iPad 3 to be Announced on March 7th

Apple has just sent out an invites to journalists for a “media event” that will take place March 7th at 10:00 AM at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, which is the usual place that Apple holds their events. As you probably already know, Apple typically announces a new generation of their tablet, the iPad, about this time of the year. It was reported byiMore that Apple would announce the next-generation iPad 3 on March 7th and that the device would include a quad-core processor, LTE capability, a Retina display, and more.

Additionally, Bloomberg reported that production of the tablet had begun back in January of this year and that it would be releasing in March. The business blog also reported that the device would include a “high definition” display with LTE capability and a quad-core processor, which agrees with the rest of the reports that have been flowing in. Other reports have claimed that the tablet will include a larger battery, an 8-megapixel camera capable of capturing 1080p video, and a slightly different form factor.

[iFans]

The Loop: No Feb. Apple Event

Earlier in the week we heard a rumor that Apple would be hosting an iPad 3 event in February (And mentioned it here) and another unknown event in March. However, Jim Dalrymple from The Loop has completely debunked this rumor. He says:

“This is not going to happen, according to my sources,” claims Dalrymple. “Apple will not hold an event in February, unusual or otherwise. That’s it.”

 [The Loop]

iPad 3 to Have Quad-Core CPU But No Retina

Boy Genius Report has received photographs from an undisclosed source that supposedly include details of Apple's newest up-and-coming tablet, the iPad 3. According to the report, the iPad 3 will have a quad-core CPU as well as LTE capability for both Verizon and AT&T's networks.

The quad-core CPU will work perfectly alongside LTE because it will enable the iPad 3 to render webpages and internet content much faster than before. It's safe to assume that the iPad 3 will also have more RAM to work alongside the new processor and graphics chip.

BGR doesn't specifically say that there won't be a Retina Display, but they haven't proved any past reports of the iPad 3 having a Retina Display to be correct.

According to several sources, Apple is allegedly going to announce the iPad 3 at the end of February.

[Update] This has turned out to be false, Apple will not be hosting any event in February whatsoever.

Siri on iPad & iPod Touch?

After updating to the newly released iOS 5.1 beta 3, iOS hacker Sonny Dickson uncovered an interesting reference to Siri Dictation within the Settings app on his iPad 2. As reported by 9to5Mac, a new section under the keyboard tab in the iPad’s settings, labeled as “About Privacy and Dictation,” has a legal blurb that mentions Siri dictation a number of times. The actual dictation feature is still absent in iOS 5.1 beta 3, but it could be implemented by Apple in the final release of iOS 5.1.

Alternatively, the Cupertino-based company might choose to release Siri as an exclusive feature for the iPad 3. The report also claims that the same legal statement can be found on the latest iPod touch, so it could be a case of iPhone 4S software code not being properly removed from the iPad or iPod touch versions of iOS. Regardless, let’s hope that Siri for iPad—and perhaps iPod touch, too—is inching closer to reality. That would be a real treat.

[via iFans]

Amazon Announces Kindle Fire

Today at Amazon’s tablet event, the company announced a great new line of Kindles that now fit the financial needs of all. The lowest model is now only $79.99 and it includes 2GB of storage for up to 1,400 books while lasting a whole month before needing to be recharged. Next up there’s the

The Android-based Kindle Fire packs a dual-core processor, 8GB of storage, 7-inch vibrant IPS screen, and up to 8 hours of battery life. It’s available for pre-order today and the amazing price of $199. It looks like the iPad really has a budget competitor now.

[Amazon]

Dolphin Browser for iOS [Free]

The popular Dolphin Browser for Android has made its way to the App Store. This third-party browser is free on the App Store and is fully compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Dolphin Browser has a variety of features such as highly customizable gestures, built-in translations, speed-dial, tabbed browsing, and much more. However, Dolphin Browser is based off of Apple's WebKit so it won't be too much different than any other third-party iOS browser. Hit the link below to head over to Dolphin's website.

Dolphin-Browser.com

Rage for all iDevices Free for a Week

RAGE is currently free on the App Store for an entire week in celebration of their 100,000 "likes" on Facebook. Currently, RAGE has some of the best graphics on iOS to date. And in terms of gameplay it has been almost unanimously reviewed as one of the best games available for any mobile device.

[App Store]

LG CEO: iPad 3 to feature Retina Display

LG's CEO, Young Soo Kwon, mentioned to the Korea Times that the upcoming iPad 3 is going to feature a hi-res Retina display akin to that of the iPhone 4. There have been many rumors about this topic, and the Korea Times also reported that the next-gen iPad would have a 2048x1536 display. Additionally, there are rumors that Apple is going to create a more powerful "iPad HD" for professional users; perhaps both new models will be released at the same time at different pricing levels. (Something that would be necessary if the Retina display is too expensive to include on the standard iPad model.)

"He said more smartphone manufacturers will release new models employing LG’s “Retina Display’’ that has been used in iPhones and iPads.

Kwon’s remarks come following talks with Apple to supply picture quality-enhanced Retina Displays for the upcoming iPad 3."

[Korea Times]

iOS 5 Key Features

Key Points:

• To be released this fall as a free update
• Available for iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 4G, iPod touch 3G, iPad, and iPad 2
• Contains over 200 new features, most notably being: all-new and improved notifications, iMessage text messaging between iOS devices, Twitter integration, and new camera and Safari features

This major update to Apple’s mobile operating system will be available in the fall as a free update for the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 4G, iPod touch 3G, iPad, and iPad 2. There doesn’t seem to be any notion towards limited features for older-generation devices, but we’ll work on confirming this. If you want, you can enter your email address and Apple will notify you when it is released. iOS 5 contains over 200 new features, the following being the most notable: all-new and improved notifications, iMessage text messaging, a newsstand illustrating all of your App Store subscriptions, an official creative to-do application called Reminders, in-app Twitter integration, new camera features such as grids, photo editing and enhancing abilities, new Safari features included tabbed browsing on iPad, and the ability to setup and use your iOS device without a Mac or PC. Here’s a breakdown of some of these and other features:

Revamped Notifications

Currently, notifications can easily become a nuisance when you’re playing games or using other applications. They pop up, they’re obtrusive. In iOS 5, notifications are all-new and improved. There’s a new drop-down menu called Notification Center, which allows you to keep track of all of your notifications in one convenient location. Perhaps Apple took a lesson or two from the notification system on Android–they now have striking similarities. To reveal Notification Center, you simply swipe down and you can then choose which notifications you would like to see. If you want to delete the notification, you can simply tap the “x” button located next to it. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be a “clear all” option for deleting your entire queue of notifications. This is something, however, that could be seen in a future update. New notifications also appear briefly at the top of your screen, without interrupting what you’re doing. Furthermore, they appear on your lock screen for quick access.

iMessage

This is an official application designed by Apple that allows you to send text messages to other iOS devices over Wi-Fi or 3G. It’s compatible with any iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad that is able to be upgraded to iOS 5. This is another new iOS feature that his strikingly resemblance to another company’s features, this time it being RIM’s BlackBerry Messenger (BBM).

Newstand

Another application designed by Apple. This one adopts the iBooks bookshelf design as a convenient place to show you all of your App Store subscriptions. This includes newspapers and magazines, which the app will alert you about when there is new issues available. There is also a new section on the App Store that is specifically dedicated to subscriptions.

Reminders

You can create reminders for yourself in a neat and clear to-do list. There’s also integrated calendars for your convenience. Reminders also works with iCal, Outlook, and iCloud, so changes you make update automatically on all your devices and calendars.

Twitter

Twitter integration is another prominent feature of iOS 5. Of course, Twitter is already available on iOS devices in a variety of different formats—through Safari, the official Twitter app, or other apps on the App Store—but this is different. You sign in once in the settings, and you can then tweet directly from Safari, Photos, Camera, YouTube, or Maps. You’ll be able to tweet text, photos, videos, and more. It would be nice if this functionality was able to be added to third-party apps from the App Store, but we can’t confirm this functionality just yet. You can add a location to your tweets based on your iOS device’s location tracking ability.

Safari

There’s a variety of new features in this mobile browser from tabbed browsing on iPad to the Safari Reader. The latter allows you to display web articles without any ads or any other distractions. There’s also Reading List, which saves webpages offline for later viewing. These webpages can be synced with iCloud.

“PC Free”

This is perhaps the most creative feature of iOS 5. Thanks to a combination of Apple’s iCloud service, on-device software updates, and on-device setup, you’ll be able to use your iOS device without ever connecting or configuring it with a Mac or PC. You can do everything wirelessly and backup and restore your iOS device through iCloud.

Other Noteworthy Features:

• Wi-Fi Sync: You’ll be able to sync your iOS device with iTunes wirelessly, and automatic syncing is also available.
• Mail: You can now use text properties such as underline, italics, and bold. Your iCloud account is also connected to Mail.
• New Multitasking Gestures (using four or five fingers):
• Swipe up to reveal the multitasking bar
• Pinch to return to the home screen
• Swipe left or right to switch between apps

[via iFans]

MobileNotifier: Better iPhone alerts

If you haven’t jailbroken your iPhone yet then you should seriously consider doing so if you are like many iPhone owners who are dissatisfied with Apple’s less than spectacular push notification system. MobileNotifier beta v3 is a free redo of iOS’s push notification system coded by Peter Hajas and Kyle Adams. The nice thing about MobileNotifier is that all alerts are unobtrusive and out of the way, they appear at the top of the screen or open app unlike Apple’s notifications that appear smack in the middle of your screen. MobileNotifier’s alerts can also be ignored, you can leave them on the screen without hindering the usability of your iPhone. 

Another feature of MobileNotifier is AlertDashboard. AlertDashboard appears in the unused area above the app switcher (You can access this by double-tapping the home button). Another nice thing about AlertDashboard is that you can also view pending alerts as a line item on the lockscreen of your iPhone.

Although MobileNotifier isn’t perfect, it is perhaps one of the greatest additions to the jailbreak market since WinterBoard.

MobileNotifier Beta v3 Demo

iPad 2 and iOS 5

Engadget is now saying that they’ve heard that the new iPad 2 will receive a spec bump, but not much else, at the upcoming March 2nd Apple event.

The iPad 2′s RAM will match the iPhone 4 with 512 MB of RAM, an updated Apple A5 processor and graphics chip, and more than likely at least a front-facing camera. Those are all pretty safe modifications to the tablet, and Engadget is reporting that major features like a ‘Retina Display’ will not be on this version. This might set up the iPad 3 for an announcement in the fall, which has been rumored for the past month or so.

On the brighter side, Engadget is also reporting that iOS 5 will be shown off ahead of a June launch, alongside the iPhone 5. There’s been no word on any new features, though a revamped notifications system is a safe bet. There’s also been whispers that Apple will make iOS 5 much more cloud-centric than past versions of the operating system.

Regardless, we’ll know soon enough

[Engadget]

New iTV?

AppleInsider has found evidence of an unknown device lurking in the USB configuration files of iOS 4.1.

“According to people familiar with the matter, the latest beta of iOS 4.1, due to ship in the coming weeks, includes three new “Configuration Descriptors” within its USB configuration files — all of which pertain to devices that list “Apple, Inc.” as their “manufacturer” — as can be seen in the screenshot below.”

“Finally, and most intriguing, is a previously undiscovered mention of a mysterious device listed only as “unknownHardware.” Although the configuration files tag this device with a unique Apple product ID of 20547, it’s textual descriptor is similarly listed as “Unknown- Add device descriptor info for this device.”

The unknown device has an Apple product ID in the 20,000s, suggesting that will be the reincarnation of the Apple TV, which is rumored to be compatible with the App Store. (Making this theory even more likely.)

As rumored, the IDs point to the iPod Touch getting a major overhaul, as well as the iPad. (Cameras, anyone?) For a closer look at when these Apple product IDs actually mean, check out this post at the Boy Genius Report.

[AppleInsider]

iPhone 4.0 OS Features

Some of the new features in the 4.0 iPhone OS are:

• Multitasking (Double-Tap home button, you can run up to 4 apps simultaneously)
• BlueTooth Keyboard
• 5X Digital Zoom
• Change Homescreen wallpaper
• SMS Reminders
• Sync IMAP Notes
• Tap-to-Focus Video
• Web Search Suggestions
• Find & Delete Mail Search
• Larger Fonts for Mail
• Wake on Wireless
• Changeable image size in mail messages
• Background Audio
• VoIP (AT&T is going to hate Skype)
• Background location
• Local Notifications
• Faster App Switching
• Folders*
• Enhanced Mail Application
• Can have 2,160 apps installed instead of 180
• iBooks for the iPhone (With Free Winnie The Pooh)
• In-App encryption
• Game Centre
• MultiPlayer Matchmaking & Invite Friends Option
• iAd
• HTML5

Incompatible with 1st gen iDevices, 2nd gen will have limited features.

Woah, they even changed some of the icons for the default apps.

Pandora radio is now fully background-aware so you can exit the app and still listen to music!

Multitask with 4 different apps at once! Amazing

Skype behaves just like your standard calling in the new OS! Same style notifications too (Note: You can also receive skype calls when your phone is locked) You can also exit the app and run another one, just like standard calling.

The enhanced mail application has a unified inbox & better searching

*Folders is just like categories for those of you that have jailbroken your iPhone/iPod Touch

NOTE: iPod Touch users still have to pay, free for iPhone users

iPhone 4.0 OS SDK

iPhone 4.0 OS SDK will ship later this summer.

Some features:

• In-app SMS
• Date Formatters
• Automated Testing
• Performance Profiling Tools
• Carrier Info
• ICC Profiles
• Quick Look
• Draggable Map Annotations
• Embed PDF Metadata
• Image I/O
• Full Map Overlays
• Block-Based Animation
• Date Formatters
• iPod Remote Control Accessories
• Power Analysis Tools
• Half-Curl Page Transitions
• And More!

Windows 7 on iPad

Imagine you’ve traveled to another universe for a moment where Apple and Windows have switched roles entirely. The result? Windows 7 on the iPad. Using the same methods we showed you for running Mac OSx on the iPad, this user utilized a VNC desktop-sharing client which allows him to control a Windows 7 computer using the iPad. A neat trick for now, but perhaps we’ll see it for real when the iPad is hacked.

Mac OSx on iPad (With Flash!)

Well…sort of. It’s actually an app called Desktop Connect which allows you to connect via VNC to share another computer’s desktop. A perfect shortcut for those who would rather have seen OSX on the iPad instead of a variation of the iPhone OS and don’t want to wait until it’s hacked.

It’s really easy to setup and you pull up an onscreen keyboard as well. It’s not perfect though. It’s pretty difficult to use an OS made for precision mouse clicking and attempt to control it using your large, stubby fingers. More iPad hacks to come! – subscribe so you don’t miss out.

Apple iPad Jailbroken

The iPhone Dev Team is at it again. Using the same methods which allowed them to jailbreak the iPhone, these hackers were able to jailbreak the iPad within a day of its launch. The exploit known as “spirit” allowed root access into the iPad’s OS and file system.

The video shows that the jailbreak provides a root shell with what appears to be full access to the iPad file system. The video walks shows connection to the iPad via ssh, exploration of the OS and kernel version information, a view of running processes, moving applications out of the iPad’s applications directory (and then restarting Springboard via the shell to show the results) and finally, rebooting the iPad via the jailbroken root shell.

Chances You'll Drop Your iPad

Remember: Flowcharts never lie

Hyundai puts Equus Owners Manual on iPad

Hyundai isn't a name most buyers instantly associate with luxury or higher-end hardware, though those in the know put the Genesis and its new big brother on par with Lexus' best offerings--at a bargain price. And to sweeten the deal, the 2011 Hyundai Equus--the new flagship sedan--gets a "tablet computer" app (unofficially confirmed as an Apple iPad) for an owner's manual, and a free iPad to read it on.

The WiFi-enabled iPad is also used to schedule service appointments and keep track of the car's history. It's a taste of the future, integrating technology into the car in a new and more involving way.

That's not the only way Hyundai leverages technology to make the Equus unique, though: a lane departure warning system uses haptic technology to warn the driver through the seatbelt in addition to a chime and warning light. Smartcruise control enables easy long-distance driving, while stability control, vehicle stability management and a full array of nine airbags enhance safety.

The car itself is Hyundai's first foray into full-size luxury sedans for the U.S., powered by a 4.6-liter Tau V-8 engine rated at 385 horsepower on premium fuel and 378 horsepower on regular unleaded. It's a rear-drive only vehicle, so those needing all-weather duty might need to look elsewhere, but it'll have driving dynamics that front-drive alternatives don't.

A six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode delivers the power to the rear, jetting the big sedan to 60 mph in under 6.4 seconds. Hyundai is comparing the car to the Lexus LS460, Mercedes-BenzS550 and the Audi A8 on the numbers.

Leather and Alcantara interior upholstery complement real wood trim and a full array of heated, electronically adjustable and massaging interior components. An electronically-controlled air suspension levels the ride and softens the road no matter if the car is loaded with passengers or on a solo commute.

High-tech components also play into the entertainment system: a 17-speaker, 608-watt 7.1-channel surround sound system with HD Radio, XM Satellite Radio and iPod/USB inputs all available.

The best part for the family that's not looking to take out a second mortgage to buy a new luxury sedan: the Equus will launch later this summer under $50,000. For more on the Equus, check out our first drive report here.

[Hyundai]

Android Tablet gives iPad run for the Money

Notion Ink demoed its final version of the Android tablet called Adam prior to Mobile World Congress 2010. In the video cofounder Rohan Shravan shows off some awesome hardware innovation.

It was demonstrated in an area outdoors which was partially shaded and fully exposed to bright sunlight. This was done to show how wonderfully the tablet adapts in either condition; beautiful LCD display in normal lighting and crisp monochrome display in direct sunlight.

Unlike the Apple iPad, Adam has a camera that conveniently swivels 180 degrees. Imagine the use cases: turn towards yourself to have video chats, turn away 90 degrees to record a lecture or seminar while working simultaneously, turn another 90 degrees to take a picture of someone in front of you. Let’s not forget to throw in multi-tasking capabilities.

Another interesting feature places the touch pad on the back, very interesting to control touch screen operation without looking. The Adam tablet also features 3 USB ports, one HDMI out port for full HD in 1080p, eco-friendly using a tenth of the power, and boasting 24 hours of battery life(more than 10 hours viewing full high definition video).

Notion Ink plans to customize the Android operating system it will ship with, plus open up the API for developers to write apps for the larger screen. Although the final software was not ready for the demo, they noted they will have split screen virtual keyboards to allow typing with thumbs on the tablet. Look for it in June 2010 with a price point of $327-$800.

Below are side by side specs compared with the Apple iPad courtesy of Technoholik. See more exclusive photos at Technoholik’s Flickr stream.

	Apple iPad	Notion Ink Adam
Screen	9.7 inch 4:3 IPS LCD (1024×768)	10 inch Transflective LCD Pixel Qi screen (1024×600)
	1024×768 pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch (ppi)	Low power full color black & white mode
OS	iPhone OS 3.2	Android, Unbuntu, Chromium
CPU	Apple A4 processor	nVidia Tegra 2
		Dual Core 1GHz + Graphic
Internet Browser	Safari	Firefox, Chrome
Outputs:	VGA, Dock connectors (extra)	HDMI, 3x USB
Video Out	720p	1080p
Camera	No	Yes, 3 Megapixel with Autofocus
Battery	Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music	16 hours, 160 hours on backlight off mode
Wireless	Wi-Fi, 3G (HSPA/GSM), Bluetooth	Wi-Fi, 3G (HSPA/GSM), Bluetooth (US Edition)
Weight	1.5 pounds	1.7 pounds
Other:		RF, ambient light sensor. AGPS, Proximity sensor, accelerometer, Touchpad
Multitasking	No	Yes
Adobe Flash 10.0 support	No	Yes
Storage	No	Yes, (SD Card slot)
Price	$499-$829	$327-$800
Availability	April/May	June/July

via Android Tapp

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