iPad 3 Coming Early 2012, iPhone5 Maybe a Holiday Treat

On the heels of HP dropping it’s tablet and home PC line, Apple is working with component suppliers and its assembler in Asia to begin trial production of its next generation iPad in October, DJ Newswires reported Friday, citing people familiar with the situation.

The Cupertino, Calif., company has ordered key components such as display panels and chips for a new iPad it is aiming to launch in early 2012, said the people.

The next generation iPad is expected to feature a high resolution display — 2048 by 1536 compared with 1024 by 768 in the iPad 2 — and Apple’s suppliers have already shipped small quantities of components for the sampling of the iPad 3. Suppliers said Apple has placed orders for a 9.7-inch (24.6-cm) screen device.

One component supplier to Apple said the company has already placed orders for parts for about 1.5 million iPad 3s in the fourth quarter. “Suppliers will ramp up production and try to improve the yield rate for the new iPad in the fourth quarter before its official launch in early 2012,” said a person at the supplier.

Apple, like many other big personal-computer and consumer-electronics brands, does not actually make most of its products. It hires manufacturing specialists — mainly companies from Taiwan that have extensive operations in China — to assemble its gadgets based on Apple’s designs.

They use parts from other outside suppliers, many of which also are from Taiwan and elsewhere in Asia. The arrangement frees Apple and its fellow vendors from running complicated, labor-intensive production lines, while the ability of Taiwanese companies to slash manufacturing costs helps cut product prices over time.

Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. assembles the iPad. A company spokesman declined to comment.

Apple would benefit greatly to produce a much smoother release then that of the iPad 2 which saw many delays in production and shipping. This created long wait times for many who ordered iPad 2s within the first few months of release.

It took me 5 months before I could buy my iPad2 seen below.

Apple reported blowout earnings for its fiscal third quarter ended June 25 in part due to the popularity of its iPad. The company sold 9.3 million units in the quarter, nearly triple what it sold a year earlier. Together with the robust sales of the iPhone smartphone and other electronics devices, Apple’s net profit for the period more than doubled to $7.31 billion from $3.25 billion a year earlier.

Still, the next-generation iPad would be coming at a time when there is more competition in the market.

Companies from Samsung Electronics Co., Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc., ZTE Corp. and Toshiba Corp. have launched similar devices using Google Inc.’s Android software. Apple is also embroiled in several lawsuits spanning various countries with Samsung Electronics over alleged patent infringement.

Apple still firmly holds the majority of the tablet market that they’ve created. Android and WebOS releases have yet to gain real traction in the market. HP has already reduce the price of their tablet after less then a month on the market, then says it’s selling the vary division.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 has not sold as well as many had expected. The legal battles between Samsung and Apple also continue to wage on. Apple recently won an injunction against Samsung denying them access to sell the Galaxy Tab in Europe.

The iPad 3 is shaping up to be a well made device which could once again revolutionize the tablet industry. Recent rumors of a subsidy at the release of the iPad 3 make it seem that Apple is going to fight to hold onto the tablet market. Android has taken a large portion of the market share in the phone market and continuing to grow. Apple has surely learned from their mistakes and missteps in handling the iPhone line. At this point in time I still believe their is no tablet market in the United States, simply an iPad market. By continuing to release revolutionary products Apple may be able to hold onto those beliefs.

Apple’s iPhone 5 Coming

This report from WSJ means that the iPhone 5 and the iOS 5 release will take center stage this holiday season. This gives the iPhone 5 plenty of time to be the center of attention. It also provides Apple a highly marketable device for the holiday shopping period. The iPad 3 will then be released in March-April of 2012. For those following all of Apple’s products the question then becomes when will the iPhone 6 be released?

Below is a mockup, courtesy of 9to5 Mac, which shows what Apple’s iPhone 5 could look like – isn’t it beautiful?

Information for this article was also supplied from other media sources.

Time Inc.’s 21 Pubs As Tablet Editions By End Of 2011

The days of holding a good book, a crisp newspaper or a slick magazine is going the way of the do-do bird.

Today you can find hundreds of digital versions of the most popular reading material.

Taking the next step is Time Inc, whose will be bringing all its 21 publications out on tablet editions before the end of the year.

Time Inc. is the first major U.S. magazine publisher to make all of its titles available specifically for tablet devices like Apple’s iPad and the Google Android.

Time Inc. has also announced a new agreement with Barnes & Noble to sell digital subscriptions of its publications on the NOOK Color e-reader. The new e-reader editions will be available toward the end of August.

Is Angry Birds the New Mario?

Lovable Mario, would even say “Mama Mia,” when it comes to Angry Birds, the most addictive puzzler game ever. No I don’t mean the angry birds from the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds. Mario of course is the king of cute gaming characters, but gamer’s today are not just connected to the Wii, but and more into mobile gaming.

Case in point, have you have ever wondered why people are so glued to their iPhone, iPad or smartphone screens? It’s easy, they are playing what many are calling “one of the great runaway hits of 2010″, and “the largest mobile app success the world has seen so far”.

Give thanks to Finland-based Rovio Mobile who developed the game from an inspiration of a sketch of stylized wingless birds, the game was first released for Apple’s iOS in December 2009. Since that time, over 12 million copies of the game have been purchased from Apple’s App Store, which has prompted the company to design versions for other touchscreen-based smartphones, such as those using the Android operating system, among others. The game is also offered as an app for the Windows/Mac web browser, Google Chrome. This means a combined 300 million downloads and growing across all platforms and including both regular and special editions. Once downloaded you get numerous free updates that add additional game content, and the company has even released stand-alone holiday and promotional versions of the game.

To make matters worse, people are so addicted to Angry Birds it has become a problem for many companies as productivity suffers. Play it safe at work, just play it on your break ok. As a bonus you get to sharpen your eye hand coordination for a better aim.

According to the Rovio website “The survival of the Angry Birds is at stake. Dish out revenge on the green pigs who stole the Birds’ eggs. Use the unique destructive powers of the Angry Birds to lay waste to the pigs’ fortified castles. Angry Birds features hours of game play, challenging physics-based castle demolition, and lots of replay value. Each of the 120 levels requires logic, skill, and brute force to crush the enemy.”

Playing is easy, a 5 year-old can do it. Just control a flock of multi-colored birds (my daughter loves the black birds best because they are tough and they explode in a timely fashion) that are attempting to retrieve eggs that have been stolen by a group of evil green pigs. Just pull back the slingshot (with your mouse or finger) to launch birds at pigs stationed on or within various structures, with the intent of destroying all the pigs on the playfield. (No real pigs where harmed in this game). As players advance through the game, new birds appear, some with special abilities that can be activated by the player.

Soon we will have Angry Bird conventions, ala Star Trek and Comic-Con. The sky is the limit even in this bad economy for Angry Birds. After all, where we all need to blow off some steam in a fun way.

Web links:

http://www.rovio.com/index.php?page=angry-birds

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/angry-birds/id343200656?mt=8

http://angrybirdsonline.cc/

http://chrome.angrybirds.com/

http://www.angrybirdsnow.com/

Summer Travel & Grill Time Gadgets

Summer is winding down as travel time gets into high gear before it’s back-to-school-time. Here are some cool gadgets that will help you enjoy your expensive gadgets and have a better barbecue too. My two favorite are the NewerTech iFolio iPad Leather Carrying Case, which is perfect for my iPad2! The other is iGrill Bluetooth Meat Thermometer, which help you make sure you don’t distracted by talking guests and over cooking that mouth watering steak.

FOR TRAVELING WITH YOUR IPAD

The NewerTech iFolio leather case lets you travel with your iPad or iPad 2 in the ultimate of luxury and craftsmanship. Handcrafted in the USA from premium imported Brazilian leather, iFolio is available in 11 fashionable colors (from cognac, black, yellow, red and more) and can be used with or without the shoulder strap. It provides padded protection that hides your iPad/iPad 2 for security while on the road and includes a slot for document storage as well as an ID/business card holder. Great for the on the go gadget guru like me.
Pricing: starting at $87.99, Website: www.macsales.com, Available at: Other World Computing www.macsales.com, Info: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple/iPad_Accessories

FOR SUMMER BBQS – iGrill Bluetooth Meat Thermometer

No more over cooked meat or chicken! iGrill is the world’s first wireless meat thermometer for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch via long-range Bluetooth (over 200 feet) and App-enabled connection. iGrill from iDevices turns your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch into your own personal sous-chef, enabling you to multitask between your grill or oven and guests with the peace of mind that your food is perfectly cooked, at target temperature and safe for consumption.

Pricing: $99.99, Website: www.igrillinc.com, Available at: www.igrillinc.com and Apple Stores

FOR MUSIC AT BBQS & BEACH PARTIES – foxL tiny Bluetooth Hi-Fi Speaker

foxL could be one of the world’s best sounding tiny hi-fi portable Bluetooth speaker for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android and other Bluetooth devices. The perfect portable Hi-Fi music speaker for the summer, you can bring the tiny foxL with you in your bag wherever you go — to the beach, picnics, and BBQs — to enjoy this great sounding high-tech device. Created by former NASA engineer/audio legend Dr. Godehard Guenther, Soundmatters foxLv2 Bluetooth is the first pocket-sized wireless speaker that audio purists will love.

Pricing: $199, Website: www.soundmatters.com, Available at: www.soundmatters.com & online retailers, including Hammacher Schlemmer, Sharper Image, Frontgate, Music Direct, Amazon.com and more.

FOR USING YOUR IPAD IN THE SUN AT THE BEACH – NewerTech NuVue Anti-Glare Screen Protector for iPad

The NewerTech NuVue Anti-Glare Screen Protector for iPad reduces eye-strain in the sun for easier magazine or book reading while on vacation.

Its Anti-Glare static cling film provides clearer iPad viewing by reducing both glare and smudges with no “rainbow effect,” like other conventional anti-glare shields.

It is custom-designed to fit the iPad perfectly with a peel-and-stick easy install that won’t create air bubbles like adhesive-based screen protectors.

Pricing: $12.17, Website: www.macsales.com, Available at: Other World Computing www.macsales.com

FOR BICYCLING

The iBike Dash CC cycling computer from Velocomp is a light-weight wireless bicycle computer system that turns any iPhone or iPod touch into your own personal fitness trainer. It enhances the cycling experience in a much more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before to take advantage of the summer to get into shape!

Pricing: $199, Website: www.ibikesports.com, Available at: Apple Store: http://store.apple.com/us/product/H3828LL/A or Velocomp: http://www.ibikesports.com/ibikestore.html.

FOR SUMMER VACATION ROAD TRIPS: Kidz Gear Wireless Car Headphones for Kids

Trips will be more relaxing with the Kidz Gear Wireless Car Headphones for Kids that keep fussy children quiet on long car trips. These wireless IR headphones are designed specifically for the largest user market of built-in auto DVD and video systems – children. With 100% IR Compatibility Guaranteed and manufactured with the highest quality wireless technology components available, the Kidz Gear wireless headphones deliver extremely rich sound quality for a variety of video and audio content – DVDs, video players, radio and more. Available at many fine retailers as well as the Kidz Gear website. Just one more thing, parents once in a while check to see your kids are no blasting each ear drum out.

Pricing: $34.99, Website: www.gearforkidz.com

Toshiba’s Father’s Day & Graduation Ideas

Can you believe it, graduation and Father’s Day is fast approaching, there’s no better way to show one’s appreciation than with fun and functional gadgets. Many gift stories will be posted all over the net, but we wanted you to get a little head start.

Below are some of the the top gadgets Toshiba is offering for purchase for the dads and grads in your life. I saw these gadgets at CES 2011 in January and it’s nice to see them out. –

Toshiba Satellite E305– This premium thin-and-light laptop is ideal for any dad or grad who requires extensive wireless freedom, advanced entertainment features and robust performance. Equipped with Intel’s Wireless Display 2.0 that allows you to wirelessly stream content from your laptop to any HDTV, integrated support for 4G WiMax and a Blu-ray Disc player, the Satellite E305 serves as the portable entertainment system for work and home. Price: starts at $1,089.99.
Toshiba Portégé R835– At one inch thin, weighing just 3.2 lbs and packed with more than 9 hours of battery life, this ultraportable laptop makes is the idealgift for theon-the-go dad or dedicated young professional just entering the job market. The vibrant 13.3‐inch diagonal widescreen HD LED‐backlit display, webcam and suite of connectivity options ensure that you are equipped for success on the go. Price: starts at $888.99.
Toshiba CAMILEO BW10– For the fun-loving and active dad or grad, take portability to the next level with this waterproof HD digital camcorder. This on-the-go camcorder features a durable rubberized coating and compact design, coupled with quality precision full 1080p HD resolution, 10x digital zoom and a two inch anti-glare LCD screen for wherever your filmmaking takes place on land or up to six and a half feet of water. Pricing: $149.99.
Toshiba SL417 HDTV Series– Perfect for the digitally connected dad or movie-loving grad, the SL417 Series boasts Toshiba’s ultra-thin Blade Design to fit any man cave. Whether you’re watching sports or the latest Blu-ray, this sleek HDTV offers a 1080p resolution CineSpeed LED Panel with DynaLight and ClearFrame 120Hz, voice control, built-in Wi-Fi and NetTV with Yahoo! Widgets, and is available in 42-, 46- and 55-inch diagonal screen sizes. Pricing: $1,099.99 to $1,799.99.
Toshiba BDX2200 Blu-ray Disc Player– This ultimate home theater device is great for any grad, looking to bide time between graduation and work or who appreciates a good film or TV show. The perfect complement to your HDTV, the Toshiba BDX2200 BD comes with full HD 1080p resolution at 24 frames per second, built-in WiFi and Internet streaming capabilities for those awesome entertainment apps, likes VUDU, Netflix and Pandora. Pricing: $99.99.

Motorola’s Xoom in on Best Buy & Verzion

The Android tablet invasion started with Samsung’s Galaxy, now in just days Motorla will launch Xoom tablet for Verizon in store, at Best Buy and even Amazon. What does this all mean that the iPad which is at the top of the hill will now be challanged. Winner of CNET’s “Best of Show” and “Best Tablet” at CES 2011.

At CES 2011 I saw over 70 tablet versions and sizes due out this year, like the BlackBerry PlayBook, and Viewsonc’s ViewPad 10 Duel Boot Windows/Android tablet making consumers feel they are tablet heaven.

Check back before Thursday to read our hands on review of Xoom.

GadgetsAndGifts4U

Cool gadgets for any gift idea!

Category Archives: PC