Digital Tech News - Digital Technology & Consumer Electronics

Akai MPC Fly for iPad 2 Music Production Controller

Akai has come up with a cool way to use your Apple iPad 2 as an MPC music production controller with this new Akai MPC Fly for iPad 2. The unit comprises a 16-pad controller that comes in a laptop-like protective case, which also holds the iPad 2 tablet. An Akai app for the iPad 2 provides the software for sequencing up to four tracks simultaneously. The Akai MPC Fly set-up provides you with real MPC pads, MPC Note Repeat and MPC Swing functions so you can produce tracks anywhere.

Apple iBooks 2 for iPad introduced

Apple is about to lighten the load for students after announcing iBooks 2 for iPad today.  The company will be launching new digital iBooks textbooks from education services companies like Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill and Pearson that are said to be dynamic, engaging and interactive.  Most iBooks textbooks will cost $14.99 or less, and you know that many students will be enthusiastic about the interactive learning possibilities offered by iBooks 2.  In addition, Apple announced the new iBooks Author authoring tool is available today for free, allowing anyone with a Mac to create iBooks textbooks.

Apple launches new iTunes U app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch

An all-new iTunes U app was released by Apple today, providing educators and students with even more teaching and learning tools for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices.

Apple announces Black Friday Holiday Gift Guide Sale

Apple is having a special one-day holiday gift sale this coming Black Friday, November 25th, with deals and discounts available at Apple Retail Stores or Apple online. Apple is offering free shipping for orders over $50, including accessories for iPad, iPod, iPhone, and Mac from Apple's Holiday Gift Guide. You can also buy online and pick up your product at an Apple store.

Disney Appmates Toys bring iPad tablet screens to life

This might catch on with kids, and could be a hot product this Holiday. They are called Disney AppMATes  Mobile Application Toys, which were made to be used with an Apple iPad tablet. As you can see in the photo above, kids can use the tablet screen as a virtual play mat and glide a miniature Disney Pixar Cars 2 vehicle with sensors that interact with the game app. You'll have to download the FREE Cars 2 App mates app, or other compatible app from the iTunes app store first.

Created in collaboration with Spin Master, Disney Appmates toys are available now at Apple Stores, Apple Store online, Disney Store and DisneyStore.com.  Vehicle two-packs cost $19.99 and feature four characters including Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater, Finn McMissile, and Holley Shiftwell. Two additional characters – Francesco Bernoulli and Shu Todoroki are set to launch in November and will be on sale exclusively through Apple Store and Apple Store online.

iPad 2 Case with Built-In Keyboard from Logitech

Made specifically for the iPad 2, the new Logitech Keyboard Case provides protection for the tablet with its rugged ZAGGmate case design made of precision-cut aircraft-grade aluminum and military-grade, high-density padding. On top of that the case features a wireless keyboard which connects to the iPad 2 via Bluetooth. The keyboard charges over USB, no batteries required.

The Logitech Keyboard Case is available now priced at $99.99.

Apple iPad 2 on sale in stores today at 5PM, available online now

Apple's new iPad 2 tablet will be released today in the U.S., set to go on sale at 5 p.m at Apple retail stores or at AT&T, Best Buy, Target, Verizon Wireless, Walmart and select Apple Authorized Resellers as well. For those who do not want to wait on long lines (if any in your area) you can also buy a black or white iPad 2 online right now in the US.  Apple promises fast and free delivery, but you can probably expect your iPad 2 to arrive at your door in about 3-4 weeks, as orders are already backed up.

The iPad 2 is described as the next generation of Apple's "magical device" for browsing the web, reading and sending email, enjoying photos, watching videos, listening to music, playing games, reading ebooks and more. The slim tablet has the same 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen as iPad 1, but it is 33 percent thinner and about 15 percent lighter than the original iPad. Apple’s new dual-core A5 processor powers ipad 2, which also features a basic front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime and Photo Booth, and a rear-facing camera that records 720p HD video.

Watch Apple iPad 2 tablet video tour of features

As we now know, Apple's new iPad 2 tablet is 33 percent thinner and about 15 percent lighter than the original iPad,  faster with an A5 1GHz dual-core processor, and it will come in a choice of black or white colors when it goes on sale on March 11th in the US. 

Take a look as Apple reps describe more of the new features as well as new iMovie and Garageband apps in this iPad 2 video tour.

New iPad 2 Protective Covers and Cases from iLuv

 
iLuv has waisted no time in announcing its new line of custom made protective covers and cases for Apple's new iPad 2 tablet, which will be released on March 11 in the US.  These protective covers are nice enough, but you'll still want to buy Apple's new impressive Smart Cover for iPad 2 which also folds into a stand for typing or watching videos.

Apple to release new iPad 2 Tablet on March 11 in the US

Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the new thinner, lighter and faster iPad 2 tablet today at the company's press event. New features on the iPad 2 include Apple's A5 1GHz dual-core processor, HDMI mirroring, a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime and Photo Booth, and a rear-facing camera that records 720p HD video!  The iPad 2 will be released with iOS 4.3 and new apps including iMovie and GarageBand for iPad will be available for $4.99 each. As with the first version iPad, the new iPad 2 tablet offers a 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen and 10 hours of battery life. Starting at $499 for the Wifi only 16 GB model, the iPad 2 will be available in black or white colors as soon as March 11 in the US and on March 25th in other territories. In the US, iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G will be available running on AT&T’s and Verizon’s 3G networks starting at $629 for the 16GB model.

iPad 2 pricing:

iPad 2 with Wi-Fi

$499 - 16GB model

$599 - 32GB model

$699 - 64GB model

iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G

$629 -16GB model

$729 - 32GB

$829 - 64GB model

Apple also announced "Smart Covers" for the iPad 2, a very slick magnetic protective cover which will be available in a variety of polyurethane ($39) and leather ($69) colors.