This Week's Sponsor:

Copilot Money

The Apple Editor’s Choice Award App for Tracking Your Money. Start Your Free Trial Today

The “Mystery Port” On The iPad 2? It Wasn’t Thunderbolt, It’s The Microphone

In the weeks that lead to the official iPad 2 announcement today, you might remember some leaked case designs for the new device suggested there was a new “mystery port” at the top of the device. Some speculated it was USB, some said Mini DisplayPort, some even guessed it could be a port for the new Thunderbolt technology Apple launched with the new MacBook Pros last week.

Well it turns out, the case manufacturers were right, the rumors were not. There is indeed an opening in the top part, but it’s for the iPad’s internal microphone that’s been relocated in the middle instead of next to the headphone jack.

So, no Thunderbolt. But that mic sure must be beautiful to look and whisper at. [MacRumors via Engadget]

Apple’s Digital AV Adapter Works With 1st iPad

If you’re looking for HDMI out video on devices other than the iPad 2, you might be happy knowing Apple’s Digital AV Adapter works with your iPhone 4, iPod touch 4th gen, and first iPad if you’re inclined to hold onto it for another year. These devices will only output 720p video, however, but keep in mind that’s still technically HD quality. If you’re looking for video mirroring, it appears to only be supported by the iPad 2. The Digital AV Adapter is available for $39.00 in the Apple Store.

[via Engadget]

New iOS 4.3 Feature: iTunes Home Sharing

At today’s iPad 2 event, Apple said iOS 4.3 will be available next Friday, March 11. A new feature mentioned was iTunes Home Sharing, so let’s dig in.

iTunes currently has Home Sharing between Macs or PCs on the same Wi-Fi network, but now iOS 4.3 is letting you stream all your music, movies and TV shows from your Mac or PC to any iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. After installing iTunes 10.2, tap and enjoy all your media in your iTunes library anywhere in your home. Imagine, you can stream a movie from your Mac to your iPad anywhere your Wi-Fi range can reach. Want to listen to an excellent new podcast, connect and go!

Current iOS 4.3 GM users, the iTunes Home Sharing feature is now in the beta. Others, it will definitely be in the public release on March 11.

UPDATED WITH SCREENSHOTS BELOW: Read more

Apple Releases iTunes 10.2 with iOS 4.3 Support, New Home Sharing

Just as we expected after seeing a brief mention of iTunes 10.2 on Apple’s website, the update is now available for download. You can find it on Apple’s iTunes page or Software Update on your Macs. The new version of iTunes officially introduces support for iOS 4.3 and brings an improved home sharing feature to share libraries with iOS devices running iOS 4.3.

Changelog below:

What’s new in iTunes 10.2

• Sync with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 4.3.

• Improved Home Sharing. Browse and play from your iTunes libraries with Home Sharing on any iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 4.3.

iPad 2 Gets A New Apple Dock

As noted by iLounge, Apple announced a slightly modified version of the iPad dock to fit the new model unveiled today. What’s changed since the first version? Well, the iPad 2 dock seems to have a “small lip at the front” (perhaps to hold it better as it’s so thin?) that makes it a little bit different from the previous one. The usual 30-pin dock connector is included with support for charging and other accessories, as well as a 3.5mm audio line-out port.

It’ll look gorgeous next to a white iPad 2. [via iLounge]

Samsung Galaxy Tab Sales Not So Small→

Samsung Galaxy Tab Sales Not So Small

Hey, remember all the fun last month when Samsung’s Lee Young-hee said that Galaxy Tab sales were “quite smooth” but everyone heard “quite small?”

Before unveiling the iPad 2 today the man in black and denim listed that early misquote – which was widely and officially corrected – as evidence to prove that the iPad’s competition was floundering.

I’ve never seen the Galaxy Tab break any headlines or get a full day’s worth of coverage. Misquote or not, I don’t exactly see Android tablets flying off the shelves either. And now they’ll have to play catch up. Again.

Permalink

iPad 2 Roundup

What a day! Apple has not only exceeded our expectations for an iPad 2, but has introduced a whole slew of new apps that bring iLife to the touchscreen. Are we completely blown away? Shocked? I think all of us are going to have a hard time coming off of this one, at least until we get the iPad 2 (in black or white) in our own hands. If you’re looking for the summary of all things iPad 2, you’ll find it right here.

Read more

iPad 1: Available at $399, For Now

With the iPad 2 about to hit the shelves, what’s going to happen to the original iPad? Well, Apple is apparently getting rid of remaining stock with a discounted price. In the “clearance” section of the Apple Online Store, you can see the 16 GB base model is now available at $100 off the original price. Other models come with a similar discount.

Again, this seems to be a temporary offer until iPad 1 stock runs out. So if you really want one, be quick! [Thanks, Luke]