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Apple to announce redesigned iPad 5, iPad mini with Retina display on October 22

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Handhelds, PC / Laptop,

iPad mini Retina

Apple is set to announce its brand new iPad 5 and iPad mini with Retina display on October 22, according to AllThingsD sources familiar with the matter. After announcing the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c in September, Apple will be following a similar pattern to last year, with the October announcement focusing on its tablets.

So what can we expect from the event? For starters, the fifth-generation iPad will see a redesign, bringing in cues from the iPad mini, like the thinner side bezels and a more sleek rear design. The iPad mini will be picking up a Retina display, the one glaring omission from the original model that launched almost a year ago. No word yet on if the Touch ID fingerprint technology will make it to either tablet, but we have heard reports that we may see both a space gray color, and the champagne gold that's been popular on the iPhone 5s (see our iPhone 5s review.) IGZO display technology from Sharp may be featured here, and AllThingsD says that both models will sport the new 64-bit A7 processor as well.

Of course, there are other products we're waiting for Apple to update us on as well, so there's a good chance we will also get pricing and release information for the new Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks (especially since the Mavericks Golden Master is available to developers,) and a spec bump for the MacBook Pro to include Haswell processors, and possibly an Apple TV update. Of course, we'll be here to bring you all the news as it unfolds.

Read More | AllThingsD

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Apple releases iOS 7 Golden Master build 11A465 to developers prior to September 18 public release

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Software,

iOS 7 GM download

Apple has just released iOS 7 Golden Master to developers ahead of the September 18th iOS 7 general release. The iOS 7GM was released after today's iPhone 5S event, where the company showed off the new iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S. The new GM software works with supported iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models, and unlike previous betas, is not available as an over-the-air update--instead, you need to head over to the developer portal and download it the old-fashioned way. Apple originally showed off iOS 7, and released its first beta, at WWDC 2013.

If you are a paid members of Apple's iOS developer program, here are the links for iOS 7 GM downloads:


Apple releases iOS 7 beta 6 build 11A4449d to developers

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Software,

iOS 7 beta 6 download

Apple has just released iOS 7 beta 6, which can be found in the Developer Portal right now. iOS 7 beta 6 build 11A4449d works with supported iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models, and is available as an over-the-air update to users already running a previous iOS 7 beta on their devices. If you're already running iOS 7, you can update over-the-air by going into Settings > General > Software Update. Or you can go and grab the necessary download at http://developer.apple.com. Apple originally showed off iOS 7, and released its first beta, at WWDC 2013. The full released will come in the fall.

If you are a paid members of Apple's iOS developer program, here are the links for iOS 7 beta 5 downloads:

iOS 7 beta 6 seems to specifically address an issues with iTunes in the Cloud where some purchases may download or play unexpected items, without much else changing.

Click to continue reading Apple releases iOS 7 beta 6 build 11A4449d to developers


Apple releases iOS 7 beta 5 build 11A4449a to developers, list of changes and improvements

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Software,

iOS 7 beta 5 11A4449a download

Apple has just released iOS 7 beta 5, which can be found in the Developer Portal right now. iOS 7 beta 5 build 11A4449a works with supported iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models, and is available as an over-the-air update to users already running a previous iOS 7 beta on their devices. If you're already running iOS 7, you can update over-the-air by going into Settings > General > Software Update. Or you can go and grab the necessary download at http://developer.apple.com. Apple originally showed off iOS 7, and released its first beta, at WWDC 2013. The full released will come in the fall.

If you are a paid members of Apple's iOS developer program, here are the links for iOS 7 beta 5 downloads:

We've got a list of changes we've found so far in iOS 7 beta 5, which you can find after the break.

Click to continue reading Apple releases iOS 7 beta 5 build 11A4449a to developers, list of changes and improvements


Apple releases iOS 7 beta 4 build 11A4435d to developers, list of changes and improvements

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Software,

iOS 7 beta 4 11A4435d download

Apple has just released iOS 7 beta 4, which can be found in the Developer Portal right now. iOS 7 beta 4 build 11A4435d works with supported iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models, and is available as an over-the-air update to users already running a previous iOS 7 beta on their devices. If you're already running iOS 7, you can update over-the-air by going into Settings > General > Software Update. Or you can go and grab the necessary download at http://developer.apple.com. Apple originally showed off iOS 7, and released its first beta, at WWDC 2013. The full released will come in the fall.

We've got a list of changes we've found so far in iOS 7 beta 4, which you can find after the break.

Click to continue reading Apple releases iOS 7 beta 4 build 11A4435d to developers, list of changes and improvements


Microsoft doubles down on anti-iPad ad campaign amidst major Surface RT failure [Video]

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Handhelds, Microsoft,

iPad vs Surface

Microsoft's 900 million write off on the Surface RT hasn't prevented them from continuing its advertising campaign efforts by bashing Apple's iPad and propping thier device as the the better alternative. Microsoft recently slashed the price of the Surface RT by $150 in hopes of getting them off store shelves and into customer's hands. The Surface tablet has been suffering from poor sales as it dove into the highly competitive tablet computer arena. The question is will these continued commitment efforts work? Check out the video ad. Does Microsoft make its case?

Click to continue reading Microsoft doubles down on anti-iPad ad campaign amidst major Surface RT failure [Video]


iPad mini with Retina display could ship this fall with LG panel

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Handhelds, Rumors,

iPad mini retina

Recently there have been reports that Apple may not release the next iPad mini with a Retina display due to yield issues with the panels, and that customers would need to wait until 2014 before the smaller Apple tablet brought the high resolution goodness. However, today DigiTimes is changing its tune, reporting that LG has solved the issue, and will be shipping Retina display panels for the iPad mini later this year:

The sources also added that LG is reportedly making new headway in producing Retina panel technology for use in the next-generation iPad mini, and expects to ship about 2-3 million units a month in preparation for Apple's expected October release date.

It should be noted that it was just earlier this week that DigiTimes reported that the Retina iPad mini wouldn't be seen until 2014. To backtrack on that report this quickly would imply that they got news to the contrary. In addition to the iPad mini news, DigiTimes is also still reporting that the fifth-generation iPad will be streamlined with thinner side bezels, lighter, and ship with a faster processor this fall.

Read More | DigiTimes

Purported leaked Next Generation Nexus 7 launch date is nigh [Video]

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Google, Handhelds, Rumors, Videos,

Next Gen Nexus 7 Tablet

The alleged next-generation Nexus 7 tablet showed up in the retail inventory at OfficeMax with a SKU placeholder that points toward a starting price point of $229 for the 16GB storage capacity, and $269 for the 32GB version. The sale of the device is said to coincide with Google's Chrome and Android event scheduled for the 24th of July. The new Nexus 7 is rumored to have an astonishing 4GB of RAM, Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor, 5 megapixel rear camera, and 1.2 megapixel front-facing camera. There's also some speculation of a 1080p display, all which is yet to be confirmed. Check out the video of the purported next generation Nexus 7 tablet below.

Click to continue reading Purported leaked Next Generation Nexus 7 launch date is nigh [Video]

Read More | Androidcentral

Google Chrome and Android Event Scheduled for July 24

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Google, Software,

Google Invite

Google is hosting an Android and Chrome event next Wednesday, July 24 hosted by OS honcho Sundar Pichar. Very little is being revealed right now, but the timing is rather interesting in light of the Google I/O event in May and Apple's WWDC event in June. But sure enough, Android will get some much needed attention this time around as it's upgraded to 4.3 (or straight to version 5.0.) Hopefully, it will get some legit support for Bluetooth 4.0 along with the expected new features and UI tweaks. The event kicks off at 12PM EST (that's 9:00 AM for you folks in the west coast.) It will also be live-streamed on YouTube. Stay tuned here at Gear Live as we analyze, synthesize, and slice up the Key Lime Pie.


Microsoft slashes price of Surface RT by $150, starting this Sunday

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Hot Deals, Microsoft, PC / Laptop,

surface rt price cut

If you are looking to pick up the Surface RT this weekend, you'll want to make sure you wait until Sunday, when the price is slashed by $150. That's right, Microsoft's Surface RT is set to get its first widespread price cut, bringing the price of the entry-level 32GB Surface RT to $349 (down from $499,) and the 64GB model to $449 (down from $599.) Add $100 to the new prices if you want a Touch Cover thrown in.

If you haven't bought a Surface RT yet, is the new pricing enough to get you to take the plunge? Check out our Surface RT review for our take on the device.


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