Is Apple targeting Google Nexus 7?

Bloomberg and Wall Street Journal have predicted the launch of a smaller iPad version from Apple. The two reports indicated that Apple is launching a smaller version of iPad to take on the likes of Amazon Kindle Fire and another new entrant in tablet market Google’s Nexus 7 tablet. But there are also reports that Apple is also launching an improved version of its iPad 3.

Apple is apparently planning to launch a revamped version of its third-gen iPad this summer. A report in DigiTimes, a leading Apple gossip site reports that the company will launch an upgraded 9.7-inch iPad this summer. Major differences the site note for the new iPad 3 from its March 2012-released version are a thinner body, a powerful processor and Apple’s new iOS 6. Possibly, Apple will be revamping the new iPad so as to make it more competitive to the new line of Android tablets.

“Apple is reportedly set to launch an upgraded 9.7-inch iPad in the summer of this year with the device shipment volumes expected to increase starting September, according to a Chinese-language Apple Daily report citing sources from market watchers,” says DigiTimes.

As per the site, the revamped iPad 3 version will come with an indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) panel technology. The material will help the developer design the tablet even slimmer and longer in battery life. Apple seems to have contracted Sharp instead of Samsung to build the display panels, DigiTimes said.

“Sources also noted that Sharp is preparing two million units for its IGZO panels in July, which is closing in the gap in orders Sharp is receiving compared with leading panel makers Samsung Display and LG Display. The increased shipments show rising demand for the iPad along with preparation for the new revised iPad’s release, said sources,” said the DigiTimes.

Possible specs for the new iPad 3
Apple has just upgraded its iPad series with the new iPad (third generation iPad) in March 2012. The upgrade brought no more changes to the form factor and design of the tablet. Instead, Apple just upgraded the processor and display to the new A5X and Retina Display. As per rumors, the new version for iPad 3 will possibly come with more enhanced specs. The device may have an even powerful quad core processor (likely A6), Retina Display, NFC, 4G LTE, more ports and a new operating system.

Apart from all, what many expect is a complete change in form factor. Apple is less concerned about the timely change of the form factor of its products. When it comes to iPhone, Apple has made no change to the 3.5-inch form factor since its original version in 2007. Now it has been raised by analysts as one of reasons for the loss of market share for the superb Apple iPhone handset. Apple has also kept its iPad with almost the same design from its first version in 2010. So it is time we can expect an overhaul in the design of the handset.

Apple iPad mini
Rumors surrounding Apple’s new products are spreading like wildfire. Before we heard about the rumored new version for iPad 3, we all were bombarded with rumors about a mini iPad from the company. The much-touted iPad mini is expected to come with a 7.85-inch display to compete with Amazon Kindle Fire and Google’s recently unveiled Asus Nexus 7. Indeed, there is a great chance for a small iPad, which was not in the imagination of Steve Jobs, the former CEO and co-founder of Apple, who conceived the tablet PC.

Steve was against the idea of a small tablet, but the time requires for a more pocketable tablet PC from Apple. Anyway, as per rumors, the mini iPad is expected to come out of cover sometime late this year with iPhone 5. Both the machines will run on iOS 6, the next major update to the mobile OS from Apple. The company presented iOS 6 at its recent Worldwide Developer Conference 2012. Apple is adept at keeping the people guessing about its product. And we are all victims of its plans!

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Posted by admin on July 6, 2012. Filed under Life & Style. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry