Next Hot Apple Products

🚀 What’s the Next Hot Apple Product — and Why It Will Change the World

Apple has a long history of turning cool tech ideas into products that shape entire industries. From the iPhone to the Apple Watch, the company doesn’t just release gadgets — it redefines how we live, work, and interact. But what’s coming next? In 2026 and beyond, Apple’s roadmap is packed with innovations that could be game-changers on a global scale.

Let’s break down the most exciting upcoming Apple products and why they matter.

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🥽 1. Apple Smart Glasses — The Future of Wearable Computing

One of the most anticipated launches isn’t another phone or laptop — it’s Apple’s smart glasses. Rumors suggest Apple is intensifying efforts to bring AI-powered smart glasses to market as early as late 2026. These glasses are expected to compete directly with products like Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses and Android XR eyewear — but with Apple’s signature ecosystem integration and AI features. (The Times of India)

🔥 Why It Matters

• Hands-free computing: Smart glasses could make every device around you an extension of your digital world without ever pulling out a phone.

• AI integration: With Apple’s Siri and soon Apple Intelligence evolving, these glasses could offer real-time contextual info, navigation overlays, and rich spatial experiences.

• Accessibility and health: Wearables like these may help users with visual or motor limitations interact with tech in new ways.

This isn’t just a new wearable — it’s a step toward augmented reality becoming mainstream.

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🧠 2. Next-Gen Apple AI Engines and Chips

Apple is investing heavily in AI technology, both on-device and behind the scenes. The company is working on its own AI server chips to support massive on-device processing and private cloud computing starting in 2026 and beyond. (The Times of India)

🔥 Why It Matters

• Smarter devices: AI optimization could unlock new personal assistant capabilities, predictive workflows, and deeper learning across all Apple products.

• Privacy plus performance: By running powerful AI locally on devices — instead of relying entirely on cloud servers — Apple can improve speed and protect user privacy.

• It could also help millions of developers build more intelligent apps for iPhone, iPad, Macs, and wearables.

In short, Apple isn’t just adding AI features — it’s building the infrastructure to make AI everyday intelligence on every device.

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🖥 3. Vision Pro and VisionOS — Redefining Spatial Computing

Apple’s Vision Pro headset set a new standard for spatial computing, mixing digital content seamlessly with the real world. While the first model is already impressive, Apple continues to innovate within its Vision lineup. Future versions — including lighter, more affordable variants — are expected to expand the user base well beyond early adopters. (MacRumors)

🔥 Why It Matters

• New computing paradigm: Spatial computing changes how we work, communicate, and create, moving digital interfaces out of flat screens and into our physical space.

• Professional and educational impact: From remote collaboration and design workflows to immersive learning experiences, Vision products could reshape industries.

• Future iterations could bring productivity and entertainment into a completely new dimension.

This is more than VR — it’s a new stage of human-computer interaction.

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📱 4. Upgraded iPads, Macs, and OLED Displays — Better Everywhere

Apple isn’t just focusing on wearables and AI; it’s also upgrading its core devices:

• Expect OLED displays to expand across iPad mini, MacBook Pro, and iMac in the coming years — elevating brightness, color accuracy, and energy efficiency. (The Times of India)

• New iPad Air and iPad Pro models may bring next-generation chips and support for Apple Intelligence features absent from earlier models. (Macworld)

🔥 Why It Matters

These upgrades keep Apple’s computing ecosystem faster, more power-efficient, and more capable — especially as apps and workflows increasingly rely on AI and complex graphics.

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📺 5. Apple Smart Home Hub — AI for Your Living Space

Another exciting rumor for 2026 is a dedicated Apple smart home hub. This device would combine a touchscreen tablet, Apple Intelligence-powered Siri, and deep integration with HomeKit. (Apple Scoop)

🔥 Why It Matters

• Centralized smart home control: One device to manage devices, automations, and household AI workflows.

• Personalized experiences: With user recognition and contextual AI responses, this hub could become the “brain” of every smart home.

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🌍 Why These Products Will Change the World

These innovations aren’t incremental. Together, they represent a transition from personal computing to ambient, context-aware, AI-driven ecosystems.

AI Everywhere: Apple’s movement into AI server chips and advanced on-device intelligence means devices will feel smarter, more proactive, and more private.

Spatial Computing in Daily Life: With Vision products and smart glasses, digital content won’t be confined to screens — it will be woven into the fabric of daily life.

Home and Wearables as Tech Anchors: From your living room to what you wear on your face, Apple is building technology that learns, predicts, and enhances every interaction you have with the world around you.

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🏁 Final Thoughts: The Next Apple Revolution

Apple’s next wave of products isn’t just about incremental upgrades — it’s about shaping the future of how we interact with technology. From wearable smart glasses to spatial computing and AI-powered devices, the next hot Apple products are poised to change the world, not just capture headlines.

Stay tuned — the future is closer than you think.

Latest iPhone Pro 17 - The best iPhone Apple has ever made.

Latest iPhone Pro

 

📱 The Ultimate Guide to the Latest iPhone (2026 Edition)

Apple continues to lead the smartphone world with cutting-edge innovation, and 2026 promises even more exciting developments. Whether you’re hunting for the newest features, release dates, performance upgrades, or insider rumors — this guide breaks it all down in a clear, SEO-friendly format.

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📅 What Is the Latest iPhone Right Now?

As of January 2026, the most current officially released iPhone model from Apple is the iPhone 17 series — launched in September 2025. This lineup includes:

• 📱 iPhone 17

• 📱 iPhone 17 Pro

• 📱 iPhone 17 Pro Max

• 📱 iPhone Air (part of the same generation)

These devices come equipped with Apple’s latest technology, powerful processors, and advanced cameras designed for every type of user — from everyday photo shooters to creative professionals. (Wikipedia)

Additionally, Apple is expected to launch a more budget-friendly option, the iPhone 17e, in early 2026 with upgrades like the A19 chip and Dynamic Island. (MacRumors)

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⚙️ Key Features of the iPhone 17 Line

Here’s what makes the latest iPhone series stand out:

✔️ Powerful A19 Chip Performance

The standard iPhone 17 is powered by the A19 chip — delivering improved overall speed, energy efficiency, and smoother performance for apps, games, and multitasking. (Tech Advisor)

✔️ Stunning Display Technology

All iPhone 17 models feature:

• 120Hz LTPO Super Retina XDR displays

• Extremely bright panels for outdoor visibility
  This means smoother scrolling and more responsive touch interaction. (Wikipedia)

✔️ Pro-Level Camera Capabilities

The iPhone 17 lineup includes advanced camera systems (including dual 48MP sensors) that capture crisp, detailed photos and videos — even in challenging lighting conditions. (Wikipedia)

✔️ Cutting-Edge Software

With iOS 26, Apple introduces new features like enhanced visual intelligence, Live Translation, and smarter Siri support (including on-device AI tools). (Apple)

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📈 Rumors & What’s Coming Next — iPhone 18 Series (Fall 2026)

Although the iPhone 17 series is the current flagship, the hype around the iPhone 18 family is already building. Apple is rumored to shake up its launch cycle in 2026 by splitting releases, with the Pro models arriving first:

• iPhone 18 Pro

• iPhone 18 Pro Max

• Potential new iPhone Air 2 and foldable iPhone

Key expected upgrades include:
✅ Under-display Face ID and punch-hole selfie camera
✅ LTPO 120Hz displays across all models
✅ Possibly new A20 Pro chip technology
Rumors also suggest this could be one of the biggest design shifts in years. (Tom's Guide)

Important note: The standard iPhone 18 and the new iPhone 18e may not launch until early 2027, marking a shift in Apple’s release strategy. (MacRumors)

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🛍️ Why Upgrade to the Latest iPhone?

Here are the top reasons people are switching to the newest iPhone models:

📌 Faster performance for apps, gaming, and video
📌 Longer battery life for all-day use
📌 Pro-level photography and video tools
📌 Future-proof software with iOS 26 and beyond
📌 Improved durability and design enhancements

Whether you’re a creative professional or a casual user, Apple’s continuous innovation ensures each new iPhone generation pushes mobile tech forward.

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💡 SEO Tips for iPhone Buyers (2026)

To make the most of your iPhone research:
✅ Always include model names (e.g., iPhone 17, iPhone 18 Pro) in your search queries
✅ Compare specs to previous generations for performance insights
✅ Look for real user reviews after launch to judge camera, battery, and software reliability

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⭐ Conclusion: The Best iPhone in 2026

Right now, the iPhone 17 series holds the title of Apple’s latest smartphone lineup — offering powerful chips, stellar displays, and pro-grade cameras. Meanwhile, next-gen excitement is building around the iPhone 18 series, rumored to bring major design changes and cutting-edge technology later in 2026. (Wikipedia)

Whether you’re looking to upgrade now or curious about future releases, staying informed ensures you get the most value out of your next iPhone purchase.

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS, 38mm) Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band

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Apple Watch Series 3

The Apple Watch 3 (or Apple Watch Series 3 in case you're being specific) has been supplanted a few times over, most as of late by the Apple Watch 6, and Apple Watch SE - the last of which could be a genuine opponent for it, since they're both spending models.

Be that as it may, the Watch 3 remaining parts at a bargain - which is beyond what we can say for the Apple Watch 4 or even the Apple Watch 5 - and it has been limited vigorously now as well.

The Watch 3 is accessible in two structures – one with cell network, and one with just GPS. As the substitution for the Apple Watch 2, this gadget was the banner carrier for wellness and life span, with run and cycle following ready and a water-safe packaging for swimming, in addition to a similar pulse screen on the underside.

And keeping in mind that more current models pack in additional highlights and quicker chipsets, Apple has continued supporting the Apple Watch 3 with programming refreshes, most as of late watchOS 7, which adds rest following, new exercises, and significantly more.

 

It's likewise liable to get significantly less expensive during bargains seasons like the impending Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Truth be told, we're hoping to see a ton of Apple Watch Black Friday bargains this year. Despite the fact that it additionally now has more rivalry, as verified above, so is it still worth your cash?

Update: Apple has begun turning out watchOS 7, and the Apple Watch 3 is among the models that can get it. Additionally, the organization has likewise dispatched the Apple Watch 6 and the Apple Watch SE.

It's important additionally that while Apple has ended the Apple Watch 4 and 5, you can in any case get the Apple Watch 3 direct from the organization, so it's not difficult to get hold of.

Do we need LTE?
-Connects pretty well.
-Additional expense to stream your information from the Watch

The greatest update the Apple Watch 3 brought was its own cell association inside, so it can work freely of your telephone.

Does that mean you can get one without claiming an iPhone? Tragically not… not by far. Actually it implies that you can get calls and some application notices when your telephone is at home, yet in any case it's absolutely subject to your handset.

As far as warnings, if the application you need to utilize hasn't been moved up to work in 'independent mode' (as in, needn't bother with a telephone association with work) at that point you will not get updates and notices regardless of whether the LTE association is empowered.

The capacity to interface with a cell network is fine, however doesn't feel like the most essential element to add in - albeit a few group have just detailed it's saved their life. 

The call quality from a particularly little gadget is actually rather great – we directed a telephone talk with somebody while running, and both the voice quality out of the speaker and the affectability of the receiver were brilliant.

It implied we could run essentially typically and still hold a discussion without holding the Watch 3 to our head. Truth be told, it was so noisy you'll have to move rapidly to stop individuals tuning in.

It's less helpful when driving - the surrounding commotion makes it harder to hear what's being said - however it'll do when there's no other option and save you from illicitly snatching your telephone. We would address whether you truly need the usefulness – not least since you need to pay extra for it.

It's especially bothering that you need to spend between $5-$10 every month to have your information - that you're now paying for - siphoned to your gadget.

On the off chance that adding information to the Watch was free and just normally reached out to the wrist, it would be fine, however the additional expense makes it difficult to suggest the LTE form consequently.

50 million melodies on the wrist

One other redesign is the expansion of music streaming, something that was declared at dispatch of the Apple Watch 3 yet inquisitively wasn't there at dispatch.

This element - on the off chance that you've paid all the cash to have the LTE-empowered variation of the Watch 3 and are paying out additional money every month to have the information - is entirely a decent option.

You're getting two things with the new Apple Music streaming abilities: Apple Music straightforwardly, and Beats Radio. These are both gotten to the most basically through Siri - you can tap through the Watch to arrive, however it's fiddly.

The most straightforward route is to ask Siri in a hurry to play the sort of music you need - regardless of whether that is by classification, a playlist you've just made however not synchronized, or simply a specific melody.

It's not awesome - particularly when outside and strolling or running - however when it works it's a fantasy, a modern situation where you order practically any melody on the planet through a visit with your wrist.

You certainly should be installed in the Apple Music framework for everything to fall into place well - you can't peruse playlists on the wrist, for instance, and simply requesting that Siri 'Play some running music' brings about some odd decisions. Notwithstanding, a running playlist you've just made can be gotten to in a second.

All things considered, we say in a second... dreadfully regularly Siri would have an issue interfacing and would advise us to 'Hang on... I'll tap you when I'm prepared'. And afterward no interface for a long time, compelling a retry.

The entire Apple Music streaming arrangement is splendid when it works, when you request some music you'll appreciate and it plays something you appreciate.

It's excessively glitchy now and again to completely feel like you're continually associated with such countless melodies - and you'll by and large have your telephone with you, which is a far superior approach to get to tunes, yet it's a pleasant component and one that will just improve.

Regardless of the Apple Music streaming capacities, we actually can't actually see a valid justification to suggest the LTE variation of the Apple Watch 3, as the thought of not requiring your telephone to go running was dealt with by adding GPS to the watch with the second-age model.

Do we need some other time when we're constantly associated? Isn't an exercise a chance to turn off? Furthermore, would you say you are willing the follow through on the much-bigger cost premium to have the ability to tune in to music or use applications from the telephone?

In light of that you should possibly consider the Apple Watch 3 LTE variation in case you're stressed over not being contactable when out working out, or mysteriously leave your telephone in spots.
 

Design and screen

Practically indistinguishable design to past models
Screen is as yet distinctive and splendid
More modest showcase than the Apple Watch 4

The plan of the Apple Watch has gotten pretty notable, in the way that individuals simply realize you're wearing the iTimepiece. At the point when you see a footballer wearing a Fitbit you'll need to companion to see which model it is, yet with the Apple Watch it's moment acknowledgment.

In contrast to the iPhone, we don't see the need to overhaul the plan that much with a watch, and Apple's done quite well to keep the frame practically indistinguishable given that it's presently pressing in another chipset and cell availability in the two sizes of gadget (38mm and 42mm).

It's done as such by incorporating the recieving wire into the screen, which is a creative method of saving space... albeit the Watch couldn't have remained to be made any chunkier, such is its square, bended plan.

There has been a slight update in the assembling interaction however, as tapping the Digital Crown or the force button feels firmer than on the Apple Watch 2.

This is unpretentious, however it's something we've seen each time we've utilized the Watch 3. Aside from that, the lone key contrast is on the Digital Crown, which currently sports a red dab to connote it's the new model.

The screen is still as clear and brilliant as anyone might think possible 

It's not all that much, however we got an inquiry regarding it when wearing the Watch, showing that individuals are intrigued when another Watch shows up.

It's exquisite and light, and keeping in mind that some have longed for a round showcase, the 1.65-inch show (on the 42mm form) is positively the ideal size and shape for showing more information – and as referenced, Apple has animal constrained acknowledgment of its watch plan into the market.

The actual screen, which utilizes OLED innovation, has consistently been perhaps the most appealing available. It's unmistakable, distinctive and splendid, and we never objected to not having the option to see it when making the rounds.

All things considered, that is not completely evident – the screen turns itself off to protect battery when required, and that implies you need to flick your wrist to see the presentation.

While this is a long way from ideal, Apple has tuned the calculation so much that even a little flick will start up the showcase – and keeping in mind that this isn't generally as exact when running, for instance, it's a great deal, part better compared to we saw with the main adaptation of the Apple Watch.

So, what is our conclusion? The two adaptations of the Apple Watch 3 dazzle - yet the less expensive, non-4G variant of the wearable conveys great incentive for cash and top wellness abilities from the wrist.

iPad mini vs. Nexus 7: The debate

iPad Mini vs. Nexus 7

The iPad mini and the Google Nexus 7 aren’t the only 7-inch tablets on the market, but right now they’re the two that matter most: More buyers will be looking at those two models this holiday season than at any others, by a fair margin.

It’s hard—perhaps impossible—to compare them objectively; you can’t just compare the specs. You have to use them to truly appreciate their differences. That's why we asked Cool-Technology senior editor Chris Baron and Michael Patterson to have a little debate over the relative merits of Apple’s and Google’s little tablets. Both editors have used both of the tablets, and both experts have definite opinions about what’s good and not so good about them. Here’s how their conversation went.

The screen

Chris Baron: Reading is one of the primary reasons I use a tablet this size, and to me the iPad mini’s wider display area—4.75 inches versus the Nexus 7’s 3.75 inches—makes it a more pleasurable device for that. In both portrait and landscape orientations, pages feel more natural and readable. The Nexus 7’s display seems too narrow, as if I’m reading a tall and skinny page. For reading in landscape mode, pages feel too wide and squashed from top to bottom.

Michael Patterson: I appreciate the extra width of a larger screen too, but only for some specific uses—games with navigation controls overlaid on top of the action, for example. I actually don’t find it better for reading: It feels as if the page is too wide for books at an average font size. However, for large print, the iPad mini’s extra screen space comes in handy.
 
CB: Although I like the size of the iPad mini’s display, I have a hard time acclimating to its resolution, most likely because of my experience with the Retina display on the third-generation iPad. Pixels are evident in all text-based apps—small text in Web browsers is particularly annoying. My eyes get weary reading books on the thing because of the roughness of the text. Pixel-doubled apps look just awful. However, apps written for Retina displays and larger iPads—particularly games—can look pretty good. Photos and videos look quite nice on it, too. And here again, the wider screen makes that media feel less confined.

MP: In today’s market, I’d expect to find a relatively low-res screen like the iPad mini’s on a tablet that’s priced a lot lower—not on a major product from Apple. The market has evolved, and high pixel density—which Apple itself pioneered with the third-generation iPad—is now the norm. After using a display with higher pixel density on my phone for more than two years, I’m not willing to go backward and see all of those pixels on a tablet. The reason is simple: I spend a lot of time looking at my tablet’s display.
 
So there’s no getting around the fact that the iPad mini’s 163-pixels-per-inch resolution is not only paltry, it’s not even close to being competitive. The Nexus 7’s screen is 216 ppi; that’s not even the highest in this size class, but it is far superior to the iPad mini’s display.

Dimensions and weight

CB: The Nexus 7 is easier to hold than the iPad mini if you like to wrap your hand around your device. That’s because, again, it’s narrower than the iPad mini. If, however, you tend to hold the tablet by its edge, the iPad mini is (I find) a more comfortable device to hold, because it’s lighter. If I switch between the two, the Nexus 7 feels heavier—and, at 0.75 pound compared to the mini’s 0.68 pound, it is heavier.

MP: No question that the Nexus 7 is heavier; lighter tablets such as the iPad mini (and Barnes & Noble’s Nook HD) are friendlier to hold one-handed for long reading sessions. That said, I think the Nexus 7’s weight is still acceptable for such sessions.

Storage

CB: If you’re looking for the greatest possible capacity, the iPad mini has it at 64GB of storage; the Nexus 7 tops out at 32GB.

MP: The bigger question is whether you’ll want to spend $529 on an iPad mini to get that much storage.
 
It’s true that the Nexus 7 tops out at 32GB. And unlike most other Android tablets, the Nexus 7 has no MicroSD expansion slot, so you can’t add storage. But I will say that—like all Android tablets— the Nexus makes managing that storage space easy: Because your computer sees it as a mass storage device, you can just drag and drop content over to the tablet. (If you’re using a Mac, you’ll need to download the Android File Transfer application to access the Nexus’s storage, which doesn’t appear on the Mac’s desktop.) The iPad mini still relies primarily on iTunes to transfer content locally, as opposed to accessing it through the cloud, so I find the Nexus 7 easier to use.

Cameras

CB: The front-facing cameras on the two tablets are both 1.2 megapixels. The rear-facing camera on the Nexus 7 is…well, missing.

MP: Yup, the rear-facing camera is missing. And that is an annoying omission, although at the moment most 7-inch tablet competitors (Amazon, Barnes & Noble) lack that feature, too. The reality is that it should be present—for use with bar-code scanning, if nothing else.

Input

CB: I’m not sure either of these devices is something you’d want to type a novel on. The iPad mini gives you a bit more room. And I make more mistakes on the Nexus keyboard, although that could be because I’m more accustomed to the iPad’s keyboard. Both tablets support Bluetooth keyboards, so you can ditch the on-screen one altogether.

MP: For me, the Nexus 7 and Android get the nod here; I find the keyboard better designed and organized than the one on iOS. I agree that you’re not necessarily going to type a lot on a small tablet, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want the most functional keyboard you can get. And if you’d prefer another layout or keyboard design, there’s an app for that: You can buy a replacement keyboard, such as SwiftKey, for just a few bucks in the Google Play store.

Controls and ports

CB: I often pick up the Nexus and can’t tell which way is up. Partly that’s because feeling for the on/off and volume buttons is difficult. The lack of a Home button on the bottom throws me. A Home button makes sense, but the Back button’s behavior seems inconsistent. I expect a Back button to be restricted to the app I’m currently working with; in this case, I tap Back and suddenly find myself in an app I was using a couple of hours ago.

MP: The Nexus 7 may lack a Home button, but it does have a Micro-USB port at the bottom, so I think it’s pretty clear which side is up. I’ve never had an issue with the power and volume buttons’ locations: They are clearly located along the upper-right edge, and have a solid, distinctive design (unlike the flat, annoying buttons on the Amazon Kindle Fire HD).
 
CB: Hmmmm...I think that’s a stretch. That tiny port isn’t obvious to the touch, at least not as clearly obvious as an iOS device’s Home button. On the other hand, I think the universal nature of the Nexus 7’s USB port is a good thing. It means that you don’t have to purchase expensive connectors and cables if the one included in the box won’t do. However, Apple’s new Lightning connector is more flexible. With the Nexus 7 you can’t do wired video-out (with or without an adapter), for example, and there’s no HDMI-out, either.

MP: I echo that. Micro-USB is heaven-sent. Having Micro-USB means that you don’t have to give up universality—just grab a cable and go. I’m surprised that the iPad mini has no native HDMI-out; even the inexpensive Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 has that (though you can add HDMI-output capability to an iPad mini with Apple's $49 adapter).

The software environment

CB: Here’s where the iPad totally rules the roost. Google is trying with Google Play, but a lot of Android apps I’ve looked at are pretty subpar. I’ve yet to find an Android Twitter client that gets anywhere near Tweetbot. The built-in ebook reader is okay, but you can’t sideload ePub files from your Mac and read them on the Nexus; you have to download those files from within the app. I found the ePub-compatible ebook readers for Android that I’ve tried (Moon Reader and Aldiko) to be clumsy.

Apple’s head start in the app arena continues to show. Additionally, some of Apple’s apps—GarageBand and iPhoto in particular—are remarkable. (The iWork apps are pretty good, too.) Google has done really well with information-specific apps that use Google’s services, but in terms of “creation” versus “consumption,” the iPad wins.

The Nexus’s interface seems goofy to me. For example, I’m working on what I believe should be my home screen. I shut down the device and restart it. Now I’m on a different home screen, one that’s cluttered with huge images. When I swipe to the left, Google is pushing recommendations at me. Leave me alone. Let me see a predictable home screen.

And moving files around seems clumsier than with iOS. Apple was on to something when it hid the file system from users. File management is clumsy enough with a mouse, but nested folders on a touch device seems like a step backward. Mostly it doesn’t seem to be through-composed—that there’s no single thought about how users will interact with the thing but rather gimmicks piled on top of a hierarchical file structure. Again, it may be because I’m used to the iTunes/iOS device ecosystem, but the Nexus and Android don’t seem to be as thoroughly cemented.

MP: It’s true to say that Apple’s tablet ecosystem has a wider app selection—and in many cases, better apps, though both sides have a fair amount of garbage in their respective app stores. The trick is finding apps on Android that aren’t just blown up from the phone to the tablet. Find those, however, and you’ll discover many apps that provide a high-quality, satisfying experience.
 
Google’s own moviemaking app is a work in progress, but it’s a step in the right direction. And in my experience Google’s own Gallery app—with built-in editing, the ability to move files around, and a view of your image’s metadata—is infinitely better and more functional than the Photos app in iOS. Google at least has a straightforward file system, something Apple lacks, and that makes using and manipulating files far easier.

Pricing and value

CB: At $249 for the 32GB Wi-Fi model and $299 for the same model with cellular connectivity (compared with the iPad mini, at $429 and $559 respectively for the 32GB models), the Nexus 7 wins on price. But you make some sacrifices: no rear-facing camera, no LTE, no video-out, a smaller display than on the iPad mini.

MP: I agree, I think the Nexus 7 is the far better value. The difference is still quite clearly in favor of the Nexus 7 when you consider the 16GB models: $199 for the Nexus 7, versus $329 for the iPad mini.

The bottom line

CB: I have both a Nexus 7 and an iPad mini. I pick up the Nexus more often than the mini when I want to read, despite the more confining screen, because I find its display easier on my eyes. For everything else, it’s the iPad mini, largely because it just makes sense, from hardware to software. If the mini had a Retina display, the Nexus would be relegated to the sock drawer.

MP: I find it impossible to recommend the iPad mini, except for two sets of shoppers: people who want an iPad because of the brand’s cachet or those who want one because they’re already committed to the Apple ecosystem, and in both cases want the least-expensive model they can buy.
Otherwise, to me the Nexus 7 is superior to the iPad mini. Its display is better, I can find most of the apps I want or need on Android, and I prefer the open flexibility of the Android ecosystem.

 

iPhone FaceTime over cellular for AT&T now available for some, even without LTE?

iPhone FaceTime

AT&T's decision to let only its customers on shared and new data plans pick up FaceTime over cellular may have riled some, but at least it's been able to roll-out the functionality earlier than the two-month window suggested in early November. MacRumors' forums are abuzz with word that their iOS devices (mostly on the East Coast) are now able to make FaceTime calls without WiFi. Perhaps more importantly, according to these early reports, you might not have to wield an LTE iDevice to use it, with several non-4G devices running iOS 6 able to stream faces elsewhere. If you're still getting the pop-up of misery (seen above), forum users suggesting switching your phone off and on again.

Smart bombs

Smart Bombs for Smart Phones

Vital utilities for work, rest and play - available on the AppStore.

1. KORG iKaossilator (£13.99)
Ever scoffed at Kraftwerk? KORG iKaossilator lets you put your money where your mouth is. Tap the screen to squeeze
loops through filters and effects, mixing over 150 built-in sounds.
Click here to download this app for iPad.
Click here to download this app for iPhone.

2. Cardiio (£2.99)
Your pulse is a key fitness indicator, but can be hard to measure. Cue Cardiio, the new sports tool that monitors your heartbeat by detecting the changing colours of the light reflected off your face via the phone's front camera.
Click here to download this app for iPhone.

3. Fluid Football (Free)
Run your own team, determining big-picture strategy and in-match manoeuvres, with this next-gen football game. Just try to avoid losing six months of your life to it, like you did with Championship Manager all those years ago...
Click here to download this app for iPad.
Click here to download this app for iPhone.

4. Divided Bill Splitter (£0.69)
Indulging in "bistronomics" is an unfitting end to an evening out. This app calculates exactly how much everyone owes, taking into account individual orders, so you'll never suffer the embarrassment of underpaying again.
Click here to download this app for iPhone.

5. Unlike City Guide (Free)
Travel guides are not only a drag to schlep around but they're also quickly out of date. Unlike City Guide recommends premium locations directly on your handset, and allows you to share your own tips across the globe.
Click here to download this app for iPhone.

Colorware blasts your retinas with custom iPhone 5 colours

Colorware for iPhone 5

Colorware continues its tradition of beautifying (or uglifiying) devices by announcing that the iPhone 5 can now receive its special paint job treatment.

For US$1700, you can use your own black or white 64GB iPhone 5 as a blank canvas, with options to change the colour of the home button, SIM tray, rear backplate and the top and bottom rear glass segments.

Colorware for iPhone 5

We've whipped up two versions, a hideous sense-destroying mess which needs to be set on fire, and a sleek and simple red and white Stuff-inspired affair. We'll let you guess which is which...

Checkmark, the location-based reminder app for iPhone is now available

CheckMark App for iPhone

There is a new reminder app for the iPhone called Checkmark. We were pretty excited about this app back then since it promised to offer the ability to create location-based reminders. Well, Checkmark for iPhone has just been released and is now available from the App Store for just $0.99. And like we told you before, the app will let you create two types of reminders. You’ll see this by way of a navigation scheme for the app. So when you fire up Checkmark, you’ll have two main screens – Where and When. Obviously, Where is for location based reminders which if you select will display another screen with 3×3 grid of icons representing your most visited places. These icons can be re-organized to suit your likings. One nice feature of the app is the fact that reminders are triggered whenever you have reached a location or have departed from one. You can even trigger the reminder for a specific time before or after you’ve arrived at a location. It all works automatically. That all being said, I’m yet to discover what other features and functionality the app offers. Maybe in a couple of days I’d soon find out as I put the app on a daily usage. Have you downloaded the app? Tell us how you find it so far because the app has been generating some accolades from those who’ve used it.

New MacBook Pro, Air prices get slash treatment at Best Buy

Best Buy didn't waste any time cutting prices on new MacBooks. The least expensive Air now starts at $949.99.

MacBook Pro with Retina display

MacBook Pro with 15.4-inch Retina display.

(Credit: Apple)

 

Best Buy was quick to discount the newest MacBooks, offering savings up to $140 over the weekend.
The biggest discount is on the $2,799.99 Retina Pro with 8GB of memory and a 512MB solid-state drive (Model: MC976LL/A). That is off $140 to $2,659.99.

The least expensive Retina Pro dropped to $2,089.99 (Model: MC975LL/A), shaving $110 off the regular price (see image below).

New MacBook Airs got cut too. The $999.99 Air (Model: MD223LL/A) fell to $949.99, off $50.
The latest MacBooks feature Intel's new "Ivy Bridge" third-generation i series processors with upgraded HD 4000 graphics silicon and USB 3.0 ports, among other new features.

The newest additions to the MacBook Pro family also get a 2880-by-1800 pixel density Retina display and an Nvidia GeForce GT 650M graphics chip, among other features.

Models with discounts listed as of Sunday evening PT are only available for in-store pickup. And note that Best Buy prices change frequently so these discounts could vanish at any time.

iOS Display Recorder makes it onto App Store

iOS Display Recorder

This app is clearly a case of get it while you can, if you want it. Apple has allowed an app onto the App Store called iOS Display Recorder. Previously, an app with this name wasn’t allowed on the App Store and is only available on the Cydia store for jail broken iPhones. The point of the app is to allow the user to record whatever is on their display, such a screenshots or video, and upload to YouTube or other places.

Since the app is specifically called iOS Display Recorder, the same exact name as the app on the Cydia store, it was assumed to be from the same developer. However, the developer of that jailbroken app Brian Petrich has since tweeted that he filed a complaint with iTunes because he didn’t develop the app, and it is using the same marketing as his app.

It’s interesting that iOS Display Recorder made it to the App Store at all. Apple typically denies such apps because they mimic functionality baked into iOS. My money says someone was asleep at the wheel when approving apps, and this one will be short-lived on the App Store.

New Apple TV with A5 CPU Reference Spotted

A new product code got spotted in iOS 5 pointing to a new Apple TV.

Apple TV

The Apple TV is almost a full iOS device. Apple has it locked down and you cannot install apps. The storage on the Apple TV is very limited and Apple just has the box optimized for iTunes media access and playback. This might change soon. 9to5Mac spotted AppleTV3,1 reference in the iOS 5 file system. This is a new product code and points to a new Apple TV. With Microsoft just having expanded the Xbox into a TV Cable box and Google gearing up for their second attempt at the Google TV, Apple needs to up the ante.
The new Apple TV box could feature the current top Apple CPU found in the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S and more storage. This would allow it output full HD (1080p) content and maybe Apple allows apps and expands the functionality beyond media - making the Apple TV a full contender with the Smart TV platforms of Samsung and LG.

The Apple TV currently sells for $97.99 on Amazon.