Weekly Tech Roundup- A Tablet Story

iPad Mini Launch

This week’s technology roundup is going to be full of tablet happenings around the world. Perhaps this is a strong signal of what is really happening in the technology, or more specifically, the computing technology domain – the focus is definitely in tablets at this moment.

Love it or hate it – you cannot ignore it – yes, I am talking about Apple. After the high profile and much anticipated launch of its iPhone 5, and later the fiasco over the Apple Maps, the company was in news again. This time, the news was about iPad – another of Apple’s celebrated innovations. More than the iteration of the original device, this time the focus was on iPad Mini – a smaller careen version of the iPad. Surprisingly, Steve Jobs had once ridiculed smaller tablets in very uncharitable words – saying that people would need to sandpaper their fingers so that they can use the screen (smaller screen, that is). Yet – here we are – and Apple has a smaller, 7.9 inch screen.

The most probable and credible reason for a iPad Mini is competition – Apple could no longer ignore the tremendous success and user approval of other tablets with smaller screen. If there was any doubt about this, it was further clarified by Phil Schiller and Tim Cook, who repeatedly berated “other smaller tablets” for trying to copy the success of iPad. Why, the, would Apple need to launch a smaller tablet – is a question that would be quite interesting to ask?

For Apple lovers in India, this week bought some happy tidings – Apple finally announced its intent for iPhone 5 India launch – and the date has been announced – as November 2. For those who have spent considerable sums of money – reportedly up to Rs 1.25 lakhs – the announced process will produce quite heartburn – from Rs 45,500 to Rs 59,500 – depending on models.

Pantel 3D Tablet

Another of the notable tablet launches this week was for Surface – by Windows – a tablet that will sport another product that was launched the same day – Windows 8. The tech world was hugely abuzz with the anticipation for launch of Surface – and we will see a lot of first hand experience notes and reviews – which I will share with you.

Staying on the tablet front, the Indian market saw two notable launches – and both are firsts in introducing new technologies. First, the launch of Penta T Pad WS702C tablet – supported by BSNL – and sporting 2G connectivity with 3G compatibility. The unique thing about this tablet is that it is a 3D Tablet – the screen can support 3D pictures and videos. The other tablet launch was for Slide 3G 7334 by iBall – the first Dual Sim tablet in India.

LG 4K 3D TV

 Another important piece of tech news related to India – LG has finally announced the launch of its huge 84 inch Ultra Definition 4K TV – which is actually a 3D TV. The exact launch date has not been announced, though the expected MRP of the gargantuan 3D TV has been set at Rs 17 lakhs.