Apple sold 3 million iPads (big and small) in opening weekend

Apple managed to sell a million iPads a day since the iPad 4th generation and iPad mini hit their first wave of stores just three days ago.

Apple didn’t specify how many iPad mini’s and iPad 4′s were sold but the total number is still worth mentioning.

The 3 million are all Wi-Fi only models and Apple expects the Wi-Fi + Cellular options of both tablets to ship in a few weeks in the US with more countries to be added later this year.

According to Brian White, a Topeka Capital Markets analyst, the iPad mini was sold out at around 60% of surveyed Apple retail stores in the US.

The 3rd generation iPad set record sales in its first weekend back in March by selling 3 million units. Releasing a new iPad as soon as Apple did doesn’t seem to have slowed the pace at which their tablets sell, even if we’re talking about two separate devices this time around.

Source : blog[dot]gsmarena[dot]com

Apple sells 3 million iPads over the weekend, remains coy on how many were Mini

Apple has announced that it has sold three million iPads over the opening weekend, but fails to break down that figure into how many were iPad Mini tablets and how many were fourth generation full-size model.

Apple has sent forth its traditional, post-opening weekend press release trumpeting how many new iPads it has sold. We say iPads — plural — because it wasn’t only the iPad mini that went on sale, but the fourth generation iPad too, despite it being almost completely ignored by the press.

From November 2 to November 5, Apple sold 3 million iPads, which it says “doubles the previous first weekend milestone of 1.5 million Wi-Fi only models sold for the third generation in March.” Neither of the two new iPads have cellular connectivity yet, but 4G models will ship in the next few weeks.

Just in case you didn’t quite catch it, Apple CEO Tim Cook chimed in to confirm that the company “set a new launch weekend record,” and adds that it had “practically sold out of iPad minis.”

So, a resounding success? Well, possibly, but there’s no breakdown of exactly how many units of that 3 million magic number were iPad minis. Reports from around the world on Friday didn’t contain the same degree of excitement over the iPad Mini as they have for previous Apple products, and described shorter lines at stores.

This didn’t stop it from selling out, a fact that anyone could gather from a cursory glance at Twitter late in the launch day, as frustrated buyers found the shelves empty at their local stores. Apple’s statement closes with reference to online pre-orders selling-out too, confirming that “demand for the iPad mini exceeded the initial supply.”

Three million sales needed for success

Prior to the weekend, an analyst from BTIG said Apple needed to shift at least 3 million iPad Mini tablets for it to be hailed a success. For some context, the iPhone 5 sold 5 million over its opening weekend and as we reported last week, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 has taken nearly 40 days to reach 3 million sales.

Apple analyst Gene Munster warned the company may fall short of this figure, estimating between 1 million and 1.5 million iPad mini devices would be sold. He noted that this lower than expected figure is because the iPad mini will be a “grower,” and that once people see and try it, demand will increase.

Without the aforementioned sales breakdown, it’s impossible to know how close Munster came to the truth, but he’s probably not far off. At least we assume he’s not, as for all we know, the fourth generation iPad could have been responsible for 75 percent of the total.

With the iPad mini selling out online and in stores, it certainly looks like another successful launch for Apple. But it’s difficult to say just how much of this was true demand, and how much was lack of supply. Among the endless iPad Mini rumors, you may recall an analyst warning that there would only be “acceptable” iPad mini stock levels for the first month, due to problems with the supply chain. This rumor may have come true, and comes soon after the iPhone 5’s similar problems.

The iPad mini came out in 34 countries on Friday and according to the Apple Store, is currently limited to two per customer with a two-week wait before it ships.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Asus Launches Dual-Screen ‘Taichi’ Notebook

It probably wasn’t the best day for a computer maker to unveil new devices, as everything would inevitably be overshadowed by Apple’s concurrent unveiling of new iPads.  Nevertheless, Asus pushed forward with an event in New York City, where they introduced a slew of new Windows 8 notebooks and tablet-notebook hybrids.  Existing product lines were updated, like the Zenbook family of Ultrabooks, while entirely new lines were launched.

The standout product was the Taichi, an Ultrabook featuring two HD screens, one on the inside of the notebook lid and the other on the outside.  The inside screen functions like a regular display while the outer screen is a touchscreen.  When closed, the Taichi can be used as a tablet (with included stylus).  In the open position, it functions as a typical laptop, with the focus placed on the inner screen and keyboard.

Asus made some interesting user case scenarios for the dual screens, which can simultaneously display either the same content on both screens or different content on each.  For business professionals, the inner and outer screens could potentially be used during presentations, with one screen facing the user and the other facing clients. At home, parents can work using the inner display and keyboard, while kids watch a movie on the outer screen.  It’s a unique concept and a creative departure from similar Windows 8 notebooks with single screens that flip or twist to become tablet touchscreens.

The Taichi’s dual screens measure 11.6 inches and the device will be offered in three different configurations, with either an Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processor.  All will have 4GB of memory and an Intel HD 4000 graphics processor and either 128GB or 256GB of SSD storage.  Starting price is $1,299 and availability begins this November.

Source : abcnews[dot]go[dot]com

Here are the iPad mini and iPad 4 prices and the first-wave countries

Apple managed to one-up all expectations today by unveiling not one, but two new iPads – the iPad mini and its 4th gen 10-inch iPad with Retina display, which succeeds and replaces the 3rd gen with Retina display. And both new iPads will be available this holiday season starting with this long list of countries.

The Wi-Fi versions of the new iPads will be available for pre-order this Friday (Oct. 26) and will be shipping as early as next week on November 2.

In the US, prices for the Wi-Fi iPad mini start at $329, and continue through $429 to $529 for the 32GB and 64 GB versions, respectively. Prices in Europe will be similar, but the figures will be in euros instead.

The cheapest iPad mini will cost you €329/£269 with the other versions going for €429 and €529, respectively.

The pricing for the 10-inch iPad with Retina display will continue to be the same as before the refresh. The price of $499 (or €499/£399 if you live in Europe) will get you the 16GB Wi-Fi version with the next-tier storage options costing $599 (€599) and $699 (€699).

Make note that the European prices will differ slightly from country to country due to the variations of VAT. While the Apple stores in Germany, Italy, and the UK quote the above mentioned prices, the prices in France will be higher, much the same way the prices in Luxembourg will be lower.

Source : blog[dot]gsmarena[dot]com

Complimentary iPad use in McDonald’s will be the greasiest iPad of all

McDonald's is installing iPads for use in one of its Virginia Beach location. Cool idea, or Contagion-in-real-life in the making?

In an attempt to digitize its dining experience, a newly-opened McDonald’s in Hampton Roads, Virginia will now offer customers complimentary use of Apple iPads installed at various booths of its retail store. The iPads will be held up on white stands, one of which holds two devices back-to-back, so diners can check their Facebook profiles, play games, and even shop online while they’re munching away at their favorite fast food item. 

“It’s a great idea to stay relevant, especially to a new generation,” Hugh Fard, the iPad-equipped McDonald’s owner who opened the new location last week, told The Virginian-Pilot.  ”People like to multitask, so why not provide that element for them?”

Fard said he found the inspiration to add iPads to his restaurant from a recent McDonald’s convention in Florida, and found that McDonald’s stores in Europe had iPad offerings developed and installed by a French-based company. After months waiting for an approval from the American-based headquarters, Fard was able to successfully lease five iPads from the French company so in case the devices are stolen or damaged, the company will replace the tablets.

It’s an interesting way to keep customers in the store longer (despite the fast food nature of the restaurant), but American McDonald’s has yet to warm up to the idea on a national basis. Depending on how the iPad installation is received, it could be possible for McD’s to begin expanding the feature to other retailers across the states. If so, it could be certain McDonald’s will begin installing its own Web limitations on the iPad so customers are restricted to using family-friendly websites and apps while you’re under the golden arches.

But still, as if it isn’t gross enough to touch public bathroom door knobs, touchscreen ticket booths, and escalator handrails, swiping your hand all over an iPad that’s been fondled by fries-covered fingertips may just change your mentality about tablets forever. 

What do you think of free iPad use in McDonald’s? A fun idea, or totally unnecessary?

Image Credit: The Virginia-Pilot

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

iOS 6 now active on over 60% of iPhones

Apple’s latest operating system version, iOS 6, has already made its way to over 60% of iPhones.

The new update has also made its way to roughly 45% of iPads and just below 40% of iPods since its release on September 19th.

The statistics, tracked by Chitika data analytics, reflects data gathered on September 30, so the totals are surely even higher today. Chitika claims that the reasons for the higher version fragmentation on the iPad and iPod as opposed to the iPhone is that certain versions of the iPod touch can’t go past iOS 4, and the lack of incentives offered by carriers to encourage upgrades.

Overall, having to concentrate on only a handful of devices allows Apple to ensure quick rollout of its OS versions, and is far and away better than what Google can offer on Android.

Source : blog[dot]gsmarena[dot]com

Google Maps + Google Earth = Google iOS 6 app

Google will reportedly combine Google Maps and Google Earth in its forthcoming app for Apple iPhones and iPads -- but you may have to wait a while to get it.

Apple iPhone users, rejoice! Google is building a new Google Maps app for iOS 6 that will reportedly combine the features of the old app with the whiz-bangery of Google Earth, according to a report from The New York Times. The only downside: It’s still a long way off.

Apparently, Apple blind-sided Google when it decided to drop Google Maps from iOS 6. The Verge and The New York Times report that, according to anonymous sources, Apple’s contract to use Google’s navigation app still had a year of life left when Cupertino told Mountain View that it would no longer need its mapping services. Because of this, Google had not yet begun to build out a new version of Google Maps — which is the reason the company does not have a new Google Maps pending with Apple now.

Apple’s reported decision to drop Google Maps is said to have come before Apple’s 2012 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 11, when the company unveiled iOS 6 and its new Maps App. Google responded by holding its own Google Maps event ahead of WWDC, on June 6, which showcased some of its new 3D mapping technology — a feature that is expected to make its way into the new Google Maps.

The reason everyone cares so much about a new Google Maps is, of course, because Apple’s new Maps app is packed full of inaccuracies, strangely distorted landscapes, and lacks public transit information. Apple has already corrected some of these failings, and promises that it will get better over time.

In the end, this will all work itself out. And even now, it’s not that bad. Apple Maps, sub-par in some respects though it may be, works perfectly well for many users. In China, at least, it’s apparently far better than Google Maps ever was. The turn-by-turn navigation is quite useful. And 3D view — while entirely impractical for finding where you need to go — is at least fun to look at while bored. That’s something, right?

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Apple and Foxconn Make Progress on Working Conditions at Factories

Image credit: ABC News

Are things getting better for the Chinese workers who assemble iPads and iPhones for Apple?  Back in March, the Fair Labor Association released a report on the poor conditions at Apple’s Foxconn supplier. The organization gave a long list of recommendations to Apple and Foxconn, and both Apple and Foxconn agreed to follow them.

Today, five months later, the FLA says that that Foxconn has completed 280 action items on time or ahead of schedule.

“Our verification shows that the necessary changes, including immediate health and safety measures, have been made,” Auret van Heerden, president and CEO of the Fair Labor Association, said in a statement. “We are satisfied that Apple has done its due diligence thus far to hold Foxconn accountable for complying with the action plan, including the commitment to reform its internship program.”

Apple and Foxconn made a number of physical changes in the last few months to improve worker safety, including more testing of equipment and changes to prevent repetitive stress injuries. A detailed report of the improvements is posted on the FLA site.

Foxconn also took steps to improve working hours, but it still has not reached the final goal. By July 1, 2013, Foxconn has promised to reduce worker hours to the legal limit of 49 hours per week and stabilize pay. Foxconn has already reduced the workload to under 60 hours per week.

“The next phase of improvements will be challenging for Foxconn because they involve major changes in the working environment that will inevitably cause uncertainty and anxiety among workers,” van Heerden said. Making changes to the working hours are among the 76 remaining action items that Foxconn has to accomplish before next July.

Apple was reported to have become history’s most valuable company Monday, though the numbers did not account for inflation.  It has sold approximately 37 million iPhones and 15.4 million iPads in the last three months of last year.

Source : abcnews[dot]go[dot]com

This is the clown that ended up with Steve Jobs’ stolen iPads

Among the items stolen from Steve Jobs' home last month were two iPads, which ended up in the hands of an unsuspecting kids entertainer.

You might think we’re teasing you about the stupidity level of the thief that robbed Steve Jobs’ home last month, snatching roughly $60,000 worth of goods from the late Apple co-founder. But seriously: Steve Jobs’ stolen iPads have been recovered, and one of it was being used by a clown performer as part of his act.

The children’s entertainer otherwise known as Kenny the Clown was unaware that he was using a stolen iPad after his friend gave the device to him. This friend, of course, is Kariem McFarlin, who is currently under police custody for breaking into Jobs’ Palo Alto home on July 17.

Kenny, real name Kenneth Kahn, said McFarlin gave him two iPads, one that he gave to his young daughter and the other as a prop for his act. Kahn was reportedly using the silver 64GB iPad to play the Pink Panther theme song and some Michael Jackson tunes to accommodate his performance. Naturally, he had no idea these devices were actually stolen until police came to his door, demanding the goods back.

“It would be like getting a football from Joe Montana that was stolen out of his house,” Kahn, 47, told Mercury News. “It’s bizarre; it’s really bizarre.”

Kahn gave police the iPads back without hesitation. Among the items that McFarlin took from Jobs’ home are a few other iOS products, Tiffany & Co. jewelry, and Jobs’ wallet and driver’s license.

As if the story couldn’t be any more strange, Kahn is not just an entertainer; he is also a former San Francisco mayoral candidate during the 2007 election, and a former mayoral candidate in 2006 and 2010 for his hometown of Alameda, California. He reportedly met McFarlin more than 10 years ago when he acted as McFarlin’s basketball coach at Encinal High School, and never saw him as “any type of menace” — claiming that he just made a bad decision to steal. McFarlin is due in court on Monday for the theft of Steve Jobs’ properties. 

“It still hasn’t really 100 percent set in for me. It was Steve Jobs’ iPad — literally,” Kahn said. “If this thing weren’t so tragic, it would be comical.”

We couldn’t say it better ourselves.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com