Thursday, March 24, 2011

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Apple Still Struggling to Meet Overwhelming iPad 2 Demand

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 09:10 PM PDT


Faced with severe iPad 2 shortages, Apple may have to resort to significant changes to resolve current supply chain issues.  As we reported earlier today, Apple is alleged to be considering paying Taiwanese vendors more in order to secure a sufficient supply of touch panels for the iPad 2 and iPhone 4. The price hikes would help vendors ramp up additional production to meet Apple’s supply chain needs.

Capacity shortages in Taiwan are not Apple’s only supply chain problem.  Apple may also be forced to ramp up additional vendors for the iPad 2 due to product constraints caused by the recent earthquake in Japan.  Based on a recent iPad 2 tear down by iHS iSuppli, Apple currently sources five key components from Japanese manufactures impacted by the earthquake.

iHS iSuppli found the iPad 2 contained a compass from AKM Semiconductor, the main battery from Apple Japan, touch screen glass from Asahi Glass, DRAM from Elpida Memory and NAND from Toshiba.

“While some of these suppliers reported that their facilities were undamaged, delivery of components from all of these companies is likely to be impacted at least to some degree by logistical issues now plaguing most Japanese industries in the quake zone” said Andrew Rassweiler, iSuppli’s Senior Director & Principal Analyst.

Some suppliers have already informed iSuppli that their manufacturing plants were still operating and were currently not impacted by rolling power outages gripping parts of the country. AKM Semiconductor, maker of the iPad 2′s sensitive digital compass,  was fortunate as their main production facility is located in Nobeoka, well outside the quake zone.

Even a minor supply interruption could wreak havoc on Apple’s chances of stocking store shelves with additional iPad 2s. Apple recognizes it has to get its supply chain straightened out to alleviate product shortages and quell customer frustration.  Apple CEO Steve Jobs responded to the overwhelming iPad 2 demand by saying “we appreciate everyone's patience and we are working hard to build enough iPads for everyone."

Apple has struggled to meet the high demand for the iPad 2 since its launch March 11, here in the US.  The iPad 2 has been out of stock across the country and customers looking to buy one online are faced with 4-5 week lead times. With Apple planning to roll out the iPad 2 in 25 additional countries beginning this Friday, they better get things sorted out quickly before frustrated customers start looking elsewhere to get their tablet fix.

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Complaints of FaceTime Freezes Issues on iPad 2

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 09:05 PM PDT


We love our iPad 2s here at PadGadget, but the device is not perfect, and sometimes feels a bit rushed. From screen problems, to the simple fact that the device is extremely hard to find, some fans are starting to get angry.

Last issue to date: FaceTime. According to a report from AppleInsider, FaceTime on the iPad 2 is not as stable as expected, and is plagued by random crashes, and freezes. In some cases, the issue requires the user to restart his/her device, or even perform a full system restore.

The issue was raised on Apple's support forums, by several disgruntled users. A couple example:

When I opened up FaceTime the first time, the camera was working fine, but now whenever I open it up, it just shows a still image from when I left. How can I fix it?

The manager of the 68th St NYC store said it has happened to a lot of his floor units as well. He said currently the only fix is to turn off iPad2. It is a bug in facetime

I too have experienced this same problem on my ipad2, and so does my wife. It happens quite frequently. Restarting the ipad fixes the problem, BUT, it happens again within the next two to three times i go to use it. this is obviously some bug Apple needs to adress because its happening with a lot of people ipads.

The upcoming iOS 4.3.1 update may fix the problem, but until it’s available, the only fix seems to be an iPad 2 restart, by holding home and sleep buttons together for at least 10 seconds. If the device still doesn’t perform as expected, a full system restore via iTunes may be required.

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HDTVs to Support AirPlay Video Streaming Soon?

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 08:37 PM PDT


As we've mentioned earlier this year, 2011 will be a big year for Airplay devices. After speakers, receivers, and even docks specially designed to support wireless streaming from your iOS devices and computers, HDTVs are next.

According to report from Bloomberg, AirPlay might make its way into HDTVs, as Apple is allegedly in talks with major HDTV makers, to allow them to use the technology, and allow users to stream movies and TV shows directly to their TVs.

HDTV AirPlay support would be a great way to popularize the technology, as millions of iOS-powered devices users would instantly be able to push content on their devices to their TV screens, without the need of extra devices such as an Apple TV.

While the move will most likely hurt Apple TV sales, enabling HDTVs to support AirPlay natively would most likely help Apple sell more content than ever, and should generate a revenue boost large enough to compensate potentially weakened Apple TV sales. Moreover, Apple would charge HDTV makers a fee of at least $4 per unit to allow them to offer AirPlay to their customers.

According to Bloomberg, the first AirPlay-enabled HDTVs should hit store shelves later this year.

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PBS Announces Free Streaming of The Civil War on iPad

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 01:15 PM PDT


Civil War buffs will be excited to learn the award-winning Ken Burns documentary The Civil War will be re-broadcast on PBS beginning Sunday, April 3rd.  If you have the PBS app installed on your iPad, iPad 2, iPhone or iPod Touch, you’ll be able to get a jump start on the experience.

Starting March 24th, ten days before the TV broadcast, PBS will make the first episode of The Civil War available for streaming with the PBS app and as a free download from iTunes.  "The Civil War remains the highest rated series for PBS, and it was a milestone in the history of documentary film and television," said John F. Wilson, SVP & Chief TV Programming Executive at PBS. "Twenty-one years after its premiere, the re-mastered film continues to be relevant and gripping. We're thrilled to present this 19th century story, so riveting and critical to our country's history, by using 21st century technology."

With 1.2 million app downloads since it launched, PBS provides viewers with full-length programs, TV schedules, previews and even a tune-in reminder calendar that can be synced with iCal.  Whether you’re looking to entertain your children with PBS Kids or trying to catch up on the latest episode of NOVA, the PBS app features 250 hours of free video options.

"PBS.org has grown so rapidly that comScore VideoMetrix listed it as the 18th most popular site for video last month,” said Jason Seiken, SVP, PBS Interactive and Product Development. “And just four months after launching our apps, nearly 20 percent of our video streams come from users of our Apps for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.”

If you’re interested in educational television for the whole family, why not check out what PBS has to offer?  Its wide range of great programming options, and special offers such as the The Civil War, are sure to keep everyone at home happy and entertained.

Note: This PBS Civil War special is timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War on April 12.  The entire series will air nationally on PBS beginning Sunday, April 3, and run through Thursday, April 7, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.  Enjoy!

 

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The New York Times Offers 1-Year Free Web and iPad Access

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 12:50 PM PDT


The pricing plans for online iPad editions of newspaper and magazines have been criticized heavily by consumers.

We previously talked about Apple’s App Store subscriptions and how the company plans to leverage your iTunes account for buying new content. But, that has also forced publishers to establish a closer relationship with you, which is what The New York Times (NYT) is trying to do with their new FREE one-year subscription offer.

The Loop has reported The New York Times is updating its paywall service before it goes live next Monday. According to the report, the publisher is offering a one-year full FREE access to online articles accessed via the web, iPad and iPhone apps to its long-time subscribers. It is clear the NYT wants to nurture the relationship it has established with avid subscribers as they move towards a new online model.

This is certainly a tough time for the newspaper to convince people to accept a monthly fee to access its popular paywall. But, starting next Monday, the publisher will only allow you to read 20 articles per month for free on NYTimes.com. After you reach the limit, you will be asked to pay for further access to the NYT website.

If you’re using the New York Times iPad app, you will only have free access to the ‘Top News’ section. If you want to have access to multiple articles on the iPad, iPhone and other mobile devices, get ready to pay anywhere from $15 to $35 per month depending on the content you want to access.

We would like to hear your comments. Are you a long-time New York Times subscriber?

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iPad 2 Inventory Getting Better in Some Stores, Apple Ready to Secure More Parts

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 10:06 AM PDT


Cnet has reported that some Apple stores are experiencing a better stock situation in Southern California. Apparently, some stores in the Los Angeles area are not selling out of stock before the doors open, which has given Apple the chance to receive some walk-in customers.

In addition, Digitimes has reported that Apple is ready to pay higher prices in order to secure sufficient supply of touch panels used by the new iPad.

The iPad 2 inventory situation has been a major issue for Apple since the new iPad launched on March 11. Some could argue that it’s a good problem to have when the iPad 2 demand is so high, but the experience has been very frustrating for new customers looking to get their hands on Apple’s latest tablet.

However, it’s not surprising to see Apple willing to accept higher prices on iPad components since the company needs help with the overall supply chain. The company has had success in the past securing long-term deals for displays and other parts used in their mobile products. If they indeed can secure a large amount of “long leadtime” parts, Apple may be able to improve the demand situation in the U.S., and most importantly get ready for the upcoming international launch this Friday.

Apple’s competitors will surely stay close to the inventory situation. If Apple secures many of the critical parts required to build more iPad 2s, it could create a ripple effect across the entire supply chain impacting other companies building new smartphones and other tablet products.

The overall inventory situation still needs to be monitored. Let’s wait and see how the upcoming international launch behaves this Friday. That should give us a much better idea, if the iPad 2 inventory is getting better or worse. We certainly hope that our readers get a chance to buy the new iPad 2, and avoid going back home empty handed after waiting in long lines for hours.

After international sales begin this Friday, we should have a better idea next week if this is a fluke or if supply is actually stabilizing. 

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Solid Gold iPad 2, for the Person who has Everything

Posted: 23 Mar 2011 09:04 AM PDT


Getting an iPad 2 is already hard enough with stock levels wiped out across the country and online customers having to wait 4-5 weeks to get their orders. But if this isn’t exclusive enough for you, how about an $8 million Apple tablet?

The iPad 2 Gold History Edition from designer Stuart Hughes takes excess to an all new level. This exclusive iPad 2 creation has 12.5 carats of flawless diamonds encrusted in the gold Apple logo.  The iPad 2 body alone uses over 70 ounces of 24 carat gold, which has a street value of more than $100,000.

If diamonds and gold aren’t over the top enough for you, don’t worry. Hughes has redone the front of the iPad 2 with even more exotic materials to make sure your iPad 2 turns heads. The designer uses Ammolite, a very rare gemstone similar to Opal, for the iPad 2′s front frame. The Canadian sourced Ammolite is further enhanced by inserting splintered pieces of a 65 million year old T-Rex dinosaur’s thigh bone to create a unique front bezel.

To finish off his tour de force, Hughes has upgraded the iPad 2′s Home Button. The new button uses a single 8.5 carat flawless diamond inlaid in a platinum setting surrounded with 12 smaller flawless diamonds.

If you’re keeping track, the material list includes: 2 ounces of T-REX bone, 26.5 ounces of Ammolite stone, 70 ounces of solid 24 carat Gold, 16.5 carat diamonds and a 8.5 carat single diamond.

So if you like over the top things and have more money than brains, you can grab the $8 million iPad 2 Gold History Edition from Stuart Hughes’ website. But don’t wait too long, Hughes is only making two of these unique iPads.

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