Another week passes in full glory for Apple with its worst-kept secret, the new iPad Mini. I’m starting with the news about Apple because I think that in this instance, they’re doing it wrong. This “evolution” shows an obvious worry from about the viability of the iPad brand in light of smaller Android tablets. That’s not where Apple misses the mark though. Apple misses here because they’re “innovating” away from their best-selling commodity. People buy the iPad because they want an iPad. Apple’s thinking is that they’ll corner the smaller tablet market, but I don’t think that’s the case. I think they’re looking for trouble and although a small market of people will purchase the Mini, they’re not going to find the popularity that iPad has.
Now, for the real news:
- Mark the calendar: October 29 at 10 a.m. Eastern. Google will announce a new Nexus tablet, a 32GB variant of its Nexus 7 device, and several improvements to the Android OS, including multiple users. Should be fun and exciting. Of course, I’ll have a wrap-up post shortly after the event concludes. If you want to watch, you can catch the live stream here.
- Here’s an interesting suggestion that Android will overtake Windows OS as users’ preferred operating system by 2016. There’s some pretty decent arguments in favor of MS’s demise, and given some of MS’s recent debacles (think Vista), the proposition that Google becomes favorite isn’t too far fetched.
- Want more about who’s “on the ropes” because of Android? Land of Droid also has this post discussing whether Android has iOS running scared.
- If you’re a football (American) fan, then you might want to check out this post covering some of the must-have football apps. Of course, this is late to the game since we’re already weeks into the season, but there’s some good ones not on my list.
- Apparently, in addition to a lack of “shock and awe,” the iPad Mini event also contained a jab at Android from Phil Schiller. Schiller commented that “Others have tried to make tablets smaller than the iPad, and they’ve failed miserably. These are not great experiences.” Uh, I guess he should actually talk to the satisfied Kindle Fire and Nexus 7 users.
- Here’s some unfortunate news about Android’s security risks: First, malware on Android increased 25% in the third quarter. Second, researchers in Germany discovered that some Android apps are leaking personal data because of SSL problems. The published paper is here. For a complete summary of the vulnerabilities, check out this post from Ars Technica. What does this tell us? Whenever possible, avoid using an app to perform stuff a website should do, especially if it’s banking-related.
- If Qualcomm is successful, it looks like its new cell phone might bring more usability to those with vision impairments. There’s already an app available, but this would be the first, actual phone for the blind. Sweet innovations, all because of Android.
- If you’re looking for a better social media experience (post election), you need to check out Google+. This week, 10 in 10 focused on Google+.
- Last week, Google took us inside a Google Data Center. Today, Google is going to the Grand Canyon:
- And finally, thanks to Futurelawyer, I spent most of yesterday curled up in the fetal position beneath my desk, reminded of a painful experience I had in 10th grade drama class. Painful, painful memory. Hopefully, Shakespeare can forgive my “Butcher of Hannover” performance. Now, enjoy Branagh with chills:
Have a great week! If you haven’t already subscribed to the newsletter, get on the list now. BIG event and happenings beginning next week, you’re not going to want to miss. You want a hint? Too bad. Let me tell you though, I’m excited.
Update (10/29/12): Due to the severity of hurricane Sandy and its effect on the East Coast, Google cancelled its event for today.
