The market of tablets has grown very impressively over the last two years since the inception of the first generation iPad. With the passage of time the importance of tablets in everyday life is constantly increasing, even though they were initially criticized for their limitations. These days, you can use them to watch video content, stream music, interact with other on social networking forums and perform a variety of other tasks. This has given rise to the idea of ‘smart homes’ where the technical products would be completely integrated with each other. For example, you can use your iPad to control the Apple TV and with the passage of time, the penetration of tablet technology into over lives would certainly increase.

With the increasing influence of technology on our lives and the cloud technology, tablet can be used as the control center of the entire technically equipped house. For example, the security systems, television, lights and fans, alarms and even curtains could be controlled with the tablet in your hand sitting on the sofa. With the passage of time, it is possible that you would be able to perform all these tasks while being away from your home. Already we have manufacturers who have been developing apps for home automation system. Control4 is one such company that also has a iPad app and also owns a platform for which developers can create their apps. The company creates its own hardware for home automation and security systems. Besides, with this system you can also control the lights, temperature and operate electronics. A special iPad like product with the name of Comcast’s Xfinity Home Security product has been created by the company that can be used for these purposes. This device has its own iOS app and also comes with cellular data backup connection that can be used in case the broadband connection gets disconnected for some reason. Such systems are also being increasingly used for web-connected home security system, which are a cheaper and reliable alternative to rather expensive home surveillance systems. The Web Cam Technology used in these devices relies on the cloud based technology to maintain the footages recorded for security purposes. The footages recorded from these devices can be viewed from any tablet as long as you have the proper app installed.

So basically the increasing influence of tablets would enhance our everyday comfort with the help of smart phones where everything would be connected and automated and would certainly see the realization of all this in near future.

Finally we have some update, no matter how vague it is, on the upcoming model of ASUS Transformer Prime. A short teaser about the upcoming version of the ASUS tablet was released on the Facebook page of ASUS which, however, did not give out any details regarding the technical specifications of the device. The only thing that was actually said is that the upcoming version would be equipped with the “awesome new features”. So we are not sure what to expect on the device. There are various areas in which enhancements and improvements can be expected, such as GPS, operating system update and apps etc. but anything said right now would be nothing more than a guess. However, good news is that we can expect the device to be released soon and the firmware 9.4.2.21 is set to be released on 30^th of March. Release date of the device itself is also unknown. A few expected updates, derived from the Swedish Facebook site of the company are in order.

Among the new features, we can expect Press-able notification in Lock screen and the facility of checking the unread emails and notifications under the locked screen. There would also be updates in MyLibrary and MyCloud technologies and we would have an improved user interface along with enhanced media content. Some important functions would also be added in this version of the device. For example, it would have support for USB to LAN cable of UX series and there would also be certain improvements in the camera such as the automatic installment of the Camera FW upgrade with the image upgrade. This would remove the need of resorting to camera upgrade icon in the notification area. Besides, the device would also have support for the Ad Hoc mode. Among the software improvements, the users would have choice about the type of browser they would want to use. For example, you would be able to select among the tablet or the desktop version of the browser, although it seems quite unlikely that anyone would choose the desktop version on a tablet. As for the big software updates and hardware enhancements, we are not aware of that since there is no official word on that. We can, however, expect to have another Ice Cream Sandwich tablet in the market pretty soon. For rest of the details, you would have to wait for a while.

There is a lot of anticipation about the release of a Windows 8 based tablet from Nokia in near future. This would certainly be a delight to use since Windows 8 is already generating positive reviews everywhere. This can be among the tablets that can pose serious threat to the monopoly of iPad, but to make that sure, Nokia would have to take care of a few important things.

For the time being, there is no information about the technical specifications of this device and all we can do is guessing. First of all, let’s talk a bit about the display of the device. With respect to the resolution of the devices, we have seen some exciting progress in the recent months. Samsung has released its 7.7 inch Galaxy Tab with AMOLED display which is a delight to use. Apple, on the other hand, has released the new iPad with Retina Display which is the highest resolution in the market right now. So resolution is one front where Nokia would need to pay special attention. Secondly, battery of the device is very important for today’s busy and engaged user. Having a battery of less than 10 hours critically reduces the overall impact of the device. This problem has been found in most of the tablets and smartphones. One way around this problem is the approach that has been taken by Asus by placing a secondary battery in the keyboard. So a battery life of at least more than 10 hours would certainly increase the worth of the tablet.

After that, since the tablet would hardly be released before the end of 2012, it would certainly need to have a support for 4G, since by the end of this year, having no support for 4G would pretty much reduce the importance of the device. Other than the main technical specs, the design of the tablet also matters a lot since not everyone purchases a tablet just because of the technical specs. Besides, among the top end tablets, there is not much difference between the technical specs and under such a situation a lot of users prefer to purchase tablets due to their design appeal. But we can trust Nokia on this front. Last but not least, it would be better for Nokia to create a device that succeeds in producing its own worth in the market. The device might not even have technical specs better than iPad, but it should have some alternatives that make people go for it rather than other tablets. Hopefully, interesting technical specs coupled with Windows 8 would certainly result in one of the best tablets in the market.

Just when the release date of next version of iPad arrived, the rumor started circulating that it would actually be called iPad HD and not iPad 3. Several media reports that have been released about the device are calling it iPad HD. We are not sure if iPad HD and iPad 3 are the same devices since Apple might be considering two iPads this year. This is other than another possible mini version of iPad that, rumors has it, would be released later this year. It is also possible that the release date of iPad 3 is actually deferred and what we hear from the latest information, Apple has decided to release iPad on 16^th of March. So basically there is a lot of confusion about the release date, the name and the technical specs of the device. What we understand is that the device would be announced on 7^th and would be released on 16^th of March, which makes perfect sense.
 
As the release itself is getting closer, more and more sources are claiming that the device would actually be called iPad HD and not iPad 3. The HD with the name, as probably many of you would have already guessed, is because of the Retina display. The Retina display would certainly be a huge enhancement on iPad, even though it has previously been displayed on iPhone 4S. The rumors about the name are not new and previously, some people were speculating about iPad HD but majority was in the favor of iPad 3. But now it seems that the case for iPad HD is stronger. Other than the launch of iPad 3, Apple is also expected to announce the new streaming service for Apple TV. This release would most probably be also announced during the same event during which iPad HD would be announced and the service itself would be made available later this year, most probably on Christmas. As for iPad HD, other than the Retina display, other improvements that we are expecting are changes in iTunes and iCloud technology, availability of Siri, enhanced battery life, and support for LTE. As far as the support of LTE is concerned, Apple might or might not make it available on iPad HD. Other than this, the rumors about the possible release of a mini version of iPad this year are also gaining momentum and we have also heard that Apple has already started purchasing the 7.1 inch screen components for mini iPad. But for the moment, let’s just wait for iPad HD and see how it turns out to be.

A few images have popped over the internet that are claimed to be the images of iPad 3 displays. These displays are being manufactured by Samsung and it appears that Samsung has also outsourced the manufacture of these displays, probably because of the tight schedule. These leaked images were spotted on a Chinese tech blog according to which these images were taken in a Chinese display manufacturing factory. These images were supposedly leaked from Opto-Electronics factory in China. This factory is among the suppliers of equipment to Samsung. Even though there was tight security in the factory and photography was strictly prohibited, about twenty images of these displays were leaked and hence spread over the internet.

It appears from the images, and is being confirmed by the reliable sources, that the appearance of the displays that would be made part of iPad 3 is not different from iPad 2. However, good news for Apple lovers is, we would see Retina Display on iPad 3 and other than that, these displays would also feature dual LED display. There are a few other rumors that seem to be strengthened with these latest images. For example, there were rumors that the upcoming model of iPad would contain an 8 mega pixel camera sensor and these images also give a similar idea. However, still it is not a confirmed fact that the camera of iPad 3 would indeed be an 8 mega pixel camera. It can also be 5 mega pixels but that seems quite unlikely since there are other tablets in the market already showcasing 8 mega pixel cameras.

Another thing worth mentioning is the processor that would power iPad 3. According to the rumors and speculation, A6 processors would be made part of iPad 3, but these leaked images tell some other story. According to these images, we would see an A5X CPU on the logic board of iPad and not the anticipated A6 processor. A5x processor would certainly be an improvement but of course, that won’t be as good as A6 processor. The images also give the possibility of a bigger battery and if iPad 3 would have support for LTE technology, bigger battery is a must requirement. Anyways, the release date of iPad 3 is not too far, even though we don’t have any official statement on it, and there are not more than just a few weeks before the wait would end.

Now that the release date of iPad 3 is quite close, leaks about the technical specs of the device have become a norm. Every week we see scores of pictures over the Internet where some information about the iPad 3 is rumored. The latest leak concerns the processors that would power the upcoming model of Apple tablet. What almost everyone was speculating was that iPad 3 would come with an A6 processor which was quite natural since iPad had an A4 processor and iPad 2 had an A5 processor. But what the latest leaks suggest is that iPad 3 would actually come with an A5x processor and not A6 processor.

Well, this might be a disappointment for many, just like the disappointment that was seen when against the expectations of iPhone 5, Apple decided to release iPhone 4S. But then again, this does not really matter much as long as have a faster and reliable processor, which A5x hopefully would be. Probability is that instead of developing completely new chips, Apple would prefer to improve the existing chips, which explains the use of A5x instead of A6. There weren’t many complaints about the A5 processor anyways, so things seem pretty fine as long as the next processor holds at least some improvement.

Installation of A6 in iPad 3 would have required designing of an entirely new chip from scratch, which does not seem to be very viable for Apple. For companies like Intel, this option might be attractive and they have been developing new processors at regular intervals, but their priorities are quite different compared to Apple. Developing new processor each year, since at least one new product is released each year, is not really necessary for Apple since the performance of the new device can be enhanced just by improving the previously working processors. And that is exactly what Apple seems to be doing for iPad 3.

So far, the specs of the A5x processor are not known since the leaks only showed the image of the chip written A5x on it. We don’t even know whether this is a dual-core or a quad-core processor, although expectations lean toward a quad-core processor. Most probably we would have an improved GPU with its parallel processing architecture that serves well when it comes to tasks such as Infinity Blade and video decompression. But whatever the reality is, most probably we would find out in a couple of weeks.

Apple’s iPad remains to be the most popular tablet device of all time with no other tablet posing serious threat to it. However, when we consider tablets with smaller size, Amazon Kindle Fire has proven to be immensely successful. Previously, not everyone was considering 7 inch tablets a viable area of production, but Kindle Fire has changed the entire perception. As for Apple, Steve Jobs had a clear position on this matter and he ruled out any possibility of manufacturing a 7 inch version of iPad. Now, however, it seems that things have changed at Apple as well as the company is considering manufacturing a smaller version of iPad, mainly to compete with Kindle Fire.

According to the resources related with this news, Apple is considering production of 8 inch versions of iPad, which might be called iPad mini. Production of these devices has not kicked off as yet but might be started any time in near future. The production, if it really happens, would most probably be started after the release of iPad 3 since at present, Apple would be devoting the full concentration to iPad 3 release which would take place in a few weeks. The resources revealing the news of the possibility of producing 8 inch tablet have not come with detailed technical specifications of this device. However, it was told that this 8 inch version of iPad would showcase a screen resolution of 1024 x 768. Other technical specs would most probably be less than the standard version of iPad since  Apple wants to compete with Kindle Fire market, the price of this new device would have to be considerably lower than the standard version of iPad. According to the resources, although mass production of these devices has not started as yet, the test panels are being produced by AU Optronics and LG Display. What’s more, this mini version is expected to have support for LTE networks. However, all this is just speculation and there is no official announcement form Apple to take any such initiative. It might turn out to be just another hoax and to know about the actual truth, we would have to wait for a few months. But if this actually turns out to be true, we would be having two versions of iPad this year, another new precedence form Apple.

If anyone should almost necessarily have a tablet in possession, it is the web developers. With the ease of mobility and other facilities, a tablet seems to be just perfect for a web developer. Not surprisingly, these tablets are already quite famous among the web developers, whether they work for some company or simply indulge in freelancing. Strictly determining which tablets are perfect for the web developers would be difficult, but here are some suggestions about the ideal tablets for web developers.

 When we talk of tablets, whether from the perspective of a common man or a web developer, iPad is at the top. With the release date of iPad 3 just around the corner, we can safely consider it to be at the top of the list of must have gadgets for web developers. Apple would most probably release this tablet somewhere in the mid of March so we don’t have many days to wait. With the amazing app store of Apple and cutting edge features of iPad such as Siri, Retina Display and A6 processor, a web developer can have everything he can ask for. For many tech giants, it is customary to release the mobile products in UK market before coming to the US market. So London is one of the centers of all the hustle and bustle one sees in this arena. London web developers are no exception when it comes to tablet trends and iPad is the most famous tablet among them as well. Other than iPad 3, web developers should also keep their fingers crossed for the upcoming version of BlackBerry PlayBook. Although RIM has been going through unstable situation for the last few months, PlayBook still offers a web developer everything that is needed. With an established platform, well stocked app store and easy to use interface, this is certainly a must have gadget for any web developer.

 Then comes the tablet that happens to be the most popular Android based tablet at present, that is, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Android itself offers a wide range of possibilities for web developers and the combination of Android with Samsung tablet can be ideal from the perspective of web developers. Web developers, particularly the freelance developers, have increasing been preferring the Android tablets and Galaxy Tab is among the favorites. Finally, talking about the 7 inch tablets, Amazon Kindle Tablet can be perfectly suitable with respect to specs as well as price.

There is a lot of disappointment at Samsung’s decision not to release the next version of Samsung Galaxy S 3 during the Mobile World Congress. Users would have to be content with a few other products that Samsung would possibly release during the event. Other than the high end devices, Samsung however continues to release the mid end and low end devices at regular intervals. Among the low end devices, Samsung Galaxy Mini was probably the most popular device from Samsung that was highly appreciated by the users. Being a perfect device for people with low budget limits, this device was a mini replica of Galaxy phones, with limited technical specifications of course.

Now after the immense popularity of the first version, Samsung is gearing to release the second version of this mini phone, with enhanced technical specifications. Recently during FCC, an updated version of Samsung Galaxy Mini was spotted. The technical specifications of this device, however, remain to be unknown. There are a few specs there are quite clear though. For example, most importantly, Galaxy Mini 2 would come with 850 and 1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE radios which would make this device compatible with the networks of both AT&T and T-Mobile. With T-Mobile, however, the phone would be compatible only with the EDGE network. The radios on this device are also accompanied with Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n WiFi and NFC functionality. We have also heard that this device would come with a faster processor and a bigger screen as well. Other technical specifications of Galaxy Mini 2, more or less, remain same compared to the previous version. For example, it would have the same 3 mega pixel camera and would be running Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

Now this can be one of the devices that Samsung intends to release during the Mobile World Congress. There are already rumors that Samsung might release the next generation model of Samsung Galaxy Tab during MWC as well. These two devices, along with a few other releases, could make up for not releasing Galaxy S3, to some extent. However, the release of the phone for the US market, just like most other Samsung devices, might be delayed for a little more time. Anyways, the release of Galaxy Mini is certainly good news for people with constrained budget limits, rooting for some good low end Android phones.

There is little doubt to the news that iPad 3 would be announced in the first ten days of March, most probably on 7^th  of March. With this expectation, the ongoing process of rumors and speculations about iPad 3 has also considerably accelerated. A more recent piece of information has revealed that the resolution of iPad 3 would be twice that of iPad 2. The sources claiming this information have claimed to have obtained OEM LCD screen displays that are being used in the manufacture process of iPad 3. These displays were not powered on but were thoroughly and closely examined with the help of microscope and this examination revealed that the screen resolution of these displays is indeed about double the resolution of iPad 2. We find the clusters of 2×2 pixels on iPad 2 but there are clusters of 4×4 pixels on these displays which clearly mean double resolution. Overall, this means a resolution of 2048×1536 pixels compared to the resolution of 1024×768 on iPad 2.

Now this is not very surprising and unexpected news since already almost everyone was dead sure that Retina Display would be among the most important and integral features of the next model of Apple tablet. Retina Display is the highest possible resolution that has so far been achieved on any tablet or smart phone and was already showcased on iPhone 4S so it was quite reasonable that it now appeared on iPad 3. The distinguishing feature of Retina Display is that the individual pixels are not visible from normal viewing distance and hence the resolution is perfect. From the point of view of the developers, Retina Display means doubling the resolution of the graphics of the games and other apps that would be developed for these devices.

Other than Retina Display, there are also several other noteworthy features that we expect to be part of the next model of iPad. Most importantly, we expect that it would be equipped with a faster A6 processor and would also have support for LTE networks. There are Android tablets with LTE support in the market so Apple should really consider releasing tablet with this support now. And if iPad 3 comes with this support, it would also need to have a larger battery and hence longer battery life. Let’s just wait for a couple of weeks and see what Apple actually gives us on iPad 3.