The iPad 3 release date has been set, according to sources with the Wall Street Journal. The next generation of Apple’s tablet will be announced next month in San Francisco. If history is any indication, the tablet will be released about a week after the announcement.

All Things Digital writes:

“Apple’s not holding an event in February — strange, unusual or otherwise. But it is holding one in March — to launch its next iPad.”

ATD claims that Apple has chosen the first week of March to launch the new tablet and speculates that the event will be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Customers should be able to buy an iPad 3 about a week after the event.

Details about the iPad 3 are still pretty scarce. A photo of the back cover of the new tablet that leaked to the internet yesterday showed space for a larger battery and hinted at a new retina display.

GameSpot speculates that the new iPad will also have a faster processor and will carry data faster than previous iPads.

eWeek reports that Apple sold 15.43 million iPads last quarter. Apple CEO Tim Cook said:

“There is cannibalization clearly of the Mac by the iPad, but we continue to believe there is much more cannibalization of Windows PCs by the iPad… and there’s many more of them to cannibalize. And so we love that trend.”

TechNewsWorld expects Apple to maintain control of the tablet market by pricing the iPad 3 aggressively while dropping the price for the iPad 2.

iPad 3 Release Date Set for Next Month [Rumor] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Eastman Kodak announced on Thursday that the company will no longer manufacturer digital cameras following it’s bankruptcy filing and loss generating revenues from the company’s currently handhelds.

The move ends an era at Kodak in which the company invented the first hand-held camera and handed out bonuses large enough for some employees to buy new vehicles for cash.

Kodak announced that following Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection it will stop making pocket video cameras and digital picture frames.

Executives at the company say the expulsion of such devices is the next “logical extension” for the company’s currently strategy and will save them $100 million annually.

While Kodak currently receives three quarters of its revenue from digital offerings the company now plans to shift efforts to licensing the company’s brand name alongside the in-house sale of photo printing and desktop printers.

While Kodak is exiting the digital camera business it has promised to continue honoring warranties on cameras that have alrady been sold to customers.

Since opening for business in 1880 Kodak has created some of the most innovative camera technology on the market including the first digital cameras to feature built-in WiFi connections and touch-screens as well as docking stations that made transferring photos to a users computer far easier.

By exiting the digital camera business the company is expected to take a one-time charge of $30 million.

Still in operation will be the company’s retail-based photo kiosks and dry lab systems for which Kodak operates more than 100,000 locations around the world.

Are you surprised by Kodak’s near complete collapse in recent years?

Kodak Exiting Digital Camera Business, Also Abandoning Digital Photo Frames is a post from: The Inquisitr

Nikon, known for its solid line of digital cameras, announced three new digital cameras today, the P510, S9300, and S30. This news come shortly after Sony announced three new Cyber-shot digital cameras a couple days ago.

The company tends to be a favorite choice among professional and amateur photographers. Hey, if Ashton Kutcher uses their cameras, they’ve gotta be good, right? Anyways, these new cameras are reasonably priced and offer some great technology in a nice package.

P510 specs:

• 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor that works well in low light and can snap up to 5 pictures in 1 second
• 42X glass optical-zoom lens
• Advanced optical vibration reduction image stabilization (that’s a mouthful)
• Full 1080p HD video recording
• GPS built-in for geotagging photos
• 3-inch tilting vari-angle LCD screen
• $430 in black or red

S9300 specs:

• 16-megapixel CMOS sensor
• 18X optical zoom glass lens with image stabilization
• 3 inch LCD screen
• 1.5 inches thick
• Full 1080p HD video recording
• GPS built-in for geotagging photos
• $350 available in red, black, and silver

S30 specs:

• 10.1-megapixel image sensor
• 3X wide-angle zoom lens
• 2.7 inch LCD screen
• Shockproof from 2.6 feet and waterproof up to 9.8 feet
• 720p HD video recording
• $120 available white, blue, or pink

It’s worth noting that the zoom on the P510 surpasses competing super-zoom models from Sony, Canon, and Panasonic. Even though smartphones are getting more and more powerful cameras, they simply don’t match the quality of some digital cameras on the market. As technology improves, this is sure to change, but something tells me that there will always be an interest in digital cameras.

A phone definitely won’t be replacing a professional camera anytime soon, that’s for sure.

What do you think of Nikon’s new Coolpix cameras?

Nikon Announces Three New Coolpix Digital Cameras is a post from: The Inquisitr

That Apple iPad or iPad 2 you love so much can be a real pain in the neck and we’re not talking about it’s super simple to use interface, easy to operate camera or other user friendly features, it turns out the device itself might literally be hurting your neck.

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health with the help of Microsoft researchers have found that a tablet user strains neck muscles more than a laptop or desktop user because they tend to place the device on their laps and then look down at the devices.

The lead author of the study told the LA Times:

“If you think about your position when you are hunched over looking down, your head is hanging out over space, so you are using your neck muscles to support the weight.”

It isn’t all bad news from the study, it turns out that Tablet users tend to shift their bodies and get blood flowing more actively which has been suggested for sedentary users.

Regardless of your weapon of choice (tablet, desktop, laptop), researchers suggest finding a comfortable spot to sit with good straight posture.

If you wish to avoid neck strain tablet stands are available for most major tablet designs, some also include built-in bluetooth keyboards which allow users to operate their tablet device in much the same way they do a laptop or desktop.

Do you find yourself straining when using an Apple iPad all day or have you figured out comfortable positions for using the best selling tablets?

Apple iPad’s Are A Pain In The Neck…Literally [Study] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced during a recent Apple town hall meeting that employees will not be able to take advantage of an employee discount program that finally brings the company’s computers and tablets into competitive pricing ranges.

During the meeting Cook revealed that Apple employees can now receive $500 off the price of the company’s Macs and $250 off a brand new iPad device. The only system that appeared to be left out of the mic was the Mac mini, then again why would any Apple employee want to be seen using the company’s wimpiest desktop option.

In order to curb rampant abuse of the system Apple will only allow employees who have been with the company for at least 90 days to take advantage of the discount and current employees can only take advantage of the program every three years.

Up until this point the discount for employees was 25% and it’s still unclear if that discount will remain in effect during the three-year interval period.

Since CEO Tim Cook took over at Apple he has become more employee and charity focused then Steve Jobs, aside from this program he started a charitable donation matching program that encourages employees to give back to their community.

Do you think Tim Cook is doing a good job of turning Apple into a more “employee centric” operation?

Apple Town Hall Meeting Brings Deep Discounts For Apple Employees is a post from: The Inquisitr

Scosche has created a revolutionary device that will be able to prevent you from unsafe operation of your cell phone in the car.  The cellCONTROL uses a Bluetooth signal to block calls. data and SMS to your phone the instant your vehicle begins moving. According to Scoshe, users activate an online program to get started after purchasing a unit.  Users then download an application onto their mobile phone. At this point they take the cellCONTROL system and plug a trigger unit directly into the vehicle’s OBD-II port.

Once the user has the system installed, the cellCONTROL automatically blocks all distracting telephone functions.  It just does not block incoming telephone calls it also blocks outgoing calls.  It blocks SMS and MMS messages.  It also completely blocks Internet connectivity.  The device has a caveat that users will love.  It can detect when a handsfree unit has been activated on your cell and will enable the phone to work as needed.

The application will automatically alert an administrator via text or email should the cellCONTROL be deactivated, removed or otherwise tampered with. Scosche says the device is compatible with more than 1,200 devices and any vehicle sold in the U.S. after 1996. Prices start at $129.95. Seems like small price to pay to drive cell-free.

Researchers have shown that Driving While Distracted (DWD) is more of a killer than driving drunk or on drugs.  Maybe this device will help to lessen the amount of deaths experienced on the road.

Would you use the cellCONTROL unit if you had one?

Scosche Debuts Device That Disables Cell Phones In Cars is a post from: The Inquisitr

While the tablet market has been red hot over the last 12 months the executives at Acer are taking a different approach, going all in with second-generation ultabook models in the second quarter of 2012 and then with new models in Q3 2012.

Company chairman JT Wang announced on Thursday that his company’s goal will be for ultrabooks to account for 25-35% of company sales in 2012.

The company’s plans come after the Acer Aspire S3 brought in sales of 250,000-300,000 units in the first quarter of launch. Acer suspected that word of mouth will help the Aspire S5 tablet PC will sell even better.

The company is also planning to push their reach further into Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand and other Southeast Asia markets which will allow Acer to make up for slowing sales in the US and parts of Europe.

According to DigiTimes:

Acer’s notebook shipments are expected to drop 10-15% sequentially in the first quarter of 2012, but total shipments for all of the year will still post an on-year growth of 10%, said the company.

In the meantime very little mention of the once red hot Netbook market has been made yet. What we do know is that Acer hopes to have $499 ultrabooks ready for sale by 2013.

Are you willing to take a closer look at Acer Ultrabooks if you haven’t purchased one already?

Acer’s New Battle Plan: Sell A Ton Of Ultrabooks, Phase Out Netbooks is a post from: The Inquisitr

In China an iPad competitor is on the way that one company hopes will be the antihesis of the iPad. Known as RedPad Number One the tablet based device features the same 9.7-inch display as an iPad and also shares the same dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 chipset and an iOS-like app tray that runs on Google Android 3.2.

Eventually selling for 9,999 yuan ($1,584) the company also plans to release government-related apps that include the ability to check for accredited journalists and read private updates on officials that are published by People’s Daily and the micro-update service Weibo.

The luxury tablet also ships with a leather case that has the words “serve the people” written across the case, a funny gesture considering the high price of ownership for the device which most people in China can’t afford.

The makers of the RedPad Number One claim they have already formed partnerships with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the People’s Daily although the latter denies that claim.

To put the high cost of ownership in perspective the The 16GB, 3G-capable tablet is far more expensive then even the highest end iPad 2 with 64GB and 3G which can be purchased in China for 6,288 yuan or $996. The iPad 2 equivalent with 16GB and 3G is even cheaper 4,688 yuan ($743).

In the meantime many citizens in China have voiced their outrage over a luxury item that is only attainable for governmental officials.

Would you be willing to pick up a highly customized Tablet for a premium price or is the iPad 2 or a comparable Android tablet enough for your likes?

RedPad Number One Hopes To Be iPad Competitor For China’s Communist Leaders is a post from: The Inquisitr

Nike, known for their athletic wear, announced a new wristband called the Nike+ Fuelband which can track all your movements across different functions, say running, swimming, dancing, and more.

The company is looking to further break into the market of tracking movements, something that many people are interested in and after the success of the Jawbone Up, a very similar wristband.

Via The Wall Street Journal:

“The Nike+ FuelBand tracks all movements, such as running, dancing or swimming, and can allow users to measure that movement and set personal goals. The Nike+ FuelBand, available for preorder Thursday at a suggested retail price of $149, is water resistant, has a battery life of roughly four days and an internal USB. Nike will begin to process shipments of the device on Feb. 22. The wristband will also be available on Nike’s website at that time and will be sold in select Nike retail locations in the spring.”

Not a bad price and for a charge that can last nearly 4 days, very impressive and nice for those of us who forget to throw a device on the charger.

“The latest device, however, is Nike’s first solo foray into the digital space, though Nike worked with partners on the development. The device can synch with the iPhone and iOS platform, and Nike is hoping to allow it to eventually sync with the Android.”

So if you’ve got an Android device, well, you’re out of luck for now. It’s typically standard to launch apps on the iPhone first and then push them over to Android.

“Data that was once available only to top athletes is now available to athletes of all levels,” said President and Chief Executive Mark Parker.”

Would you buy the Nike+ Fuelband?

New Nike Wristband Can Track All Your Movements, Geared Towards Athletes is a post from: The Inquisitr

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak carries multiple phones on him, and only one of them is the Apple iPhone.  He also carries a Motorola Droid, and he has come clean that he prefers the Android operating system for some of his tasks.

He starts out by seriously dissing Siri, Apple’s mobile digital assistant (available on the newest iPhone 4s) claiming the Android’s voice recognition technology works the first time while Siri takes multiple shots.

He said,

“I used to ask Siri, ‘What are the five biggest lakes in California?’ and it would come back with the answer. Now it just misses. It gives me real estate listings. I have a lower success rate with Siri than I do with the voice built into the Android, and that bothers me.”

Wozniak said his opinion is that Android outperforms the iPhone 4S in GPS navigation, battery life, and voice-enabled assistance.

He did say the iPhone was his primary phone and had some words of praise for the device.  He said it is the best phone for people who are scared of anything complex stating,

“For that kind of person that is scared of complexity, well, here’s a phone that is simple to use and does what you need it to do.”

Apple has real reason to fear Android.  Android’s market share increased 3.1% over the last quarter of 2011 while Apple’s share only increased 1.8%.

Do you think Steve Wozniak is justified in saying that Android is a better system?

Watch Steve Wozniak talk about the iPad

Apple Co-Founder Prefers Android for Certain Features [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

There’s been a lot of buzz over the last couple of days about two separate companies that showed some pretty impressive technology at CES 2012 that promises to make your portable gadgets like the iPhone and possibly tablets waterproof; and I mean truly waterproof without making the gadgets harder to use.

The companies: HzO and Liquipel amazed more than a few tech company executives with their demonstrations that saw treated iPhones dropped into tanks of water and continue working like nothing was wrong.

Well it turns out that these aren’t the only companies looking to make using our portable gadgets a lot safer in a rough and tumble world as evidenced by Nissan’s announcement today.

Through a press release on their site Nissan announced that they will be introducing a case for the iPhone; and I imagine variations will also come to support other smartphones and gadget hardware, that will heal itself if damaged.

The cases are painted with a polyrotaxane material that is made with a chemical structure that is able to react and change back to its original shape and fill in any gaps thereby ‘healing’ the scratch or other type of “blemish”.

The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case has been designed using several automotive engineering innovations to deliver a more durable and long-lasting paint coat, and closely fitting, tight case. The case has three key benefits: the highly flexible and elastic properties of Scratch Shield paint technology allows fine scratches to quickly mend themselves**; its tactile gel-like rather than glossy surface is more scratch-resistant than conventional paint and provides a better grip; and the case itself is made of ABS plastic – a high grade substance widely used in the automotive industry which is more rigid and robust than other plastics. The outer ‘paint’ is made from polyrotaxane, which means that when damage occurs to the coating in the form of a fine scratch, the chemical structure is able to react to change back to its original shape and fill the gap – ‘healing’ the blemish.

 An initial batch of prototypes of the innovative Scratch Shield iPhone cases has been produced by Nissan for BETA testing with selected journalists and customers, but if demand proves strong, it will look to put the cases on general sale later this year.

via Nissan Europe

Tie this in with the waterproofing and the next generation of Gorilla Glass from Corning and our smartphones could become next to indestructible.

via MobileSyrup / Verge

Nissan is bringing its ‘seal-healing’ technology to iPhone cases is a post from: The Inquisitr

The iPad 3, as with any Apple product just about, has had rumors galore. This time, more details come out of the wood work. This time, Bloomberg has the details on what we can expect from the latest generation tablet from Apple.

“Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s next iPad, expected to go on sale in March, will sport a high-definition screen, run a faster processor and work with next-generation wireless networks, according to three people familiar with the product.”

“The company’s manufacturing partners in Asia started ramping up production of the iPad 3 this month and plan to reach full volumes by February, said one of the people, who asked not to be named because the details aren’t public. The tablet will use a quad-core chip, an enhancement that lets users jump more quickly between applications, two of the people said.”

Many users were expecting the same HD display that was on the iPhone 4 and more recently the iPhone 4S, to come out on the iPad 2, but that never happened. The only real differences between the first generation and the second was a slimmer design, better battery life, and dual core processor.

Being that quad core tablets are currently available on Android tablets, Apple needs to keep up with that so customers can expect even better performance than before.

The iPad 3 is said to also come with 4G LTE support (likely for both AT&T and Verizon for now) for blazingly fast speeds. According to one of the sources, production has really been ramping up with factories running 24 hours per day.

More Details Leak About The iPad 3, Available In March is a post from: The Inquisitr

British physicist Stephen Hawking is slowly losing his ability to speech through a computerized interface as the muscles used in his face to operate the program continue to fail. Realizing the scientists need to speak a group of Intel Corp. engineers are looking for new technologies that could advance his speech capabilities.

Diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease as the age of 21 the now 70-year-old scientist uses a special infrared laser attached to his glasses to communicate using pulses from his right cheek, however the nerves in his face have deteriorated to the point where people close to him say he’s only talking at approximately one word per minute.

While most people diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease die within 2-5 years Hawking has lived with the disease for nearly 50 years despite constant attacks on the cells that control his muscles.

For the first part of his diagnosis Hawking managed to overcome his disease by dictating notes to a secretary and through the use of an interpreter. In 1985 Hawking lost his voice completely and used a synthesized voice machine with a trademark robotic monotone sound that is now recognized around the world. Using that machine Hawking could type approximately 15 words per minute.

According to Intel they were asked to gather information for further study but have not yet decided on a course of action.  Intel plans to investigate the use of brainwaves or eye tracking technology to create a new form of communication for Hawking and other people suffering from paralysis.

Intel says its best bet however would be a high definition camera that can pick up even the smallest of facial gestures.

A timeframe for a new product has not yet been revealed.

___

New Stephen Hawking Speech Technology Being Sought Out By Intel is a post from: The Inquisitr

Polaroid on Tuesday rolled out the Polaroid SC1630, a digital “smart camera” powered by the Google Android system.

The SC1630 features a 16-megapixel camera with 3x optical camera and touchscreen display with built-in Wi-Fi however where it really shines is in it’s ability to connect to various social networks and geo-tag pictures on the fly.

Polaroid has also revealed video recording and the ability to auto-organize images in the camera based on date, location or faces.

While the camera operates much in the same way as standard point-and-click camera’s it’s the Android homescreen that offers a “dock” and “apps” options that really set it apart from other camera manufacturers. For example users can get directions, play games and download various other apps from the Android Market just as they would on their Android powered Smartphone.

According to Polaroid the camera comes set with 18 camera modes, smile and face detection for picture taking and a set of editing tools that can help users crop images, remove red-eye, resize photos directly from the camera and even use color correction. Editing, app navigation and other features are all performed from the devices 3.2-inch color touchscreen.

For photography fans who take a lot of photos the camera also supports micro-SD cards up to 32GB.

For even more connectivity the company offers Bluetooth transferring for images and videos along with an optional 3G data connection.

As promised here’s a hands on video of the phone from the team at AndroidCentral:

Pricing and a release date have not been announced however the Android powered camera is expected to arrive sometime in 2012.

Here’s a closer look at the Android powered touchscreen in action:

Does the Polaroid SC1630 digital point-and-shoot camera with Google Android pique your interest?

Polaroid SC1630 Digital Camera Brings Android Power To Photo Taking [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

When the iPhone was first introduced in 2007, Steve Job’s said that it was the combination of an iPod, a phone, and an internet mobile communicator. On the iPhone’s fifth birthday, camera, video camera, GPS system, gaming device, and personal assistant can be added to the list of gadgets crammed into the tiny iPhone shell.

When Jobs revealed the iPhone in January, 2007, he said:

“An iPod, a phone, an internet mobile communicator…. These are not three separate devices!”

Wired reports that the iPhone launched exclusively on AT&T with just a handful of Apple created apps in 2007. The original iPhone had 320 X 480 resolution, a 2-megapixel camera, and 8 GB of memory.

When the iPhone first came out, Cnet wrote:

“The Apple iPhone has a stunning display, a sleek design, and an innovative multitouch user interface. Its Safari browser makes for a superb Web surfing experience, and it offers easy-to-use apps. As an iPod, it shines.”

The iPhone has come a long way since its introduction. The newest model features a retina display, 960X640 resolution, an 8-megapixel camera, HD video recording, 3G connectivity, 64 GB of memory, and Siri, an intuitive little person that lives in your phone.

Here’s a breakdown of the iPhone’s evolution.

• January 9th, 2007 – Steve Jobs introduces the iPhone at Macworld.
• June 29th, 2007 – The iPhone is officially launched.
• October 31st, 2007 – iPhone named invention of the year by Time Magazine.
• July 11th, 2008 – iPhone 3G released. Apple introduces the App Store.
• June 19th, 2009 – iPhone 3Gs is released. Camera upgraded to 3-megapixels.
• June 2010 – iPhone 4 released with retina display.
• January 2011 – The iPhone comes to Verizon.
• October 2011 – iPhone 4s officially launches. Apple introduces Siri.

Do you own an iPhone? Have you been buying a new one every time that Apple releases a new version?

Happy Birthday iPhone: Apple Celebrates 5th Anniversary of Groundbreaking Device is a post from: The Inquisitr

If you needed proof that the tablet market is hedging much of it’s bets on the publishing industry you really need look no further than the Barnes & Noble Nook which is now offering customers $50 off the devices purchase price if they agree to sign up for an online subscription to People magazine.

While the regular price for the Nook is $250 buyers who commit to a $10 per month annual subscription to PEOPLE receive the device for $200.

Obviously when you work out the $120 you’ll spend on the PEOPLE subscription your bill is higher then the original pricing structure for the device however for subscribers or potential subscribers it’s a steal.

Along with your subscription to the celebrity magazine you’ll also receive a seven-inch LD VividView display with 1080p video playback and support for Hulu Plus and other popular Google Android based applications. The Nook also features a dual-core processor with Android 2.3.

With more than 1.1 million Nook units sold in the last two months the device has been a success for the retail chain and if deals like this PEOPLE offering keep popping up the company will likely reach the 4.1 million tablets sold goal set for 2012.

Buyers can receive the Nook pricing discount through March 9 when they sign up for a PEOPLE subscription at the time of purchase.

The Nook/PEOPLE deal is available online through B&N and at brick-and-mortar store locations found throughout the United States.

Just one thing to keep in mind, cancelling your PEOPLE subscription before the one year mark will mean an early termination fee and your account if not cancelled will auto renew at the same $10 per month subscriber fee.

Barnes & Noble Nook Receives $50 Discount For People Magazine Subscribers is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Kodak EasyShare M750 debuted on Monday and unlike it’s predecessors Kodak’s newest digital camera arrives with built in WiFi that makes photo sharing and syncing with home networks a cinch. Users can also print to wireless cameras, email their photos to any account they choose and even send photos to social media accounts.

The camera also comes equipped with similar hardware to its predecessor the EasyShare 5370 including a 16-megapixel CCD sensor with 720 HD video recording, a 5x optical zoom lens and a 3-inch capacitive LCD touchscreen with auto brightness levels.

Along with the camera Kodak is currently developing free apps for iPhone, Android, Blackberry and tablet users that will allow the Kodak M750 to directly share photos with those mobile devices. The new Kodak apps are due out in March 2012.

Buyers interested in purchasing the M750 will be able to pick up the shooter for $170 at various retailers and through Kodak.com in April. Buyers will have the choice of colors including silver, teal, blue and red.

Will you be heading out to purchase the Kodak EasyShare M750 when it arrives?

Kodak EasyShare M750 Delivers 720HD Video Recording, Built-In WiFi is a post from: The Inquisitr

The iPad 3 will launch in March and its most significant upgrades will be a QXGA 1,536 x 2,048-pixel HD display and significantly longer battery life.  There are very little details of what will be available with the iPad 4 except that Digitimes said it will have 9.7-inch display along with “much upgraded hardware specifications and integrated applications.”.

The release of the iPad 3 will also be coupled with a continued run of the iPad 2 which will be downgraded to $399.

Other sources than Digitimes, have said that the rumors of iPad 4 are previews of the 2013 model.

The iPad has dominated the tablet market since its launch, capturing a full 65% of the market for 2011 (estimated).  This year iPad’s market share will probably fall a bit more due to the huge amount of Android tablets hitting the market but will still be more than 50% of the total.

Will you be purchasing an iPad3 or iPad 4?

[Rumor] Apple Plans on Launching iPad 3 and iPad 4 in 2012 is a post from: The Inquisitr

The iPhone 4S and its crazy clever digital assistant Siri will arrive in China on January 13, to the sound of ringing tills and, later this year, a Mandarin-speaking Siri.

China is on a list of 22 countries that will soon get the newest iPhone, and with a potential audience of almost a billion cellphone users, Apple’s coffers are set to swell even more. An Apple spokesperson confirmed the company intends to add official language support for Mandarin in 2012.

Analysts estimate the iPhone family now rakes in almost half of Apple’s annual revenue, with some claiming it earns Apple more than 60% of its profits.

Apple is currently partnered with China Unicom, one of the country’s bigger carriers with close to 200 million subscribers. It’s not the largest, however – China Mobile has a staggering 630 million subscribers, but Apple has already stated it won’t be joining forces with the carrier. Rumors in recent months have claimed Apple has been desperately trying to strike a deal with China Mobile. It’s also widely known that millions of China Mobile users have had their iPhones modified to work on the network.

News on when the Mandarin-speaking Siri arrives is less clear, though apparently the software will be able to speak and understand the lingo. However, Siri will be available only in English until at least February.

Another question: will Apple add Siri’s sarcastic streak and amusing movie references to the Mandarin incarnation?

See also: Apple’s SIRI System is Nearly a Swear Word in Japan

iPhone 4S Heads to China, Chinese-Speaking Siri to Debut in 2012 is a post from: The Inquisitr

During the holiday shopping season (October – December) the Amazon Kindle Fire sold 4 million units, a number that has one investment bank believing that nearly one million potential Apple iPad 2 buyers turned away from Apple for the Google Android powered device.

Analyst Tavis McCourt at Morgan Keegan wrote in a letter investors on Tuesday that the Amazon Kindle Fire likely stole one million sales from Apple, he then lowered his quarterly estimate for the devices from 16 million units to just 13 million sold.

News of the Amazon sales bump comes just a short time after analytics reporting firm comScore revealed that 97% of all tablet web traffic still comes from Apple iPad based devices, a number likely to tumble as more competent Google Android based tablets hit the market (we saw this same scenario occur when iPhone devices were met with Google Android based Smartphones).

At least part of Amazon’s success has been their willingness to sell the Amazon Kindle Fire as a loss leader with a very well received $199 price tag that left sales swinging forward despite critics panning the devices faults.  In comparison the cheapest WiFi only version of the iPad 2 is $199 with just 16GB.

While iPad revenues accounted for 24.3% of Apple’s overall revenue last quarter McCourt has downgraded that to 21.3% for the current quarter.

While iPad sales were down thanks to Amazon Kindle Fire buyers McCourt did push his iPhone estimate from 27 to 29 million units on the strength of better than expected iPhone 4S sales.

Did you decide to forgo an Apple iPad 2 this Christmas for the Amazon Kindle Fire instead? If you did what was behind your motivation to do so?

Sure the Amazon Kindle Fire is winning big right now but can it be used as a Canadian Passport like the iPad 2?

One Million Potential iPad Buyers Decided To Purchase Amazon Kindle Fire Instead [Study] is a post from: The Inquisitr