iPad 3 rumor roundup

If Apple's usual release schedule is to be believed (as it usually is), we're just about due for another iPad. Naturally, the rumor mill has amped up accordingly - in fact, given the amount of news we've seen hit the wire regarding the phantom product, the only thing that would genuinely surprise us would be if Cupertino just opted to pull out of the tablet space altogether. Given the sort of sales figures the company has been seeing as of late, its seems a pretty safe bet that the company is confident that the old slate's still got a little bit of steam left in her.Yep, the one thing we feel pretty confident in saying at the moment is that Apple most likely has a new iPad in the works and it's most likely coming fairly soon. It also seems like a pretty safe bet that the company goes with the iPad 3 name - but hey, we've been burned there before. If the rumors flooding in from the likes of Digitimes and The Wall Street Journal are to be believed, the slate will bring with it faster internals, a higher res screen, a tapered back and a general smattering of Apple's customary pixie dust. So, what can we expect from the third iteration of the company's crazy popular slate? Not even Samsung knows for sure, but we're breaking down the fire hose of rumors after the break. AnnouncementAnonymous sources over at The Wall Street Journal put the date of Apple's big announcement at the first week of March, which falls right in line with last year's March 2nd event. The fact that stores like Best Buy have begun dropping the price of the iPad 2 only seems to lend credence to that time frame. It was also nice of the company to narrowly miss out on overlapping with Mobile World Congress - though competing trade shows have never stopped the company before. In the grand scheme of things, this is certainly one of the less far fetched of the recent crop of iPad 3 rumors - if not the first week of March, then almost certainly just after. As always, though, we won't know for sure until the suggestive event invitation hits our inbox. As for an actual sale? We're hearing "as early as March." InternalsSouped up internals seems like a no-brainer for the iPad. Apple loves to upgrade its devices to the latest and greatest, and given the ever increasing competition in the space the company helped pioneer, it's certainly in Cupertino's best interest to make the latest iPad as zippy as possible. A Chinese site Weiphone snapped a shot of what it claims is the logic board for the next generation iPad. Sitting right smack dab in the middle is the A5X, an apparent incremental update to the A5 chip sitting inside the iPad 2. Others have dubbed the chip the A6, if only for reasons of basic chronology. And will that A6 chip be a quad-core? Beta code hints that it might could possibly maybe go that way at some point. ExternalsMost of the rumors we've heard thus far don't see a radical aesthetic departure for the forthcoming tablet, nor can anyone seem to agree on whether the device will be thicker or thinner in its next iteration. Rumors swirling around last year had the tablet adding a bit to its waistline, in order to accommodate some of those souped up internals. More recent rumors give the tablet a more beveled appearance. Yeah, we've heard that one before. Display Speaking of things we've seen before, remember when the iPad 2 was going to its own version of the iPhone 4's retina display? The rumor's made a comeback for the iPad 3 launch, this helped along by a supposed side-by-side comparison shot of the two tablets held under a microscope, showing off lots of tiny squares. Certainly it would go a ways towards helping the tablet stand out in the crowd. Wild Cards A new screen size? This one bubbles up every time an iPhone or iPad is on the horizon, and now that different sized tablets have been met with some success, it might be the perfect time for Apple to experiment with a smaller iPad. Rumor has it that the company is working on an 8-inch version of the slate, to complement the good old 9.8 incher. In the past, the company has shied away from oversaturating the marketplace, but there's likely enough demand in the space for the standard iPad and a smaller budget version to peacefully co-exist. The Wall Street Journal's anonymous sources have also let slip Apple's supposed plans to go LTE on the next generation iPad, courtesy of Verizon and AT&T. So, will the tablet beat the company's smartphone to the 4G punch? Only the carriers, Cupertino and a few loose lipped tipsters know for sure. There's also talk of a revamped camera and an end to the classic 30 pin connector across Apple's mobile device. And what about a budget version for students? Given Apple's move to beef up its textbook presence, we wouldn't be particularly shocked if the company dropped the price to make a bigger splash in the classroom.

Imminent iPad 3 launch prompts iPad 2 sale at Best Buy

Apple is all but confirmed to be planning a press conference for March 7th during which it will unveil its next-generation iPad tablet. The iPad 3 is expected to feature a high-definition 2,048 x 1,536-pixel Retina Display along with a faster quad-core Apple A6 processor, embedded 4G LTE, an upgraded rear camera and a redesigned case. There is no question that the new iPad will be a significant upgrade compared to the current model, but not everyone needs the latest and greatest. For those willing to forgo the added speed, embedded LTE and HD display, Best Buy is now offering $50 off every iPad 2 model it carries. Of course buying the iPad 2 now at a $50 discount is a risky move - a number of reports have suggested that Apple will continue to sell its current tablet at a discount of $100 or more once the next-generation iPad 3 launches next month.

Photoshop Touch for iPad now available for $9.99

Adobe on Monday announced the latest addition to its iOS software lineup. The company's Photoshop Touch app for the iPad hit Apple's iOS App Store a little early over the weekend before being pulled, but now Adobe's highly anticipated image editing software is back for good. While the iPad version of the app isn't nearly as robust as Photoshop for Windows and OS X, Photoshop Touch does feature a number of advanced capabilities similar to those found in Adobe's desktop software, including layer support, a variety of editing tools and even the ability to extract objects from within an image. ”People will be amazed with what they can create on the iPad using Photoshop Touch," David Wadhwani, SVP of Adobe's Digital Media Business Unit, said in a statement. “Photoshop Touch combines the magic of Photoshop and its core features with the convenience of a tablet, bringing image-editing power to the fingertips of millions of people." Photoshop Touch for the iPad is available in Apple's App Store immediately for $9.99. Adobe's full press release follows below. Adobe Photoshop Touch Now Available for iPad Highly Anticipated App Brings Image-editing Power of Photoshop to Apple iPad 2 BARCELONA, Spain - Feb. 27, 2012 - At Mobile World Congress, Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq: ADBE) today announced that Adobe® Photoshop® Touch is now available for iPad 2, via the iTunes App Store*. Adobe Photoshop Touch offers core Photoshop features, as well as new capabilities for creating and sharing in an app custom-built for tablets. The app is a central component of Adobe Touch Apps, a family of six intuitive touch screen applications, inspired by Adobe Creative Suite® software. iPad versions of the other Adobe Touch Apps are expected later this year. Photoshop Touch gives users the ability to combine multiple photos into layered images, make essential edits and apply professional effects to create beautiful artwork, touch up photos, paint, lay out ideas, and much more. The Scribble Selection Tool allows users to easily extract objects in an image by simply scribbling on what to keep and, then, what to remove. With Refine Edge technology from Photoshop, even hard-to-select areas with soft edges are easily captured when making selections. Photoshop Touch helps users quickly find images and share creations through integration with Facebook and Google Image Search. "People will be amazed with what they can create on the iPad using Photoshop Touch," said David Wadhwani, senior vice president and general manager, Digital Media Business Unit, Adobe. "Photoshop Touch combines the magic of Photoshop and its core features with the convenience of a tablet, bringing image-editing power to the fingertips of millions of people." "Adobe Photoshop Touch offers a huge convenience factor and funnels cool Photoshop features tailored for the iPad," said Brian Yap, creative director at Boxing Clever. "Nearly all of the features I imagined being in Photoshop Touch are there, including the depth in layers, the extraction tools, and fade tool." "I love the organic process of working on the tablet. With Adobe Photoshop Touch, I have a new form of image creation with familiar tools but in a more relaxed work space, allowing me to rediscover image making through play rather than production," Dan Marcolino, owner of Marcolina Design & MarcolinaSlate. In addition to Photoshop Touch, Adobe expect to release the following touch apps for the iPad in the coming months: Adobe Collage for moodboards; Adobe Debut for presenting and reviewing creative work; Adobe Ideas for sketching; Adobe Kuler® for exploring color themes; and Adobe Proto for website and mobile app prototyping. Pricing and Availability Adobe Photoshop Touch is available today in the iTunes App Store for US$9.99. Photoshop Touch is available in most geographies with English language support. The app will run on iPad 2 running on iOS5. Visit www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-touch.html for more information on Photoshop Touch. Customers may submit feedback on the community powered feedback site: http://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family. Users may also connect with the Photoshop Touch Team directly on Facebook, via Twitter or on the Photoshop blog. For Photoshop Touch how-to videos, visit http://tv.adobe.com/show/learn-photoshop-touch/.

iPad pushes Apple to 26.6% of the mobile PC market in Q4

Apple's shipments of iPads and MacBooks in the fourth quarter combined to give the Cupertino-based company a 26.6% percent share of the mobile PC market, according to a report from DisplaySearch released on Thursday. Apple shipped a total of 23.4 million units, nearly three times the amount of No.2 HP. The iPad accounted for 18.7 million units and captured 59.1% of the tablet market. Amazon shipped 5.3 million Kindle Fire's for 16.7% of the market, with Samsung shipping 2.1 million and controlling 6.7% of the market. ASUS shipped 1.5 million units for a 4.6% market share and Barnes & Noble shipped 1.1 million units for a 3.5% share. Apple's fourth quarter notebook shipments came in at 4.6 million units for an 8.3% share of the market. Ranking ahead of the Cupertino-based company was HP (15%), Dell (11.8%), Acer (11.8%) and Lenovo (10.8%). Read on for DisplaySearch's press release. Apple Maintains Top Mobile PC Share Position for Q4x11 and Full Year HP, Dell, Acer and Lenovo Round Out Top Five Spots; Apple Y/Y Shipment Growth Tops 125% for the Quarter and the Year Santa Clara, Calif., February 23, 2012 - Apple shipped nearly 23.4 million mobile PCs in Q4x11, up 128% Y/Y, and over 62.8 million mobile PCs in 2011, up 132% Y/Y, according to preliminary results from the latest NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Mobile PC Shipment and Forecast Report. Nearly 80% of Apple's mobile PC shipments were iPads, more than 18.7 million shipped in the quarter, up 156% Y/Y, and 48.4 million units for the year, up 183% Y/Y. Overall mobile PC shipments grew 12% Q/Q and 44% Y/Y, reaching 88 million units in Q4x11. This was driven by continuing strong demand for tablets. Tablet PC shipment growth was 42% Q/Q and 210% Y/Y, reaching 31.7 million units in Q4x11. Notebook PC shipments were flat Q/Q but up nearly 11% Y/Y, reaching 56.3 million units. As expected, consumer mobile PC adoption was focused on tablets, holding up demand in notebooks. "Mobile PC brands read the writing on the wall in the fourth quarter," said Richard Shim, NPD DisplaySearch Senior Analyst. "Consumer demand for notebooks was expected to be weak following modest back-to-school results, especially with the expected launch of Windows 8 on the horizon, and increasing interest in tablet PCs. As a result, brands focused their typical holiday price cuts on tablets to boost demand." Apple's 26.6% share in Q4x11 is largely due to its dominant position in tablet PCs, which propelled it to nearly three times the shipments of HP. The other brands in the top five market share rankings relied almost exclusively on notebook PC shipments to establish their positions. Table 1: Preliminary Q4x11 Worldwide Top Five Mobile PC Shipment Rankings by Brand Brand Units (millions) Share (%) Apple 23.4x26.6 HP 8.7x9.9 Dell 6.9x7.9 Acer Group 6.8x7.7 Lenovo 6.3x7.2 Source: Q1x12 DisplaySearch Quarterly Mobile PC Shipment and Forecast Report HP maintained the top notebook PC ranking with a 15.5% share, although it lost some of its lead as shipments into North America, China, Latin America, and Asia Pacific faltered. Dell and Acer essentially tied for second place with 11.8% each. Dell had strong results in EMEA, while Acer continued to struggle in the notebook PC market. Lenovo continues to build on momentum started early this year with strong growth in China and Asia Pacific with a dip in North America, and maintained its #4 position in notebook PCs, gaining some share in Q4x11. Apple leapfrogged over ASUS and Toshiba to capture #5 with 8.3% market share. Table 2: Preliminary Q4x11 Worldwide Top Five Notebook PC Shipment Rankings by Brand Brand Units (millions) Share (%) HP 8.7x15.5 Dell 6.7x11.8 Acer Group 6.6x11.8 Lenovo 6.1x10.8 Apple 4.6x8.3 Source: Q1x12 DisplaySearch Quarterly Mobile PC Shipment and Forecast Report In the tablet PC market, Apple continued its strong growth across all its regions, capturing 59.1% share in Q4x11. Newcomers Amazon and Barnes and Noble firmly planted their flags in the market, at #2 and #5, respectively - Amazon with 16.7% share and Barnes and Noble with 3.5%. Both brands focused on North America in their market entries. Samsung improved in all its key markets, particularly EMEA, helping it to reach .67% market share. ASUS continued its strong results in North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific as it took 4.6% share in Q4x11. Table 3: Preliminary Q4x11 Worldwide Top Five Tablet PC Shipment Rankings by Brand Brand Units (millions) Share (%) Apple* 18.7x59.1 Amazon 5.3x16.7 Samsung 2.1x6.7 ASUS 1.5x4.6 Barnes and Noble 1.1x3.5 Source: Q1x12 DisplaySearch Quarterly Mobile PC Shipment and Forecast Report * Apple shipments include units for sell through and inventory.

CELLMACS iPad 2 Leather case with Removable Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard Review

It seems many people see their tablets as a laptop replacement.  Tablets work fine for most things that people do with a computer, but their on-screen keyboards leave a lot to be desired when you need to enter a lot of information.  Accessories manufacturer's recognize this, and  they have produced a lot of keyboard cases for various tablets.  I've seen quite a few keyboard cases for the iPad and iPad 2 that I've owned, and I've seen quite a few others here on The Gadgeteer.  One thing most of these keyboard cases have in common – they all seem to cost $100 or more.  What about those people who need a keyboard case, but don't have $100 budgeted for it?  CELLMACS, a mobile accessories company, has a $40 iPad 2 Leather Case with Removable Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard that's a good alternative to the more expensive offerings.  I was selected to try the CELLMACS case they sent to The Gadgeteer. Most images in this review can be clicked for an enlargement. The exterior is made of pebbled brown leather.  Stitching is very even and straight, and it's done in a contrasting light cream thread.  The leather seems to be thin, especially if the straps are any indication.  There's a faint chemical smell, but it's really only noticeable when I put my nose right against the case. The case measures about 9.8″ long X 7.75″ wide X 1.15″ thick.   It weighs about 18.5 ounces with the keyboard in place and 9.25 ounces with the keyboard removed. The front of the case has magnets that work with the iPad 2′s automatic sleep/wake function.  There's a strap sewn into the front edge that wraps around to the back. The strap closes with a magnetic snap.  An easel-style stand closes flush into the back, and it's held in place by magnets.  There's a cutout for the iPad 2′s camera and a grid of holes at the bottom edge for the speaker. The iPad 2 is held in a leather frame.  This frame is very thin, especially the tab that holds the iPad 2 in place (seen at top, right).  There's no snap or Velcro to hold this tab in place, and I was afraid it wouldn't be sufficient to hold the iPad in place.  There are notches cut into the frame for the front-facing camera and ambient light sensor and for the home button. The interior is lined with a fuzzy, suede-like fabric. The keyboard is also covered in leather, and it has a wrist rest area where you'll find the LED status lights and the pairing button.  The lights are in the little silver rectangle, and the Bluetooth pairing button is under the embossed circle beside the silver rectangle.  I found the pairing button was a bit difficult to use when I paired the keyboard with my iPad 2.  Once I found the button, Bluetooth pairing was very quick and required only that I enter a 4-digit code on the keyboard.  The keyboard uses V2.0 standard Bluetooth. You can see some wrinkles in the leather over the wrist rest area. The keyboard seems to be sturdy, though. The keyboard is held into the case with more magnets, and it can be lifted completely out of the case.  You can use the keyboard up to 10 meters away from the iPad 2, or you can just take the keyboard out to lighten the load if you know you won't be needing the keyboard for a while. The keyboard is smaller than a standard keyboard.  Most of the keys are where you'd expect them, but a couple are in unexpected places.  The keys are low-profile and fit flush with the wrist rest.  They are flat, with no dimple for your fingers to fit in.  The nubs on the home keys (f and j), are so small and flat as to be nearly useless to touch-typers.  I couldn't tell easily by touch when my hands were in the correct position.  The smaller keyboard meant my wrists were more bent than normal, and I did have a bit of trouble typing on this small keyboard.  That's true of all these under-sized keyboard cases, though. The keys don't click when depressed, but you can hear them as you type.  Once your fingers get used to the size and placement, the keys operate well and quietly. There are some iPad-specific keys that control media playback, volume, and screen brightness.  Other keys perform edit functions: select, copy, cut, and paste.  There's also a home key, spotlight search key, and a lock (sleep) key.  There's even a key to launch a photo slideshow and one to bring up the on-screen keyboard when you're in an app that can use the keyboard.  These keys worked well for me. The side of the keyboard has the power switch and charging connector.  This keyboard charges using the same Apple charging cable used by your iPad 2.  I think this is a fantastic idea.  You'll only need to carry one cable in your gear bag, but you'll only be able to charge either your keyboard or your iPad 2 at a time, of course. The keyboard has a 450mAh lithium-ion battery inside that charges in about 3-4 hours.  Once charged it promises up to 90 hours of continuous typing time.  I haven't used it long enough to test that claim, though. The iPad 2 fits snugly inside the leather frame.  I found that the thin leather tab at the top opening was capable of holding the iPad 2 securely inside the frame.  I even tried shaking it out of the case (over my bed).  The iPad 2 slid up a bit, but it would take quite a lot of shaking to get it out of the case. The sides of the frame are thin, and they tend to curl up from the iPad 2.  This doesn't make the iPad 2 less securely held, but it can interfere with touching the very edges of the touchscreen.  I normally use the iPad 2 in the horizontal orientation, and I had trouble touching the very top of the screen when I wanted to jump back to the top of the page.  I'm hoping the sides will eventually flatten out with use. I could use the home button with no trouble, and the cutout for the camera/ambient light sensor was large enough that it didn't interfere. The case didn't interfere with the back camera, either.  The cutouts for the speakers, combined with the opening in the side of the leather frame, allowed the sound to pass through without noticeable muffling. Most ports and controls were accessible.  The hard edge of the case that extended beyond the edge of the iPad 2, combined with the thin profile and curved shape of the iPad 2, made it a little difficult to get your fingers in to use some of the buttons, though.  The microphone, located at the top center of the iPad 2, was covered up by the flap that holds the iPad 2 in place.  I made a sound recording while the iPad 2 was in the CELLMACS case, and the flap didn't interfere with the microphone.  My recording was clear and loud. The leather of the case is flexible enough that you can fold the front all the way to the back.  If you have the keyboard in place, the magnets in the keyboard are strong enough that they put the iPad 2 to sleep – and you can't wake it up until you open up the case to move the magnets away from the iPad 2.  If you take the keyboard off before you fold the front back, the iPad 2 will stay awake.  Of course, this is much thicker than the iPad 2 itself, but I find it easier to hold the case this way than holding it like an open book. There's some extra room inside without the keyboard in place, but you can use it as a folio case and only add the keyboard in on days when you know you'll need it. The easel-style stand opens up to support the iPad 2 while you are typing.  The stand isn't adjustable; there's only one angle with this stand. You can also easily see how the long sides of the leather frame pull away from the iPad 2 in this picture. I know I've mentioned some problems with using the keyboard, but all keyboard cases have these same problems for me.  They're all undersized, have non-standard placement for at least some of the keys, and feel different in some way from typing on my laptop.  Still, you'll get used to the differences with use, and any physical keyboard is better than typing on the on-screen keyboard, for me at least. I think the CELLMACS iPad 2 Leather case with Removable Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard is an excellent solution for people who want a keyboard case for their iPad 2 but don't want to blow the budget on a $100+ case that most likely won't be useable with the next generation iPad.

Ten One Design Magnus Magnetic Stand for iPad 2 Review

One word came to my mind the first time I saw the Magnus Magnetic iPad 2 Stand from Ten One Design. That word was sexy. It's the most minimalistic iPad stand I've reviewed to date. Is this stand just a pretty face with nothing to back it up though? Let's find out. Note: Click the images in this review to see a larger view. The Magnus looks and feels exactly like the stand that is built into my iMac. It is made of machined, recycled aluminum which has been hand finished. Mac fans would definitely guess that it was made by Apple. The front has a shallow trough with a thin strip of rubber that covers embedded neodymium magnets. A side view shows a slightly raised ledge and also shows off the one-piece design. The bottom has 4 rubber feet to keep the stand from sliding around on your desk. If you're familiar with the iPad 2, you'll know that the edges have magnets that are used to attach smart covers. The Magnus stand from Ten One Design takes full advantage of these magnets by using them as the sole method of holding the iPad 2 in place. I keep saying iPad 2 because the Magnus will not work with the original iPad or any tablet other than the iPad 2. It's been designed specifically to mate with the iPad 2′s magnetic left edge. The iPad clicks into the ledge as soon as you get close to it. Removing the iPad from the stand requires two hands. One to hold the stand and the other hand to pull the iPad free of the magnets. Has it occurred to you yet that you can only orient the iPad one way with this stand? It will only work in landscape orientation with the home button on the right. Although you can balance the iPad in the ledge in normal orientation, it isn't secure and is definitely not recommended as the slightest bump will cause it to slide out. The orientation issue is the number one limitation of the Magnus. The number two limitation is that the viewing angle can not be changed.   What good is an iPad stand that you can only orient one way and can't change the viewing angle? That's a good question… I have found that it does work great as a 2nd display for your desktop or laptop. It also works well as a clock or a photo frame. The angle is actually very good when using the iPad with a keyboard. So although functionality is limited with this stand, it's not a complete deal breaker. The deal breaker is more likely the 50 dollar price tag for something that can only be used with only one device in a very specific way. If the price tag doesn't scare you away along with the limitations, this stand is the sexiest way to display your iPad 2 in landscape orientation.

Leaked display may be definitive proof of iPad 3 double resolution, 4 times the pixel!

MacRumors claims that they have scored an iPad 3 display. According to their analysis, the new iPad - which should be well into production at this point - will have two times the current generation's resolution: 2,048 x 1,536 pixels. Four times the pixels! That's pretty insane. The current 9.7-inch iPads have 1024 x 768 pixels. That's a density of 132 pixels per inch. If this part turns out to be the real McCoy, the iPad 3 will have two times this resolution: 263.84ppi. It's not the 326ppi of the iPhone 4, but it's really high. If true, the new iPad 3 will have a razor-sharp display. So sharp that you will not to see the pixels from a normal reading distance (which would allow Apple to call it Retina Display, according to their definition). If the iPad 3 really ends with this new display, a similar panel may also make its way to a next generation MacBook Air 11-inches. This new generation of high density screens - along with the new OS X's HiDPI mode already present in the latest Lion update - may also signal a similar resolution jump in the incoming MacBook Pro 2012.

Redesigned iPad 3 with 8-megapixel camera pictured for the first time

Purported images of Apple's next-generation iPad have been published by Chinese language Apple Daily ahead of the new tablet's official announcement. The slate had leaked only in bits and pieces until now, however alleged photos of an assembled iPad 3 show a device that is very much in line with earlier reports. The case is very similar to the one found on the iPad 2, though it has apparently been redesigned with a more gradual taper leading from the back to the edges. Apple Daily also states that the iPad 3 features a 9.7-inch Retina Display, which was confirmed last week, and an 8-megapixel camera as had been rumored previously. Apple is reportedly planning to unveil the iPad 3 at a press conference in early March, and the tablet is also expected to feature a quad-core Apple A6 processor and embedded 4G LTE connectivity.

iPad 3 confirmed to have a 2,048 x 1,536-pixel Retina Display

Following various leaks and rumors, it has been widely speculated that Apple's next generation iPad will feature a new high-resolution display. Now, using a purported iPad 3 display that was examine under a microscope, MacRumors has confirmed everyone's suspicions: the iPad 3 will have an ultra-high resolution Retina Display. The iPad 3 display is the same 9.7-inch size as the panel used on its predecessor and looks similar to the naked eye. When compared under a microscope, however, the iPad 3 display's pixels appeared to be one-quarter the size of those on the iPad 2. The next-generation iPad is rumored to be equipped with a new quad-core A6 processor, 4G LTE, better cameras and a larger battery, and Apple is expected to announce the slate on March 7th.

Chinese firm may sue Apple for $2 billion in U.S. over iPad name

On Friday, the Chinese company that claims to hold the trademark on the “iPad” name, threatened to sue Apple in the U.S. for $2 billion dollars, reports the AFP. Proview Technology claims it owns the Chinese rights to the iPad name and the company's lawyers are looking to prevent Apple from importing or exporting the popular tablet in China. “Right now we are selecting from three American law firms to sue Apple in the United States for $2 billion in compensation,” said the chairman of Hejun Vanguard Group, a company working with creditors to restructure Proview. Proview's chief executive Yang Rongshan has repeatedly denied allegations that the company is extorting Apple in order to pay off its debt.”We own in China,” Rongshan said. “If you were in my position… you would try to protect your rights.” Apple has said that it previously licensed the iPad trademark and Proview is failing to honor its earlier agreement.

School to use Windows 7 tablets instead of iPad

While we know that the iPad seems to be the tablet of choice when it comes to using it for education (universities and schools use it), it looks like it won't be for the schools in Charlottesville. According to reports online, CCS (Charlottesville City Schools) will be deploying Fujitsu Stylistic Q550 tablets to students from grade six to twelve as a learning tool. Their reason for choosing it over the iPad? Its durability and security. Apparently the integrity of the iPad's glass was an issue, and since the Fujitsu tablet can withstand shocks from drops and can also operate in demanding environments, they make suitable candidates for going into the backpacks of kids. More durable tablets mean less maintenance costs, which can help schools save money. Also, because the tablet runs on Windows, enterprise tools make it easier for IT managers to remotely manage the tablets. Back when I was a kid, I would've been over the moon if I was given a computer to do my work on, let alone a tablet. But then again, times are different, and I can already picture kids complaining about being given a Windows tablet instead of the iPad. What do you think about tablets in high schools? Necessary? Or should they only be used when they are older i.e. in college/university?

Apple's iPad loses market share in Q4 to… the BlackBerry PlayBook?

It looks like one of our favorite tablets finally managed to put a dent in Apple's market share. Apple posted the second most profitable quarter in U.S. history late last year, and it managed to move a record-setting 15.4 million iPads between October and December. While the rest of the world was buying up iPads at an incredible rate, however, a number of consumers in Canada were turning their attention to the home-grown BlackBerry PlayBook tablet instead, Globe and Mail reports. Market research firm Solutions Research Group conducted a survey of 1,000 Canadian consumers and determined that the PlayBook's market share grew to 15% in the fourth quarter last year, up from just 5%. During the same period, Apple's share of the Canadian tablet market fell from 86% to 68%. The deep discounts on RIM's PlayBook tablet ahead of the holidays are credited for the market share boost, but the findings further illustrate market demand for a quality tablet that is affordable. RIM will have competition if it hopes to aim for lower price points in the future, however - Amazon's Kindle Fire is a big hit at $199 and Apple is expected to shave at least $100 from the price of its iPad 2 when the next-generation iPad 3 launches next month.

iPad trademark battle heats up as more Apple tablets seized

Chinese authorities have seized iPad tablets in at least two more cities as the battle over the “iPad” name rages in the East. Officials seized a small number of iPads earlier this week related to a complaint filed by Proview Technology, the China-based owner of the iPad trademark. Proview is seeking to block sales of Apple's iPad and to stop the wildly popular tablet from being exported from China. Now, an unknown quantity of iPads has been seized by authorities in Zhengzhou and Qingdao, China according to Reuters, which citing a website belonging to the China Business News newspaper. Proview says it has asked regulators in more than 40 cities across China to investigate Apple's alleged trademark violation, while Apple argued earlier that it had reached an agreement to license the iPad name. ”Proview refuses to honor their agreement with Apple in China," an Apple spokeswoman said this past Tuesday. “Our case is still pending in mainland China."

WSJ: Apple testing 8-inch iPad

The invites haven't even been sent out and yet the frenzied speculation about what Tim Cook will whip out on stage at next month's purported announcement has begun. The Wall Street Journal believes Cupertino's planning to produce a smaller, 8-inch slate to partner its 9.7-inch flagship. Unnamed sources at the company's suppliers say it'll pack a screen with a resolution close to the 1024 x 768 display on the current model. This jibes with what we've heard about the iPad 3 toting a Retina Display — unless the smaller unit is aimed at budget buyers. The report claims test panels are being produced by AU Optronics and LG Display and that this model might also run on LTE. It's probably fair to point out that Apple is famous for producing prototypes in a wide variety of sizes that will never see the light of day, so don't get your hopes up too soon. Besides a mini-iPad, courses "familiar with the matter" also told The Wall Street Journal a rather unequivocally rumor that both AT&T and Verizon Wireless are set to begin selling LTE versions of Apple's iPad. The latest revelation is hardly a leap of faith, as rumors to this effect have been swirling for a month now. Still, it coincides rather nicely with the recent chatter surrounding the launch of Apple's next iPad, which is currently thought to launch during the first week of March. It remains unknown whether Sprint will be stocking a 4G version of the iPad to call its own. Perhaps Mr. Hesse and crew will be forced to sit this one out.

Grefu M97 iPad clone has pretty decent specs

As most of you guys are aware by now, Apple is facing a legal issue in China that may result in seeing the export of its iPads banned over an alleged trademark infringement. While that may or may not happen, if you're in the market for an iPad-lookalike, the Grefu M97 might just be the clone you are looking for. Granted in no way does the Grefu M97 resemble the iPad in terms of software, but if you were going for physical looks, the Grefu M97 cuts it pretty close. The M97 sports a design that is somewhat similar to that of the iPad 2. It even features the same screen size at 9.7" and even sports both rear- and front-facing cameras, 3MP and 2MP respectively. Under the hood the M97 will be powered by a 1.2GHz Freescale iMX535 CPU with 1GB of DDR3 RAM, 16GB of internal storage and with Android 2.3 Gingerbread on board. However interestingly it seems that Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for the Grefu M97 is currently being worked on, so that's something to look forward to. So if you wanted a tablet with the iPad 2's design but with Android in its place, the Grefu M97 is probably as close as it gets, although we're guessing you'll probably have to go to China if you wish to get your hands on it.

Apple's iPad 2 pulled from Amazon China as lawsuit looms

Apple's class-leading iPad 2 tablet has been pulled from Amazon's website in China following a lawsuit filed by Chinese firm Proview International. Proview recently filed suit against Apple for using its trademarked “iPad” name, seeking to ban sales of the iPad in China and abroad. Apple contends that it licensed the name from Proview, which has now unlawfully reneged on its deal. ”Proview refuses to honor their agreement with Apple in China," and Apple spokesperson said on Tuesday. “Our case is still pending in mainland China." While no ruling has been made, Chinese officials reportedly seized a number of Apple tablets earlier this week and now Amazon has pulled the iPad from its website, as has rival Chinese retailer Suning. It is not currently clear if the sales halts are court-ordered.

Tactical iPad Cover

With a name like the Tactical iPad Cover, you might think that this particular iPad accessory is good enough to stop bullets, and can double up as Captain America's shield. The handiwork of Flying Circle Bags, the Tactical iPad Cover boasts many functions, and will definitely make your iPad user experience a more enhanced one. It sports a sturdy construction and is made out of 1000D NIR-compliant DuPont Cordura material, turning your iPad into a force of nature when the going gets tough. You can use the Tactical iPad Cover to securely hold an iPad in just about any position, regardless of the surface. Want to tote around your iPad in one hand? Not a problem, as reinforced elastic straps gets the job done, and you can even go hands-free thanks to the integrated adjustable leg strap. If working on your iPad on a solid surface is your cup of tea, then the kick stand or main closure strap is good enough to ensure your job does not get interrupted simply because you do not have the right kind of tools. Not only that, the Tactical iPad Cover will have a built-in micro-fiber cleaning cloth to ensure your iPad's display remains in pristine touching condition at all times, while there is a flap to cover the iPad's camera, not to mention pockets that are perfect to squeeze in other essentials. Anyone interested in the Tactical iPad Cover? [Press Release]

Apple to unveil quad-core iPad 3 with 4G LTE on March 7th, report claims

Apple plans to unveil its third-generation iPad 3 tablet on March 7th according to a new report. Apple watcher iMore cites unnamed sources in claiming that the Cupertino-based tech giant's next iPad will come equipped with a 2,048 x 1,536 Retina display and a quad-core A6 processor. The site also says Apple's new tablet could come with embedded 4G LTE connectivity. The reported specs mirror countless earlier reports, however this latest claim comes alongside a date for Apple's announcement: March 7th. The timing coincides with earlier reports claiming that Apple plans to unveil the iPad 3 in early March and iMore has a solid track record, so media invitations for Apple's iPad press conference should be distributed soon.

Apple's iPad outsells Galaxy tablets on Samsung's home turf

It is estimated that Apple has sold more than 1 million iPads in the South Korean market, reports Korea Herald. The Cupertino-based company is outpacing Samsung by a wide margin, cornering 70% to 80% of the tablet market in South Korea according to the paper. The iPad 2 debuted in April 2011 and saw roughly 700,000 units sold by year's end. Most South Koreans prefer to not be attached to a carrier's data plan, as two out of three iPads sold are Wi-Fi only models. Many early adopters bought the iPad overseas before the device was formally available on the local market, so Korea Herald notes that the actual number of iPads in use could be far more than 1 million. Apple is expected to launch its next-generation iPad in early March.

Chinese authorities seize iPads over trademark infringement

Chinese officials seized 45 iPads in response to a trademark complaint filed recently by Proview International Holdings over the iPad name, reports the Hebei Youth Daily. The tablets were seized from store locations within Shijiazhuang, the capital of the Hebei province in northern China. In April 2010, Apple sued Proview claiming ownership of the iPad trademark in China. On November 17th, however, the Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court rejected Apple's claims, leading the Cupertino-based company to appeal the ruling to the Higher People's Court of Guangdong province. Proview registered the iPad trademark in various countries as early as 2000, with the the Shenzhen-based unit having registered the trademark in China in 2001. Apple began selling the iPad in China in 2010.

Apple reportedly ordered 65 to 70 million iPad 3 panels

Since the first iPad and the iPad 2 have been hugely successful, Apple certainly has high expectations when it comes to its third-generation iOS tablet, most likely called iPad 3. According to China Times, which quotes an undisclosed Korean publication, Apple has ordered 65 to 70 million iPad 3 panels from Samsung and LG Display, and expects to ship that many new tablets this year. As rumored countless times until now, the new iPad should come with a 10 inch display with 2048 x 1536 pixels, a quad-core processor, and iOS 5.1. The tablet could be officially announced in early March. It remains to be seen if its design has been substantially changed or not.

Apple is prepping an 8-inch iPad, WSJ says

Apple is currently working with suppliers on a smaller version of the iPad, The Wall Street Journal reports. Citing unnamed sources from within Apple's supply chain, the report claims that the Cupertino-based company is currently showing off designs for a new iPad that packs the same resolution as the iPad 2 into a display that measures around 8-inches diagonally. This new report is in line with earlier reports claiming Apple is planning a 7.85-inch iPad with the same display resolution as the iPad 2, though The Journal's report indicates that Apple is not as far along in the build process as had been previously indicated. The Wall Street Journal also notes that Apple “works with suppliers to test new designs all the time” and could drop its plans to build the new iPad.

AT&T and Verizon to sell LTE iPad 3 according to WSJ

Apple's iPad 3 is currently set for a March 7th introduction and will feature 4G LTE, The Wall Street Journal has confirmed. In addition to the faster network support, the iPad 3 is reported to have a Retina Display, improved cameras, and a quad-core processor, among other upgrades.

main page top 10 events archive tags search e-shop cell phones cameras icolour ifashionable contact us What I know about the iPad 3

With Apple's upcoming iPad 3 launch just a few weeks away, reports and rumors have been swirling. We exclusively reported some details on the tablet which The Wall Street Journal has basically confirmed, but here's a round-up using what we know, what's been rumored and reported, and what I'd wager the iPad 3 will feature when it launches early next month: A Retina Display is a near-certainty. This display will offer double the resolution of the iPad and iPad 2, bringing the resolution of the screen to a whopping 2048 x 1536 pixels. This is better than the resolution you get from a 1080p Blu-ray disc, and almost as large as Apple's 27-inch iMac display. Imagine the clarity of an iPhone 4S display three times as big, and you'll get an idea of what to expect with the iPad 3′s screen. Images will look beautiful and text will look as crisp as if it were a magazine that you're reading. 4G LTE. The ability to use the iPad on 4G LTE networks would mark the first time Apple has manufactured a 4G device, and there's a very solid chance that the new iPad will have 4G built-in. This will support AT&T and Verizon's 4G LTE networks in the United States, and it's possible it will support other 4G LTE deployments in other parts of the world depending on frequencies. Better cameras. I'd expect a 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera for the rear camera at the bare minimum with a 5-megapixel unit possible, and Apple will also include a front-facing camera that supports HD FaceTime chats. Wi-Fi and Cellular models. Apple will most likely offer two versions of the iPad just as the company does now - a Wi-Fi only and a Wi-Fi + cellular variant, though I'd wager that Apple will be able to combine the GSM and CDMA models into one, offering a truly global 4G + 3G + CDMA + GSM + Wi-Fi iPad 3. Apple A6 quad-core processor. While the rumor mill has been going back and forth about whether Apple will include the company's first quad-core processor for iOS in the iPad 3, I have to say that I expect Apple to do so. Since Apple is on a yearly product cycle, I'd bet that a quad-core processor is featured, setting the stage for an A6 quad-core chip in the iPhone 5 (clocked slightly lower than the iPad's chip) later this fall. A larger battery. It is expected that Apple is going to use a much larger battery in the iPad 3, but before you think that battery life is going to be increased by 50%, I'm assuming this is simply to compensate for a more power-hungry 4G LTE chip, faster processor and more powerful GPU to power that Retina Display. I expect comparable battery life to the iPad 2, though it's certainly possible Apple could push it just a tad bit farther and make it better. The outside hardware of the iPad 3 will most likely be identical to the iPad 2. In fact, the only change that's likely to occur is that the case will be less than 1 millimeter thicker, not something that'll will barely be noticeable. iOS 5.1. This is a no-brainer, but iOS 5.1 will be introduced with the iPad 3 and be released for the iPhone and iPod touch as well. Siri for iPad. I'd wager heavily that the iPad 3 will at least feature Siri's text dictation, though it's certainly possible Apple will bring the full Siri experience to the iPad. The world's most beautiful display on a mobile device, the fastest wireless connection in the world, an industry-leading custom quad-core processor and battery life that's unmatched by the competition - among many other upgrades. Sounds good to me.

iPad 3 may launch on March 7 with LTE, smaller 8-inch iPad in the works too

The latest rumors concerning Apple's upcoming tablet(s) are in, ladies and gentlemen. So let's dive right in. First off, the 8-inch (or rather, 7.85-inch) iPad ‘Mini' has surfaced again. In October last year we first heard that this was being considered by Apple, with the company placing orders for display samples for that size. Then in December it popped up once more, this time in a report claiming it will hit the streets in late 2012. And it looks like that still might happen. Apple is said to be working with component suppliers in Asia on a new tablet with a screen smaller than that on the now-selling iPads. Officials at some of Apple's suppliers claim to have seen several screen designs for a device with a screen size of around 8 inches. Apparently, Apple is in the process of choosing suppliers for it. One person said that the smaller iPad will have a screen resolution identical to that of the iPad 2 (and iPad before it). That of course makes a lot of sense, since Apple doesn't like to change aspect ratios (in fact it has never done so with its mobile products yet) or screen resolutions too often. And even when there was a bump in screen resolution (in the iPhone 4), the aspect ratio was kept intact. This ensures that apps are readily compatible with the new hardware. And so it would be very plausible for Apple to keep the 1024×600 resolution for the smaller iPad. The decrease in size will mean that the screen will be sharper anyway. So a smaller iPad may be on its way. Or Apple could decide to can the whole project. Apple is known to test new products and new product designs all the time, and most of those don't ever make it onto the market. So while the information you just read may be true as of today, it doesn't necessarily mean we'll see an iPad Mini in a few months. But it does leave room for the possibility. Apple surely doesn't like how the Amazon Kindle Fire, with its 7-inch screen and low price, is cannibalizing iPad sales, and a smaller (and thus cheaper) iPad might be a great tool to slow Amazon's growth in tablets. We also have new information regarding the iPad 3, the upcoming successor to the iPad 2 (which will keep the 9.7-inch screen size). We have previously heard that it would be announced (alongside iOS 5.1) in the first week of March, and now we even have a prospective date: March 7. This date comes from two people that have been quite reliable in the past, and from sources they claim have been reliable too. So we feel like this is just a teeny weeny bit more than a rumor at this point. There will be a version of the iPad 3 with 4G LTE connectivity baked in alongside Wi-Fi. This will be sold subsidized by both AT&T and Verizon in the States, and presumably by some Canadian carriers as well. The new iPad's display will probably have 2048×1536 resolution and will be marketed by Apple as a Retina Display. The processor inside the new tablet will be a quad-core Apple-designed A6 unit. Of course we've heard about the display change and the new processor for a very long time now, and this just comes to confirm the details yet again. March 7 is in less than a month, and that's when the mystery will be put to rest for good. Until then, all that's left for you to do is feel the anticipation growing by the day.

Chinese firm looks to block iPad sales across the globe

On Monday, Chinese officials seized 45 iPads in response to a trademark complaint from Proview International, the owner of the “iPad” name in China. Proview has now asked the Chinese government to block the import and export of the popular tablet, reports Bloomberg. “We are applying to customs to stop any trademark- infringing products from imports to China and also for exports," said Roger Xie, a lawyer representing Proview. “Apple wants to postpone and continue infringement of the iPad in China." Apple maintains that it has purchased rights to the iPad name in 10 countries from Proview, including in China. “Proview refuses to honor their agreement with Apple in China," said Carolyn Wu, Apple's Beijing-based spokeswoman. “Our case is still pending in mainland China." The iPad is manufactured by Foxconn in Brazil and in China, so an export ban on the popular tablet would have significant ramifications for Apple.

iPad 3 design revealed as new wave of parts leak; Retina Display possibly pictured

More details surrounding the design of Apple's upcoming iPad 3 have been revealed as images of a variety of internal components have been published online along with new images of the tablet's rear shell and possibly Apple's new Retina Display as well. Following reports on Wednesday that emerged surrounding a purported image of the iPad 3′s rear case, Cult of Mac has published higher-quality images of the same component along with a number of additional internal parts. While the various components pictured in the new leak show significant differences in many instances compared to their counterparts in the iPad 2, the external design of the upcoming iPad 3 looks like it will only offer a few minor differences compared to the current model, in line with earlier reports. Read on for more. Separately, Japanese blog Macotakara has published an image of a 9.7-inch display panel with 2,048 x 1,536-pixel resolution. The panel is not confirmed to be destined for the iPad, the size, timing and alignment with earlier rumors certainly suggest this is the case. Apple's next-generation iPad 3 is expected to launch early next month. Rumors suggest the new tablet will be an incremental upgrade that features a quad-core A6 processor, a new high-definition Retina Display and an upgraded camera. Additional images follow below. Read  Read

Alleged iPad 3 case pics point to bigger battery and new display

We're all pretty eager for Apple to announce the iPad 3, if only to put a stop to the rumors and leaks that we've been hearing since the launch of iPad 2. That said, now that we're apparently getting close to the actual unveiling of the device, the rumors are getting pretty juicy. The latest comes courtesy of Repair-Labs, 9to5Mac and Apple.pro. 9to5Mac claims that there are iPad 3 shells ‘floating around China,' where the devices are manufactured, and all three sites have obtained their own photos of the casings. Repair-Labs shows the iPad 3 shell next to that of an iPad 2 for reference and says the case points to a larger battery, a new camera, and an LCD different to the display currently in the iPad 2 (possibly a Retina display). 9to5Mac obtained its own high resolution photo of one of these casings showing the inside of what purports iPad 3′s clothing, alongside the old iPad 2, while Apple.pro has posted the only image of the outside of the shell. Obviously, it's impossible to verify the authenticity of these photos, but there does seem to be an awful lot of the cases floating around, which suggests the device is well into production. Either way, the latest rumors are saying we'll see an iPad 3 announcement in the first week of March, so we don't have long to wait to find out.

7-inch iPad again said to be nearing launch

Apple is once again rumored to be going against the wishes of late co-founder Steve Jobs as it prepares to launch a 7-inch version of its popular iPad tablet. While speaking with Computerworld, Technology Business Research analyst Ezra Gottheil said that Apple may be preparing to launch two new products following the imminent release of the iPad 3. One is a case accessory that includes an integrated wireless keyboard, and the second is the oft-rumored iPad mini, which the analyst says will launch later this year. “I believe that's always been in the plan” Gottheil said. “Actually that's a good form factor for some users, and although they will also charge a premium above other similar-sized tablets, they want to protect that price flank.” Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs openly opposed the idea of a 7-inch tablet, noting that the smaller screen size inevitably mars the user experience. Even still, this would not be the first time a device would launch that contradicts Apple's earlier claims. Earlier reports suggested the smaller iPad model will launch in the third-quarter this year.

4G LTE Micro-SIMs arrive at AT&T locations; LTE iPad on the horizon?

AT&T has began to supply its retailers with micro-SIM cards for LTE-compatible devices, according to phoneArena.com. The carrier has also requested that existing micro-SIM stock be scrapped in favor of the new modules. The site suggests that the micro-SIMs will be used for the upcoming Nokia Lumia 900, which BGR exclusively reported will launch on March 18th for $99. With the launch of Apple's Pad 3 just around the corner, however, these new micro-SIM cards may find their way into LTE-enabled iPads before they make it to Nokia's upcoming flagship smartphone. Read on for a purported screenshot from AT&T's system. Read

Apple reportedly rushing to find apps to show off iPad 3 Retina Display

Apple is in “crunch mode” to line up apps that will be used for on-stage demonstrations during the company's iPad 3 launch event, which is said to be scheduled for early next month, TheNextWeb reports. The Cupertino-based company is now looking for apps that will show off the stunning quality of the iPad 3′s high-resolution Retina Display. Apple works with partners to hand-pick apps that highlight the capabilities of new devices during major announcements, and the selection process for Apple's iPad 3 is now said to be nearing its final phase.

Multiple anonymous sources point to an iPad 3 announcement in the first week of March

Is the long, treacherous wait for the iPad 3 nearly at an end? That's what anonymous sources tell All Things D. The site caught wind that an Apple event next month will host the announcement of the company's latest tablet. The event is said to be slated for the first week of March at that popular Apple haunt, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco — and seeing as how last year's event was held on March 2nd, that timing doesn't seem all that crazy to us. As for an actual release date, said sources are a bit less chatty.

Leaked iPad 3 parts suggest larger battery, 4G LTE, and Retina Display in same form factor as iPad 2

The next-generation iPad will feature a larger battery and a new camera, according to RepairLabs. The website obtained what it claims to be the rear shell of the upcoming iPad 3 from an industry insider in China. After examining the shell and comparing it to an iPad 2 case, RepairLabs noticed the mounts for the logic board were quite different, meaning the board itself will likely be a different shape. The rear case also apparently reveals that the iPad 3 will include a larger battery pack, in line with earlier rumors. The device is also expected to have a “different camera” as well, and the site suggests the front display will also be new. There has been speculation that the next-generation iPad would be slightly thicker, but the site claims that could be false after examining the rear case. Apple is expected to unveil the iPad 3 next month.

iPhones, iPad 3G pulled from online Apple Store in Germany following ban

Apple's aggressive litigation strategy against Android vendors over the past year has seen precious little return considering the huge investment it reportedly requires, and on Friday things took another turn south for the Cupertino, California-based technology giant. A court in Germany has issued a permanent injunction against the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, upholding a ruling issued in December. Online sales of the phones have been banned in the country, and Apple has removed the devices from its German website. All iPhone models and iPad 2 models are still available for sale at local retailers, FOSS Patents reports. The ban is the result of a patent complaint filed against Apple by Motorola Mobility in Germany, claiming Apple's iOS devices with embedded 3G connectivity infringe a Motorola patent related to UMTS technology. Earlier this month, Motorola filed a new complaint in Germany targeting Apple's latest smartphone, the iPhone 4S.

Shanzai iPad tablet features modest specs with Android 4.0 on board

While the rest of the world is waiting with bated breath for Apple's next-generation iPad to be released, it seems like the good folks down at China have decided to roll out a Shanzai version of the iPad, possibly to appease some users or perhaps to hop aboard the iPad bandwagon and profit from the iPad 3's anticipation, but either way Shanzai or not, its specs don't appear too shabby. Featuring a 9.7" IPS display with a screen resolution of 1024×768, the tablet will be powered by an A9 Cortex processor clocked at 1GHz with a mali-400 GPU and 1GB of DDR3 RAM on board. Based on its design it appears the tablet is a marriage between the iPad and the iPad 2's design, will feature a slightly rounder edges and will be slightly thicker at 9.8mm. It sports a 2MP rear-facing camera and interestingly it runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Not too shabby for a supposed "knock-off", right? If you'd rather not look at this as a Shanzai product, it's actually a pretty decent Android 4.0 tablet, but if you wanted to get your hands on it, we're guessing you'll be hard pressed to find this tablet outside of China. For more information, pop on over to Shanzaiben's website.

iPad 3 to come with quad-core A6 processor, LTE?

Ready for another rumor about the upcoming iPad 3? Here we go. Someone claiming to be in possession of said tablet has sent BGR some screenshots showing output from a development and debug tool called iBoot. From those photos, some details about the iPad 3′s hardware can easily be inferred. First off, it looks like the previous rumors were true and the iPad 3 will have a quad-core processor, probably one that is going to be called A6 by Apple. The CPU has the model number S5L8945X. The dual-core A5 found in the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S has the model number S5L8940X, and the A4 seen in the original iPad, the iPhone 4, and the iPod touch 4th generation is the S5L8930X. There will be two different iPad models (J1 and J2), one of which will have Wi-Fi-only connectivity (as you'd expect), the other however coming with GSM/CDMA/LTE mobile data support as well. If that will be just one SKU to pull off working on three different network types on who knows how many bands worldwide, that would be quite the feat indeed. Even if there will be different SKUs for different mobile data types (like what we see now with the iPhone, for example), the LTE support is notable (though we've heard about it before).

Totoya Creatures iPad Cover – Even Toddlers Need an iPad

The Totoya Creatures cover turns your iPad or iPhone into an interactive toy for toddlers (or for those young at heart). By loading the appropriate app to your device and slipping it into the cover, the cutouts can be used to interact with the Creature. “As the iPad is safely protected "in the belly of the beast" kids can throw and punch the creature and not only will it withstand the ordeal but it will communicate its feelings. The more interaction, the more fun.” Available in two different models for your iPhone for $49.90 or your iPad for $79.90.

Photos show quad-core iPad 3 processor, Wi-Fi and global LTE options

A source claiming to be in possession of an iPad 3 prototype provided BGR with images containing details about Apple's highly anticipated third-generation tablet. From the data in the photos, which contain the output from an iPad 3 using a development and debug tool called iBoot, we can infer plenty of information about the upcoming iPad 3. For starters, the model numbers are J1 and J2 (iPad3,1 and iPad3,2), and while DigiTimes reported this a few weeks ago, these two models are not different devices, just a single iPad available in two versions - one with Wi-Fi only and one with Wi-Fi and embedded GSM/CDMA/LTE for all carriers. Also included in the photos is, for the first time, confirmation of which processor Apple will be using in the iPad 3: an A6 processor with model number S5L8945X. For reference, the Apple A4 model was S5L8930X and the A5 is S5L8940X. The new processor will also apparently be a quad-core model, making the upcoming iPad 3 the fastest iOS device ever, we have been told.