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News, Reviews, & Opinion
Was the 'New iPad' Design Apple's Second
Choice?
Cnet's Brooke Crothers suggests that Apple may have really have
preferred to release a thinner tablet than what eventually materialized
as the New iPad - if it had been
possible to implement the display technology that it really wanted.
Crothers allows that he's always wondered whether the New iPad
design was compromised, hastening to add that he likes his gen 3 iPad,
which has pretty much supplanted his older iPad 2 to backup duty.
However, he says fact that the newer version is thicker and heavier
than the older one strikes him as being at odds with Jobsian philosophy
and has given him newfound appreciation for his 10"
Motorola Xyboard tablet, which he finds easier to hold for long
periods of time than the New iPad, and he reports that some analysts
are saying that the gen 3 iPad design was actually Apple's Plan B, Plan
A having been a design that wouldn't have added the additional heft -
at least according to Raymond Soneira, the founder, president and CEO
of DisplayMate Technologies,
who tells Crothers that Apple really wanted to use a new, more advanced
technology from Sharp called IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide),
which would have allowed a more svelte form factor.
Publisher's note: Last April,
The Mac Observer reported, "Analysts believe that Sharp's new
displays are a 'prime candidate' for use in upcoming Apple products,
including the much-rumored Apple television.
"Sharp claims that the new technology allows twice the resolution of
existing displays but at the same transparency, meaning that
high-resolution displays will not require brighter backlights, saving
both energy and space. Sharp said these advantages result in up to a 90
percent reduction in power consumption compared to displays currently
in use." dk
Link: Did Apple Settle
on Plan B for the Third-Generation iPad?
Who Cares That the New iPad Is a Bit Thicker and
Heavier Than the iPad 2?
ZDNet's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes wonders that while the new iPad is
0.03" (0.6 mm) thicker and 0.12 lb. (49 grams) heavier than the
iPad 2, apart from a small faction of users that obsesses over
technical specifications, does anyone really care?
He suggests that the changes are so small that they're barely
perceptible and mechanically irrelevant, since most cases designed to
fit the iPad 2 will comfortably fit the iPad 3 as well. He contends
that if your reason for not wanting a New iPad is the fact that it's
0.03" thicker and 2 oz. heavier, you really need to find a hobby.
Editor's note: While the increased bulk or weight are unwelcome, I
agree that neither is substantial enough to be a deal-breaker. The
reason I'm cool toward the third-generation iPad is the prodigious
increase in required bandwidth and the greater demand on computing
power and memory capacity to support the new Retina Display's 4x
greater pixel count and the iPad's new LTE connectivity.
Count on this becoming a major issue in the near future and ongoing.
This week The Globe and Mail's Paul Taylor
reported that US mobile operators are scrambling to keep pace with
a smartphone and tablet PC-driven mobile data tsunami that threatens to
overwhelm their networks, with the twin issues of data overload and
spectrum crunch being key themes at the wireless industry's CTIA
conference in New Orleans this week. cm
Link: Who Cares That the
iPad 3 Is Thicker and Heavier Than the iPad 2?
Hack Brings Decent Text Editing to the iPad
iDownloadBlog's Jeff Benjamin reports that an iPad text editing
concept comes to life thanks to a jailbreak tweak, and the public has
spoken out against how terrible the iPad's text editing is.
He notes that while Apple may not be in a mood to listen, someone
else did - and the jailbreak community has responded in a big way.
Introducing SwipeSelection as a usable realization of an original
iPad concept video that went viral.
Developer Kyle Howells has created a jailbreak tweak for jailbroken
iPads that imitates the
original demo video, with precision one-finger editing, faster two
finger editing, and selection capability by means of tapping the shift
key prior to dragging a finger - in short, just what Apple needs to
implement in iOS 6. Benjamin says SwipeSelection works extremely
well, feeling incredibly native and perfectly natural, and will be
offered free of charge to the jailbroken masses.
Benjamin contends that if you do any sort of writing on your iPad,
you need SwipeSelection, and that after using it, your hatred for
Apple's gimped editing functionality will mutate into complete and
utter disdain.
Link: iPad Text
Editing Concept Comes to Life Thanks to This Jailbreak Tweak
iPad Keyboard Prototype to Make Editing Text Easier
but Misses the Point
OS News' Thom Holwerda observes that while Daniel Hooper has come up
with tweaks to the iPad keyboard to make text entry better (see YouTube video), he
suggests that a better fix would be to just implement a few arrow keys
- default on many Android keyboards - and be done with it. Holwerda
notes that Hooper uses gestures to perform arrow key functions, but
that they are non-discoverable and most likely error-prone - thus more
complex.
Link: iPad Keyboard
Prototype to Make Editing Text Easier, Misses Point
Updated iPad 2 Improves Battery Life
AnandTech's Anand Lal Shimpi observes that when Apple launched the
3rd generation iPad, it also dropped the price of the entry-level 16 GB
WiFi-only iPad 2 to $399. However, he reports that the $399 iPad 2 is
is not just a carryover, but is being used as a vehicle to introduce a
new hardware platform, more specifically, a new 32nm A5 processor.
Lal Shimpi notes that prior to the new iPad announcement there had
been three versions of the iPad 2 - the 2,1 being WiFi-only, the 2,2
supporting GSM, and the 2,3 supporting CDMA. The $399 unit is the iPad
2,4, which he says delivers more battery life than the older 45nm
chipped versions: 1.6 hours surfing), 1.78-2.05 hours gaming, and 2.4
hours watching 720p video. However, he cautions that there's no known
way to tell whether you're getting an iPad 2,4 vs. the older iPad 2,1
without opening the box.
Link: The iPad 2,4: 32nm
Process Brings Better Battery Life
52% Would Consider an iPad Mini Purchase
PR: With rumors afoot about Apple potentially releasing an
iPad Mini by the end of this year, PriceGrabber, a part of Experian,
has released the results of its iPad Mini survey. Conducted April 23 -
April 30, 2012, the survey includes responses from 2,603 US online
shopping consumers.
52% of Consumers Would Consider a iPad Mini Purchase This Year
When asked if they would consider purchasing the rumored 7" iPad
Mini for approximately $249 to $300 if it was released this year:
- 52% said Yes
- 48% said No
- Only 22% of survey respondents currently own a tablet computer, and
68% of those tablet owners have an iPad or iPad 2, while 10% have
the Amazon Kindle Fire
Lower Price Point: Top Reason for Consumers Considering an iPad
Mini Purchase
When the 52% of survey respondents that said they would consider an
iPad Mini purchase, were asked to select all of the reasons why they
would consider buying the rumored product:
- 64% - the lower price point compared to an iPad or iPad 2
- 54% - smaller size, more portable
- 24% - it would make a great gift
- 20% - it would be for work purchases
- 20% - said they love Apple products and always purchase the latest
and greatest
51% of Shoppers Would Consider Buying the iPad Mini as a Holiday
Gift
When survey respondents were asked if they would consider purchasing
the rumored 7" iPad Mini as a gift for the holiday season this year if
it is released in time:
iPad Mini Features Most Important to Consumers: Lower Price Point
and Smaller Size
When survey respondents were asked to select all of the features
they hope to be included in the rumored iPad Mini, the top choices
included:
- 84% - reduced price
- 65% - at least 3G connectivity
- 60% - reduced size
- 60% - ultra thin body
- 43% - retina display
- 37% - full Siri integration
- 31% - unique and new design
- 30% - that it be launched with iOS 6
Increasing Diversity to Improve Growth in Tablet PC
Market
PR: Shipments of tablet PCs are expected to grow from 81.6
million units in 2011 to 424.9 million units by 2017, according to the
latest NPD DisplaySearch Tablet Quarterly report. The forecast for 2013
shipments has increased from 168.9 million to 184.2 million. This
forecast estimates that in 2016 more tablet PCs will be shipped than
notebook PCs. A growing diversity of operating systems is driving the
increase in demand for tablets, as well as rapidly evolving features.
At the same time, the capacity of component manufacturing is being
increased to meet new market demand.
"So far in this relatively young product category, the tablet PC
market has been dominated by Apple and has tended to include a number
of competing products that are similarly configured to the iPad," says
Richard Shim, NPD DisplaySearch Senior Analyst. "However, as the market
matures and competitors become better attuned to consumer preferences
and find opportunities to break new ground, we expect the landscape to
change dramatically, giving consumers more choices, which will drive
demand for more devices."
The industry has already witnessed some diversification in the
market with the early success of Amazon's Kindle Fire, with its
razor/razor blade model of low-priced device predicated on content
purchases. NPD DisplaySearch also expects increased investments in the
tablet supply chain - amidst a lull in the growth of other device
categories - to lead to more opportunities for new technologies to
challenge incumbents.
NPD DisplaySearch expects an increase in investments to boost
shipment growth in mature markets as retailers, brands, and consumers
experiment with emerging tablet opportunities.
A key area where there is room for differentiation is operating
systems. NPD DisplaySearch expects three operating systems to establish
significant share in the market: Apple iOS, Google Android, and
Microsoft Windows RT (a.k.a. Windows 8 for ARM). The iOS operating
system has been dominant in tablet PCs, but it is expected to lose
share, from 72.1% in 2012 to 50.9% in 2017, as Android increases from
22.5% 2012 to 40.5% over the same period. Meanwhile, share for Windows
RT is also expected to grow, but from a very small base of 1.5% in 2012
to 7.5% in 2017.
NPD DisplaySearch's Tablet Quarterly report tracks quarterly changes
in tablet PC products and strategies, and forecasts the impact of those
changes on the market. It covers the changing landscape of screen
sizes, features that are expected to be included and excluded in future
tablets, and operating systems.
Publisher's note: NPD DisplaySearch is making a lot of guesses here.
How would an iPad Mini impact things? Is webOS gone for good? And will
Microsoft be able to gain any traction at all with Windows RT?
Microsoft's mobile OS began as Windows CE in late 1996, was renamed
Pocket PC in 2000, and rebranded as Windows Mobile in 2003. It became a
dominant player in 2006/07 but lost 2/3 of its market share in 2008,
the first full year the iPhone was available. Today it's called Windows
Phone and is estimated to have 3% market share. Projecting 1.5% for
2012 seems a safe bet, but Microsoft's presence in the emerging tablet
market (not counting x86 Tablet PCs, which run a tweaked version of
Windows 7) is nothing but vapor until Windows 8 and RT are
available to manufacturers in "late 2012".
While most versions of Windows have been more popular than their
predecessors, notable exceptions were Windows Me (a Y2K compliant
stopgap between Windows 98 SE and XP and one of the worst
tech products of all time) and Vista (the biggest tech
disappointment of 2007 and the second-worst flop in tech history,
it never overtook XP in popularity and it was so unpopular that
Microsoft was forced to offer Windows XP downgrades). The success
of Windows RT is not assured. dk
Link:
Increasing Diversity to Add Additional Growth in Tablet PC
Market
Apps & Services
Free Netgear Genie App Makes any Printer
AirPrint-Compatible
PR: Netgear Inc. has announced the release of a new Netgear
Genie App that enables printing from an Apple iPhone, iPad, and iPod
touch to any networked or USB printer. With the Netgear Genie App
upgrade, iOS device users are no longer restricted to a narrow range of
AirPrint-compatible printers. The Netgear Genie App dramatically
overcomes previous AirPrint compatibility limitations to give users the
freedom to print to any USB or networked printer.
The Netgear Genie, available for PCs and Macs, provides a home
network dashboard that enables consumers to monitor, connect, and
control their home networks and also diagnose and automatically fix
network connectivity issues. Now, with this upgrade, the Netgear Genie
App also renders any printer AirPrint-compatible, whether connected
wirelessly to the home network, USB-connected to a PC, or connected
through a USB port to a Netgear ReadySHARE print-capable router. While
a PC or a Mac is on, the Netgear Genie App enables printing from iPad,
iPhone, and iPod touch devices on the same network.
"Before today, to print from an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch the user
needs to buy a new AirPrint-compatible printer," says Sandeep
Harpalani, senior product line manager at Netgear. "Now, with the
Netgear Genie App upgrade, you can simply print to your current printer
at home from your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch as you do from your PC
and Mac."
The Windows OS and Mac OS Netgear Genie App upgrade is now available
for download at no charge on http://netgear.com/genie
Netgear Genie is also available to download for iPad, iPhone,
Android Smartphones and tablets from the Apple store and Google Play
store.
Link:
Netgear Genie
Link:
Netgear Genie HD for iPad
App with a Cause: Rebel Magazine Launches iPad App
Focused on Men and Social Causes
PR: Rebel Magazine has launched a new iPad app that offers a
digitally immersive experience for readers interested in living the
story, rather than just reading about it. The award-winning magazine,
now in its second year, focuses on social causes, and on providing a
forum for men to redefine success.
Living The Story, Rather Than Just Reading About It
The March/April edition of Rebel Magazine is the first to be
featured in an iPad compatible format. The issue's cover story is
titled, "Bad Sex, Mens' Role in Buying and Selling Women," and raises
important issues regarding the commoditization and dehumanization of
women. The iPad edition of the article includes a link to an ongoing
blog by Amira Birger, whose harrowing story of life as a child
prostitute in Phoenix is detailed in the story.
Rebel's Plugged-in column looks at nonprofit technology startup
Ushahidi, which means testimony, or witness in Swahili. Ushahidi
provides open-sourced mapping software for crowdsourcing and sharing
stories of human rights issues, and the iPad version of Rebels coverage
features a video detailing the technologies use in Kenya, the Congo,
and India, among other hotspots.
Rebel's Small Screen column profiles comedian Louis C.K. and
features a hilarious audio clip from an appearance with Conan O'Brien,
while a feature on Michael Uslan, the co-executive producer of the
Batman franchise of movies includes a trailer for the upcoming film
(summer 2012) The Dark Knight Rises.
The magazine's Rebel With A Cause feature highlights innovative
entrepreneur Shaun King, who has used social platforms to launch nearly
a dozen successful startups, from Twitchange to 500 toys, and whose
latest project, Hopemob.org, blazes a new path towards social good. The
iPad edition features an expanded high definition photo gallery that
looks stunning with the new iPad's Retina display and brings the
beneficiaries of King's projects to life.
Rebel donates a minimum of 20% of its ad space to deserving
nonprofit organizations and has insured that even the issues
advertising is interactive and immersive. An ad for StandUp2Cancer
includes a video featuring Sydney Poitier, Jodie Foster, and Ed Norton,
among others, while an ad for Virgin Unite, the nonprofit foundation
created by Sir Richard Branson, includes an iBooks link to a download
of Branson's new book, Screw Business as Usual.
The Rebel Magazine iPad app is available on the iTunes App
Store.
Rebel inspires men to redefine and reprioritize their values,
relationships and responsibility to society. It gives a voice to those
who think and act differently for the greater good and invites readers
to join Rebel's own movement to impact important causes. The magazine
debuted in August 2010 and donates 20% of advertising space to
charitable organizations worldwide. It dedicates several features in
each issue to cause-related initiatives and owns a bus that travels,
filled with volunteers, to communities in need.
The app is free. Subscriptions are $9.99. Single issues are
99¢.
Link:
Rebel Magazine for iPad
Link: Rebel Magazine
GraphOn Delivers Windows Apps to iPhone, iPad, and
iPod touch in One App
PR:
GraphOn Corporation has announced its new GO-Global iOS Client.
Available immediately as a free downloadable app from Apple's App
Store, the new GO-Global iOS Client is used in conjunction with
GraphOn's GO-Global Windows Host solution to seamlessly deliver Windows
applications to Apple iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch users.
The new GO-Global iOS Client replaces GraphOn's GO-Global iPad
Client. New and improved features include support for iPhone and iPad
Touch platforms in addition to existing iPad support, enhanced
navigation, voice-to-text input, auto-resizing on device rotation,
increased performance, plus iPhone and iPad 3 Retina Display screen
optimization.
"iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch users can now interact with their
favorite Windows programs using just their fingers," says Christoph
Berlin, GraphOn's vice president of product 
management and
marketing. "Our GO-Global iOS Client uses intuitive, multitouch
gestures to achieve popular mouse and keyboard operations. Windows
applications appear on the iOS device just as though they were running
locally, retaining all features, functions, and branding."
GO-Global Windows Host securely delivers server-resident Windows
applications to virtually any location, platform, and operating system.
Current GO-Global Windows Host customers can gain immediate access to
their remoted Windows programs from their iOS device by simply
downloading the free GO-Global iOS Client from the App Store.
iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch users who are not currently using
GO-Global Windows Host, but who would like to evaluate its remote
access capabilities, can download the free GO-Global iOS Client and
then immediately connect to GraphOn's online demonstration server
running several popular Windows programs. No sign-up or registration is
required.
System Requirements: GraphOn's GO-Global iOS Client is compatible
with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, and requires iOS 5.0 or later
Link:
GO-Global
Free Boeing Milestones App
PR: With archival imagery and engaging videos, "Milestones in
Innovation" brings to life Boeing's long string of breakthrough
innovations from 1916 to modern day. This digital coffee table book
should appeal to anyone interested in aviation, aerospace, technology,
innovation or manufacturing.
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.
Free
Link:
Boeing Milestones for iPad
Accessories
Tabü Dual Tip iPad Stylus: One End Draws, the
Other Erases - Just Like a Pencil
PR: The Tabü Duo is the first passive, capacitive iPad
stylus to truly mimic a traditional pencil, complete with a small tip
for writing or drawing and a larger tip for erasing. The Tabü Duo
stylus and Tabü Paper, a free iPad note taking app, were developed
with the cooperation of Scott Hasbrouck, 
indie developer of PaperDesk, Matthew Paprocki, product
designer at Boombang, Inc., and Kevin So, product development engineer
at AV Concept Holdings, LTD, the company behind the popular headphone
line, SOULy Ludacris. Tabü Paper is specifically designed to
accompany the Tabü Duo stylus, and they will be released in
conjunction this summer.
Over the past year, WebSpinner, LLC has worked with Kevin So,
product development engineer at AV Concept Holdings, LTD., to develop
the Tabü Duo stylus and the Tabü Paper iPad app. This
hardware - software combo allows users an intuitive approach to writing
and drawing. When used together, the small end of the stylus draws and
the blunt end erases. There is no Bluetooth to connect or batteries to
install, since the Tabü Duo is a completely passive, capacitive
stylus - simply open Tabü Paper and start drawing and erasing. The
inspiration was a simple pencil, and the motivation was the lack of a
good parallel to the traditional pencil and paper model. "You can write
and erase with just one simple flip, without having any unnecessary
distractions," said Kevin So, product engineer of the Tabü product
line. Scott Hasbrouck, indie developer of the Tabü Paper app and
PaperDesk, the iPad note taking app, remarked "This [development] has
the potential to revolutionize the way people write and draw on their
iPad."
The Tabü Duo's solid machined aluminum body is triangularly
shaped for comfort and ergonomics. It will come anodized in black,
silver, and blue, and the interchangeable, magnetic capacitive
tips will also be in assorted colors. After its release this summer,
the Duo, as well as the rest of the Tabü product line, will be
available through various retailers. 
Starting today, the dual tip stylus may also be
pre-ordered on Kickstarter by pledging $20, a $5 discount off the
normal retail price. The design team of the Tabü product line
announced this plan on Kickstarter in an effort to raise public
awareness and interest.
Tabü Paper will be available as a free iPad note taking app
when the Tabü Duo stylus is released. For those looking for a more
robust note taking platform, PaperDesk users will also have the option
of using the Tabü Duo's dual functionality while taking
handwritten notes or drawing.
PaperDesk was one of the first full-featured note-taking apps on the
iPad, and has been frequently featured in the App Store, as well as
spotlighted in TUAW and PadGadget. Most recently, the app has been
headlined by ZDNet and Gizmodo, and it remains a high-ranking app in
the App Store's Productivity section. PaperDesk was also recently made
available for free on FreeMyApps.com. Both PaperDesk and Tabü
Paper are optimized for the new iPad Retina screen.
Link: Tabü
Duo
Link:
PaperDesk for iPad
Custom Flexible Gooseneck Table Mount for
iPad
PR: It is a pleasure
of having our iPads right in front of our noses for easy reading
without the need to actually hold them. This mount deserves serious
consideration from anyone looking for a table mount, clamp model
holder.
Features:
- 100% Specific for iPad
- Gooseneck, allow you to adjust tilt and swivel in all
directions
- Keep you iPad at sight!
- Keep your desk neat and Tidy.
- East to insert and remove iPad from Plastic holder
- Easy to assemble, easy to store
This accessory is suitable
for iPad 1, 2, and 3.
Specifications: Device weight (Loading): <=1 Kg
Colors Available: Black
Notes:
- Only ships to USA, Canada, Australia, West and North Europe
(Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands,
Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, UK, Ireland),
Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan ROC, Korea,
Japan). For other countries, USB Fever reserve the right not to ship or
you may need to pay extra shipping costs for that.
- only ships to PayPal address
- Ships in 3-5 days.
- All items will be checked before shipping out.
$64.99
Link: Custom
Flexible/Gooseneck Table Mount for iPad
Touchtype iPad Case Uses Apple Wireless
Keyboard
PR: Touchtype is a Kickstarter Product Design project by
Washington, DC-based Salman Sajid, who notes that among the spectrum of
iPad typists, there's a zealous bunch that swear by the Apple Wireless
Keyboard, whose full-size width, familiar key-spacing and responsive
tactile feel are all packed into a svelte form-factor that could only
come out of Cupertino.
However, a shortcoming with the Apple Wireless Keyboard is that
you have to lug it around separately from your iPad.
The Solution? Enter the Touchtype case - an iPad case that can also
hold the Apple Wireless Keyboard.
Hide-away, Slide-away Storage: The Touchtype case stores the
Apple Wireless Keyboard underneath the iPad - not on top (like most
other keyboard cases). This means you have direct access to your iPad
as soon as you open the cover. To use the keyboard, you move aside the
elastic restraining loops and slide the 'board out from its pocket.
It's a Stand, Too: The Touchtype case doubles as an iPad
stand. Simply fold the cover back and slide it into the tab on the back
(similar to Apple's iPad 1 Case) and enjoy your favorite typing angle.
Works with the keyboard in or out.
Fit One, Fit All: The Touchtype case uses tense elastic to
keep the iPad firmly in place. This allows it to easily adjust itself
to any iPad (including the New iPad 3). Since all the straps are
symmetrically placed, you can put in your iPad with the Home button on
the left or the right. The Touchtype case even has built-in magnets on
either side to wake and sleep your iPad in whatever orientation you
choose. There's no such thing as wrong way round or upside down.
The
Portrait Trick: Some people really like to orient the iPad in
portrait mode when they want to do some heavy typing. If you're one of
those people, then the Touchtype case has a trick to show you. Laying
flat, hidden underneath the iPad lies a second set of elastic straps.
Simply rotate the iPad and slide it into these straps and revel in your
vertical typing bliss.
Thin Will Always Be In: Why should Apple struggle to make the
iPad thinner only to have it imprisoned in chunky keyboard cases? The
Touchtype case understands the iPad's pain. Every design decision when
making the case was in pursuit of thinness.
Now the Hard Part: The Touchtype case comes in either a
smooth gray polyurethane, a "wild espresso" leather, or a luxurious
black leather. And the leather is not the tough, plasticky, "just so we
can say it's leather" type of leather, but real deal - made from top
layer buffalo hide, with characteristic natural grains and that
unmistakable genuine leather smell.
The Plan: So far Sajid says he's successfully submitted a
patent application and had some prototypes made, and also managed to
front some of the money to get a small shipment of gray and espresso
cases produced (this is why some early-bird rewards ship earlier than
others). The next step is to select the manufacturer for the black
leather version.
For details on becoming a backer of this project (the minimum pledge
is $1, and $47 or more qualifies you for the Gray Early Backer Special
- a Touchtype case made from gray polyurethane at a limited-time 25%
retail discount - US Priority Mail shipping included
This project will be funded on Thursday, June 7 at 1:37 p.m.
EDT.
Link: Touchtype iPad
Case
Link: Apple
Wireless Keyboard, $69 shipped from Amazon.com
Logitech Light-Powered Keyboard and Protection for
New iPad and iPad 2
PR: Logitech has announced the new Logitech Solar Keyboard
Folio for the third-generation New iPad and the iPad 2. 
The Solar Keyboard Folio is a protective case with a
built-in keyboard that pairs through Bluetooth, and similar to
Logitech's solar keyboards for Mac and PC, is powered by light - low
light or lamp light, indoors or out. Fully powered, Logitech claims you
can type on it for up to two years even in complete darkness. The Solar
Keyboard Folio is designed and engineered to be slim, stylish and add
minimal bulk to your iPad.
Similar to Logitech's previous solar keyboard products, the Logitech
Solar Keyboard Folio includes onboard solar cells that charge the
built-in Bluetooth keyboard in any light - indoors or outdoors. When
fully charged, the battery lasts for up to two years, even in complete
darkness (based on a average use of two hours per day).
"Now that people are seemingly inseparable from their tablets, using
them for everything from sending emails to watching videos, they want
accessories powered to meet their needs," says Alexis Richard, director
of product marketing at Logitech. "The Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio is
a smart partner for your iPad. Its sleek built-in keyboard uses light
to charge and it provides hassle-free protection for your iPad both for
the front and back. It gives you an ideal way to use and protect your
tablet without adding bulk."
The Solar Keyboard Folio has two
stand positions, so you can choose a viewing angle best suited for your
needs and circumstances. Open the folio and set your iPad in the first,
closer to vertical angle position for typing. In the second, more
horizontal position, the first keyboard row acts as a one-touch toggle
for media playback and volume controls, so you can play, pause and
change volume instantly - ideal for watching a video or listening to
music.
The folio also has an instant On/Off function, which means your iPad
automatically wakes when you open the folio and goes on standby when
you close it.
System requirements: Works with iPad 2 and New iPad (3rd
generation)
The Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio is expected to be available in the
US and Europe beginning this month for a suggested retail price of
$129.99.
Link: Logitech Solar
Keyboard Folio (preorder
from Amazon.com for $129.99 shipped)
Case-Mate Promotes Environmental Responsibility
with Recyclable iPhone 4/4S Case Collection
PR: iPhone lovers can now protect their phones while also
helping the environment. Case-Mate, an international design company
specializing in mobile accessories that protect, adorn, and enhance
mobile technology, has announced a special rPET (recyclable PET) case
collection for the iPhone 4/4S, the cases made from 100% recycled
post-consumer PET bottles.
"As part of our greater effort to encourage more
sustainable practices, we've introduced a line of fashionable,
functional, and environmentally responsible cases," says Shashi Reddy,
Case-Mate's Chief Executive Officer. "By creating Case-Mate products
using recycled materials, we're helping millennials stay stylish and
environmentally conscious."
In order to demonstrate that one doesn't have to sacrifice style and
functionality to be environmentally responsible, Case-Mate will
highlight this new collection as part of the Dasani Designed to Make a
Difference experiential tour, which kicked off on April 17th at Saint
Catherine University in Minnesota. The tour consists of approximately
50 event days spanning college campuses, amusement parks, and music
festivals from April through October. The Dasani "Designed to Make a
Difference" tour provides a refreshing look at recycling through two
interactive activations: the Designed to Make a Difference Gallery and
Xtreme Recycling game.
The Designed to Make a Difference Gallery will display products made
using recycled plastic bottles, such as the Case-Mate rPET case
collection. In addition, more than five thousand rPET cases will be
given away as prizes in the Xtreme Recycling game, during which people
will use air guns to launch empty Dasani bottles at a recycling-themed
facade. More information about the "Designed to Make a Difference" tour
can be found at http://www.facebook.com/Dasani
The Case-Mate rPET case collection is available for purchase at
case-mate.com (links below for each color) - cases are $30 each and
come in Lipstick Pink, Tangerine Tango, Lime, Turquoise, Black, and
White. One recycled water bottle is used to produce each case (based on
approximate average per case).
Link: Case-Mate rPET case
collection
Purchase links:
Lipstick Pink,
Tangerine Tango,
Lime,
Turquoise,
Black,
White
Enki Genius Case for New iPad Made in the USA
PR: Enki USA, Inc. have announced their new Genius Case for
the New iPad and iPad 2, compatible with the Apple Smart Cover and 100%
designed and manufactured in the USA. The Atlanta based smartphone and
tablet accessory manufacturer boasts the largest inventory of cases and
accessories designed and Made in America.
Attending the International CTIA Wireless 2012 in New Orleans, Enki
USA, Inc. (Enki) a manufacturer of accessories for smartphones, tablets
and smart devices announced their new Genius Case for New iPad (3rd
Gen). Enki's Genius Case for New iPad also fits the iPad 2 and
provides full access to all ports and buttons while using the Apple
Smart Cover. It is available in clear, clear smoke, clear blue and
clear pink. The Genius Case gained notoriety for providing clear
protection while allowing the backside of the iPad to show through a
translucent protective case. Enki is celebrating the anniversary of the
Genius Case launch by offering free ground shipping at enkigear.com on
all orders through May 17, 2012.
"Our new Genius Case for New iPad and iPad 2 is another great
product 100% designed and manufactured in the US," says Edward Cates,
Chief Operating Officer of Enki. "No one in
the world manufactures as many cases for New iPad, iPad 2 and iPod
in the USA as Enki. I challenge our competitors to fully manufacture
more cases in the USA than we do. Americans love the iPad, iPhone and
iPod touch, yet 99% of the accessories and cases bought and sold in
retail and online are made overseas supporting a foreign economy. At
Enki we manufacture great products at competitive prices in Atlanta,
Detroit and North American communities and were going to make even
more."
Enki launched a year ago at the International CTIA Wireless 2011
convention in Orlando with the announcement of their first Genius Case
for iPad 2 as one of the first Apple Smart Cover compatible case
solutions in the accessories industry designed and manufactured in
America. In less than a year Enki has increased their number of
products Made in America from five to thirteen cases and accessories
for New iPad, iPad 2 and iPod touch (4th Gen). Enki will expand their
product line in 2012 to include cases for the new iPhone and also
select phone and tablet cases for Android devices.
"The new Genius Case is improved significantly over the first Genius
Case. Composed of a new custom polymer the new Genius Case is lighter
with improved fit and durability over the previous polycarbonate
material," says Richard Jones, Vice President of Product and Business
Development. "Our focus on innovation of materials and continuous
improvement in manufacturing processes embodies our commitment to
quality US based manufacturing."
Link: Enki Genius Case
for New iPad (available
from Amazon.com)
Luvvitt Releases New Line of Colorful,
Sophisticated iPad Cases and Covers
PR: Luvvitt has released a new line of iPad cases and covers
to keep your expensive mobile equipment safe from
damage, while providing options to create a personalized look with
multi-functionality.
Founder Eli
Altaras says: "Luvvitt combines sophistication with protection, keeping
that iPad free from dings and scratches . . . I love
technology and gadgets and I'm a fan of Apple products so I thought I'd
offer something to accessorize those products. The Luvvitt line of iPad
cases and covers are not just good looking, they are also incredibly
durable with convenient multifunction capabilities."
The new line of Luvvitt includes products like the Luvvitt Aluminum
Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard Case, which Luvvitt claims at 11mm
thickness is the world's thinnest 
Bluetooth keyboard case. The iPad
Case allows an iPad to rest on the soft rubber stoppers that are
located on the base of each corner to ensure the screen doesn't come
into contact with the keycaps. Multifunction options in these iPad
cases and covers allow viewing in portrait and landscape modes.
To prove iPad cases and covers don't have to be all-business,
there's the Luvvitt DOLCE Slim-fit Smart 
Cover Companion/Compatible TPU Case.
These covers make a great companion for the official Apple Smart Cover.
DOLCE provides an elegant look while still offering protection from
scratches and falls, and comes in a variety of contemporary colors.
For a sleek option in iPad cases and covers there's the Luvvitt 3D
SuperSlim iPad Case with built in stand and automatic screen
sleep/awake function. It provides extra protection with covered
edges and is a custom fit for the iPad yet it offers a sleek
design and access to keys and buttons. Alternately, there's the
The Luvvitt 3D iPad Case - a leather folio with 3-in-1 built in
stand.
For other options
for iPad cases and covers check out the Luvvitt Perfetto - Full Grain
Genuine Leather iPad Case in full-grain, certified leather. The case is
handmade with detailed craftsmanship and super-soft cushioned
microfiber interior lining that cleans and protects the screen.
Link:
Luvvitt iPad Cases (also
available from Amazon.com)
UNIEA Launches New iPad 3 Cases Design & Sixth
Anniversary Sale
PR: May is a special month for UNIEA: it marks the 6th
anniversary of our beginning as a leading designer of iPhone, iPad, and
laptop cases.
UNIEA is also beginning to design and carry
a wider range of products, including electronics and peripherals. In
celebration of their 6th anniversary, they are launching a major
promotion in the middle on the month to thank customers and
supporters.
UNIEA will also have a couple more New iPad cases coming online
including a version of the popular CajPad to be offered for the New
iPad.
They also will have a completely new iPad case design coming out for
the New iPad - Colorama - combining rich PU leather with vibrant
colors, combining a youthful look with a professional feel. Most
interestingly, the Colorama will come with a high-quality stylus pen
and secret stylus compartment as well.
From May 14th to the 20th, UNIEA will be offering a 40% off
promotion for all orders at uniea.com, plus $5.95 flat rate shipping
worldwide. Just use promo code UNIANI for the 40% off reduction at
checkout.
Link: UNIEA Cases for
New iPad (also
available from Amazon.com)
