Hasta La Gadget!

Apple’s iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 (generational markers, likely not official names by the way) will probably arrive later this year, as has been reported previously, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Generally, analyst-sourced reports seem to be pretty hit-or-miss, but Kuo has a solid track record, including what appear to be accurate predictions around Apple’s forthcoming low-cost iPhone 5C and its color options.

Kuo says in an investor note today (via 9to5Mac) that the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 are entering initial production this month, with plans to ramp up to full-scale mass production in the fourth quarter of this year. This counters some reports that suggested we’d see next-generation tablets from Apple revealed at its September 10 event, which is taking place on the Apple Campus in Cupertino and is generally expected to cover new iPhone announcements.

More details by Kuo included in the note suggest that Apple was originally planning to not release updated iPad models until calendar year 2014, and that it will still wait until them to offer a lower-cost, non-Retina version of the iPad mini in the same way it offers the iPad 2 as a cheaper alternative to the current-generation Retina iPad device.

Another interesting tidbit from Kuo is the idea that Apple will continue to sell the iPad 2 and manufacture new devices even after it introduces new models. Apple typically sells two previous generation devices alongside new model with the iPhone, as a way of offering lower cost options. With the iPad, it has opted instead to keep the iPad 2 around as a sole backup option to the fourth generation iPad, and looks intent on continuing that trend. The iPad 2 currently uses a 30-pin connector, and might be the only shipping Apple device to do so after the September event, so we could see it get a minor revision to move to Lightning for data and charging.

The iPad 5′s rear case was shown off on video by Unbox Therapy earlier this week, and if those parts are real it means we should see an iPad mini inspired design when this does ship. Kuo says they’ll also boast new A7-generation processors, which would mean a big performance boost for the iPad mini, which currently runs an A5. The extra processing power would likely be needed to help support a Retina display, which would pack even more pixels into smaller a space compared to the Retina 9.7-inch iPad screen.

Videos showing what’s purportedly leaked casings for the upcoming iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 have emerged, teasing the next-generation hardware and suggesting Apple has considerably slimmed its full-sized version. The comparison footage, shared by Unbox Therapy, shows the new 9.7-inch iPad, although packing the same display size as before, is now roughly the same […]

Apple’s supposed next-generation iPad case components are on display in a new high-definition video from Unbox Therapy, showing a design that is clearly inspired by the iPad mini. This agrees with what we’ve heard and seen from previous leaks, but until now it’s been hard to get a solid grasp on just how dramatic the difference is between the current iPad and the one that’s said to be arriving in October or thereabouts to replace it.

The new iPad design looks to shave around 15mm off of the current model in terms of device width, and also looks to shave off some depth, both of which will probably result in a much lighter, easier to hold and carry device. The savings in terms of the overall width appear to come from a smaller bezel surrounding the unchanged 9.7-inch screen, which is again a trick borrowed from the iPad mini.

In the video, you can see how the new iPad case parts compare directly to the old version, and view additional details like a mirrored Apple logo on the back, as well as dual speaker ports at the bottom, separated volume buttons vs. a rocker on the old model, and more abruptly tapered edges, vs. the gradual slope on the current iPad.

By far the biggest failing of the Retina iPads has been their slight size increase over the iPad 2 to accommodate bigger batteries to power those juice-hungry high-resolution displays. If Apple’s truly going to focus on delivering a slimmer, sleeker case with the iPad 5, we could see a lot of iPad 2 hold-outs rushing to upgrade.

Apple has confirmed it will hold an event on September 10th, sending out invites to press, with the iPhone 5S expected to take center stage alongside a cheaper iPhone and iOS 7. Speculation about the September 10th show has been high for some weeks now, with some rumors pegging not only new phones but a […]

Mobile payment options like Square have been a boon to small business owners, and now Shopify is looking to expand the potential of point of sale systems with its new platform. The company is branching out from its online retail roots by offering a way to merge in-store and internet sales with a combined inventory system. Shop owners can choose which items they want to sell online or in their brick and mortar stores, while the POS app synchronizes the process. Additionally, Shopify comes with an iPad-compatible credit card reader, email receipts and detailed analytics. If you’re in the market for an integrated retail system, the expanded hardware kit might be worth checking out; it includes a cash drawer, iPad stand and receipt printer. For more information, check out the video after the break.

Filed under: Misc, Software

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Source: Shopify