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‘Leaked’ iPad 3 Front Glass Reveals Similar Characteristics as the iPad 2?

Gary Ng — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:14:39 +0000

More iPad 3 rumours are here, and today an apparent leak of the iPad 3 front glass reveals nothing has really changed compared to the iPad 2. In the image below, the placement of the camera and home button are in the same place. Some further speculation posted by the Sina Weibo user notes the iPad 3 will have Siri, 1080p video, all powered by the supposed leaked ‘A5X’ dual core chip. Rumoured launch times include the U.S. in mid-March, and Japan, the UK, Germany and France in April (no love for Canada?). Oh, and of course iOS 5.1 will launch with the iPad 3.

So far we have seen pictures of the purported ‘thicker’ iPad 3 shell, production spy shots, the A5X dual core processor, and confirmation of the Retina Display. Take your pick on what you want to believe. One thing is for certain, Apple’s iPad 3 event is set to take place in the first week of March.

[via MacRumors, Apple.Pro]

The Great Race of Tablet & Desktop Convergence

Sam — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0000

iOS 5.1, OS X Mountain Lion, Windows 8, Windows on ARM…what do all these things have in common? Well, from the outset, very little. Two of them are Apple creations, while the others are from Microsoft. Two of them pertain to tablets and mobile devices, while the other two are synonymous with desktop computing. All four are operating systems and all of them want your mindshare over the next several months. Sounds about right.

Yet, there’s more than meets the eye. With more news of Windows 8 coming out from Redmond and the abrupt release of the OS X preview this week, we’re beginning to see both Apple and Microsoft vying for a very similar vision of the computing future, where lines between tablets, phones, desktops and laptops blur, and then eventually disappear. Is this really the right way to go? Who would win out? What does this all mean?

For those of us who have been otherwise pre-occupied with life and other things, here’s a quick recap of OS X and Windows news from the past few weeks.

Apple released a developer preview of their next version of OS X called Mountain Lion. [I hope they'll run out of big cat names soon. The names are getting somewhat tedious.] Its primary tagline is “Inspired by iPad. Re-imagined for Mac.” and the major features being touted all sound very familiar to iOS owners – Twitter integration, Notification Center, AirPlay mirroring, and Game Center are all going to be a core part of the OS that will be released this summer. Otherwise, Mountain Lion still has the same look and feel as OS X Lion that we currently have.

On the other side of the computing world, Microsoft has announced more details about Windows 8, its next version of its flagship product, around its hardware compatibility with the ARM processor that’s prevalent in almost all mobile devices (but especially tablets). What’s interesting is that Windows 8 will offer both its traditional “desktop” style UI, as well as a touch-friendly “Metro” UI it borrows from its Windows Phone platform. It’s abundantly clear that Windows 8 will use the same code-base to power a wide variety of devices across a number of different form factors.

What’s interesting here is that while the strategy and implementation of these two next generation operating systems are wildly different, the end goal is almost the same – a grand convergence of mobile and desktop experiences wherever you are. It’s certainly a bold vision of the future that offers many benefits. Developers (both app developers, as well as developers within Apple and Microsoft) would have a similar code-base to develop for, potentially streamlining cross-device development time. There’s also a potential for greater profit from having apps deployed across more devices faster, as well as keeping consumers within the Apple or Microsoft ecosystems through greater cross-platform functionality and compatibility. Of course, the sky’s the limit when it comes down to seamless user experience and compatibility when a user goes from tablet to phone to desktop, etc. All sounds good, right?

But is this really the right way to go? As Steve Jobs aptly put it back in 2010, “I think PCs are going to be like trucks. Less people will need them. And this is going to make some people uneasy.”, and what both Apple and Microsoft are effectively doing are turning their desktop operating systems (i.e. the trucks) into a weird sports-utility-hybrid-convertible-sports-truck-jet…thing. [Fortunately, a Google search doesn't turn anything up that comes close to this monstrosity. Let's hope this forever remains the case.] Fundamentally, how and what we use desktops and tablets for are different, and outside of engineering efficiency, there really isn’t a reason why the convergence needs to happen. Even in recent memory, device OS and UI convergence have rarely been successful (from both the OS platform and an app ecosystem standpoint), even across similar form factors such as phones and tablets. Google’s Android Ice Cream Sandwich is a fairly compelling example that has yet to see strong adoption in both new and existing devices.

At the end of the day, desktops and laptops will remain workhorses, and considering that many of us spend from 1/3 to 1/2 of our day working, it would be safe to say that a traditional desktop UI should remain the de facto for day to day use. In this vein, it seems like Apple got it right with Mountain Lion. Simple propagation of features and benefits that we’ve enjoyed on the iPad in a familiar desktop form is just more palatable than what Microsoft is trying to do. Time, of course, will tell though, andit would be interesting to see whether or not Windows will lose its dominance in this space for trying something new and bold.

Have you given Mountain Lion or the Windows 8 developer previews a try? What do you think about the next generation of operating systems? As always, leave a note for us below.

Microsoft Office App For iPad Spotted, Soon To Hit The App Store [Screenshot, Update]

Usman — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:00:29 +0000

Update 1: Microsoft gave a statement to the New York Times that this story is inaccurate:

“The Daily story is based on inaccurate rumors and speculation. We have no further comment.”

The Daily seems to have got their hands on a pre-release version of official Microsoft Office app for iPad (via 9to5Mac) which is likely to go live in the App Store in a few weeks. The source has also published a screenshot (below) confirming the app’s existence along with posting their initial impressions of the app. It is believed that an updated OneNote iOS app will also be released alongside to reflect the Metro design language, the exact launch dates for either are however unknown.

Here are the team’s first impressions of Microsoft Office for iPad:

“A brief hands-on with a working prototype of the software revealed a number of new things. The app’s user interface is similar to the current OneNote app, but it has hints of Metro, the new design language that can be seen in Windows Phone and in the as-yet-released Windows 8 desktop operating system.
Word, Excel and PowerPoint files can be created and edited locally and online. But it’s unclear if Microsoft will support other Office apps at launch or at all.”

Microsoft Office for iPad will compete directly with apps like Documents to Go, Quickoffice and Apple’s own Pages, Keynote and Numbers.

Purported iPad 3 Shell Next to an iPad 2 Reveals Slightly Thicker Design, Larger Camera

Gary Ng — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:20:47 +0000

With a rumoured iPad 3 event set to take place in just over two weeks, next generation rumours are coming in fast and furious. M.I.C. Gadget posts an iPad 3 rumour round up and within the article they have included photos of a purported iPad 3 shell lined up next to an existing iPad 2, plus other tidbits.

The iPad 3 shell has a larger hole for the camera, has a more gradual taper to the edges, and was able to fit inside an iPad 2 case. Moreover, depending on models the design is slightly 1-1.5mm thicker, something we’ve heard before.

M.I.C . Gadget goes on to note the specs of the iPad 3, based on what they’ve heard from sources (they will sound familiar): Retina Display, possible quad core A6 (they feel the ‘A5X’ was probably a prototype), same 16/32/64GB capacities, and an improved camera (maybe 8MP, but unlikely due to high costs).

Check out the pictures below:

Cheaper, Smaller $400 iPad for Developing Markets Such as China and Brazil?

Their sources also bring up the rumour of a possible smaller 7 inch iPad. Take this one with a grain of salt:

According to one of our sources, a sub $400 device with 7-inch screen is in development. The device, excelling in iOS gaming and multimedia, will come with a tapered design seen in the iPad 3. It will be offered with a low voltage ARM processor, a powerful GPU, and a large battery. It will enter into developing nations like Brazil and China, and compete with the smaller tablets.

At this point, the features we can probably place solid bets on would be the high resolution Retina Display, an improved camera would make sense since the iPad camera is horrible (but then again, when was the last time you used the iPad to snap pictures?) and the A6 (something needs to power that new display). Bring on the iPad 3-mania.

[via M.I.C. Gadget]

Purported iPad 3 Retina Display Production Spyshots Leaked [PHOTOS]

Usman — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:54:52 +0000

While the speculated launch date of iPad 3 i.e March 7th is getting closer, loads of rumors and leaks are hitting the web with things like spy shots of the next iPad’s back enclosure and a logic board from the purported iPad 3 housing an A5X dual-core processor. Now, a new report by 9to5Mac (via a Chinese forum) has revealed some intriguing photos of an apparent high resolution Retina Display production line. The source is claiming these blurry spy shots to be of iPad 3′s 2048 x 1536 display. More interestingly, the forum claims these displays are made by Samsung.

Translating (via Google) from the source:

Radiant internal, iPad3 screen code J2, and these products are the name of the logo of Samsung Electronics, and even sealed box tape has the logo of Samsung Electronics. After the product is packaged, will pass through customs shipped to South Korea’s Samsung headquarters, provided by Samsung to the Apple!
Have been identified, Radiant Opto-Electronics Wujiang plant a total of four iPad3 real machine security measures are too tight, you can not take to iPad3 photos carefully observed, but, according to broke people, iPad3 appearance and iPad2 basically the same, only different iPad3 positive border than iPad2 much narrower, and the volume keys iPad3 no!

According to the source, the plant is located in the Wujiang City, Radiant Opto-Electronics LCM sector.

iPad 3 to Remain Dual Core as Image of ‘A5X’ Processor Surfaces?

Gary Ng — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:44:48 +0000

With a rumoured iPad 3 media event set for the first week of March, intense speculation of what could surface for the next generation tablet has reached its frenzied rumour stage. Some heavy confirmation of a Retina Display was discovered when a purported iPad 3 screen was put under a microscope and revealed double the pixels of an iPad 2 screen. Earlier we saw images of a purported iPad 3 back panel with a slightly tapered edge.

Now, images have surfaced from a Chinese forum that claims to be a logic board from the iPad 3. Rather than an expected A6 processor housed in the board, we see a chip identified as ‘A5X’. Could this mean the iPad 3 would not have an upgraded quad core processor?

We first heard about this possibility from a recent rumour via The Verge. Staying with a dual core chip would certainly affect battery life positively versus a quad core processor, and if rumours of LTE capability come to life it would make even more sense to stay dual core.

[via MacRumors]

iPad 3 To Sport An 8 Megapixel Camera & Slightly More Tapered Edge [PHOTOS]

Usman — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:24:36 +0000

While we have been frequently hearing rumors regarding iPad 3′s speculated high resolution Retina Display, a new report by NextMedia (via MacRumors) has revealed some interesting photos and information regarding iPad 3′s minor design changes and upgraded back camera. Through its “special channels”, the source has acquired an overview shot of the new iPad 3 back enclosure and also a comparison shot between the original iPad, the iPad 2 and the next-generation iPad.

Quoting via MacRumors:

The iPad 3 enclosure seems to have a more gradual taper to the edges than the iPad 2. The taper is seen better on the top overview photograph. As a result of this longer taper, the iPad 3′s camera rests on the taper itself. We saw this before but due to the dark lighting of that image, the taper seemed more exaggerated.
The absolute positioning of the camera doesn’t seem that far off from the iPad 2, but the lens does appear larger. According to NextMedia, the new iPad 3 camera will see a significant upgrade to 8 megapixels. The current iPad 2 back camera is 1 megapixel in resolution. The site also summarizes many of the other expectations for the iPad 3, such as an improved display, quad-core CPU, and a March 7th announcement date.

The source also notes that the images here seem to match up to other parts that have been floating around China so this could actually be the real deal!

iPad 3 to Have Retina Display Based on Microscope Image Tests

Gary Ng — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:49:54 +0000

The iPad 3 has long been rumoured to sport the high resolution Retina Display, and now it appears that may have been confirmed based on some tests conducted by MacRumors. They got their hands on a purported iPad 3 panel and compared it to to images of an iPad 2 panel under a microscope. The results? Clear evidence of an exact doubling of the iPad 2 panel from the purported iPad 3 display:

Since we only had a raw iPad 3 display with no method to power it, taking high quality photos of the pixels was difficult. Still, even with the relatively poor lighting, you can easily make out the pixels on each display (made up of red, green and blue elements). We highlighted a cluster of 4 pixels (2×2) from the iPad 2 to compare it to the same area on the iPad 3. On the iPad 3, the same cluster was occupied by 16 pixels (4×4) — exactly twice the resolution in each direction.

According to the images, it seems all but inevitable we will see a Retina Display on the iPad 3, something we have expected for a while. The real confirmation will come on March 7, the rumoured date of Apple’s iPad 3 media event.

Keep Your iPad Safe From Drops With G-Form Cases [Drop Test Video]

krismeador — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:05:45 +0000

iPad users are always looking for ways to protect their tablet. There’s no worse feeling than dropping your $500 investment. The sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach can feel like it lasts for an eternity while you quickly check your iPad for any damage.

So those worried about drops will often pick up a case. But would you feel comfortable dropping a bowling ball on your iPad, even if it was in a case? Or how about dropping it from space?

Likely not. But G-Form as come out with cases it says does just those things.

The company’s created a material that stiffens upon impact and absorbs over 90 percent of the energy. They call it Reactive Protection Technology or RPT.

They started with athletic products, and then figured if the material can protect bones, it can protect electronic devices. To prove how well their cases work, G-Form has put them to extreme tests, including dropping bowling balls on their iPads and even dropping one from space.

The cases come in bright yellow and black. Because of the protection these are supposed to provide, I was surprised at how flexible the cases were. The padding feels a little like memory foam but tougher. You can push it in and it springs back into place.

With the Extreme Edge there is a cutout for the camera if you have the iPad 2. And on the top left inside pad, you’ll notice a cut out so you can plug your headphones in.

The Extreme Portfolio is very similar in design. Except, of course you get even more screen protection because the material covers the entire device. The portfolio doesnt have a cutout for the camera.

Ok, so I’ve gone over the details, but how does it stand up as far as protection?

Check out my video to see what happened during the drop tests.

For me, the G-Form cases lived up to their promise. While the price tag may be a little high – $110 for the Extreme Portfolio in Canada and $55 for the Extreme Edge – when you’re spending $500 or more dollars of an iPad, I don’t think it’s outrageous to want something that will offer a lot of protection.

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Fair Labor Association: Work Conditions At Foxconn’s iPad Plant Are Far Superior Than Other Factories

Usman — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:11:31 +0000

Following reports of worker suicides and a plant explosion, Fair Labor Association is conducting a study of the working conditions of Apple’s top eight suppliers in China, including Foxconn Technology Group. During its ongoing audit of Foxconn’s iPad production plant, FLA’s president Auret van Heerden told Reuters (via 9to5Mac) that working conditions at Foxconn’s iPad plant are “far better” than those at the garment factories or other facilities elsewhere in the country.

Detailing from the source:

After his first visits to Foxconn, van Heerden said, “The facilities are first-class; the physical conditions are way, way above average of the norm.”
He spent the past several days visiting Foxconn plants to prepare for the study.
“I was very surprised when I walked onto the floor at Foxconn, how tranquil it is compared with a garment factory,” he said. “So the problems are not the intensity and burnout and pressure-cooker environment you have in a garment factory. . It’s more a function of monotony, of boredom, of alienation perhaps.”

FLA’s head further said that their audit system is very tough as it involves unannounced visits, complete access, public reporting etc. and Apple’s decision to join their system shows how serious they were about “raising their game“.