Globe Telecom iPad 2 Plans is Now Official!

Two weeks ago, CTB reported that Globe Telecom will offer data plans for Apple iPad 2. I was not told regarding the prices of each bundled plans though, not until today when I stumbled to Globe’s website.

All variants of Wi-Fi + 3G iPad 2 are available through Globe’s My SuperPlan Unli Surf Combo Plan 999, of course with a 2-year lock-in period. The 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB version can be yours at a subsidized cost of Php 21,990, Php 25,990, or Php 30,990, respectively. Globe Telecom also offer prepaid kits which cost just of the same price of iPad 2 available in local retailers here in the Philippines. I’ve actually seen some stores selling the slates at even cheaper prices, so I guess Globe’s prepaid kit isn’t that attractive.



The best deal here really is the postpaid kit particularly if you’re after of an unlimited mobile web surfing. If interested, just visit www.globe.com.ph.



To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

Download Official Blogger App for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad

Wait no more, bloggers. If you’re using Google’s blogging platform, well, you should be happy to hear that the official Blogger app for iOS devices has already made its way to the App Store.

The new Blogger app which is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad running at least iOS 3.1.3, brings similar features as its Android counterpart including publishing of posts with photos, labels, and location information.

Blogger app will allow you to: Select account/blog if you have more than 1. Include pictures from the gallery or by taking a picture directly from the app Add labels Add location information Save as draft or immediately publish View list of saved/published posts

Though the UI is only available in English, the app supports blog posts written in all languages. The app doesn’t have some of the features available on the web-based version including video upload, stats, comment moderation, as well as formatting tools – but I’d guess Google will bring it all very soon. I can say though the app is still great after all. Go check it out here and do let us know what you think about it.



To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

Play Flash Contents in iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad, Very Soon…

Finally, Adobe brings all the possibilities of playing Flash contents like videos and games to Apple devices with the release of the new versions of Adobe Flash Media Server and Adobe Flash Access.

The inability to play Flash contents through iOS’ native Safari browser is perhaps the biggest complaint among users as far as streaming media is concerned. Technically, it’s not an issue of the Safari browser but rather on how Adobe renders Flash contents to the device. Flash is described as too “resource-intensive” by utilizing much of the handset’s processor and battery, which has a significant impact in overall performance. With all of the anticipated issues which the great Steve Jobs outlined here, Flash contents are blocked in iOS devices. There are some apps though that made its way to the App Store like the Skyfire for iPhone and Skyfire for iPad, which does all rendering tricks on Flash videos, but still it’s not the complete solution just yet.



Not anymore. Adobe says with the new Adobe Flash Media Server 4.5 and Adobe Flash Access 3.0, however, seamless delivery of Flash contents to devices like iPhone and iPad have already taken care of by these Adobe products; obviously, processing contents in the server side out of Apple’s control.

With Flash Media Server 4.5, media publishers can extend their already broad mobile reach via Flash-enabled devices, with the new ability to deliver video content to Apple’s iPad and iPhone devices, enabling them to reach the widest audience possible. Adobe Flash Access 3.0, a robust content protection and monetization solution, will enable content owners to deliver on-demand content with massive scale and strict studio-level security across a broad range of devices, following the upcoming release of Flash Player 11 and Adobe AIR 3.

This is certainly good news for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad users; and of course to media publishers as well, as reaching more audience is not just possible. Read on more about Adobe Flash Media Server 4.5 and Adobe Flash Access 3.0 products through the press release after the break.



Click to Read Press Release

Adobe Announces Adobe Flash Media Server 4.5 and Adobe Flash Access 3.0



New Ways to Deliver and Protect High-Quality Video Online and On-device Simplify Streaming Media and Content Protection for Superior Video Experiences Across Desktops and Devices Including iOS, Android and Playbook



IBC 2011 September 08, 2011 10:12 AM Eastern Daylight Time



SAN JOSE, Calif. & AMSTERDAM–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced at the IBC 2011 Conference and Exhibition significant new releases of industry-leading streaming video solutions, including Adobe® Flash® Media Server 4.5 and Flash Access® 3.0 software. With Flash Media Server 4.5, media publishers can extend their already broad mobile reach via Flash-enabled devices, with the new ability to deliver video content to Apple’s iPad and iPhone devices, enabling them to reach the widest audience possible. Adobe Flash Access 3.0, a robust content protection and monetization solution, will enable content owners to deliver on-demand content with massive scale and strict studio-level security across a broad range of devices, following the upcoming release of Flash Player 11 and Adobe AIR® 3.



“Adobe has a deep heritage in providing video solutions for delivering content online and on-device. With Flash Media Server 4.5 and Flash Access 3.0, we’re enabling businesses to reach more customers and more devices, helping them increase the impact of video experiences, enhance their brands and ultimately, drive business success”



At the IBC 2011 Exhibition, Adobe will demonstrate its streaming video solutions including the Flash Media Server family, Flash Access, the Open Source Media Framework (OSMF) and Adobe Pass, Adobe’s content authentication solution for TV Everywhere, at its stand (Hall 7 Stand 7.G27) in the RAI Convention Center, Sept. 9-13 in Amsterdam.



“Adobe has a deep heritage in providing video solutions for delivering content online and on-device. With Flash Media Server 4.5 and Flash Access 3.0, we’re enabling businesses to reach more customers and more devices, helping them increase the impact of video experiences, enhance their brands and ultimately, drive business success,” said Pritham Shetty, vice president, Video Solutions, Adobe.



“When your business is based on delivering live, broadcast-quality video streams for high-profile events to massive audiences across the world, having strong technology backing you is vital,” said Ben Rolling, vice president of development for AEG Digital Media, the leading provider of complete webcast management and media services for live streaming events and online video. “Adobe Flash Media Server 4.5 improves the stability of our video streams, decreases load times, and helps us better manage encoding and bitrates for an improved end-user experience on mobile devices and online. We can trust that it will deliver rock solid video streams and please our clients, advertisers and viewers, whether we’re streaming the royal wedding or the Grammy Awards.”



Premium Video Streaming with Flash Media Server 4.5



Flash Media Server 4.5 expands on its mobile delivery options with the addition of iOS support and enables content owners to create HTTP content on the fly to reduce costs brought on by device proliferation. New features of Flash Media Server 4.5:



Delivery to iPad and iPhone enables businesses to use the same media and live streams to deliver full adaptive bit-rate experiences to platforms supporting Flash, as well as Apple devices, including iPad and iPhone.



Integrated Content Protection simplifies deployment and reduces infrastructure cost, enabling seamless streaming for advertising-funded online video.



On-demand Stream Packaging eliminates the need to prepare and protect assets ahead of time, reducing complexity and storage costs and simplifying publishing for businesses so they can use one set of source video to reach multiple downstream devices.



Premium Video Monetization and Content Protection with Flash Access 3.0



Flash Access 3.0 builds on Adobe’s strong traction in video delivery by extending support to reach mobile devices. This allows content providers to securely deliver and monetize content with a single back-end workflow, delivering rich, engaging experiences on desktop, connected TVs, Blu-ray players, tablets and smartphones. New features of Flash Access 3.0:



Support on Mobile Devices will include Android tablets and smartphones, as well as other mobile devices, allowing video programmers to leverage the same content delivery, protection and monetization infrastructure to target mobile devices, following the upcoming release of Adobe Flash Player 11 and Adobe AIR 3 (set to be available later this quarter).



Scalable License Delivery and in-band Key Rotation enables Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs) and programmers to offer television experiences over IP, whether over the open Internet or on a managed network, at massive scale. With Flash Access 3.0, it is now possible to securely deliver multiple TV “channels” to millions of subscribers with a cost-effective premium content protection solution.



Compatibility with Industry Standards including UltraViolet, an industry-standard, cloud-based digital rights locker system that will allow consumers to create personal virtual video libraries and access them across multiple devices. Flash Access has been approved for use with UltraViolet, set to be released this fall. Flash Access 3.0 and the upcoming versions of Flash Player 11 and AIR 3 will be able to be leveraged by content retailers, service providers and device manufacturers to create full UltraViolet experiences, including playback for the UVVU Common File Format.



Pricing and Availability



Adobe Flash Access 3.0 is offered at per unit CPM pricing. Adobe Flash Media Streaming Server 4.5 is offered at US$995. Adobe Flash Media Interactive Server 4.5 is offered at US$4,500. Adobe Flash Media Enterprise Server 4.5 pricing can be quoted by contacting Adobe. Products can be ordered today at www.adobe.com/go/fms and are available immediately.

To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

Create and Open PDF Files in iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch with Adobe CreatePDF

Adobe just released a new application that will allow users to view, create, manipulate, and manage Portable Document Format or PDF files right on their iOS devices.

Called Adobe CreatePDF, this business app is said to bring the same high-quality PDF creation with the cross-platform Adobe Acrobat or the cloud-based app of the same name. Adobe also says the app offers consistent and high-fidelity PDF conversion independent of device or software. And with an intuitive interface for PDF conversion, it can convert email attachments or files stored in the cloud by opening them right on the app. The company added that CreatePDF uses Adobe’s online services to ensure there’s no compromise on quality or performance, and the service does not keep copy of the original PDF document.



Among the supported file formats of Adobe CreatePDF for iPhone and iPad include:

• MS Word (docx, doc), Excel(xlsx, xls), PowerPoint (pptx, ppt)


• Adobe Illustrator (ai), Photoshop (psd) and InDesign (indd)


• Images – JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF, TIFF


• RTF, Text and WordPerfect


• OpenOffice and StarOffice documents

Adobe CreatePDF is now available at the App Store for $9.99; although the app is basically designed for iPhone and iPad, it will also work for iPod Touch running iOS 4.3 or later. Download link follows below.



Download Adobe CreatePDF for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch

To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

Repair Shops in Cebu for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad?

Even during the advent of the first iPhone, Cebu is already one among the key cities in the Philippines with decent number of Apple users.



In fact, I’m not surprised when I see people still using earlier generation of iDevices. An Apple gadget is undeniably great! The problem though is when these devices got into trouble and you realized something in the hardware might have messed, and that you need an experienced technician to dig inside. Unlike with any other electronics and gadgets, availability of experienced repair technicians for iDevices is rare. And this could be a dilemma if you’re looking for one like what a fellow Cebuano is concerned about.

Philip, just another Cebu-techie, once stumbled on this blog and asked for a recommendation of repair shops specializing iDevices. I asked his permission to publish his query which reads:

Hello, Sir



Do you know of any trustworthy shops in Cebu that repair iPod Touches? You're a tech-blogger, and I noticed a few articles about iPhone-related stuff like unlocks and apps, etc. so I'm hoping that you'd know of at least one shop that specialize in iDevice repairs.



My iPod Touch is over a year old, and I never had any serious problems with it until a little over a week ago. It's jailbroken because of the customization capabilities; while it did randomly crash on me because of buggy Cydia tweaks (or conflicts), it never reached a point where it would no longer boot up. I've had my fair share of iPod Touch crashes (boot loops, stuck on the boot logo, springboard crashes, etc.) and I've always been able to fix them by myself. This time, it no longer responds to anything I do with it (believe me, I've tried), which is why I've concluded that it's a hardware-related issue.



It just refuses to turn on now. Even if I plugged it in to its charger, it doesn't charge-up anymore (in comparison, when my iPod Touch wouldn't turn on before, when I plugged it in, I could tell it was charging itself because the backside of my iPod would heat up a bit. A couple hours later, it's back to normal). Now it's just completely cold, no matter how long I leave it plugged in.



I've described my problem online, and someone told me it sounds like a faulty logic board. I'm familiar with iDevice software problems/fixes, but I have no experience with the actual hardware. Someone also said the battery probably got fried and will need replacement, but I haven't been able to find anyone who fixes iDevices (also haven't found a shop that carries legit iDevice spare parts like replacement batteries). So far, I've only found shops that help fix software-related issues (the kind of stuff I can fix myself); most aren't willing to even just open up the iPod Touch and examine the innards to give the problem a proper diagnosis.



If you know of a place I can have my iPod Touch examined and/or repaired, I'd really appreciate it. It's a 3rd generation iPod Touch, by the way. I know it's kind of dated, but I'm the type who hates throwing out "bigger" gadgets. If there's still hope to fix it, I'd rather get it fixed than get a newer model...so long as the expenses for the repairs make sense.

Well, it looks like you really have a quite complicated problem with your iPod Touch. But since I’m not going to tackle how to fix your device (it could be another post), I’ll just response to your main question.



Unless I’m missing one, the answer is NO. Most repair shops here in Cebu are actually not affiliated by Apple. And those premium Apple resellers in the city don't accept hardware repairs. They just send the devices back to the vendors.



I know of shops in E-Mall which accept repairs of iPhone and iPod Touch devices, but for your own protection - I won't recommend them since I'm not really sure regarding their expertise. But if you're interested, I can refer you to a friend of mine who's known much locally, particularly in Istorya.net, as an expert in repairing iDevices. He's actually an Engineer, who happened also to be an officemate of mine.



But of course we can ask for our friends and readers here in CTB if they know of a repair shop here in Cebu that accepts iDevices. Just leave a comment below to list one or two.

To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

Download Skype for iPad with Video Calling Support Over Wi-Fi and 3G

Skype just released today an optimized version of its app for iPad devices.

Like the Skype for iPhone app, the new Skype for iPad allows users to call, video call, and IM anyone on Skype, or even call landlines and mobile phones using Skype Credit.

Simple to use:

• Join Skype on your iPad in a few moments or just sign straight in to your account.


• If you already have a Skype account, your Skype contacts will automatically be there on your iPad.


• We’ve made adding new Skype contacts really easy.


• Once they’re in your Contact list, call, video or instant message them in one touch.


• Flick through recent calls and instant messages in your Skype for iPad history.


• Skype for iPad works over Wi-Fi or 3G (operator data charges may apply). Call Skype contacts on their iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, PC, Mac and even Skype enabled TVs.

This new Skype for iPad app was certainly designed to leverage both front and rear cameras of iPad 2 to send and receive video from iPhone 4 and iPod Touch 4G devices. Whilst the iPad 2 send and receive video from the rear camera of iPhone 3GS, it can also receive video from the first-gen iPad and the iPod Touch 3G.



Skype for iPad requires iOS 4.0 or later installed, and you can get it at the App Store via this link.



Update 1:

Seems like it's not yet available here in the Philippines, just in other countries' App Stores like the US. But there's a workaround on how to get; just follow the steps here, but look for Skype for iPad instead of Google+.

To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

The Pope Tweeted Using an iPad to launch the Vatican News Portal

His Holiness is now in the cloud.

The Pope just launched the Vatican news portal, The Vatican Today. And guess what? He did it on Twitter using his magical tablet device, the iPad!

It reads,

Dear Friends, I just launched news.va Praised be our Lord Jesus Christ! With my prayers and blessings, Benedictus XVI

It’s the Pope’s first tweet ever and now I’m thinking – could it be a Holy tweet? And the tablet is a Holy iPad? That sounds crazy, but yes - it might be.

It’s not a big deal though if the Pope really owns that iPad, but at least we saw him using it. And it feels different watching him sending the message to world, really. Watch this video courtesy of Rome Reports.



There’s one thing I’m sure about this though, Steve Jobs will certainly keep on smiling for such great honor his craft was once held by the Bishop of Rome. Seriously, it could be a huge advertisement for the iPad.J

To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

See What You Can Do with iPad 2, Now…

That’s actually what you’re about to see with Apple’s new Ad for its second-generation tablet dubbed as yet another magical device – the iPad 2.

iPad 2

Entitled “Now”, the new Ad focuses more on what you can do with the iPad and the seamless user experience the tablet brings. Want to see it? Here you go…





Well, honestly speaking – there are more…

To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

Wow! iPad 3G Hacked to Enable Calling, SMS, and FaceTime Functionalities!

iPhone Islam, the same team who enabled FaceTime on iPhone 3GS, got a new hack, this time for iPad 3G users.



The hack will apparently turn 3G-supported iPad into a fully functional phone, capable of sending SMS, making calls, and even enabling the FaceTime feature work over 3G network.

A hack that will change the game. Can you imagine turn your iPad to a fully functional phone.



With No Special Hardware all what you need is Jailbroken iPad 3G and your iPad 3G will do anything you expect from iPhone... Phone Calls, SMS, FaceTime by Phone Number... ETC

That’s amazing, mind you!



iPhone Islam didn’t give any specific release date, but we can expect the app (PhoneItiPad) available in Cydia Store anytime soon. Watch demo video after the break.

To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

Apple iPad 2 Available in Philippines this Friday, Officially!

Never mind the previous rumor, because it’s already official! Apple just announced today that the iPad 2 will be available in the Philippines this Friday.

iPad 2 with Smart Cover

Though Japan will have an earlier release (April 28), the Philippines will join Hong Kong, India, Israel, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, and the UAE in the April 29th release of the much anticipated 2nd-generation iPad tablet. All models are available in the said Asian countries (Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + 3G; both black and white versions); except for China in which the Wi-Fi only iPad 2 will be available comes May 6.



Prices of all iPad 2 models are just the same with that in the US; so here in the Philippines – expect our early estimates to be accurate. That is:



16GB WiFi – Php23, 990

32GB WiFi – Php28, 990

64GB WiFi – Php33, 990



16GB 3G + WiFi – Php30, 990

32GB 3G + WiFi – Php35, 990

64GB 3G + WiFi – Php40, 990



It’s really nice to see Apple decided not to delay the release here in the country at a later date like what they did with the first-gen iPad. So anyone buying? [via]



Update 1: List of Philippine Apple stores selling iPad 2.

To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

Apple iOS 4.3.1 Released, Direct Download Links for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad

As expected, Apple just released iOS 4.3.1 as a minor update to fix bugs and vulnerabilities, as well as the battery life issue claimed on iOS 4.3 for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod Touch 3G, iPod Touch 4G, iPad, and iPad 2.

The update can be downloaded by connecting your iDevices and launching the latest version of iTunes installed in your machine. Note that Verizon iPhone 4 users are not included on this update, which means you’ll remain stuck on iOS 4.2.6 just yet. If you want to download iOS 4.3.1 directly from Apple server for later use, just hit on the links below:



iPhone

iOS 4.3.1 for iPhone 3GS: iPhone2,1_4.3.1_8G4_Restore.ipsw

iOS 4.3.1 for iPhone 4 (GSM Version): iPhone3,1_4.3.1_8G4_Restore.ipsw



iPod Touch

iOS 4.3.1 for iPod Touch 3G: iPod3,1_4.3.1_8G4_Restore.ipsw

iOS 4.3.1 for iPod Touch 4G: iPod4,1_4.3.1_8G4_Restore.ipsw



iPad

iOS 4.3.1 for iPad: iPad1,1_4.3.1_8G4_Restore.ipsw

iOS 4.3.1 for iPad 2 WiFi: iPad2,1_4.3.1_8G4_Restore.ipsw

iOS 4.3.1 for iPad 2 GSM: iPad2,2_4.3.1_8G4_Restore.ipsw

iOS 4.3.1 for iPad 2 CDMA: iPad2,3_4.3.1_8G4_Restore.ipsw

To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

iPad 2 Goes On Sale Today, Asian Countries Have to Wait ‘Till April

As previously announced, Apple will be launching its second-generation tablet, iPad 2, to 25 more countries today.

Originally, Japan was included on today’s launch schedule of iPad 2; however, Apple decided to delay the release in the region while the country and Apple’s team itself still have to focus on recovering from the recent series of disaster.

Both WiFi and WiFi plus 3G versions of iPad 2 will be available today in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK today – just of the same US prices in all models.



Apple also announced that iPad 2 will launch in Asian countries including Hong Kong, Korea, and Singapore comes April. No official words yet on the availability here in the Philippines.



CTB actually have some readers in the 25 countries listed above, and I’m wondering if you guys lined up to get your hands on Apple’s latest tablet? Oh, I wish you luck the entire inventory won’t hold up just yet!

To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

Apple iOS 4.3 Released, Direct Download Links for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Apple TV

We’re expecting Apple to release iOS 4.3 tomorrow, but wait no more. The official and final build of the operating system for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, as well as Apple TV is now available for download.

Highlights of iOS 4.3 include:

• Personal Hotspot which allows users to share data connection on iPhone 4


• iTunes Home Sharing which lets you play multimedia files from a shared iTunes library both in Mac or PC


• Faster Performance of the Safari browser


• Ping, New AirPlay Features, New Settings, and some bug fixes on previous version.

Note that with iOS 4.3, iPod Touch 2G and iPhone 3G are no longer supported. And for you to download specific firmware files for your device, you’ll need to update iTunes to 10.2.1. Or you may check iOS 4.3 download links directly from the Apple server as listed below.



iPhone

iOS 4.3 for iPhone 3GS: iPhone2,1_4.3_8F190_Restore.ipsw

iOS 4.3 for iPhone 4 (GSM Version): iPhone3,1_4.3_8F190_Restore.ipsw



iPod Touch

iOS 4.3 for iPod Touch 3G: iPod3,1_4.3_8F190_Restore.ipsw

iOS 4.3 for iPod Touch 4G: iPod4,1_4.3_8F190_Restore.ipsw



iPad

iOS 4.3 for iPad (First-gen): iPad1,1_4.3_8F190_Restore.ipsw



Apple TV

iOS 4.3 for Apple TV: AppleTV2,1_4.3_8F191m_Restore.ipsw



So, that’s it. Of course, don't forget to leave a comment below just in case you encounter problem with the links. Good luck!

To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

iStore Cebu Still Selling First-Gen iPad Higher Than Apple Store Philippines

I don’t get it, really. I’m not sure how the first-gen iPad models are priced at iCenter, a local reseller of Apple products located at CrossRoads here in Cebu. If you have any idea, just hit me.



When I visited another local store somewhere at SM Cyberzone the other day, the first-gen iPad models are still priced quite higher than what have been marked at the Online Apple Store. I’m referring to the iStore. To think of, it would make sense if iStore lowered the prices at least the same with that from the Apple Store even if it's expected iPad 2 will be in the region later of this year. They shouldn’t have gone with the pricing schedule below, at least in my humble opinion.

iStore Cebu iPad Pricing as of March 2011

Because by natural human instinct, I’d rather buy the first-gen iPad directly from Apple Store Philippines since it ships free in 24 hours, yet selling the slates at cheaper prices. Got it?

To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

All First-Gen iPad in the Philippines is Now Priced Php 4000 Less, Ships in 24 Hours

It looks like Apple wanted to clear their inventory as fast as they can, while the recently announced iPad 2 will be out in the US comes March 11th and in some countries in the coming months.



Here in the Philippines, prices of the first generation iPad models, regardless of storage size, drop Php 4K less than the original prices. And they committed to ship ordered items in 24 hours. This might probably the best time to get your iPad if you don’t have any plan of buying the iPad 2, which until now still has no official ETA in the country. You may check the latest pricing schedule below for your perusal, and if you think of buying one, just head over to Philippine Apple Store to place your order. J

First-Gen iPad, Philippines Latest Price Schedule

So, are you buying?



To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

Apple iPad 2 Announced: Specs, Features, Price and Availability

As expected, Apple announced today its next iteration to the original iPad slate called iPad 2.



iPad 2 comes with better specs and features that include the new dual-core A5 processor for faster performance and strikingly impressive graphics, built with both front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime and rear-facing camera capable of 720p HD video recording and playback, built-in gyro for advanced gaming, HSUPA support, HDMI Video Mirroring that lets users mirror their iPad screen on HDTV, and would run on iOS 4.3 with the Personal Hotspot feature first seen on the Verizon iPhone 4.

iPad 2

It’s thinner and lighter than the original iPad, and while retaining the same 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD display- iPad 2 can still delivers up to 10 hours of battery life.

iPad 2 Playing Movie

Apple also announced the availability of the Smart Cover accessory which is actually a protective option designed uniquely for iPad 2. It’s built with self-aligning magnetic hinge allowing users an alternative option to wake or put the tablet to sleep, while safeguarding the screen and keeping it clean.

iPad 2 with Smart Cover

iPad 2 Prices and Availability



Apple iPad 2 will be available on March 11 in the US both black and white models, through the Apple Store, its retail stores and authorized resellers. Check out pricing schedules for both Wi-Fi only model and Wi-Fi + 3G model below.



iPad 2 Wi-Fi Only Model

16GB $499

32GB $599

64GB $699



iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G

16GB $629

32GB $729

64GB $829



iPad 2 will be available to selected countries on March 25 including: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.



Here in the Philippines, I’m not yet safe saying it would be available sometime on Q3 – but let me guess it will land here not later than October this year. Anyway, I’ll just let you know once we got more info about iPad 2 release here in the country.



Update: iPad 2 Already Available in Philippines



To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

Apple to Unveil iPad 2 Next Week, March 2?

We knew Apple is most likely to out 3 more iPad models in the future, at least if the details dug on iOS 4.3 turns to be true.

iPad 2 (Mock-up)

But for now, we are more interested of hearing updates on Apple’s 2nd iteration of its successful slate – the iPad. All Things Digital is reporting that Apple is scheduled to hold an event comes March 2nd. And what you would love to hear is it’s probably the unveiling of iPad 2! The event is said to take place in San Francisco at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the venue where some previous iPod models had been unveiled. Though members of the press in the US (who are usually invited on much-anticipated events like this) haven’t receive any invitation from Apple yet, the folks at All Things D are pretty confident about the possibility of the said event next week. (See update below)



Specs-culation of the 2nd-gen iPad includes an improved display (probably not retina display), front-facing camera, Facetime support, runs on iOS 4.3, and it would probably thinner than the first-generation iPad.



If the said Apple event push-through next week, we could expect the release of iPad 2 by April; and as usual, it would probably land here in the Philippines at the end of the year. Anyway, let’s see and just stay tuned! [via]



Update 1:

The iPad 2 event on March 2 is official. Apple is said to sending out invitations to the press, and as initially reported - the event will be held at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.

To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

3 iPhone and 3 iPad Models Revealed on iOS 4.3 Source Code

Apple’s iPad has been released officially here in the Philippines just a month ago or more than 9 months since the tablet was launched in the US.

The release was delayed quite long, leaving Apple fans a second thought whether to buy the first iPad models or just wait until the 2nd-generation tablet from Apple is released. It has already been speculated that iPad 2G will be launched in the US sometime in the first or second week of April, and for the sake of those who planned to buy the first-gen model – I think you’d love to hear that there are 3 more iPad models coming as revealed on iOS 4.3 which was released for developers yesterday.



Our friends at Engadget dug unto the source code of iOS 4.3 and they got, well, not much precious as the gold mine revealing Apple secrets of its future devices lineup.

As you can see from the screenshot above, there are those identifiers for the future iPhone and iPad models. iPad 2,1 could be the Wi-Fi version of the 2nd-gen iPad or iPad 2G. The Wi-Fi with 3G support 2nd–gen iPad is referred as iPad 2,2. And the iPad 2,3 could be the CDMA iPad 2G version.



On the other note, iPhone 4,1 could be a GSM-based iPhone 5; and iPhone 4,2 could be the CDMA-based iPhone 5. iPhone 3,3 still leaves a mystery- but a wild guess is, it could be the next iPhone 4 without a Home button. Weird, isn’t it? Not exactly, because BGR got an exclusive report that the next iPad will be losing the Home button. If so, functionalities of the Home button can be achieved through the Multi-Touch gestures added on iOS 4.3 firmware; and since the iPhone will also support the multi-touch feature on iOS 4.3 – it could be possible that iPhone 3,3 actually refers to iPhone 4 without Home button. Interesting.



So, that leaves us to expect Apple to release at least 6 more devices (3 iPhone models, 3 iPad models) in the future. Just in case you ask if iPod Touch 4G will still have another sibling, I think I’m safe to say “Yes”. We’ve actually read similar story before. What do you think?



To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

Free iPad Game: Angry Birds HD

Following the release of Angry Birds for Windows XP and Windows 7, developer Rovio Mobile Ltd. released a free version of the app for iPad users.

Though there’s also a free Angry Birds app for iPhone and iPod Touch which also supports the iPad, a dedicated app called Angry Birds HD is now available at the App Store for free.

The game features 12 levels (which are not available in the full version) set in 4 mini episodes, yet it doesn’t have game center support. The full version of Angry Birds for iPad is worth $4.99 which is quite steeper than the full iPhone version. And if you’re still having second thoughts how addictive and exciting the game is – you may give it a try by hitting this download link or searching for it in iTunes.



Enjoy!



To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.

Facebook Apps for iPad

That rumored second generation iPad is about to come, but until now the most popular social networking site, Facebook, still has no dedicated app for the first Apple slate.



Yes, there’s the Facebook for iPhone app – but some reports it doesn’t work that great on the iPad. The good thing is there are those independent developers who always try to find solid ways to use Facebook on iPad.



First up is Friendly for Facebook by Oecoway, Inc. It’s the first unofficial Facebook app for iPad (I think) which continue to become a hit, receiving positive reviews from its users.

Friendly UI

Features include:

• Swipe through Facebook photos full screen


• Chat with your online friends


• Upload/Download Photos


• Easy switch between multiple Facebook accounts


• Secure your Facebook Account with a PIN Code access


• Customize colors and fonts to your liking

Here comes another challenger which was just updated early this week – the Facepad. Though first claimed to have a stunning and interactive interface, looks like the older version is sluggish and buggy as users claim - even worse that it crashes on iOS 3.2 during start up. Nevertheless, some of those issues have been addressed in the new version which also supports iOS 4.0 or later.

Facepad UI

Features of Facepad include:

• Swipe-based navigation


• Dedicated photo browser


• External link/embedded video player


• Quick Links (Profile, Live/News Feed, Friends, etc)

Though these two are not the best Facebook apps for iPad, still you can give it a try. Of course do let us know what you think about it. Don’t ‘ya? Or if you think I missed your favorite unofficial Facebook app for iPad, hit me in the comment section. Surely, I’ll look at it!



To receive latest technology updates, you can subscribe either by E-mail or by RSS Feeds. Follow me also on Twitter.