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News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apple Should Makinge a Phablet and a Smart
Watch
ReadWriteWeb's Jon Mitchell says he can't stop thinking about the
iPad mini, and that every time he
uses his iPhone for something, he wishes the screen was twice the size.
Consequently, he thinks the smartphone might be doomed, and that a
one-hand tablet and smart watch combo would be so much better.
Mitchell observes that 5-inch-ish things currently in vogue in the
Android world are either huge phones or tiny tablets - and good at
being neither of those things - but do underscore one important point:
Lots of users don't really want both a smartphone and a tablet, but
would rather just have one thing.
And while the current crop of 7" to 8" devices, including Apple's
iPad mini, are arguably big enough for running tablet software yet
still small enough for true mobile use, there's still something
missing. A phone.
Since he already carries a powerful smartphone with a beautiful
screen, that makes buying a small tablet seem frivolous. On the other
hand, while reading a book on his phone on the subway, he wished the
screen was bigger and suddenly realized why people are so excited about
smart watches like the Pebble. A watch could be a "phone," and for
things that require screen real estate and concentration, he could use
a mobile-sized tablet and wouldn't need a phone at all.
Link: Why Do I Want an
iPad Mini So Badly?
Phablets and Table PCs: Breaking the PC Mold
Two new buzzwords emerging from CES this year are "phablets" and
Table PCs - two new technologies that NPD DisplaySearch Analyst Richard
Shim addresses in his recent blog post entitled "Phablets and Table PC:
Breaking the PC Mold".
In this post, Shim talks about the blurring of the lines between
types of devices, which are becoming increasingly more difficult to
define, observing that this year's CES was noteworthy from a device
perspective because of designs that defied or pushed the limits of
convention. In the smartphone market, the emerging and size-defying
"phablet" category had some new entrants that are testing the screen
size boundaries of a phone while the all-in-one desktop market is also
pushing design and usage models with new table PCs
Link: Phablets and
Table PC: Breaking the PC Mold
Will the Explosive Phablet Market Force Apple to
Build a Phablet?
Quartz's Christopher Mims predicts that one category of mobile
device will blow away all others in the pace of its growth, expanding
70% in each of the next three years and yielding a $135 billion market
by the end of 2015, with vendors moving move 142 million units of this
device in 2013 and up to 402 million by 2015, according to project
analysts at Barclays - more than three times the number of iPhones sold
in 2012, and Apple doesn't make one - at least yet?
That would be a phablet; a 5" or larger smartphone like Samsung's
5.3" Galaxy Note that's almost as big as a tablet, combining aspects of
both.
Mims notes that while "Phablet" was coined as a term of derision by
a cynical press corps, the Galaxy Note turned out to be a surprise hit,
with 10 million units sold as of last summer, and the the Galaxy Note
II, which is even larger than the Galaxy Note and looks to be an even
bigger hit, selling 5 million units in just the first three months on
the market, and dozens of phone makers have announced their own
phablets, with some analysts climbing aboard to declare 2013 to be the
Year of the Phablet.
And while it's as yet unclear whether phablets will ultimately
become the netbooks of 2013, a flash-in-the-pan fad whose star rises,
burns brightly for a short time, then falls just as rapidly, Mims says
he's willing to bet that Phablets are going to be the PCs of this
decade, especially in emerging markets where consumers need a single
device that can do absolutely everything, and contends that Apple can't
ignore this phenomenon forever, or even for long.
Mims cites Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White, allowing that
Apple could come out with an iPhone with a bigger screen by this
summer, noting that unlike netbooks, a category that Apple famously
ignored, phablets tend to be high-end devices that fit with Apple's
pattern of making best in class hardware that allows the company to
maintain its high margins, and that one way Apple could instantly
dominate the market would be by creating the biggest phablet ever: put
an LTE phone chip in the iPad mini.
Link: Apple Refuses to
Make the One Mobile Device Taking Over the World - but Not for
Long
How to Use Dictation in iOS 6
The Mac Observer's Sandro Cuccia says that when iOS 5 was released a
couple of years ago, we were introduced to a new generation of
Dictation - that is, dictating into our device and having our spoken
words transcribed into text. The handsfree aspects of this feature are
obvious. Indisputably, the technology is not 100% perfect, and he
doubts it will reach that level of perfection any time soon.
Nevertheless, with the evolution of processing performance, software
sophistication, and Internet ubiquity, it has become "nearly"
perfect.
Cuccia observes that here are several things to note when learning
how to use the iOS Dictation feature effectively, and takes a closer
look.
Link: How to Properly Use
Dictation in iOS 6
Link: Mac Basics: Dictation
(Apple)
The Competition
Microsoft Sells Barely a Million Surface
Tablets
iDownloadBlog's Ed Sutherland says if you're Microsoft, January
can't end too soon, with the company's Surface RT tablet taking a
battering from Apple's iPad, with Microsoft selling barely more than
one million Surface tablets during the holidays, failing to fulfill
sales forecasts of two million and 1.3 million units respectively by
analyst Brent Thill and IHS iSuppli.
Sutherland notes that it didn't help that Microsoft insisted the
Surface match the iPad's price - a bit of faulty logic and hubris
impelled by dreams of retaining PC profits in a tablet age.
For Microsoft, the hope now is that the yet to be released Surface
Pro model, which will run Windows 8 and desktop Windows
applications, will catch the eye of Microsoft's core market: the
enterprise, noting that Mr. Thill expects Microsoft will sell 2.5
million Surface devices by June, and up to 8 million Surface tablets
for fiscal 2014.
Sutherland allows that like RIM, Microsoft imagined it could morph a
successful brand in the enterprise into an iPhone killer in the
consumer market, and that anyone who believes they can come from
enterprise sales to beat Apple in consumer sales is certifiable.
Link: Microsoft (Barely)
Sells a Million Surface Units
If Microsoft's Surface Is the Tablet Consumers
Really Want, They Don't Seem to Know It
AllThingsD's John Paczkowski contends that nobody has a product that
lets you work and play that can be your tablet and your PC - at any
price point - so when Microsoft next reports earnings, don't expect
Surface tablet PC sales to be a highlight.
Paczkowski notes that the Surface RT consumer version of the device
has been dogged by reports of anemic demand since it launched, and UBS
analyst Brent Thill estimates that Microsoft sold just one million
Surface RT tablets during the December quarter, cutting his previous
estimate of two million RT sales in half, and now projecting Surface
sales of just 2.5 million units for all of Microsoft's fiscal 2013.
Thill also observes that the yet to be released Surface Pro version
of the device, which will run the full desktop version of
Windows 8 and has Intel Core i power holds more promise as an
enterprise iPad alternative.
Paczkowski also cites a bulletin last week from J.P. Morgan analyst
John DiFucci, who forecast Surface unit sales of just 700,000 for the
December quarter, and estimates sales of only 2.6 million units for
fiscal 2013, noting that if Surface really is, as Microsoft CEO Steve
Ballmer claims, "the tablet consumers want," they clearly don't know it
yet.
Link: Tell Me Again
How Surface Is the Tablet Consumers Really Want
Apps & Services
Free Memory on Your iOS Devices with
PhoneClean
PR: iMobie Inc.'s PhoneClean 2 is a uniquely designed free
utility (for Mac & PC) that helps to reclaim more free space on
your iPhone or iPad and helps keep all iOS devices running fast.
PhoneClean features:
When an iPhone
is running out of disk space, PhoneClean can reclaim up to 40% free
space by removing useless junk files. No jailbreak is required.- Some Apps may create cache files in order to speed up file access
temporarily, but over time they may occupy over 1G or even more space.
PhoneClean safely deletes them so as to slim Apps and keep iPhone
running fast.
- To prevent the leak or abuse use of users personal info, it is
recommended to let PhoneClean clean up the cookie files on iPhone
before backing it up to iTunes or iCloud.
iMobie says more than 1M downloads and favorable reviews from
PhoneClean users encouraged them to gather up all valuable feedback and
integrate it into a brand new version.
PhoneClean supports Windows XP or newer and OS X 10.7 and newer.
Link: PhoneClean
Accessories
Building on the Success of PadPillow, IPEVO
Releasing PadPillow Lite for iPad
PR:
Tech company IPEVO's newest product is PadPillow Lite, a lightweight
pillow stand offering two different viewing angles for all generations
of iPad as well as ebook readers like Kindle and Nook.
Advertised as the pillow stand which "makes you & your iPad
comfortable," the PadPillow is one of several signature iPad
accessories to come from IPEVO, Inc., a maker and designer of
technology products for educators, businesspeople and consumers.
Now IPEVO has expanded the PadPillow family with its newest product,
PadPillow Lite. This compact pillow stand delivers several core
features of the original PadPillow, but with smaller dimensions and a
lighter weight. The stand is now available at IPEVO's Online Store
Like the
original, PadPillow Lite is a pillow stand for all generations of iPad,
many varieties of other tablet computers, and ebook readers such as
Barnes and Noble's Nook and Amazon's Kindle. PadPillow Lite is made
from a high-density foam with a removable 100% cotton fabric cover in
either Dark Gray or Pink. The broad base of the stand allows it to
provide steady support on surfaces other stands might have trouble
with, such as a couch arm or cushion, the bed, or the carpet. The cushy
foam of PadPillow Lite also makes it ideal to place in the lap while
sitting or the stomach while reclining.
At 5.9
ounces (168g), PadPillow Lite is less than half as heavy as the
original PadPillow (which is already quite light at less than a pound).
The Lite version measures 9.8 x 4.3 x 9.2" (25 x 11 x 23.5 cm), which
is also significantly less than its predecessor. As such, the company
has emphasized PadPillow Lite's travel-readiness and its feather light
weight.
PadPillow
Lite may be used in one of two positions, depending on application,
body position and preference. Folded together, the stand provides a
steeper viewing angle for the device, but the stand can also be laid
flat out for a lower viewing angle. In the folded together position,
two embedded magnets keep the pillow sections in place. A sewn tag
provides a stopper for the device to prevent slippage.
"We
see room for both versions of PadPillow for iPad and e-reader users,"
says Royce Hong, CEO and big head of design for IPEVO. "Those who
prefer the original PadPillow will enjoy its multiple viewing angles
and the comfort of a larger pillow, particularly when resting the stand
on the body. PadPillow Lite users will appreciate the stand's light
weight and slim profile, particularly for transport and travel, which
will make this stand a favorite for businesspeople and commuters.
Regardless, both pillow stands deliver what we call 'comfort
computing,' particularly for extended reading, gaming, or
movie-watching sessions."
IPEVO PadPillow Lite Pillow Stand for iPad
Portable, lightweight pillow stand for all generations of iPad and
ebook readers- Smaller and lighter than the original PadPillow weighs only 5.9
oz.!
- Comfy, cushy stand for the bed, chair arm, carpet, lap, or anywhere
else
- Two positions for two different viewing angles
- 100% cotton fabric cover is removable and machine-washable
- Available in Dark Gray and Pink
Both PadPillow and PadPillow Lite are now available at IPEVO's
Online Store. PadPillow Lite sells for $15.
Link:
PadPillow Lite
Luvvitt Releases 8 New Products for the iPad, iPad
mini, and iPhone 5
PR: Luvvitt has announced eight New Products for the iPad,
iPad mini, and iPhone 5. The new line of items includes, but is not
limited to, five iPad mini cases and covers, two iPhone 5 cases, and a
new cover for the iPad 4.
For the iPad mini
Luvvitt Acrobat Case: No more detaching the iPad mini
from the case to get a better view, with the Acrobat, one swift motion
sets this case apart, and sets it up for various angles of viewing,
With functionality at its heart, the Acrobat iPad mini Case / Cover has
a unique triangular-shaped built in stand which is made to be used
without unsnapping the two corners of the iPad mini from the case.
Simply shift the iPad mini into position on the stand and begin
reading, writing or typing.
Luvvitt Ultra Thin Keyboard Cover: The thinnest and lightest
keyboard cover in the world is now available for the iPad mini.
Luvvitt Shifter Case: Equipped with a back case and
leather outline around the frame of the iPad mini, the outer shell
magnetically attaches for safe, easy protection. The Luvvitt Shifter
Case is compact, lightweight and sleek. The Luvvitt Shifter 2-Piece
Convertible Case and iPad mini Cover combo is the fourth of the five
designs for users who need extra protection on the go. The lighter,
slimmer, inner detachable case can be used alone for quick tasks and
then attached to the outer shell with quick click magnets for viewing,
typing, or transportation. The Shifter Case protects the iPad mini from
dust, scratches and impact at home and while toting around town, as it
is providing multiple viewing angles for easy reading and faster
typing. The Shifter iPad mini Cover is hardworking, durable and
compact.
Luvvitt Attitude Case: This fashion-forward case comes
in a black and white combination so that the case not only gives
protection, it has attitude. The monochromatic Luvvitt Attitude Case
for iPad mini is slim in stature and big on protection, with a tough
exterior that protects the iPad mini from bumps, dirt and scratches.
Combining couture form with high-tech functionality. The Attitude Case
is custom made to fit the smaller dimensions of the mini and fits
sleekly around the tablets micro curves.
Luvvitt 3D Slim Folio Case: Sleek and slender, this 3D
case keeps the iPad secured in class fashion while traveling, and gives
the iPad mini a perch to rest upon when opened. This is a fusion
between a classic flip-stand style iPad case and the trademark
commitment from Luvvitt to design superiority. The 3D Slim Folio Case /
Cover for iPad mini is formfitting protection personified. The 3D case
preserves easy button and connector access, does not hinder the auto
screen sleep or wake function and adds mere millimeters to the thin
iPad mini profile. The built-in stand makes for easy reading or typing,
making the 3D folio case perfect for those on the go.
For the iPad
Luvvitt Ultrathin Keyboard Cover: Claimed to be the thinnest
and lightest in the world. Released just two months ago, and featured
at CES, a soon to be released in a second version is equipped with a
backlight.
For the
iPhone 5
Luvvitt Leopard Case: The attitude case of 2013, protecting
technology in Purrrfect style.
Luvvitt Clearview Case: With seven accent colors to choose
from, the Clearview Scratch-Resistant case protects the iPhone 5 with a
dash of fun on top of sophisticated coverage.
Link: Luvvitt
