Image: Pedro Eugenio Antunes/Flickr (Creative Commons)

Rumours are heating up again just after CES, with a new iPad set to go on sale in March, touting specs that sport a HD screen and will run on LTE. These come, as usual, from “people familiar with the product”.

Bloomberg is reporting that Apple has ramped up production of the tablet this month, and full volume is expected to reach February – meaning that they would have enough to start a launch in the US (and possibly selected territories).

LTE was being introduced to the iPad first because of its “bigger battery and can better support the power requirements” of LTE. Also, the display is said to have “more pixels… than some high-definition screens”. It doesn’t specifically mention a retina display, but you can only hope.

In addition, the report claims that it will feature a brand new processor that will be a quad-core chip. That would definitely push it ahead of its competitors – many still run dual-core (a small number run quad-core)

A source is also quoted in saying that Apple’s event on education next week will not make any new hardware announcements, and will specifically focus on electronic textbooks.

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime - the tablet that Acer and Lenovo are trying to compete against. (Image: ASUS/Supplied)

A new report is claiming that Acer and Lenovo are ready to launch their quad-core tablets in the first quarter of next year in order to compete against ASUS’ quad-core tablet offering, the Eee Pad Transformer Prime; and Samsung.

DigiTimes is reporting that Acer and Lenovo’s tablets will run on Google Android 4.0 – codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich – and will feature NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 quad-core processor. The very same processor is used in the Eee Pad Transformer Prime. They are also expecting the pricing to be somewhere in US$459-599 price range, so at least somewhat competitive with the Apple iPad.

However, what’s even interesting is the comment made by their anonymous source: they are releasing the tablets to “defend their brands” after their performance in the dual-core processor tablet race were “not as good as expected”. So essentially, in order to keep up with a strong Samsung and a much-stronger Apple, these players are constantly releasing tablets in order to maintain their name in the race – rather than just release and then let it wither away into obscurity as a tablet manufacturer.

The supposed release also does give an indication that we could possibly see an announcement during CES in January. So, keep an eye out of such announcement from Acer and Lenovo about this.

Is the MacBook Air going to get an upgrade soon?

Here’s a double whammy of Apple rumours to drool over. A report is claiming that the MacBook Air could have another redesign in the first-half of the year to compete with the new “ultrabooks”; while another is claiming that the iPhone could have a larger, 4-inch screen.

A MacBook Air ultrabook?

DigiTimes is reporting, from unnamed sources, that the MacBook Air will see an upgrade in the first quarter of 2012. It will also add a 15-inch model – which would be great for those looking for a lightweight, but not too small notebook. Also, expect to see price cuts on the existing MacBook Air on sale currently, according to the report. That is apparently a sign that Apple is planning to launch the new-look MacBook Air.

However, DigiTimes notes: “ultrabooks with Windows and document processing software will still be more attractive for the enterprise market.”

Though, like I said before from DigiTimes, don’t get your hopes up just yet. They have a somewhat bad track record when it comes to Apple rumours.

Next iPhone to get a screen upgrade?

Japanese blog Macotakara is reporting that the next version of the iPhone could have a 4-inch display. Citing an “Asian source”, both Sony and Hitachi have started to ship new LCD displays for a “new iOS device” – which could only mean two things: the iPod touch or the iPhone. I place my bets that it is the latter, since it always gets the upgrade first, then the iPod touch that are slightly reduced (like the camera, for example).

While the upgrade will most likely put the phone on-par with its Android rivals, who have been increasing the screen-size to borderline tablet-sized screens, it does mean that it lose something. As pointed out by Dustin Curtis in October, the 3.5-inch display allows the user to touch the screen with just a thumb.

The big important question is when will this device be launched? 9to5Mac is claiming that it will be in winter (our time) next year – though that would make the iPhone 4S less than a year old before being succeeded by a new-generation iPhone.

Like I said, take it with a grain of salt.

Two separate reports from Taiwanese publication Digitimes is reporting that Apple could be overhauling all of its product lines in 2012 – including the iPhone, iMac, iPad and MacBook Air lines. These are coming from, as usual, ‘anonymous sources within’.

One report claims that the iPad 3 is set to launch in March, with all the internal suppliers and components secured by December. However, things get a bit confusing from there. The real iPad 3 is most likely going to be released in the third-quarter of 2012, with the one coming in March set to be an “upgraded iPad 2″.

According to Digitimes’ anonymous source, the “upgraded iPad 2″ would offer a longer battery life and a thinner body.

Another report, again quoting anonymous sources, has revealed that the company has asked its suppliers to produce screens for two prototypes called J1 and J2 with different LED and flat panel requirements. These could add fuel for a high-resolution iPad 3, with difficulties cited as why they have prevented the company to do so.

Apple Insider adds that it also falls in line with a report that its suppliers are producing a 1600×1200 resolution display if they could not get the 2046×1536 resolution screen working.

The same source is also noted that the next versions of the iPhone and iMac are to be revealed in “the second half of 2012″.

Some interesting rumour mill content, but these are coming from Digitimes. The publication has a somewhat bad track record in recent years in getting rumours right. So, like we always do for rumours, take this with a bit (or in this case, since it comes from them, a lot) of scepticism about this actually occurring.

While Nokia is saying bon voyage to Symbian and MeeGo, it appears that there could be two Windows Phone 7 phones that could come out at the same time. We know about Nokia’s Sea Ray phone (which looks like the Nokia N9), but a leak has revealed the name of the other – the Nokia Sabre.

The leak, spotted by WPCentral, came from Microsoft Canada in their competition page in celebration of Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, detailing what you have won:

The type of Windows Phone 7.5 will vary and will be selected at Microsoft’s choosing (examples include Samsung Yukon, Samsung Wembley, NOKIA Searay and NOKIA Sabre)

You can also see a full image of it here.

Speculation is saying that it will have a 3.7-inch display and support microSIM cards. We also know that it is estimated retail price is $600, per the confirmation in the terms. In addition to the leak, Microsoft has also confirmed the existence of two Samsung phones – the Yukon and Wembley, both also unknown to the tech industry until now.

However, if Nokia is to launch two phones with WP7, it could mean that Nokia is pushing Windows Phone 7, and hard. It needs to make up ground, as rivals Apple, Samsung and HTC – the latter two makers of Windows Phone 7 phones in addition to Android – are eating their market share.

Also, I should point out that Nokia World is coming in October, so maybe we could find out more details when it approaches.

Image: Nexus404

Ah rumours, you’ve got the internet hyped up again. Another Apple rumour has emerged and it could see a major revamp of the iPod lineup with claims that the Cupertino-based company will be axing its iPod Classic and iPod Shuffle products.

The rumour comes from The Unofficial Apple Weblog, who claim:

It seems that the “product transition” Apple mentioned on the last earnings call could very well be within the iPod line. Specifically, if you want to buy an iPod shuffle or iPod classic from Apple, you should do it sooner rather than later. We’ve heard those two iPods are getting the axe this year.

The last update to the iPod classic was 2007, with minor modifications such as increasing or decreasing the capacity; while the iPod shuffle’s revamp was last year after its previous design was universally panned by reviewers.

The iPod classic however remains the only one with the highest capacity with a pricetag that is under a 32GB iPod touch. Yes, it’s relatively cheap when compared with that. And as such, it is a perfect way to store most of your music collection and back it up as, unlike the iPod touch and iPhone, there is a way to get your music out of it.

It would be sad to see the iPod classic go, and the iPod shuffle as it is the “entry-level” iPod, but it is understandable. The iPod touch makes up most of the iPod sales, which has been making a smaller percentage of Apple’s revenue since the iPhone and now the iPad have emerged.

Though, expect to find this in your bargain bin during the holiday season if it axed. It’ll be a great thing to buy for yourself.

Image: Techspot

Wait, what? Yes, apparently a recent rumour appearing all over the internet is that Steam is coming to the Xbox 360 – all based on an addition to its support page options that state quite clearly “XBOX Support”. Right…

It would definitely see a shift in Microsoft’s stance as it refused to support its Steamworks API in favour of its Xbox Live service. The only console that currently supports its API is the PlayStation 3 – though, if you could get it on the Wii, I know a friend who would be very very indebted to you.

But remember, Tokyo Game Show is coming around the corner, so are we seeing an upcoming announcement? Probably not, but we will see.

Source: Techspot

According to DigiTimes, the site claims that the body of the iPhone 5 will become metal rather than reinforced glass, and would adopt a 3.5-inch to 3.7-inch display. The body has been designed with a bezel to make it appear thinner and screen bigger.

I’m assuming Apple has screen envy.

The site said:

The sources pointed out that the upcoming iPhone will not have many differences compared to iPhone 4 in terms of components and the panel will still be less than 4-inch.

The sources added that the iPhone 5 will adopt a 3.5- to 3.7-inch panel with a design to allow the bezel of the panel to become thinner and make the screen look larger.

This contradicts rumours that the screen could be 4 to 4.2-inches. The same rumour also points to an 8-megapixel camera with full HD video recording and will feature the A5 dual-core processor.

It appears that an iPhone 5 will likely come out now. Optus and Vodafone have now reduced the price of the iPhone 3GS – now available on a $29 cap without any payment upfront. So, this price cut would seemly suggest that Apple will be axing it soon.

Will it, or won’t it? That’s the biggest question on a supposed iPad 3 launch – you know, the successor of the less-than-a-year-old iPad 2. Now, the rumour mill is spouting out that the iPad 3 won’t come out this year after all, mainly because of the screen.

According to Digitimes, the iPad 3′s screen is the primary reason why it has been delayed. Turns out, Apple wants a screen that has a higher resolution, but the current crop of screens that Apple wants are not satisfactory. Also, it points to the cost, as the screens are “mainly supplied” by Sharp Electronics “with a high price”.

The Cupertino-based company was meant to ship out 1.5-2 million units in the third quarter and another 5-6 million in the fourth quarter.

However, who thinks that Apple will ever release an iPad 3 while the iPad 2 is less than one year old. Introducing another version would simply be out of pattern for a company that seems to be obsessed with following patterns.

The news comes from a Japanese website Kodawarisan, who claim that there will be a refresh to the product line.

Apple traditionally has slotted a iPod related press event for the past few years around September, and it’s not unusual to hear rumours of it now.

However, what is interesting is that we have news that Apple could be announcing or selling the iPhone 5 in September or October, and this could be a way to show the newest edition of the smartphone. Which would totally piss off a lot of Verizon folks who jumped ship and signed new contracts keeping them locked in with their CDMA iPhone 4.

What’s also interesting is that the iPod refresh hasn’t been leaked out. That’s got to mean something – that Apple really is using the iPhone 5 as a distraction, or it has nothing to release this year. If it is the latter option, then does this mean that the iPod is now no longer seen as core?

Image: Asdelpar/DeviantArt

Get the Rumour Mill churning. Latest Apple rumours are pointing towards an iTunes upgrade coming soon, with version 11 having a brand new user interface, full scale merger between the iTunes store and integration with iBooks and iCloud.

According to sources talking to iDonwloadBlog, the user interface is to be revamped from the ground up to be cleaner and “slick”. This would mean the first change in the UI since the very first addition, rather than changing the colour scheme; in addition, since it is being coded from the ground up, it could mean that it could run faster rather than being bloated as it is today.

In addition, iCloud and the iTunes Store are set to be integrated within the application – with the iTunes Store said to be like Spotify in the US and the UK. iCloud will also provide a way to backup songs and application data to iTunes, meaning that your entire records from Angry Birds will not be lost when you sync your computers.

Meanwhile, subtly added to a report by Boy Genius Report, the new version of iTunes is set to be released in September alongside the release of iOS 5 and iCloud. It is also said that it will finally let you read iBooks that you have purchased, rather than simply store them and then sync them to your iOS device to read them.

But if it means a less than bloated version of iTunes? I’m happy.

Mock Image by Terence Huynh/TECHGEEK.com.au

Samsung, one of the big backers of Google’s Android, is rumoured to be creating a Windows Phone 7 version of the massively popular Android-powered Galaxy S II, after clues have emerged online hinting at its creation.

Found on OccasionalGamer’s cache, the site lists a “Samsung SGH-i937″ being recorded. In addition, the phone is said to be running on the upcoming version Windows Phone 7.5 Mango after a Bluetooth profile, according to WMPowerUser, looks exactly the same for other Mango-powered devices.

Of course, Samsung has also made phones for Windows Phone 7, but with this it now hints at a Mango phone. In addition, if it were to feature the exact same specs as the Samsung Galaxy S II, then get ready to see a 4.3-inch AMOLED display, 1GHz dual core processor, 1GB of RAM, an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 2 megapixel front-facing camera. Essentially – it, with Nokia, would give a big boost to Windows Phone 7′s hope to competing against Android’s high-end phones.

Though this move could be a way in order to combat a threat from Nokia resurging back into the marketplace with its Windows Phone 7 deal. In fact, the deal sees Nokia having much more customisation ability than its competitors and providing much of its technologies – such as its far-superior mapping application to the phone. Samsung, however, could overshadow this if it continues providing excellent hardware to its phone – something that Nokia is doing as well. However, the look of the phone isn’t good when compared to the Finnish phone maker.

For Microsoft, however, any phone that looks good and performs excellent under its OS – then Windows Phone 7 could compete against the others.

According to VideoGamer.com, the next generation console could be based on DirectX 11 as Crytek is using it as a basis for developing a new version of TimeSplitters – which has been in “development hell” since 2009.

According to a high-ranking industry official at Crytek, a version of TimeSplitters 4 is being demoed internally in the company.

Also, there has been rumours that an Electronic Arts studio has gotten a unit of a new Xbox console, and was sent and stored inside a PC shell in order to create some new games for a supposed new console. While EA denies the story, Microsoft has not comment on it.

Job postings also have revealed that Microsoft is looking for people to build its next-generation team. However, it can be assumed that the console is in very early development – but still in development nevertheless.

So what can we expect in the new console? What do you want in a new console? Comment below.

The news comes from Digitimes, which has a miss-hit track ratio, so you should view this with a grain with salt. While it is unusual for Microsoft to adopt this method, it could set a benchmark for its partners to achieve or even better.

“Microsoft has been seeking business opportunities outside of PC-related markets and is aggressively launching own-brand products, Xbox 360 is currently the only own-brand product line that Microsoft has achieved success, while Zune media player, Kin smartphone and own-brand TVs all had unsatisfactory performance,” the article said.

It’s not the first time Microsoft has adopted its own thing rather than going to its partners – such as the ill-fated KIN. It’s also won’t be the first time Redmond has experimented with tablets. The company’s Courier project had two tablet screens attached at a side. The company ditched the project after one of its chief architects left the company.

According to Peter Misek, Apple’s new phone would more likely be a iPhone 4S, with minor changes, including “better cameras, A5 dual-core processor, and HSPA+ support”.

LTE, however, “is currently not achieving yields sufficient for inclusion in the iPhone 5″ – despite many phones, such as Motorola ATRIX, are supporting the new standard, which is faster than 3G speeds. Verizon, in the USA, is currently one of the biggest pushers of the new standard.

Misek is also saying that distribution deals for Sprint and T-Mobile (which is being acquired by AT&T) could come during the holidays. Other rumoured carriers to be getting the iPhone 4S will be China Mobile. In China, only China Unicom has the rights to it, despite the fact that both carriers are owned by the Chinese Government.

Just before Easter hits around the corner, there is a new rumour out there that claims that Apple will release a brand new shell design for the iPhone 5 that could be more like its sister product, the iPod touch, and could have a “teardrop shape”.

The shape, according to Joshua Topolsky from This is My Next, is said to be along the lines of the MacBook Air design. His source also claims that the home button will be enlarged, and the screen will be extended to fit near the edge. Also rumours have emerged that Apple could drop the screen pixel density to 312ppi (pixels per inch) from 326ppi, or even as far as 288ppi – the latter unable to be classified as “Retina Display” – but with a 4-inch display.

Of course, the image above is a mock-up (provided by the site). But this is one of the many rumours all over the web about the phone, so get ready to expect more (and even contradictory) rumours.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the move is to add more tools to power users of Twitter. However, it could also be interpreted to have a “Twitter for Windows” and “Twitter for Linux” application, due to Tweetdeck’s cross-platform support thanks to Adobe AIR.

It has already gotten a Twitter application for both iOS and Mac due to a previous acquisition of Tweetie, while also having an official application for BlackBerry OS, Windows Phone 7 and Android.

While Tweetdeck refused to comment on the story, according to the article, Twitter has since come out with a comment on the story:

We don't comment on rumors. We don't provide off-the-record background on rumors. We don't wink twice or release puffs of smoke abt rumors

April 19, 2011 7:29 AM via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@twitterglobalpr

Twitter Comms

Twitter’s buyout of a large client (it is the most popular Twitter client) does also mean that Twitter is now closing off an area which has helped propel Twitter usage, especially with us. Twitter recently told developers that they should not build any more clients, hinting at Twitter’s move to the market – which remains very controversial amongst developers.

Tweetdeck has made some improvements in order to differentiate itself from the web browser and its other rivals, such as allowing users to tweet longer with Deck.ly. However, the full tweet will be seen on Tweetdeck users, others will have to click a link to see the full link. It also a way to see videos and images within the app without opening a browser, such as YouTube and Yfrog.

Yes, even before we had the actual iPad 2 – and who knows when that will be out – the web is speaking about rumours about version 3 that could have a retina screen and another product that could be the size in between the original iPad and the iPod touch.

According to an analyst talking to AppleInsider, it is purported that the iPad 3 Retina Display will feature FFS (fringe-field switching), meaning that it would be able to be clear even under direct sunlight, and resolution would be 2048×1536 – substantially larger than the current one.

And why isn’t the iPad 2 not getting it? Well, according to the analyst: “making a high resolution and bright IPS/FFS panel is not easy and the production volume and cost couldn’t meet Apple’s requirements.”

As well, the company might be planning an “iPad mini” device, that would act as a in-between device between the iPod touch and the existing iPad. However, it might not be under the iPad, but the iPod brand and could feature a screen between 5-7 inches.

Well, since this is the iPad 3 rumour, expect more somewhere next year.

RUMOUR MILL: While we got a lot of details of Android 3.0 Honeycomb, the version that has been designed for tablets in mind (and many tablets using Android are waiting for it), there is rumours that Google could be showing the “inner workings” of Honeycomb next week.

According to All Things D, the event – scheduled to take place next Wednesday – will show off many other pieces of the OS and will have hands-on demos to allow journalists to see if the OS is good or not, something that was not able to be done at the original announcement.

But, while we love learning some of the little tidbits of the OS, many tablets – such as the Motorola XOOM – are still awaiting for Honeycomb to be released officially, so Android’s desire to be a tablet OS rests in the hands of Google.

The rumour is pretty vague itself, but it claims that iTunes controls will be present in Safari and that “Moving iTunes organizational side-bar into Safari isn’t a monumental task”, according to the rumour’s monger Three Guys and a Podcast.

However, its very unlikely – well, more than 99 percent more unlikely – that Apple would ditch the software that is popular with the iPod and iOS devices; but a web-only, streaming option would be a more likely outcome – and hopefully that is the case, after it acquired lala for $80 million two years ago and hasn’t used what it acquired.

And probably, the move would really piss Europe.

RUMOUR MILL:

Digitimes claims that Apple is expected to launch at least four new upgraded MacBook Pros that include a slight change in the chassis and upgraded to Mac OS X 10.7 Lion; while the new iMac is said to feature a new panel size and a new price point in order to attract “the mainstream market”.

Other than that, details are sparse. However, expect an Apple event in January – using the ever predictable calendar – that could see a major refresh in its non-iPhone and non-iPod lineup.

RUMOUR MILL:

The site also says that the entire iLife range will become native 64-bit (possibly iTunes as well).

While this may be as a shock to some, it is expected as Apple moves forward in blurring the line between pro and family-able applications. 64-bit would mean your iMovies and alike will become a lot faster by utilising Grand Central Dispatch as well as 64-bit only speed and stability.

Mac4Ever also makes the bold prediction that Apple is preparing a new application for Windows that will allow for FaceTime on a Windows PC and adding support for FaceTime in iChat. While adding support in iChat is expected, it will be interesting to see how Apple play the PC-card in this field of social networking.

And for those of you who have forgotten, FaceTime is an open-source technology, headed by Apple, that will be “on tens of millions of devices” by the end of the year, according to Mr. Jobs.

Oh, and one more thing… check back soon for Stewart’s iPad review too. Let me just say on the matter of iPad, it’s definitely worth the money.

Source: AppleInsider Article

RUMOUR MILL: Looks like the iPhone may be expanding to more carriers than AT&T in the US with Deutsche Telekom’s T-Mobile USA possibly getting some iPhones to sell later this month. Well, that is if a tweet by Wired editor-in-chief Chris Anderson is proven correct, quoting a manager.

However, don’t get your hopes up. It’s not the latest, and most problematic, iPhone 4; but will instead be the predecessor, the iPhone 3GS. At least you will still get the full features of iOS 4. Just not the retina screen, the dual cameras, FaceTime, the fast A4 processor and HD video recording.

Is this Apple finally opening up, or is this Apple simply being smart by giving the leftovers to another carrier, giving exclusivity to AT&T over its latest versions of the iPhone?

At least in Australia (and parts all over the world), we have all three major carriers selling the iPhone 4. At least we have a choice in paying for a crap network.

According to The Wall Street Journal, quoting those familiar with the matter, the deal will allow users to watch the show on the variety of Apple products and on iTunes and watch the show just once before it is deleted.

ABC’s involvement has been widely expected, due to Apple’s Steve Jobs is the largest shareholder of its parent company Disney after its acquisition of Pixar. Fox’s involvement, however, will see some limitations, including only rentals on shows it airs and produces, and a limited number of episodes.

The deal will not affect any cable channels, or shows like American Idol because digital rights are not handled by Fox.