The iPad 3 is still weeks away from being announced, but Chinese tech blog M.I.C.gadget managed to snag a back shell for the iPad 3 from “one of our most reliable sources.” As you can see from the pics after the jump the case is slightly thicker than the svelte iPad 2 back panel. The next-gen tablet still has the tapered styling of its predecessor. It just looks like a slightly overweight iPad 2.
The iPad 3 is said to be thicker than the iPad 2. That should be considered as a fact now. Everything from LTE to the high-resolution screen to the predictably larger battery is cited as the cause for the thicker case. But outside of fanboy flame wars, an extra couple of millimeters doesn’t matter. M.I.C.gadget even found several iPad 2 cases still worked with the thicker casing. The addition of the aforementioned specs should more than justify the additional thickness — and that’s coming from a guy that doesn’t want the damn thing.
There is of course a chance that this isn’t the back case of the iPad 3. It’s entirely plausible M.I.C.gadgets is trolling the Internet. But I doubt it. I’ve found the site to be reliable in the past and the timing is about right. If the site had posted this, say, even a month ago, I would have a lot more doubts. But the iPad 3 is said to be launching in the coming weeks. Components are already being made. Case makers already have the specs. Expect more leaks to hit the interwebs prior to the official launch.
M.I.C.gadget also notes that the iPad 3′s back panel has room for a larger camera lens. This is in line with previous rumors that place a higher-resolution camera within the next iPad. But of course these are all rumors. Nothing is 100% confirmed yet. Apple is said to be announcing the next iPad the first week of March, but that’s still a rumor too at this point.
When the Absinthe A5 untethered jailbreak solution hit yesterday it opened Apple’s iPhone 4S and iPad 2 for more creative uses by their owners — as long as they were on OS X. Now the team has returned with a version of the tool built for Windows users who enjoy iLife mixing and matching. All the usual restrictions, warnings and directives apply, but you know what you’re here for — hit the source link below to download a ZIP file straight from greenpois0n’s servers and get going, or check the other links for more information on the exact steps to follow.
IK Multimedia’s never fallen short of giving you some of the better tools for all your on-the-go music-making utilizing your beloved iOS device as the main rig. Now, the peripheral connoisseur’s taking the wraps off its iRig PRE, which aims to help you digitally process those glorious vocal chords by allowing you to plug in any XLR mic into it without the need for other adapters or cables.
Furthermore, the dongle features a 3.5mm jack for audio monitoring, gain control and can squeeze a runtime of up to 40 hours (dynamic microphones) or 15 hours (phantom powered condenser mics) from a standard 9V battery. The PRE amp will also come included with two of iRig’s usual suspect apps (iRig Recorder and VocaLive) to help you get started in your quest to be the next idol. We know you can’t wait to get your singing on, but you’ll have to wait until “early Q2″ to do so, for a moderate price of $39.99 — perhaps the iRig Mic can get you through the days in the meantime.
iStation is a unique docking station for iPad unveiled by M.I.C Gadget. There are two models, one in white pearl glossy with black keyboard and one in a faux woodgrain surface with white keyboard.
Designed to be compatible to Apple iPhone, iStation iPad dock also offers direct MP3 playback from a USB flash drive or a microSD card. Other mentioned features including a built-in stereo speakers with a subwoofer and a 3.5mm standard audio jack if you prefer to enjoy your favorite tunes or music alone without distracting other.
Apple has released the latest version of their mobile OS, iOS 5 and it is now available to download for the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad, and it brings over 200 new features to Apple’s iOS devices.
iOS 5 is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and the new iPhone 4S which will go on sale this Friday, plus the 3rd and 4th generation iPod Touch and the original iPad plus the new iPad 2.
Apple’s iOS 5 brings a range of new features to iOS devices, which include a new Notification Center, iMessage, Newsstand, Reminders, Twitter integration and much more, plus it will now work with Apple’s new iCloud service.
iOS 5 is now available to download direct from iTunes by connecting your iOS devices to your Mac or PC and selecting ‘Check for update’.
JBL has released the On Tour iBT, a new battery powered one-piece speaker that incorporates Bluetooth wireless technology to stream audio wirelessly from the iPad, iPhone, iPod or other A2DP capable devices. Weighing just over one pound, the On Tour iBT is designed for portability and can be easily carried in a backpack or purse.
The unit also includes a tabletop stand for an iPad in portrait or landscape mode allowing the iBT to function as an audio output for video playback. The On Tour iBT features four Odyssey full-range neodymium transducers with computer optimized digital signal processing equalization for detailed, 360-degree sound and supports both the A2DP and AVRCP Bluetooth audio profiles. A built-in microphone also allows the unit to be used as a speakerphone for conference calls or video chats. The speaker is powered by four AA batteries or an external AC power source; when connected to a wall outlet the iBT can also charge an iPad, iPhone or iPod via a built-in USB connection. The JBL On Tour iBT sells for $150 and is available from JBL.com and other JBL retailers.
We featured the iLuv ArtStation Pro tablet docking station back in July and following on from that device, this week iLuv has unveiled a new flagship tablet dock which is definitely worth a look if you would prefer to use your iPad in a similar way to a desktop PC.
First up is the iMM737, featuring a wired keyboard with iOS function keys that can be stowed in the dock’s base when you’re not typing away, a tilting / rotating bracket for easy customization and built-in speakers. Next, the iMM517 boasts an adjustable slate holder of its own, aBluetooth keypad and jAura Sound technology. Need something a wee bit more portable? Perhaps the iCK826 or the iSK912 Professional WorkStation Portfolio cases will suit your workflow. Both offer a wireless set of keys that are detachable, should the need arise. Only looking for a keyboard? That’s an option too with the iBTKB20.
Prices for the iLuv iMM737 WorkStation Dock will be available at select iLuv retailers in November for around $180.
If you enjoy playing Facebook games but would prefer to move a little further away from your computer and be able to play on your iPad. You will be pleased to know that a new application just added to the Apple iTunes Store called GameBox For Facebook, will allow you to do just that.
Currently Gamebox for Facebook only allows you to play a couple of Facebook games: Digital Chocolate’s Army Attack, and Zynga’s CityVille, but more games area expected to be added shortly.
“Play CityVille & Army Attack on your iPad now! The neighbors’ relationship on iPad is totally same with PC. GameBox for Facebook designed to let Facebook gamers can play Flash-based social games on iPad/iPhone.”
The new Gamebox For Facebook application is now ready to download from the Apple iTunes Store for $2.99.
Back at CES 2011 we spit the Master Plan for iPad, a full sized keyboard with a music dock for the iPad.But alas, the Master Plan Never Came to Be.Fortunately, a product from Ion Audio similarly looks to be making way on to store shelves ITS soon.The product is the Piano Apprentice and it is in Piano learning system designed to work with the iPad, iPod and iPhone.
It’s not going to instill as much discipline when it comes practising as having an actual person teaching you to play, but Ion Audio’s new Piano Apprentice will at least let you learn at your own pace. It features a 25 note keyboard with touch-sensitive keys that light up showing you exactly which ones you should be playing. And if that’s not enough to get you tickling the ivories like a concert pianist, the Piano Apprentice has an accompanying free app for your iPad, which docks just above the keyboard, showing you how and where you should be placing your hands. For portability it can be powered by 4 x AA batteries or an optional AC adapter, and it should be available sometime in September for ~$100.
The ZAGGfolio’s space-saving keyboard is ultra thin and has a built-in rechargeable battery rated for weeks of use between charges. The keyboard can also be removed from the case and since it uses Bluetooth it ca stay connected to the iPad 2 even at a distance. It also works with the iPad 2 in both landscape and portrait orientations.
There is a built in stand at the back which is used to display your iPad 2 for typing and the space saving Bluetooth keyboard supports the iPad in both portrait and landscape orientations. Watch the promotional video after the jump to see the ZAGGfolio in action.
The Bluetooth keyboard is equipped with iPad 2 specific shortcut keys and can be removed from the case but still remain connected to your iPad allowing you to spread out a little more making typing a little more comfortable. The ZAGGfolio Bluetooth keyboard uses a 510 mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery and currently comes with a US keyboard layout.
The ZAGGfolio is available to purchase for $99 directly from the ZAGG website.
February 21, 2012 4:40 pm | 
