Rumors: iPad 3 will actually be called iPad HD

We know, or feel like we know, just about everything there is to know about Apple’s next tablet — except its name. Most websites, including us, have just been assuming that since it will be the third iPad, it will be called the iPad 3.

But according to Gizmodo, the new device will actually be named the iPad HD. The site points to a couple of pieces of evidence to back its claims, including third-party cases and data from web traffic analytics…

First up, the cases. Gizmodo published a photo (above) of what appears to be part listings for a Griffin case that’s compatible with Apple’s new tablet. But instead of calling it the iPad 3, the slate is clearly listed as the iPad HD. Interesting.

Even though Griffin is a prominent accessory maker for Apple products, we’re not sure it would get advance notice of an upcoming unannounced product. Specifically for this reason.

Now onto the web analytics. Aside from the part listings, the site also posted a photo of a graph showing the recent web traffic for the website iDevice.ro. Apparently, a device labeled iPad HD has been visiting the site periodically over the last several months. While there’s no way to confirm its legitimacy, the data does add a bit of weight to the theory.

Even with the above “evidence,” we’re still not convinced that Apple has named its next tablet the iPad HD. Sure, the moniker would match up well with the device’s rumored high-resolution display. But it would also go against Apple’s previous nomenclature pattern.

What do you think? What has Apple named its next tablet?

[Via: idownloadblog]

iPad 3 component photos show home button

Apple sparked a lot of controversy earlier this week when it sent out media invites to its iPad 3 event. The invitations included a photo of what most believe to be the company’s new tablet — with no Home button.

As you can imagine, this has led to a lot of speculation that Apple’s next slate will be button-less. But according to these new photos of purported iPad 3 components, that’s just not the case…

The folks over at Repair Labs have gotten their hands on what appears to be a couple of front glass and digitizer assemblies made for Apple’s new tablet. The parts look similar to, if not exactly the same as, the ones we saw surface last month.

Apple is expected to unveil the third-generation of its popular iPad line next week. The slate is said to feature a faster processor, higher quality cameras, LTE technology and yes, a home button.

[Via: idownloadblog & MacRumors]

iPad3 NO home button

After months of rumors, Apple finally sent out media invitations yesterday to what appears to be its highly anticipated iPad 3 event. As expected, the keynote will take place next Wednesday, March 7th in San Francisco, California.

The invites themselves, which feature a picture of what most believe to be Apple’s new tablet, have sparked some interesting conversations throughout the web as pundits attempt to identify Apple’s embedded clues.

But there’s one particular element of the photo that has everyone perplexed: where is the iPad’s Home button?

The iPad depicted in the invitation appears to be missing a Home button, leading to a lot of speculation that Apple’s next tablet won’t have one. But is the company really ready to ditch the popular feature?

Gizmodo sure seems to think so:

“Not only that, but there seems to be NO home button, which explains the mention of the “And touch.” in their invitation. How can we know? First, the photo they are showing is on portrait mode. You can’t achieve that icon spacing in the landscape mode (which is the only explanation for the lack of home button).

Moreover, the icon falls right onto the same water drop that the current iPad 2 falls while in portrait mode. The same happens with the reflection on the dock.”

So then it’s settled, right? No Home button? Not exactly. There are still a number of explanations for why we don’t see a Home button in the photo. Perhaps it’s hidden behind the user’s hand. Or maybe, despite what some are saying, the iPad is in landscape mode. You would think if it were in portrait mode, we would see page dots (you know, the dots above the dock the show you what Spring board page you’re on).

The point is, we are all likely reading way too much into the image. As MG Siegler notes, the chances of Apple leaking a major design change in one of its biggest product releases of the year via an event invitation are slim to none.

But hey, it’s fun to speculate.

What do you think, will Apple’s next tablet have a physical Home button? 








[Via: idownloadblog]

11 facts you didn’t know about the iPad 3

      

Let’s start the day on a lighter touch, shall we? I found this funny and entertaining piece on TheJoyOfTech.

My favorite? “iPad 3 is so awesome, Chinese workers pay to assemble it!”

What’s your favorite?

[Via: idownloadblog]

iPad3 Concept Features [Video]

Aatma Studio just posted this iPad 3 concept. However, by the looks of it, we might have to wait for the iPad 5 for most of these features. The same studio has done other Apple product concepts in the past like this iPhone 5 concept. This, of course, follows Apple’s announcement days ago confirming the next-generation iPad will unveil March 7 in San Francisco. We will bring you live coverage of the event next week as it goes down.










[Via: 9to5mac]