All eyes were on March for Apple's expected special event, but that didn't pan out. But here's the company today, swooping in and giving us something to look forward to (before WWDC).
Apple announces ‘Spring Loaded’ special event for April 20
iPad mini
Google unveils new Nexus 7, Google Play Games and Chromecast TV dongle
As expected, Google unveiled a new version of its 7-inch Nexus 7 tablet this morning at a press conference in San Francisco. The tablet is both thinner and lighter than its predecessor, and has a gorgeous new display with an impressive resolution of 1,920 x 1,200.
But the new slate wasn't the only thing on the docket for this morning's event. Google also showed off its Android 4.3 update, which features a new Google Play Games app (similar to Apple's Game Center), as well as a new device for your TV called Chromecast...
Everything you need to know about the iPad mini event
Well, that's all folks. Apple's highly anticipated iPad mini event has come, and gone. All announcements have been made, all new products have been unveiled, and now the day is coming to a close.
A lot has happened in the past 14 hours, with new tablets, computers and software all making an appearance during today's event. And we understand that it might have been difficult to keep track of it all.
That's why we've put together this awesome roundup of everything important that happened today. Here's everything you need to know about the iPad mini event...
iPad mini pricing and availability
Well it's finally happened folks. After years of speculation and anticipation, Apple has announced the iPad mini. As expected, it has a 7.9-inch display, front and back cameras, and an LTE option.
Phil Schiller just announced that pre-orders for the tablet start this Friday, October 26th. And the Wi-Fi only versions will start shipping November 2nd, and + cellular models a week later.
So what's Apple going to charge for this thing?
Apple iPad mini event now available for streaming
For the first time in more than 5 years, Apple offered up a live stream of this morning's media event to the public. So if you had an Apple TV, iPhone, or were at your computer, you could watch the event unfold live.
But if for some reason or another you didn't catch the live feed, we have some good news for you. Apple has just posted the video to its website and it's now available for playback. More details after the break...
iPad mini tech specs
Now that we know all about the new iPad mini, its features, and its price tag, it's time to take a look at the technical specifications of the tablet. How is it going to measure up to Apple's other devices performance-wise?
Phil Schiller breezed over this a bit on stage, saying that the iPad mini was equal to or better than the iPad 2 in almost every way. And to prove it, Apple's just posted a full list of iPad mini tech specs on its website...
Tim Cook kicks off iPad mini event with some statistics
The moment we've all been waiting for is here. Tim Cook is now on stage at the California Theatre, and after years of rumors and speculation, it would seem that Apple is finally about to announce the iPad mini.
As usual, Cook has started off the event by rattling off a number of interesting statistics regarding Apple's recent milestones and accomplishments. We've got a list of all of the numbers after the break...
Apple will be live-streaming today’s event on Apple TV
Great news Apple fans, it looks like the Cupertino company has decided to live stream today's so-called "iPad mini" event after all.
Several users have noticed that a new icon labeled 'Apple Events' has popped up on the main menu of the Apple TV that matches the press invitations Apple sent out last week. And sure enough, its description says that there will be a live feed of today's presser...
Apple readies California Theatre for Tuesday event
Last week, Apple sent out invitations for a media event to take place on Tuesday, October 23. It's widely believed that the company is going to use the presser to unveil its long-rumored iPad mini tablet, and a few other new products.
The event will be held in the California Theatre located in downtown San Jose, California. And as you can see, Apple has already started prepping the building...
Claimed photo of retooled iPad with Lightning connector
The rumor that Apple was looking to release a tweaked version of its third generation iPad this fall popped up back in June of this year. And at the time, it seemed crazy. Why would Apple refresh a 6 month-old product?
But over the past 4 months, the story has really started picking up momentum, as several reports have pointed to Apple unveiling the retooled iPad at its iPad mini event next week. Then today, this picture surfaced...
iTunes leaks iBooks 3.0 ahead of October 23 event
Last week, The Next Web reported that Tuesday's iPad mini event was going to have a heavy focus on iBooks. This made some sense, considering the tablet's size and price is expected to put it up against other e-readers.
Today, the site adds weight to its story by posting a screenshot of an apparent leak in an e-book listing in Apple's iTunes Store. We've got the image after the break, note that it says "this book requires iBooks 3.0 or later."
Apple to hold separate events for new iPhone and iPad mini?
Up to this point, we've been assuming that Apple would unveil the iPad mini alongside the new iPhone at its September 12 event. Why? Because the often-accurate Rene Ritchie said so, and his report, at least the date, has been confirmed by a number of news outlets.
But today, John Gruber of Daring Fireball contests the information, making a pretty strong case for why Apple would hold two separate events. He opines that since the iPhone is Apple's single most important product, it's unlikely that it would share the spotlight...