What's up dock? Apple to shrink connector for iPhone 5

 Apple Inc's new iPhone will drop the wide dock connector used in the company's gadgets for the best part of a decade in favor of a smaller one, a change likely to annoy the Apple faithful but which could be a boon for accessory makers.

The iPhone 5, Apple's next generation iPhone expected to go on sale around October, will come with a 19-pin connector port at the bottom instead of the proprietary 30-pin port "to make room for the earphone moving to the bottom", two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
That would mean the new phone would not connect with the myriad of accessories such as speakers and power chargers that form part of the ecosystem around iPods, iPads and iPhones, without an adaptor.
That means new business, analysts say.
"It represents an opportunity for accessory vendors," said Pete Cunningham, London-based analyst at technology research firm Canalys. "The iPhone connector has been a standard for a long time now and I would expect the same to be true for a new connector, should Apple change it as expected."
Apple did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment.
Tech blogs have long speculated on the demise of the 30-pin connector, which at 21 mm wide takes up a chunk of space, especially as the latest technologies such as microUSB offer more power in less space.
They say that a smaller connector would give Apple more scope for new product designs or a bigger battery, or simply to make ever smaller products.
Switzerland's Logitech, one of the biggest makers of Apple speakers, declined to comment.
But some enterprising vendors in China have already begun offering cases for the new phone, complete with earphone socket on the bottom and a "guarantee" the dimensions are correct.
For some in the peripherals industry, the change could open doors to new business.
"iPod docking speaker sales have been declining for one or two years," said an employee of a Hong Kong-based company that designs speakers especially for Apple products.
"My previous factory is a lucky one. They shifted the focus to Bluetooth speakers, which proved a wise decision now," the employee said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
"It looks like while iPod speaker sales are going down, Bluetooth speaker sales are going up."
HAPPY TO UPGRADE?
Apple has already said that some users of older models of its Macbook computers won't be able to use the latest operating system to be announced soon, but analysts think it will be kinder to mobile gadget users.
"Apple needs to find a solution not to disappoint their current clients who want to upgrade to the new iPhone but are tied to an expensive accessory that have bought," said Franciso Jeronimo, London-based analyst at technology research firm IDC.
"I believe Apple will come up with some sort of adaptor so the new iPhone can be used with previous connectors."
It could be a difficult change for Apple to manage, even with an adaptor.
"With a smaller connector, what am I going to do with my loudspeaker at home and the fitness pack that I use when I go to the gym? That's the question," said 24-year old Travis Tam, who owns an iPhone 4 and works as an account executive at a social networking company in Hong Kong.
"I feel that the premium gap between the next iPhone 5 and newest Android models is getting much smaller these days. That will mean that details such as having a smaller connector will mean more in whether I will continue to use an iPhone and switch to other Android phones."
A salesman surnamed Chan at an Apple reseller in Hong Kong thought a smaller connector would be a "pain", and would spoil the clean lines and seamless connectivity that is Apple's trademark.
"There are ways around it as some of the speakers have an audio input point that can be connected directly to any iPhone with a earphone jack. It's not a very elegant way of doing things, but it's an alternative," he said.
In the end though, Apple fans are Apple fans.
"I don't think it will stop Apple consumers from buying the new gadgets," said C.K. Lu, Taipei-based analyst at research firm Gartner. "Many companies are interested in developing accessories for Apple because Apple users are more open and willing to buy accessories."

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Australian Airline to Give Passengers iPads In-Flight

The Australian airline Qantas already provides an iPhone app for frequent flyers. Now the company is taking things further by offering all passengers in-flight entertainment on the iPad. A new app called QStreaming will launch initially on board the B767 fleet, along with iPads for each passenger to use while in the air.

Qantas plans to equip all of its planes with iPads not only for passengers, but for pilots as well. The FAA recently approved the use of iPads in the cockpit to replace bulky paper maps. The company also announced it will be ditching BlackBerry for the iPhone, moving all of its mobile devices to Apple iOS.
The addition of iPads to Qantas means big sales for Apple. Qantas will need over 5,000 units to cover all of the passengers carried by its B767 fleet of aircraft, along with another 2,200 to equip cockpits across the airline with the device. Switching from paper navigation charts will save the airline upwards of 1.5 million dollars per year.
According to 9to5Mac, Qantas is using Panasonic's eXW solution to make over 200 hours of on-demand IFE content available to every passenger on its B767 fleet free of charge. The iPads will be placed in each passenger's seat pocket where one normally finds in-flight magazines and air sickness bags. Time will tell if other airlines follow Qantas' lead.

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Apple iPad Mini to Use “G/F2″ Thin Film Touch Technology

Here we go again with some fresh reports coming from Digitimes. This time around it’s about the rumored iPad Mini. To refresh your memory, said iPad Mini is supposed to have a smaller screen display, particularly measuring 7.85-inch. Now, Digitimes is reporting that aside from the size, the screen of the iPad Mini might be using “G/F2? thin-film touch technology.
Company named Nitto is said to be supplying the key thin-film materials and Nissha Printing and TPK will be producing the touch screens. Due to the thin-film requirement, previous touch module supplier of iPad, Wintek will not be supplying this time for the iPad Mini.

What will the G/F2 touch technology bring to the iPad Mini. For one, it will bring down the cost of the making the iPad Mini. It will also make the tablet thinner than the iPad and iPad 2 since it will be having one less layer of film.
Additionally, the iPad Mini will also be more transparent and will feature better sensitivity.
Finally, Digitimes also mentioned about the iPad Mini becoming available on Q4 and that Apple will be eyeing to ship 7-10 million units of the iPad Mini this year.


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NYT reports that Apple is releasing the iPad Mini this year

You can now add the New York Times to the major news sources that we all follow and read who have somehow confirmed that Apple is indeed releasing the iPad Mini this year. In case you forgot, both the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg have reported recently that Apple is planning to release a smaller version of the iPad. And so now, NYT adds one more confirmation to the rumors.
Should we start expecting Apple to make an announcement about the iPad Mini soon? Well, if you consider the reliability of these three news sources when it comes to verifying what is consider as rumors to be true, we might as well start getting excited over the “upcoming iPad Mini.”

According to the NYT:

“The company (referring to Apple) is developing a new tablet with a 7.85-inch screen that is likely to sell for significantly less than the latest $499 iPad, with its 9.7-inch display, according to several people with knowledge of the project who declined to be named discussing confidential plans. The product is expected to be announced this year.”

Of course, if there is some truth to all these rumors, we can all but attest to the fact that Google’s recent release of its own 7-inch tablet may have prompted Apple to purse with the iPad Mini. The Nexus 7 tablet is said to be selling hotcakes as of today. But the question here is whether Apple can match up against the SRP of the Nexus 7 when it comes to pricing its own iPad Mini? The 8GB Nexus 7 retails for $199.
As always, we will have more information about the iPad Mini as these becomes available.

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New iPad with Cellular cleared for sale in China

While the rest of the world are probably enjoying the new iPad in its various iterations, our friends in China are still awaiting for the release of the new iPad. Particularly the iPad Wi-Fi+ Cellular model. But the good news is, their wait will soon be over as Chinese regulators are said to have cleared the device for sale.
According to report, a new 3G-capable device from Apple bearing the A1430 model number has been cleared for sale in China. A license to sell was said to have been issued by the Telecommunication Equipment Certification Center in China. Said third-generation Apple device has high-speed wireless data capabilities compatible with 3G standard wide band code division multiple access – short for WCDMA. The Chinese government requires that all new devices with network connectivity gets a network access license before vendors can start selling the device.

That said, our Chinese friends should expect the new iPad Wi-Fi+Cellular model to join its brother, the new iPad Wi-Fi only models in the Chinese market the soonest time possible. Apple will definitely not stall on releasing the said device since China happens to be the second largest market of the iPad, next to the U.S.
via [MacRumors]

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Apple releases new iPad Smart Case, now covers the back panel as well

Amidst the plethora of information about iOS6 and new line of MacBook machines announced today by Apple, something just went live on the Apple Store as well. And since it has something to do with the iPad, we might as well mention what it is about. Nothing biggie here. Just our old trusted Apple Smart Case getting a new version.

Available now from the Apple Store, the new iPad Smart Case now offers full support for the iPad. Whereas the previous iPad Smart Cover only protects the screen of your iPad, the new one will now fully protect both the back and front. The back part of the case is made of polyurethan hardshell coating that will surely provide ample protection from accidental bumps and drops.
The new iPad smart case is available for $50 and will fit both the 2nd-gen and 3rd-gen iPads. It will also be available in six different color options and Apple will also accept personal engraving to the case.
So if you’re getting the new iPad just now, you might as well spare a few more bucks and snag the new Smart Cover as well.

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Production of iPad Mini to start in September in Brazil

Here we have the latest rumors about Apple’s next exciting product, the iPad Mini. Citing reliable sources from China, Japanese site Makotakara is reporting that the iPad mini will be manufactured in Brazil, and that its production is scheduled for ramping up starting in September. Additionally, production test of this new iPad was said to have been done already in China.
Pretty exciting, right? But the most important information leaked out by the mentioned site is the fact that the iPad Mini is said to be shipping out until the Holiday season. So, if there was any truth to this rumors, then there’s no harm in saving up for the iPad Mini. You still have a few more months to do so.

And to add some more excitement to your anticipation, let us just add another exciting information about the iPad Mini, according to rumors, the smaller version of the iPad will have a 3G capability. The report also added that the source of the rumors has seen the prototype of this iPad mini. It will be thinner than the its rival, the Kindle Fire. In fact, the iPad Mini is going to be thinner than the latest model of the iPod Touch.
It seems like the Bloomberg’s report saying that Apple is going to launch the new smaller iPad Mini in October. This means that Apple’s manufacturers will have to ramp up their production of the iPad Mini as quickly as possible.
All that said, are you planning to get a smaller version of the iPad if it becomes available sometime in October?

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Bejeweled HD now available for iPad

Popcap just announced the availability of its popular game Bejeweled for the iPad. Priced at $3.99, Bejeweled HD brings in the famous match-3 puzzle game with four game modes namely – Classic, Butterflies, Diamond Mine and Zen.
The Classic game mode is the same Bejeweled game enjoyed by iPhone/iPod Touch users. Butterflies on the other hand will require you to match gems to free butterflies before a hungry spider devours the gems. Diamond Mice will have you collecting gold, diamonds and buried artifacts before time runs out. And the Zen mode features customized sights and sounds to create your own retreat for relaxation.

Take note that Bejeweled HD happens to be the first title in the series that got released specifically for the iPad. And although the game runs well on iPad 1 and iPad, it does however feature stunning graphics which is most appreciated on the retina display of the iPad 3. So, iPad 3 owners will appreciate the graphics of this game more.

Other features of the game include:

Awesome iPad 3 retina display graphics — Bejeweled is more sparkling than ever before!
Support for more languages — You can now enjoy Bejeweled in French, Italian, German and Spanish! Ultra-Smooth Action — Make multiple matches while new gems fall into place.
Hints on Demand — Can’t quite spot the next match? Use the “Hint” button for a quick tip.
Stats Galore — Gloat over your scores for total matched gems, all-time best moves and top 10 personal bests in Classic and Diamond Mine!

Bejeweled HD is available from the App Store for $3.99.

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Bloomberg reports – Apple planning to release a smaller iPad soon

With all the rumors about Apple’s next plan for the iPad, one that is so hot right now is that Apple might soon be introducing the iPad mini or at least a new iPad with smaller screen size than the current 9.7-inch models. Interestingly, a new report was published by reputable news agency, Bloomberg saying that Apple is indeed planning to release a new iPad with a screen size somewhere between 7-8 inches diagonally. This report has to come right weeks after Google announced its own tablet – the Nexus 7.
Sounds interesting? Indeed, because the report came from Bloomberg. According to Bloomberg, Apple may announce the product in October. Another interesting information furnished through the report is the fact that the said iPad Mini will not have the same high-definition screen as the current iPad. If this is indeed true, then obviously Apple is gunning for the Google Nexus 7.

Actually, Apple is hitting two birds with one stone or should we one new iPad here. The iPad Mini may go up not only against Google’s Nexus 7 tablet but also against Microsoft’s Surface tablet announced also recently. Of course there’s also the Amazon Kindle Fire which like the Nexus 7 tablet is also sporting a 7-inch display. Amazon is even reported to be preparing to launch the Kindle Fire 2 very soon.
Now, here’s the thing. If Apple pushes through with the iPad Mini, it will certainly give all the other tablets coming out soon a stiff competitor. Apple after all currently holds the majority of the tablet market, thanks to its iPad product line. Apple has dominated the tablet market since the first iPad was launched.
So, it looks like the battle plan of the participants in the next wave of the tablet wars is to make the smallest, most portable and highly functional mini tablet. Which side are going to be on?
No related posts.

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Kindle Fire sales forecast cut by analyst, no thanks to Google Nexus 7

The tech industry has its share of analysts and their predictions and forecasts, but it doesn’t mean that one should take every little finding as gospel – especially as things can always take a turn either for the best or worst. The latter can be applied to the Amazon Kindle Fire, as Cowen analyst Kevin Kopelman has changed the firm’s overly bullish stance on the tablet.
It looks like the Google Nexus 7 and the rumored iPad Mini will rain on Kindle Fire’s parade. While the fire won’t be extinguished entirely, the research firm’s sales forecast for the Kindle Fire has been dialed down. Instead of the predicted 14 million Kindle Fire sales for 2012, the figure is now set at 12 million units. With that said – it’d still be a respectable showing for an almost 1-year old device.
Things aren’t looking too bright either for the Kindle e-reader. Sales forecast for the device, where the number was initially expected to grow 30% in 2012, has also been revised. The e-reader is now predicted to grow at a 3% rate. The slowdown is attributed to several unfavorable circumstances, which include the removal of the device from Target stores, and Amazon’s preferential treatment of the Kindle Fire. Again, the number is nothing to sneeze at – as Amazon is still expected to sell about 15.9 Kindle e-reader units this year.
If it’s any consolation, Amazon is prepping up the release of several new Kindle Fire models this year – which should help the online retailer regain a solid footing in the tablet market.

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Apple predicted to release a 7.85-inch iPad come October

If there’s one effect of Google’s recent introduction of the Nexus 7 tablet it has to be the many speculations on whether Apple will follow suit and release a mini-version of the iPad. In fact, an analyst from Pacific Crest, Andy Hargreaves has predicted that Apple will introduce a new iPad in October. Mr. Hargreaves seem so sure that he even predicted the exact measurement of this new iPad – it’s going to be 7.85-inches.
Additionally, Mr. Hargreaves also predicted that the said 7.85-inch iPad will have 8GB of NAND capacity and will be priced around $299. Still a few hundreds more expensive than Google Nexus 7. He goes on to say that he estimates Apple to sell 10 million units of the 7.85-inch iPad by the end of 2012 and 35.2 million units in 2013.

As to their basis for the prediction, the analyst said that it was based on their estimated component order volume of Apple and that this estimate is well within Apple’s production capacity. The group’s prediction has increased from their previous estimate of 65.2 million unit to be sold by Apple in FQ2013. This is attributed to the cannibalization of the bigger iPad. Meaning that for every iPad 7.85 produced, one of the bigger iPad is reduced. Hence, the reason for their estimated sales figures.
Finally, Hargreaves also suggested that Apple might also stop producing the iPad 2 with a $399 price to give way for a new iPad Mini with 16GB capacity to be sold at the same price. Additionally, he also predicted that Apple will release a new iPad with lighter battery and oxide TFT screen.


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iOS 6 coming to iPad this fall with new features but will not support the original iPad

Apple today has announced the latest version of its operating systems for the iPad (iPhone and iPod Touch), the iOS6. Available this fall, iOS6 promises to bring in more great features that will extend the capabilities of the iPad 2 and of course the new iPad (or iPad 3).iOS6 will be available as a free software update.
Among the many new features of iOS6, Apple is topbilling this with the all new Maps app which includes Apple-designed cartography, turn-by-turn navigation and Flyover view. The all new Maps app for iPad employs vector-based map elements that make graphics and text smooth, and panning, tilting and zooming incredibly fluid. It will have a new turn-by-turn navigation that will guide you to your destination with spoken directions. Plus the Flyover view will have photo-realistic interactive 3D views. Other features of the new iPad map apps include – real-time traffic information, and local search information for more than 100 million businesses with info cards with Yelp ratings, reviews and deals and photos.

Another exciting new feature that iOS6 will bring to the iPad is the much-hyped SIRI. SIRI on iOS6 on your iPad will support more languages including Spanish, Italian, Korean, Mandarin and Cantonese. It will also be optimized for use in 15 countries. But more importantly, with SIRI on your iPad, you can now ask for the latest sports score, make restaurant reservations, update your Facebook status, post to Twitter or launch app. It also has the new Eyes Free mode which enables you to use your iPad using your voice.
Other features of iOS6 for iPad include the following:
built-in Facebook integrationshared photo streamsPassbook appenhanced Safari mobile web browserFacetime over cellular networksVIP Mailbox

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Quad-core Huawei MediaPad 10 FHD to launch in August for under $500

Whether we like it or not, the wait for a true “iPad killer” has extended much longer than expected and is not set to end very soon. Samsung and Asus have come up with more than decent 10-inch tablets the past year or so, while Amazon and Google have released some really competitive 7-inchers. However, to be completely honest, there still isn’t one Android flagship that can truly go head to head with Apple’s iPad(s) in terms of hardware performance and software reliability.
But what if that “iPad killer” was to come from someone else than today’s top Android makers? Impossible, you say? Well, you’ve probably never heard of Huawei’s MediaPad 10 FHD, a 10-inch quad-core beast unveiled back in February and officially priced earlier today.
And if the MediaPad was intriguing months ago based simply on its tech specs, the tablet has now become a product to really wait for, based on its features, but also pricing. Powered by a quad-core 1.5 GHz Huawei K3V2 processor and featuring 2 GB of RAM, the 10-incher will start selling for “less than 3,000 yuan”, according to official statements from Yu Chengdong, the company’s head of the Consumer Business Group and Senior VP of Huawei Technologies.
Now, 3,000 Chinese Yuan would convert into about $475, so you might dream to get the MediaPad 10 FHD for less than 400 bucks. Then again, we’re almost certain that “less than 3,000 yuan” means 2,999, so don’t get carried away! Still, $475 seems like a very small price to pay for what the tablet promises to bring to the table, and it’s also very likely for that Chinese“mark” to be lowered in the US after all.

Chengdong’s official statement provides some insight on the tablet’s release date, promising to get it out in “late August”. Huawei’s VP didn’t mention if that timeframe is for a Chinese only release or for a worldwide launch, but we’re guessing it’s the former. However, we’re almost certain that we will be seeing the 10-incher come to the US, so there’s a good chance it will be up for grabs stateside as soon as the first leaves will start to fall.
To get a better picture about all the fuss surrounding the MediaPad 10 FHD, you should know that, aside from that very snappy chip under its hood and the 2 GB of RAM, the slate will also be coming with an 1920 x 1200 IPS LCD panel, Android 4.0 ICS, HSPA+ support, 8 MP/1.3 MP dual cameras, 8 GB of on-board storage, and a microSD card slot.
The MediaPad 10 FHD is not set to break any records in terms of battery life and will only come with a 6,400 mAh unit capable of running for around six or seven hours of heavy use, but then again the very slim profile (8.8 mm thickness and 589 grams weight) will most likely make up for it.
It’s far too early to even think this 10-incher will be able to steal some of Apple’s popularity in the tablet arena and be a true “iPad killer”. But it’s clearly not too early to say that the name Huawei (see how to pronounce it here) will be on the lips of many tech users these coming months. Ascend P1 + Ascend D Quad + MediaPad 10 FHD = so much win. Do you guys agree?


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Google updates Nexus 7 shipping timeframes for US, UK, Canada, and Australia

Here at Android Authority, we’ve talked a lot about the Google Nexus 7 tablet since its official unveiling at Google I/O in late June (in fact, we also talked about it before its unveiling as well).
We’ve pitched it against the Amazon Kindle Fire, its main competitor at the present, as well as against what rumors paint to be its future competitors (namely the Amazon Kindle Fire 2 and the Apple iPad Mini). But although we’ve deemed the Nexus 7 to be the best Android device you can purchase for $200, it looks like those interested to purchase have had numerous problems with actually getting the device in their (geeky) hands. Fortunately, Google has stepped up and clarified all availability questions in a post on the official Play website.
As a quick sum up before going into specifics for each country where the Nexus 7 is available for purchase, Google seems to have solved its availability issues. From the looks of it, all orders made next month should start shipping right away, or at least we can hope they will. In addition, Google mentions that when your order ships, you’ll receive a Google Play notification along with a tracking number for you shipment.

Nexus 7 US shipping timeframes

All US orders for a standalone 8GB Nexus 7 (meaning orders for the tablet without any accessories) have been shipped. In fact, the 8GB model now being listed as being “in stock” and future orders should be shipped immediately.
Those who have ordered a standalone 16GB Nexus 7 before July 11 should receive their shipment by the end of July 19. If you ordered starting with July 12, you should get your tablet by the end of next week.
Google also mentions that if you ordered a tablet with an accessory, the tablet will arrive first, with “the rest of your order on its way soon”.

 

Nexus 7 UK shipping timeframes

 
If you ordered a 8GB Nexus 7 from the UK, you’ll be glad to know that all Nexus 7 8GB orders should ship by July 20.


If you ordered a 16GB Nexus 7 before June 30, the device will also ship by July 20, with the remaining 16GB Nexus 7 orders poised to ship next week.

 

Nexus 7 Canada shipping timeframes

All Canadian-bound orders for the 8GB Nexus 7 have been shipped.
Orders for the 16GB model of the Google Nexus 7 should ship in 1-2 weeks.

 

Australia Nexus 7 shipping timeframes

Orders for both the 8GB and the 16GB variants of the Nexus 7 will be processed by the end of July 19 and should arrive in 3-5 days.

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