Alleged iPad Mini cases reveal spot for rear camera

Apple's purported iPad Mini could offer a rear camera if the latest scuttbut is on the money.

Alleged Chinese cases for the much-rumored 7-inch tablet posted by Giz-China.com show a plastic clip on the rear cover, a sign that the iPad Mini could provide a rear-facing camera but one without an LED flash. On the front would be a Facetime camera at the top center of the screen, just like on the 9.7-inch iPad.

The cases also seemingly reveal a thinner bezel than the one on the larger iPad. The volume control would rest on the right side, while the headphone jack and rotation/mute toggle switch would move to the left. Another tidbit from Giz-China.com says the speaker would be positioned Apple iPhone 4S - 32GB - black (Verizon Wireless)on the bottom of the tablet rather than on the back.

A mockup of one of the cases also reveals a smaller dock connector. Recent reports suggest that Apple will shrink the size of the dock connector for its next-generation devices to a smaller version using as few as 8 pins.

As always, these rumors should be swallowed with a grain of salt.

At this point, we don't even know for sure whether Apple will unveil a 7-inch iPad. But we could have our answer this fall. Reports say the new iPad could take the stage either at a September 12 event or at its own separate event in October.

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iCam for iPhone 5

Apple iCam: A Modular Concept Camera That Uses an iPhone for Brains

The Apple iCam is a concept camera by Italian designer Antonio DeRosa that imagines a future where cameras are modular and powered by smartphones. Smartphones have already invaded the compact camera market in recent years, but their small lenses and sensors keep them from being seen as suitable alternatives to more advanced cameras. The iCam camera changes that by adding a large sensor and interchangeable lens system to the mix. Simply attach your iPhone 5 to the case and you’ll have yourself a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with a huge LCD screen, fast processor, internet connectivity, and countless photo apps!

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Apple eyes German TV maker Loewe for acquisition

Ah Loewe. You were my first taste of 100Hz CRT heaven. The latest rumbles that is the belly of the Internet is that tech giant Apple is looking at a guyout of German TV maker Loewe.

Just how much were Apple willing to slide across the table? A cool $113 million, but a company spokesperson stating the report from AppleInsider has "absolutely nothing to do with it".

Where it gets good is that Loewe contacted German website Heise, responding to speculation that suggested Apple had started negotiations with Loewe, bidding $113 million for the company. The deal had reportedly yet to be agreed upon. Loewe were also said to have been "advised by its financial advisor to accept the offer" and that a final decision was "scheduled to be announced internally before 18 May 2012".

Another interesting fact is that one of Loewe's major shareholders is.. drumroll.. Sharp. A company that has been previously pegged to providing panels for Apple's new television sets. Loewe has the reputation, Apple has the money, the deal would make perfect sense.

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Apple to drop Google Maps in iOS 6

Apple has used Google Maps for the backend of their "Maps" app in iOS since the original iPhone debuted in 2008. However, Apple recently dropped Google Maps in their iPhoto app -- a subtle harbinger of Apple dropping Google Maps for good? -- Perhaps, but why?

Apple moving away from Google Maps is likely the result of Google's new monetization strategy for the service. The search giant recently changed its terms of service in such a way that developers who utilize Google Maps in their projects and conjure more than 25,000 views per month must pay a hefty premium.

Companies who've split ties from Google Maps often defect to OpenStreetMaps. OSM is considered the "Wikipedia of maps", using a combination of bona fide map data and crowdsourcing to provide fresh but accurate maps. Interestingly, although openly free, OSM has received a substantial amount of support from Microsoft.

Demonstration of C3's mapping software

Although OSM seems the weapon of choice for defectors, according to 9to5Mac, Apple's solution is "in-house", which brings us back to Placebase, C3 and Poly9. If Apple does employ its acquired technologies, it's possible the company may introduce an impressive 3D-mode (video) and its own version of Street View -- features OSM is currently unable to provide.

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