AppleBloggo - Apple News 2010

The MacWorld Expo 2010 starts tomorrow, February 9th, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Strangely enough, Apple isn’t going to be there this year.

The decision by Apple of not taking part on expos and tech events was taken on January last year. The choice was due to Apple’s intention of focusing on targeted Apple events to officially present new products, and the openings of more Apple stores. This year’s MacWorld Expo was postponed to February in order to avoid conflicting with the CES, the big technology event that took place in Las Vegas a few weeks ago.

The MacWorld Expo will run until February 13th.

During the presentation of the iPad done during Apple’s last conference more than a week ago, some of the people present were able to get their hands on the device to try it. We’ll present a hands-on video made during the conference in the end of this post.

We remind you that the iPad will only be available in March for the Wi-Fi version and April for the 3G version. Enjoy the video!

There’s a small aesthetic difference between the iPad WiFi and the one with 3G connectivity. The latter features a black plastic stripe that ca be found on the top of the device, going from the front to the back. The model Steve Jobs had at the conference was one of the base models. The black plastic stripe was indeed added to the 3G model in order to allow for the mobile data transfer.

At this point, we’ll have to see how the WiFi range will work, as the iPod Touch has the same type of plastic stripe that allows the signal to reach the internal antenna. But for that, we’ll have to wait until March for the WiFi version and after April for the 3G one.

Together with the iPad, Apple has presented a series of accessories made especially for the new device. They’re all manufactured by Apple, and here’s a brief description of them:

iPad Keyboard Dock

The iPad Keyboard Dock is a charging dock that features an integrated Apple keyboard. The dock allows users to recharge the iPad using an USB adaptor. Of course, the dock is also handy in synchronizing the device with the computer. The dock also features a port to be used with other accessories and an audio output for headphones or speakers.

iPad Case

The iPad Case is a very particular case for the iPad that can be shaped in different positions, other than protecting the iPad. It can become a rack, or simply raise the iPad a little.

iPad Dock

The iPad Dock is simply an iPad Keyboard Dock without the keyboard, of course. It has both the second connector and audio output.
iPad Camera Connection Kit

The Camera Connection Kit is made of two accessories that allow users to import video and pictures directly from a digital camera. The kit has one dock/USB adaptor and one SD card reader.

iPad USB Power Adapter

The 10W adapter allows the iPad to be charged directly from a electricity socket (without the need of the computer). The accessory comes with an extension.

The iPad will be available in two versions and three formats for a total of six different configurations. The Wi-Fi-only version has WiFi 802.11n connectivity and a Bluetooth 2.1 module. The 3G version has also a phone module with a slot for the GSM sims capable of 3G data connectivity.

All the iPad will come without operator or sim lock, but AT&T already has a monthly contract for the cost of $29. During June/July, other agreeements with different companies will be announced.

The prices: The iPad will cost $499 for the 16GB base version, $599 for the 32GB version and $699 for the 64GB version. For the 3G versions, the prices are $629, $729 and $829 for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions respectively. The iPad Wi-Fi will be available in 60 days. The 3G version will be available in 90 days, around the end of April or the first week of May.

So Apple’s event held yesterday was indeed to present the iPad, the official name for the famous Apple tablet. Steve Jobs introduced it as the best device for data sharing: music, video, mail, pictures, games. It has iTunes with completely different graphics, thought out specifically for the new format. Also integrated is Youtube with their new HD format.

The device unlocks like the iPhone and integrates Safari in a more evolved version than the one present on the iPhone, although it does not feature Flash. All the known softwares have been enhanced in order to offer the best experience in a device this size. Mail is similar to the Mac OS X version, with a left column for details and the main mail window on the right.

The photo application interface is really interesting. Besides synchronizing automaticalyl with iPhoto, it’s completely multi-touch with many gestures that were studied in order to optimize the interaction. The iTunes interface is now expandable and it introduces a new mode called Pop Over, which allows users to view the information about the song being played.

Also the calendar application has been enhanced: new appointment viewing modes that are similar to the iCal from Mac OS X. The iPad also has an integrated Maps application (and although it does seem to be based on Google’s services, Steve Jobs didn’t mention it).

The device also allows users to buy movies, TV series, music videos and songs, and apparently it will also be possible to buy e-books directly from the e-book application. The device measures 5″ and its screen is a 9.7″ multi-touch display, like the iPhone, with 10 hours of battery duration. The processor was specifically designed for it, it’s called Apple A4 and it has 1GHz. It’ll be available in 16Gb, 32Gb and 64Gb versions, all of those with Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth. No mention to a GPS antenna just yet.

All the iPhone applications are completely compatible with the iPad without the need of adaptation. When the user buys an iPhone application, it is directly brought to the iPad as well. The developers will have a good piece of work if they want to, in order to adapt their application for such a large screen.

Here are some pictures and the official presentation video, found on the official iPad website. Enjoy!

Click on the thumbnail to view the full image

This post is just a reminder that in a few hours, we’ll get to know more about the Apple Event - “Come See Our Latest Creation”. The hype about the catch phrase is already at its max, and soon we’ll finally find out what this latest creation is. The Tablet Mac, or iPad, iSlate, and the many names that it was known as until now? A new version of the iPhone OS? A new MacBook line? We’ll have to wait and see.

Stay tuned and we’ll bring you more news as soon as we get them.

AppleInsider has published an article which states that Apple has released a new version of their Mac OS X 10.6.3. The build is called 10D538 and it’s been released to developers. The update should solve many problems in several areas, including QuickTime X and Logic Studio. According to AppleInsider:

“More specifically, people familiar with Friday’s beta say it includes an update to QuickTime X that, when finalized, will improve security and compatibility while simultaneously enhancing overall reliability. The release will also include tweaks that aim to enhance the performance of Apple’s 64-bit Logic pro audio suite. Other planned improvements include better compatibility with third-party printers and OpenGL-grounded applications, those same people say”

Only one big bug remains on the current build, the one that comes with the photo view in Front Row. The Mac OS X 10.6.3 will bring OpenGL 3.0 support, which should result in a significant enhancement in video performance. For now, the launch date for the update is still unknown.

Apple has officially confirmed the event that rumors had claimed would take place on January 27th. The date is correct, indeed, and it will be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco at 10am local time.

The invitation cover says “Come see our latest creation”, a sentence that brings curiosity and interest. Will it be the now highly awaited Apple tablet? We’ll see it in 9 days, of course.

The fourth generation of iPhones are likely to be around in May. The rumors were brought forward by the French magazine Challenges. The magazine claims that the news came from a non-identified mobile operator. If that rumor comes true, it’d be the second time that a French phone company leaks information about Apple products.

Unfortunately the news don’t reveal anything else about the new iPhone, although it’s easy to think that the anticipated May launch, contrarily from the usual June/July launch that Apple follows since 2007, is a reply to Google’s new market strategy.