NVIDIA Unveils 7-Inch Tegra Note 7 Tablet

EVGA Tegra Note 7 Review

On the same day that Apple announced the availability of its much-anticipated Retina iPad mini, NVIDIA and its U.S. partner EVGA unveiled its own 7-inch Android tablet called the EVGA Tegra Note 7.

Equipped with a Tegra 4 quad-core processor, a 1280x800 display, micro HDMI to connect to HD televisions, 16GB of storage and a 5-megapixel camera (along with a front-facing webcam), the $199 device offers a strong Android tablet alternative to the pricier Nexus 7 and Galaxy Note 8.

EVGA claims that the device has the world’s first HDR camera in a tablet, a feature that could draw interest from those looking to use the Tegra Note 7 as their primary photo-taking device, rather than a smartphone or a standalone camera.

Aside from its speedy processor and budget-friendly price, NVIDIA is focused on showing off the power of its stylus device. In an elaborate demonstration video, NVIDIA compares the sensitivity and accuracy of its DirectStylus device with the stylus options available for the Nexus 7 and the Galaxy Note 8.

As of Tuesday, e-retailer Newegg had the Tegra Note 7 available for pre-order. It will officially go on sale starting Nov. 19.

Mashable

Livescribe 3 Pen Sends Your Handwriting To Your IPad

When I first saw an ad for Livescribe some years ago, I remember thinking just how good kids these days have it. Back in the day, we had to be creative to find out ways to jot down notes as fast as our professors in school spat out ideas. Today, students can use tablets, laptops, phones, and Livescribe pens to take care of that. And for those who actually like to write notes the old school way – pen and paper – but also appreciate the power of technology, there is the Livescribe 3 Smartpen.

The core idea is simple: you write on paper, and what you write will appear on your screen. Just like magic, huh?

Of course, the magical aspect is based on technology, and part of that requires you having Anoto-based Livescribe Dot paper. Unfortunately, you can’t just use any kind of notebook.

Right now, the Livescribe 3 pen is only compatible with the iPhone and iPad (running on iOS 7), so if you’re an Android user, you won’t be able to take advantage of this groundbreaking technology. For now. The company has said that the Android version will be available next year.

How does the Livescribe 3 send your handwritten notes to your iOS device?

It uses LE Bluetooth 4.0 (LE = low energy), giving the pen 14 hours of juice. When you run out, you’ll need two hours for a full charge.

For students who like sharing notes (or professionals who have to share – meeting minutes, perhaps), the Livescribe 3 also allows sending documents to others.

You can choose between the Livescribe 3 Smartpen and the Livescribe 3 Smartpen Pro Edition, with the former selling for $149.95 and the latter for $199.95.

[via: TechBeat]

How to master your iPad's keyboard

By: Aseem Gaurav on May 30, 2011

The first generation iPad and the newer version of the device have been in the market for quite some time now. Though many owners may have become familiar with the tablet’s ins and outs, there are few functions like keyboard that may take a little longer to master it. It is because not all of us have the same typing speed. However, the ultimate goal is to type a letter or URLs correctly. The below video will help you in increasing your typing speed and master the keyboard of the device – and you’ll soon be able to impress everyone with your iPad skills.

Alaska Airlines replaces pilot manuals with Apple iPads

By: Aseem Gaurav on May 29, 2011

Alaska Airlines has announced that it is dumping paper flight charts and maps for its pilots in favor of electronic documents stored on company-issued iPads. With this the Seattle-based carrier has become the first major US airline to join the paperless bandwagon.

The carrier said it is making the switch "as part of an ongoing effort to use technology to enhance flight safety, improve efficiency and protect the environment."

Clearly, the highly popular slate by Apple was the first choice of the carrier’s top bosses as it decided to go digital.

Image courtesy: Alaska Airlines

The iPads will be distributed by mid-June to pilots and the move is follows a trial by 100 line pilots, instructor pilots and Air Line Pilots Association representatives who evaluated the plan over the past winter and spring. The device weighs only 1.5 pounds as against the traditional manual’s 25 pounds.

"We've been exploring the idea of an electronic flight bag for several years, but never found a device we really liked," said Gary Beck, Alaska Airlines' vice president of flight operations. "When the iPad hit the market, we took one look at it and said this is the perfect fit."

The carrier will provide the pilots an iPad with GoodReader installed with PDF versions of flight, system, and performance manuals in addition to reference cards and other materials. It says that it will now be a lot easier for pilots to find information than the traditional paper documents as the electronic manuals include hyperlinks and color graphics.

The US Federal Aviation Administration considers the iPad a Class 1 electronic device, which means it must be stowed during takeoff and landing.

However, it is still not clear whether pilots will receive first-generation iPads or iPad 2s – but the carrier said the move will save 2.4 million pieces of paper. "The cost of the project is expected to be offset by lower paper, printing and distribution expenses and reduced fuel consumption as some weight is removed from the aircraft. Further savings are expected from fewer back and muscle injuries caused by pilots carrying flight bags that can tip the scales at 50 pounds or more fully loaded," says Alaska Airlines.

It is not just airlines even medical firms have issued thousands of iPads to their sales staff to spruce up pitches to doctors. Abbott Laboratories (ABT), Medtronic Inc. (MDT) and Boston Scientific Corp. (BSX) are among the drug and medical-device firms making the move.

iLog: An eco-friendly iPad docking station

By: Aseem Gaurav on May 26, 2011

iLog by Twistedtwee is a great iPad stand and charger for those who want something close to nature. The stand makes your iPad feel at log cabin.

Carefully crafted from reclaimed London wood, this charging station can hold your iPad vertically or horizontally. The dock looks pretty cool and much better when you run a fireplace app on your iPad.

This classy accessory is sure to make many heads turn in a truly charming way. The iLog stand is $58 and ships from the UK.

Playboy for iPad launching uncensored on May 18

By: Aseem Gaurav, May 7, 2011

Hugh Hefner, founder of men’s magazine Playboy, has announced on Twitter that a totally uncensored version of the magazine will be available on the iPad from May 18.

He mentioned that iPad users will be charged a $8 per month subscription fee to view every single issue of Playboy to date and upcoming.

The Apple‘s tight rules and regulations especially on obscenity, hasn’t changed but since it will be a web-based app, it doesn’t have to go through Apple’s strict review process.

PlayBoy Magazine is already available on the App Store for iPhone but with censored content to avoid the complete exposure.

As we are aware that Apple won’t be letting any app infringing its policies, so it’s really not clear how is it going to happen. Well, we’ve to wait and watch for that.

G-Form Extreme Sleeve offers 'extreme protection' for your iPad and laptop

By: Aseem Gaurav, May 5, 2011

Do you want to protect your iPad or laptop from extreme blows, let say a balcony fall or a bowling ball attack. If yes, then you just might want to check out G-Form’s Extreme Sleeve case.

G-Form, a company that has expertise in producing knee and elbow pads for high-impact and extreme sports, has come out with super protective case for the iPad 2 and laptop, called the G-Form Extreme Sleeve.

Billed as "the world's most rugged case for laptops" this case can be extremely useful for those who travel a lot and always wanted to make their iPad or laptop impact proof. The Extreme Sleeve is flexible, lightweight and water-resistant and it can easily be placed into backpack or suitcase.

The G-Form iPad Extreme Sleeve is made from a soft cushioning material known as PORON XRD – a memory foam manufactured by Rogers Corporation – which is designed to spread the kinetic energy of the impact of an object.

It is this property that makes the case amazingly handle a 12lb bowling ball attack or a fall from balcony without causing any damage to the iPad or laptop inside.

The Extreme Sleeve for Laptop is available for pre-order now in black or yellow colors, at $69.95 for the 11" and $79.95 for the 13" and 15". The sleeves will start shipping at the end of May.

Top 3 sites to download free eBooks for iPad

By: Aseem Gaurav, April 26, 2011 (New Delhi)

Apple’s technological marvel, the iPad, is a great tool to give you an amazing multimedia experience. Apart from videos, e-mails, games, a lot of consumers are using the device for the reading purposes. In an iPad’s high-resolution, LED-backlit screen, the text appears crisp and bright, and you can flip the pages – just like a book – through the swipe of your fingers. You can view a single page in the portrait mode and jump to any part of the book (table of content or any chapter) in a second. When reading is such a pleasure on iPad, you must be feeling the need to keep your library full of iPad ebooks without spending any money.

To help you get free ebooks, iPadfanzz.blogspot.com brings you top 3 sites where you can download free of cost iPad ebooks and save it in your library for reading at leisure time.

1. Scribd

Scribd is popular online document sharing site where you can share Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF and other popular formats. It is a free service that allows users to sign up and then browse a wide variety of ebooks ranging from Fiction, Non-Fiction, Health & Medicine, Brochures/Catalogs, Government Docs, How-To Guides/Manuals, Magazines/Newspapers, Recipes/Menus and School Work. This is a great site for those looking for new content including news and current affairs and novels and books. But beware that there is also a lot of pointless and useless content which can frustrate you with its download time.

2. ManyBooks.net 

It’s an amazing site with many popular titles. The site allows you to download thousands of books for free directly on your iPad.  ManyBooks.net also provides instructions on their site under ‘iPad Help’ which makes it easy to download files.

3. Project Gutenberg 

With over 33,000 free ebooks in its store, this may be the place you were searching for downloading free ebooks for you iPad. The iPad natively supports various eBook formats, one among those is ePub format which is used by Project Gutenberg.  The site includes big-name titles from big-name authors. Its free digital ebooks can save you thousands of dollars as you'll be able to carry an entire library of classics around with you.

iPads replace paper in a Canadian hospital, making doctor's jobs easier

By: Aseem Gaurav, April 22, 2011 (New Delhi)

As per media reports a hospital in Ottawa (Ontario, Canada) has ditched tracking patients and treatment on paper in lieu of an iPad.

The Ottawa Hospital has recently ordered 1,800 iPads for their staff, which will replace medical charts. The hospital has even contacted a local software development company to develop the software which they can use on a day to day basis. The hospital staff already uses 500 Apple tablets.

Doctors at the hospital use the iPads to examine a patient’s X-ray, take note and prescribe drugs during the patients’ visits. Thus, a doctor is able to see all those things which he has prescribed to the patient and thus helping eliminate the traditional paperwork which was earlier being used.

It’s all there on the iPad – medical histories, injury reports and patient allergies – that need to be filled out and filed.

Through an iPad, doctors can now give greater understanding to the patient while at the bedside.

Dale Potter, the man behind the Ottawa Hospital tech transformation, said the hospital will offset the costs of the additional iPads through improved productivity and replacing old equipment. He said not only the device will reduce the errors in reports, but will reduce the amount of rework required on orders entered wrongly by hand.

How to play DVD movies on an iPad 2?

By: Aseem Gaurav, April 22, 2011 (New Delhi)


After getting your iPad 2, you must be wondering how you can play DVD movies as there is no built-in DVD-ROM or DVD player on it. And an iPad 2 comes with MP4, MOV, H.264 video format and MP3, M4A, WAV audio format, so in order to use your old DVDs on it, you need to rip that DVD or DRMed movie files to your computer, and then transfer the movies to your iPad. To do this, all you need is a DVD and Video to iPad Converter, which can convert AVI, WMV and RMVB to iPad-friendly video format. While it may sound a bit complex but using an easy-to-use interface, you can easily put all your DVDs into your iPad 2. iPadfanzz tell you how to go about it:

Step 1. First download, install and run DVD Video to iPad 2 Converter

Step 2. Now import your DVD

After installing the software, launch it and choose “Load DVD” to convert the file in desired format.

Step 3. Choose the output format 

Under the profile option, now set the output format, choose iPad Video (*.mp4). You can choose M4V, MPEG-4 Movie iPad/iPad 3G support. Choose the language (audio track), subtitle and the start point you'd like to convert, then click "Start".

Step 4. Select the output path

After converting the file, it’s time to save the converted iPad MP4 files from DVD. For this, under the output option, click “Browse” button to choose a folder to save the converted file. Click “Advanced” button to set parameters like "Frame rate", "Resolution", "Output Quality", "Channels", "Audio Bitrate", "Volume", "Sample Rate."

Now open the output folder to take a look at the converted iPad media files. This you can add to iTunes library, then sync to your iPad.

DVD to iPad - Free DVD to iPad Movie Converter software download and detailed guides.

Kindle vs iPad, which E-reader is more suitable for you?

By: Aseem Gaurav, April 22, 2011 (New Delhi)

So you are on the lookout to buy an e-book reader but can’t decide between Apple’s Jesus tablet, the iPad 2, and Amazon’s Kindle. While both the devices incorporate cool technology, they have their own set of pros and cons for being used as a reading device. But surely the timing of your purchase seems appropriate as the market is flooded with all sorts of free content and hardware prices are on the decline too.

Choosing the right product is simple once you know they meet the key parameters you are looking for. So before the purchase, ask yourself these key questions:

1.  What is your content consumption pattern?

First define what you really want in terms of consumption of the content. The iPad is really designed with near limitless content consumption in mind as it can serve as a whole computer. You can do pretty much anything, like you can surf the web, check email, watch movies, play games, take photos, listen to music and audio books, read, write, and edit movies. Through iPad you can access all sorts of ebook apps which are available for download by all major online retailers.

Apple’s marvelous e-reader app, the iBooks store, helps you create your own bookshelf. Apple’s enhanced illustrated book support lets you enjoy eye-catching art books, coffee table titles and children’s books in a way that might actually be better suited to photo-rich works than paper. Moreover, you can listen to an author read a favorite passage, watch supplementary video, or flick through a library of photos or unpublished excerpts. On the reading comfort part, you can hold an iPad like a book and flip the pages like a book. You can read one page at a time in portrait mode and turn iPad on its side to view two pages at once. With most books in iBooks, you can change the text size and the font and jump to any chapter right from the table of contents. To check out a word in the built-in dictionary or Wikipedia is also quite easy. iPad’s iBooks works with VoiceOver, the screen reader in iPad, so it can read you the contents of any page. And you can listen to your music while you’re reading. The device helps you relax with the technology.

On the other hand, if you are a reader who just wants to read, Kindle may seem to be a good option for you. Kindle is a lightweight and portable device and doesn’t seem too bulky while you’re on the move. Since it is a dedicated e-reader, so you can’t expect yourself to be watching movies or playing latest games. Just a reminder that just like iPad is Apple controlled, the Kindle is Amazon controlled.

2. The price you’re willing to pay for the gadget

This is an important criterion to choose between the two. Amazon has recently announced a cheaper ad-supported version of its Kindle e-reader. The new 'Kindle with Special Offers,' which will go on sale starting May 3, 2011, will cost $25 less than the standard $139 Kindle. At $139, the Kindle has come a long way from its original, first generation price of $399. For those who want a reader with a built-in mobile data service, which could download books on the go, they could pay extra $50 to update to 3G verb of Kindle or Nook, with the price going up to $189 and $199. While on the other hand, the six versions of the iPad 2 in the US cost $499, $599, $699 (Wi-Fi Only) and $629, $729, $829 (3G version).

3. A gadget that is easy on the eyes

Kindle comes with latest generation E Ink technology, referred to as "Pearl,” which is extremely easy on the eyes. Pearl results in good reading experience with 50 per cent better contrast and the sharpest text. Kindle's electronic ink display is ideal for reading because it does not create the same eyestrain as reading on traditional backlit LCD tablets or laptops. Electronic ink uses actual ink to create crisp, print-like text, which is quite similar to what you see in a physical book. Kindle's screen reflects light like ordinary paper, eliminating the glare created by backlit LCD displays on tablets or smart phones. Kindle can be read as easily in bright sunlight as in your living room. E Ink's contrast is uniform, so you can read comfortably at any angle. While taking an iPad to read in the outdoor may not be a good ideas since backlit LCDs are difficult to read in sunlight.

The above three simple questions are good enough for you to give you a good idea which device is a better option in buying an e-book reader. Well, much also depends on what kind of environment do you want to use your e-book reader, whether it is indoors or outdoors. If you want a gadget just for the purpose of reading, then go for a kindle, but if you’re a student/teacher/ business executive, who’s always on the move, you might want to go for an iPad, as it provides you complete multimedia experience. An iPad is great for reading but not for extended periods of time. So what’s your choice, iPadfanzz would like to hear it from you!

iHeartRadio App now available on the iPad

By: Aseem Gaurav, April 21, 2011 (New Delhi)

Users of iPad can now access Clear Channel Radio’s popular iHeartRadio service through a new app. This is certainly good news for the iPad users who earlier had to make do with the iPhone and iPod Touch version of the app.

With this free to download app, a user can now listen to company’s 750 online stations in the US, in addition to its additional online commercial-free stations. You’ll also get Airplay support which allows you to stream audio from your iPad to another device like an Apple TV. Stations are streamed in ACC format.

The company claims the app to be top free music app at the App Store and number five on the overall list of free apps.

In a press release Clear Channel Radio said with this new app, the iPad users can now take advantage of:

• Sharing stations and videos via Facebook, Twitter and email;
• Displaying a station’s Twitter feed when users listen to the station;
• Previewing what a station is playing by pressing its logo;
• Enabling users to save favorite stations and songs;
• Conducting a slideshow of artists as their songs play;
• Searching for a station by location, name or music genre.

Robert Pittman, Chairman of Media and Entertainment Platforms for Clear Channel said the app takes advantage of iPad’s screen size and wonderfully simple and intuitive interface. “The iHeartRadio App for iPad is the most complete and engaging digital radio experience possible – it recasts the radio experience in a compelling visual way, and enables users to engage more deeply with their favorite stations and favorite artists,” he said.

The entry of Clear Channel Radio is sure to heat the music streaming/subscription services market on the iPad as till now two major players namely Pandora and SiriusXm. What goes in favour of the company is that app is free to download.

US Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. blames iPad for US job losses

By: Aseem Gaurav, April 20, 2011 (New Delhi)

US Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. (D- Illinois) took to the US House floor and blamed Apple’s iPad for US unemployment crisis. Jackson, spoke specifically about Apple outsourcing iPad production to China.

‘This device … is now probably responsible for eliminating thousands of American jobs,’ he said in his speech.

Kids are being given iPads, and their textbooks are downloaded rather than handed out. He said stores like Borders are shutting down because people can now get an iPad and download their books, magazines and newspapers.

If recent trends are an indication, then not only just iPads, even laptops, kindles and Netflix are shifting the preferences of the consumers. Latest technology, efficient ideas sometimes leave established business choking in the dust thrown up by their progress. But just as there are arguments against the iPad as a job-killer, critics also appreciate the jobs that iPads have created in other areas. Please do let us know your views!

Top 3 Apple iPad 2 stands

By: Aseem Gaurav, April 18, 2011 (New Delhi)


When you buy a new computer tablet you tend to be extra cautious in order to protect it from scratches and rough handling. So it becomes important for you to pay extra attention while choosing a suitable case for the new gadget – one which serves the functionality and has features that you are looking for.

Imagine the case when you’re tired or reached home from a hectic daily schedule and don’t have so much of energy to keep holding the iPad to watch some relaxing music, funny video or movie of your choice. Or think of a scenario when you want to use the table as a keyboard.

But choosing an appropriate is not at all an easy task. To help you select the best, www.iPadfanzz.blogspot.com reviewed three stands that are attractive, functional (well, solve most of your purposes), good looking and you’ll like them every time you use them. Here is our list of top three:

1. Element Case Joule Chroma iPad 2 Stand:

It is a simple and impressive stand by Element Case for iPad/iPad 2. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, CNC machined into its simple shape, it stands out because of its elegant design. Available in an array of “Chroma” colors — including red, blue, orange, pink, black and silver — it also rocks bead blasted satin finishes accompanied by matching plush lined Ultra-suede interiors on the inside of the stand. It offers snug fit and sturdy base for using iPad at your desk, coffee table or anywhere where a display stand for iPad is needed. One the back of the stand there are three portholes that magnetically hold a metal foot that allows for quick viewing angle adjustments. The Element Case Joule Chroma stand for iPad is available for $149.99. Along with the stand, you also get a protective zipper case to safely transport your tablet from one place to the other.

2. Macally Viewstand Aluminum Viewing Stand for iPad

If you want your iPad to give a little more desktop computer look, then Macally VIEWSTAND Aluminum Viewing Stand might be just what you were looking for. It allows you to place the iPad on it either vertically or horizontally, and makes it look a little like an iMac. It has designed ergonomically designed to improve typing and viewing comfort and offers various viewing orientation and angles. Available for $30, Macally Viewstand is coated with a Thermo Polyurethane layer which protects it from scratches.

3. Tuff-Luv Bi-Axis Napa Leather case cover and stand

This is a lovely case. The convertible multipurpose case is made from the highly acclaimed Napa leather. The case allows access to all the iPad controls and inputs, and a neat press stud flap is included to ensure the iPad can’t slip out. You can adjust the case 20 to 70 degrees in five simple steps. It’s available in multiple colors and features a soft inside lining to protect the iPad during transportation and daily use. In landscape mode you can hold it in five horizontal positions starting from almost upright, and in portrait mode almost upright. The inside of the flap which protects the screen is completely smooth, so there is no chance of scratches. It's a bit expensive and a little bulky as well but it's a well-made product that seems functional for the design goals. Overall, this case is well worth the $45 that you’ll be spending.

Game review: Infinity Blade

By: Aseem Gaurav, April 17, 2011 (New Delhi)

Infinity Blade is one of the most coveted and coolest games you can have on your iPad (or iPad 2). Developed by Epic Games, makers of the best-selling games like Unreal and Gears of War, the best part about this game is its jaw-dropping graphics. Infinity Blade is a 3D action Role-Player Game, where you take the role of an armour-clad warrior, entering a big fortress to avenge the execution of your father at the hands of a powerful warrior monarch. 

At each level, you have to enter into combat against numerous giant monsters, ranging from nimble assassins to hulking metal golems, and slay them to make your way into the Big Dad's castle for a one-on-one showdown. To reach ahead, you have to kill those monsters, and on course collect treasures and spend it on your armour and weapons upgrade. These monsters enemies attack wildly, and when wounded, often become enraged. You can defend their attacks through block, but it weakens your shield to eventual breaking point and then you have to adopt a different defensive strategy.

Most of the gameplay is occupied by these battles, combining defence and attack. Its different sections are powerful enough to settle you down into the game’s rhythm. Enemy hit chains must be broken by shield blocking, dodging, or parrying using touch-screen motions that are intuitive and simple. Press your thumb at the bottom right of the screen and you will dodge right and press the bottom left and you’ll dodge left. To block you can press the shield icon in the center to block. For attacking you have to swipe your finger across the screen. Parrying is a difficult move to execute, but parrying attack chains daze your enemy, giving you a larger window to attack. 

The game is quite appealing from the strategy point of view as during the gameplay, you have to be responsive and intelligent to ‘break’ the enemy’s attack. The game requires you to think most of the time, and to coordinate and time your attacks. For beginners, developing tactical skills may prove to be difficult but as you play the game extensively you’ll see improvement in every single level. During the course, you may also witness magic and special attacks. By tapping the icon, you can initiate special attacks, but these magic attacks must be “cast” by gesturing a particular symbol with your finger. The battles are challenging and exciting and are fast paced enough to make your pulse racing. 

Overall, it is simple and enthralling game that can keep you glued for hours. To reach to the final Big Boss you can expect up to two hours (or less) but slaying him would require some more time. The game involves a compelling story with marvelous graphics, exciting combat and a well-developed character progression.

Game: Infinity Blade

Genre: Brawler

Developer: Chair Entertainment, Epic Games

Publisher: Epic Games

Platform: iOS

Available from: iTunes

Infinity Blade retails for £3.49

iPad 2 now available in India at HomeShop18 website for Rs 34,900

By: Aseem Gaurav, April 16, 2011 (New Delhi)

Popular Indian home shopping website, HomeShop18, has some good news for all diehard fans of iPad and its newer version. Apple's much anticipated Jesus Tablet, the iPad 2, which is yet to be launched in India, is up for grabs on this site for Rs 34,900.

Following the successful launch of the tablet in the US market on March 11, the company unveiled the device simultaneously in 25 countries on March 22. The second-generation iPad has been a runaway hit among masses and classes worldwide due to its unique and innovative features; analysts estimated that roughly 500,000 units flew off US stores shelves in its first weekend, temporarily driving wait times up to five weeks.

Research firm IDC forecasts that 44.6 million media tablets will ship worldwide in 2011, with the US representing nearly 40 per cent of the total. Analysts expect Apple to maintain a 70 to 80 per cent share of the market, which equates to 31.2 million to 35.7 million units for the entire year, or between 2.6 million and 2.7 million iPad shipments per month.

Apple has yet not confirmed the launch date of iPad in the Indian market but people have been seen ordering the device on popular online shopping websites.

The newer version of iPad is slimmer, lighter and very powerful. It comes with a dual core A5 processor which, according to Apple, doubles the device's speed and graphic display by nine times. The device comes with a whole set of new features including a front mounted camera for video calls as well as a multi-purpose Smart Cover that automatically switches the device on and off as well as acting as a stand.

The gadget comes with two built-in cameras, a front one and a rear one, for use with FaceTime video chat and other apps. FaceTime can be used between two iPad 2s, between the iPad 2 and an iPhone or iPod touch, or between an iPad 2 and a Mac. The iPad 2’s front camera can record VGA-resolution (640-by-480) video at 30 frames per second with audio and the back camera can record HD video at 720p at 30 frames per second with audio. Just like the original iPad, the newer version features a 9.7-inch LCD screen with a 1024-by-768-pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch. Other features include Gyroscope, capacitive touchscreen, iOS 4.3 + FaceTime & PhotoBooth and long battery life.

The website is offering the device both in black and white colors at:

• Wi-Fi 16 GB - Rs. 34,900
• Wi-Fi 32 GB - Rs. 41,499
• Wi-Fi 64 GB - Rs. 47,999
• Wi-Fi + 3G 16 GB - Rs. 43,499
• Wi-Fi + 3G 32 GB - Rs. 49,999
• Wi-Fi + 3G 64 GB - Rs. 56,499

Spotify cuts free music listening time by half

By: Aseem Gaurav, April 15, 2011 (New Delhi)

Spotify, the popular European online music service, has said it is making major changes to its free services. The company plans to cut the amount non-paying account holders can listen to from 20 hours to 10 hours.

Moreover, each track will be available to play five times ever, before being greyed out and made unplayable. However, such restrictions are not applicable to the premium service.

Spotify, which is also looking to launch a service in the United States, typically lets users stream the 10 million songs on its service for free under its basic Spotify Open service.

Analysts see the move as an effort to convert free users to paid subscribers for Spotify Premium or Spotify Unlimited, given the huge cost of its music label licenses. Reduction in free music could also help the start-up reduce the amount of funds it is spending as of now.

However, analysts feel that the action taken by the company could eliminate a lot of users who have become used to accessing the free service of the company.

Founded in 2006, Spotify is one of the world's largest streaming websites and is available only in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Britain, France, Spain and the Netherlands because of copyright issues.

Two year back the service reached one million total users and n July last year, it had about 500,000 paying users.

Spotify users can stream music for free from the service in exchange for listening to advertising, but can also pay five or 10 euros ($6.9 or $13.8) to gain ad-free access to the service.

Logitech launches Keyboard Case for the iPad 2

By: Aseem Gaurav, April 10, 2011 (New Delhi)

So, you've just become the proud new owner of an iPad 2, but wondering about cool accessories that are functional, happening and protect the new tablet from scratches or other disastrous physical defects.

To solve some of these issues, Logitech has come out with its Keyboard Case for the Apple iPad 2 tablet. Smart and sleek, this is Logitech’s first offering designed especially for tablets which provides that extra safety with convenience and style, wherever you take your iPad 2.

The Logitech Keyboard Case has been made from precision-cut aircraft-grade aluminum and features military-grade, high-density padding. The protective case wraps around the iPad 2 covers the screen and sides. This helps you to go from Face Time to e-mail in no time.

Logitech's Keyboard Case offers a flexible, folding hinge, which makes it easy to place your iPad 2 in either portrait or landscape mode.

It uses the Bluetooth connectivity to pair the included wireless keyboard quickly and the keyboard charges over USB, so you never need to worry about replacing batteries.

The Logitech Keyboard Case has been developed in partnership with ZAGG, a market leader in providing innovative mobile device accessories.

The Logitech Keyboard Case is expected to be available in the US in April 2011 for a suggested retail price of $99.99.

US school gives free iPad 2 for every kindergarten student

By: Aseem Gaurav, April 10, 2011 (New Delhi)

What could be a better way for a school to impart education to their students by giving them the Apple’s next generation computer tablet, the iPad 2. The Auburn School Department in Maine (US) has agreed to start a pilot program in May which will offer 285 kindergartners and teachers with iPad 2s, for free. The school would be paying around $200,000 for this purchase.

Teachers in the school are of the view that the ipads would engage the students and make learning more fun for them. The school administration says the iPad is more portable and less expensive than laptop computers.

The idea for school kids to use iPads for education gained steam when teachers who owned iPads noticed some significant improvement in kindergartners who were exposed to iPad educational software.

Without doubt for toddlers it is easy to learn so many different things by simply touching things on the screen that they just dive in without needing to be shown how it all works.

iPad 2 shipping time improves to 2-3 weeks

By: Aseem Gaurav, April 5, 2011 (New Delhi)

There’s some good news for all iPad lovers who’re eagerly awaiting for the Apple’s Jesus tablet, the iPad 2! Apple has announced that the estimated shipping time of iPad 2 has improved from 3-4 weeks earlier to 2-3 weeks today.

This shipping should apply to all those countries where the iPad 2 can be currently shipped.

The news comes despite the fact that the disaster in Japan has largely affected the manufacturing of polymer batteries to a large extent. The iPad 2’s new, more durable screen glass is also probably supplied by a high-tech Japanese glassmaker. It’s difficult for Apple to find an alternative supplier for several of the the iPad’s Japanese components.

Apple has experienced unprecendented demand for the iPad 2 since it first went on sale in the U.S. in March. A glimpse of the popularity of iPad: Nearly 12,000 iPads were sold on eBay within the first two weeks of the iPad 2 ‘s launch.

Apple has already released its first iPad 2 commercial titled “we believe” and improvement in online orders indicates that the company has found a way to meet the demands of its customers.