New iPad Keyboard With Twist: Elevated Keys (With Video)

I'm gonna become a sponsor as soon as I get home (forgot my wallet).  This new concept keyboard for the iPad is like none other we've seen.  First it's thin enough.  But more than that, it has a flat surface and the keys emerge when you press a button and they elevate from the surface.

It's called the Levitatr, a Bluetooth keyboard, again that has a smooth surface. And the keys only surface if you press a designated button.

If you're interested, you can go to their Kickstarter page to sign up for one.

You've got to see the video to understand what I'm talking about.



What do you think?  It's gimmicky enough that I think I want one.

Source: GigaOM.

Makes Sense For Apple To Include iMessage Into iChat And It Looks Like It Might Happen

iChat has been sort of a bastard child for OS X.  It's just there because Apple needed an instant messaging app for the Mac.  But for years, it was just there.  And then came iMessage in iOS 5.  

Almost immedaitely after that, I wondered if iMessage will be a part of OS X.  No word from Apple obviously.  We wont known until Apple tells us or we see evidence that it is.  And now, there could be evidence that Apple will incorporate iMessage into iChat  

Two new protocols are found in iChat by Macrumors that were previously not there. And these two protcols are currently being used in iMessage of iOS 5 beta.  It stands to reason, that it's there because a future release of iChat will incorporate iMessage.  

The only issue to settle now is when will this happen?  I think it'll happen on or around the launch of iOS 5.  Maybe a bit after that if Apple thinks it needs to time to make sure all the kinks are ironed out for iMessage for iOS users.

Source:  9to5Mac (from Macrumors).

Is the iPhone Important To Apple's China Future And Chinese Carriers? You Betcha!

This post from iLounge says quite a bit about Apple, iPhone, and China.  A lot.  First, China Telecom will invest close to a quarter billion US dollars on marketing the iPhone.  A quarter alone on just a single device.  Sure, it happens to be Apple's iPhone.  What does that mean?

Why Does Tech Evoke Such Passion Among Fanboys?

Relgion.  Politics.  Okay, I get why those matters get people riled up.  Sports?  It's all in good fun.  But whatever reasons, tech, especially mobile and computing, seems to get generate such a passion among fans that it's borderlines on insanity.  

Why is that?  I'm a mobile warrior first.  And while I like new technology, I like to see all platforms do well.  Okay, I am quite partial to Android and iOS but that doesn't mean that I'm going to go around disparaging other platforms.  And when the need arises, I will call out Apple or Google.

However, there are those who believe their supported tech company can do no wrong.  I understand why bloggers do it.  They need eyeballs.  Okay, I do too but I generally like to look at the positive side of things.  And when there is an issue, like something Apple or Google did that I don't like, I'll bring it up.

But why tech?

Future Macbooks May Have All Day Battery

Today's Intel Developer Forum has a lot of red meat for Apple fans, not just Wintel like the last. And while Apple was never mentioned, the fact that Apple still uses Intel chips in Macs says a lot. And a new chip coming out in two years will be able to take mobile computing to a whole new level compared to today.

In two years, Intel's mobile chip will consume 20x less power than chips used today and will be able to use ambient light as an energy source. On top of that, they could last up to a day of full use!

iPad Is King But Will Microsoft Knock the iPad Off Throne?

It looks like Microsoft will be storming the tablet market with a vengeance. But you know, and I know, that the iPad 2 is what the tablet market is all about.  Does Microsoft have a chance against Apple?

Here's a video of Windows 8 being demo'd on a tablet from Samsung.  It looks like with Apple stopping Samsung's Android device being sold just about anywhere in the world that matters, Microsoft might be Samsung's only option left in the tablet market.



What do you think?  Should we Apple fans be worried?

Source:  Clouding Around.

HTC: iPhone Not Cool Anymore Because Our Parents Have Them

HTC's US president (who's name doesn't matter, it's what he said that's important) suggests that iPhones are no longer cool because kids think that because their parents have it, they don't see it as being cool any longer.

True?  I've always that that could be a possibility some day. He suggests that is what's going on today.  Kids are carrying around HTCs, Samsungs, and even Chinese models.  I guess Apple's doomed.  

More at Cult of Mac.

Latest AT&T Surf And Talk Ad Points Definitely Proof CDMA For Next iPhone

Here is AT&T's new iPhone ad pointing CDMA only for Sprint and Verizon for the next iPhone.  Why else to release the ad so late now with the new iPhone on the verizon.  So, any chatter about LTE iPhone or LTE cell towers in Apple stores are nothing more than rumors.

What AT&T hopes to do is that as we approach the release of the new iPhone, it wants to remind everyone, including folks who currently are on AT&T but looking to jump ship, that the iPhone, current and the next one, is the only one that allows the user to surf and chat at the same time.

Personally, I've yet to encounter a situation where I've had to do both.  Here is AT&T's ad.




Source:  Edible Apple.

No iPhone 5 But iPhone 4GS?

One intrepid analyst is putting his neck out on the limb and suggests that there is not going to be an iPhone 5 in a few weeks but just a slight improved iPhone 4, dubbed the iPhone 4GS.

What'll be the diff?  Just an improved camera and redesigned antenna.  And he noted that iOS 5 will be released to assemblers as soon as next week.

No other word on whether we'll see the A5 chip inside.  I think he's wrong.

Source:  CNET.

Different Between Apple And Samsung - Just Watching Their Commercials

Yup, the difference between Apple and Samsung is very dramatic.  Actually, the different between how Apple markets its iPhone and iPad and how Android device makers market their devices really shows with their mobile vision.

Here is one commercial from Samsung that debut yesterday along with the NFL games.

And now, here is Apple's latest iPad commerical, called "Learn".

Obvously, they are both pretty successful in what they do.  But you cannot discount how Apple sees its products and how it can be used and how Android device makers see their products and who are they market them to.

Source: Android Guys, Apple.