Let’s Talk About The Next iPad

iPad

 

The iPad has no doubt been a revolution sense it was launched a little over 3 years ago. It has in many ways taken over computers as people just buy an iPad instead of a computer because of the ease of use and in ways the functionality beats out a computer. The iPad has become a part of my daily life and I am sure that is true for many. However there is some things that have to be changed to keep the iPad a success. Remember this is from a design and hardware standpoint. The software will be sometime soon (hopefully).

Design

The design needs to be changed. There has been 4 iPads released but if you think about it only 2 designs. The last time the iPad got a design change was with the iPad 2 back in 2011. It is time for a new design but what will it be? From a logical standpoint it will go towards the design of the iPad Mini. Now I am all for that however the design mockups and part “leaks” have the smaller bezels which I don’t want. I don’t really like the smaller bezels on the iPad Mini because it feels like something is going to be tapped I don’t want. However the mini is smart enough to detect this and won’t open anything. The iPad mini doesn’t have the bezels because it is made to be small and very portable and bezels make it bigger. However for the full sized retina iPad I want the bezels. This is because the iPad isn’t something you buy to be very small and portable anymore you’ll by a mini. So I say put the mini design in and keep the bezels because I like to grip on them and being able to see the entire screen instead of worrying my thumbs are covering or will accidentally tap something unwanted.

Power

Okay so tablets at least for the Android side are going big and hard with the “power means everything” which in ways is true… to a computer. In a tablet you won’t notice if something has a quad core or a dual core powering it because either way it will be fast. They seem to be adding power just to put it on a biased comparison chart against the iPad. Don’t get me wrong Apple has done biased comparison charts, in fact every company does. With a tablet you get to the point where you won’t notice the extreme amount of power everyone is trying to put into them. For the processor the A6x runs like a champ. In fact the A5X in my iPad 3 with Retina Display works perfectly fine. It will run every app smoothly and everything is almost instant. Apple does not need to add power you aren’t going to notice unless they do something with iOS that needs the extra power but even then you won’t notice it because it will be used to power something in the background.

Battery

The battery is fine. 

Display

The display in the Retina iPad is perfectly fine. In fact I am pretty sure if they were to waste the time to put more resolution into something so tiny you wouldn’t be able to notice it anymore because your eye wouldn’t be able to pick it up. Apple knows this and doesn’t waste their time trying to fit in some ridiculous resolution no human would ever be able to notice. The display is going to stay the way it is for a while.

Summary

To wrap it all up the iPad is a great device that needs a little bit of a design change and that’s kind of it in terms of hardware. In terms of software there is a lot that can be done but I will cover that in “Let’s talk iOS 7: iPad” sometime soon hopefully.

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Apple: A Year In Review

2012 was a big year for Apple and us all. As the year of 2012 draws to a close I thought we should take a look back at what Apple did this year because there was a LOT. In 2013 I will post about what I hope Apple does in 2013. Lets get started

iPad With Retina Display (3/4)

Screen Shot 2012-12-21 at 5.42.06 PM

Apple surprised as all by releasing 2iPads this year. The iPad 3 was announced regularly around February with launch shortly after. The iPad 3 was the first iPad with a retina display, had a new A5x processor, and kept the same design as the iPad 2. However that would not be the only full sized iPad seen in 2012. We saw the iPad 4 come out with the iPad Mini on November 2nd. The iPad 4 featured a new A6x processor, and a new lightning connector as well. Some like myself were a little disappointed with this as I wish Apple waited to make a new design for the iPad as the iPad 2 design is getting old. However this was done to have a new iPad people could buy for the holidays and hopefully Apple is working on a new design for us to see next year! Read Our iPad 3 Review

iPhone 5

iPhone 5

The iPhone 5 might be the most hyped product of iOS. The iPhone 5 came and it is wonderful. A new A6 processor, LTE, 4 inch screen, and new design all contribute to the success it has. The iPhone 5 is an amazing phone the best phone I have ever had. The iPhone 5 was rumored to come out last year but instead a 4s was announced. However the iPhone 5 is here and it’s wonderful. Read our iPhone 5 review.

New iPods

Screen Shot 2012-12-21 at 5.42.59 PM

iPods seem to be a second thought for Apple now. The product that once defined the company seems to be lost as Apple focuses more on the iPhone. However the iPod line (except for the classic) got an upgrade this year. The new iPod touch got a 4 inch display along with the iPhone 5, a new design, colors, a 5 megapixel camera, and even a little strap for your wrist. The iPod nano got a redesigned body and a bigger screen. The shuffle got upgraded colors I think.

iPad Mini

Screen Shot 2012-10-25 at 11.05.14 AM

Ever sense Steve Jobs held up the first iPad on stage in all it’s glory there have been rumors for a smaller iPad. Steve stated that a smaller iPad would not be needed and users would not enjoy one in a conference call. That didn’t stop rumors from spreading madly through the internet. I too thought a smaller iPad would be pointless until they really announced it. Apple unveiled the iPad mini in October with an 8 inch display, thin design, Slate and Silver back, A5 processor, and even more. The iPad Mini came out with the iPad 4 on November 2nd and it is growing with consumers. It is a little bit of a better fit then the iPad. However there does need to be a better screen, however this is only the first generation and I have hopes for the future. Read the iPad Mini Review.

Retina Macbook Pro

Screen Shot 2012-12-21 at 5.44.52 PM

There is no denying the Retina Macbook pro is a gorgeous machine. The retina display makes anything else look low class. Not only does the Retina Macbook pro have a higher resolution screen it was the first MacBook pro to ditch the CD/DVD drive. The MacBook air had ditched this a long time ago and now the MacBook pro has joined. Everything really you want is downloadable on the developers website or the Mac App Store. Plus if you can’t live without one then well just buy the drive for $80. The MacBook pro also got an HDMI out connector and a much thinner design.

The New iMac

IMG_2065

I have the first Aluminum iMac from around early 2007 I want to say and I love it. I still use it for games and even this site from time to time so I am excited they sort of changed the design a little bit. The iMacs before were basically the same 2007 rendition just a little bit thinner with an SD card reader added to them which really nobody needs (I have one on my MacBook air and I haven’t even touched it). The new iMac is crazy thin. It’s somewhat incredible to think they can still fit the entire iMac into it. However thin does come with compromise. You will have to give up your CD/DVD drive but that’s not such a problem because again you can download everything. I like the new iMac a lot. I would defiantly recommend it for someone who wants a desktop computer though.

iOS 6

I am going to be completely honest. iOS 6 was a big disappointment and I think Apple knows it. Maps doesn’t bother me because well it get’s me where I need to. However there was too little. Passbook? Okay. Redesigned UI for some Apps? Ehhhhh boring. Panorama is cool. LTE Facetime? Should not be a major feature. Siri? Siri was with the 4S and still needs developer support. I hope Forestall getting fired means we will see change and soon. I have hopes for iOS 7.

So that was 2012 for you. Amazing products and more are to come in 2013. I will be posting getting started guides for iPads, iPhones, and Macs for Christmas in the following days. Happy Holidays!

iOS 6 bugs I have found in Beta 1(UPDATED)

Yes I know iOS 6 is in beta and I know it is only the first beta but I thought I would share some bugs with you that I have found so if you are running the beta you will know that I have found them as well. So let’s get started

iPhone 4

  • Safari lags when trying to change orientation to full screen landscape or will quit entirely.
  • iCloud backup will ask you for a password. Even with the right password it will keep asking
  • Purchased for Apps and Music don’t work in iOS 6
  • Apps will not install over 3G. Apps will get to “Installing” and then an error message will appear.
  • Constant Freezing.
  • (Update)When selecting messages or FaceTime in settings entire phone freezes (Thanks Jonathan!)
  • (Update)Keyboard clicks don’t always happen

The New iPad

  • Siri will post to facebook but has an error posting to twitter.
  • Turn by Turn directions doesn’t say directions when locked (Might be smart cover problem)
  • NEEDS MORE 3D buildings.
  • Purchased apps and music section doesn’t work
  • When selecting certain music to sync in iTunes the entire library will delete… Pain for quick sync and go
  • (Update) Keyboard clicks don’t always happen.

Apple TV (2nd Gen)

  • Audio will not play through airplay
  • When using airplay the entire screen will be black
  • Will disappear from Airplay List

More

If you have found any other bugs please leave a comment below saying the bug and what device you are running or use the form below.

 

iPad 3 going to be announced first week of March?

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According to popular rumor site All Things D we will be able to see the iPad 3 the first week of March for the announcement of the iPad 3 that we are all eager to see. Here is what they actually posted.

Sources say the company has chosen the first week in March to debut the successor to the iPad 2 and will do so at one of its trademark special events. The event will be held in San Francisco, presumably at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Apple’s preferred location for big announcements like these. No word yet on a street date for the iPad 3 (assuming that’s what it’s called), though my guess is retail availability will follow roughly the same schedule as that of the iPad 2: available for purchase a week or so after the event.

So there you have it. This seems accurate. Either way I can’t wait to get my hands on one.

Speculating on the iPad 3 again

A little over a month ago I made a story speculating on the iPad 3. Sense then I have gotten some more ideas what could happen, what I want to happen, and when the launch date could be. So lets get started.

Announcement

This has and always be a guess. We have herd reports that the iPad has gone into production. Also there is reports of a “strange” event this month. Many sites have confirmed this is what they think will happen. I think this is true. I think later this month is the best bet to when we are going to see the device.

Launch

I am going to stick with my original guess and say the iPad 3 will probably launch sometime in March. This is because if the iPad was to be announced this month like the rest of the iPad’s then we would see the launch date probably be in the same time frame as all the other launches. So I would guess and say March. I could be wrong.

What I Want

There are a lot of things I want to see from the new iPad but some of these probably wont happen. This is just what I want to see.

  1. LTE. There has been a lot of talk of this and I believe that the iPad will be the first Apple device to be able to handle LTE on both Verizon and AT&T. I think this would be a great thing as LTE is expanded around the U.S.
  2. More storage. Storage has been a problem for people in the past. It seems there just isn’t enough. So why can’t we get more? We easily could. If Apple would use the 32 or 64GB for the starting low memory model and add higher GB models then we would be fine. They do it in the Macbook Air with 250Gb they can easily have 100 GB in the iPad.
  3. New form factor. Something a little new. They were able to make a new form factor with the iPad to the iPad 2 so I would like to see that as a possible surprise.
  4. New processor. The A5 does work well but they can make the iPad even better for all of us. A quad core would be very nice. It would make apps run perfectly safari even faster and be able to handle even more than the iPad can already.
  5. Siri enough said.
  6. Retina Display. This would be great. Taking the already great iPad HD screen to an even better. Videos in great quality. Photos would look incredible.

What Will Probably Be On The iPad

  1. LTE. I am going to say this will happen only because I know it will. With many people wanting LTE with there iPad this would allow some great things. Facetime over 4G for example. Taking limits off of the Wifi only apps. It would allow for a better user experience for the user. That is if you are willing to pay extra for the 4G model.
  2. Retina Display. This is defiantly a given. We have seen supply managers saying they supplied the retina display. If that isn’t enough proof for you there has been Images at 2x pixels. Retina. It will happen.
  3. Siri. This is a major major reason why the iPhone 4S sells. It may be the only reason the 4S sells. Siri is amazing. It does have a lot of things wrong with it though. Wrong results and not being able to connect to the server are just 2 of them. I think the new iPad 3 will have it according to settings we found in Apple’s 5.1 beta.
  4. Form. The form will be the same but a little thicker to make up for the added retina display and other inside goodies.

For The Rest

The rest of my list. It won’t happen. As I see it Apple wont allow more memory because if they were to add it themselves they would have to raise the price of the iPad all together. If they allowed outside storage jail breaking would become easier, piracy could become easier and people could bypass apple easily.I think they will be waiting for a while on the processor as of right now the iPad doesn’t need a new one and there has been talk of a lot of errors with it. A new design completely is out because they wouldn’t have time to work on the above and make it all work with a new design.

iPad 2 and 7 Inch iPad

For the iPad 2 there is rumor that this could drop price and still sell like apple does with their iPhone models. I don’t think this would happen. Only because the iPad isn’t really cheap to make and they might lose money putting it at a lower price and keeping it in production. For a 7inch iPad I will go into this later. Anything is possible.

Apple: A Year In Review

Apple had a really big year. So I thought I would go into everything Apple did in 2011. Well not everything but the big things. So let’s get started.

iPad 2

The iPad 2 has been an amazing hit for Apple, and it still is. First announced by Steve Jobs on March 2nd 2011 I didn’t think that it would be such a hit along with many. On release date on March 11th I saw it would be an instant hit. It has turned out everyone wants one. At a point more people wanted an iPad 2 than world piece. It is a great product and when the new one get’s released it will be even better. Good work Apple.

Lawsuits, Lawsuits, and more Lawsuits,

This is a thing I don’t really want to mention but I feel like I have to. This year Apple went a little patent lawsuit crazy. Going after samsung copying the iPad 2. Android Manufactures so many I can’t list them but a quick google search should be able to find you this information. Apple has won over HTC in the US banning some phones from resale. Most older handsets not even for sale anymore. We will have to see how the rest of this plays out.

Lion

Mac OS X lion. Loved by some hated by others. Lion first made it’s way on to ALL of our systems July 20th a near 5 months ago. The software was the first Mac OS to be offered as a download only. It brought features from iOS including Full Screen apps, Resume, auto-save, and most importantly to some the mac app store. The Mac App Store has ton’s of apps. All of Apple’s Apps are also on the store. Lion has been the #1 most downloaded for 5 months and still is. Good work Apple. Personally I love lion and it’s features. Watch my in depth video of Lion here.

iOS 5

iOS 5. The best mobile os update Apple has ever made. Brining iCloud to the world. Great style notifications. iMessage. All of these improving on the already great operating system we have for our iOS devices. It is great and with iOS 5 5.1 beta we will have to see what new things come in the OS when the new iPad hardware is released. Read my iOS 5 review here.

New Management

Steve Jobs after the iPhone announcement announced he could no longer be CEO of Apple as he just didn’t feel like he could do well enough of a job. Placed as the chairman of the board Tim Cook replaced him and is the Current CEO.

iPhone 4s

The iPhone 4s set new records for sales. Breaking the records of weekend sales selling 4 million units in the opening weekend shattering the iPhone 4’s 2 million sales. the iPhone 4s is doing wonders for Apple. With the new A5 processor and Siri. Read my iPhone 4s review here.

Siri

This deserves it’s own spot as it is the biggest reason if not the only reason the iPhone 4s is selling the way it is. Siri Apple’s iPhone voice intelligent system is great and is the base of most of the iPhone ads they are airing today. It is incredible and I want to see it make it’s way to the iPad 3 that should be announced in the next few months. Read my iPhone 4s review including Siri here.

Goodbye Steve…

This year we said goodbye to the man who made Apple run. From the Apple I all the way to the iPhone 5 (ill touch on this next) Steve was the heart of Apple. His legacy still lives in his products as we can see his visions in iOS and all the Apple products we use every day. From the Mac to the iPhone. Thank you Steve… For everything.

iPhone 5

The rumor of the iPhone 5 has been going on for a while now and is still to this day. This was supposed to be the iPhone to be released and not the iPhone 4s. It was said that the iPhone 5 was one of the final projects Steve had worked on. Scrapped at the last minute we didn’t see the mystical device and we are hoping to see it this year. The iPhone was said to have a 4 inch screen, LTE 4G, and a new form factor. The phone is said to have been scrapped due to supply shortages or a hardware problem. Read all the iPhone rumors by clicking here!

Sprint iPad 2 ready to go with iPhone 5?

Well here is something unexpected. It seems that Apple has ready a Sprint 3G iPad 2 that could launch alongside a Sprint iPhone 5.

Apple and Sprint have completed work on a version of the iPad for Sprint’s data network. This Sprint compatible iPad appears to be ready for public consumption and will join the family of GSM (AT&T) and Verizon capable Apple tablets before the holidays. With Apple soon launching a Sprint version of the iPhone – which we independently confirmed in June – we suspect that the Sprint iPad will come alongside or soon after that release.

This seems like a great way to expand the iPad to even more users and along with an iPhone 5 is a great idea. So will you pick up an iPad 2 on Sprint if it is a reality.

iMessage to be supported in MAC OS X Lions iChat?

Well here is something that might be unexpected to some but not me. Mac Rumors has found some hidden iChat code showing that iMessage a service that allows iPods, iPhones, and iPads to communicate over the web to the messages app will be coming to the Mac as well in the form of iChat.

@interface IMMessage : NSObject
{
IMHandle *_sender;
IMHandle *_subject;
NSAttributedString *_text;
NSString *_plainBody;
NSDate *_time;
NSDate *_timeDelivered;
NSDate *_timeRead;

The code you see above is the framework in iChat. The code shows the “time delivered” and “time read” which is in the current iMessage. Honestly I think this would be a great idea as you can have all your messages well now everywhere granted it isn’t an SMS and is an iMessage and well everyone I know uses an iPod, iPhone, iPad, or a Mac or all of those so this would be a great idea and I can’t wait to see it become a reality. It may even come with iOS 5 public release which is rumored to be October 10th. iMessage is still in developer preview and has not been released to the public but it does work very well for me.

[ VIA Macrumors]