iPad Mini 2 |

Apple iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 still up for this fall release

September 5, 2013 By David Leave a Comment

The iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 are most likely not going to make an appearance at Apple’s event on September 10, set to be primarily about the two new iPhones and iOS7.

There is a rumored event happening a few weeks after the iPhone event and this is suspected to be the iPad and Mac event. This event will cover the iPad, iPad Mini, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, iPod’s and the new 12-inch iPad – we may even see the first look at the iWatch.

iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2

The iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 are still set for a fall release as well, sometime before the end of October, according to one analyst. Apple made a big push last year to get all products out before the end of November, perhaps they will try this again.

Apple is not going to change much on the tablet front, we expect the iPad 5 to be a slimmer and lighter design with the iPad Mini design atheistic. The iPad Mini 2 may come with a display boost, possibly retina display. Both are set to come with new chipsets and come with the iOS7 software update.

iPod and MacBook Pro

The MacBook Air update happened at Apple’s WWDC conference in summer and we fully expect them to revamp the MacBook Pro line with new Haswell chips and other high-end specs, weight may drop a little and battery life should be double the previous version.

As for iPods, we expect to see a new brand of iPod Touch and iPod Shuffle – the Nano and Classic may be thrown away. With the iPhone 5C coming out a few weeks before, it may cause friction with the iPod Touch, expected to just be a slimmer version without cellular options.

iWatch & Mac Pro

These are Apple’s two key innovative products, the Mac Pro has a brand new design, much smaller than the previous version with some incredible engineering on Apple’s part, to keep everything cool and working. Apple did not give a date at WWDC where they teased the new Mac Pro, but we believe they will officially launch it at the iPad event.

The iWatch is still a mystery, Samsung and Sony have just released their two smartwatch designs, but Apple is the king at setting a trend. According to sources, Apple is working on making a flexible display with iOS, but currently has problems with battery life.

Apple iPad Mini 2 Release Date: How it is Likely to Differ From Current iPad Mini

July 25, 2013 By Brandi McCants Leave a Comment

Apple had taken the tech work by storm when it had launched the iPad Mini back in November 2012. However, we are fast approaching the first anniversary of the launch, which means there is a new version in the making and should be ready for prime time action soon. Also, the immense popularity that the first gen iPad Mini enjoyed has only led to the hype surrounding the second gen device to reach almost frenzied proportions.

It’s the talk of the tech town, which coupled with the complete secrecy that the device is shrouded in right now has only meant we can be at our speculative best to ascertain what to expect in the next couple of months from Apple. That it would be a significant improvement over the current version is all too well known, though all the curiosity is centered on by what margin. The iPad Mini is already an excellent device, (not for nothing did it go on to outsell its own stable mate, the iPad) and we all are eager to know how much better the next generation iPad Mini 2 will be.

Mentioned here are some of the key aspects of the iPad Mini and what we can expect from the iPad Mini 2.

Display

One of the biggest debates currently centered on the iPad Mini is whether or not the iPad Mini 2 will sport a Retina display. There are a lot of factors which makes us believe there is no reason why the next gen iPad Mini won’t have such a display. After all, the lack of a retina display is considered one of the biggest flaws (if it can be considered a flaw in the first place) of the mini iPad and the biggest improvement Apple can implement with its next generation is to incorporate the high resolution displays. It can be considered a glaring omission given how obsessed Apple is with high resolution panels which it calls retina displays. The regular 9.7 inch sized iPads (4^th generation onwards) all come with such displays, including many of the Macbook versions as well.

Another point in favor of Apple going for a retina display is the new font that is a bit narrower being used in the iOS 7. Apple has announced the new platform in early June. With this being the operating system for all future mobile devices from the company, it would be a compromise on something as vital as reading experience as the slightly lower resolution displays (1,024 x 768) of the iPad Mini could prove the thinner fonts a bit less appealing.

However, with that being the general expectation, those with their ears to the ground have however picked up a different trend. That Apple might skip on such displays for the new iPad Mini and the reason is being attributed to there being a lack of the said displays in adequate numbers. These rumor sources are claiming Apple will launch a new iPad Mini soon but it won’t have the Retina display, something that we got to wait till next year to see becoming a reality. Surely it is hard to believe the new iPad Mini will be missing out on Retina displays one more time, though it is only time and Apple that can tell what it has in store for us.

Design

One of the biggest USPs of the iPad Mini has been its looks. Its light and thin, which combined with its even thinner bezels along the sides, has ensured the device is nothing short of a stunner. This combined with its 7.9 inch display ensured the iPad Mini is just right as far as portability and ease of use is concerned. It marked a complete departure from the iPad design which has remained more or less consistent ever since it was launched back in 2010. In comparison, the iPad Mini might look somewhat like an enlarged iPhone though there is nothing wrong in it being so. The sales figure is ample proof of that.

Now coming to the iPad Mini 2, expert opinion on this has generally been varying from an even thinner bezel to the bezel being completely non-existent. Also, the two usual qualities that gets further impetus with the new version of the devices, thinner and lighter, is also likely to be applicable to the iPad Mini 2 as well. However, it’s here that things can get a bit tricky for Apple as incorporating a Retina display will call for a bigger battery unit to ensure the tablet can stick to the 10+ hours of charge it is capable of. However, a radical new design should not be expected.

Processor

Apart from sharing the same resolution display as the iPad 2, the iPad Mini is also powered by the same Apple A5 dual core chip. That Apple will up the ante on this front is almost a certainty, more so if a higher resolution display is used since the latter will call for a more efficient graphics processor. Meanwhile, the iPad 4 equipped with retina display is powered by the faster Apple A6X processor and chances are that the same could also find its way into the iPad Mini 2 as well. Or even if it’s the same low resolution display is continued on the new iPad Mini, the A6 will no doubt do a world of good to its processing capabilities.

Meanwhile, Apple is also working on an even faster A7 chip as well and it shouldn’t be surprising if the same end up at the core of the new iPad Mini 2 as well. This will ensure Apple has the same chip in use across all its iPad range.

Storage Option

Currently, the iPad Mini is available in the 16, 32 and 64 GB storage options and that Apple will stick to the same with the new iPad Mini 2 is all too evident. However, a surprise addition could be a new version that comes with 128 GB of storage. Apple already offers an iPad with that much of storage, which means it perhaps won’t be too way off to assume an equivalent iPad Mini 2 variant might also be in the offing.

Release Date

Rumor mongers have been really wild on this one though the one schedule that perhaps makes the most sense is a launch during the October November period. For not only does this make almost a year after the first gen version was launched, this period also goes well with what Tim Cook had announced that they have new exciting products to be launched after September. Further, Apple has also stated their new iOS 7 platform will be available in all its glory only in autumn.

Meanwhile, another school of thought had been maintaining that Apple will launch a non Retina panel equipped iPad Mini 2 this fall and will come up with a new iPad Mini complete with a Retina panel early next. This seems least likely as Apple surely won’t risk pissing off its fan base by launching a new variant of the iPad Mini so soon. Also, sales generally tend to drop off a bit right after the holiday season, a period that major manufacturers generally tend to skip launching any new product.

Price

Apple has never adopted the low initial price bait to lure in consumers. What this means is that a price cut for the new iPad Mini 2 as is being rumored in some quarters seems least likely. Instead, the new iPad Mini will slot into the same price range as its ancestor. The price range starts at $330 for the base Wi-Fi only version of the tablet with 16 GB onboard, going all the way up to $659 for the top of the line LTE version of the Apple tablet with 64 GB of storage.

Also of course, the coming of the iPad Mini 2 should not be considered as the end of the road for the first gen version. Instead, Apple could well use the same as a weapon of choice to decimate the challenge posed by the budget Android tablets, including the new Nexus 7 2 which is expected to hit streets sporting a price tag of $230. A $100 discount is all that is needed to pitch the iPad Mini bang in the Nexus 7 2 territory. After all, the first gen iPad Mni is still going strong enough and continues to sell in numbers higher than its bigger cousin, the iPad. If that be the case, then both the two generation of the iPad Mini devices could be seen ruling the roost in the low to mid end smaller tablet segment.

Apple iPad Mini 2 Release Date Postponed; iPhone 5S to Release on the Announced Date

July 20, 2013 By Brandi McCants Leave a Comment

Apple iPad Mini 2 was expected to release this year but because of less numbers of Retina Display panels, the display of the device has been postponed to 2014. On the other side, the iPhone 5 is going to be released on the appointed date.

The iPad Mini 2 is going to sport a 7.9inch Retina Display. The first generation iPad Mini did not have Retina Display. When the iPad Mini was released with a high price tag without Retina display as compared to same sized tablets from other brands like Samsung that offered superior quality display and tech specs, a lot of people and technical experts criticized Apple.

The first gen iPad Mini was launched at a price of $329. The device managed to achieve good sales. In fact, the sales of iPad Mini were higher than iPad 4 sales. This shows people prefer 7inch sized tablet over other tablets that are of bigger size.

The delay in the launching of iPad Mini 2 because of shortage of Retina Displays show that Apple wants the device to come out in the market smoothly without encountering criticism from the day one. This time Apple does not want to release a new tablet with mediocre specs. Currently, customers prefer to buy 7inch tablets from other brands like Samsung. So, by making sure that iPad Mini 2 will come with Retina display, Apple aims to not to lose customers.

Rumors have it that Apple may release the newer iPad Mini this year without Retina Display. The device should be considered as an upgrade just like iPhone 4 is updated to iPhone 4S. The looks may remain same as the first gen iPad Mini but the manufacturers will offer improved internal components. Also another rumor coming from Apple is that the company is going to unveil a newer edition of Apple iPad i.e. iPad 5 that will sport better Retina display, enhanced CPU, improved camera and lastly the new iOS 7 for the phone.

Tablet devices has recently attained good popularity. In fact a research conducted by NPD Displaysearch, tablets that are available with large sized display, have plenty of productivity apps onboard along with physical QWERTY are outselling the regular sized laptop. In U.S. the demand for tablet PCs this year have risen by 67%. Now many customers in US are now opting for tablets over a regular laptop or desktop as it can be carried anywhere.

So far many brands like Samsung, Huawei and other less known brands have attained good popularity in the 7inch tablet section. Apple had entered the competition with the iPad Mini that was priced heavily. Also, the absence of Retina display even irked the potential buyers to make a purchase. Now, Apple wants the new tablet i.e. iPad Mini 2 to come out with competitive features. Hence, the launch of iPad Mini 2 has been postponed to 2014.

What Apple needs to do is offer a feature rich tablet PC at an affordable price. This will automatically bring back Apple into the competition.

iPad Mini 2 With Retina Display Rumored To Release in 2014

July 16, 2013 By David Crozier Leave a Comment

As things seem to be shaping out right now, Apple’s fans might have to wait a li’l longer to lay their hands on the second generation iPad Mini equipped with the Retina display. As stated by Digitimes, Apple has no plans of starting production of the iPad Mini 2 until late this year, which as per the Digitimes report is due to the lack of retina display panels in adequate numbers. The Cupertino based company surely needs to have a steady stock of the 7.9 inch Retina display to kick off volume production of the tablet. Sources maintain Apple is planning to use panels having a resolution of 2048 X 1536 in the next generation iPad Mini. Apple is also believed to be introducing significant design changes so as to give a bezel free look to the device.

The first gen iPad Mini already impressed with its looks, what with its super thin profile and narrow bezels along the sides. The tablet has been an instant hit with rumor mongers claiming the next 9.7 inch iPad too might have similar looks as its Mini counterpart. While this will be a welcome change to the iPad design which has been more or less the same since its inception three years ago, a bezel less look for the iPad Mini no doubt can be the game changer in the segment.

Meanwhile, those who wish to have the second gen iPad Mini sans the Retina display won’t have to wait long. Digitimes is claiming that Apple will be launching an updated version of the mini iPad later this year itself. According to the predictions, both iPhone 5S and iPad 5 is expected to make a debut this year. The latter is already believed to have made it to the production lines this month with shipping slated to begin from August. Apple is looking forward to shipments of 2 to 3 million units in August or September which might increase by 25% to 30% in October.

Tim Cook has already stated they have lots of interesting stuff to show off from this fall and the wait might well be worth it.

New Nexus 7 2, New iPad Mini 2, and the New Kindle Fire HD Release Date – Powerhouse Tablet PCs of 2013

July 10, 2013 By Nicholas Anderton Leave a Comment

The next gen tablet war is likely to get fierce between Google Nexus 7 2, Apple iPad Mini 2, and Amazon’s new Kindle Fire HD. Predictably, the price of Kindle Fire HD has been reduced by Amazon, indirectly suggesting that a new revamped model is in the making.

In addition to this, a new online report is indicating that iPad Mini 2 is not likely to arrive this year, probably giving the new Nexus 7 2 tablet from Google a chance to excel. However, irrespective of the competition between these three, each of them will undoubtedly be as popular as their precursors, given the fact that all these tablets will most likely meet the consumer needs even though they vary quite a bit.

Kindle Fire HD Prices Slashed!

Amazon has slashed the price of the 7-inch Kindle Fire HD tablet PC by $30. On a broader perspective, though this price cut is supposed to be in line with Barnes and Nobles’ price cut on its Nook HD tablet, we do believe that the price slash is also indicating a new refreshed model launch shortly.

However, there is no report or rumors to support this claim as of now. In the first quarter, Amazon had also cut the price of the larger Kindle Fire HD 8.9 to $269 from its original price of $299, so this could just be a marketing strategy.

Nexus 7.2 with New Features

When you see Amazon’s approach on its Kindle Fire HD, it is also important to remember that this price slash could be amidst the rumor that Google will introduce a new Nexus 7 2 tablet computer this year. The display of this new tablet is believed to sport a 1080p display with an improvement in PPI when compared to its precursor. New features like a 5MP camera at rear, 4G LTE data speeds, and a faster processor that seems like Snapdragon 600 quad-core from Qualcomm will also be a part of this mean machine!

Apple’s iPad Mini 2 Launch Delayed

If reports are to be believed, there is likely to be a delay in the release date of Apple’s iPad Mini 2, possibly due to reasons associated with the bump-up in its specs, including the retina display. However, due to problems with the tablet thickness and battery life not being on Apple’s standards, the delay is supposed to be inevitable. Apart from the new retina display, the new tablet is also likely to incorporate a faster processor.

So, with all these three new tablet PCs arriving in 2013, which one would be your choice? Do drop in your comments, and let us know!

Google Nexus 7 2 vs iPad Mini 2 Before the Tablet Release Date

July 7, 2013 By Micheal Baptiste 1 Comment

iPad Mini 2 and Nexus 7 2 are the much anticipated midsize tablets of 2013. Previously, a stream of rumors surfaced regarding their release dates, but none of the manufacturers has officially confirmed the launch of these tablets. However, owing to the satisfactory performance iPad Mini and Nexus 7 delivered, it is likely for Apple and Google to launch their successors respectively.

Release Date

Nexus 7 was launched in June, 2012. Rumors have rolled up regarding the launch of its successor this summer. Google has not passed an official statement, but fans expect the tablet to surface this July.

iPad Mini was released in October 2012 and its successor is expected to follow a one year gap, like other Apple products. iPad Mini 2 is expected to release by October or November, this year.

Display

Apple is self-strategic over its products. Fans’ pressure barely alters the minds of Apple developers and they always execute their unique sense in shaping up every product. However, it mostly manages to satisfy its anticipators. This means that the brilliant Cupertino tech pays heed to preferences of fans and leads in innovation, producing something unique and apart from the contemporary. But fan pressure does not change Apple’s pre-defined direction.

While Android manufacturers like Samsung and Sony are keen on extending the display size of their products, Apple concentrates on display quality rather than its size. Obviously, Apple products bear a fine display quality, but fans want it large. However, iPad Mini bore a 7.9 inches display screen, which exceeded 7-inch Nexus 7 in size. Asus-manufactured Nexus 7 possessed a higher pixel density of 216, which is rumored to have been enhanced to 300 in its successor. It may also endorse an HD display. iPad Mini 2 is unlikely to feature a retina display, as its battery may not be efficient enough to support it.

Storage

Apple iPad Mini was available in three variants of 16, 32 and 64GB. Apple has now got the 128GB chipset but whether they will implement it in the next gen iPad Mini is unsure. iPad Mini featured 512 MB RAM, which is supposed to be augmented to 1GB in its successor.

Nexus 7 was available in two variants of 8 and 16GB and there is no assurance if Google has any plans of introducing an extended variant of Nexus 7 2. Google Nexus 7 possessed 1GB RAM, which is supposed to be enhanced to 2GB in its successor, as rumors suggest.

None of these tablets featured a card slot. Apple is likely to ignore the card slot in iPad Mini 2 as well alike its other products, whereas Google has some stances of considering a card slot.

Camera

iPad Mini featured a 5MP rear-facing camera and a 1.2MP front-facing one. Nexus 7 lagged much behind in its camera specifications, bearing only a 1.2MP primary sensor and no secondary ones. Google is likely to enhance the camera specifications of Nexus 7 2 to 5MP.

OS and Chipset

iPad Mini ran on iOS 6 and is upgradable to v.6.1.3. Recently, it was speculated that Apple will roll out an iOS 7 update to iPad Mini users. Apple has released two beta versions of iOS 7, with the third about to surface soon. So, iPad Mini 2 will be blessed with iOS 7 and an A7 chipset, thus making it much powerful than its predecessor that bore an A5 chipset. Apple is likely to implant a more powerful processor in second-gen iPad Mini.

Google Nexus 7 2 will probably run on the mildly upgraded version of Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2, v4.3, featuring Qualcomm 800 CPU. iOS 7 will definitely be far better than Jelly Bean 4.3. Android Key Lime Pie 5.0 is supposed to be launched on Android’s fifth birthday this October, which is far behind the rumored release date of Google Nexus 7 2.

Price

Price of Apple products is always higher than Android products. Users do not mind spending a bit high on iOS, considering its unbeatable utility. iPad Mini was launched for those seeking an iOS tab at a lower price. iPad Mini 2 may arrive at a price tag of $300 approx, whereas Google Nexus 7 2 may range at $200-$250.

These specifications reside on a rumored platform and there is hardly any official confirmation from the manufacturers. But in any case, they are expected to abide by our expectations.

iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 to Release before iOS 7

July 3, 2013 By Micheal Baptiste Leave a Comment

Recent rumors claim that iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 may be launched before iOS 7. New reports claim that iOS 7 will surface on September 18, which directs to the fact that both the devices will not run on iOS 7. iOS 6 was launched after hundred days of its initial announcement. Experts are keenly applying this regulation over iOS 7, claiming its release date to be September 18, which is a hundred days away from its initial announcement.

Apple iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 are supposed to launch in Q3. Reports claimed that Apple will be ready for mass production of the two tablets in July. Apple iOS has never debuted with iPads and has been tied to its iPhones. However, iPads were launched in spring then, way ahead of iOS 7 in the fall. It is still unconfirmed when Apple will release iOS 7. All expert estimations and predictions are residing on a logical base, without any confirmation from the Cupertino tech giant.

Apple rolled out iOS 7 beta 1 and 2 to its developers and consumers the previous month, the third beta version is supposed to arrive on July 8.

iPad Mini 2’s display is being manufactured by AU Optronics. It is likely to carry four times the resolution that its predecessor did. Reports claim that iPad Mini 2 will bear a dual-core A7 processor with battery duration of up to ten hours. Sharp’s IGZO mechanism is rumored to be utilized in its screens, which will make the device slimmer.

The iPad 5 has also undergone a change in its outlook and core. Its sleek outlook directs to the fact that Apple is utilizing Sharp’s IGZO mechanism in its display. However, the anticipated combo of iOS 7, iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 has not yet been confirmed by Apple, with only fans expecting their release date to be in Fall.

iPad Mini 2 release Date – Apple Ties Up with New Taiwan Company to Speed Up

June 29, 2013 By Micheal Baptiste Leave a Comment

Apple has tied up with ODM Wistron, a Taiwanese device maker, to speed up its iPad Mini 2 production activities according to reports from DigiTimes. The tie-up seems to align with Apple’s continuing efforts to enhance its supply chain in anticipation of the supposed launch of its much-hyped products this Fall.

Apple is already working with two other Taiwanese device makers – Foxconn and Pegatron. Though Wistron’s role is aimed to boost iPad Mini production activities, the report notes that the new company’s participation is set to begin only in 2014, extending into the subsequent year. But, Wistron has its iPad Mini production unit all set to go, which is actually an essential criterion to qualify for Apple’s approval.

The developments probably convey that Apple can utilize Wistron’s facility to overcome potential setbacks in the ongoing production. Apple watchers have forecast big surprises, including the iPad Mini 2 and iPad 5, from Apple by the end of this year.

Both the iPad Mini 2 and iPad 5 will come with the revolutionary iOS 7 operating system. Other than the OS, the Retina Display has kindled quite a bit of interest among Apple fans. The Mini will flaunt a 7.9-inch display and will likely be powered by the dual-core A6X processor. It is expected to feature an 8MP back camera and 2MP front facing camera.

Wistron, a dedicated mobile device manufacturer, is well-equipped to handle Apple’s iPhone and iPad manufacturing requirements. Apple’s efforts seem to indicate that the iPad Mini 2’s release date will be advanced. The Mini is likely to arrive in September-October.

Wistron has a proven background for mass production of mobile devices, including tablets, smartphones and notebooks, so there is a fair chance that Apple will retain its tie-up to move into future projects.

iPad Mini 2 Rumored To Release in July, Might Not Come Pre-loaded With iOS 7

June 28, 2013 By David Crozier Leave a Comment

The new iPad Mini 2 is due anytime now with some predicting the tablet could be launched as early as July itself. However, while that can be considered as a good piece of news, what is not is that the tablet might not come pre-installed with the latest iOS 7 right out of the box. This surely will be disappointing for many as the latest iOS revamp has been an extremely impressive job done and comes with a lot of new features hitherto never seen on an Apple device.

There also are reports of Apple readying the iPad 5 for a July launch as well, which negates the previously held notion that Apple might push back the launch of the iPad Mini 2 to early next year to allow the iPad 5 a free run for a few months. This since the smaller iPad Mini has proved to be more popular than the regular sized iPad.

As it is, there already are a lot of speculation and rumors stories going as regards the display of the iPad Mini 2 and its highly debated whether it will include a Retina Display. However, some sources point out the iPad Mini 2 might come out with a highly impressive 2048 X 1536 pixel resolution which is 4 times of what the first gen iPad Mini features and almost at par with the iPad 4. That many pixel lighting up a 7.9 inch display will sure make for an extremely delightful visual experience.

This apart, other specs that the iPad Mini 2 is believed to come with include dual core A7 processor, iSight camera with 1080 pixels that is capable of shooting HD videos along with a battery powerful enough to sustain 10 hours of operation.

iOS 7 Release Date Rumors – iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 to debut later

June 19, 2013 By Brandi McCants Leave a Comment

The latest prediction about iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 release dates comes from Stabley Times’ Phil Moore, who says that a July launch is possible if Apple decides to release them with the current iOS 6. Both the devices are ready, but if Apple decides not to launch them in July, then they will come with the iOS 7 this Fall, together with the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 6.

If indeed Apple decides to delay the iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 release, then, this Fall will mark the simultaneous debut of Apple’s two epic product lines, the iPhone and the iPad. As of now, rumors say that the iPad Mini 2 is all set to launch, while the iPad 5 is awaiting an official reveal.

Of late, Apple’s product release schedules have become more unpredictable. Apple’s usual trend is to launch the new iPhone and new iOS in Fall and the new iPad variants in Spring. However, the company took on an unexpected approach last year, unveiling the new iPhone and iOS in September and then, waiting for another month to reveal the new iPad and iPad Mini, both running on the iOS6.

The iOS 7, when it arrives, will be downloadable on iPads and iPhones via a one-click operation. It is for Apple to assess whether consumers would prefer to wait to buy the iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 preinstalled with the overhauled iOS 7, or don’t mind buying the iOS 6-based versions and upgrading to the iOS 7 later.

The iOS 7, the most significant upgrade to Apple’s mobile operating system, is something that Apple fans are eagerly waiting for. Apart from the additional features like AirDrop, Control Center and iTunes Radio, the new platform comes with interesting interface changes that consumers are fervently waiting to experience.