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  • Dish Channel Guide App For iPad Released

    Dish Network today introduced a new app for iPad that allows subscribers to search through the Dish channel line-up and share their TV viewing habits across social networks.

    The Dish Explorer app will be available today in the Apple App Store. For use with the Dish “Hopper” DVR, the app includes remote-control features that allow subscribers to navigate the channel guide, search for programs, and manage their DVR programming.

    “Customers are already using tablets while watching TV but, until Explorer, it had been two separate experiences,” said Vivek Khemka, vice president of Product Management at DISH. “What we’ve done is develop an integrated, seamless experience between the tablet and the television; only the Hopper creates an entirely new viewing dynamic.”

    The app also recommends shows by “cross-referencing social media television viewing trends” and taking viewer data from Dish DVRs. Links in the app will allow users to comment and share their thoughts about TV shows through Twitter and Facebook.

    In its announcement, Dish highlighted its ability to use metrics to track trending shows and events. In particular, the company’s “Thuuz” ratings will supposedly find sports games that are exciting and recommend them in the Explorer app.

    “The Thuuz ratings on Explorer means sports fans can quickly see the potential no-hitters, the shut-outs and the upsets forming live before the sports recap on the evening news,” said Khemka. “Seeing the big events live is always better and Explorer helps deliver that experience.”

  • $1 Million Apple Heist Takes Place On New Years In Paris

    A $1 million Apple heist seems like a terrible plot out of the next Ocean’s 11 imitator, but such a theft actually did occur over the New Years holiday. In fact, the heist shared a number of similarities with Hollywood blockbusters due to how well the crime was organized and executed.

    CNN reports that four armed robbers made their way into an Apple store in Paris on New Years. They were able to get in through a service entrance and threatened employees to let them into the back storeroom. From there, the robbers were able to get away with $1.3 million worth of iPads, iPhones and MacBooks.

    So, how did they get away with it? It turns out that robbing a store on New Years is apparently easier than it looks thanks to the majority of police attention being given to the crowds outside on the streets. The police note that the thieves also knew exactly what they were doing by going after devices in the storeroom while leaving the display devices on the show floor.

    This isn’t the first time that an Apple store has been hit with major thefts since the launch of the super popular iPhone 5. In Japan, thieves hit three major stores in Osaka and made away with over 100 iPhone 5s. The iPhone 5 also continues to be a popular target among those who rob people on the street, but Apple thankfully provides a free service to catch them. Unfortunately, the unactivated iPhones in Paris can not be recovered so easily.

  • Iphone 5S Rumor: Apple Eying Sharp IGZO Screens

    It’s three months on from the launch of the iPhone 5, and if rumors are to be believed, we’re almost halfway to the launch of the next version of the iPhone. That means it’s time to start combing shipping reports for iPhone 5S rumors.

    This week’s rumor comes courtesy of DigiTimes, a Taiwanese publication that focuses on manufacturers in Taiwan. Their report states that Apple is currently looking to use Sharp’s IGZO panels in their next generation of iPhones, iPads, and iPad Minis. According to unnamed “industry sources,” Apple is discussing production capacity estimates with Sharp and asking about similar AU Optronics technology.

    This isn’t a particularly new rumor. Sharp’s IGZO screens would allow smartphones to be thinner and have more accurate touch screens. In addition, the technology could allow for higher resolution displays and lower power consumption. As these are obviously goals future Apple devices will work towards, it’s a safe bet that the technology will show up in i-devices in the near future.

    Exactly when that future is depends on panel manufacturers and their ability to provide quality products in the huge volumes Apple requires. As far back as one year ago DigiTimes reported rumors that the New iPad (iPad 3) would feature an IGZO display. That obviously didn’t pan out, but Sharp has had an entire year to bring their manufacturing capabilities up to snuff. If IGZO really is the future, we’ll see it in devices starting this year.

  • The iPad Mini Might Be Really Popular After All

    It was assumed that the iPad Mini wouldn’t do much business for Apple when it first launched. The device wasn’t flying off store shelves like other product releases, and analysts thought the price was too high. Now a new report suggests that all the fear may have been for naught.

    Business Insider reports that Citi analysts have found that Apple is increasing its orders for the iPad Mini while decreasing orders for the regular iPad. The report states that Apple ordered 10 million units of both the iPad Mini and the regular iPad for the holiday season. Starting next year, however, iPad Mini orders will be going up to 12 to 14 million while regular iPad orders will drop to 5 to 7 million.

    At face value, it seems that the iPad Mini is vastly outperforming the regular iPad. That’s a far cry from the previous reports saying that consumer demand for the device is low. In fact, a survey from early November had tablets topping most shoppers’ wish lists, but the iPad Mini was trailing behind its big brother and the Nexus 7.

    What does it mean for Apple if the iPad Mini turns out to be the top performer for the company? Analysts believe Apple will announce lesser earnings thanks to the iPad Mini not bringing in as much revenue or profit compared to its larger counterpart.

    More importantly, however, it will prove that Tim Cook’s defiance of Steve Jobs’ wishes was the right move. Jobs may not have liked 7-inch tablets, but this report suggests that consumers think otherwise.

  • Bing Updates Social Sidebar On iPad

    Bing has been tweaking its search results interface for the past week or so. First, they added people and places information to the middle column (Snapshot). After that, they launched a redesign of the social sidebar.

    Today, Bing has updated its Safari for iPad (and iPad Mini) browser support with the new social sidebar.

    Social Sidebar on iPad

    “In a glance you can now see what friends, experts and enthusiasts have shared on leading networks including Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and Klout related to what you’re searching for,” says Bing Social principal group program manager Chris Rayner.

    The design will adapt to landscape or portrait. Support will be rolling out over the next few days.

    Microsoft also expanded Bing for Desktop to more versions of Windows and more languages this week.

  • Next iPad Mini May Have A Retina Display [Rumor]

    The iPad Mini has not exactly been the big hit that Apple had hoped for. Perhaps one reason is that the device isn’t technically on par with its competitors – the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD. The iPad Mini is Apple’s first try at this whole 7-inch table business, however, and the next one could be much better.

    Digitimes reports that it’s hearing word that the next iPad Mini will focus mainly on increasing the device’s resolution. The current iPad Mini has a 1024×768 display – the same resolution found in the iPad 2. It’s not yet known if Apple will utilize a retina display or other resolution boosting technology, but it’s a good bet that the device will feature an HD resolution.

    Since the launch of the iPad Mini, Apple has had to fend off ads from the likes of Amazon comparing its Kindle Fire HD to Apple’s mini tablet. The main point of contention is that the iPad Mini just can’t produce the HD visuals that other 7-inch tablets can produce. Apple has fired back claiming that the iPad Mini is more like a sidearm for those who are already own a 10-inch iPad.

    Despite Apple’s claims, the iPad Mini also needs to target those who are in the market for just one tablet. More and more people are gunning for 7-inch tablets for their portability and lower prices. It’s hard to expect anybody beyond the already devout Apple follower to actually buy an iPad Mini when the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD offer similar, and even sometimes superior, experiences for a lower price. The addition of a retina display would help offset some concern that the iPad Mini isn’t worth its asking price.

    So, when we will see this rumored high definition iPad Mini? There’s been no word yet on potential release dates, but Apple has already proven that it’s willing to release new products within a year of the original’s release. We could potentially see a new iPad Mini by the middle of next year instead of autumn.

  • Groupon iPad App Gets An Upgrade

    Groupon iPad App Gets An Upgrade

    Groupon announced that it has updated its iPad app in the first major upgrade since April.

    “The biggest updates are much more sleek, easy to use, vibrant interface that encourages browsing (similar to our smartphone app) as well as the addition of a ‘nearby’ tab that maps out deals close to you so you can buy and use immediately,” a spokesperson for Groupon tells WebProNews.

    It also features easier sharing of deals through improved Facebook iOS 6 integration and support for promotional and gift codes.

    Groupon iPad App

    Groupon has also expanded the app’s availability into Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Singapore and Sweden. It’s available in a total of 13 countries.

    You can grab the app in the App Store.

  • YouTube iOS App Gets iPad And iPhone 5 Friendly

    YouTube has launched an update for its iOS app, which is designed for the iPad, and has some updates for the iPhone 5 and iPod Touch.

    “Just in time for the holidays, now you can download or update the YouTube app with a look designed for the iPad and iPhone 5, enhanced AirPlay support, videos that start faster and play more smoothly, and improved accessibility with VoiceOver,” Google software engineer Horia Ciurdar says. “Enjoy Tastemade on iPad in full screen glory, or hours of flipping through Ryan Higa videos on your iPhone 5 or iPod touch.”

    YouTube for iPad

    Google launched its YouTube app for iPhone and iPod Touch in September. YouTube is now available on 400 million devices. People are watching over 25% of YouTube on mobile devices – over a billion views a day, Google says.

    The iOS update is rolling out globally today.

  • Google Adds Interactive Places “Carousel” to iPad Search Results

    Google has just launched an update for iPad users that makes places searches more “interactive.” Mainly, Google has added a new scrolling results bar that when clicked, displays expandable place cards for whatever location you’re interested in – restaurants, bars, shops, and more.

    “Starting today, English-speaking iPad users in the U.S. will see a new, interactive experience when they search for restaurants, bars or other local places on Google. In addition to the regular web results, a horizontal “carousel” of local results will appear at the top of the page.

    For example, say you’re located in New York City and you search for [ramen shops]. On the carousel, you can quickly and easily see a place’s overall review-based score, address and a picture related to the location. A quick swipe displays additional results. If you find a place you’re interested in, simply click on its image to get a card that can be expanded to show more detailed information, reviews, and more,” says Google.

    That expandable “card” includes Zagat ratings and more. It also features the familiar map which can be expanded if needed.

  • Gmail For iOS Updated With New Look And Features

    Google pushed an update for Gmail on Android 4.0 and above devices yesterday that added a lot of much needed features to the mobile email client. Now iOS users can also enjoy a completely new Gmail experience that adds new features and a slick new look.

    Upon booting up version 2.0 of Gmail for iOS, you’re bound to notice the new look of the client. Some of the new design is clearly inspired by Sparrow’s Gmail app. Google acquired the company and put its employees to work on Gmail. The new iOS app seems to be fruits of that labor.

    Gmail For iOS Updated With New Look And Features

    Besides the new look, the Gmail team has added a number of new features to the app that make it easier to use. For one, messages now display a person’s profile image from Google+. The identity of each person participating in a group conversation will now be immediately apparent.

    Speaking of Google+, the new app also allows users to RSVP to Google Calendar invites and +1 and comment on Google+ posts right from the app.

    The two final features are general, but welcome, improvements. The first is the addition of autocomplete predictions to help complete emails faster. It will also catch all those nasty typos that frequently make their way into emails sent from mobile devices.

    The other addition is support for multiple accounts. An iPhone or iPad may be tied to a single Apple ID, but more and more people are sharing iOS devices, especially iPads, among family members. It’s a nice gesture on the part of Google, but Apple really should take a cue from Android 4.2 and add multiple account support into the base iOS experience.

    You can grab the new Gmail for iOS from the App Store.

  • iPhone 5, iPad Mini, 4th-Gen iPad Get Release Dates For China

    Apple announced Chinese release dates for the iPhone 5, the iPad Mini, and the 4th-generation iPad today. The Wi-Fi versions of the new iPads will be available in China on Friday, December 7, and the iPhone 5 will be available on Friday, December 14.

    Apple’s latest iPad models are already available in 42 countries, and the iPhone 5 is currently available in 47.

    The iPad Mini with Wi-Fi comes in black & slate or white & silver, and costs $329 (US) for the 16GB model, $429 (US) for the 32GB model and $529 (US) for the 64GB model. The 4th-generation iPad with Wi-Fi models come in black or white, and cost $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model and $699 (US) for the 64GB model.

    Apple will sell the new iPads in China through its Apple ONline Store and via select Apple Authorized Resellers. They will also be sold by reservation at the company’s retail stores. Reservation requests will be accepted between 9AM and 5PM on a daily basis, starting December 6, for pick up the following day. The iPad 2 will also be available for $399 (US).

    The iPhone 5 comes in black & slate or white & silver, and costs $199 (US) for the 16GB model, $299 (US) for the 32GB model and $399 (US) for the 64GB model. The same buying options as the iPads apply. The iPhone 4S now costs $99 (US), and the iPhone 4 is free with a two-year contract.

    In the U.S., Apple is now selling unlocked GSM iPhone 5 models, according to reports.

  • Skype For iOS Hits 120 Million Downloads, Gets Messenger Integration

    Skype has turned out to be one of Microsoft’s best investments. The popularity of the applications just means that the company has an amazing reach beyond its own devices, even into the world of iOS where Skype recently hit a new milestone.

    Over the past few years, Skype has accrued over 120 million downloads on iOS devices. It’s popularity is immediately apparent on the iPhone where it sits as one of the top 10 free apps of all time. The company also notes that over 20 million photos have been shared on iOS devices via Skype since the feature launched a few months ago. Now the team at Skype is adding even more features to iOS to celebrate these milestones.

    The biggest change to Skype on iOS has to do with Microsoft’s recent merger of its Live Messenger application into Skype. Those new to Skype can now simply log-in via their Microsoft account, and it will migrate all of your Messenger, Hotmail and Outlook.com contacts into Skype. Users can also create a brand new account right from the app.

    Another addition is some changes to instant messaging on Skype. Users can now edit messages sent via the application so you no longer have to send another message correcting a previous typo. All you have to do is tap and hold onto a sent message to edit it. Skype users who have signed in via their Microsoft account can also send messages to their friends on Windows Live Messenger.

    The final addition is the arrival of emoticons on Skype for iOS. Instead of simply typing in the emoticon, the Skype team has added a menu full of the expressive little guys for you to choose from. As an added bonus, those with retina display iOS devices will get animated emoticons.

    You can grab the latest versions of Skype for iPhone and iPad right now at the iTunes App Store.

  • Bill Nye’s New Kickstarter Project Wants to Teach the Physics of Flight via iPad Game

    Lift! Drag! Weight! Thrust! Bill Nye the Science Guy wants you to know your main flight principles. And in order to do that, he’s thrown his celebrity behind a new educational flight simulation game designed for the iPad. It’s called AERO, and its Kickstarter page was just launched today.

    Bill Nye has partnered with educational game developers GameDesk to produce the game, which is described as a “beautiful, open-world 3D bird-flight game that teaches the physics principles behind the power of flight.”

    “Seeing a plane or bird in soar in the sky is amazing to behold. But the aerodynamics and physics behind the miracle of flight are difficult to grasp. There are several forces engaged when a bird or plane flies, and here on earth we’re unable to see any of them. But never fear! Bill Nye and GameDesk have a revolutionary idea! With your help we can complete a game that teaches the physics behind flight by allowing players to literally become a bird and experience those scientific principles in their own hands,” says the Kickstarter page.

    From the completed game, considering it gets there, you can expect a “full exploratory world,” full of flight-based challenges and aerodynamic flight lessons.

    As we said before, today is the first day that the project has been open for pledges. As of the writing of this article, it only has a couple of hundred dollars pledged toward a $100,000 goal. You have until December 28th to throw some money at the game.

  • The Post-PC Era May Finally Begin In 2013

    Apple famously said that the iPad tablet ushers in the post-PC era. That hasn’t been exactly true just yet as more PCs are sold each year than tablets, but it may finally change in 2013.

    DigiTimes Research senior analyst James Wang recently said that he expects global tablet shipments to top 210 million units in 2013. Out of those 210 million units, he expects 140 million to be branded tablets like the iPad, Nexus 7 and Galaxy Tab. Overall tablet shipments would soundly beat notebook shipments for the first time, and truly usher in the much lauded post-PC era.

    Beyond beating PC shipments, Wang expects Apple to remain as the top tablet vendor in the world. Apple’s overall market share, however, will fall from 60 percent to 55.6 percent thanks to Google’s new found success in the tablet market. He also says that Apple will only account for 37.4 percent of all tablet shipments next year.

    As for Google, Wang expects the company to become the second largest tablet vendor in the world next year. The company’s Nexus line will continue to do well, and is projected to hit 19 million units shipped worldwide.

    Google may not win the hardware war next year, but it will definitely win the OS war. It’s projected that Android-based tablet shipments will reach 121 million units next year. If that happens, Android will beat out iOS as the most used tablet OS. Android smartphone shipments are already outpacing iOS smartphone shipments three-to-one.

    If the above analysis is correct, it could spell big trouble for Microsoft and its OEM partners that have relied on the PC market for the last two decades. Microsoft is trying to adapt with the tablet and touch-friendly Windows 8, but it has yet to prove itself as a viable contender.

    2013 may very well be the beginning of the post-PC era, but that doesn’t mean the PC is dead. More consumers will move to tablets, but the PC enthusiast market will remain. PC component shipments will probably stay largely the same. We’ll only see a decrease in the shipment of pre-built PC notebooks and desktops.

  • Kids Are Dreaming of an iChristmas

    If you’re wondering what to get your kid this holiday season and want to go the electronics route, you probably can’t go wrong with an Apple product.

    That’s the takeaway from a recent Nielsen study into the wishlists of children. They looked at kids “interest in buying in the next 6 months” (interest in their parents buying, more like it) and found that iEverything is on their minds.

    The top product was the iPad, with 48% expressing interest. That’s up 4% from last year. 36% of kids aged 6-12 expressed interest in the iPod Touch and the iPad mini and another 33% are interested in an iPhone. In fact, Apple products hold 4 out of the top 5 positions in the study – the lone non-Apple product being the Nintendo Wii U with 39% saying that want one in the next 6 months.

    Kids want ipads in 2012

    When Nielsen looked at older kids (aged 13+), Apple products were still popular – but there was a larger variety in their desires. The iPad still topped that list, with 21% expressing interest. The next three spots were held by any computer, a tablet other than the iPad, and the Wii U. Apple’s iPhone came in fifth with 14% expressing interest.

    This marks the second straight year that Nielsen has found an affinity for iProducts among kids. Last year, for kids aged 6-12, the iPad, iPod Touch, and iPhone topped the list.

    Apple recently launched a holiday gift guide page and announced that they will once again be holding an online/in-store Black Friday sale.

  • Bastion Out Now For iPhone, iPod

    Bastion Out Now For iPhone, iPod

    Bastion is one of those indie titles that, like Braid and Limbo, gained popularity on the merits of its interesting art style, intriguing story, and solid, simple gameplay. In addition to these qualities, Bastion’s aurally-pleasing narration also set it apart and made it unique.

    Today, Supergiant Games, the developers of Bastion, announced that the game is now available for the iPhone. Bastion had previously been available for the iPad, and the newest update makes the game compatible with all of Apple’s newest mobile devices. The game now works on iPads from generation 2 on, the new iPad Mini, the iPhone 4S, the iPhone 5, and the newest iPod device. In addition, the game has been optimized to take advantage of the iPhone 5’s retina display.

    The game studio explained on its blog the reasoning behind putting what was originally a PC and console title onto smaller devices:

    Then, a couple of months ago on September 12, Apple unveiled the iPhone 5. Now, we’d previously stated in our FAQ for the iPad version that we chose to focus exclusively on iPad both for technical reasons and because we “felt the game experience would not translate well to the iPhone’s smaller screen.” Well, the iPhone 5 added quite a bit of screen real estate, so we decided to take another look. And sure enough, we found that Bastion looked great and ran beautifully on the new device. Of course we still needed to update all the menu screens and re-tune the controls to fit the smaller form factor, not to mention implement iCloud support, so all that took a little while. But it’s finally ready!

    Bastion costs $5 on any of the available Apple platforms. That isn’t as inexpensive as the game potentially was as a part of the Humble Indie Bundle V, but is still a good price for a game that has won nearly universal acclaim.

  • Apple Launches Holiday Gift Guide Website

    Apple doesn’t send out holiday mailers to mailboxes all over the country. It doesn’t need to, and paper spam would seem old-fashioned for the world’s most valuable tech company. In fact, it probably doesn’t need to put together a holiday gift guide at all, though it has.

    Today, Apple launched its holiday gift guide website, featuring the perfect gifts for the Apple fans. The guide is split into four parts, one section for each of Apple’s major products – iPhone, iPad, iPod, and the Mac category, which includes Macbooks, iMacs, and Apple TVs.

    In addition to the Apple products themselves, Apple is selling a myriad of accessories for all Apple products. Aside from the requisite cases, headphones, adapters, and gift cards, the company has a few less-practical (but really cool) products. A few of the highlights are a USB Fender Stratocaster Guitar, an iPad edition of Monopoly, and bluetooth RC cars & flying drones.

    Apple is providing free shipping for anything listed in the holiday gift guide, as well as all orders over $50. For impatient Apple fans, Apple also allows customers to purchase some of the items in the holiday gift guide and pick them up at a nearby Apple store.

    There’s no sign of a Google Play Android holiday gift website yet. With its new Nexus lineup, though, Google might finally have some products around which to base a few good accessories.

  • Apple’s New Ads Paint the iPad Mini as a Complementary Device

    For doubters who would label Apple’s iPad Mini as an unnecessary device, one that takes from an iPad and an iPod Touch and blends them into something that doesn’t really exhibit the best of either – the company has a message for you:

    The iPad Mini compliments the iPad – and you need both to get the true Apple tablet experience.

    That’s what drives two now iPad Mini ads that Apple has just unveiled. One looks at photos extending from the iPad to the iPad mini, and the other shows both devices accessing complimentary books.

    “It’s every inch an iPad,” Apple continues to say when referencing the iPad Mini. These ads definitely keep focus on that message. Both tablets are doing the same things that users want in an iPad, only the iPad mini is doing them in a smaller package. With this type of ad campaign, Apple is attempting a delicate balancing act. They have to differentiate the iPad mini enough so that people will actually see the use in buying one. But they also have to make sure it still has the same appeal as the regular iPad. Different, but not too different.

    Check out the latest ads, “Photos” and “Books.”

  • Apple No Longer Hiding Samsung Statement On Its UK Site

    Apple No Longer Hiding Samsung Statement On Its UK Site

    Apple’s Samsung statement has been the subject of repeated court rulings and Internet mockery. Its the latter that may have changed Apple’s statement once again.

    CNET is reporting that users on Reddit and Hacker News both pointed out that Apple was hiding its Samsung statement below the fold, if you will, on its UK Web site. Users visiting the site would have to scroll down to see the statement and a link to the apology. After pointing this out, Apple seems to nulled the code that was hiding the statement.

    When visiting Apple’s UK site, users will now see the site in its entirety, including the statement:

    Apple No Longer Hiding Apology On Its UK Site

    CNET found that the code originally used to hide the bottom half of the site is still there. Apple merely inserted a stopper to keep the code from being called when the page loads up. The change could have been due to Apple deciding to change the design of its Web site, but others are taking it as preemptive action to prevent any further court orders.

    The current statement in regards to Samsung is set to run on Apple’s UK site until sometime in December. The company has also been printing the statement in newspapers and magazines across the country. Apple originally published a passive-aggressive statement, but a court order forced Apple to replace it with the statement you see now.

  • Microsoft Office 2013 For iOS, Android Rumored For Early 2013 (Again)

    One month ago, Microsoft’s Czech Republic subsidiary jumped the gun with a press release stating that Microsoft Office 2013 will be available for iOS and Android starting next year, and that versions of the software will also be available for Windows Phone 8, Windows RT, Mac OS, and Symbian. In addition, a Microsoft Office product manager was quoted in the Czech press as saying the iOS and Android version will be launching in March 2013.

    The head of Microsoft corporate communications quickly disavowed the news and the release was retracted, but the damage had already been done.

    Today, The Verge is reporting that Microsoft Office for iPad, iPhone, and Android really will be launching in “early 2013.” Citing “several” unnamed sources “close to Microsoft’s plans,” the report states that the free apps will allow users to look at Office documents on their mobile devices. Of course, a Microsoft Account is also required, and to edit the documents users will require an Office 365 subscription. Getting a little more specific, The Verge stated that Office 2013 mobile will roll out in “late February or early March” for iOS, and that an Android version is due for May.

    It sounds as if Office 2013 will be very similar to the Google Drive app for iOS and Android. The Drive app similarly requires a Google Account, though it provides free basic editing of text documents. The Verge reports that, even with a subscription, the mobile version of Office will only allow basic editing that isn’t comparable to the Windows 8 version of Office 2013.

  • iPad Mini 2 Is Already In The Works, Will Feature Retina Display [Report]

    You could say that Apple has a rapid release cycle when it comes to the company’s products. It’s a given that there will be a new iPhone and iPad every year. Now it looks like the iPad Mini will be joining the annual release cycle as well.

    According to Mashable, reports coming out of Apple’s supply chain say that the company is already working on the iPad Mini 2. The sequel to this year’s miniature iPad will feature the all important retina display that has made the new iPad even more of a hit around the world.

    A retina display would boost the iPad Mini’s paltry 1024×768 resolution to the current iPad’s resolution – 2048×1536. The current competitors of the iPad Mini – the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD – both feature a 1280×800 resolution. The boost in resolution would certainly give Apple one more reason to flaunt how its products are superior.

    Interestingly enough, the sources say that Apple will be making use of Sharp’s IGZO screen technology in the iPad Mini 2. IGZO keeps the screen thin while providing the same color detail that thicker LCD displays can provide.

    So when can you expect to get your hands on the iPad Mini 2? The sources suggest that Apple will be putting the new 7-inch tablet into production late this year for a launch in the fall of next year. The company might want to stick to that release schedule. The fourth generation iPad didn’t fare as well as it could have at retail thanks to it launching a mere six months after the third generation iPad.