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Earlier this month, reports from both the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg suggested that Apple is planning to launch a smaller iPad. Now, citing independent sources, the New York Times is reporting that Apple plans to launch a cheaper 7.85-inch tablet later this year.
The Times suggests that Apple’s new tablet would feature a smaller, 7.85-inch screen, and that it would cost “significantly less than the latest $499 iPad”. According to “people with knowledge of the project”, says the Times, Apple would likely announce the device before the end of 2012.
At this point, another small iPad rumour may seem underwhelming, and of course it might still turn out to be little more than unfulfilled speculation. But, when Bloomberg, the WSJ and the NYT are all reporting the same story from different sources, that’s sure as hell a lot of smoke—we’ll just have to wait and see if there’s any fire.
Speaking of which, elsewhere in the article, the NYT reports that “a developer briefed on Amazon’s plans” has told it that Bezos and co are planning to launch a larger Kindle Fire. It’s not the first time we’ve heard such suggestions, either.
It’s gonna be interesting to see just how much of all this is true as products are launched in the second half of the year. [New York Times]
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Here’s a question, will the alleged iPad mini follow the 4:3 screen ratio of the current iPad or the alleged 16:9 ration of the next iPhone?
Isn’t it a bit redundant to cite “people with knowledge of the project”?
It’s industry speak for “Look, we’re not making this up, honest”.
It’s not like they are going to say
According to ‘people people talking out of their arse’, Apple would likely announce the device before the end of 2012
or better still “according to some bloke I met down the pub”
On a side note, you got your Nexus 7 yet?
Nope no Nexus 7 yet for me. It’s tempting to try and cancel my order and get it from Ebuyer or even HMV !
Not here either. Nor Have I received the shipping e-mail. There is no way for me to get to anywhere selling it (short of taking time off work) before next weekend anyway, so am happy to wait till then. Has anyone actually seen confirmation that HMV (or any other UK retailer) has them?
Going to go harass the guys at the local Currys at lunchtime. Well I might if it ever stops raining
I’ve not received anything yet either. No email, no credit card charge, nowt. Rather unimpressed with Google.
Yeah Google hasn’t done itself any favours with this release. Seems like every one else is getting them before the Google Pre-orders.. I can wait but not a good start from Googles point of view.
Ya I emailed them this morning asking for an update. They announced on Twitter on Friday that they’re shipping starting that day, but I have no idea whether that included UK
https://twitter.com/googlenexus/status/223843243576664064
No Nexus here either
If the sales go really well over the next month or so, I’m guessing they’ll be another Apple *leak* telling us that the iPad mini will have some mind-blowing new feature like pre-cog search or hover (no stand needed!)
I was under the impression that a small iPad is already available…
I believe they call it the iPod?