Monday, March 23, 2015

iPad Mini LTE will ship by early next week, report says

iPad Mini LTE will ship by early next week, report says
Apple has allayed some fears by telling iPad Mini LTE buyers that their tablet will be launching soon.Apple has contacted iPad Mini LTE buyers to inform them that the device will be shipping within the next few business days, AppleInsider is reporting, citing several e-mails forwarded to it by purchasers. Apple's e-mail says that the company will provide buyers with a tracking number "once your iPad is on the way."Apple unveiled the iPad Mini last month and launched the Wi-Fi-only model on November 2. When Apple announced the LTE version, the company said that it would ship about two weeks after the Wi-Fi-only version. It appears Apple is sticking to that timetable.However, there was some fear that Apple might not make that deadline. Late last month, customers were reporting that the iPad Mini with LTE wouldn't ship until November 23, according to purchase-confirmation e-mails they had received. Expedited shipping would start on November 21, those e-mails claimed.The iPad Mini with LTE starts at $459 for 16GB of storage. The top-of-the-line 64GB model goes for $659.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play


iPad Mini display production slated for August, says analyst

iPad Mini display production slated for August, says analyst
The gears could start to turn as early as this month for the production of a smaller iPad. Production of the 7.85-inch display slated for use on a smaller version of the iPad should begin in August, an analyst told CNET."We expect panel production to start in August, with production ramping up to high volumes (more than a million units per month) in the fourth quarter," said Paul Semenza, an analyst at NPD DisplaySearch, in response to an e-mail query. Semenza said this is DisplaySearch's "understanding of the activity for the 7.85 [inch] panel expected to be used in the iPad Mini." If this production schedule plays out, it could indicate a late 2012 launch, he said. Recent reports say the so-called iPad Mini will launch in September. While the downsized iPad is being characterized as a 7-inch tablet like the Google Nexus 7,a screen size falling between 7 and 8 inches -- such as 7.85 inches -- would likely make the Apple tablet closer to the larger8.2-inch Motorola Xyboard.No solid word yet on pricing, though a report claimed it "is likely to sell for significantly less than the latest $499 iPad." Whatever the exact price is, it's safe to say that the $199 Google Nexus 7 would be seen as a direct competitor to a smaller iPad.Related storiesApple reportedly to unveil iPhone 5, iPad Mini on Sept. 12Report says iPad Mini will be priced to move


iPad Mini could hit stores November 2

iPad Mini could hit stores November 2
The smaller tablet we thought we'd never see from Apple could be in many consumers' hands on November 2.That's the on-sale date for the iPad Mini that is being touted in a fresh round of rumors this morning, and given Apple's record of releasing new products on a Friday, roughly 10 days after unveiling it in a hype-filled media event, it makes sense to me, too.Related storiesiPad Mini, anyone? Apple sets Oct. 23 eventiPad Mini: What we expectiPad Mini steals Surface Presale ThunderApple has already announced and sent out invitations for a media event on October 23 ("We've got a little more to show you"), and it's widely expected to be centered on a new iPad with a 7.8-inch display that could be priced as low as $249. For the full details of what we expect to see, check out Scott Stein's rundown.The holiday shopping season is shaping up to be an Ultimate Fighting Championship of tablets, with Microsoft's Surface dropping in a few weeks, and persistent rumors of an uber-cheap new Google Nexus tablet. Let's hope Apple has been brushing up on its jiujitsu moves to be able to compete.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play (Via Geeky Gadgets)


iPad Mini case photos leak, show few changes

iPad Mini case photos leak, show few changes
More photos of Apple's rumored iPad Mini have hit the Web.Chinese Web site digi.163 recently posted photos of the back casing of what it claims is the upcoming iPad Mini. As with previous photos of the iPad Mini's case, the images show an aluminum design that comes with a new 9-pin connector. In addition, the casing appears to show two speakers at the bottom of the device, an Apple logo, and a place for a rear camera.Purported iPad Mini photos have been leaking onto the Web for several weeks. The vast majority of those photos show the features displayed in the latest image dump. However, as AppleInsider points out, the most recent images seem to indicate that the headphone jack will sit atop the iPad Mini. In previous images, the headphone jack appeared on the bottom.Of course, deciding which -- if any -- is accurate is impossible. Apple isn't talking about its plans for a new iPad, and there is no way to know whether the images that have surfaced are prototypes or concepts for the real thing. In other words, all of these images should be taken with the proverbial grain of salt.Still, if Apple does have plans for an iPad Mini launch, rumors suggest it will happen next month. Those same rumors suggest the device will have a 7.85-inch display.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the report. We will update this story when we have more information.(Via AppleInsider)


iPad Mini already in production in Brazil, says report

iPad Mini already in production in Brazil, says report
A smaller version of Apple's iPad is already in production according to a new report.Citing an anonymous source, Japanese Apple blog Macotakara today says that production of the product is under way in a "Brazilian factory."No other details on parts of physical form factor or offered, short of that the same source says the unit is missing a microphone on its backside, a rumored design cue currently found in Apple's iPhone 5.Related storiesApple iPad Mini: The ultimate rumor roundupiPad Mini mock-up pics emergeApple's iPad Mini said to be made by Pegatron, FoxconnApple has been rumored to be splitting up production of a smaller iPad between two manufacturers, Foxconn and Pegatron. Foxconn began assembling iPhones in the industrial town of Jundiai earlier this year. The factories there are considerably smaller than Foxconn's Chinese operations, and initially worked on notebooks, monitors and other electronics for competing technology companies.It goes without saying that a smaller iPad has not been announced by Apple, though is expected to be later this month. A report from Fortune earlier today suggested Apple plans to send out invites to a press event as early as next week.


iPad Mini 2 reportedly delayed by display glitch

iPad Mini 2 reportedly delayed by display glitch
Consumers waiting for the new iPad Mini may have to wait awhile longer.Apple is pushing back the launch of the Mini 2 due to burn-in problems on the tablet's LCD panel, claims Korean News site ETNews. Citing an unnamed industry source, ETNews says that the glitch stems from the IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) technology used for the panels manufactured by Sharp. The smaller pixels required for the Mini 2's Retina display pose a challenge to the technology, thus creating production issues.Though the burn-in is not visible to the naked eye, the panels don't meet the technical standards to pass Apple's muster. LG Display also is making panels for the Mini 2. However, it uses a different method.As a result of Sharp's issues, Apple is currently talking to archrival Samsung about supplying display panels for the Mini 2 starting next year, according to the sources. Apple reportedly had been eyeing Samsung as one of the early candidates to make the Mini 2's display, but a deal never surfaced."If the burn-in problem is not solved, Apple will be in a fix," an "industry guru" told ETNews. "If Apple relaxes the technological standards for the burn-in, consumers' perception of Apple may deteriorate, and if not, it will have to change its supply chain and delay the launch of the new product."Apple's online store still says the Mini 2 is coming later in November.(Via AppleInsider)


Seidio rolls out iPhone 5 cases ahead of Apple event

Seidio rolls out iPhone 5 cases ahead of Apple event
The iPhone 5 still hasn't been officially announced, but CNET is already seeing some of the first new iPhone cases that will be hitting the market this month.Seidio plans to announce its line of cases for the new iPhone later today, but I got an early peek at the design.Tune in today starting at 9 a.m. PT for our Apple iPhone event live blog.The company will be unveiling a $10 screen guard and three lines of cases for the phone, including two lines that come with an optional metal kickstand and retail from $29.95 to $54.95.While the images seem to indicate a larger screen on the new iPhone, all the information from the company is notably void of any dimensions or other specifics about the phone that will actually fit into the cases. Guess we'll just have to wait a few more minutes for the big reveal.A negative image of the much anticipated iPhone 5, courtesy of these Seidio cases.Screenshot by Eric Mack / CNET Apple's iPhone 5 event Apple takes wraps off iPhone 5, 4-inch screen and all Pictures: Scenes from Apple's big event iPhone 5 price same as 4S: $199 for 16GB CNET Reviews: iPhone 5 Editor's Take Start your iOS 6 downloads September 19 iOS 6 hits major marks A reworked, simplified iTunes New iPod Nano with 2-inch screen Apple by the numbers: 84M iPads, 400M iOS devices Full coverage: The iPhone 5 arrives


Rep. Eshoo on House's student app competition (podcast)

Rep. Eshoo on House's student app competition (podcast)
The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a resolution to create an academic competition that would encourage students to build mobile and computer apps.The Academic Competition Resolution of 2013 is a bi-partisan effort led by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), who represents much of Silicon Valley. The competition, according to the resolution, "will evolve over time and will challenge students in specialized areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to ensure maximum participation." The resolution states: "Because of the importance of computer science it would be appropriate to initially challenge students to develop so-called 'apps' for mobile, tablet, and computer platforms."Details need to be worked out by the Committee on House Administration so, currently, we don't know when the competition will commence, but it is modeled after the successful Congressional Arts Competition that encourages high school students in congressional districts to submit art work with winning entries displayed in the capitol building for a year. It's not clear how Congress might "display" winning apps, but Eshoo said that they are working on ways to make sure that winners get the recognition they deserve.In an interview (scroll down to listen), Eshoo said that "we're living in an era where, unlike other eras in the history of our country, we have stiff competition. We can meet that competition and leapfrog over it but we have to have our young people educated in these fields."Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio)


NFL Now app to hit the gridiron on Apple TV -- report

NFL Now app to hit the gridiron on Apple TV -- report
Apple TV's list of apps is set to get a league larger in the coming weeks, according to a report.NFL Now was introduced in January as a "personalized video service" for the National Football League's content. The free app allows people to input their favorite teams and players and get related videos delivered to the app. The service also includes access to NFL news and clips to review the results of any given Sunday. NFL Now appears to be targeted at fantasy players first and foremost but could appeal to any serious fan.The NFL said back in January that NFL Now would appear on a wide range of devices. Next up is Apple TV, 9to5Mac reported Monday, citing people who claim to have knowledge of the league's plans. The NFL Now app will launch on Apple TV this month, according to the site's sources, so football fans can be ready for the 2014-2015 season.Apple has been quietly adding more apps to its TV platform. The set-top box currently allows people to stream everything from their own iTunes content to Netflix to HBO Go. Apple is still far behind companies like Roku in terms of available apps, but those that are coming to the Apple TV tend to be significant additions.CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this story when we have more information.


Justin Kitch launches 'Curious' learning network (podcast)

Justin Kitch launches 'Curious' learning network (podcast)
It's called a "marketplace for online learning" and its goal is to connect students and teachers in a wide variety of subjects from salsa dancing to knife sharpening. If there is something you can teach or want to learn, Curious.com could be the place to start.The $3 it costs to take this class is cheaper than a beer in most bars.Screen shot by Larry MagidCo-founded by Justin Kitch, a former Intuit executive who founded Homestead, Curious.com empowers teachers to not only post video lessons but use other tools such as exercises, projects, discussion boards, and the ability to attach files. Teachers decide if their classes are free or if there is a charge -- typically between $1 and $3 per lesson.Teachers can use the company's "Curious Lesson Builder" to build, publish, and market their lessons. Learners can submit "Curious Cards" to share their achievements and interact with teachers, according to Kitch. Curious CEO Justin KitchRon HemphillIn our interview (scroll down to listen) Kitch said he was inspired by YouTube which, he acknowledges, is a place where people post educational videos. But, he added, YouTube lacks many of the important features necessary for a good learning experience, including the ability to easily contact the instructor. Curious.com, said Kitch, started "with the idea of what we call a short format video-based lesson but added all these other things that we found to be really critical to creating a learning experience."Click below to listen: Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio)


iPhone 2.0.1- What's fixed, problems upgrading

iPhone 2.0.1: What's fixed, problems upgrading
On Monday, Apple released iPhone firmware 2.0.1 for the first-generation iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPod Touch. The new release resolves several performance-related issues and bugs found in version 2.0. However,Apple's paltry release notes won't tell you what is fixed, it only states that the update includes "bug fixes."Among the improvements we've noted so far:Better keyboard responsivenessLess lag in the Contacts applicationFaster backupsYou can obtain version 2.0.1 by connecting your iPhone to a host computer, launching iTunes, and clicking the "Update" button in the device pane. Alternatively, you can manually download the update via these links for the first-generation iPhone and the iPhone 3G. The iPod Touch update must be download via the iTunes "Update" button because it is restricted to new buyers or users who have already paid for the iPod Touch firmware upgrade.If you used one of the manual download links, hold the Option key under Mac OS X or the Shift key under Windows while clicking the "Restore" button in Windows, then select the downloaded file to upgrade the phone.Problems applying the update If you received an error -19 or a different message that prevents the update from taking place, try turning off automatic syncing, then quit iTunes, and disconnect your phone. Launch iTunes again, wait for it to find your phone, and try the update again. Failing that, try the tips in this knowledge base article.(Cross-posted from iPhone Atlas)


How to quickly check a file's checksum in OS X

How to quickly check a file's checksum in OS X
To verify the checksum, first proceed with the download and wait for it to complete. Then open the Terminal application in OS X and type the command "shasum" followed by a single space. After you do this, locate the downloaded disk image file, and drag it to the Terminal window to complete the full path to the image file.Then press Enter to execute the command, and a SHA checksum will be computed for the file. Now compare this locally computed checksum to the one listed on the download Web site, and if they match, the file has been verified. If the file you have does not match the one on the Web site, it could be that the file on the site has been updated or otherwise changed and the developer forgot to update the checksum, or it could be from corruption in the file during the transfer, or from unsolicited tampering with the file. Either way, if the checksums do not match, contact the developer before opening it.Another common checksum routine is the md5 checksum, which can be checked similarly by running the command "md5" in the Terminal in a similar way as the "shasum" command mentioned above.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.