So far, nothing has confirmed that the batteries on the Apple iPad touch screen tablet are indeed defective (it is still some weeks away before the device officially launches). But with Apple already announcing its device replacement deal to customers ahead of time, one cannot help but wonder what Apple is keeping from us.
The battery on the iPad is expected to be able to power the tablet for at least ten hours. Considering that the device comes with a 9.7 inch capacitive touch screen with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels which auto rotates depending on the device’s orientation and that it also runs on a 1GHz A4 processor –it is a wonder that the battery is even running for more than 3 hours.
Anyway, Apple has not denied the rumors about the alleged 10 hour battery life for their devices. In fact, the announcement of the deal for replacing iPads with batteries that have diminished capacities means that they really do intend for the tablet to have a battery that good.
Good or not, it seems like Apple is already prepared to deal with folks who might be unlucky enough to purchase an iPad with a defective battery. Apple has agreed to replace devices for free but owners will still have to shoulder a pretty expensive service fee –aside from shipping and other costs. This places plenty of concern for buyers as they might have to incur an additional cost due to a factory defect.
Looks like the legendary wall of Apple lawyers are working their magic again as Apple is apparently clear of the responsibilities for supplying the world with another device with a possibly defective battery (iPod first generation anyone?)
Get the full details on the iPad replacement plan the how much it will cost iPad owners at Mobile Today UK.
Archive for the ‘Apple Phones’ Category
iPad Battery Could be Source of Problems
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010iPhone Rumor: Multitasking is Coming
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
The next Apple iPhone OS is reported to support multi tasking capabilities.
Or so goes the rumor currently going around. Reports state that the Beta iPhone software dev kit contains code for a so-called “multitasking dialog box”. No word yet from actual developers if the function is already running or if they are allowed to tweak with it, but this little bit of news comes as a light of hope for many iPhone owners who are tired of not being able to run apps in the background.
While the iPhone does allow users to enjoy a degree of multi tasking with proprietary functions such as iTunes, third party apps are not part of the deal.
The Apple iPhone is a very impressive smart phone. Despite being over two years old now, the hardware on the device is able to match its present day competitors. Compared side by side, the 3D graphics on the iPhone is superior to that of the Google Nexus One (which was only released last January). To say that the device lacks multitasking due to hardware limitations would be misleading as the iPhone can easily handle such a task –though expect the device to slow down if it does get multi tasking and you run a couple of resource heavy apps.
Anyway, the rumor of the upcoming feature is very promising for some as rumors that no Apple devices would have multitasking capabilities have been spreading around since the announcement of the Apple iPad touch screen tablet which, as a true Apple device, also lacked multitasking capabilities.
It seems that despite Steve Jobs’ stubbornness, there are some folks are Apple who are still level headed enough to bring in such a much needed function –was it not the same deal with cut and paste?
Get to know more about the rumors of multitasking for the iPhone on Stuff TV.
Weird Patents: the Apple iKey
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Okay, we know that Apple is currently suing Taiwanese mobile phone manufacturer HTC with 20 alleged patent infringements. Since we are not going into the whole tirade about the HTC-Google connection and that Apple simply wants to strike at their competitor, lets us take a look at this from another perspective: why was Apple sitting on 20 patents for so long waiting for the chance to make a lawsuit?
Well, here is one approved Apple patent that they may never have to sue anyone else over: the Apple iKey.
Now, the concept of electronic locks and using electronic devices to open such locks has been around since the early days of science fiction. It is not an innovative or exciting concept since plenty of us have already had the feeling of fumbling through a giant key set and simply wishing that we all just had one device to open our doors –fancy that huh?
But the real problem here is that despite the fact that plenty of us have wished for it, none of us would actually want our doors or cars or lockers to be opened by wave signals from our iPhones because that would be akin to letting our keys be easily duplicated.
Despite the great fuss about encryption technology and security backups on these devices, the potential problems that can be linked to this technology far outweigh the benefits.
Even if many of us already use similar form of technology on our cars; the general public is far too paranoid and untrusting of electronic devices to put the safety of their homes under its mercy. The emotional and psychological value of knowing that you alone hold a physical key to your home is something that no electronic gadget can hope to match.
Get to know more about the Apple iKey patent at Pocket Lint.
No Tethering for the iPad
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Pushing up the demand for the 3G versions of the Apple iPad tablet, Steve Jobs has recently confirmed that the non-3G version of the touch screen device cannot be tethered to the iPhone for 3G connectivity. While this is not exactly unsurprising, it is still disappointing news since people have been hoping that it would be possible to get the non-3G version.
With the price of the 3G version being significantly more expensive than the non-3G types, the business tactic of Apple is perfectly clear – they will not add a feature that would make the 3G version less worth buying.
In the end, however, the concept of tethering to an iPhone is pretty redundant for the iPad; if you already have net access on your iPhone present, then simply use the iPhone to do your browsing online.
The Apple iPad tablet scheduled to be launched in the UK by late April. It has been announced that both the 3G and non-3G versions of the device will be available and buyers will have the option of choosing between the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB variants. In the US, the launch date will be coming a lot earlier at April 3 though only the 3G version of the device will be made available.
While Apple has yet to explain the nature or cause of the delay in the UK launch, many are attributing this to the recently reported troubles of China-based manufacturers for Apple.
The tablet, which comes with a 9.7 inch capacitive touch screen display, a 1GHz processor and support for WiFi connectivity has a lot to prove to the portable device industry. Lacking Adobe Flash support and the ability to multi-task programs, a lot is riding on Steve Jobs’ direction of the new gadget.
Get to know more about the iPad at Know Your Mobile.
UK to Get iPad Late April
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010Looks like Vodafone will be launching the iPad last in its list of ‘shiny new gizmos for March to April’. The mobile network operator is already confirmed to be offering the HTC Desire, HTC Legend, Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 and the Google Nexus One. The Apple iPad was originally expected to pop up somewhere in between (it was announced last January) but it looks like Apple’s undisclosed problems have led to the slight delay of the much anticipated touch screen tablet.
Speaking of undisclosed problems, it was reported just a while back that Apple has been having problems with its production lines in China. While Steve Jobs’ company has yet to give an official statement regarding this matter, many believe that this is the main reason why the iPad has been delayed. Production problems may also explain why the iPad will only be available in its’ 3G version on the date of US release: April 3. The non-3G version of the iPad is expected to come out when the device arrives in the UK.
So far, it has been an uphill battle for Apple to get people interested in the iPad. While the tablet is pretty impressive as a browser, eBook reader and even app player, it has plenty of technical limitations and a pretty steep price tag. Speaking of technical limitations, the iPad lacks multi tasking capabilities and support for Flash. While missing Flash is expected (we all know that Steve Jobs hates Adobe), the lack of multi tasking is a very crippling problem for the tablet.
Ideally, this 9.7 inch touch screen device would serve as the primary information access hub for users. With its quick launch accessibility, it would be as convenient as picking up the daily paper or a magazine.
Get to know more about the Apple iPad release date at Mobile Today UK.
Apple iPad to Come this Late March
Monday, March 8th, 2010
It looks like the new Apple Tablet will be arriving this coming March 26. Despite a slight problem in production, the new Apple gadget will be reaching UK shores soon.
According to Peter Misek, an analyst for Canaccord Adams, there was a slight problem in the production of the iPad. Hon Hai Precision, the manufacturer for some parts of the device encountered some unspecified problems. Despite the device arriving to the UK on time, the number of available units might be limited or smaller than Apple expected.
Despite the lower number of stocks, many believe that there will not be much demand for the newfangled Apple gadget.
Research into British adults has shown that many are already familiar with the name and the image of the iPad, but very few are actually familiar with the actual capabilities of the new devices. It has also been shown that most people are not aware of what features the iPad has and has not. Several people have mistaken the device as capable of taking images and videos as well as capable of multi tasking –a common misconception due to the “giant iPod Touch” description being given.
At the same time, not many are familiar with the devices’ capability to use existing iPhone and iPod apps, read eBooks and even play certain 3D games.
The Apple iPad comes with a 9.7 inch capacitive touch screen that provides users with an onscreen keyboard for typing out messages. The screen also auto rotates allowing users to switch between portrait and landscape view as needed. Steve Jobs has been firm about not enabling Adobe flash compatibility with the iPad –a feature that is expected to remain absent in the portable device.
Get to know more about the Apple iPad and its upcoming launch at the Telegraph UK.
HTC: We Have Our Own Patents
Friday, March 5th, 2010
Despite not discussing the exact details of the Apple lawsuit, Taiwanese electronic manufacturer HTC stated that it will protect its’ innovations and creations and that they have their own patents.
The lawsuit covers a wide range of software and hardware features on HTC devices that Apple claims has been stolen from their designs. Steve Jobs has been pretty vocal about the concept of theft by stating that competitors should make new technologies instead of stealing them. While the Apple CEO may have his stand on the issue, in court, it is simply a matter of patent infringement where Apple is claiming that they have at least 20 patents for technologies being used by HTC.
Google, developer of the Android mobile operating system (aside from being the multimillion search engine company) stands strongly behind HTC on the issue. They stand behind the Android operating system and their partners. The electronics manufacturer has played a major role in the development of the Android OS –they created the very first Android smart phone (the HTC Dream) and several other devices such as the Hero and the upcoming Desire and Legend. HTC also was Google’s partner in the creation of the Nexus One; the very first Google branded smart phone.
Apple’s decision to sue HTC is considered by many as a tactical strike against Google. While Apple would have a hard time suing Google (or coming up with a case in the first place), HTC is a more viable target as the company is a major partner for Google. In the meanwhile, Google has its own troubles with the EU Antitrust investigation still ongoing. Despite the Android not being the case, other Android phone manufacturers will be at risk for similar lawsuits if HTC loses.
Get to know more about the Apple lawsuit at the Telegraph UK.
Why Sue? The Apple-HTC Lawsuit
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
Because it fits -yes, that is a bad pun, bad sadly, the shoe does fit in the case of the mobile phone industry. In fact, you can even call lawsuits the eternal pastime of tech companies when they need to annoy the living daylights out of their competitors. So yes, when mobile phone manufacturers are not busy working the next iPhone killer or the next WP7 device, they are comparing their list of patents with all the cool stuff their competitors came up with.
One thing that is not surprising, but is very important is the simple fact that infringement lawsuits are rarely monumental. With mobile phone technology constantly being pushed forward, it makes perfect sense that some companies end up creating similar or even identical breakthroughs –all that really matters is the race to get a patent. Anyone holding a patent to a technology will hold ownership of it. This is the reason why we can dig up some very disturbing patents filed by companies years ago (take a look at Google’s publication snipping patent).
Anyway, the lawsuit filed by Apple is reported to implicate many user interface based technologies including multi touch functions. But with both Apple and HTC keeping a tight lid on details it is still not confirmed exactly which 20 Apple patents are being contested. The lawsuit has been filed in the Court of Delaware and also with the ITC (International Trade Commission).
Apple’s choice to place pressure on HTC is seen not only as a legal maneuver, but also as a greater business strategy. The Taiwanese manufacturer stands as Google and Microsoft’s support in the Android and Windows Mobile operating systems –should this lawsuit prevent HTC from making certain upcoming devices, it will certainly give the upcoming Apple iPhone 4G an edge over its competitors.
Read more about the Apple lawsuit at Tech Radar.
Apple iPad: Heading to the UK with Bigger Price Tags
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010It is a given, Apple products will always be more expensive in the UK than in the US. Apple blames the high cost of doing business in Europe; we say rubbish. The EU has always been nice to Apple and they ought to really bring down their prices more if they truly want to succeed.
In any case, at least the news is not surprising. The tablet has been at the centre of lots of news since Steve Jobs unveiled the device last January. Until now, many people still do not know what to do with the touch screen gizmo. We do know that it plays media, browses the net, plays games and lets people read news –though never at the same time.
Yep, Steve Jobs has yet to enable multi tasking on the electronic tablet. So far, it is hard to understand why Apple leaves this major drawback when the device has more than enough hardware power to handle it. We do know that Jobs would never support Flash no matter what happens, but unless he enables multitasking capabilities, we can only imagine how un-useful the iPad can be.
The device has already been confirmed to be available in standard and 3G versions. The 3G version of the device is expected to have additional features such as GPS capabilities and will also be more expensive than the non-3G version. Both types will have WiFi network support.
It is still too early to determine how well the iPad will actually do. But recent studies show that UK adults are not familiar with the actual capabilities of the tablet. While people are familiar with the brand and the name, the lack of customer familiarity will certainly hurt the sales of the iPad.
Read more about the Apple iPad on the Telegraph UK.
Apple iPad: More Expensive in the UK
Monday, March 1st, 2010
Okay, since this will be difficult to explain, here’s a quick summary of a price comparison.
Converting US dollars into Pounds Sterling, the 16GB iPad costs £326, the 32GB version is £392 and lastly, the 64GB version is £457. That is how much the 3G-WiFi versions of the Apple iPad would cost if you bought it in the US. Pretty pricey, but reasonable considering the impressive hardware the device comes with.
According to reports, the UK prices for the Apple iPad will be significantly different. First off, the 16GB version is £389, the 32GB version is £439 and lastly, the 64GB version is £489.
The prices are significantly expensive, and no word has been given as to why the UK version of the device will set us back by more than £30 for each version. Unless the UK version of the iPad comes with multi tasking capabilities, it is pretty hard to justify the difference.
Regardless, this is still good news. The confirmation of UK prices means that the device is certainly headed to the UK pretty soon. So far, no network operators have announced that they will be subsidizing the device –though it has been said that Vodafone will be bringing the tablet over.
The Apple iPad comes with a 9.7 inch capacitive touch screen display, a 1GHz A4 processor and as seen above, varying internal memory capacities. ARM has recently announced that the A4 CPU is based on their technology –expect this device t be able to run apps fast and smooth. The device is missing support for Flash and multi tasking which is actually a pretty big loss since multi tasking is a very important feature.
Get to know more about the new pricing rates for the upcoming iPad at Pocket Lint.