Apple to announce new iPads on March 2nd

Apple's teaser image for the March 2nd event.

After much speculation and rumor, it looks like Apple is finally ready to tell public what the iPad 2 will be all about. Will we get that rumored iPad Retina display upgrade? We'll find out, come March 2nd.

(Source: Engadget.com)

Next iPhone may have hardware keyboard

A recent post on Macrumors.com may offer us a hint at what's to come in the next generation of iPhone hardware. If their source is to be trusted, Apple is allegedly testing 3 prototypes of the iPhone 5, one with a hardware keyboard, and the other two with upgraded hardware.

This is a tantalizing rumor, however it seems unlikely that Apple would release such a device, especially given their stance in regards to hardware keyboards versus touchscreen ones. But one can always dream...

(source: MacRumors.com)

Xperia Play announced... finally.

Above, the somewhat disturbing reveal video.

After dozen of leaks, rumors, and pictures of the Xperia Play, Sony has finally given it an official "unveiling". it's in unveiling in name only though, as everyone and their dog has gotten their hands on one at this point.

Prior to it's official naming, most referred to it as the "Playstation/PSP Phone", though that's a bit of a misnomer, as it is unlikely that  it will be compatible with any recent PSP games. It is however "Playstation Certified", meaning that it will be compatible with Sony's upcoming Android application, Playstation Suite.

When the Xperia Play does drop later this year, it will be sporting a 4-inch multitouch LCD, and running the latest build of Android, 2.3 aka. Gingerbread. For a full list of specs, and more pictures, I've put a few links at the bottom of the page.

(Engadget)
(Gizmodo)
(HuffingtonPost)

Cash, Credit card... or cell phone?

According to a recent post on Bloomberg.com, Apple is planning to incorporate NFC technology into the next generation of the iPhone and iPad. NFC stands for "Near-Field Communication", and would allow the devices to send and receive information at a distance of up to 4 inches, with the goal being to allow consumers to purchase products at retailers, using only their iPhone or iPad.

This could be quite a game-changer in the way that we purchase things. Imagine yourself walking into a store, grabbing a few items, and running your phone over a reader to purchase it. If it catches on, I'm sure other cell phone manufactures will quickly follow suit. My only concern with  the technology however, is, is it secure? What happens if criminals crack the security of the protocol, and then use that to build "skimming devices", similar to what has been done to ATM machines? A bit unlikely, but worth a mention.

I do hope though, that Apple chooses to include NFC in their devices, as it would be neat to be able to purchase things using your phone, or even use your phone as an ID sometime in the future.

(Bloomberg.com)

Sony press conference imminent

An artist's rendition as to what the PSP2 may look like.

In a few hours Sony will be hosting press conference in Tokyo, and will likely unveil the long rumored PSP2, successor to the popular Sony PSP. Currently not a lot is known about the system, with most of the rumors pointing to it having some type of OLED touchscreen and a PSP Go-esque form factor. There have also been several, although somewhat dubious leaked photos of the PSP2, but nothing about the system is clear yet. I'll post further information as news leaks out.