During the most recent American Academy Awards, the very first advertisement of the Apple iPad tablet went on air to promote Apple’s new device.

Highlighted in the video was the gadget’s ability to be used as a web browser and as an eBook reader. Also shown are functions for using the device as a media player for both images and videos. The iWork station was also shown briefly while gaming capabilities were not shown off at all. Apple has yet to comment as to whether this can serve as a gauge of their estimated functionality and market purpose of the device for either the US or all over the world (we will find out if they air the same ad in the UK).

The tablet is expected to come out by April 3 in the US. At that time, only the 3G version of the iPad will be available. The UK release is scheduled by late April and both the 3G and non-3G versions are expected by then. It has been recently reported that Apple is in talks with various UK based mobile network operators and retailers so expect to see the device on more than just Vodafone’s offerings.

A recent announcement from Steve Jobs has revealed that the iPad will not be compatible with tethering to the iPhone for 3G connectivity, so those planning to get the non-3G versions might want to reconsider dishing out the extra money for the 3G type.

The device comes with a 9.7 inch touch screen display with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels and it runs on an A4 processor clocked at 1GHz. The device lacks multi tasking capabilities and Flash support (mostly because Steve jobs hates Adobe).

Get to know more about the Apple iPad advertisement (and watch it) at the Telegraph UK.

Looks like we will be getting the iPad tablet a little later than the US as Apple has announced that they will be releasing the new gizmo in the UK by late April.

While Apple has not gone into detail regarding the nature of the delay, many believe that this is due to the recently reported manufacturing problems in China. So far, no details have been given as to what the exact problems are, but reports are certain that the manufacturers having productions delays are the ones working with Apple on the iPad.

Regardless of the reason, Apple better have some proper marketing and a good deal ready when the start stocking store shelves with the expensive tablet device. Not only are we getting it at a much later date, but it has also been confirmed that the UK prices will be significantly more expensive than the US prices.

The iPad will have more than just cost going against it, the fact that not many people are familiar with the tablet means that the demand for the iPad is generally low. People are aware of the look of the device and what its’ name is. But regarding the capabilities and what the device is actually for, most people do not have a clue.

Apple has not done a great job in terms of fixing the confusion. The constant descriptions being given that place it “between a net book and an iPod touch” have left many people wondering what the device is really for and with no reason to be interested if they already own a computer and a smart phone.

Despite the great potential in the device (1GHz processor, 9.7 inch touch screen display, etc), Apple still needs to market it well and increase public awareness if the tablet is ever to succeed.

Read more about the delayed launch of the iPad at Times Online UK.

It looks like Ubisoft’s period piece assassination game will be getting its multiplayer hold on your Apple iPhone soon.

Okay, well, if that took you by surprise, take a quick step back and breathe, you will not have to actually kill anyone. Assassin’s Creed is a video game series by Ubisoft, the same company responsible for such hits as Tomb Raider and Batman: Arkham Asylum. While the iPhone version of the Assassin’s Creed console games are slightly on the inferior side, these are still pretty enjoyable ways to spend your time –if you’re willing to plunk down a few Pounds for the title.

Anyway, the game will let you play online against three other players are you move up a ranking system. The gameplay is pretty simple –run, hide, and kill. With your lead character, Ezio, you can stalk your opponents and rush in when they leave an opening, all the while avoiding other players who intend to do the same to you. The online feature is free for the first two days.

This Ubisoft title joins the ranks of many other impressive iPhone games made by major third party game developers. Capcom was one of the first to port over a major hit with Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. No word yet if later sequels (Justice for All, Apollo Justice, Trials and Tribulations and Miles Edgeworth will be ported as well). Street Fighter IV is also headed to the iPhone as well.

Konami also has several impressive titles for the iPhone including a Silent Hill spinoff game and an iPhone mini game version called Metal Gear Solid Touch (by Kojima Productions). Bandai Namco is pressing the limits of the iPhone’s graphics capabilities with the flight simulator, Ace Combat Xi: Skies of Incursion.

Get to know more about the new Assassin’s Creed game for the iPhone at Know Your Mobile.

When thousands of iPhone apps get booted off the app store in a matter of hours and the only thing developers get is an email notification, we can expect some serious repercussions in the mobile phone industry.

There is no doubt that Apple wishes to trim down the hedge before jumping into the iPad era. The last thing the company wants is for the iPad to be able to access over 5000 applications with scantily clad women. Well, or so Schiller would want us to believe.

As the global marketing head of Apple, it is not surprising that Phil has taken the bull by the horns in this issue. The man certainly does not want any ill will towards Apple.

Considering what has happened, Phil acted a little too late. While Apple does have the final say on the removal of applications, the move to suddenly remove the source of income for many developers comes as a very harsh and cruel thing to do. Many of these developers are amateur developers slaving over codes day and night.

Even the “protecting children and women” defense feels a little off. Children would never have access to the Apple app store unless they are explicitly allowed by their parents. This is because access to the online store requires the use of a credit card, which no minor can have.

The “women” defense is even sketchier. Apple has chosen not to remove Sports Illustrated and Playboy applications. Phil cites that the fact that these are published materials seems to foster an excuse that it is okay –though it is actually printed material such as these that often incite women’s rights rallies, not iPhone Apps with sexy women.

For those who want to read more about Phil Schiller and the big Apple excuse over the app purge; go to the Telegraph UK.

The Apple iPad has already been unveiled and despite Steve Jobs already laying out most of the device’s specifications, there are now new rumors regarding this much talked about device.

The biggest news of all is the presence of the iSight on the iPad which Steve Jobs was holding. Zooming in on the presentation images, fans of the Apple product have spotted what just might be the Apple iSight camera on the top of the device. While it is not officially listed in the specs of the tablet device, it could very well be present. Considering the fact that the iPad is able to handle many web related functions, it makes perfect sense that the iSight would be built into the device.

Furthermore, images of the internal frame of the iPad clearly show a provision for a camera. The only thing that hampers us from declaring the iSight a definite is the fact that the provision could also be for the ambient light sensor on the device.

On the other hand, there have also been talks that the next iPad is also in production. It would not be surprising to know that Apple is already working on the next device and that it will be more powerful and closer to the Mac in terms of specs. Looking at the iPad, one cannot help but see the device as an oversized iPod Touch in terms of specifications.

A new, larger iPad would certainly attract the more hardcore tech fans while the first iPad is geared towards the general public. The real question is not whether Apple is working on a new tablet, but simply a matter of when the next device will be ready for launch.

For more details about the iSight, the iPad and the iPad 2, go to Pocket Lint.

If you did not catch the punch line, you must have missed the amazing show during the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. For the most part, it’s a great annual event that highlights the best musical talents of today’s music industry. For tech fans, guest announcer Stephen Colbert (host of Comet Central’s Colbert Report) brought a little something extra.

When it was the host-comic’s turn to announce the nominees, he playfully “loses” his list and pops open his coat to pull out nothing other than the recently unveiled Apple iPad –much to the delight of the audience who received the electronic debutante with cheers and applause. Colbert turns to Jay-Z (in the audience) while holding up the tablet and asks “Am I cooler than you?”

Yes, Stephen, you are.

Aside from making people cooler than Jay-Z, the Apple iPad is also capable of browsing the internet, playing games, reading EBooks and handling long written messages with an onscreen keyboard. For the moment, the device is unable to handle multi tasking capabilities and according to a recent report regarding Steve Jobs’ view on Adobe, the iPad might not support Flash, ever. Steve sincerely believes that the future of the web lies in HTML5.

As the iPad in Stephen Colbert’s hand showcased the auto-rotate function (and in smooth visual movements too), the audience was clearly familiar with the device, a testament to the impact and influence of Apple in our society today. It was onstage for just a few moments, but it was easy to see that everybody seemed to like the device.

Of course, this does not necessarily mean it will become a household staple. With the device’s current limitations and its price, it will be quite some time before having a tablet becomes a common thing for the average person.

Read more about the iPad in the Grammys at the source.

The Apple iPad has already been unveiled and Steve Jobs has done it again, he has brought to us a device that could very well change the way we access information

Well, for people who think that the iPad is just another tablet computer, they could not be more wrong. Tablet computers focus more on computing functions such as desktop publishing and other less common purposes. The iPad is meant for a more general, pick up and use functionality. Much like you would pick up a copy of today’s newspaper to look at the headlines. The short boot time, quick data access and an easily handled physical body makes the iPad an excellent data hub for everyday use.

The device comes with a 9.7 inch touch screen display and in two variants, a non 3G standard version and a 3G version with Wi-Fi. Each type of device comes in 16, 32 and 64GB variants. The 3G version also sports AGPS support.

During the iPad launch, it was revealed that the 64GB 3G version of the device would cost a whooping 829 USD and the 16GB non-3G version would be 499 USD. That’s very expensive for a mobile device. And since the iPad cannot work as a mobile phone (no voice calls), many would be hard pressed to get this device when there is little use of it at the present. So far, no prices for the device’s UK version have been announced but it is estimated that they would reflect the US prices for the tablet.

Also, it has been confirmed that various operators such as O2, Orange, Vodafone and T-Mobile have been in talks with Apple in order to bring the device into UK.

Go straight to Guardian UK and get all the information about the US launch price and other details about the iPad.

Apple just brought out one of two major devices they are slated to launch this year, the iPad tablet.

After many weeks of speculations and rumors, the iPad has finally come to the spotlight. This little device packs a big 9.7 inch touch screen display, a fast 1 GHz processor and a set amount of memory depending on the version of the device (16, 32 and 64 GB variants are available). There will be two main types of iPads, the 3G version and the regular version. Aside from 3G net access, the 3G version will also have GPS support making it the perfect device to use with Google maps.

The launch of this device is a big success for Steve Jobs who has been laboring pretty hard to give birth to this ambitious piece of hardware. It has been confirmed that companies such as EA and McGraw-Hill are supporting the device, meaning that the iPad will be able to target both eBook readers and gamers. While it has yet to be shown exactly what the graphics capabilities of the tablet are, it will certainly be able to handle all of the games that can be run on the iPhone and then some.

The only drawback about the iPad is that it is unable to handle text messages and voice calls. The only thing 3G connectivity gives is internet access.

The other device Apple is scheduled to announce and release for this year is the new iPhone 4G. So far, details on the 4G are still sketchy. It was reported that the device would come with a touch sensitive casing and a new dual core processor. Apple is expected to unveil or at least announce the device this coming April.

For more details on the Apple iPad, head over to Tech Radar.

Despite the fact that so many mobile phones have been nicknamed as the “iPhone killer”, the Apple touch screen device is still pretty strong. It is that great considering the fact that the phone has been available for over two years now. The secret, as many can see, does not lie with specs, but with usability. Of course, we have to commend the fact that the iPhone 3G was developed to be future-proof –until today, the specs of the iPhone are still considered above average.

Anyway, the first week of Vodafone’s iPhone launch just passed and they have already sold 100,000 units. It is amazing how many people want the iPhone despite the fact that rumors of the iPhone 4G are looming in the air. Also, this is not a true launch, just a re-release through a new mobile operator and it still beat the Google phone’s first week of sales handily –the Nexus One sold only 20,000 units in its first week of sales.

One major factor affecting the iPhone’s sales that people are pointing out is the fact that Vodafone has the most powerful 3G network in the UK. Granted that they are also UK’s largest mobile network operator, there is also the fact that no MVNO like 3 Mobile or Virgin is connected to their network. Vodafone also claims that the company has been preparing for the arrival of the iPhone for over a year.

Just recently, Vodafone also started re-releasing the Femtocell Sure Signal Booster for only £50 (less than half the original price). The availability of this 3G signal boosting home apparatus will definitely encourage more people to get the iPhone. The reason why 3G signals are so important to iPhone users is because many of the device’s apps and functions revolve around being able to go online.

For the rest of the news, go to Mobile Today.

If you want a phone that is sleek and classy then what you want is the iPhone 3GS. However if you plan on getting this phone you better have a large bank account and like the saying “money is no object”. The price range of this phone is a whopping 2 million pounds.

This phone is made with 271 grams of 22 carat gold and is encrusted with 68 carats of diamonds. There are 136 individual stones bordering the case of the phone. There is also another 53 stones around the apple logo on the back of the phone.

However these are only special made phones there are in fact regular 3gs that cost far less and still hold all the same inner features. This Specially designed, rather expensive phone was designed by Stuart Hughes who was commissioned to build the phone by an Australian.

Some of the features of the phone itself include, video recording, voice control, and storage that reaches up to 32 gigs. The 3Gs is one of the fastest loading phones on the market to date. With the Video capture you can record edit and share your videos all from your phone. The camera is 3 megapixels and comes with an auto focus feature; you can use the screen and tap on a part of the picture that you want to focus on as well. And of course there are the instant messengers.

So if you want an ultra fast phone with lots of great features then the iPhone 3GS is for you. And if you are looking to really go all out then you definitely want to get the special design as well. However if you plan to take that route you are going to need a very hefty bank loan.