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iPad 2: Carbon Fiber, NFC Features, 7-inch Model?

A report posted by iLounge details some of the new features and tech specs that may go into the next-generation iPad. First off, the website reports a 7-inch model of the device is still being tested by Apple, in spite of Steve Jobs claiming that 7-inch tablets will be “dead in arrival” because of their form factor, not suitable for portable computing.

Our source notes that a key iPad, iPhone, and iPod component provider has been asked by Apple to develop a part for use in a seven-inch iPad. Our source believes that this part is for a new version of the device that is still in development, and doesn’t know whether it will go into production.

The fact that Apple is still considering the idea of a smaller iPad sounds reasonable, but it’s highly unlikely that we’ll see a 7-inch iPad by the rumored April launch. iLounge goes on to report the iPad 2 may have a new shell in carbon fiber to reduce weight:

While our source urges caution on this point, it’s possible that the company will use a new material similar to carbon fiber rather than aluminum for upcoming iPads.

Some people claim carbon fiber enclosures for the iPad have already been spotted, although it’s unclear whether they came from OEM, or unauthorized third-party manufacturers. Last, the most interesting tidbit is about the iPad 2 and Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities:

In the most basic implementation, an accessory could announce its presence and potential functions to an iPad or iPhone without the need for a Bluetooth or similar connection; our source suggests that an otherwise simple case could include a radio chip so that an inserted iPhone or iPad could go into power-saving hibernation mode automatically. More complex accessories will go far beyond that.

Several reports in the past suggested Apple is willing to implement NFC in future iOS devices.  [via MacRumors]

The iPad, Perfect for Coffee Table Apps

In a new App Store section that went live last night, Apple is featuring a series of apps the company thinks are well-suited for the iPad, specifically when placed on a coffee table. These apps, organized in “The Classic Coffee Table” and “The New Coffee Table” sub-categories, include gems like Flipboard, Trickle, Fotopedia Heritage, Ions and Aweditorium. Apple’s own iBooks software is featured as well, together with the art-related apps Van Gogh HD and The Monet Album.

Coffee Table Apps is an interesting section because it groups applications coming from a variety of categories in the App Store, not strictly related to each other. There are particle visualizers like Uzu, newspapers and magazines like The New York Times and LIFE, educational apps like Elements and Solar System for iPad.

Check out “Coffe Table Apps” in the App Store here.

iPod Touch Turned Into DIY Phone With Original Packaging

Lifehacker has a knack for showcasing crazy DIY projects like this one: an iPod touch turned pPhone (p is for plastic) thanks to Apple’s original packaging. By coordinating a pair headphones to create an earpiece, he uses VoIP to make calls over WiFi, and some creative modding to get his solution to work as third party microphones crapped out or simply didn’t function. We think it’s a great idea: you have a free hardcover case on the cheap, and you’re not paying a contract with AT&T or Verizon. All that’s left is to draw the Apple logo on the back with a sharpie.

Also: I wish I was born with those amazing headphone tying skills.

[Lifehacker via TUAW]

Boxcar Developers Share iOS Mockups With Their Latest Project, Upstage

You could share PSDs with Dropbox, DM screengrabs, or email PDFs containing sketches for your proposed iPhone app, but why not collaboratively share those latest ideas with Upstage, the latest project from the folks who’ve brought you Boxcar? Upstage is another recent project gunning to simplify iOS developer’s needs to share and collaborate ideas frictionlessly online. Providing frames for popular iOS devices, you’re allowed to upload screenshots to create a series of screens that can be shared with clients and coworkers. I didn’t see any markup tools inside the app for quick sketching or circling, and developers will have to keep in mind the various resolutions for their devices if they wish to upload their designs. While the service is in public beta, you can help the Upstage team improve, add features, and iron out bugs by giving the service a trial run.

[Upstage via ReadWriteWeb]

Apple To Open New Stores in Paris, Palo Alto

As noted in two separate reports by ifoAppleStore, Apple is planning to open a fourth retail store in Paris and completely rebuild the existing one in Palo Alto in a new location Apple was granted city building permits last year.

Starting with the new store in Paris, it will be located 30 miles away from the city, in the suburbs at the Carré Sénart shopping complex. Opening is apparently set for this November.

The development is about 30 miles south of Paris, and includes a bowling alley, multi-screen cinema, huge two-level Carrefour department store and 130 other shops. The surrounding area is promoted as the center of commerce and leisure in the region, and plans are afoot to add a large aquarium complex.

The new store in Palo Alto is a long-awaited redesign of the existing one, and will take place in a location that, according to the report, needs to be completely demolished and rebuilt from the ground-up. The design of the new company store will resemble the one seen in the popular Upper West Side (NYC) store with glass roof and stone walls.

The revised proposal for a 16,600 square-foot store at 340 University Avenue will now feature an arched, all-glass roof set on stone walls over the front two-thirds of the store, mimicking the architecture of the Upper West Side (NYC) store, and making the store “a commons for the…community to gather.” The company first submitted plans to city building officials in late 2009, proposing to remove major portions of the building, and then renovate and upgrade other portions. However, after receiving city approval for the project in January 2010, Apple’s engineers discovered structural problems with the building and recommended that it be completely demolished and re-built.

The design is aimed at bringing a new experience free of distracting elements with the focus on products showcased inside the store. Full details available here.

OneLessDrop: Keep Cables From Sliding Off Your Desk

Annoying scenario I experience every single day: my MacBook Pro is on my desk. It’s charging. The iPhone is on the desk as well, charging. Something happens – like my dog, walking under my desk and touching the cables – and boom: the iPhone drops off my desk while still attached to the cable, my MacBook disconnects from the MagSafe. This is very, very annoying. And you know, the iPhone might break, too.

OneLessDrop is an interesting Kickstarter project that’s aimed at keeping your cables in place, avoiding the risk of letting them slide off your desk or coffee table. The widget is made of recycled aluminum (we approve) and has enough room for supporting iOS cables, or the usual MagSafe power cord. It looks very nice (at least from the mockups posted on Kickstarter) and pledges start at $25 with free shipping in the US.

OneLessDrop is a solid block of recycled and recyclable aluminum - made from things like discarded wheels and engine blocks. Once extruded to shape, each OneLessDrop is hand finished (brushing or blasted finish TBD), then anodized for durability. Non-slip pads OneLessDrop ample grip.

Demo video is available on the Kickstarter page, together with more photos and a detailed description from the creator of the OneLessDrop. [via The Brooks Review]

Verizon iPhone Pre-Orders Break Sales Record In 2 Hours

We don’t know how many Verizon iPhones were available for pre-order last night, but Verizon Wireless has just announced that they break any previous sales record in 2 hours. This is a new record in Verizon’s online pre-order history, and the company seems to be pretty pleased with the results:

In just our first two hours, we had already sold more phones than any first day launch in our history.

Press release embedded below. [via Engadget]

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Verizon iPhone Already Shipping to Customers

Pre-orders are sold out since last night, and it appears that Verizon has already begun shipping the iPhone 4 to selected customers. A MacStories reader sent us the screenshot above, the order is being shipped through UPS (Engadget got a similar screenshot with FedEx delivery) but we’re not able to see an estimated delivery just yet. We wouldn’t be surprised, though, to hear that some customers will receive the unit a few days before the official launch.

If you happen to receive a shiny CDMA iPhone ahead of Verizon’s huge “It begins” day, our tips inbox is waiting for you. [Thanks, Henry!]