Hasta La Gadget!

Well, this certainly is interesting: lately, we’ve been hearing all about the 32GB Nexus 7, which has been listed with a price tag similar to that of the 16GB model quite a few times. This has lead many (including us) to believe that the 32GB Nexus 7 will be replacing the 16GB model once it’s eventually revealed, but a new internal Staples document suggests that may not be the case. Uncovered by Android Police, this document shows that it will instead be the 8GB model that Google will look to phase out once the 32GB model is announced.

The document covers Nexus 7 endcaps for Staples stores, and more specifically, what those endcaps will look like once the 32GB Nexus 7 is released. Once October 30 rolls around – one day after the Google’s big Android event, remember – 8GB Nexus 7s will become clearance items, which of course means that Staples will look to move them quickly. This also confirms what we were expecting – that Google will unveil the 32GB Nexus 7 at its event on October 29.

So it seems that once the 32GB Nexus 7 has been revealed to the world, Google will stop producing the 8GB model. That makes much more sense than what we were originally thinking, and also explains why retailers are pricing the 32GB Nexus 7 in the $250-range. We’re not sure what price the 16GB model will drop down to, but it seems safe to assume that the 16GB variant will be given a $200 price tag once this new version is on the scene.

Of course, as Android Police points out, it’s possible that Google could continue offering the 8GB model online while only phasing it out in retail stores, but it doesn’t seem like there would be much point in that. In any case, Google’s Android event is right around the corner, so we should be getting all sorts of official details soon enough. Stay tuned.

Nexus 7 tipped to be bumped to 16GB standard for iPad mini battle is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Well this is interesting: we don’t even know if the iPad Mini officially exists yet, but pricing for a whole range of iPad Mini variants has popped up in Media Markt’s (a German retail chain) internal system. First spotted by schimanke.com (via Mobile Geeks), this list gives us some insight into the pricing structure Apple may go with. Of course, this is all assuming that the iPad Mini is a real device, as so far, we’ve received nothing in the way of actual confirmation for Apple. In other words, tread carefully, because even though this is exciting, it doesn’t mean much until Apple gives official word.

Looking at the leaked listing, we can see that Apple may have quite the collection of iPad Minis planned. Internal storage options start at 8GB and go all the way up to 64GB, with Wi-Fi only and 3G variants of each model. Each one also comes in white and black, so if this listing is legitimate, customers will have a wide range of options to choose from. Have a look at a break down of the pricing below:

8GB Wi-Fi only – €249 ($323)
8GB Wi-Fi and 3G – €349 ($452)

16GB Wi-Fi only – €349 ($452)
16GB Wi-Fi and 3G – €449 ($582)

32GB Wi-Fi only – €449 ($582)
32GB Wi-Fi and 3G – €549 ($711)

64GB Wi-Fi only – €549 ($711)
64GB Wi-Fi and 3G – €649 ($841)

With those prices, it seems that Apple isn’t all that concerned with competing with the Google Nexus 7 directly. The 8GB Nexus 7 only costs $199, remember, and Apple’s cheapest iPad Mini comes it just north of $300. We’re hesitant to say that this is the real deal, mostly because Apple has so far remained silent on the existence of the iPad Mini, but with all of the leaks that have happened in the past few weeks, it’s hard not to believe that the iPad Mini is on the way.

The current whispers are telling us that Apple will reveal the iPad Mini at a press event on October 23, but so far the company hasn’t sent out any invitations to such an event. If October 23 is indeed the big day, that means we don’t have much longer to wait until the iPad Mini is made official. Stay tuned, because we’ll have all of the details you need to know right here at SlashGear.

iPad Mini pricing appears in German retailer’s internal listing is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

We’re almost there. Just a few more days until the big reveal. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t still a few final Windows 8 secrets to be disclosed. Two of those are the price and the packaging, which online retailer Newegg has just let slip. There are four packages listed: Windows 8 Professional Upgrade ($69), Windows 8 Pro Pack ($69, product key card only), Windows 8 OEM ($99) and Windows 8 Professional ($139), with the latter two being available in both 32- and 64-bit versions (for the same price). If you go into the product page, however, we can see that the original price for the upgrade and product key card only versions is listed as “$199” suggesting that this might either be a launch offer, or subject to change. Don’t forget though, there’s still the chance to upgrade for an even lower price, for those who qualify. You can officially reserve your copy of Pro from today for $69.99 at all the main retailers, but if you can hold back on that impulse purchase for just a little longer, you’ll be able to upgrade to Pro online for $39 (until January 31st). Follow the source for details.

Filed under: Internet, Software, Microsoft

Windows 8 packaging and pricing revealed: standard OEM $99, Pro Pack $139, pre-order from today originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink ZDNet  |  Windows Team Blog, Newegg  | Email this | Comments

Facebook‘s Like button is famous with users the world-over, but it may not be long before folks have a couple more buttons at their disposal. Facebook is currently running a small-scale retail test with some of its partners that tosses “Want” and “Collect” buttons into the list. The test is for a new feature called “Collections,” which, according to a statement sent to PCMag, will allow retailers to share more details about their products with Facebook users.

Users will naturally be able to Like the collections they see on social network, while they’ll also have to ability to say they want the products in the collection by clicking on the Want button. If users are already collecting the products on display, they’ll be able to let the world know by clicking the Collect button. The world will know too, as your Want and Collect clicks will be added to your timeline.

Basically, think of this as a way for retailers to get customers excited for their products while gaining increased exposure at the same time. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard talk of a Want button on Facebook, as such a feature was rumored to be incoming back in June. Facebook has even dropped some hints that buttons aside from just the tried-and-true Like button would be making an appearance, so the roll out of an actual Want button shouldn’t surprise too many folks.

There isn’t any word when Facebook’s Collections feature will enjoy a broader roll out, but for now the company says that it won’t be available as part of a plug-in for other sites. Now, all we need is the oft-requested “Dislike” button and Facebook users will be good to go. We’ll be keeping an ear to the ground for more information on the Collections roll out, so keep it tuned here to SlashGear for additional details!

Facebook retail test introduces “Want” button is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

As most of you already know, Microsoft is planning to open a bunch of temporary stores to support the launch of Windows 8 and Surface. ZDNet is reporting that most of these 32 retail locations will be opening across the US and Canada on October 26, the same day that Windows 8 is set to go on sale. Microsoft looks like it will taking the fight to Apple with these temporary retail locations too, opening these stores near Apple’s own stores in many places.

ComputerWorld says that in all, Microsoft is opening 29 out of its 32 temporary stores in the same mall or center as an Apple store. That probably won’t make Apple very happy, but then again, these stores are only temporary, and will shut down sometime after the holiday season ends and the (expected) Windows 8 rush dies down a bit. Still, Apple can expect some stiff competition from Microsoft throughout the holiday season.

That’s especially true if Microsoft sells Surface at these stores, which, given the fact that Surface is being teased on the websites for the temporary retail locations, seems likely. Microsoft has said in the past that it will only sell Surface through its retail stores and website, so if Microsoft has managed to generate enough buzz around Surface, then these stores should see a lot of traffic while they’re open.

The opening of these seasonal locations is going to double the amount of Microsoft stores across the US and Canada, so Microsoft is definitely anticipating a big holiday season. It’s good that Microsoft will be prepared, but we’re wondering if the demand will be there once Windows 8 and Surface launch. We will find out soon enough, so stay tuned.

Microsoft stepping on Apple’s toes with temporary retail locations is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.