After launching a few months ago, Apple now seems to have caught up with demand as the majority of iPad 2 models are now shipping within 24 hours. Out of the 18 variations currently available, all but the 64GB black WiFi model are shipping within 24 hours at the moment. The other 17 version (various white/black/WiFi/WiFi+3G/Verizon/AT&T) will all be with buyers tomorrow if ordering today.
Skype for iPad Launched
Earlier this morning Skype launched a native app for the iPad. Unfortunately it was pulled out of the app store moments later and then followed by a tweet saying:
To ensure your best Skype experience, we’ve temporarily removed Skype for iPad which went live prematurely today.
Good new though as a quick check of the app store shows that it is available again (at least here in the UK where I am testing it now).
iPad 3 Could be Built by Pegatron
The next Apple tablet, the iPad 3, will be built by Pegatron. Up till now, Foxconn has been responsible for building both the 1st and second generation models. The report tells us that Pegatron underbid the owners of Foxconn (Hon Hai) in order to win the contract.
Kindle for iPad and iPhone Updated – Kindle Store Button Removed
Amazon has updated the Kindle app for the iPhone and iPad today. The new update brings a few new features but also takes one away. The feature removed is the Kindle store button that takes users directly from the app to the store to buy books. This has been met by a bit of frustration by regular Kindle app users:
by GLutenFreeMel
You can no longer go to buy books or get samples directly from the app. Apple made them remove the store feature, but I can’t see myself using my kindle app on my phone or IPad anymore.
Another said the app has now just become unappealing.
iOS 5 Beta 3 Rolled Out to Developers – New Gestures Added
Apple has rolled out a new version of iOS 5 to developers. The latest version is beta 3 which brings iOS 5 a step closer to being launched as a final product. The new version brings a number of new features such as more in-depth gestures for accessibility purposes.
Fring Brings Group Video Chat to the iPad
Fring has launched its iPad app which now brings group video chat to the tablet device. The new version of Fring lets up to four people chat with a video link at the same time.
Unique Wooden Retro TV iPad Dock
A number of iPad cases, docks and stands exist. We’ve mentioned several here at gadgetvenue. Today’s stands out as one of the most unique in that it’s designed to look like a retro wooden TV.
Evernote Peek Smart Cover App for iPad Launches
Evernote has created a new app for the iPad called Evernote Peek. The app is the first in the world to make use of the iPad 2 smart covers. The idea was created when Phil and Andrew of Evernote were sitting on a plane and wondered what can be done with the smart cover. The answer was Evernote Peek.
iPad 3G Hack Turns it into a Fully Working Phone
The iPhoneIslam team has recently uploaded a video to Youtube that shows an iPad 3G making voice calls, sending text messages and using FaceTime.
The software hasn’t been launched yet although the team say that it’s coming very soon.
iChromy Browser Brings Chrome Features to the iPad
Diigo Inc has launched a new web browser for the iPad called iChromy. The new browser is described as bringing the best of Chrome’s interface and speed to the iPad.
The browser is a little different to the standard iPad Safari in that it uses tabs across the top of the screen that allow you to more quickly jump between different opened web pages. To save space, the address bar automatically hides when scrolling down the screen.
Apple Could use Samsung AMOLED Screen on iPad 3
The iPad 3 could be launched with an AMOLED screen according to one report today. Apple COO/acting CEO Tim Cook made a visit to South Korea last week and a suggestion has been made that he visited one of the Samsung factories (Gen-5.5). It is also believed Apple made an advanced payment for the displays.
The current capacity is 48,000 substrates per month at this particular factory and it isn’t clear how many screens can be made from each substrate. By the end of the year, the number is expected to ramp up to 100,000 substrates per month.
G-Form iPad Case Protects Screen from 12lb Bowling Ball
Cases for the iPad come in all different designs. What makes one better than another is the ability to keep the tablet safe when dropping the iPad, or dropping something on the iPad.
G-Form has built an iPad case that is capable of protecting the screen from a 12lb bowling ball dropped from 3 feet on to it. To show us what it can do, Tom Cafaro has set up a test where two iPads are used. The first is protected by a rigid case with the second iPad using a G-Form case. [Read more…]