News & Reviews:   Apple iPad Mini

We fully expected this from our earlier reports but Samsung have dethroned Apple in smartphones sales for Q1 of 2013. According to analysts Samsung sold $26.62 billion worth of smartphones. While Apple have been doing quite well too at $22.95 billion this figure is lower by $7.71 billion compared to the figure reached in Q4 of 2012. Nokia followed up with $3.64 billion while LG got $2.95 billion from their smartphone sales.

Rumours about what Apple is going to do extend even to their upcoming iOS 7 operating system, with many wondering what Apple have up their sleeves this time. With the impending Worldwide Developer Conference this 10 June 2013, we may not have to wait that long, but rumours about iOS 7, the next big version of Apple's mobile operating system are practically buzzing. While quite a few rumours indicate that iOS7 is going for a flatter look, a new bit of information is that the user interface or UI may be going for more black and white elements.

One of the main issues most people had with the Apple iPad Mini was the fact that it didn't have a Retina display. The Retina display was the one feature that made the Apple iPad such a big thing, so why didn't Apple put in one for the iPad mini? The answer is probably because they wanted to release a Retina-enabled iPad Mini later as current rumours seem to indicate. According to these rumours this new Retina screen enabled iPad Mini is set for release sometime in Q3 of 2013.

One of the main issues most people had with the Apple iPad Mini was the fact that it didn't have a Retina display. The Retina display was the one feature that made the Apple iPad such a big thing, so why didn't Apple put in one for the iPad mini? The answer is probably because they wanted to release a Retina-enabled iPad Mini later as current rumours seem to indicate. According to these rumours this new Retina screen enabled iPad Mini is set for release sometime in Q3 of 2013.

Good and affordable tablet models are increasing in numbers and the Archos 80 Xenon is one of them. Recently spotted in Europe, this 8-inch tablet features 3G connectivity and a 226 euro (RM881) price tag. Other tech specs include the following:

• 1.2gHz dual-core processor
• 8-inch screen (1024 x 768 pixel resolution)
• 4GB storage + MicroSD card slot
• 3G + WiFi connectivity
• Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean

Previously Apple was quite reliant on Samsung for a number of components not least of which being their iPad and iPhone screens as well as their processor chips. Since Samsung is now their biggest competitor, both in the smartphone as well as the tablet market, it seems prudent that Apple distance themselves and they have apparently done so. Recently Apple decided to use screens from Innolux Corp for its iPad mini touchscreens. While Samsung was originally the one to sever this contract with Apple, it is a telling sign of things to come.

By now you should have known that Maxis 4G LTE is fully compatible with your Apple iPhone 5 and certain iPad models. To activate your LTE settings just do the following steps:

1. Get your Carrier Update

• Download the latest iOS (6.1.3 or higher). To update to the latest iOS tap Settings > General > Software Update.
• Start the update. Tap Settings > General > About > Update.
• Reboot the device. Make sure the Carrier is Maxis 14.1.

Maxis recently confirmed what many Apple iPhone 5 and some iPad users in Malaysia are now finding out. Those who were on the Maxis 4G LTE plans now have LTE speeds for their devices. Maxis officially confirmed this recently along with an update of their new LTE coverage areas as shown below:

When Samsung's Galaxy S III smartphone first came out, the goal was nothing less than world domination and the result was an awesome final quarter for Samsung in 2012. Based on this and other factors, analyst are now predicting that Samsung will reach a record breaking high of about 70+ million sales for Q1 2013. These analysts have noted that Samsung sold an estimated 25 million phones each month for 2013, which is also one of the factors predicting the 70+ million sales estimate.

iPad Mini Pros:

A whole lot on the new iPad mini, and although the price is a little high (and you should REALLY think about the 32GB option for safety if you're thinking of getting one).

The larger screen might not fit fully in a single palm, but from the smooth back to the Smart Covers designed specifically for the model, we're fans - pure and simple.

The speed of the processor is perfectly acceptable and lag-free for all tasks, the UI is actually better-engineered for this 7.9-inch screen compared to its bigger brother and we're chirpy indeed about the battery prowess through harder use.