Rumors are buzzing about Apple’s release of new 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) enabled devices next year in Japan. These will be released in partnership with Japan’s biggest carrier by number of subscribers, NTT DoCoMo. As per Nikkei Business report, iPad 3 and iPhone 5 are scheduled for next year release. iPad 3 will be the first to come out in summer and then followed by iPhone in the fall. Our previous post talked about the clash between these devices for a release date, but it seems the iPad may have won.

2012 fall release of iPhone 5 means about a year gap with the iPhone 4S release. This gap is in accordance with the time frame followed by Apple in its previous releases. DoCoMo is expected to roll out its LTE infrastructure across Japan in the coming months. Though DoCoMo is Japan’s biggest telco, they are unable to add iPhone to their network as they want to pre-install their own popular applications on the device. Also the carrier is concerned over Apple’s unit volume commitment demands. Softbank and KDDI operators have agreement with iPhone and it is proving to be a huge success.

NTT DoCoMo dominates the LTE market and they recently released LTE-enabled Samsung’s Galaxy S II. It is rumored that Apple’s CEO Tim Cook met the NTT DoCoMo’s team last month and they reached to some kind of an agreement. Apple cannot ignore DoCoMo, considering their staggering subscribers and the domination in LTE market.

Reports are buzzing that Microsoft are planning to launch its Office Software suite optimized for iPad next year and there are chances that this will happen even before the launch of iPad 3. Last month Facebook too released its official app for iPad. With iPad occupying around 80% of the tablet market space, even giants like Microsoft are left with no other option. It will be their loss if they don’t release software optimized for iPads.

As per reports from The Daily, Microsoft has plans to bring the Office software suite for iMac, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air also down the line. According to the news agency, the new software versions will bring more revenue to Microsoft. Microsoft is expected to release its tablet-friendly, touch-optimized and tiled-OS Windows 8 next year. Microsoft is pinning up hopes on this release to challenge Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS. But with plans for launching Office for iPad, it looks like Microsoft has more than one strategy to beat the competition. It is a 180 degree shift from the days of exclusivity game-play strategy. As per the daily, “The full versions of Office for Mac and Windows 8 are expected to launch near the end of 2012, though the iPad version could come well ahead of that date”.

As per research firm Canalys, Apple is all set to dethrone Hewlett-Packard from the position of world’s top PC vendor. This is not surprising considering the indecisiveness from Hewlett-Packard regarding their Personal Systems Group (PSG), lack of direction and their TouchPad fiasco. As per Canalys, Apple might overtake HP before the second half of 2012. Apple’s iPad had revolutionized the PC industry and changed the rules of the game. Taking these changes into account, Canalys justly classifies iPad under personal computer. Thanks to iPad’s courtesy, Apple already zoomed into second place in the PC market in Q3 of 2011. And the stage is all set for iPad 3 to help Apple surpass HP’s market share.

In our previous post we mentioned about the Gartner survey, according to which Apple will totally dominate the tablet market consistently for the next 3 years. Digitimes is talking about some PC vendors completely leaving the tablet space. Owing to lack of proper ecosystem and linkages with content these PC vendors are unable to compete against the Apple’s and Amazon’s of the new PC era. Android’s release of Ice Cream Sandwich might be a hope for tier 1 manufacturers, but the release’s timing and upgrade timescales will not be of much help as per Canalys. Savvy consumers might put off their purchases until the release of newest Android version.

As per estimates from Canalys, full-year 2011 worldwide PC shipments will reach 415 million. This is an increase of 15% year-on-year. No prizes for guessing that a large part of this is due to ipad sales. Apple’s share of PC market rose from 9% to 15% within just four quarters.Total pad shipments are expected to reach 59 million units by the end of 2011, with Q4 volumes predicted to exceed 22 million. We need to see the impact of devices like Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet on iPad’s dominance. Do you think HP must revive their TouchPad or come up with a new tablet to get a foothold in tablet space to counter Apple? But Content is the King and the ultimate differentiator!

According to DigiTimes, Samsung, LG and Sharp have already shipped around 1 million high-resolution display panels in October for Apple’s iPad 3. Further 2 million more are to be shipped by the end of November. As per our previous post, these are Retina displays that have a resolution of 2048X1536 pixels and PPI (Pixels per Inch) of 264. This means twice the resolution of iPad 2. These retina displays will be complemented by touch modules from TPK Holding and Wintek . As per DigiTimes Asian sources in the Apple supply chain, TPK Holding and Wintek together will scale up to one million touch modules per month starting from mid-November or December. Once these components are shipped, Apple’s contractor Foxconn will start assembling of iPad 3 in January 2012 for a release in the first-quarter.

Even if the recent rumors and estimates are off by one month, we can clearly see the momentum building towards iPad 3’s release. Recent developments and the increasing competition in tablet space can signify a release timeline of first-quarter of 2012. With the entry of low-cost, 7-inch devices like Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble’s Nook tablet, the tablet market is just getting hot. In a scenario like this, Apple would definitely like to maintain its annual refresh on time. In the light of this competition, there were even rumors of an iPad Mini.

At the same time there are reports of Apple slashing its orders for iPad 2 displays in the fourth-quarter of 2011. Apple already has an inventory sufficient for assembling 15-16 million iPad’s in the fourth-quarter. Considering iPad 2’s sales in the third-quarter, analysts are of the view that Apple’s production targets are around 3-4 million less than the display parts. Analyst’s view this difference can be due to the shipping of iPad 3 displays which has already started. Do you think these reports can influence the holiday season shoppers and make them wait for an iPad 3 instead of buying an iPad 2?

Is a fight between iPhone 5 and iPad 3 on the cards in getting a first release date? Apple’s traditional release map had gone haywire this year as iPhone’s release date was pushed from summer to fall. And we can be pretty much sure that the two won’t be released back to back. But many decision-making factors like Apple’s 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) roadmap, quad-core A6 processor, Apple’s next gen iOS 6 and partnership between Apple and T-Mobile are common to both iPhone 5 and iPad 3.

Apple needs next generation antennas to release 4G LTE devices with decent size and a good battery life. Apple might be building these devices on its own. In that cases Apple can incorporate LTE in both the upcoming devices – iPhone 5 and iPad 3. iPad sales figures indicate that more and more iPad buyers are going with the 3G enabled model. These numbers affirm that mobile networking will be a significant factor in the iPad 3 also and not only just in iPhone 5. Both iPad 2 and iPhone 4S run on dual-core A5 processor. Its successor quad-core A6 will be ready by next year. This high-power processor can boost the performance of iPad 3 and iPhone 5 and their apps and experience.

Till now, iOS releases debuted along with a new iPhone. As of now we are not sure of either iPhone 5’s release date or the progress of iOS 6. iPhone 5 coming before iPad 3 might change the iOS pattern this time. In the meanwhile, the talk of an iPad 2S can change the equations all together. The technical and marketing teams of Apple will definitely work it out to make sure that there’s enough space between the launches of these widely-awaited products of 2012.

But could it mean a product gets pushed back even later into 2012?  We will have to wait and see

According to a Japanese tech blog, iPad 3 might be out as early as March, 2012. As per their ‘reliable Asian Source’, production of iPad 3 is being rushed due to Chinese New Year Celebrations which are from January 22nd to 28th. Also as per this site, iPad 3 will come with a redesigned dock connector. This new connector will have the same number of pins but a smaller shape than the one on the iPad 2. This could result in compatibility issues with existing devices that plug into the dock. The tech site even published images of the dock connector obtained from one of Apple’s Asian suppliers.

As per these sources iPad 3’s screen size will remain the same, but still it is not sure if Apple is aiming for a Retina Display-like resolution on this tablet. Retina Display means a very high pixel density so that human eye cannot distinguish individual pixels. iPhone 4, 4S and iPod Touch 4G come with this resolution. For iPhone 4S it meant a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch (PPI). But this much pixel density is not needed for iPad as its screen is not held so close to the eyes.

LG and Samsung reached a resolution display of 2048 x 1536. This is a PPI of 264, which is twice the resolution of iPad 2. The challenge is to manufacture these displays in the volumes that Apple need. Right now there are production plans but converting these plans is a giant leap which was not achieved till now. As per the same Asian Source, resolution of 1600 x 1200 would be an interim option. Launch time of March 2012 is safe considering the similar timing of Apple’s previous launches of iPad and iPad 2. At the same time there is a rumor doing the rounds that Apple might fit iPad with an A6 processor and this might push the launch till June 2012 or later. It seems that with each day Apple is pushing the limits of displays, processors and user experience.

While everyone was drooling over the new iPhone 4S and Siri, Apple may have silently started production of its iPad 3. As per analysts, Apple has increased iPad supply orders and this spike is believed to be driven partly by the new iPad 3. Compared with last month supply chain checks, around 600,000 to one million iPad 3 builds are showing up on the plan for the fourth quarter of 2011. Analysts feel this indicates a spring launch for iPad 3 or even in March. That would be exactly one year after the release of iPad 2.

Is the market ready for another iPad? It will certainly cement Apple’s reign in the tablet market. In September, Gartner folks estimated that Apple will be totally dominating over its competitors until 2014. Apple is expected to command more than 50 percent of the market share consistently for the next 3 years.

More positive reviews are pouring in from critics for this week’s release of iPhone 4S. “The one and only disappointment i have with the iPhone 4S is that the shutdown spinner animation is still low-res”, one reviewer wrote. “That’s pretty low on the list of nits to pick”. Though iPhone 4S has the same shape of iPhone 4, it comes with a better processor, great camera and a revolutionary voice-based personal assistant well integrated with Artificial Intelligence from Apple’s partners. iPhone 4S received a record 1 million preorders on the first day. Preorder stock of all the carrier partners is already exhausted. Though users can still place preorders for iPhone 4S, it might take a couple of weeks to get it shipped. Looks like one more blockbuster launch for Apple is on the cards.

Steve Jobs died this week, but his influence on technology and society will help to shape the coming century. His visionary welding of technology and design revolutionised the way we view them. Not only was he one of the greatest thinkers of our times he was also possibly it’s most successful business man. At the time of his death Apple was the most valuable company in the world.

It is difficult to summarise just how Steve jobs changed the world because his impact has been felt in so many areas. The introduction of the iPod and iTunes revolutionised not only the way music is delivered, but the entire music industry itself. The iPod meant for the first time the owner could take their entire music library with them where ever they went. It was iTunes that helped to kill off the already dying music megastores and forever changed the way people gather and distribute music. The music industry was already in trouble before Steve Jobs influence was felt. Piracy seemed a scourge with no answer. However iTunes produced the first viable model to monetise digital downloads. It also gave Jobs a huge amount of influence over the industry.

This was just one area in which Steve Jobs genius impacted the world. Another example was the introduction of the iPhone. Again this had a huge impact completely changing the telecommunications landscape. And this was not all, with the creation of his movie company Pixar he had a massive impact on the way modern films are made. Three major industries film, telecommunications and the music industry would never be the same again after Steve Jobs entered them.

Steve Jobs impact though is probably most acutely observed in the melding of design and technology. Steve Jobs was the first person to realise that aesthetics of personal technology was just as important as its functionality. Prior to him engineers held sway who had little interest in creating technology that was actually nice to look at. Steve Jobs changed all that and the impact was massive. Because iPhones, iPads and iMac are highly desirable based on their aesthetics people couldn’t get enough of them. Steve Jobs made it cool to like technology. No longer was it the sole domain of nerds now technology was for everyone. This gave apple a huge advantage over its competitors. People buy Apple products simply because they are made by Apple. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say the buy Apple products because they are made by Steve Jobs. His influence on apples products can be seen in every element of the design.

Steve Jobs was also a great business man. With some business leaders it is easy to say “He was lucky.” Or “He was there at the right time” But with Steve Jobs these throw away statements are not simple to declare. He was thrown out of the company he founded only to return to the company in 1997. The stock price tells the entire story. When he returned to the company the stock price was about $5 by the time of his death it was $375, and Steve Jobs had created the most valuable company in the world.

Steve Jobs influence on the world will be felt for many more years to come. While he maybe gone, his presence fundamentally changed the world we know.

RIP

If you love your iPad 2, you are sure to be eagerly awaiting the iPad 3 and all of its new features. While you are waiting for the iPad 3 release date, you may want to see what kinds of apps are most popular for your system. Each of these ten apps were released in 2011, and offers a range of services from fun to useful.

Keynote

The Keynote app allows users to create powerful graphic presentations that feature everything, from 3D bar graphs to picture slides. Over 2500 people have downloaded this app, and it has been rated as in the top hundred most useful apps for the iPad. While you are waiting for the iPad 3 release date, you can find hundreds of ways to use this app.

My Sketch

Individuals with an eye for art are sure to enjoy the free My Sketch app. All you will need to do is supply a picture, and this app will convert it to a sketch. In most cases, you will not need to make many adjustments in order to come up with an attractive and realistic sketched image. This app has been downloaded over 4000 times.

Skype for iPad

If you routinely use Skype to keep in contact with friends and family, then you are sure to want Skype for iPad, while you are waiting for the iPad 3 release date. This particular app has been downloaded over 5000 times, and has a reputation for being a solid performer.

Smurf’s Village

Even though the content for Smurf’s Village is not free, it is a fairly popular app with children. Therefore, if you are excited about the pending iPad 3 release date, you can put this app on your “must have” list.

Numbers

If you are looking for a powerful, elegant spreadsheet app, Numbers will suit your needs. No matter whether you need to create tables, or complex formulas, this app makes it easy. This app is ideal for anyone wondering which apps to use after the iPad 3 release date.

Angry Birds Rio

This exciting game was only released on August 31, 2011, but has already received over 3500 downloads. Angry Birds Rio allows you to share the adventures Jewel, Blu, and the Angry Birds in Rio de Janeiro. With 135 exciting levels, this game is ideal for anyone that wants an increasing level of challenge. If you are waiting for the iPad 3 release date, you may just find that you will want to transfer this addictive little game to your new iPad as soon as possible.

ITV Player

If you want to use your iPad for watching TV, ITV Player will enable you to achieve that goal, it is fairly versatile and easy for most users to work with.

Pages

Would you like to create invitations, business cards, or holiday cards with elegant calligraphy? Pages will provide you with access to a wide range of beautiful fonts that will liven up just about everything you create. Pages has been downloaded by over 2000 people, and is considered essential for anyone waiting for the iPad 3 release date.

Garage Band

If you are musically inclined, Garage Band is a “must have” app. No matter whether you want to compose music on the run, or create music with a wide range of synthesizers, this app will enable you to achieve your goal. Garage Band was released on June 1, 2011, and has over 1200 downloads to its credit even before the iPad 3 release date.

The Times

If you are in the habit of keeping up with the news, few sources will satisfy you as much as the Times. Not surprisingly, over 5000 people downloaded The Times app. Individuals waiting for the iPad 3 release date are sure to be interested in this app.

If you want to use your iPad 3 for a wide range of purpose, you are bound to find yourself downloading and installing a number of apps. Interestingly enough, if you know which apps are favored by others, you may find that one or more of these apps will also be of use to you. Therefore, while you are waiting for the iPad 3 release date, you can take advantage of this information in order to determine which apps you want to try out first.

Finally, there is news that Apple has cut demand for iPad2 orders to make room for iPad3 orders. According to Digitimes, manufacturers based in Taiwan such as Career Technology, Flexium Interconnect and Sunflex tech are already shipping flexible printed circuit boards set to be used for the iPad 3.

Even though Apple decreased iPad2 orders by 25% for the last quarter of 2011, the number of circuit boards demanded will be the same. It is claimed that factories are operating at full capacity in producing the parts needed for the iPad.

While these all point to an early 2012 release for the iPad 3, these in no way indicate that we can expect to see a new version in the near future. Anticipation makes it seem that these things take forever but the process really does entail months of preparation and assembly.