Tag Archive for ‘Apple-iPad’
There is no doubt that the Apple iPad is one of the most impressive devices that has been launched this year (and its only February), and with the 3G hungry tablet getting ready to feed when it comes out, it all becomes a question of which network operators are prepared to handle the load. The tablet comes with a 9.7 inch capacitive touch screen with multi touch support, a 1GHz A4 processor and it functions as a gaming device, an eBook reader and a mini workstation.
In the United States, major network operator AT&T has been determined to be unable to meet the projected 3G network demands of combined iPhone and iPad users. The story in the UK however, is slightly different. Major network operator Vodafone UK is expressing plenty of interest in the coming Apple Tablet and according to recent reports, their 3G network is up to the challenge.
While both Vodafone and AT&T have iPhone users among their subscribers, it was only until recently that Vodafone started offering the device (due to a two year exclusive deal by Apple and O2), thus, the current number of iPhone subscribers on the network are pretty low. O2 however, still has over 2 million iPhone users –which contribute to the 3G congestion.
As to whether the volume of 3G users would eventually pan out in a more even distribution among the networks still remains to be seen; the current status of the two major networks shows distinctly that Vodafone has the better offer. So far, no talks between Apple and Vodafone have been confirmed, but it is only a matter of time before they start looking for a network operator to offer the tablet.
For the full details on Vodafone UK’s excitement for the upcoming Apple iPad, go to the Guardian UK.
Tags: Apple-iPad
A couple of months back, Orange Mobile UK announced that it would also be offering the Apple iPhone. This was after O2 Mobile’s exclusive hold on the Apple handset ended last October. At that time, many speculated that Orange’s entry into the Apple market, as well as Tesco’s and Vodafone’s involvements would create a new time of prosperity to would-be iPhone buyer through a price war.
The price war never happened, but Vodafone got closer to the hearts of many iPhone users with their fully upgraded and enhanced 3G network. In the first week of Vodafone’s iPhone sales this January, they sold over one hundred thousand units (about five times the number of Nexus One phones sold).
Now, Apple has just announced that its’ tablet will come in 3G and non-3G variants. Obviously, a lot of interest will be placed on the 3G version, as it would enable to the device to use other means of connecting to the internet without relying on nearby wireless LAN.
Vodafone right now seems like a prime contender –the network operator currently boasts to have the most extensive, stable and fastest 3G service available; and from the iPhone’s performance, we are inclined to believe that.
Even retailers are getting on with the talks with Apple. According to reports, Carphone Warehouse is very interested in retailing the device; chief executive Andrew Harrison has stated that he considers the iPad to be a very customer-centric device.
Subsidizing the iPad is a very important step for Apple. The iPad does not use the average SIM cards used in mobile phones; instead, it uses smaller micro-SIM cards; this means having to encourage users to invest in yet another SIM card is in order.
For more details about the Apple iPad and UK mobile network operators, go to the Guardian UK.
Tags: Apple-iPad
Just because a person has played a couple of rounds of Snake and Tetris on a mobile phone does not make them a gamer (neither does “finishing Sims” as listed by a poser on a video game forum). Gamers are players who are really into their games. Casual players who simply play games for amusement are not part of this market.
But when it comes to business, it is not a matter of who is hardcore and who is not; it is a matter of tapping into a larger market for bigger profits. This is why the iPad is marketing it large library of games from the iPhone. Simply put, the casual gaming market is significantly more profitable than the market of real gamers.
Even if the iPad never gets its epic, story driven and original titles like games found in console systems or on the PC, it will still make millions from its library of over 100,000 thousand apps worth of casual games.
To say that the iPad will redefine gaming is misleading, because it will not change the video game industry the way Nintendo’s DS and Sony’s Playstation Portable did when those devices debuted. What the iPad will affect is the world of mobile games. Mobile games are rarely in-depth (though there are several notable exceptions), and are often graphically simple –made to be played within the constraints of existing mobile technology.
The iPad goes beyond the hardware limits of mobile phones, the demo of the iPad showed a 3D racing game running at an excellent quality. Certainly a lot better than many other racing games on mobile phones, but hardly anything compared to even the first Gran Turismo. Still, with the support of the right developers, the iPad might just get some good games.
Do you believe that games are the iPad’s Killer App? –read about it from the Telegraph.
Tags: Apple-iPad
Apple is attempting to turn tablet into mainstay in our homes; and judging from the launch of the Apple iPad, they just might succeed.
While many people already rely on the internet for communication and staying in touch, the one thing that makes it so hard to combine the internet with daily life is the difficulty of picking it up when you are busy and the difficulty of putting it down when you have time.
It is common to access 3G on a mobile phone, share and upload a couple of pictures then post a quick message or two. But it is still a very trimmed down version of a full internet experience that only a net book or a desktop computer can bring. On the other hand, booting up a computer takes ages and having to leave the computer seat once you are in is very difficult (one of the best ways to lose track of time really).
The Apple iPad is easy to pick up when needed and easy to put down when you are done; literally.
The device is meant to be used as is, when the need arises. This means that if you just want peruse that Facebook album of yours, then go right ahead. When you are done, just put down the device. The iPad is meant for everyday use. The only real concern now is how you will manage to keep the tablet from falling off the table.
Apple crammed in some hefty hardware on this gizmo. A 9.7 inch touch screen display gives you a resolution of 1024 x 786 pixels (equivalent to a decent net book screen). It also has a 1GHz processor for handling browsing, games and apps.
To get the rest of the info regarding the Apple iPad, head right over to Phone Arena.
Tags: Apple-iPad
