Without a doubt, Apple will release a new iPad within a few months. Too many people are expecting it, and it's about time that they have a tablet with at least a front-facing camera for FaceTime. But could Apple release yet another new iPad in the fall? Some think so.
Columns
Advertisement
35% of You Haven't Downloaded an App
After yesterday's exciting announcement of the Mac App Store, you'd think everyone would be happy. Well, while some developers are on the fence as to whether or not this is a good thing for Mac software development, a new study from Nielsen shows that perhaps apps aren't quite as important as we once thought. Why? Because 35% of iPad owners have never downloaded one.
Apple TV: Your Thoughts?
Tomorrow is the big day. Everyone is expecting a new Apple TV. In fact, the excitement is palpable. This is somewhat strange, given that enthusiasm for the device has been limited to the truly diehard Apple fans in the past. Is the excitement justified? No one can say yet, but we're all eager to see how the iPad and other iDevices fit into Apple's grand scheme.
$.99 TV Rentals Not Enough
A new report from Bloomberg is saying that Apple will soon start renting television shows from a number of major networks for the low price of $.99. This is down from multi-dollar rentals that have been commonplace for awhile on iTunes. But even at a buck a show, is this going to be enough to make you ditch your cable subscription?
TV Is About to Change
First ABC, then Netflix, then Hulu, and soon HBO. The powers that be are quickly adopting the iPad as the new go-to device for your daily dose of television. If rumors hold true, Apple will unveil the new AppleTV next month, further expanding your TV options while simultaneously integrating the iPad, both as a remote and perhaps an alternate screen. TV, as you know it, is drastically changing.
The iPad Is a Computer
A recent study found that Apple has jumped to third place (from seventh) in manufacturers of portable computers, thanks largely in part to the success of the iPad. Great news, right? Well, at least if you believe that the iPad constitutes a computer. You might be surprised that some do not share this belief. Here's why they are wrong.
To Jailbreak or Not to Jailbreak
There's been a lot of talk about jailbreaking your iDevices in the media as of late. In fact, there is currently a way to jailbreak an iOS device using Mobile Safari. Could it get any easier? Although we're sure Apple will fix the problem sooner rather than later, the ease with which you can accomplish this task is almost begging you to do it. The question remains, though: should you?
Where Does That Leave the iPad?
We've had the iPad now for just over 3 months, and we've been enjoying (when we get a signal) our iPhone 4s for a few weeks, too. But these are just two of the three major iOS platforms. Rumors are beginning to stir about what Apple has in store for its latest iPod Touch refresh this September. With two newly updated devices, where does the iPad stand?
Counterintuitive Casing
With all the hoopla surrounding the iPhone 4's reception problems, and experiencing that firsthand, I succumbed yesterday and purchased Apple's official bumper case. While at the store, I also splurged and bought the official iPad case. After using both, all I can say is this: What is Apple thinking?
iPad, Apple, and a Few Questions
Apple's questionable production of the iPhone 4 and the sheer number of construction problems being reported (spots on the screen, breakable glass, mismatched volume buttons, and so on) got us thinking about other suspicious practices, namely regarding the iPad. It starts with the lack of a camera.
iPhone 4, Apple, and a Few Questions
We at Padvance may be true Apple devotees, but we're not afraid to call it like we see it. After the initial shock and awe of receiving my shiny new iPhone 4 yesterday wore off, I started noticing some problems (more on that in a minute). These significant problems got me thinking. A lot. And not just about the iPhone.
Will iPhone 4 Overshadow the iPad?
All day long, people around the country have been desperately trying to pre-order Apple's latest and greatest, the iPhone 4. I, myself, have been trying over and again to complete the task via the Apple Store (app and website) and ATT.com, all to no avail. This means both that the servers can't handle the traffic and that the iPhone 4 is going to be huge. Now, how is that going to affect the iPad?
Better Battery, Better Device
The iPhone 4 may be making waves in the cellular world with its bigger, better battery, but let it not be forgotten that the iPad really got the ball rolling with its phenomenal battery life. In fact, it has more or less redefined my mobile device habits and usage.
Friday Takeaway: The iPad OS Delay
The iPhone is getting a robust OS update this summer, possibly even next week during the WWDC. The jump to OS 4.0 will provide a slew of new features and once again put Apple either in line with the competition or in some ways ahead. But the iPad is not getting the same firmware update until the fall. Why is that?
Netflix Video Out Tested
Reader Scott Bedard has returned with another video chronicling the continuing story of the iPad's abilities when video is sent out to a second screen. Recently, Netflix added the ability to stream video out via it's iPad app. When put to the test, though, the results are less than flattering. Check after the break for the video.
Should iCare About iBooks?
In many pundits' minds, the iPad has been seen as a possible replacement for Amazon's Kindle. The Kindle is a straight-up eBook reader; unless you're really into reading books, you probably have no use for the device. The iPad, on the other hand, can do pretty much anything, at least once developers put in enough elbow grease to create an app to do it. In fact, of all that the iPad does, how important is iBooks really? Will it change your reading habits?
Life After Lost
One era ends as a new era begins. Last night, the final episode of Lost aired. Although this is a show that doesn't get the same ratings as, say, American Idol, it's enjoyed 6 years with an incredibly loyal following. Many who have watched it since the beginning are wondering how to fill the hole that Lost has left behind. The easy answer is: watch it all over again. And what better way to do that than on the iPad?
Friday Takeaway: One Month with the iPad
I've had an iPad in my possession for a little over a month now. I've lived through the insurmountable amount of hype, played with the early launch apps, and continue to anxiously await the next major firmware update that greatly adds to its feature set. I've seen good reviews and bad reviews of Apple's magical and revolution device, and I've seen phenomenal sales in just a month's time. But, looking back, has it dramatically changed my day-to-day life?
The Dearth of Universal Apps
App Store pricing is still in a state of flux. Earlier today, we reviewed an app that once cost $49.99 and now sells for $1.99. An app on the iPhone may cost double that when it is repackaged for the iPad. Sometimes the extra cost is justified; other times it is clearly not. Where, then, does the universal app fit into all of this?
The Relevance of Hulu
As we reported yesterday, Hulu looks to be prepping a premium subscription plan (Hulu Plus) for its web viewers. This means, for probably $9.95 a month, you'll get access to far more shows than the viewer who opts to view for free. There are plenty of repercussions that result from such a decision, many of which affect us iPadders.
« Newer Older »
Advertisement
Advertisement
Recent Comments
Padvance on Twitter
- Recent survey shows that Kindle Fire owners are generally "very satisfied", but more iPad owners are "very satisfied". http://t.co/etlYgzJx 2 days ago
- iPad 3 announcement happening in February. iPad 3 announcement NOT happening in February. http://t.co/num9fHYM 2 days ago
- Steve Jobs' "angel" used to sell budget Android tablet in Taiwan. Sharp marketing? Or in poor taste? See for yourself: http://t.co/GV8jcAl1 2 days ago
- Innovative Leisure reunites classic Atari arcade creators to bring new games to iOS. http://t.co/IMCngP8S February 2nd, 2012
- Dolphin HD is a fantastic alternative to the stock Safari browser on the iPad. Full review here: http://t.co/6Zg3f177 February 2nd, 2012
