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Dear Aunt TUAW: Buy an iPad mini now or wait?
Dear Aunt TUAW, Would you suggest this generation of the iPad mini is worth getting, or waiting for the next-generation, which may have Retina display is a better option? Your loving niece, Stephanie S Dear Stephanie, The best time to buy hardware is when you need it. If you can use the mini now, and feel it's a good value, then go ahead and pick it up. The secret is to make a buy/don't buy decision on the current offerings, not necessarily the iPad minis that may or may not be announced in the future. In the past few years, Apple has refreshed its iPad line around March/April. Auntie has no indication that they'll do so again this year -- especially after adding new hardware this Autumn -- or that they will not. It's likely that Retina displays will continue to appear across Apple's line, but the current budget-priced iPad mini has not received one. That the iPad 2 continues as a strong seller in the tablet arena shows that people want an iPad more than they want a Retina display. Several of Auntie's friends here at the Weblog own minis, and love the portable form factor combined with the iPad experience. Auntie is waiting for the first set of refurbished iPad minis, which she expects to see somewhere around April. Far from purchasing at the peak, Auntie often waits for better deals on slightly outdated hardware for the best buying value. If you want Retina, you can always consider purchasing a refurb third-generation full-sized iPad, starting at about $380. You will, however, sacrifice the mini's portability. Got advice for Stephanie? Add your thoughts to the comments. Hugs, Auntie T.
Street Fighter X Sanrio line from Mad Catz includes arcade stick, iPhone/iPad cases
We're not entirely sure why Street Fighter's 25th anniversary equates to a cross-promotional merchandising deal with Sanrio, but man are we glad that it does. Not only do we get adorable figures and plushies out of the partnership, but now Mad Catz has introduced a line of Street Fighter X Sanrio products that are both the cutest and have practical applications beyond said cuteness.Obviously, the Street Fighter X Sanrio Fighstick Pro (above) tugs at a very, very specific part of our heart, even if it does cost $160. While not stated specifically in any of its promotional materials, we feel it's safe to assume the arcade stick uses the same Sanwa Denshi parts as the Street Fighter X Tekken Fightstick Pro models it's based on. Just, you know, very pink.The line also includes iPhone 5 and iPad 2/3 cases in your choice of Hello Kitty Chun-Li or Hello Kitty Ryu flavors, which run for $35 and $45 respectively and can be seen in the gallery below.%Gallery-173109%
Does it matter if the iPad mini cannibalizes iPad sales?
On October 23rd, Apple introduced its fourth-generation iPad, the iPad mini and a slew of Mac refreshes. Somewhat lost in the reaction to those launches and refreshes was what I think is the most interesting story of all: the iPad 2, and how competitive it has been in this market. Today, a bit of the iPad 2 story is hitting the news as analysts discuss whether the iPad 2 and the iPad mini are cannibalizing iPad sales. I think there's a bigger discussion to be had that goes beyond basic cannibalization. I hope you'll have patience with me as I try to draw together a number of different strands. The iPad 2 is an amazing device. It is, in many ways, the little tablet that could. It offers a complete tablet experience at a very affordable price. In discussing the iPad mini price point, Phil Schiller stated, "The most affordable product we've made so far was $399 and people were choosing that over those devices." [emphasis mine] Consumers were saying that they wanted Apple, that they wanted iPad and that they were willing to forego premium features like the Retina display, upgraded cameras, LTE connectivity and better processors to purchase that experience. It's often taken for granted that Apple doesn't cater to value buyers, but I think that it does. From the Mac mini to the iPod shuffle, Apple has had a place for frugal buyers -- offering great value at lower price points. If you're thinking about comparing specs, as Amazon did quite pointedly, you're missing the mark. Yes, I could buy "more computer" for the same price I just spent on my new Mac mini, but buying Apple is about not compromising the quality of your computing experience. Hardware specs are just that: bloodless specifications that say precious little about your actual day-to-day experience. There's a reason Apple keeps earning those "satisfied consumer" awards. Buying Apple is about retaining customers for life -- not someone who buys Asus one year and Kleeborp the next. With Apple, you hook consumers on the experience, the ecosystem and the consistency. That's why I think positioning another member of the tablet family around/below the current iPad 2 price point is much smarter than people are giving Apple credit for. In a tough economy, Apple is filling all the seats in its stadium, not just the ones near the field. Metaphorically speaking, it's about how much each seat costs. Concert tickets are typically offered at many price points. And yet stadiums still sell out. The notion that someone will merely buy an iPad 2 or iPad mini once, then never buy an Apple product again, denies about 30 years of buying pattern data and the Apple halo effect. While analysists discuss exactly how much the mini is going to cannibalize premium iPad sales, Apple can take a longer view. Bringing customers into the Apple ecosystem, regardless of which level they arrive on, helps lock them into long-term profits that derive from secondary services like App Store, iTunes and iCloud -- not to mention future hardware sales. Apple is making money on each iPad sale, while Amazon loses money on each Kindle Fire HD. Plus, the iPad doesn't feel like a commerce portal the way the Fire does. Consumers are buying a full tablet experience, not a front end to a mall. These are lifestyle purchases. An iPad 2 or iPad mini customer is making an investment in doing things, having fun and accomplishing tasks on their device, not just floating on an upward cycle of durable goods sales. In today's Washington Post, analyst Sameer Sing points out that documents sourced from the Apple/Samsung patent case indicate that "iPad 2 cannibalized approximately 60 percent of third-generation iPad sales, i.e. for every 5 million iPad 2 buyers, Apple lost 3 million third-generation." This cannibalization would presumably extend from the iPad 2 to the iPad mini over time. Do the mini and the iPad 2 primarly cannibalize sales or create them? Perhaps there's a third option: instead, they could be building a new class of Apple customer. In a depressed economy, many consumers aren't looking to buy premium. The iPad mini and the iPad 2 offer an attractive lifestyle-purchase option compared to the Kindle Fire and the Nexus 7. As Steve Jobs once said, you make good stuff and people will buy it. The mini and the iPad 2 bring that good stuff within the purchasing radius of many more potential customers.
You're the Pundit: How low will the mini go?
When it comes to evaluating the next big thing, we turn to our secret weapon: the TUAW braintrust. We put the question to you and let you have your go at it. Today's topic is the iPad mini's price. The low end Kindle Fire retails at $159 and the HD at $199. (Bezos recently confirmed that their devices sell at cost, with no profit.) The Google Nexus 7 is $249. The re-engineered iPod touch starts at $299 for a 32GB unit. The lowest-end new iPads (not the "new iPad", but new 16GB "iPad 2" units) start at $399. Assuming Apple does launch a 7.85" iPad mini unit in a few weeks, how will it price it into this existing marketplace? Does it have to leave room for the iPod touch with its 4" Retina screen, enhanced cameras, and groovy colors? Or can it sell itself at the same price point or lower with its bigger screen and bargain features? (Groovy colors remain welcome, however.) Could Apple launch the mini at $299 or even $199 without undercutting their product line? Or should even the littlest-iPad-that-could bring enough features to the table to match the performance and price of the iPad 2? You tell us. Place your vote in this poll and then join in the comments with all your analysis. %Poll-78245%
Virginia Beach McDonald's adds free iPad use to its menu, McRib still seasonal
In an age of grab and go eating, it seems somewhat odd that a fast food restaurant would feature an attraction that causes its patrons to drop anchor and stay. However, the house with well over one billion served is doing just that. A Virginia Beach McDonald's has leveraged the popularity of another Big Mac maker, by stocking its location with free to use iPads. Yes, the tablets are mounted on tables, but after polishing off a hearty array of Mcfixings, you're likely to be bolted to your seat as well. Franchise owner Hugh Fard got the idea while attending the annual worldwide McDonald's convention in Florida. While it's great to see major eateries incorporating the use of new technology, we can only wonder just how greasy shiny those fancy Retina displays will be after spending a day under the golden arches.
iOS 6 review
More Info iOS 5 review Apple unveils iOS 6 at WWDC, launch apps with Siri, Facebook integration, Maps iOS 6 coming to iPhone 4S, 4, 3GS, new iPad, iPad 2 and iPod Touch on September 19th Starting tomorrow, iOS users will be prompted to update their devices to the newest iteration of Apple's mobile operating system. As difficult as it is to believe, we're already onto the sixth version of the OS, which continues to be updated with new features on a yearly basis. After pushing out so many upgrades critical to plugging a few major feature holes, the vast majority of its 200 advertised enhancements are strictly granular, as Apple continues to polish its popular OS. That doesn't mean, though, that this build is coming to the masses without any jarring UI changes: Apple has declared independence from Google by adopting its own Maps, added a few nice features to Mail and iCloud, thrown Facebook integration into the mix and introduced the Passbook for paperless tickets. The question is, how does it stack up against previous refreshes? Read on to find out.
iOS 6 coming to iPhone 4S, 4, 3GS, new iPad, iPad 2 and iPod Touch on September 19th
We know what we're getting from iOS 6 and won't have to wait long for it. Apple's new mobile OS will land on existing phones, tablets and media players on September 19th -- a week from today. As was mentioned when we first saw iOS 6, the cut-off appears to be the iPhone 3GS, while tablets starting from the second iteration will be able to access Apple's new feature set. Check out our liveblog of Apple's event to get the latest news as it happens!
Elgato releases EyeTV Mobile for iPad, iPhone
Elgato used Germany's IFA 2012 tradeshow as a springboard to announce a new version of its EyeTV Mobile product for the iPhone and iPad. The dongle connects to the dock connector and lets a user receive DVB-T broadcasts on their iOS device. Due to improved chip technology, the latest version of EyeTV Mobile is significantly smaller than previous models. EyeTV Mobile will go on sale in September for £89.95 through Elgato's online storefront and other resellers. It's compatible with the new iPad, the iPad 2 and the iPhone 4S. The companion EyeTV Mobile app is available for free from the iOS App Store. [Via Engadget] Show full PR text IFA 2012: Elgato presents mobile TV solutions for iPad, iPhone and Android Munich, August 30, 2012 – Elgato today unveiled the new EyeTV Mobile, a redesigned, even smaller model of its highly acclaimed DVB-T TV Tuner designed to fit the iPad's and iPhone's dock connector. With the IFA 2012 launch of the new EyeTV Mobile comes the announcement of EyeTV Micro, an ultra-compact DVB-T TV Tuner for Android smartphones and tablets. Also on display at this years IFA is the Game Capture HD, Elgato's solution for recording and sharing PlayStation or Xbox gameplay. Visit Elgato in Hall 12 / 113. An even smaller EyeTV Mobile Thanks to highly efficient chip technology, the new EyeTV Mobile is just half the size of any other TV tuner for the dock connector. Despite its ultra-compact enclosure, EyeTV Mobile can be used with different aerials to get the best possible reception both on the move and at home. EyeTV Mobile will be available for the new iPad (3rd generation), iPad 2, and iPhone 4S in September at a price of GBP 89.95 £ through Elgato's online shop and resellers. The EyeTV Mobile app is free and is available on the App Store. EyeTV Micro turns Androids into TVs EyeTV Micro brings powerful DVB-T reception, extreme portability, and clean design to Android. It connects to the Micro USB port which is common on many smartphones and tablets. Alternatively, EyeTV Micro can be connected to a computer using the included USB adapter cable, and Mac or PC software. EyeTV Micro ships with different aerial options to deliver the best possible reception both on the move and at home. It will be available in September for Android devices with a dual-core CPU, NEON support and Android 4.0.3 ("Ice Cream Sandwich") at a price of GBP £54.95 through Elgato's online shop and resellers. The EyeTV Micro app is free and is available on Google Play. Game Capture HD Elgato also shows the Game Capture HD a simple and stylish solution for recording and sharing PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 gameplay using a Mac or PC. With Elgato Game Capture HD, gameplay videos are easier to record, edit and share than ever before thanks to its innovative hardware design, powerful H.264 encoder, and software that is specifically tailored to gamers needs. Elgato Game Capture HD is available for EUR £179.95 .
Elgato outs smaller EyeTV Mobile for iPhones and iPads, EyeTV Micro for Android
It was at the last IFA we got some time with Elgato's EyeTV Mobile for the iPad, and this year they're at it again with a redesigned iDongle and a brand new model for Android gear. The smaller EyeTV Mobile will have you watching DVB-T broadcasts on your iPhone 4S or iPad (2 or new), while the EyeTV Micro swaps Apple's dock connector for, you guessed it, microUSB. Not all Android devices support the Micro -- you'll need a dual-core CPU, Neon support and at least the 4.0.3 build of ICS. That said, the Micro's a generous little chap, as you can use the included USB cable to hook it up to your PC or Mac and get your TV fix on bigger screens, too. Both peripherals can be used with myriad aerials to meet your reception needs, provided you're in Europe, of course. The Mobile and Micro will be available in September for £89.95 and £54.95 (around $143 and $87), respectively, and we hope to see one on the show floor before IFA 2012 is done, so stay tuned.
LaunchPort releasing AP.3 sleeve for juicing your new iPad the inductive way
LaunchPort is finally releasing a sleeve for the new iPad, which makes it compatible with the company's inductive charging gear. It goes on sale in September for a hefty $149, and of course, you'll also need at least one $199 tabletop or wall mount to connect it to. The sleeve also works with the iPad 2, and if you're thinking about getting one, be quick -- it's only a matter of time before resonance charging renders inductive juicing a little passé.
Motorola's latest ITC complaint against Apple targets newer iOS devices and Macs, messaging and sync
Motorola filed its most recent ITC complaint against Apple so late into last week that the court system couldn't immediately provide more details; we're only just seeing documents now that the weekend is over. As it stands, the case involves seven patents that mostly touch on staple technologies of the modern mobile world, such as syncing messages between devices and bookmarking media playback on one device to resume on another. Does that last technique sound familiar? You might recall it being a cornerstone of the movie and podcast support that Apple has implemented since 2005. Despite reaching that far back into history, Motorola is just as eager to modernize the targeted hardware list to keep its complaints relevant -- the current iPad, the iPhone 4S and other devices are at risk of a trade ban, posing more of a threat to Apple's bottom line than the dust-covered (and near-finished) initial legal challenge from October 2010. Before coming to any conclusions, though, remember that the newer complaint isn't likely to have any speedy resolution of its own. Past ITC cases have usually taken a year and a half to complete, which could leave most or all of today's technology as another distant memory.
Engadget's back to school guide 2012: tablets
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! The end of summer vacation isn't nearly as much fun as the weeks that come before, but a chance to update your tech tools likely helps to ease the pain. Today, we're leaning back with our tablets -- and you can head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of August we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- you can hit up the hub page right here! Your back may be straining from the textbooks, laptop, gym gear and lunch in that dangling overstuffed messenger, but you're still gonna want to save room for one more item -- a tablet. After all, while you can surf, tweet, play games and watch video from your other devices, there's nothing like doing it from a simple glass window that sits in the palm of your hand. As the hardware gets more powerful, these devices are rapidly becoming versatile enough to let you justify leaving the laptop at home on less-intensive days, so why not check out our picks of the finest devices you should be using and abusing before, during and after class.
Dear Aunt TUAW: Which iPad should I buy?
Dear Aunt TUAW, I decided to sell my iPad 1 and pick up an iPad 2 or 3. not sure which one yet. I will see what the [next iPhone] launch brings. Also, in your opinion will the iPad 2 be supported longer than the iPad 1 was? Just trying to decide what to buy next. Your loving nephew, Blake Dear Blake, The move from iPad 1 to iPad 2 was revolutionary; from iPad 2 to "new iPad" more evolutionary. Auntie's pretty sure that some new tablet hotness will appear next Spring, but she's uncertain whether Uncle John is right about an upcoming miniPad this Autumn-- he's been sounding the drums loudly, when he isn't sneaking cookies from the pantry. It's hard to make buying decisions mid-year, when you're out of phase from the normal delivery time, but Auntie (as always) has an opinion. She recommends buying a new or refurb iPad 2. (The refurb models are $130 off, and give you 3G and GPS for the same price as new WiFi models.) iPad 2 models currently start at $399 and Auntie thinks they'll retain a good part of that value come this Spring, when you can do the eBay-mambo-trade, and swap up to the newer new iPad, i.e. what the marketplace will call the iPad 4. The "new iPad" a.k.a. iPad 3 (see what Auntie did there?) is a great device, and Auntie thinks it's dripping with tech hotness, but we're already almost 5 months into its life cycle. If you have the money, sure, go ahead and buy. The Retina display is brilliant -- or it is when you can see it through your drool tracks -- and who doesn't love Siri? But most of us are counting our pennies these days and Auntie thinks the 2 is currently a better buy. Will the iPad 2 be supported longer than the iPad 1? Given that the 3GS, which the iPad could beat into a jelly, is still supported, well, Auntie cannot say. Do not listen to the wind, and do not depend on Apple to support your babies longer than it must. Hugs, Auntie T.
PSA: Google's 3D City View and Tour Guide arrives for Google Earth on iOS today
Google's 3D City View is now available on iOS. The Google Earth update adds three-dimensional imagery to major locations including Washington D.C, San Francisco and Boston. It's arriving alongside Tour Guide; select a notable attraction to go straight to it, with accompanying trivia you can bore your friends with later. Sadly 3D maps requires the processing hardware of the iPhone 4S, iPad 2 or the third-generation iPad, but other iOS (4.2 or higher) device users can still get access to Tour Guide. Unsurprisingly, the update's available via the App Store -- but you shouldn't need a map to find your way there.
CordLite illuminated iOS dock connector cable hands-on (video)
Love or hate it, Apple's 30-pin dock connector is no easier to attach than a standard micro-USB plug. That's not to say that it's tremendously difficult to link an iOS device with its proprietary cable, but it can be a nuisance on occasion, especially when you're fumbling around in the dark. CordLite makes that standard-issue dock connector cable a bit more nighttime friendly, adding a pair of touch-activated white LEDs to the left and right of the metal lead. Instead of the familiar white, this third-party Apple cable is finished in black (white is available, too), with a silver connector at the tail end. That component itself is noticeably wider, longer and thicker than its Apple-designed counterpart, but that's to be expected, given the added electronics. After you connect the USB plug to a computer or power source, the opposite end is ready to go to work, lighting up just as soon as you touch its metal housing. It powers off just as quickly, once it's docked with your iPhone, iPad or iPod. We took the cable for a spin earlier today, and while the device we received is an early prototype, it still worked just fine, lighting up and turning off on cue, and pairing our iPhone with a MacBook just as any old dock connector cable has in the past. There's not much more to it than that -- the cable works, and we can see how it could be useful in low-light situations, such as at the bedside, in a car or while riding on a plane. It could theoretically also double as a flash light, and given that you're most likely to use it in a dark environment, it could be equally suited for non-iOS-related scenarios as well. CordLite isn't available for purchase yet, but you can be one of the first to receive a cable if you hop on board the company's Kickstarter campaign. Pledges of $30 or more will net you one CordLite in black or white after the device's estimated October ship date -- assuming the project meets its $70,000 funding goal before next week. For now, you can take a closer look in our hands-on video after the break, and rest assured that your days of blindly connecting your iPhone may very well be numbered.%Gallery-158639%
iPad Smart Case hands-on
Surreptitiously introduced to Apple Stores in the midst of new MacBook introductions and hardware refreshes, the Smart Case is Apple's latest official option for iPad protection. It's teamed together the foldable Smart Cover of last year with a soft-touch rubbery shell to defend the other half of Apple's premier tablet. The case fits both the Retina display-decked new iPad and the iPad 2, so we decided to grab one to protect our iOS slab. Does it do the job? Well, it certainly protects the tablet from keys, spare change and other pointy objects, however, because it's made for two slightly different sized devices, it didn't fit as snugly as we'd hoped, with an especially wide rim around the front also reducing the premium feel of the Smart Cover-esque front flap. So, is it still worth the $50 price tag? That's a little trickier to say, so check out some more impressions and our verdict after the break.%Gallery-158414%
PSA: Which iOS 6 features can my device run? (update: more iPhone 3GS support)
So you're eagerly awaiting iOS 6 in the fall, but you'd like to know just how many features you'll end up skipping if you cling on to your existing iPad, iPhone or iPod touch for one more generation. Apple has gone to the trouble of alerting would-be upgraders just what features they'll get when they check for the update this fall, and we've compiled it in a chart for an at-a-glance view of what you'll need. The short answer: you'll want an iPhone 4S if you're craving every iOS 6 feature. Some feature gaps are defined by obvious differences like the absence of cellular hardware, but the performance limits of the iPhone 3GS or fourth-generation iPod touch turn their upgrades into a patchwork. There's also a pair of questions about iPod touch support and whether or not "iPhone 4 or later" explicitly rules out the media player; we'll update should we know more. Either way, it's evident that Apple is bending over backwards to support burgeoning markets, but also that anyone who bought in 2010 or earlier is feeling the pressure to pick up something new -- especially original iPad owners, who can't upgrade at all. iPhone 3GS iPod touch iPhone 4 iPhone 4S iPad 2 iPad (2012) Chinese service integration X X X X X X Facebook integration X X X X X X FaceTime over 3G/4G - - - X - X Flyover and turn-by-turn GPS - - - X X X Guided Access X X X X X X Made for iPhone hearing aids - - - X - - New content stores X X X X X X Offline Reading List - ? X X X X Passbook X X X X - - Phone replies and reminders X - X X - - Safari tab syncing X X X X X X Shared Photo Streams X X X X X X Siri - - - X - X VIP list, flagged/VIP mailboxes X X X X X X Update: Since we first posted this, Apple has updated its support to add Shared Photo Streams and the VIP list support going all the way back to the iPhone 3GS. Support is much more consistent now, even if it still leaves the 3GS lagging in some areas.
Apple intros new iPad Smart Case: clever enough to cover both sides, priced at $50
And we're still not done. A new iPad case has managed to sneak onto the Apple Store's online shelves, and it'll protect your precious slab on both the back and front. The Smart Case appears to augment last year's Smart Cover with an additional (polyurethane hardshell) coating for the back of your iPad. Priced at just under $50, the case fits both second and third-generation iPads and will arrive in six different color options. And yes, you can still get that ever-pressing message engraved onto it too. [Thanks Nikhil] For more coverage of WWDC 2012, please visit our event hub!
Daily Update for June 7, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
The iPad's main competition is the old iPad
While manufacturers struggle to compete with the iPad, Apple has managed to do so successfully. In fact, current demand for the iPad 2 is nearly equal to that of the new iPad. The iPad 2 dropped in price by $100 when the new iPad was introduced. A recent Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) report notes that the iPad 2 accounted for 41% of all iPad sales since the new iPad was launched in March, 2012. Apple CEO Tim Cook noted that the drop would make the device more appealing to price-sensitive customers. CIRP partner Josh Lowitz agrees, telling AllThingsD, "The lower price of the iPad 2 seems to be attracting many new buyers, and bringing thriftier customers into the fold...our data suggests that a lot of iPad buyers bought iPad 2s right up to and after the launch of the new iPad." How does a device compete with the iPad, then? It seems step one is, "be an iPad."
