Although Apple has only recently released their second generation iPad, the iPad 2, it has been rumored that the third generation iPad 3 will likely be released in less than a year; by the end of 2011 or the first quarter of 2012.
Although Apple has only recently released their second generation iPad, the iPad 2, it has been rumored that the third generationiPad 3 will likely be released in less than a year; by the end of 2011 or the first quarter of 2012. Like so many recent tech rumors, word about the iPad 3 debuted in the blogospher with a post by John Gruber on the Daring Fireball blog. When discussing the release of the TouchPad - Hewlett-Packard's iPad clone - Gruber states: "Summer feels like a long time away. If my theory is right, they're not only going to be months behind the iPad 2, but if they slip until late summer, they might bump up against the release of the iPad 3." Tech Crunch insiders backed up the story, suggesting that Apple is gearing up for a major release in Spring 2012, and that release is likely the iPad 3.
Given that the iPad 3 is all but inevitable at this point, what are likely to be some of the devices features?
There is a rumor circulating that the iPad 3 will have a 3D display. Whether the display will require the annoying 3D glasses, however, is unknown. RCRWireless posted in early May that "The fact that the iPad 3 is 3D is a dead cert." Other blogs with supposed inside information have supported this rumor, making it rather likely to be true. Apple has had a history of staying one step in front of its competition, and with all the tablets released within the last year or so it might take a 3D display for the iPad 3 to stand out from the tablet crowd come early 2012. In fact, several devices on the market already have some 3d capability. The LG Optimus Pad, for example, records video in 3D, and can send 3D content through its HDMI port to a 3D-enabled television. Furthermore, In Motion's BlackBerry PlayBook can produce stereoscopic 3D video.
In addition to the 3D display, another important and exciting feature of the iPad 3 will likely be support for the faster 4G connection. The lack of 4G functionality upon release was a major dissapointment for iPad 2 owners. Apple will have to make the iPad 3 4G ready in order to compete with other tablet devices, such as Motorola's Xoom, which will be upgradable to 4G in mid-2011.
Another potential new feature of the iPad 3 is support for Intel's lightning-fast thunderbolt data port. Right now the thunderbolt is only available on Apple's MacBook Pro line. Thunderbolt is expected to provide speeds beyond that of USB 3.0, a particularly huge benefit for a device like the iPad .
The iPad 3 promises to finally bring about the dramatic upgrades many thought would be available in Apple's iPad 2. For both techies and the casual user, it may pay off to skip a generation a wait for the iPad 3, which if rumors are correct is only about a half-year away from release.
A Preview of the Nintendo Wii U
Five years after the release of the hugely successful Wii gaming console, Nintendo has announced that their next generation console, the Wii U, will be available next year in 2012.
Review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro (2011)
Despite the hefty price tag, the Apple MacBook Pro remains one of the best selling laptops on the market, and as of Summer 2011, is the second best-selling laptop on Amazon.com. There is quite a large fan base of Apple MacBook users who return again and again, not just out of brand loyalty, but because they know Apple produces a well-built computer than is often worth the cost.
The HTC Evo 3D Smartphone
First 3D movies, then 3D TVs, and now 3D smartphones. Sprint has announced they will release their 3D-enabled HTC Evo smartphone on June 24. The phone's 3D feature will not require special 3D glasses.
