad cases with slightly thicker design

Case manufactures have previously provided accurate information on Apple's future devices, though not always. Every year we see next-generation cases emerge for unannounced hardware, however, and this year is no different. Case manufacturer Chinee has already begun selling third-generation Apple iPad cases, but the company is calling them iPad 2S cases rather than iPad 3 cases according to 9to5Mac. Apple is expected to release its third-generation iPad tablet in March, which has been rumored to feature a slightly thicker case to accommodate a 4G LTE radio, a quad-core processor, a 2,048 by 1,536-pixel HD display and twice the battery life as the current iPad 2. Chinee said the company's iPad 2S cases are designed to fit a tablet that is 1MM thicker than the iPad 2, which aligns with previous reports. The case maker also claims the design knowledge came from sources within Apple's supply chain, which is certainly a possibility now that the Cupertino-based company has already started production.

iPad 3 double-resolution images found in latest iBooks app

Still wondering whether Apple will indeed launch a new iPad in the near future with an HD Retina Display? Well, thanks to a tipster, we were able to locate double-resolution iPad images in the latest iBooks app for the iPad. Apple's next-generation iPad 3 is rumored to feature a high-definition 1,536 x 2,048-pixel display along with a quad-core Apple A6 processor, 4G LTE support and twice the battery life of the iPad 2. UPDATE: Looks like images like these have been in the iBooks app for quite some time. Maybe Apple just isn't bothering to remove them since they'll have to add them right back in March? UPDATE 2: It seems that a few of these Retina Display-sized iPad images are indeed new, scattered amongst the old files. Thanks, Brendan!

Apple reinvents textbooks for iPad, unveils iBooks 2 and iBooks Author

Moments ago at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, Apple's VP of marketing Phil Schiller announced what has been rumored for weeks - Apple is setting its sights on the textbook industry. It seems that Apple will be more of an ally to textbook publishers with its new initiative, however, which is a drastically different approach from the company's entrance into the music business when it ruffled the feathers of the major labels. Noting the challenges kids face in school, Apple is playing up the company's strengths in delivering some of the best tools to help publishers deliver great content, made specifically for the iPad. Hit the break for more. Textbooks for iPad, which became available by way of a new textbook category in iBooks 2, provide students with a modern, interactive replacement for conventional printed textbooks. They support multitouch gestures and also feature dictionary look-up integration and annotation. Students can highlight text, take notes and even create virtual note cards to reference later while studying. Initially, high school-level textbooks will be made available in the iBookstore and they will each be priced at $14.99 or less. The first round of publishers with textbooks available for the iPad include Pearson, McGraw Hill and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. To create interactive textbooks and other digital books for the iPad, Apple has also introduced iBooks Author. The Mac application provides robust tools that let anyone build and publish interactive digital books for Apple's iBooks store. It has the same look and feel as Apple's iWork apps, and includes features like gallery support, 3D animation, video and interactive image support and more. Users can even insert custom Javascript or HTML5 code into eBooks using iBooks Author. iBooks 2 is available immediately as a free download in Apple's iOS App Store, and iBooks Author is available in the Mac App Store for free as well.

Rumor: Apple planning iPad 3 event for February

Though Apple's got an event planned for tomorrow morning, you'd be forgiven if you're not jumping up and down with excitement. Though the announcement will be extremely important and will no doubt affect the publishing and education industries in a huge way, it hasn't garnered the quite the level of anticipation that we see with iPad and iPhone launch events. However, if the latest to come out of the Apple rumor mill is correct, that level of excitement is just a few weeks away. Japanese blog Macotakara has kicked off the latest ipad 3 rumor with a report that Apple is planning another media event for February. According to a translation from MacRumors, Macotakara cites an Asian supplier and a source in United States in reporting that Apple is preparing for an early-February event. This event is believed to be the iPad 3 launch event and will also apparently feature iOS 5.1. The timing is about right. Apple announced the first iPad in January of 2010, and the iPad 2 was announced in March. As such, a February release is not only plausible, but almost expected at this point. Of course, Apple hasn't confirmed or denied anything, so let's take this one with a massive grain of salt and the ‘wait and see' approach. In the meantime, you can catch all the latest new on tomorrow's event right here, so stay tuned!

Best Buy and Future Shop accidentally sold fake iPad 2s in Canada

There's nothing nicer than rushing home with a new gadget, tearing open the box and inhaling that sweet new gadget smell. Similarly, there's nothing worse than discovering your new toy is broken or there's a part missing and being forced to pack everything back up and return to the store. Sadly, for as many as 24 Canadians, that's what happened when they purchased their iPad 2s. CTV News reports that Best Buy and Future Shop have announced the launch of a major fraud investigation after as many as 10 customers opened up their new iPad 2 box to find a bag of clay. Walmart and London Drugs have also confirmed incidences of clay iPad 2s being sold to as many as 14 customers. Future Shop told CTV that the company believed scammers purchased the iPad 2s, and replaced them with clay before repackaging everything and returning the fake tablet to the store. The re-packaged tablets, which the scammers had shrink-wrapped before returning, were then put back on shelves and later sold to other customers. According to CTV, London Drugs, FutureShop and Best Buy have all changed their return policy on wrapped tablet computers as a result of fraud. The stores now require the customer to wait while the box is opened to ensure all components are present. Walmart said that while it is upset by the scam, it won't be changing policies at this time.

iPad still on top as tablet competition heats up

Apple's iPad is currently responsible for 15% of all mobile traffic according to new research published recently by Chitika. While the iPad's lead in the tablet market is obvious, it's becoming more clear there's strong competition for market share below it. The Amazon Kindle Fire represented an average of 2.4 ad impressions on Chitikas network for every 100 iPad impressions, but RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook wasn't far behind; it viewed an average of 1.8 ad impressions for every 100 iPad impressions on Chitika's mobile ad network. That's followed closely by the Samsung Galaxy with 1.6 ad impressions and the Motorola XOOM with 1.55 ad impressions. Chitika wasn't clear which Samsung model was included in the study but we presume it was the Galaxy Tab 10.1. ”Despite the iPad's stronghold in the tablet market, other tablets are continuing to carve out and hold their own places - a trend that is continuing even past the expected gains that the holiday season brought,” Chitika said. “It has taken some time for other players to elbow their way in to the market, but with these tablets paving the way and the demand for tablets continuing to grow, perhaps the coming year will bring more opportunities for other players to enter the field and bring their own innovations to the table.”

Apple's next generation iPad to be called iPad 2S, not iPad 3?

Here's an interesting piece of info regarding Apple's third-generation iPad tablet (which is reportedly already in production): it may not be called iPad 3, as most assume, but iPad 2S. Chinese case maker Chinee has recently unveiled cases especially made for an "iPad 2S". These cases (you can view them here) should fit a device designed to be 1mm thicker than the current iPad model - hence 9.8mm. Moreover, 9to5Mac says the Chinese company "claimed such design knowledge came from sources within Apple's supply chain." Now, why would Apple want to make a thicker iPad instead of a thinner one? Well, if the new device has a 2048 x 1536 pixels display, LTE connectivity and a quad-core processor, as rumored, it will certainly need a seriously large battery. So, larger battery - thicker case.

Apple to announce iPad 3 and iOS 5.1 in early February?

As we've reported last week, the iPad 3 is already in production, "with factories running 24 hours a day in China." Now a new report from Japanese website Macotakara suggests that Apple may plan to officially announce the new iPad in early February, at the same time with iOS 5.1. According to the website, the tablet should go on sale in March (as previously rumored). Of course, until Apple confirms an iPad event for early February, we should take this with an iGrain of iSalt.

Buried Code in iOS 5 Beta Suggests Facebook Integration

Steve Jobs shows off the white iPad 2 in San Francisco March 3, 2011. Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired As the release of Apple's next iPad looms closer, rumors about the tablet's specs and features are growing in frequency and intensity. Last Friday, Bloomberg reported the iPad 3 will include a quad-core chip and LTE support, and make landfall in March, complete with a high-resolution display. But the very latest speculation concerns not Apple hardware, but iOS and its relationship to social media. Inside the most recent iOS 5.1 beta, alongside two iPad 3 code names (J1AP and J2AP), there are multiple references to Facebook, suggesting an upcoming version of iOS 5 will have deep Facebook integration. Currently, iOS 5 only has built-in Twitter integration. Objective-C developer @jackoplane first publicized the Facebook mentions, according to the blog iMore. The code snippets were discovered in iOS 5.1 beta 3. Technology giants Facebook and Apple have had an on-again, off-again love affair over the past few years. After Steve Jobs' death, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg referred to Apple's former CEO as a “mentor and a friend.” Much more publicly, however, Apple and Facebook have bumped heads over Apple's music-centric social network, Ping, and Facebook recently rolled out its Timeline feature for Android before iOS. And this isn't the first time hints of Facebook integration have been found deep within iOS source code. Rumors that Facebook could be built into iOS 4 surfaced around May of last year. That code disappeared in later iOS betas — until now, it seems. via Cult of Mac

iPad sales may approach 50 million in 2012

With Apple currently readying its next-generation iPad 3 tablet, new estimates suggest the company could sell nearly 50 million iPads this year. In a note to investors on Wednesday morning, Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu suggested that calendar 2012 iPad sales could come in at approximately 48 million units, and he calls that a conservative estimate. ”We believe this significant refresh will likely help drive higher iPad sales and help further differentiate from arguably the only real competitor in the market, Amazon's Kindle Fire, and not to mention the myriad of Android offerings out there,” Wu wrote. “We are currently modeling 48 million iPad shipments for calendar 2012.” Apple is reportedly planning to unveil the iPad 3 in February with a faster quad-core processor, a new 2,048 by 1,536-pixel HD display and 4G LTE support. Multiple reports have also suggested that Apple will continue to sell an iPad 2 model at a reduced price following the iPad 3 launch.

Fake iPad 5 has 4G connectivity

Wait a minute here – am I missing something, or do the folks at Laos hail from the future? Otherwise, how else can you explain an iPad 5 that has 4G connectivity built in? Yes sir, Laos and their neighbors in South East Asia are noted for churning out counterfeit goods, and with all things Apple being so popular in recent times, it makes perfect sense to milk this particular cow for all it is worth, never mind that the iPad 3 is not even released yet (although there are rumors of it swirling around). Apart from the fake iPad 5, other Apple products that have undergone the clone hammer include an iPhone-branded clamshell device that is but a standard Java-powered handset when powered on. Laotians are also able to pick up an iPhone 4S with just Wi-Fi connectivity (meaning there is no 3G support), which obviously does not exist in the real world, although it has been slapped with a $125 price tag – a princely sum considering the country's per capita income averages $2,435.

iPad 3 unveiling reportedly scheduled for early February

Apple is reportedly planning an event in early February to unveil its next-generation iPad tablet. Citing unnamed sources from within Apple's supply chain, Japanese blog Macotakara claims Apple will take the wraps off its iPad 3 early next month alongside the next major release of its mobile operating system, iOS 5.1. Apple released the third version of its iOS 5.1 beta software to developers last week, though the timeline for a public release is unknown at this point. The Cupertino, California-based company is expected to release its third-generation iPad tablet in March, which is rumored to feature a slightly thicker case, a 2,048 by 1,536-pixel HD display and twice the battery life as the current iPad 2. Apple is also expected to continue selling an iPad 2 model at a discounted price following the release of its new iPad 3.

IDG: 91% of IT and business professionals use iPad for work

On Monday, research firm IDG published a global survey examining Apple's tablet in the business world. The survey found that 91% of IT and business professionals used their iPads for work, even though only a quarter of the devices had been supplied for corporate use. Like consumers, business professionals use the device for media consumption, but they use their devices on the road far more frequently than anywhere else. Some 79% of IT professionals said they always use their iPads on the road and 54% use the device at home. IDG notes that the iPad hasn't really prompted the majority of IT and business professionals to abandon any other devices, however, with only 12% saying that their iPad has completely replaced their laptops and just 6% saying it has supplanted their PCs. However, 72% said they were using their notebooks less because of the iPad, with 83% of corporate users describing themselves as being loyal to Apple's device. IDG Connect Report Shows 91% of Worldwide IT and Business Professionals Use Their iPad for Work Communication IDG Connect's iPad for business survey based on interviews with IT and business professionals across every continent, reveals that more professionals always use their iPad for work communication than personal communication. Nearly a quarter of respondents even have their iPad supplied by work, a statistic which climbs sharply in continents like Africa (47%) and Europe (40%). In addition to this, a surprising 51% of those surveyed always use the device at work, almost as many who always use it at home (54%). This is especially true in the Middle East and Africa, where over 70% always use it at work and less than half always use it at home. The results also show stark changes in content consumption, and provide evidence that B2B marketers should tailor information to the tablet medium: 97% of professionals use the iPad for reading 70% + now buy fewer physical books and newspapers 72% of iPad owners carry their laptop less 66% say the iPad has partially or completely replaced their laptop The survey revealed a robust loyalty to Apple with 83% globally stating they would not consider buying a different tablet device next time. Kathryn Cave, editor at IDG Connect International said "This research shows the tablet is fast becoming a true work device, provided by employers and used in the office for business communication. It also highlights some startling regional variations, emphasising the need for marketers to adapt content to local markets as well as new mediums."

iPhone, iPad owners see glass half full while BlackBerry users are down in the dumps

In what is certainly one of the most bizarre mobile-related studies we've seen published in recent months, a new survey found that iPhone and iPad owners are generally very optimistic relative to owners of other handsets and tablets. The most pessimistic mobile users, according to the same survey, are BlackBerry owners. Consumer electronics recycler and reseller Gazelle recently published the findings of a survey conducted on the CES show floor that sought to establish a correlation between a person's outlook on life and the mobile devices he or she carries. The firm's findings, while anything but scientific, paint an interesting picture that suggests users of iOS and Android devices have a better outlook on life than BlackBerry users. Read on for more. According to Gazelle's poll, 52% of iPhone users and 58% of iPad users are always optimistic about their future while 28% of Android smartphone users and 36% of Android tablet users share the same outlook. 29% of iPhone users and 60% of iPad users expect the best in uncertain times and 31% of Android smartphone users and 55% of Android tablet users expect good things to happen more often than bad. 25% of iPhone users and 26% of iPad users don't get upset very easily, and neither do 18% of Android smartphone users or 27% of Android tablet users. Where RIM customers are concerned, Gazelle found that 33% of BlackBerry users subscriber to Murphy's Law, holding the belief that if something can go wrong for them, it will. 16% of BlackBerry users hardly ever expect things to go their way and 33% of BlackBerry users rarely count on good things happening to them. 0% of BlackBerry users usually expect the best, Gazelle found. “Who knew that Apple users had such a promising outlook on life, while BlackBerry owners hardly expect things to go their way?” Gazelle CEO Israel Ganot said in a statement.

Amazon's web-based Kindle Store for iPad skirts Apple's 30% fee

Amazon's new web-based Kindle Store for the iPad reportedly helps the online retailer dodge Apple's fee that it would otherwise pay through a native Amazon Kindle Store iOS application. Amazon's subscription program typically charges retailers 30% of all generated revenues, which has caused retailers like Amazon to create new ways for customers to purchase goods without having to pay a fee. The Financial Times also recently pulled its application to avoid the same subscription charges, and we would not be surprised if other magazines, newspapers or retail app developers follow suit. It's unclear if Apple will tweak its terms in an effort to hold on to subscription providers.

Apple reportedly began iPad 3 production this month

Apple has reportedly already started production of its next-generation iPad 3 tablet. Bloomberg broke the news on Twitter on Friday afternoon, though it did not immediately provide any further details. The iPad 3 is expected to feature a slightly thicker case, twice the battery life of the current iPad 2 model, and a 1,536 x 2,048-pixel HD display. The most recent rumors have suggested that Apple will release the new tablet in March. Read

Bloomberg Sources Reveal iPad 3 Specs

Rumors about the next iPad are starting to stir especially it is that time of the year when we expect another new device from Apple. Bloomberg reports that “three people familiar with the product” allegedly spill the beans on the next-gen iPad. Although these leaked information are nothing new, the fact that it came from a “reliable” news source such as Bloomberg certainly ups the credibility. The “iPad 3,” according to Bloomberg, is expected to be launched in March. The device will have a quad-core CPU, a higher-definition screen, and support for 4G. It is curious that Bloomberg's sources stated a “high-definition” screen instead of “retina” display found in iPad 2. The sources add that the new tablet is under production this month. I am pretty sure the minor workers in Foxconn are working doubly hard for this.

Apple's next-generation iPad 3 receives an early hands-on preview?

When Apple announced the iPhone 4S, users were upset that the device featured the same design as the iPhone 4. Unfortunately, it looks like Apple will continue this trend, with the upcoming iPad 3 resembling the iPad 2, according to iLounge who received hands-on time with what they are claiming is the unannounced device. “From the back, you could walk past this new iPad on display and have no idea that anything had changed,” said iLounge Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Horwitz. The iPad 3′s body is roughly 1mm thicker than its predecessor and the rear camera has become noticeably larger, resembling the iPhone 4S's much-improved rear camera, sans LED flash. The front of the device featured no noticeable changes, although iLounge is reporting that the next-generation iPad will feature improved image and camera quality. Horwitz cautions that the device he played with seems to be around six months old, and if we know anything about Apple, it's that their plans can change at the drop of a hat.

Amazon Launches iPad-Friendly Kindle Store

Faster, easier and prettier: the new iPad-optimized Kindle Store Amazon has launched a proper touch-friendly mobile version of its Kindle store, which is smart considering that you are most likely to be browsing it from a phone or an iPad (or a Kindle Fire, I guess). You can still use the regular Amazon site (in fact, you're forced to if you want to manage your library or Kindle settings), but this new slimmed-down design makes browsing and buying dead easy. To visit the store, point your iPad's browser to http://www.amazon.com/iPadKindleStore. You'll land on a bold page with large thumbnails of recommended titles, bestsellers and editors picks. You can also browse by genre, and there's a big search field up top. Once you have a book you fancy, you can buy it or read a sample, just as with the regular site. And here things get clever. Once you choose a sample (or hit the “buy” button) you can choose to read it in the Kindle app or in the browser using the Amazon Cloud Reader. Gone is the drop-down of places to send the download — the web-app just assumes you want to read it on the device in your hands. I like it a lot. I still wish that Apple would let Amazon put a link to the site inside the Kindle app, but adding this to the home screen is the next best thing. And it even has a spiffy new favicon. If you ever added the previous version of the Kindle Store to your home screen, you'll know how much this was needed.

Next generation iPhone and iPad could offer 20 times more graphics performance

Imagination Technologies announced at the Consumer Electronics Show on Tuesday that the company's next-generation PowerVR Series6 GPU core family will offer 20 times more performance over the current generation. Apple is a major shareholder in the company, and have used its chips in the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and the Apple TV. The PowerVR G6200 and G6400 GPU are the first in the Power VR Series6 GPU family and stand as a new benchmark for achieving high performance with low power consumption. The Series6 GPU will provide “ultra-realistic gaming” and enable more complex applications, while delivering 20 times or more of the performance of current GPU cores through an architecture that is five times more efficient than previous generations. “Based on our experience in shipping hundreds of millions of GPU cores, plus extensive market and customer feedback, we have been able to set a new standard in GPU architecture, particularly in the areas of power, bandwidth and efficiency — the key metrics by which GPUs are now judged,” said Imagination Chief Executive Hossein Yassaie. “We are confident that with the Rogue architecture we have a very clear technology advantage and an exceptional roadmap for the PowerVR Series6 family which our partners can depend on.” While there hasn't been any indications about Apple's next-generation mobile processor, the rumored “A6″ chip that could appear in the iPad 3 may feature Imagination's Series6 GPUs. Apple's next-generation iPad is rumored to be announced and ship in March.

Apple chooses Pegatron to make iPad 3, March shipments

Technology has reportedly received a small volume of orders for the upcoming 3, which is set to launch in March, according to Digitimes focus on production of the series, with serving serving as an auxiliary in 2013. ‘s primary focus will be the iPhone, with only producing a small number of . The new strategy is meant to decrease risk and increase the quality of products, according to the report. The -based company has already visited ‘s plants in China several times. The publication also claimed that is expected to see a “significant increase” in orders for an iPad 4 launch reportedly scheduled for October of Daring Fireball 3 “completely accurate,” but claimed an 4 report was “completely made-up nonsense.”

Another rumor confirms iPad 3 shipping in March, says iPad 4 will follow in October

Here's a follow-up to yesterday's iPad-related rumor. First off, the probable. DigiTimes has some ‘industry sources' who claim that the iPad 3 will be shipping around March. That's in line with what we heard yesterday, it's in line with Apple's iPad 2 launch, and it generally seems to be what's going to happen. Once again, we find out that the iPad 3 will have a Retina Display (this time the actual resolution is thrown in for good measure – 2048×1536). The new tablet will apparently also feature longer battery life. Its other features will be less than impressive, though – again, this is in line with the most recent rumor, so it's probably how things will go down. The iPad 2 will still be sold after the iPad 3 launches, for a base price of $399. We still hope Apple will pull something similar to what it did with the iPhone 4 when the iPhone 4S launched and release an 8 GB iPad 2 for just $299, but it remains to be seen if that will actually happen. Image via BGR Even if a $399 iPad won't do much against Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet and its aggressive $199 pricing, it will do some harm to Android tablet makers, especially those that still like to overprice their products. With this move, Apple will manage to slow Android's tablet growth a bit. So far so good. But this is where today's rumor leaves reality-based contraptions and heads swiftly into absurd territory. See, it claims that Apple will launch a new iPad (let's call it iPad 4) in October. Here we go again. So rumor mongers have apparently learned nothing from last year's iPad 3 debacle. What, you don't remember that? How the iPad 2 was apparently ‘rushed to market' in Spring, and how there was going to be a new iPad 3 in Fall 2011? Yeah, like that happened. So in case you thought that was a good idea for Apple, you probably believe this now. Let's be clear: there's absolutely no reason for Apple to launch two tablets in the same year. Not in 2011 and not in 2012. Who knows, maybe the need will arise next year. But up until then? No. If the iPhone 4S, which, let's face it, is nothing more than an iPhone 4 with a couple of additions, can break all sales records of all Apple smartphones ever, then clearly people aren't upset at the pace at which Apple updates its hardware. So they won't be upset if the iPad 3 ‘only' comes with a Retina Display (and perhaps better cameras, as rumored yesterday). And they'll buy the iPad 3 in droves. Further, today's ‘report' claims that the iPad 4 will be launched in the Fall because of pressure from Windows 8 tablets which will launch then. This is ridiculously funny, and I bet someone at Apple is rolling on the floor laughing at it. When has Apple ever pre-empted competition with a new product release (please limit your soul-searching to mobile devices only)? Never. Why would Apple be afraid of Windows 8 tablets and rush a new iPad to market to ‘fend off' their threat? This Fall, Apple will still be the No.1 tablet maker in the world. If Windows 8 really is that good, and sales of tablets running it will be good, then maybe, just maybe expect an ‘answer' from Apple next year. There's absolutely no reason to do it any sooner. None at all.

iPhone 5 and iPad 3 may come with quad-core processors, iOS 5.1 beta reveals

Apple is undoubtedly already working on the next generation iPhone and iPad, which we'll call iPhone 5 and iPad 3 even though Apple may choose to release them under different names. In the past few days, we've seen many rumors about the next iPad, but none of those said anything about its processor. This bit of leaked info, though, may prove to be very good news for would-be buyers of Apple's next-gen mobile hardware. 9to5Mac found references to a quad-core processor in the latest iOS 5.1 beta's processing-core management software. The references come thanks to a hidden panel that describes cores which are supported by iOS devices. In the image above, “/cores/core.3″ almost certainly refers to a quad-core CPU architecture. That's because references to Apple's dual-core A5 processor are “/cores/core.1″, and single-core CPUs are referred to as “/core/core.0″. Those are the existing naming conventions within Apple's processing-core management software. Therefore it's quite clear that Apple is at the moment testing a quad-core device with iOS 5.1. What makes this more interesting is that if the iPad 3 is to launch in March, as we keep hearing, than it's clearly being tested right now with Apple's software. Which, you guessed it, would make this the device with the quad-core processor. And following last year's logic, when the iPad 2 first got the dual-core processor that eventually made it to the iPhone 4S, it's probably not a stretch to think that the next iPhone will sport a quad-core CPU too.

Web traffic patterns suggest Apple's iPad was a dud this holiday season

Countless analysts predicted Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet would be a big seller this holiday season, and new data suggests that the slate may have been the most gifted tablet this past Christmas. Advertising network Chitika saw traffic across its network from the Kindle Fire grow roughly 20% each day leading up to Christmas, and traffic then exploded by more than 120% between December 24th and 25th. Research In Motion's BlackBerry PlayBook saw the second biggest spike on Christmas Day, up  just over 50% thanks to deep discounts during the holiday shopping season, and Samsung's Galaxy Tab line of tablets saw traffic jump about 15% on the 25th. Traffic from Apple's iPad didn't increase at all on Christmas Day, suggesting that rival tablets may have had an even bigger impact on holiday iPad sales than previously predicted. Read on for more. “Though the iPad's lead over the other tablets is strong, it was not the tablet with the most impressive spike in traffic after the wrapping paper had all come off Christmas morning,” Chitika's Haze Jayachandran wrote in a post on the company's blog. “The PlayBook's 50% jump in traffic Christmas day might just be the thing to help with RIM's recent struggles. The real victor in the season's tablet wars, though, has to be the Kindle Fire and its 122% traffic spike from the 24th to the 25th. If more than doubling your usage overnight doesn't say Christmas Spirit, we don't know what does.” Traffic across Chitika's network grew between 20% and 30% for each of the four tablet lines between Christmas Day and December 26th, and then traffic from the Galaxy Tab, iPad and Kindle Fire tablets declined on the 27th as people went back to work. BlackBerry PlayBook traffic continued to grow about 15% on December 27th, however, suggesting the slate may have been the most gifted tablet among younger users who were off from school or college during the week leading up to New Year's Eve.

iPad 3 to pack Retina Display, FaceTime HD, 8-megapixel camera and push iPad 2 to $399?

What would the Consumers Electronics Show be without Apple rumors overshadowing most of the announcements? iLounge‘s Jeremy Horwitz has taken to Twitter to break down some of the leaked iPad 3 information he's hearing. First off, it's being reported that in addition to the rear camera on the iPad 3 being on par with the iPhone 4 or even iPhone 4S camera, the front-facing camera will support HD FaceTime video chats. Because of the Retina Display and new components, Horwitz reiterates an earlier report that parts of the iPad 3 will be around 1mm thicker to accommodate the new components. Finally, the iPad 3 should launch starting at $499 around March, and it will would push the iPad 2 down to $399, possibly even $299 if Apple decides to sell an 8GB unit.

Apple may launch iPad 3 in March, iPad 4 in October

Apple plans to launch a new “iPad 3″ with a Retina Display this coming March, and then a second “iPad 4″ model in October that will ship with “killer applications.” Citing unnamed sources from within Apple's component supply chain, DigiTimes on Friday reported that Apple is prepping both new iPad models for a 2012 launch. The first model, dubbed iPad 3, will feature a QXGA 1,536 x 2,048-pixel HD display and significantly longer battery life, and Apple reportedly has plans to drop the price of its current iPad 2 model to $399 when it launches its new tablet in March. Read on for more. A second new iPad referred to as the iPad 4 by component suppliers will then launch in October, perhaps alongside Apple's next-generation iPhone. BGR exclusively reported in December that a redesigned iPhone with an aluminum case will launch this coming fall. Few details surrounding the iPad 4 were provided, though the site did say it would include a 9.7-inch display along with “much upgraded hardware specifications and integrated applications.” DigiTimes has claimed in multiple reports that Apple plans to launch two new iPads in 2012, but other sources suggest the second model is in fact an early prototype of Apple's 2013 iPad model. Instead, Apple will reportedly launch a new iPad model in March while maintaining iPad 2 production and selling a single model of the older tablet at a lower price.

Apple's iOS 5.1 beta reveals quad-core chips for next-gen iPhone, iPad

Apple's next-generation iPhone and iPad devices will likely include new quad-core processors in place of Apple's current dual-core A5 chipset. 9to5Mac on Friday uncovered references to the new quad-core chip within the latest beta release of Apple's iOS software. Among the code for Apple's updated processing-core management software, a reference to “/cores/core.3″ has been identified. Apple's dual-core A5 chipset is referred to as “/cores/core.1″ within the iOS code, and single-core chips are “/cores/core.0″ according to the naming conventions within Apple's processing-core management software. Apple may include new quad-core A6 chips in its third-generation iPad and sixth-generation iPhone, both due to launch later this year.

Rumor: iPad 3 to come with Retina Display, 8 MP camera, and FaceTime HD, iPad 2 will drop to $399

Many iPad 3 rumors have come and gone over the past few months. At first, it was supposedly launching in 2011 too (which made absolutely no sense whatsoever). Now it's obvious that it will be released this year, and one thing has been quite common in all rumors so far: the purported ‘Retina Display' of the upcoming iPad. That is of course just a brand, but what it means is that the iPad 3 will get a higher-resolution display than the first two generations of the tablet. And the rumor du jour, courtesy of iLounge's Jeremy Horwitz, also says something about the iPad 3 packing a Retina Display. But it doesn't stop there. The new iPad will reportedly have a camera on par with that in the iPhone 4S or iPhone 4 (so 8 MP best-case scenario), and the front-facing camera will gain HD video support – which means FaceTime HD video chats will be possible (in case anyone is still using FaceTime). Because of the Retina Display and some other new components (the camera, perhaps), the iPad 3 will be around 1 mm thicker than the iPad 2. The launch should happen around March, and the pricing scheme will remain unchanged from the iPad 2, with the cheapest version being $499. However, the iPad 2 may remain on sale even after the iPad 3 is released. The iPad 2 will then see its price dropped to $399, or even $299 if Apple decides to sell a previously unheard of 8 GB version of the tablet. The iPad 2′s price drop will ensure that Apple has a solid competitor to Amazon's Kindle Fire (priced at $199). Yes, the iPad will still be $100 or $200 more expensive than Amazon's offering, but all Apple products are perceived as being premium, so many people may just opt to buy a $299 iPad rather than a $199 Kindle Fire. And let's not forget that the iPad has the bigger screen, which is a plus for some. Because this strategy would closely follow what Apple has done with its smartphones when the iPhone 4S was launched, I think it makes a lot of sense and it's probably what we'll see happen. So sorry, but there probably won't be a 7.85-inch new iPad Mini – at least not announced alongside the iPad 3. There's simply no incentive for Apple to create two new tablets, when it can just come up with one marginally improved product (again replicating the iPhone 4S strategy) – after all, a higher-res display and better cameras are nice features to have but… that's it? The iPhone 4S has showed us that people will buy Apple mobile devices in droves even if they are just marginal improvements compared to their predecessors. So the iPad 3 will clearly be a huge success.

Zero Chroma Vario-SC for iPad 2 Review

I seem to be the go-to gal for iPad accessories.  (Julie knows what I like!)  I have another iPad 2 back cover and stand for you today.  The Vario-SC for iPad 2 from Zero Chroma protects the back of your iPad 2, works with your Smart Cover, and acts as a horizontal, vertical, or typing stand.  That's a lot of functionality.  Let's give it a closer look. The Vario-SC is a back cover for the iPad 2.  It's made of a flexible, rubbery plastic, and it is easy to put on the iPad 2.  The Vario-SC is available in black or white.  I received the black.  The case is very thin, and it adds only a millimeter or two to the length and width of the iPad 2.  You'll notice in the picture above, there is a hard plastic assembly in the back of the case.  This is a multi-position, rotating theater stand, and it adds about 1x8″ thickness.  The Vario-SC weighs just over 4 ounces. The hard plastic portion of the theater stand doesn't seem to touch the back of the iPad 2.  I haven't noticed any scratches from rotating the stand while the case is on the iPad 2. The lip of the case just fits over the front of the iPad 2.  It leaves the camera, ambient light sensor, and home button completely accessible.  You'll see the bottom edge, as shown in the picture, is left mostly uncovered.  This opening is where the Smart Cover attaches.  I had no problem attaching the Smart Cover to the iPad 2 when it was in the Vario-SC.  The only quibble I have is that the hard plastic bump created by the theater stand prevents the Smart Cover from fitting flush against the back when it's opened and wrapped to the back. You'll see here that the black Vario-SC looks very sharp with my new red leather Smart Cover.  You'll also see that the headphone jack, microphone, and sleep/wake button are all exposed.  I had no problems using headphones or the sleep/wake button. The back camera is fully exposed, and I had no problems taking pictures with the iPad 2 in the case.  The mute/lock button and the volume rocker are also easy to use. The back speaker is covered with a grid of circular holes; I didn't notice any ill effects from this speaker grill.  I could also charge my iPad 2 with the charging cable without removing the Vario-SC. The spine of the Smart Cover fit perfectly into the opening.  I found the Smart Cover functioned perfectly with the Vario-SC.  The front lip was thin enough that it didn't interfere with the fit of the cover, and the sleep/wake function worked well. Now, let's talk about the rotating theater stand.  It's made of a hard plastic, and there's a stand that folds flat for storage, but pulls open when needed.  There are stops built in to the stand that locks it into eleven different positions as you pull it open.  The stand has an anti-slip rubber tip to keep the iPad 2 from sliding around. You'll also notice from the above pictures that the theater stand rotates a full 360 degrees.  There are four stops that lock it at the 12-3-6-9 positions.  Using the 11-position stand and the 360-degree rotation, you can achieve a multitude of angles and positions for your iPad 2. You can also use the stand as a hand grip.  Simply adjust the stand into the angle you find most comfortable.  It feels a bit like holding a thin microphone, and you can rest the edge of the iPad 2 on your arm for stability.  You might find this less tiring than pinching the edges of the iPad 2 for long periods. Here's just one horizontal angle.  I found this was a very stable position.  You'll have no trouble finding a comfortable viewing angle no matter your height or the table height. Here's a vertical orientation.  Again, this was very stable. Finally, here's a typing angle.  I thought it would be a bit wobbly as a typing stand, because the rotating theater stand is not centered in the middle of the case.  I found it to be amazingly stable.  It looks a bit tall, but it was actually a comfortable angle for doing the two-fingered pecking I always do with the on-screen keyboard.  I could also see the screen well at this angle. Zero Chroma also recommends using the Vario-SC in conjunction with the Smart Cover as a lap stand.  You can see in the above photos, the Smart Cover can be used as a platform to support the iPad 2 in either the horizontal or vertical position.  I will admit I didn't like doing this on my leather cover because I feared it would get scratched.  There were no scratches, but I was very careful doing this.  Finally, the Smart Cover can be used as a typing stand while the iPad 2 is in the Vario-SC cover.  The Smart Cover typing angle is somewhat lower than the Vario-SC typing angle. The Zero Chroma Vario-SC for iPad 2 is a very versatile back cover and stand.  The case doesn't change the width and length very much, but it does add some weight and thickness.  However, you'll get a lot of functionality in return.  You can use the case as a horizontal or vertical stand with a variety of angles and positions.  It's also a typing stand, a lap stand (with the Smart Cover), and a handle.  The back cover will also protect the aluminum back of the iPad 2 from scratches.  At $50, it seems you get a lot of bang for your buck.

False! Canadian Didn't Use His iPad as a Passport Proxy to Enter U.S.

Photo: Jim Merithew/Wired.com Earlier this morning, reports that a Canadian gentleman passed through U.S. customs using nothing but an image of his passport on his iPad 2 started circling the Internet. “Great scott! Nothing but an iPad!,” you say. “How tremendously forward-thinking of our government officials!” But, alas, according to U.S. customs, the story being circulated doesn't share the whole picture of the incident. You cannot enter the U.S. using a scanned image of your passport on a mobile device. The original article, reported by the Canadian Press, stated that the man, Martin Reisch, crossed the border from Quebec into the U.S. just north of Vermont using a scanned copy of his passport on his iPad, along with his physical driver's license. About a half hour from the border, he realized he'd left his passport at home, but figured he'd give it a shot. After handing the Customs official his iPad, “he kind of gave me a stare, like neither impressed nor amused,” Reisch said. After taking the iPad and driver's license into the border office for about five minutes, the official returned Reisch's documents and wished him a happy holidays, letting him into the country. Or so the story has been told. A Customs and Border Patrol spokesperson told Wired.com, “The assertion that a traveler was admitted into the U.S. using solely a scanned image of his passport on an iPad is categorically false. In this case, the individual had both a driver's license and birth certificate, which the CBP officer used to determine identity and citizenship in order to admit the traveler into the country.” U.S. Customs and Border Patrol's official policy says that U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the U.S. from within the Western Hemisphere must present a “valid, WHTI-compliant document” such as a passport, Trusted Traveler card, U.S. passport card, or enhanced driver's license or I.D. card. Scanned and digital images of these documents are not accepted forms of identification. The CBP spokesperson declined to comment on the possibility of apps or mobile devices being used to aid identification in the future.

Apple's LTE-enabled iPhone 5 to be a ‘radical update,' bigger catalyst than iPad 3 or iTV

While Apple's iPad 3 and its brand new HDTV will be big products for the Cupertino, California-based company in 2012, its “most important catalyst” will be a completely redesigned iPhone. Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu wrote in a note to clients on Wednesday that the launch of Apple's next-generation “iPhone 5″ is more important than Apple's upcoming “iPad 3″ and even its rumored “iTV,” which is reportedly set to launch this summer. Wu says that while Apple's iPad and its Siri-enabled television set are nothing to scoff at, the iPhone will still account for the biggest chunk of Apple's revenue and profit in 2012. Read on for more. “ is arguably the single most important of AAPL's businesses representing 44% of revenue in FY11 and what we estimate to be at least 60% of profits,” Wu wrote on Wednesday. “It also has the largest unit opportunity with a yearly TAM (total addressable market) of 1.5 billion mobile phones.” Citing anonymous sources from within Apple's supply chain, the analyst claims that Apple's next-generation iPhone 5 will feature a “radical” redesign including a thinner case with a sleeker form factor, a slightly larger display and compatibility with faster 4G LTE networks. Wu's account mirrors his earlier report from August, and it aligns closely with a recent report from Ticonderoga's Brian White, who also noted that Apple's next iPhone will include NFC capabilities. BGR exclusively reported last month that Apple will launch a redesigned iPhone this fall with an aluminum case.

iPad 2 may drop to $299 after iPad 3 launch

Last week brought reports that Apple plans to reveal two versions of the iPad 3 this month during the Macworld/iWorld expo scheduled for January 26-28, 2012, in San Francisco. Both will reportedly offer the same 9.7-inch QXGA screen (1536 x 2048) and A6 SoC, but one model will sport a 5MP camera whereas the other will feature an 8MP camera. These will serve as new mid-range and high-end tablets in Apple's iPad lineup. As for the low-end/entry-level model, this will be Apple's current iPad 2, according to sources at Apple's supply chain partners. We speculated that it will be re-launched with a lower pricetag than what's offered now, and even suggested that Apple may introduce an 8 GB model to put Apple in a better position to compete with Amazon, Barnes & Noble and even Archos in the $199 tablet market. However on Tuesday sources from Apple's supply chain clarified that the high-end 8MP iPad 3 will have the high resolution QXGA panel (2048 x 1536) and the 5MP mid-tier model will have the same XGA panel offered with the iPad 2 which comes with a 1024 x 768 resolution. That means Apple would essentially offer an iPad with a A5 SoC, XGA panel and a 0.3MP camera, an iPad with an A6 SoC, XGA panel and 5MP camera, and an iPad with an A6 SoC, QXGA panel and 8MP camera. As for pricing, there's speculation that the Wi-Fi iPad 2 could sell for as low as $299 USD. Currently Apple offers three iPad 2 Wi-Fi only models: $499 for 16 GB, $599 for 32 GB and $699 for 64 GB. While it's possible that Apple may knock $200 off the price of its 16 GB model, providing an 8 GB version with a low price point seems more likely. Will a $299 iPad tablet be competitive in a $199 tablet market? For many consumers, the $100 price gap between the Kindle Fire and the possible $299 iPad 2 may be too wide. Another problem Apple may have in competing with Amazon's Kindle Fire is that it's essentially the only Android tablet that allows consumers to purchase and stream video content directly to the device — Google's Android Market only provides rentals (Ultraviolet doesn't count yet, sorry). Amazon also stays competitive with the Android Market, offering a free Android app each day while countering Android Market promotions like the $4.99 albums and 0.99 EA games. To some degree Amazon and Google are tag-teaming against Apple, both providing cloud storage for video, music and ebook purchases (except for the Green Lantern license which ends in March doh). However in the long run, both Android and iOS have their strengths and weaknesses — consumers simply need to weigh each against how much they're willing to spend.

Frameshift iPad Stand

The Frameshift iPad Stand from DARWINmachine is made of hand-brushed, anodized CNC aircraft-grade aluminum.  It has military-grade abrasion resistant rubber padding and stainless steel hardware, so it's built for the rigors of travel as well as home and office use.  It adjusts to an infinity of angles, and it will support the iPad in horizontal or vertical orientation.  The tripod design enhances stability, and the Frameshift is compatible with the iPad's charging cable.  The Frameshift is available in red or blue in models for the iPad or the iPad 2.  The price will be $129.00, but DARWINmachine is currently offering it at an introductory price of $99.

Ticonderoga: iTV, ‘iPad mini' and iPhone 5 with NFC and 4G extend Apple's lead in 2012

Apple will further extend its lead in the technology sector this year as it launches a number of new products that will leave its competition scrambling, a new report suggested on Tuesday. Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White made Apple his top pick in 2011 and the stock was his top performer, having grown 26% during his coverage. In 2012, Apple remains White's top stock pick as a trio of new products is set to extend Apple's lead in the new year. Read on for more. “We believe Apple's portfolio in 2012 has the opportunity to create more excitement around the story with our expectation for the unveiling of iTV, ‘iPad mini' and a major upgrade with the iPhone 5, while we expect the company to finally come to grips with its surging cash balance and issue its first cash dividend,” White wrote in a research note on Tuesday. The analyst first reported in October that Apple would launch an “iPad mini” in 2012. While a number of reports suggested the new slate would in fact be a smaller iPad positioned between Apple's high-end iPad and the iPod touch, White used the term “mini” to describe the upcoming tablet's price point rather than its size. He sees Apple launching a new high-end iPad in 2012, and a less expensive mini model priced in the high to mid-$200 range will accompany it, White believes. More recent reports suggest that Apple will continue to sell the iPad 2 at a lower price once it launches the iPad 3. Beyond a new iPad that will attack the market at a lower price point, the analyst sees two other Apple products as being huge for the Cupertino, California-based company this year.”We believe 2012 will be the year that Apple unveils iTV in pursuit of a new $100 billion plus LCD TV market opportunity, reinventing a product category with a Smart TV that delivers a clean, crisp and simple experience that connects seamlessly with the Apple digital ecosystem,” White wrote. “Last April, we were the first on the Street to uncover concrete evidence that a full blown Apple TV was already flowing through factories in China for prototype production and we believe it's about time for the company to unveil its latest innovation.” Finally, Ticonderoga believes Apple's next-generation iPhone will feature a cosmetic redesign and a huge feature upgrade. “The iPhone 4S has been a big hit but we expect iPhone 5 to be even bigger with our expectations of a new unibody form factor, larger screen, NFC and 4G,” White wrote. BGR exclusively reported last month that Apple will launch a new iPhone this fall with a redesigned aluminum case.

Kindle Fire may have cost Apple $1 billion or more in holiday iPad sales

Amazon's new Kindle Fire was a hot item during the holiday shopping season, and one analyst believes the new Amazon tablet may have cost Apple well over $1 billion in holiday iPad sales. Morgan Keegan analyst Travis McCourt on Tuesday lowered his December-quarter iPad sales estimate from 16 million units to 13 million. Hot sales of the Kindle Fire ahead of the holidays are responsible for trimming sales of Apple's iPad by between 1 million and 2 million units, the analyst believes, making Amazon's new slate the main reason for McCourt's slashed forecast. Read on for more. On the low end of McCourt's estimate, the Kindle Fire cost Apple at least $500 million considering the iPad 2′s $500 entry-level price point. If the Kindle Fire was indeed responsible for cutting iPad sales by 2 million units, Amazon tablet sales cost Apple a minimum of $1 billion. Considering the range of available iPad 2 models that sell for between $500 and $830 each, however, that figure would likely be significantly higher. Amazon announced last week that it sold more than 4 million Kindles during the holiday shopping season, noting that the Kindle Fire was its most popular device. McCourt believes total Kindle Fire sales for the fourth quarter were between 4 million and 4.5 million units.

iPad 3 Rumor Roundup: New Display Tech, Lots of Contradictions

Apple's iPad 2 was announced March 2, 2011. Photo: Jim Merithew/Wired Next year, Apple will unveil its iPad 3. Only an event of apocalyptic proportions would prevent the tablet's release. History tells us we can expect iPad 3 sometime in the first quarter — but exactly when? And will it include a retina display? And will there be two different models? If you enjoy your New Year's Eve cocktails with an extra shot of speculation, check out our iPad 3 rumor and report roundup below. We didn't originate these stories, folks. We're just bundling them up in one tidy little package for your own scrutiny and reality-checking. The Hardware: What Are the Rumored Specs? ETA: When Will It Be Announced — and Delivered for Sale? Iterations: Will There Be More Than One iPad 3? Based on the number of contradictory reports floating around, and the accuracy of iPhone and iPad rumors in the past, one thing is pretty clear: Nobody really knows what to expect of Apple's next big iDevice until it actually launches. But the iPad 3 is coming, and it's sure to steal the hearts of Apple fanboys, and stoke the fury of Apple critics.

Photos of purported iPad 3 part suggests tweaked internals

Photos of a part that is allegedly an iPad 3 component suggest that the tablet will continue to use Apple's 30-pin connector, as opposed to microUSB or another popular industry-wide standard port. Images of the piece were published by Macotakara, which spotted them on TVC-Mall.com, a website belonging to an Apple parts reseller. Apple has included the 30-pin connector on the iPad, iPod and iPhone since the iPod first made its debut. A microphone mic flex cable ribbon leaked earlier this month by TVC-Mall also suggests that the iPad 3 will feature a cosmetic redesign, which may include a thicker case in order to make room for a new high-resolution display. The iPad 3 could launch as soon as March or April and the company is rumored to have an “iPad mini” in the works as well.

Report: Apple revealing two iPad 3 tablets in January

Apple will reportedly reveal two iPad 3 models during the Macworld/iWorld expo scheduled for January 26-28, 2012, in San Francisco. Sources claim that both will offer the same 9.7-inch QXGA screen (1536 x 2048), but one will feature a 5MP camera lens while the other will sport a larger 8MP lens. Both will provide dual LED light bars to strengthen the brightness of the screens. According to sources at Apple's supply chain partners, via Digitimes, the iPad 2 will also join the two newer models during the show. It will supposedly represent the entry-level tablet in Apple's iPad line, followed by the 5MP iPad 3 (mid-range) and 8MP iPad 3 (high-end). It will also reportedly compete directly with Amazon's Kindle Fire, thus indicating that Apple could introduce a cheaper, 8 GB version to better compete with the Kindle Fire's $199 pricetag. Apple unveiled the iPad 2 on March 2, 2011, and then began selling the device online and in retail shops on March 11. The original iPad was first introduced back on January 27, but didn't release the tablet until April. More than 15 million iPad units were sold by the time the sequel hit retail shops the following year March.

Next-gen iPad may feature double the battery capacity of iPad 2

Apple will launch a new high-end iPad model in early 2012 featuring a battery that includes more than twice the capacity of the current iPad 2 battery. Citing anonymous sources from within Apple's supply chain, DigiTimes recently reported that Apple's upcoming next-generation flagship iPad will feature a new 14,000 mAh battery, as will a new mid-range iPad model. The new power pack will feature more than twice the capacity of the 6,500 mAh battery currently used in Apple's iPad 2. DigiTimes also reported late Wednesday that Apple's 2012 iPad lineup will include three models: a low-end iPad 2, likely available at a discount compared to current pricing, a mid-range next-generation iPad and a high-end model. The new mid-range and high-end models will also reportedly feature an upgraded 2,048 x 1,536-pixel displays with dual-LED backlighting.

Easyscreen Adds a Pop of Color to iPad 2 Screen Protection

Earlier this week I was reading tweets from bratty kids cursing their parents and wishing them dead because they didn't get a car for Christmas or got the wrong color iPad 2.  Instead of cursing about the iPad 2, add an Easyscreen Screen Protector from MediaDevil.  Not only can you cover up the offending colored bezel with a color more to your liking, you'll add a 3-layer anti-glare protective layer that prevents scratches and fingerprints.  Adhesive is only used under the colored border, so there will be no air bubbles on the screen.  With ten colors (white, black, silver, red, blue, pink, green, orange, yellow, and purple) to select from, even the most demanding customer should find what they like.  They are £16.97 (about $26) from MediaDevil, or $16.97 at Amazon.com (just do a search on MediaDevil Easyscreen iPad 2).

iPad 3 and iPhone 5 to have IGZO panels from Sharp?

Apple's latest mobile devices, the iPhone 4S and the iPad 2, both use IPS displays, because the company considered that IPS was the best technology for them. But things may change next year. According to DigiTimes and unnamed sources in Apple's supply chain, the Cupertino giant intends to use IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) panels for its next generation mobile devices, starting with the new iPad - most likely called iPad 3. The IGZO panels should be made for Apple by Sharp. IGZO is a technology that enables displays to provide improved light transmittance at high pixel densities, while consuming less energy than IPS panels - so it seems to be a perfect choice for that rumored QXGA (2048 x 1536 pixels) screen that the iPad 3 should come with. Another report from DigiTimes has it that the new iPad would use a huge 14,000 mAh battery (instead of the 6,900 mAh one featured by the iPad 2). As for the iPhone 5 (or whatever its final name will be), apart from possibly having an IGZO display, it could come with a completely new design - unlike the iPhone 4S, which is basically an iPhone 4 with new internals.