A smaller version of the Apple iPad will make an appearance next year, if the latest news from the Apple rumour mill is to be believed.
According to a report in Taiwanese tech site DigiTimes, fans of Apple’s tablet device can look forward to a smaller screen size version – 7.85 inches, to be exact – in the fourth quarter of 2012, along with a new version of the popular tablet in the first quarter of the year.
According to unnamed sources “in the supply chain,” Apple will buy panels for the iPad from AU Optronics (AUO), as well as 7.85-inch panels from LG Display, the online website reported.
The next iPad will launch in March or April 2012, DigiTimes reported. That 12 December article again cited unnamed sources in the supply chain for the information. The article said: “The next-generation iPads are expected to be available in the next 3-4 months as makers in the supply chain have started delivering parts and components for the new tablets to OEM contractors while reducing those prepared for iPad 2.”
Apple continues to drive worldwide media-tablet shipments, according to a recent report from IT research firm IDC. The company shipped 11.1 million units in the third quarter, up from 9.3 million units in the second quarter, representing a 61.5 percent worldwide market share. That was a slight dip from its second-quarter market share of 63.3 percent.
Jennifer Song, research analyst with IDC’s worldwide trackers, said in a statement that Apple’s larger portfolio of tablet-specific applications, upcoming iPad versions, and growing physical store presence in key emerging markets like the Asia-Pacific region will help the company maintain its global leadership.
“However, an improving Android OS experience and lower competitor pricing in an environment with worldwide economic concerns should help Android to increase its market share,” Song said.
IDC expects Google’s Android operating system to make dramatic share gains in the fourth quarter, growing to 40.3 percent, an increase due mostly to the entrance of Amazon’s Kindle Fire, and to a lesser extent the Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet, into the market. Worldwide media-tablet shipments in the third quarter rose by 23.9 percent over the previous quarter, to 18.1 million units.
The analysts said they expect strong demand in the fourth quarter, and IDC has increased its worldwide shipment forecast for 2011 to 63.3 million units, up from a previous projection of 62.5 million units.
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Samsung releases smaller tablet, Jobs accuses Samsung of stealing ideas and labels small tablet as pointless.
Apple then releases smaller tablet.
Classic!
Well, yes, "Classic".
Classic Apple double talk, and double dealing!
No doubt, if they do release such a device (after saying that it was not only pointless, but shouldn't exist at all in that factor) they will "claim" to have invented that too.
After all, if you believed Apple, they:-
Invented the computer, NOT
Invented the type of interface used on all computers today. NOT
Invented the MP3 Player. NOT
Invented the Smart Phone. NOT
Invented the Tablet. NOT
Invented an oblong form factor with a screen? Hello! TVs!!
None of which will ever convince a member of the Jobs loving Apple sect.
Jobs founded every single thing he ever did on the backs of others (Steve Wozniak originally and many more since) and he HAD, and his company HAS the nerve to complain about others. Huh.
come all you haters! take your anger out on a rumour...lol
and yes!
Apple invetnted the computer! in the way a computer was supposed to be used.
Apple invented the mp3 player! the way an mp3 player should work.
Apple invented the smart phone. the way a smart phone should look and work.
and finaly Apple invented the Tablet....you know where I'm going with this...
now go back to your PC and continue your spreadsheets.
Quote: Apple invented the smartphone. the way a smartphone should look and work.
Well that's great. I had to get rid of my iPhone 3gS some while ago because outside of major conurbations, it failed to work as a phone. Now I realise that the art of speaking might be fighting a loosing battle against SMS and email, but some of us actually like to use the telephone capabilities!
Good little computer though.
No, Nokia invented the smartphone, from a technical perspective, the iPhone, after all these years is still not a true smartphone, just because something is popular and sells it doesn't mean it's the best, I have a 4S and I love it, but I accept it isn't a smart phone like my N900 was... That's a real smartphone...
I had the opportunity some time ago of acquiring an Apple desktop computer. Having spent several days working on it I found the equipment far too obscure and practically nowhere near as good as my Windows based desktop. So I ditched it asap.
Never again will I bother with an Apple unless someone gives me one maybe.