This is what the reviews say about iPad Mini

This is what the reviews say about iPad Mini -

The recently announced iPad Mini is expected to go on sale on Nov. 2. Apple, which initially was dismissive of smaller tablets, is joining the ranks of the mini-tablet makers and is launching iPad Mini. The Wi-Fi version of the recently announced tablet will go on sale this week, while the cellular version will follow in a couple of weeks. The initial reviews of the device are out, and here are some of the highlights that will give you a sense of the device and its features ...

(Via TheAppleBlog.)

Google's Gmail now world's top e-mail service

Google's Gmail now world's top e-mail service - No more disputes over which service is No.1. Comsore says Google has edged out Microsoft's Hotmail for top spot.

(Via CNET News.com.)

"Much More for Much Less": Amazon Jabs iPad mini on Website

"Much More for Much Less": Amazon Jabs iPad mini on Website -

Amazon isn't going to take the iPad mini lying down, going on the offensive with a direct comparison between its $199 Kindle Fire HD and Apple's latest $329 media darling -- and they're taking the fight to their website homepage.

Amazon is taking no prisoners in its battle for seven-inch tablet dominance, updating the front page of its website on Sunday to explain why its Kindle Fire HD offers "much more for much less."

Headlined by an iPad mini-dissing quote from Gizmodo, a big chunk of screen real estate on Amazon's homepage is now taken up by a direct comparison between the company's $199 Kindle Fire HD and Apple's iPad mini, which starts at $329.

Amazon takes Apple to task for its lower-resolution display, the lack of HD content and the iPad mini having only a mono speaker -- all for $130 more than the Kindle Fire HD. And if that's not enough, Amazon has posted a full "More for Less" page on its website, offering even more cold, hard facts on why you should buy a Kindle Fire HD.

"Kindle Fire HD features 30 percent more pixels and 33 percent more pixels-per-inch than iPad mini, which means clearer, sharper images," the web page reads. "With Kindle Fire HD, you can watch HD movies and TV -- you can’t on iPad mini because it's not an HD device. And because low-quality sound can ruin your HD entertainment experience, Kindle Fire HD features better audio with dual stereo speakers and Dolby Digital Plus. Additionally, Kindle Fire HD offers fast Wi-Fi with dual band, dual antennas + MIMO. With all this, Kindle Fire HD is still $130 less than iPad mini."

(Via Mac|Life all.)

What is FLAC? The high-def MP3 explained

What is FLAC? The high-def MP3 explained - CNET explains what a FLAC is, where to buy them, and how to play them on your iPhone, computer, or MP3 player.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Logitech announces Broadcaster Wi-Fi webcam for iPhone, iPad and Mac

Logitech announces Broadcaster Wi-Fi webcam for iPhone, iPad and Mac -

Remember that mysterious Mac-compatible wireless webcam from Logitech a couple of weeks ago? Well, the details are out and the webcam now has a name and price tag. The US$199.99 Logitech Broadcaster Wi-Fi webcam has been announced and will be available in the US and Europe in the next few weeks.

While the Broadcaster doesn't boast 1080p resolution, it has some features that should make any potential or existing Mac podcaster quiver with delight (are you reading this, Kelly Guimont?). First, the camera can be placed up to 50 feet away from your Mac, iPhone or iPad and controlled by most of your favorite software including FaceTime, iMovie and Final Cut Pro.

Next, you can be seen in all of your multi-camera glory with the tap of a single button, cutting instantly between your Mac's internal webcam and the Broadcaster. The device is also set up for instant streaming to Ustream, the site used to stream TUAW TV Live. There's a cool plastic hard case that also doubles as a magnetic monopod for the camera.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

iFixit opens up the new iPod nano

iFixit opens up the new iPod nano -

In recent weeks, iFixit has cracked open the iPhone 5 and the fifth-generation iPod touch. Next in line for their classic teardown analysis is the seventh-generation iPod nano. The first thing the group noticed about the new iPod nano is its long and thin profile, made possible by Apple's new Lightning connector and clever internal cable engineering. It's a significant difference from the sixth-generation nano which was short and squat because of its included clip.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Amazon's Whispercast for Kindle targets schools, businesses

Amazon's Whispercast for Kindle targets schools, businesses - New free online tool allows organizations to manage a "fleet of Kindles" and wirelessly distribute Kindle books, documents and apps.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Amazon curtails sales of Kindle DX

Amazon curtails sales of Kindle DX - The e-book reader is still being sold through third parties but is no longer available directly from Amazon.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Teardown of Apple's 7th-gen iPod nano discovers Toshiba NAND flash, Broadcom Bluetooth

Teardown of Apple's 7th-gen iPod nano discovers Toshiba NAND flash, Broadcom Bluetooth - Apple's latest iPod nano has been pulled apart to reveal a number of anonymous, Apple-branded chips, though NAND flash from Toshiba and a Bluetooth chip with FM radio from Broadcom could be identified.

(Via AppleInsider.)

Missing your iDisk? OpenDrive is an easy-to-use substitute

Missing your iDisk? OpenDrive is an easy-to-use substitute -

When Apple killed MobileMe and iDisk I was pretty unhappy. It was great for quick small backups, and an easy way to share files with friends by giving them access to a public or password-protected folder.

There are plenty of sync/backup solutions out there, like MediaFire, Dropbox, SugarSync and others, but I really liked the desktop mounted iDisk, that looked and acted like an external drive. Other similar options include Google Drive, SkyDrive and, of course, Apple's iCloud, but none functioned quite the way iDisk worked.

This weekend, I took a look at OpenDrive, which does a fine job of doing what iDisk used to do ...

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

7 million flock to YouTube for Baumgartner's space leap

7 million flock to YouTube for Baumgartner's space leap - More than 7.2 million viewers tune in to the video-sharing site to witness historic high-altitude jump.

(Via CNET News.com.)

E-book junkie? Amazon may have some money for you

E-book junkie? Amazon may have some money for you - The e-tailer posts an FAQ about a credit that could come to you as a result of legal settlements between three publishers and the Justice Department. Not everyone's eligible though.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Amazon to users: Hey, the Kindle Paperwhite isn't perfect

Amazon to users: Hey, the Kindle Paperwhite isn't perfect - Amazon preemptively discloses some potential shortcomings in its latest Kindle e-reader compared to previous models, most likely to get out in front of user complaints.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Best Buy ready for battle with Amazon on pricing

Best Buy ready for battle with Amazon on pricing - The retailer will reportedly match all Amazon prices this holiday season, and also offer free home delivery when products are out of stock.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Amazon's Jeff Bezos admits Kindles are sold at cost

Amazon's Jeff Bezos admits Kindles are sold at cost - Bezos tells the BBC what most analysts already figured out: At best Amazon breaks even on the latest Kindle hardware.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Amazon wins FCC approval to sell Kindle Fire HD

Amazon wins FCC approval to sell Kindle Fire HD - The Internet retailer introduced its new high-end tablet last month before the key step of securing regulatory approval.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Review: iPod nano (2012)

Review: iPod nano (2012) - Apple's new seventh generation iPod nano changes the model's direction from being a square, wearable, audio-only faux-iOS device to being a sort of mini iPod touch, but lacking any cameras, mic, WiFi or apps beyond the typical iPod features bundled with it.

(Via AppleInsider.)

SpaceX cargo ship primed for first operational station flight

SpaceX cargo ship primed for first operational station flight - After two successful test flights, SpaceX is set to launch an unmanned Dragon cargo ship loaded with a half-ton of the supplies -- including ice cream -- to the International Space Station.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Apple vs. Samsung explained in 90 seconds

Apple vs. Samsung explained in 90 seconds - A concise viral video manages to explain the history of the epic patent battle and its implications for Google and consumers.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Documenting the Rise and Fall of Instant Photography

Documenting the Rise and Fall of Instant Photography - It's easy to forget now, but instant camera maker Polaroid once matched the mythos ? and ubiquity ? of Apple. Much like Steve Jobs, founder Edwin Land was single-minded in his determination to create unique products with a strong affinity for design. For Jobs, Land was an all-time hero.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Starbucks Gets Square Next Month ? Will You Change the Way You Pay?

Starbucks Gets Square Next Month ? Will You Change the Way You Pay? - The highest-profile test to date to see whether people actually want to pay for things with their phones will roll out next month at Starbucks.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Starbucks to start taking Square Wallet payments next month

Starbucks to start taking Square Wallet payments next month - Though baristas won't be able to accept digital tips until next summer.

(Via CNET News.com.)

How to increase the font size in iOS

How to increase the font size in iOS - Tired of squinting at small text in your e-mails, text messages, notes, and the like? There's a hidden setting for making everything bigger.

(Via CNET News.com.)