The tablet computing space is one of the most hotly contested industries at the moment, with the success of the iPad proving just how lucrative that particular marketplace can be for companies. Since the launch of the iPad, we've seen many contenders to the throne that have come in all shapes and sizes, running varying operating systems and priced at different points, but nothing has really come close to dominating the space like the iPad has over the last three generations.
As we all know, despite constant pleas of innocence, Samsung was judged to have indeed infringed on several Apple patents, and a jury - overseen by Judge Lucy Koh - ordered the South Korean company to compensate its Cupertino rival to the tune of over one billion dollars.
The tablet market has, up until recently, been pretty one dimensional, but now it's emerging into a battle fought on several different fronts. The original iPad first arrived in 2010, and having tried to emulate its success by essentially emulating its design, competitors have taken revised approaches. As well as the smaller tablet (see Google-ASUS Nexus 7), there's now a Microsoft-lead push for so-called hybrid devices - tablets which can also double up as notebooks and ultrabooks with attachable keyboards.
On top of the close looks we've already been treated to of the upcoming iPhone's front panel, more bits and pieces purporting to be specific to the next-gen smartphone are also beginning to emerge, including the processor and the dock cable.
As we edge ever-closer to the announcement of the next-gen Apple smartphone, the shock value and general interest in leaked hardware has naturally died down, since the form factor of the device - dubbed the iPhone 5 - appears to be a done deal. That said, when some high-quality images surface comparing old and new, it's certainly worth taking a look, and Shenzhen-based parts company via NoWhereWlse.fr has some high-quality images which allegedly show the front plate of the sixth-gen device.
With the release of Windows 8 and its brand spanking new Metro interface, Microsoft will all-but get rid of the Start Menu off for good. At least, that's the plan.
The accessories market for Apple's iOS devices is amongst, if not the biggest accessories market for mobile devices. Speakers, charging docks or cases etc. for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad is a multi-million dollar market! Today we came across a brand new LifeProof case for the iPad which we will be discussing right after the break.
What is it about robots that makes them so darn cool? I believe it is the idea of imparting human-like intelligence (artificial intelligence) to a bunch of electrical and mechanical parts and then controlling it (or letting it do what it is programmed to do) that makes us feel powerful. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and features: from basic one trick ponies like a toy Transformer to one of those awesome ASIMO robots from Honda.
Despite having something of a terrible last couple of weeks what with the San Jose court case, today's press regarding Samsung has been all positive thanks to the company doing what it does best - talking new gadgets. As well as the Galaxy Note II and the ATIV S Windows Phone 8 smartphone, which we discussed in an earlier post, the Korean outfit has also showcased a couple of new tablets, and here, we give them the once-over.
Although the tech world is salivating in anticipation of what Nokia may or may not be cooking up for Windows Phone 8 in terms of new Lumia devices, Samsung has already snuck in with one of the first by announcing its introductory Windows Phone 8 device, the ATIV S.
