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iPad mini with Retina display announced, original iPad mini sees a price drop
Apple has announced a refreshed version for the popular iPad mini. This November will see the release of the iPad mini with Retina display. The 7.9-inch iPad mini features the 2,048 x 1,546-pixel resolution and the same specs as its new sibling, the iPad Air. It comes with a 64-bit A7 chip that gives it 4x faster CPU processing and 8x faster graphics processing. Best of all, these new additions come with the same 10-hour battery life as the original iPad mini. The iPad mini Retina will come in silver/white and space gray/black colors. Prices start at US$399 for a 16 GB mini Retina with WiFi, and storage is available up to 128 GB for the first time. In other exciting news, the original iPad mini will still be available for sale, now at a reduced price of $299. However, as standard with older versions of iOS devices in the store, the original iPad mini is only available with 16 GB of storage.
Apple announces new covers for the iPad Air and iPad mini, prices start at $39
New iPads means new accessories, right? Hot on the heels of announcing the new iPad mini and the ridiculously thin iPad Air, Apple revealed two new cases to go with each. These include a standard cover (similar to what's available now), which is priced at $39. There's also going to be a leather version for $79. Additionally, Apple will be selling a Product Red version, though it's unclear how much that will cost, if there is in fact a premium.
Apple drops price of regular iPad mini to $299
Apple's iPad Air and retina iPad mini may be getting all the headlines, but its elders also made a bit of news at the company's event today. As is the Apple way, with the introduction of new hardware comes a price drop for the old. How much? The old 16GB WiFi iPad mini now costs $299, down from its previous $329 price, which makes it $100 less than the new and improved mini with a Retina display.
Apple debuts new iPad mini with Retina display, available next month for $399
It was due for an update, and Apple's iPad mini has gotten a fairly big one today. The new 2013 model finally brings with it the Retina display (2048 x 1536 resolution) that many hoped to see on the original, along with an upgrade to a 64-bit A7 processor that promises up to a 4X boost in performance. Beyond that, you can expect the same 10 hours of battery life as before, along with a 5-megapixel iSight camera, a new front-facing FaceTime HD camera, MIMO support for faster wireless connectivity, and your choice of Space Grey or black color options -- unlike the new iPad Air, however, the overall design of the mini has remained unchanged. Apple isn't offering a specific launch date for the device just yet, but says it will be available "later in November" starting at $399 for the 16GB model; the existing iPad mini will also stick around for $299. Naturally, there's also a new range of cases to go with the tablet -- they start at $39. Check out our hands-on for a closer look at the new model.
Apple: 170 million iPads sold to date
Pointing out that it was once mocked as something that would "never replace netbooks," Apple CEO Tim Cook boasted that the company has sold 170 million iPads since the device's launch. "Remember netbooks?" He quipped. According to Cook, there are 475,000 iPad apps, and they're not those "stretched out" apps you may see on other platforms. Of course, Apple faces continued competition from those other platforms, and, has seen its market share drop from 60 percent of all tablet sales a year ago to 32 percent by this summer, according to IDC. However, iPads, according to Cook, are used up to four times as much as competing tablets, and are ranked first in customer satisfaction (presumably by J.D. Power).
Taking the cover off Apple's October 22nd event: what you can expect
Apple's iPhone event last month was undoubtedly crucial for the company, but it left quite a few would-be customers wanting more. Much of Cupertino's product lineup is practically begging for an update. There haven't been new iPads in a year; both OS X Mavericks and the Mac Pro redesign have yet to ship; and two Mac lines are still stuck on last year's CPUs. As such, Apple likely isn't being hyperbolic when it claims that it has "a lot to cover" at its October 22nd event. But what, exactly, are we going to see on that fateful day? There have been rumors of everything from "natural" updates, like iPhone 5s-derived iPads, to more fanciful excursions like watches and TVs. While there may not be many surprises in store for tomorrow's liveblog, we'll help you make sense of it all.
Weekly Roundup: HTC One Max review, PS Vita review, Apple confirms iPad event and more!
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Six new Chevy models get support for Siri's Eyes Free mode
Siri's clearly found hitching lifts in Chevy's Spark and Sonic cars comfortable, as it's now planning road trips in several of the company's other rides. Apple's virtual assistant will now partner with MyLink infotainment systems in 2014 editions of the Camaro, Cruze, Equinox, Malibu, SS and Volt, allowing drivers to make calls, play tunes, dictate messages and access their calendar without taking their eyes off the road. Like before, Siri-equipped iThings are simply paired with the car via Bluetooth and triggered using a button on the steering wheel. We suppose this means Bumblebee can finally have a voice in Transformers 4, but whether Bay'll be willing to repurpose some of his explosion budget for the license fee is a different matter.
The iPad mini has the fastest touchscreen of all the most popular tablets
App-streaming company Agawi is at it again. Just a few weeks after announcing that the iPhone 5 absolutely destroys the competition in terms of touchscreen responsiveness, Agawi returns with a similar benchmark survey for today's most popular tablets. The result? Well, once again Apple comes out on top, but it may surprise you to learn that the touchscreen on the iPad mini is in fact the overall winner, with just a 75-millisecond average response time. The fourth-generation iPad came in second with an 81-millisecond average response time, followed (somewhat shockingly) by the NVIDIA Shield gaming handheld at 92 milliseconds. The rest of the list, in order, consisted of the Surface RT, Kindle Fire HD (2013), Nexus 7 and finally the Galaxy Tab 3. Of course, milliseconds rarely matter in everyday tablet usage, but when it comes to responsiveness, it's clear that Apple has the edge in both smartphones and tablets.
AllThingsD reports October 22 Apple event
Red alert! Red alert! For anyone who has been anticipating a new iPad or perhaps a Retina display iPad mini, holding out for the release of the new Mac Pro or dreaming about the mythical iWatch -- the wait may soon be over. AllThingsD is reporting that Apple is holding an event on Tuesday, October 22 -- primarily for iPad announcements. John Paczkowski reports that the new Mac Pro and OS X Mavericks are probably on tap for the meeting, but the focus will be the fifth-generation iPad, rumored to have a thinner and lighter design similar to that of the iPad mini. And of course, the iPad mini might finally see that Retina display we've all been wishing for. Will those new iPads feature Touch ID for fast unlocking? We'll only know when the event takes place. Paczkowski also notes that October 22 is one day after Microsoft's new Surface 2 begins shipping -- so we're sure to hear some good snark from the Apple executives. It is also the same day as Nokia's Innovation Reinvented showcase. Fun abounds! Your TUAW metaliveblog team will be on hand to provide you with information and commentary as the announcements unfold. [Update: This was foretold to the world back in September, it seems]
Reuters sources predict shortage for unannounced iPad mini with Retina display
It's little more than a rumor at this point, but stories of delays and shortages have been circulating for about as long as mentions of an iPad mini with Retina display. Reuters spent the morning adding a bit more fuel to that proverbial fire with its own band of anonymous sources. The "people who work in the company's supply chain" confirmed that there have been issues bringing a higher res tablet to market -- issues that may, in fact, impede Cupertino's ability to capitalize on the ever-important holiday push. The refreshed mini is still apparently set for an October release according to the aforementioned unnamed informants, but it "could be available in only limited quantities this year." As to what's actually causing said shortage, no can say for sure, though word is that Apple's own certification process around power consumption may have thrown a wrench in the proceedings.
C6 MagneFix Bookcase for iPad mini: Video review and giveaway
UK-based design house C6 is a new entry into the US Apple device accessory market, but they've already made a splash with the new C6 MagneFix Bookcase for iPad mini (£35.99 or US$55). This protective case features tough materials, bright colors (even the gray version we tested has a bright yellow "sunshine" interior), and magnets to not only wake and sleep your iPad mini, but also help to prop it up in landscape orientation. This light, protective case/stand weighs just 4.8 oz (136 gm) and features a polycarbonate back shell along with a magnetic cover that mimics Apple's Smart Cover. Other exterior colors that are available include "raspberry" (magenta) and "aqua" (blue), as well as graphite. And now, let's take a short video look at the C6 MagneFix Bookcase for iPad mini before you have a chance to win this attractive and functional case. Giveaway Like the looks of the C6 MagneFix Bookcase for iPad mini? It could be yours. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before September 28, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a C6 MagneFix Bookcase for iPad mini valued at US$55. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
iOS 7 on an iPad mini: First impressions
After seeing Dave Caolo's post about his first impressions of iOS 7 on an iPad 2, it occurred to me that I ought to write up my feelings about the OS on an iPad mini. The device isn't equipped with a Retina display, but it is one of the devices that can take full advantage of the features of iOS 7. So how does iOS 7 stack up to its predecessor on the iPad mini? The quick answer: very well. Why? Well, for some reason iOS 7 seems to scale to the smaller size of the iPad mini screen better than it does on a full-sized iPad. While the thin Helvetica Neue text almost seems to get lost on a Retina display iPad, it's right at home on the smaller iPad mini display. As my middle-aged bifocal-equipped eyes are not as great as they used to be, I still used this video tip to set the system text on the iPad mini to bold. Perhaps it's the fact that the iPad mini's processor doesn't have as many pixels to push around, but it definitely seems snappier to me on the iPad mini than on a Retina display iPad (third generation). As for battery life, that also seems to have improved. Your mileage may vary on both of these counts, but I was able to pump music from iTunes Radio to a Bluetooth speaker for three hours yesterday and only saw a 7 percent drop in battery level. That's much better than I had experienced in the past. I was happy to see that my browser of choice on my iDevices -- Chrome -- today provided me with the option to get data compression on the fly. This capability, although it isn't part of iOS 7, is also making the iPad mini seem brand-new. As with Dave's post, I'll follow up with any quirks or items that seem to merit attention, but for the most part, I'd recommend the iOS 7 update to anyone with an iPad mini. Just remember to back up first, OK?
iOS 7 now available to download
You've now had a few hours to digest our feelings on the iPhone 5s and 5c, but now it's time to replicate the bulk of that experience on your existing Apple devices. iOS 7 is appearing as an available software in your settings panel now, or at least in the very near future. If you own an iPhone 5 / 4S / 4, an iPad 2/3/4, iPad Mini or the 5th generation iPod touch, then you'll be entitled to witness Sir Jonathan's first grand attempt at a UI revolution. Also, don't forget that iTunes Radio will be making its big debut alongside the new operating system today, so at least you'll have some smooth grooves to chill out to while your phone updates.
Hands-on with the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover and Folio for iPad mini
Today we're going to take a look at two new products from accessory manufacturer Logitech. First, the company's Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, long a favorite for full-sized iPads, is now available in a US$79.99 iPad mini version. The company has also introduced the Folio Cover for iPad mini ($49.99), for those who want protection for their little iPad but don't need a keyboard. Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad mini Like the full-sized model I reviewed last year, the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad mini is designed to provide a comfortable typing experience and also protect the screen of the device while in transit. It uses a magnetized strip on a hinge to snap to the iPad mini in the same manner that Apple's Smart Cover does, and even has the built-in magnets to turn the mini on or off when you open or close the "cover." There's also a magnetized notch in the cover just above the keyboard where the left side of the iPad mini goes when you're using the keyboard. Once it is in place, the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover and iPad mini form a fairly solid unit -- very useful when you're banging away on the keyboard writing your next novel. Bluetooth setup is amazingly easy with iOS 6 or 7, and there's a power switch on the side of the unit if you decide you'd like to stretch the battery life a bit more. To recharge the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, there's a standard USB to micro-USB cable included. Logitech estimates six weeks of usage on one charge given two hours of daily keyboarding. How does the keyboard feel when typing? Pretty good! I am a fast touch-typist and had no problems getting used to the layout of the keyboard. There's excellent tactile response, and the keys don't feel too cramped. That being said, I compare most iPad mini keyboards to my current favorite -- the ZAGGkeys Folio Keyboard for iPad mini ($99.99). As you can see from one image in the slideshow for this post, the ZAGGkeys keyboard is much more spacious, which just eases typing even more. It also has a multi-colored backlight for night use. The Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad mini comes in black and white. At just 7.6 ounces (215.5 grams), it adds just a tiny amount of weight to a backpack or purse. Conclusion Logitech makes a full line of impressive iPad and iPad mini accessories, and the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is a wonderful addition to the family. It is compact, complements the iPad mini perfectly, and offers quick removal of the cover when it's not needed. Pros Very fast Bluetooth pairing Keyboard has a good feel for such a small size Good battery life Less expensive than other similar iPad mini keyboard cases Matches the outside look of an iPad mini perfectly Cons Keyboard is cramped compared to some of the competition No backlight in the keyboard Back of the iPad mini is not protected Who is it for? The iPad mini user who wants a useful Bluetooth keyboard and some protection for the device screen Folio for iPad mini The Folio for iPad mini is strictly for protection; there's no keyboard in it although you can get the Ultrathin Keyboard Folio for iPad mini ($89.99) if you want protection and a keyboard. Available in black or red, the Folio has a nice cloth exterior and a smooth interior lining. The iPad mini is held in place by a clever plastic mount; it's quite easy to install and remove the iPad mini when needed. The Folio also acts as a stand for the iPad mini in landscape mode, and features a hole for the rear-looking camera to peek out of. The weight of the Folio is just 6.8 ounces (192.8 grams), once again providing lightweight but sturdy protection to your iPad mini. Conclusion While it's not as fancy as some of the iPad mini cases we've reviewed in the past, the Folio for iPad mini provides solid protection at a reasonable price. Pros Easy to install and remove iPad mini Cover material is quite rugged and should last for a long time Price is reasonable Very lightweight Cons Not the most high-fashion iPad mini case we've ever reviewed; it's rather plain-looking, in fact Who is it for? The person who is looking for a solid iPad mini cover that will last Giveaway It's time for iPad mini-toting TUAW readers to have a chance to win one of these two accessories courtesy of Logitech and TUAW. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before September 15, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. Two winners will be selected. One receives a Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad mini valued at $79.99, while the other receives a Logitech Folio for iPad mini valued at (49.99) Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
iOS 7 arrives on Apple devices September 18th
The wait is over. Apple's overhauled OS will be available for download on qualifying devices next week. Control Center, retooled notifications, redesigned calendar and improved Siri functionality alongside numerous other tweaks and thinner typography will soon be a mere download away. In order to take advantage of the update, you'll need an iPhone 4 or later, iPad 2 or later, iPad mini or fifth-generation iPod touch. As always, this is a free download for device owners which means that grouping photos by moments and iTunes Radio are set to arrive in just over a week. Check out all the coverage at our iPhone 'Special Event' 2013 event hub!
Opera unveils Coast, a new web browser purpose-built for iPad and iPad mini
Opera's no stranger to the mobile web, as it's been building browsers for phones and tablets for years. Today, however, it's revealing an all-new window to the web called Coast. Coast's been constructed specifically for the iPad and seeks to make browsing the internet feel the same as using an app. What's that mean? Well, for starters, a series of swipe-able home screens and a tile-based UI that makes all your favorite websites look like icons. Also, Coast wholly does away with browser chrome, instead showing just content, with only small home and history buttons residing beneath whatever page you're viewing. Navigation forward and back's accomplished by swiping, and a customizable search bar sits atop your favorites. Essentially, Coast aims to be simple to use and to deliver web content in an unobtrusive, elegant way. When launched, Coast shows you a tiled grid of favorites, and you can set the number of tiles you see per screen (the default is nine). Adding a new site's as easy as dragging and dropping it onto one of the home screens. Upon returning to home from a site, the icon tile of that last-visited page shows up beneath your favorites, so you can make it stick around permanently by sliding it up to join your other bookmarks. Coast also takes a page from the webOS playbook by providing your browsing history as a series of panes that are tapped for access or swiped upwards to be deleted. And, Opera has, of course, thought to secure the browser, too. Coast is backed by a security engine that constantly consults an online database of unsafe sites -- stray into a nasty corner of the internet, and Coast strings police tape across the page and warns you of the danger. You can also view the security and reputation of any given site by tapping the history button, then swiping down from the bottom of the webpage to reveal such info. Want to know how Coast came to be? Join us after the break to find out.
Hawaiian Airlines will offer iPad minis to passengers
Hawaiian Airlines this week announced that it will begin offering iPad minis to passengers flying between Hawaii and 14 routes that encompass destinations in the US, Asia and the South Pacific. The iPad mini will offer a full-fledged entertainment experience and will enable passengers to pick from upwards of 100 hours of movies and TV shows. Further, the iPad minis will come pre-loaded with a smattering of gaming titles as well. I suppose leaving the fun and sun of Hawaii can be a harrowing experience, so what better way to soften the blow than to provide passengers with a first-rate entertainment experience as they leave the islands? In a statement on the matter, Hawaiian Airlines VP of Product Development Blaine Miyasato said: Hawaiian Airlines' signature on-board hospitality is already very popular with travelers, but we wanted to go even further to ensure our customers' travel experience is more enjoyable. With the help of Bluebox Avionics, we're building on our acclaimed inflight service by incorporating the latest in popular consumer tech products to enhance our in-flight entertainment options. As for the logistics of the iPad mini rollout, the program will begin early next week. Passengers flying business class will be given complimentary iPad minis while passengers flying economy class will have the option to rent an iPad mini for US$15 if reserved at the gate or $17 if reserved on-board the flight.
Hawaiian Airlines to offer iPad minis for in-flight entertainment on 14 planes
Starting September 1st, people flying Hawaiian Airlines will get the chance to spend some R&R time with an iPad mini thousands of feet in the air. It's all thanks to the company contracting Blue Avionics to switch its existing in-flight entertainment systems (IES) with 1,500 miniature iPads on 14 Boeing 767-300 planes. Business class passengers can stream movies and shows for free, but unlike American Airlines' Galaxy Tab program available only to premium seats, anyone onboard can rent a teensy tablet. Sure, it'll cost them $15 for the perk -- $17, if they decided to do so on a whim while already on the plane -- but the existing system will cost them the same amount anyway. iPads on planes aren't anything new -- AA and Alaska Airlines have both ditched flight manuals for their digital counterparts, while Qantas and Jetstar Airways have been renting them out for years. However, HA is the first U.S. airline to offer iPads for in-flight entertainment, and some patrons might see that as a welcome change.
Logitech announces Ultrathin Keyboard Folio, Folio Protective Case for iPad mini
Logitech just can't stop making keyboard cases for iPad minis, and its third set in six months includes the new Ultrathin Keyboard Folio, which melds familiar elements -- water-repellant materials, Bluetooth connectivity -- with a few novel ones. Namely, iOS shortcut keys for copying and pasting and a magnet system called SecureLock to keep your slate anchored. What the firm is claiming is its thinnest and lightest keyboard folio to date will cost you $89.99 -- that's the same price as March's version, or $10 more than February's model. Also fresh is the key-less Folio Protective Case that does double duty as a multi-position stand, and will sell for $49.99, about $10 over Apple's own Smart Cover. The good news is that if you dig either of these, they'll be available direct from the manufacturer later this month. If not? Well, there's bound to be a different model or two by the end of next week.
