Tablets overtake eReaders while traditional publishing continues decline

By Ed Sutherland on Dec 27, 2012

Tablets appear to be more popular than eReaders, at least in the U.S., according to researchers. Devices such as Apple’s iPad are owned by 25 percent of Americans responding to a Pew Internet & American Life survey, compared to 19 percent for eReaders, such as Amazon’s Kindle.

Most telling, however, is the November survey finding that a third of people own a tablet, eReader or both to view electronic publications. That’s a two-fold increase over December of 2011, when 10 percent of people surveyed reported owning either a tablet or eReader. In another sign readers are shifting away from traditional publishing, the survey found 23 percent of the U.S. population 16-years-old or above are using eReaders. In 2011, the researchers found that number at 16 percent. For authors, eReaders also increase their audience, Pew also found…  Read More

 

Google Nexus 10 unboxing and first impressions

By Jeff Benjamin on Nov 16, 2012

Today I got my hands on the Google Nexus 10 in order to do a proper comparison with the iPad, and to stay up to date on the iPad’s closest competitors. As you’ll recall, I already did a review of the Nexus 7, and came away with a favorable impression of the device.

For the Nexus 10, a lot is the same as the Nexus 7, but a lot has changed as well. The most obvious difference is the form factor. This tablet competes directly with the iPad as far as size is concerned. You’ll also notice a fairly original design, and one of the best, if not the best, screens on a tablet that you’ve ever seen… Read More

 

Sprint unveils new no-contract 4G tablet data plans

By Cody Lee on Oct 25, 2012

After two years of sitting on the sidelines, Sprint will finally be landing the iPad this fall. Once they become available, the carrier will be offering LTE versions of both the new iPad and the iPad mini.

And it looks like it has some new data plans to go with the new tablets. The company announced last night that starting November 11, it will be offering new 4G tablet data plans starting as low $15… Read More

 

Microsoft airs first Surface commercial

By Cody Lee on Oct 16, 2012

It seems like it’s been months since Microsoft first showed off the Surface tablet —the company’s first foray into the space. Actually, it’s been four months. But never fear, the long-awaited release date is almost here.

Microsoft is set to launch the tablet on October 26th, alongside the latest update to its operating system, Windows 8. And it kicked off its advertising blitz last night with a new TV ad entitled: The Surface Movement… Read More

 

HTC discontinues sales of tablets in the US

By Cody Lee on Oct 11, 2012

Much like it did with the MP3 player market, Apple breathed new life into the tablet space in 2010 and has dominated it ever since. Despite numerous attempts from the competition, the iPad has remained the best selling slate for the past two years.

But it’s not just that Apple is selling more tablets than other companies — it’s knocking them out of the marketplace. Last year, HP pulled its TouchPad due to lack of sales. And today, HTC announced it’s pulling its tablets from the United States… Read More

 

Google and Samsung said to be working on 10-inch iPad contender

By Cody Lee on Oct 9, 2012

Nearly three years after breathing new life into the space, Apple has remained largely uncontested in the field of tablets. We’ve seen slates from RIM, the now defunct Palm, and countless Android manufacturers, and none of them have been able to take the iPad head-on.

But it looks like Google is looking to change that. According to a new report, the search giant is teaming up with Samsung to create a high-end, 10-inch tablet aimed squarely at Apple’s iPad. And one of its headlining features is said to be a stunning 300 PPI display… Read More

 

Samsung unveils new Galaxy Note 2 phablet, Android camera

By Cody Lee on Aug 29, 2012

Samsung took the stage today at the annual IFA show in Berlin, Germany to unveil a slew of new devices. The keynote was the first in a long line of scheduled product announcements leading up to Apple’s September 12 iPhone event.

Among the new gadgets Samsung debuted this morning was the long-rumored Galaxy Note II. The device follows up a fairly successful Galaxy Note, which had the internals of a smartphone and the form factor of a mini tablet.

And now, it’s even bigger… Read More

 

My thoughts on Nexus 7

By Jeff Benjamin on Jul 24, 2012

The Nexus 7 is now available to the masses, and I just received mine yesterday. It’s a good device, but it’s not without its fair share of issues. The device is a small 7 inch tablet that features solid design, but it lacks the elegance of the iPad. For $199, I think that pretty much goes without saying. Actually, something strange happened with my Nexus 7 order – I received a 16GB Nexus 7, instead of the 8GB version that I ordered. Is this Google’s way of kissing up to a known Apple guy? Who knows, but you won’t find me complaining about it.

Since you’ve probably heard a million different opinions about the Nexus 7 already, I’m going to keep this short and concise. First of all, let’s talk about the good… Read More

 

Samsung to unveil new Galaxy device on August 15th

By Cody Lee on Jul 20, 2012

All eyes are on Apple this fall, as rumors of a revamped iPhone and an all-new iPad persist. If the speculation materializes, this October could bring one of the company’s biggest media events in recent memory.

And between now and then, don’t be surprised if the competition manages to steal the spotlight away with new produce releases and announcements. Samsung, in fact, is already making a move in that direction…

Read More

 

Drop test: iPad vs. Nexus 7

By Cody Lee on Jul 19, 2012

Google unveiled the Nexus 7 last month to much fanfare. And although its price and screen size don’t really line up with the latest iPad, many reviewers are still using Apple’s tablet as a point of reference.

You’ve probably already seen all of the speed and performance comparisons between the two slates, but what about durability? That’s right it’s drop test time. Nexus 7 versus the iPad, round one, fight! Read More

 

Analyst tells Apple investors not to worry about Nexus 7

By Cody Lee on Jun 28, 2012

Google grabbed some major headlines yesterday during its I/O keynote. The company unveiled a number of new products including the next version of Android, an orb-shaped media player, and an all-new tablet.

The tablet, in particular, has Apple shareholders asking questions. With its quad-core processor, and sub-$200 price tag, could it have a negative impact on Apple’s iPad sales? This analyst doesn’t think so… Read More

 

Google expected to unveil $199 tablet tomorrow

By Cody Lee on Jun 26, 2012

Apple’s competitors have been extremely busy over the past few weeks. Last Monday, Microsoft announced their all-new Surface tablet. And a few days later, it showed off Windows Phone 8.

Tomorrow, Google is rumored to be making a major announcement of its own. The company’s I/O developer conference starts this week, and Google is largely expected to kick things off by unveiling a new tablet… Read More

 

Microsoft unveils its own tablet: the Surface

By Cody Lee on Jun 18, 2012

We had a hunch that Microsoft’s media event today would have something to do with a tablet, and it looks like we were right. The Windows-makers have just unveiled a new slate called the Microsoft Surface.

Described as a “tablet that’s a great PC, and a PC that’s a great tablet,” the Surface looks to be much more than an iPad competitor. It has a 10.6-inch display, magnesium casing, and weighs in at just 1.5 pounds… Read More

 

Record iPad Sales Make Apple the World’s Largest PC Manufacturer

By Cody Lee on Jan 31, 2012

A week ago Apple announced record-breaking results for its latest quarter, selling more iPhones and iPads in the three month period than ever before. In fact, its iPhone sales made Apple the number one smartphone manufacturer in the world (by volume).

And apparently, the company’s tablet sales had a similar effect on its position in the computer industry. According to a report by The New York Times, the company that proclaimed the “post-PC” era — Apple — is now the biggest maker of PCs in the world… Read More

 

Apple Files More Lawsuits Against Samsung in Germany

By Cody Lee on Jan 17, 2012

It’s been nearly a year now since Apple filed its original patent infringement suit against Samsung, and the battle is still far from over. In fact, Apple has just filed a new set of lawsuits against the Korean manufacturer.

Bloomberg is reporting that Apple has just filed two new design-related lawsuits against Samsung in Germany’s Dusseldorf Regional Court. The suits call out several Samsung products including 10 smartphones, and 5 tablets… Read More

 

Rumor: iPad 3 to Feature FaceTime HD and Improved Rear Camera

By Cody Lee on Jan 5, 2012

Aside from housing the same display as its year-old predecessor, most of the criticism the iPad 2 received was aimed at its cameras. And between its VGA-quality front-facing sensor and dismal rear shooter, it was well-warranted.

But it looks like things will be different this time around. The latest iPad 3 rumor suggests that Apple’s upcoming tablet will feature some major camera upgrades, including a front camera capable of FaceTime HD, and more… Read More

 

Apple Sues Samsung Again Over Tablets and Cases

By Alex Heath on Dec 20, 2011

The legal battle between Apple and Samsung never seems to end. Today Apple sued Samsung again in Sydney, Australia, claiming that Samsung’s phones and tablets infringe on its design patents.

While both companies have sued each other over similar claims in recent months (totaling over 30 different lawsuits across 4 continents), Apple has brought more cases of infringement before the court this time around. Read More

 

Rumor: Apple to Release 8-Inch Tablet in 2012

By Cody Lee on Dec 16, 2011

It’s not even January and we are already hearing iPad rumors on an almost-daily basis. Yesterday we told you about the purported “leaked” iPad 3 microphone component that recently surfaced on the web.

While admittedly “leaked” parts are rarely anything to get excited about, the gossip we have for you today is quite interesting. Apparently, the word on the street in China is that Apple is looking to get into the 8-inch tablet game sometime next year… Read More

 

The Tablet Apple Tried to Stop

By Cody Lee on Dec 15, 2011

There’s still 10 days left until Christmas, but Samsung has already gotten its holiday wish. Earlier this month, an Australian judge overturned an injunction that has kept the company from selling its Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the country.

The ban has been in place since August of this year, and was a major win for Apple in its ongoing patent battle with the Korean manufacturer. The two companies have been in and out of courtrooms around the globe since April… Read More

 

What Apple Thinks Samsung’s Tablet Should Have Looked Like

By Cody Lee on Dec 12, 2011

A little over a week ago, court documents surfaced regarding the ongoing patent war between Apple and Samsung. The two companies have been locked in courtroom battles all over the world since Apple filed its trademark infringement suit earlier this year.

Apple’s argument has been that Samsung’s products look extremely similar to its own devices, particularly its tablets. This was especially evident in the leaked court documents that included tips from Apple on how Samsung should’ve made its Galaxy Tab. Read More

 
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