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News, Reviews, & Opinion
People Want Want iPads, Not 'Tablets'
The Register's Paul Kunert observes that the phenomenal sales
success of Apple's iPad shows no sign of abating, while sales for all
other tablet competitors are stagnating and channel inventories are
building, HP being the latest to correct its prices, trimming $50 off
the cost of a TouchPad in an effort to get them moving, with the 16 GB
and 32 GB versions now available for $349 and $429 respectively.
[Publisher's note: That was before HP announced
it was getting out of the PC and tablet businesses. dk]
However, Kunert suggests that shaving roughly 12.5% off the entry
level TouchPad and a little over 10% on the 32 GB unit will hardly
breathe new life into flatlining sales, citing Salman Chaudhry, Context
product manager for mobile computing, observing that in the tablet
sector only the iPad is selling well, with inventory on all others
building up in distribution due to slow sales, and one of the more
likely iPad challengers, Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1, now banned from
sale in the EU for infringement of an Apple patent. [Publisher's note:
This situation has
since changed, and the Galaxy Tab is now banned only in Germany.
dk] Likewise, only iPad prices have held firm since launch, with
all others implementing cuts.
Link: People Don't Want
'Tablets,' They Want iPads
93% of Tablet Owners Have iPads, 94% Who Don't Have
a Tablet Want an iPad
Electronista reports that Baird & Co. analyst Jayson Noland on
Monday sent out a relatively large study showing that Apple still has a
lock on the tablet sector. Out of 1,114 almost exclusively US
respondents, about 28% had a tablet, and 93% of them were iPads. Demand
from those who don't yet have tablets but want one was even higher,
with 94% wanting an iPad.
Link: Baird: 93% of
Tablet Owners Still Have iPads, 94% Mull One
Infographic Profiles Distinctions Between iOS and
Android Users
The New York City-based Hunch Website's ambitious mission is to
build a 'Taste Graph' of the entire web, connecting every person on the
web with their affinity for anything, from books to electronic gadgets
to fashion or vacation spots - at the forefront of combining
algorithmic machine learning with user-curated content, with the goal
of providing better recommendations for everyone.
Just a small part of the Droid vs. iOS infographic.
This week, Hunch posted a comprehensive infographic profiling (some
might say stereotyping) what they found were substantial differences in
taste, politics, income and educational status, and life experience, to
name a few, between iOS and Android users.
Link: Android
vs. iPhone: Battle of the Mobile Operating Systems
Android Users 'Sad Hicks' - iPhone Users 'Rich
Girls'
Cnet's Chris Matyszczyk says he received an interesting infographic
from the folks at Hunch claimed to be based on responses from 15,818
Hunch Website users, that offered a graphic illustration of the
difference between Android users and those who prefer iPhones, to
wit:
- Android users are 86% more likely than iPhone users to live in the
country.
- Android users are also 80% more likely to have only a high school
diploma
- Android users are conformists, 71% more likely to say they follow
rather than lead
- Android users are 71% less likely to have ever traveled beyond the
borders of the United States
- Android users are more than 100% more likely to be PC users
- iPhone users are 67% more likely to have a household income of more
than $200,000
- iPhone users are 39% more likely to declare themselves
high-maintenance
- iPhone users are 18% more likely to be women.
- iPhone users are 67% more likely to back up their laptops
constantly
- iPhone users are 13% more likely to play a musical instrument
Link: Study: Android
Users Sad Hicks, iPhone Users Rich Girls
Democrats Prefer iPhones & Blackberry -
Republicans Prefer Android Phones
A recent study made by JumpTab
showed the US States where particular devices "over-indexed" each
other. [Publisher's note: That's marketing speak for "more popular".]
For example, it turned out that iPhone users tend to be the majority in
North East states, whereas the Android platform is more dominant in the
South and South West. Also, Blackberry showed some resilience in
particular stronghold States, like New York and Oregon. The study also
showed states were cell phone users were actually neutral [ very close
the national average] in their choice of device and operating
system.
1800Mobiles' editors thought it would be interesting to
cross-reference the 2008 Presidential election map with the JumpTab map
to see if there was any trend between political preference and the
phones we use. Take it with the grain of salt, but it turns out the
there is an overwhelming advantage for Democrats when it comes to the
number of states where iPhones are the leading devices. A slight
majority of states that went to Obama also prefer Blackberry phones.
Android leading states saw a Republican advantage.
"Now, we know what you're thinking, especially in light of the
recent debt deal negotiations: 'Most smartphones are free with service,
while iPhones still cost hundreds of dollars. What does that tell you
about Democrats and overspending?' says Marcello De Luca,
1800Mobiles.com Cofounder
Notes: certain states had no clear predominant device; and the 2011
electoral map may be quite different from 2008.
Here are all the results that showed the highest combination of
iPhone, Android, and Blackberry devices with the corresponding State.
As the data showed, there is a clear (more than double) presence of
iPhone-Democrat states than any other combination. Ironically,
President Obama has been seen using a Blackberry on several occasions,
but one must wonder if it was really his own personal device. [Editor's
note: President Obama is a longtime
Blackberry aficionado. He's also noted to be something of an iPad
skeptic. cm] Blackberry-Democrat had a slight majority among
the eight states where the RIM device was dominant. Republicans get the
majority of Android dominant states by a slim advantage, 10 to 8.
- iPhone-Democrats: 11
- iPhone-Republicans: 5
- Android-Democrats: 8
- Android-Republicans: 10
- Blackberry-Democrats: 5
- Blackberry-Republicans: 3
1800Mobiles.com is an Ecommerce / Editorial web site covering the
cell phone industry and cell phone accessories since 1998.
Link: Democrats Prefer
iPhones & Blackberry - Republicans Prefer Android Phones
Hyundai to Discontinue Free iPad with Owner's
Manuals for Equus Luxury Model
USA Today's Robert Hanashiro reports that Hyundai is about to
terminate the interactive electronic owner's manuals on a complimentary
iPad bundled with its line-topping Equus luxury sport sedan that the
company has ballyhooed in its advertising for the past year or so, and
instead will revert to traditional ink-on-paper manuals in the glovebox
at the start of the 2012 model year, with 2012 models to begin arriving
next month.
Hanashiro cites Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor explaining that the
interactive iPad electronic owner's manuals were only intended as a
one-year promotion, although Equus buyers who want the electronic
owners manual for their own iPads will still be able to download
it.
Link: Exclusive: No
More Free iPads for Hyundai Equus
TSMC Kicks Off A6 Processor Trial Production
China Economic News Service's Steve Chuang reports that Taiwan
Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TSMC), reportedly the worlds
largest semiconductor foundry by market share, has allegedly started
trial production of the ARM-based A6 processor in cooperation with
Apple, with the production design to be taped out in the first quarter
of 2012 and scheduled to be publicly unveiled in the second quarter at
the earliest, according to industry sources.
Accordingly, TSMC has applied its newest 28-nanometer process and 3D
stacking technologies to produce the next-generation A6 processor.
Believed to be a quad-core design, the A6 will undergo TSMCs
cutting-edge silicon interposer and bump on trace (BOT) methodologies.
Industry insiders said that the manufacturing will help to pump
considerable momentum into TSMCs business growth starting next year,
though the company has yet to comment on the deal for the moment.
Link: TSMC Kicks
Off A6 Processor Trial Production with Apple
Apple Cancels Supply Schedule of iPad 3 for
2H11
DigiTimes' Yenting Chen and Joseph Tsai report that Apple has
recently canceled its iPad 3 supply schedule for the second half of
2011, forcing a chain reaction with other tablet PC brand vendors set
to launch same-level product, who may feel obliged to follow suit and
delay their launches. Meanwhile, iPad 2 production in the second half
will be maintained at 28-30 million units, according to DigiTimes'
sources in the OEM supply chain.
Chen and Tsai say Apple was originally set to launch its iPad 3 in
the second half of 2011 with a supply volume of 1.5-2 million units in
the third quarter and 5-6 million in the fourth quarter, but sources
say Apple's supply chain partners have recently discovered that the
related figures have all already been deleted.
It is speculated that disappointing yield rates for 9.7" "Retina"
panels featuring resolution of 2048 x 1536 may be the major reason for
the delay, with Apple's supply partners Samsung Electronics and LG
Display both unable to achieve a good yield.
Sources from panel players also pointed out that the high resolution
9.7" displays require a much larger backlight source, and the iPad 2's
single edge light bar is only marginally able to reach satisfaction
levels, which could also contribute to a delay in the launch for
engineering to be modified.
Link: Apple Cancels
Supply Schedule of iPad 3 for 2H11 (subscription required)
Apps & Services
Converse Conversation Translator App
PR: It's not quite the
Star Trek "Universal Translator," but Converse is a language translator
app for conversations. You can use its unique dual-keyboard layout to
have real conversations with real people.
Converse currently translates between English, French, German,
Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Dutch.
New in Version 1.1:
- Improved connection checking
- New design
- New loading screen
- New "not connected" screen
- Performance tweaks
System Requirements:
- Compatible with iPad.
- Requires iOS 4.0 or later.
$4.99
Link:
Converse
Accessories
Kingston Wi-Drive Wins Best of Show at Flash
Memory Summit
PR: Kingston Digital, Inc., the flash memory affiliate of
Kingston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products,
has announced that its Wi-Drive has been chosen by the Flash Memory
Summit as a Best of Show award winner for 2011 in the Most Innovative
Flash Consumer Application category. The award was handed out at the
Flash Memory Summit Best of Show Awards event in Santa Clara,
Calif.
Wi-Drive allows users to wirelessly view documents and media
files, and choose to share them with others, while on the go for work
or pleasure.
"We are honored to have received the Best of Show award this year as
Wi-Drive is truly an innovative Flash memory-based wireless solution
that extends the storage capacities of Apple devices," says Andrew
Ewing, Flash memory business manager. "Wi-Drive allows users to
wirelessly view documents and media files, and choose to share them
with others, while on the go for work or pleasure."
The Flash Memory Summit conference, held once a year, is dedicated
entirely to Flash memory and its applications. The summit features
exhibits and technical sessions that bring together Flash vendors,
engineers, system designers and other professions. Wi-Drive was
reviewed by a panel of industry experts prior to the show. Winning
products were evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Distinctiveness of the application, technology, or product
- Central use of Flash memory as a solution or innovation
- Technical and business significance to the general marketplace
• The judges of the Flash Memory Summit Awards Committee had
the daunting task of selecting the Most Innovative Consumer Application
from such a large pool of quality submissions, said Tom Coughlin,
Summit Chairperson and President of Coughlin Associates. We are proud
to select Kingston Digital's Wi-Drive as a wireless, portable storage
device that allows users of the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to
expand their storage.
Wi-Drive began shipping in July and is available in both 16 GB and
32 GB capacities. Through the Kingston Wi-Drive app from the App Store,
three users can simultaneously watch movies, listen to music and view
photos or documents. Its sleek, extremely portable and functional
design allows users to view their files anywhere, without having to
rely on cloud-based technology or Internet access.
To learn how users can easily enhance the storage capabilities of
the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, a video demonstration and more
information is available online.
Link: Kingston Wi-Drive (16
GB Wi-Drive currently available from Amazon.com
for $116.99; 32
GB model, $159.95. Prices include free Super Saver shipping.)
Logitech Tablet Keyboard for iPad
PR: The compact Logitech Tablet Keyboard For iPad
keyboard combines the best of traditional keyboards and laptop
keyboards, for a great experience wherever you use your tablet.
- Does double duty - On the go, the carrying case helps protect your
keyboard. And once you arrive, it converts into a sturdy stand for your
iPad that's adjustable to just the right angle.
- Speaks Apple - The keyboard pairs easily with iPad (and even iPhone
or iPod touch ) over Bluetooth wireless. Use it on your desk, lap or
anywhere within 30 feet of your iOS device. (Actual wireless range will
vary with use, settings and environmental conditions.)
- Plays along - You get media controls like play, pause, volume up,
and volume down, right at your fingertips.
- Gives you options - The separate stand means you can place your
iPad just where you like it in landscape or portrait mode for more
freedom than other types of portable keyboards.
System Requirements
3-year limited hardware warranty
Package Contents
- Keyboard
- 4 AAA batteries (preinstalled)
- Case/stand
- User documentation
Logitech Tablet Keyboard For iPad sells for $69.99
Link: Logitech Tablet
Keyboard for iPad (currently available from Amazon.com
for $56.30 with free Super Saver shipping)
Versetta Handbags and Cases Deliver Form and
Fashion for Female iPad Users
PR: Scott Creations
LLC has announced the availability of Versetta handbags and cases.
Versetta bags are designed specifically to make carrying and
interacting with your iPad simple and intuitive - like it was supposed
to be. Each bag features an incorporated frame, with a protective flap,
which securely holds the iPad (version 1 or 2). Once the flap is
opened, the iPad, and its ports, can be accessed without removing it
from the bag.
Versetta Angela iPad handbag in Sunny Yellow
While the benefit of having
your iPad bag double as a work station is obvious, it's Versetta's
style and color choices that are exciting customers. Whatever one's
personal preference in bags purse, tote, satchel, hobo, attach -
there's a Versetta bag available, in colors ranging from business black
and brown to turquoise, pink, sunny yellow and trendy coral.
"The Prima collection is a line of
women's fashion handbags in sought-after colors and styles. Women who
appreciate fashion and technology will appreciate the freedom from
frumpy, stuffy laptop bags, and will love Versetta handbags quality
construction, material and hardware. No longer do women have to dig in
their purse to find their tablet, nor do they have to carry a separate
bag to carry their iPad safely and securely," says Susan Scott, founder
of Scott Creations LLC.
The Affari collection is classic
designs for professionals who have embraced today's technology.
Lawyers, executives, realtors, road warriors and medical reps will
welcome the ability to work on-the-go. All bags have an exterior
compartment with a frame to hold your iPad 1 or 2 securely. The padded
protective flap keeps the iPad safe and discreet when not in use.
Versetta handbags are now available online for purchase. Scott
Creations LLC, the manufacturer of Versetta handbags, will take orders
through their website.
The fully functional online store
will process all credit cards, issue gift certificates, and create wish
lists for their clients. Retailers can also contact Scott Creations LLC
directly through the web site to carry the popular handbags in their
stores.
Techy Moms
"We introduced the Versetta bags and cases at the 2011 Consumer
Electronics Show and received rave reviews," says Scott. "iPad
enthusiasts, particularly the Techy Moms, were thrilled to find a truly
fashionable solution to easily access and interact with their tablet
computers."
Scott Creations LLC was founded in Illinois in 2010 by Susan Scott
of Morton, IL. Scott partnered with Janice Wong in 2011 to expand the
company's vision to create high quality fashion bags for technology
users.
Link: Versetta
Acme Made Announces Stylish Cases for iPad 2
PR: Acme Made has introduced new safeguard solutions for the
iPad 2.
Product summaries (more detailed descriptions and links below):
Orikata is a case, inspired by Japanese origami, and the perfect fit
for your iPad 2. Featuring a clever flip port, it does not cover the
rear-facing camera. Its soft microfiber liner and thoughtful details
make this a stylish case that does not sacrifice on protection.
Available soon be in vegan-friendly polyurethane "leather".
($49.99)
Infinite Angle is a unique case that allows unlimited angles for
comfortable viewing and typing on your iPad 2. Using a smart strap
element, the ultra-thin Infinite Angle adjusts to the user's desire
while securely storing your iPad 2. Using vegan-friendly materials,
including a velvet lining, your tablet will be fully protected without
blocking the rear-facing camera. ($59.99)
Orikata: A Shiny New Convertible For Your iPad 2
Acme Made has debuted its new slimline Orikata cases. With an
exacting fit for the iPad 2, the Orikata leverages complete docking and
play-through functionality within its unique case design.
Taking cues from the Japanese art of origami, the Orikata's
folding elements reconfigure in a snap, providing a remarkably stable
stand for cinema viewing or keyboard mode at optimal ergonomic
angles.
Available in vegan-friendly PU leather with red top stitch details,
the Orikata offers a clever flip port for the rear-facing camera and a
soft microfiber liner.
"As the most recent addition to our line of premium accessories for
emerging Apple mobile products, the Orikata is among the best designed,
most functional iPad 2 cases on the market," says Kirk Thornby, Acme
Made Senior Vice President. "The top-of-the-line protection features
and thoughtful details that define the Orikata make it the breakaway
leader in the iPad case market. You've truly never seen anything like
it."
The Orikata is available immediately for $49.99.
Link: Orikata iPad 2
Case
The Infinite Angle iPad 2 Case with Infinite Possibilities
Acme Made has been designing new protection for the MacBook, MacBook
Pro, MacBook Air and iPad 2 alongside accessories for all manner of
laptops, eReaders, digital cameras and smartphones.
A tailored fit for the iPad 2, the Infinite Angle case offers
unlimited viewing and typing angles alongside revolutionary in-case
instant on/off functionality for convenient power savings.
How so infinite? The Smart strap element allows the Infinite Angle
to be set at any angle for stable, comfortable viewing and typing.
Created ultra thin, the Infinite Angle leverages complete docking and
play-though functionality that safely ensconces your iPad 2 in a sleek,
modern, highly functional jacket for the duration.
Constructed with vegan-friendly materials, the Infinite Angle's
soft-touch velvet lining and ports that permit in-case operation of the
rear-facing camera are mindful details that separate the Infinite Angle
from competing products.
Acme Made Senior Vice President Kirk Thornby says: "The most recent
addition to our line of premium accessories for existing and emerging
Apple mobile products including the MacBook Air and iPad 2, the
Infinite Angle provides breakthrough innovation with the instant on/off
functionality while offering the greatest variety of iPad 2 viewing and
typing options available in the market."
Top-of-the-line protection mindfully executed for your iPad 2, the
Infinite Angle embodies the precision, practicality and A-list
aesthetic behind Acme Made's motto: Designed Protection.
The Infinite Angle is available immediately for $59.99.
Link: Infinite
Angle iPad 2 Case
Targus Versavu 360° Rotating Stand & Case
for iPad 2
PR: The Targus Versavu 360° Rotating Stand & Case is
specifically designed for the iPad 2.
The Rotating Stand/Case features a unique,
patent-pending mechanism that frames the Apple logo and allows the iPad
to rotate both vertically and horizontally while in the case.
For optimum comfort, this case offers three viewing
positions including a lower angle which is ideal for typing on the
screen. The form-fitted design securely holds the iPad in place while
the hard-sided exterior provides a sturdy, protective cover. The soft
interior lining adds color and protects the device against scratches.
The thin design makes it easy to carry inside of another case adding
little weight or thickness to the iPad itself.
The 360 Rotating Stand/Case for iPad 2 provides
full access to all iPad functions so the iPad can be fully operational
without leaving the case. Pairing an executive appearance with seamless
functionality, the 360 Rotating Stand/Case for iPad 2nd Generation
provides an attractive and functional way to carry and use the
iPad.
The Versavu Keyboard and Case includes a QWERTY,
low-profile keyboard that provides tactile feedback to the user to
improve typing accuracy and speed while maintaining a quiet typing
experience. The keyboard is Bluetooth and can be charged inside of the
case for an easy-to-sync, cable-free user experience, and includes a
scratch-resistant frame around the keyboard to prevent the iPad from
touching the keys when the case is closed and ready for transport.
The Versavu Keyboard and Case also includes an easy to locate,
built-in holster for a pen or stylus. Featuring a soft interior lining
to protect the iPad, Versavu provides full access to all iPad functions
so the device is fully operational inside of the case.
Features
- Built-in Stand - Case converts into a stand to hold the device
upright for handsfree viewing of video, online books and more
- Hard-Shell - Hard-shell design offers a molded exterior to protect
fragile glass displays that are prone to damage when bent
- 360° Rotation - Making it simple to transition between
landscape and portrait options, the 360° feature allows for more
viewing versatility while keeping your device in the case.
- Functionality - Features a patent-pending 360 technology that
frames the Apple logo and allows the iPad to rotate inside of the case
in both portrait and landscape modes; includes a wireless Bluetooth
keyboard
- Material - Hard-sided exterior and scratch-resistant interior
provides quality protection for the iPad 2
Specifications
- Color: Black/Gray Interior
- Exterior Dimensions: 12" x 1.5" x 8.5"
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Weight: 1.4 lb.
Link: Targus Versavu
Keyboard and Case for iPad 2 (Targus
Canada link)
