Apple preparing to deliver iPad twins (rumor)
Summary
According to DigiTimes, Apple will unveil two versions of its next-generation tablet next month at the Macworld|iWorld conference.
Topics
According to DigiTimes, Apple will unveil two versions of its next-generation tablet next month at the Macworld|iWorld conference. Sources at Apple's supply chain partners tell the blog that the new models will target the mid- and high-end markets, while the existing iPad 2 will be positioned to compete with the Amazon Kindle Fire.
The new models will sport 9.7-inch screens instead of the 7.85-inch screen the Taipei-based tech blog reported two weeks ago that the new tablet would "likely" launch with. The screens will reportedly feature QXGA resolution and dual light bars to strengthen panel brightness.
The report follows previous reports about Apple's immediate QXGA ambitions. Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch, told CNET in November that, "It's happening--QXGA, 2048x1536. Panel production has started [for the next-generation iPad]. There's three suppliers." (In that month-ago report, Shim named the same suppliers that DigiTimes did today.)
It's also no secret that Apple is expected to release a next-generation 9.7-inch screen model in the March-June time frame.
However, like many of DigiTimes' recent reports on Apple's device roadmap, this report should definitely be taken with a grain of salt. In addition to its sources doing a zig-zag on the screen size, DigiTimes reports that Apple plans to unveil the new models at the Apple fan event formerly known as just Macworld, which the Cupertino, Calif.-based company abandoned three years ago.
Apple's surprise return to conference, put on by IDG World Expo, would certainly garner significant buzz on its own.
About Steven Musil
Steven Musil is the night news editor at CNET News. Before joining CNET News in 2000, Steven spent 10 years at various Bay Area newspapers. E-mail Steven.
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...I keep reading from the Apple faithful that the Kindle is no threat, no competition to the iPad. Now you are saying that Apple will drop the price of the existing iPad to compete with the Fire. Is the Fire competition for Apple, or not?
@itpro_z ..it could just be to kick any remaining life out of the dead horse that is google android tablets.. a $300 full featured iPad would surely do that...
@theFunkDoctorSpoc
Not at the laughably big 10", it won't. The Fire (and Playbook, and Tab 7.1, etc.) are a much more usable size.
Not at the laughably big 10", it won't. The Fire (and Playbook, and Tab 7.1, etc.) are a much more usable size.
@theFunkDoctorSpoc Too late for that sir! If people hadn't already bought more than 11 Million fires then their would be no danger of friends seeing the Kindle Tablet and saying, "Hey, what is that?" Followed by, "I want one?"...
You see it is called Momentum and that's the key to stopping Android, kill it before it starts! However, it has already begun and now I'm afraid it will be the Kindle and Nook Tablets opening the Door for all Android Tablets to take their place at the top of that market just as the OS did with Smart Phones.
You see it is called Momentum and that's the key to stopping Android, kill it before it starts! However, it has already begun and now I'm afraid it will be the Kindle and Nook Tablets opening the Door for all Android Tablets to take their place at the top of that market just as the OS did with Smart Phones.
@theFunkDoctorSpoc
isupple had estimated that the cost of comppnents for ipad2 was 350 and it doesnt include the cost of designing cost of os development cost of designing a5 chip. cost of warranties and customer support. I dont see where apple makes money from ipads.
most andorid makers dont have the costs since os is paid for by google, uses standard chip sets so the cost of incouse development is zero too.
isupple had estimated that the cost of comppnents for ipad2 was 350 and it doesnt include the cost of designing cost of os development cost of designing a5 chip. cost of warranties and customer support. I dont see where apple makes money from ipads.
most andorid makers dont have the costs since os is paid for by google, uses standard chip sets so the cost of incouse development is zero too.
@theFunkDoctorSpoc I have used the iPad, as we have several here at work, and I find them to be neither intuitive to use nor a convenient size to hold for long periods. When it came time to spend my own money, I purchased a Fire for my wife. After using both, there is no competition in my opinion. The Fire is easy to hold, easy to use, and has a better ecosystem behind it, not to mention that I don't have to use that stinking pile known as iTunes. A $300 or even $200 iPad is a no sell in my book.
@theFunkDoctorSpoc, the Fire does not use Google's Android, but a highly customized version of the open source Android. All of the Google spyware crap has been stripped out. Amazon even went so far as to create their own browser.
@itpro_z
The Fire is easy to hold, easy to use, and has a better ecosystem behind it
Personal preference about size and ease of use aside, can you explain how the Fire have a "better" ecosystem than the iPad? I would love to hear this one.
The Fire is easy to hold, easy to use, and has a better ecosystem behind it
Personal preference about size and ease of use aside, can you explain how the Fire have a "better" ecosystem than the iPad? I would love to hear this one.
Dave, personal preference, but I am not an iTunes fan, either software or service. I prefer Amazon's ecosystem (shopping, music, video, books, periodicals, cloud, etc) to iTunes. A big part of that is the horrible application that Apple provides for those of us who are not Mac users, but beyond that Amazon is evolving a very competitive ecosystem that goes beyond what Apple offers.
@itpro_z
You no longer need iTunes when using an iPad, or any other iOS 5 device. But I personally prefer iTunes to Amazon's messy web interface.
Amazon have a great ecosystem for their Kindle devices but compared to what Apple offers, it still trails behind. Plus iOS users can tap into the same Amazon ecosystem as well with Amazon's Kindle app for iOS. Not only access to ebooks but access to the over 400 magazines and newspapers that are available to Kindle Fire users. As well as Apple's iBooks and Newstand. Can also shop on iOS devices with Amazon's app (or the web).
We purchased a Kindle Fire for the daughter for Christmas and I love my Amazon Prime. So not like I am against the company, I just don't think it's near where Apple is overall (and where Apple is going) with their iOS devices and ecosystem.
You no longer need iTunes when using an iPad, or any other iOS 5 device. But I personally prefer iTunes to Amazon's messy web interface.
Amazon have a great ecosystem for their Kindle devices but compared to what Apple offers, it still trails behind. Plus iOS users can tap into the same Amazon ecosystem as well with Amazon's Kindle app for iOS. Not only access to ebooks but access to the over 400 magazines and newspapers that are available to Kindle Fire users. As well as Apple's iBooks and Newstand. Can also shop on iOS devices with Amazon's app (or the web).
We purchased a Kindle Fire for the daughter for Christmas and I love my Amazon Prime. So not like I am against the company, I just don't think it's near where Apple is overall (and where Apple is going) with their iOS devices and ecosystem.
@itpro_z If you have used both, you would see that the Fire absolutely is a threat to the iPad line! The access to movies, tv shows, applications, music, and books in a well organized manner, makes for a real threat to Apple's Ecosystem.
@Peter Perry, ...I actually have used both. We have purchased several iPads here at work for some of our department heads, and I gave my wife a Fire for Christmas. So, read into that what you will, but I have worked with iPads, but spent my OWN money on a Fire.
- I keep reading from the Apple faithful that the Kindle is no threat, no competition to the iPad.
2048x1536x9.7 inches = 263.92 PPI... GLORIOUS!
You guys keep missing THE GREATEST TABLET that will appear at CES 2012: ???The Tablee!???
http://youtu.be/lLycvKNWGsU
or??? don???t miss ???The Tablet We Really Need at CES!???
http://youtu.be/lhjU4U9WXR8
http://youtu.be/lLycvKNWGsU
or??? don???t miss ???The Tablet We Really Need at CES!???
http://youtu.be/lhjU4U9WXR8
... with the Kindle Fire.
The Kindle Fire is so far from being a competitor against the iPad that anybody claiming that they are even on the same league is hilariously dumb. The Kindle Fire is competing in the sub-low-end of the market and it is not even tailored for the tablet market. It is designed as a virtual store front for Amazon services and the devices has very little functionality for anything else.
BTW, please don't come out with the dumb claim that Amazon has sold 11 million Kindle Fire. Amazon has NEVER claimed that they sold that many and to sell that many they had to manufacture that many.
Amazon makes a huge point to avoid using the word Fire on any announcement they make ... because the Kindle that is selling very well is the $80 Kindle, not necessarily the Fire. And that is to be expected. The only people claiming that the sales are of the Fire are irresponsible bloggers who like to change the news to generate more hits.
The Kindle Fire is so far from being a competitor against the iPad that anybody claiming that they are even on the same league is hilariously dumb. The Kindle Fire is competing in the sub-low-end of the market and it is not even tailored for the tablet market. It is designed as a virtual store front for Amazon services and the devices has very little functionality for anything else.
BTW, please don't come out with the dumb claim that Amazon has sold 11 million Kindle Fire. Amazon has NEVER claimed that they sold that many and to sell that many they had to manufacture that many.
Amazon makes a huge point to avoid using the word Fire on any announcement they make ... because the Kindle that is selling very well is the $80 Kindle, not necessarily the Fire. And that is to be expected. The only people claiming that the sales are of the Fire are irresponsible bloggers who like to change the news to generate more hits.
@wackoae
If Amazon sold 11 million units, they lost $55 million as they sell it below cost by about $5. The market has reacted to this, Amazon stock has dropped from 240 to 173... ironically their best selling book is Steve Jobs, so there is still hope for them...
If Amazon sold 11 million units, they lost $55 million as they sell it below cost by about $5. The market has reacted to this, Amazon stock has dropped from 240 to 173... ironically their best selling book is Steve Jobs, so there is still hope for them...
there's a lot more details about the new ipad too. even the possibility of siri for ipad!
http://www.examiner.com/gadgets-in-newark/ipad-3-rumors-heating-up
http://www.examiner.com/gadgets-in-newark/ipad-3-rumors-heating-up
I think the high-res display seems is not far away, but doubt Apple will release two new iPad models.
Anyways, nice to hear the news of iPad 3, Im waiting for the iPad 3/mini, then I can decide to buy the iPad 3 or iPad 2.
Have read this comparison "iPad 3 VS iPad 2", seems the iPad 3 would have some nice upgrade and worth keeping.
http://www.aneesoft.com/tutorials/ipad/ipad3-vs-ipad2.html
Anyways, nice to hear the news of iPad 3, Im waiting for the iPad 3/mini, then I can decide to buy the iPad 3 or iPad 2.
Have read this comparison "iPad 3 VS iPad 2", seems the iPad 3 would have some nice upgrade and worth keeping.
http://www.aneesoft.com/tutorials/ipad/ipad3-vs-ipad2.html
I've both an iPad2 and a Playbook which was heavily discounted. Over the past several months I have always taken the Playbook when I go out, and quite taking the iPad after about month...
All the techy stuff aside,, yes the iPad is much slicker etc,, but the SIZE is What Matters.. trust me..
and I'm 70 so my eyes are not all that good but I can deal with the small printing on the Playbook
All the techy stuff aside,, yes the iPad is much slicker etc,, but the SIZE is What Matters.. trust me..
and I'm 70 so my eyes are not all that good but I can deal with the small printing on the Playbook
@Menotuis70
Ipad was never designed as a portable tablet. Most people use it at home for that it is the perfect device...
Ipad was never designed as a portable tablet. Most people use it at home for that it is the perfect device...
And its now returned. Besides the fact it had two light leaks and a white glowing spec under the glass [btw this IPad 2 came with IOS 5.0 so it's not like it was sitting on the shelf since initial production... this is current production with an iCloud sticker on the box], my biggest issue was that PDFs and video (youtube and that Optimum app for watching live TV over wifi) all shared the same issue of being blurry as hell. If i can't read PDFs as clearly as i can on a standard LCD monitor, and videos always look like crap, then all i'm left with is a $729 (32gb 3g... 3g because they were out of the cheaper wifi only ipads) gameboy, and although games are tolerable even on this low res screen... it was no effort on my part to see the individual pixels while holding the IPAD at a comfortable distance, and all the time it was distracting the experience (it's not like that screen is all that big either).
DO NOT BUY AN IPAD 2 or anything with that low res screen. In fact the IPAD 3 with the Retina screen will probably cost $900+ (NO its not worth it, coming from someone that couldn't wait to get one!) anyway so maybe hold out for a windows 8 laptop (touchscreen laptops would likely become the standard, just like how Vista/Windows 7 forced laptops and desktops to start shipping with better builtin graphics).
DO NOT BUY AN IPAD 2 or anything with that low res screen. In fact the IPAD 3 with the Retina screen will probably cost $900+ (NO its not worth it, coming from someone that couldn't wait to get one!) anyway so maybe hold out for a windows 8 laptop (touchscreen laptops would likely become the standard, just like how Vista/Windows 7 forced laptops and desktops to start shipping with better builtin graphics).
I too am an owner of both..My personal opinion is the iPad is a much superior device. The Fire is a great e-reader, cheap for what you get. A solid feeling device. The cons... too heavy for the size, not a huge difference in weight from the iPad. Icons are too small. Books are great but anything else is rarely properly formatted for the Fire. Comics and magazines are too small, terrible to read. As much as people complain about Apple, I find the iPad much friendlier and open with different digital formats and the Fire. The iPad is much much faster responding to swipes and touches. As for video, the selection on prime was horrible and the video streaming looked terrible. I looked at the same video on both devices and it was like day and night comparison.There is no dedicated video player for the Fire unless you buy something from Amazon. There are work arounds for some issues but it obvious all they want you to do is buy thru Amazon. You can see this in their app store. Although the Fire is Android based, Amazon severely cripples what you can download from its store in the way of apps. Sure Apple wants you to buy from them as well, but I have 2 great comic readers, 3 different video players for playing any format, And not that I am a gamer, my son is and there is no comparison there..iPad kills it on that platform. Just a few facts and opinions from an owner of both. if the iPad 2 were right around the same price you would be foolish to buy the Fire.
When Apple announces anything new, they'll issue invitations to their own event on relatively short notice, or make mention of it at WWDC if the timing is appropriate. The credibility of the Digitimes posting is in general question for mentioning iWorld.
Apple probably will announce a new product sometime in 2012. They generally don't like the utility of the 7" form factor (and because it also competes with iPhone-size devices), so I don't expect a 7" tablet from Apple. Manufacturers are trying to sell 7" tablets, particularly since nobody has figured out how to keep pace with Apple in the 10" market.
Apple probably will announce a new product sometime in 2012. They generally don't like the utility of the 7" form factor (and because it also competes with iPhone-size devices), so I don't expect a 7" tablet from Apple. Manufacturers are trying to sell 7" tablets, particularly since nobody has figured out how to keep pace with Apple in the 10" market.
I love my iPad 2 and wouldn't take Android for love or money. My venue is business and iPad is all about business. Not toys but real guts on the move.
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