February is gradually coming to an end. People all around the world are anxiously awaiting launch of Apple’s next tablet. Many are in to reading rumours that keep coming out each day leading up to the actual release. As is the case with all Apple products, there have been a plethora of rumours about iPad 3. Some far-fetched, while some beg us to believe them. For long it has been said that the iPad 3 will be powered by a quadcore A6 processor developed by Samsung. An image has surfaced that will have us believe the contrary.

Well connected sources have revealed that Apple intends to hold iPad 3 announcement event on March 7 at the Yerba Buena Center For The Arts in San Fancisco, California. This exact venue has already been used for original iPad announcement in 2010 and iPad 2 announcement on March 2, 2011. While the iPad 3 release date can not be known for sure until and unless Apple themselves start handing out media invites, there’s a big possibility that the Cupertino outfit will finally unveil iPad 3 on March 7, so mark that date on your calendars.

There have been a lot of rumours about features and specifications of iPad 3. A Retina Display for iPad 3 has been confirmed. There are reports indicating that the next tablet will have more tapered edges than its predecessor the iPad 2. Some reports even suggest that an 8 megapixel camera, same as that on iPhone 4S, will be added to this magical tablet. There’s one thing that interests power users, and that’s the heart of this new tablet. We’ve seen heated debates online, with some predicting a quadcore A6 and other saying that Apple will stick to a dualcore processor.

Today we get this image of an A5X processor that was developed in the month of November 2011. Upon closer inspection we see that the logic board is actually pretty similar to that of the iPad 2, particularly in the power management region. Its possible that this A5X processor is a prototype that didn’t make the final cut. There’s also a logical explanation. Last year Apple announced iPhone 4S instead of iPhone 5. No cosmetic changes have been made and it looks exactly like the iPhone 4. However Apple did add that A5 dualcore processor, which already made its first public appearance with the iPad 2, in the iPhone 4S. Since iPad 3 is said to look more or less the same like iPad 2, is the company saving the quadcore A6 for the iPad 4? This is possible, as iPad 4 release will take place in 2013, while iPhone 5 is up for release later this year.

The iPhone 5 is supposedly a lot different than all previous iPhone models. Apple may introduce the quadcore A6 first with iPhone 5 before implementing it in the iPad 4 which would obviously be a lot different than previous iPad models. Though we’ll only know for sure when Apple is done making the official announcements.

Imagine the fate of Apple’s iPhone 4S if it did not have Siri. It would have been catastrophic. Apple’s latest iPhone has no significant shape or design improvements over its predecessor the iPhone 4. Sure it has a great new processor, 8 megapixel camera and 64GB memory option but it still looks the same. Siri is the real defining feature of iPhone 4S. Ever since it was released developers have tried to somehow port it to iOS devices other than the iPhone 4S. Speaktoit Assistant app functions as an amazing Siri alternative for iPhone 4 as well as older generation iOS devices.

Other feeble attempts to get Siri working on older generation devices includes running unsigned and unverified code on the device through a jailbreak. Such procedures not only pose a threat to your device in terms of privacy and personal information, but also have a big question mark over their legality. It is always best to stay away from such solutions.

So what is Speaktoit Assistant? This app was originally launched for Android devices. The app is close to 1.4 million downloads in the Android Market which is living proof that this is the closest third party alternative to Siri. The developers describe Speaktoit Assistant as:

Speaktoit Assistant is a virtual buddy for your iPhone or iPod that uses natural language technology to answer questions, find information, and connect you with various web services, such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Evernote, and many others.

Probably the best thing about Speaktoit Assistant is that there are no specific commands to keep in mind. The Assistant is perfectly capable of understanding normal English. Users also have the option of changing the appearance of their assistant. Choices include a blond or brunette girl, an old professor and a ruggedly handsome agent.

Feature wise, Speaktoit Assistant is probably the most closest Siri alternative for iPhone 4 and older generation iOS devices. It can also search internet for latest news and images. Speaktoit can send emails for the user as well as get weather information and maps. The app is also capable of converting measures and currencies.

Speaktoit Assistant app for iPhone is available right now for download from the iTunes App Store. The app is priced at $1.99. You’ll need to have an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch that is capable of running iOS 4.0 firmware or higher.

Download Speaktoit Assistant Siri alternative for iPhone 4 and other iOS devices [iTunes App Store Link]

Last year in March Apple announced the iPad 2. A month or so before the release date retailers started reported supply constraints of the original iPad. It has literally become a trend that when a new Apple product is about to be announced, stock of its predecessor starts thinning out. The 2012 iPad 3 release has been heavily rumoured to take place in the beginning of March. Retailers are already revealing that they face iPad 2 supply constraints.

In the UK retailers such as Orange and Carphone Warehouse are reporting shortages of 3G iPad 2 models. Sources in the product distribution channel reveal that the supply of iPad 2 WiFi + 3G model is heavily constrained as of now with not immediate influx of new stock expected any time soon. It is interesting to note that only 3G iPad 2 models are being reported out of stock. The supply of WiFi only iPad 2 models is adequate enough and no retailer has reported shortages of that as yet.

There’s a solid reason that explains why Apple might be shorting supplies of 3G iPad 2 models but not WiFi ones. Sources indicate that Apple is going to drop the 3G iPad 2 models after iPad 3 is announced. However to cater to the mid-range market, it will significantly reduce price of iPad 2 and will keep offering it alongside the new iPad. This way Apple will retain its position on top of the tablet hierarchy all while competing with Amazon’s Kindle Fire in the mid-range market.

Recent reports have indicated that Apple is all set for an iPad 3 announcement in March. The company has put several developers in crunch mode as they will be developing apps that will be used for iPad 3 demonstration on stage at the release event as well as ad spots that will air immediately after the new product is announced. March 9 has surfaced as a possible release date but given Apple’s secrecy, one can’t be really sure until the company itself starts sending out media invites.

The iPad 3 is said to have a quadcore A6 processor, bigger battery, extra RAM, better camera, more storage option and a Retina Display. No major changes have been rumoured in terms of design and shape. The hype surrounding iPad 3 continues to grow every single day as millions of people around the world are anxious to see what Tim Cook and company have hidden up their sleeves.

Samsung and Apple just can’t keep their hands off each other. Both companies are locked in rigorous litigation in a variety of countries around the world. These companies don’t show any signs of backing down rather every other week we hear of lawsuits and counter-suits being filed. Apple is now going after Samsung in the USA as it seeks an injunction to ban Galaxy Nexus Sale in USA.

The Korean and the Cupertino California based company have quite a history of litigation against each other in the not so distant past. Apple started off by getting an injunction banning sale of Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia. Samsung’s case suffered a blow when it’s own lawyer could not differentiate between iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab 10.1 at the hearing. Apple then moved a court in Germany to ban Galaxy Tab 10.1 sales there and was awarded the injunction. Samsung made minor tweaks to the tablet and then launched it again. Immediately after Apple released iPhone 4S, Samsung tried to ban its sales in Italy however the Italian court did not ban iPhone 4S sales. Now we have today’s fiasco in which Apple wants to ban sales of Samsung’s flagship Android smartphone in the United States.

Apple believes that the Galaxy Nexus infringes upon four of its patents, hence it has filed the motion for an injunction against it. Given the fact that Galaxy Nexus is powered by stock Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with no alterations done by Samsung, the complaint is much more focused on the software than the hardware. Google owns Android and has actively worked on production of Galaxy Nexus, so this new motion for injunction can also be considered as a jab to Google.

The four patents include a ‘data tapping’ patent which is linked to Siri’s search functionality. The second patent is about the legendary slide-to-unlock gesture. The other patents relate to how words are recommended automatically as soon as the user begins entering text.

Apple has already used the ‘data tapping’ patent to win an injunction against import of HTC devices. This ban will be enforced merely two months from now. Rest of the patents have yet to see legal action. However if Apple wins, this could be a serious blow to Google and the progress of Android operating system.

Well connected sources have revealed that Samsung is going to release Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3 for Galaxy S 2 on March 1. Previously the Korean manufacturer had confirmed that it would be rolling out the latest Android platform update to Galaxy S 2 and Galaxy Note in the first quarter of 2012.

Android 4.0 a.k.a Ice Cream Sandwich is the biggest update yet to Google’s signature mobile operating system. At this point in time not a lot of devices have officially received the Ice Cream Sandwich update. On the other hand various developers have already developed and released unofficial Ice Cream Sandwich ports for a variety of Android devices. Since these ports are third party developed, it is always best to steer clear of them because they’re not official and could potentially harm your device if not installed correctly.

The source reveals that Android 4.0.3 for Galaxy S 2 will be pushed out over-the-air, OTA is its most commonly known. Samsung KIES desktop software could also be used to download this update on Galaxy S 2. It goes without saying that this update is meant for international version of Galaxy S 2. Its obvious because in the US, Galaxy S 2 units are bound to carriers, and only the carriers push out firmware upgrades. These carriers take up a lot of time in testing a particular upgrade before pushing it out to subscribers. So Galaxy S 2 owners in the USA might have to wait a little more than March 1.

It has also been revealed that Samsung Galaxy Note will be getting Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich update. According to the source, Galaxy Note will receive this update merely days after it is first rolled out to international variants of Galaxy S 2.

The Samsung Galaxy S 2 is a phenomenal smartphone. It is considered as a solid competitor against Apple’s iPhone. Samsung is already working on Galaxy S 3, which is going to be released possibly in May. Till then, Samsung can entice users to stick with its previous Galaxy smartphone by rolling out the anxiously awaited Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich update.

February is here and with each passing day, March comes closer. We’ve heard rumours from well informed sources that Apple is planning on announcing it’s next iPad in March 2012. To further substantiate those rumours, sources reveal that Apple is instructing key app developers to submit their iPad 3 apps well before the announcement. The company uses such apps for demonstrations at the event as well as advertisements that air immediately after the event.

Much as already been rumoured about iPad 3. It is believed that Apple’s next magical tablet will come with a quadcore A6 processor, bigger battery, more RAM, Retina Display, better cameras and LTE support. Rumours indicate that the next iPad will not have any major design changes as compared to the iPad 2, but it just might turn out to be a little thinner than its predecessor.

If you’re familiar with Apple product announcements, you’ll know that Apple always uses some apps to show off the capabilities of the device it is announcing. Back in 2010 when iPhone 4 was being announced, Infinity Blade was demoed. Last year at the iPhone 4S release event, Infinity Blade 2 was demoed. At the iPad 2 event in March 2010, apps such as iMovie, GarageBand and PhotoBooth were used to show off capabilities of the new iPad 2. So it goes without saying that Apple does need apps to be ready before iPad 3 announcement, which is presumably going to take place early next month.

The source reveals that Apple is putting certain developers in ‘crunch mode’ so that they finish apps on time, through which the company will select the lucky few that are going to be used at the event. Apple also needs the apps so that they can be used in the ad spots that will air immediately after the event takes place. Given the fact that ample time is required for ad spots to be created, it can be safely assumed that developers of Apple’s choice have to submit their apps with one week.

Much more will be revealed about Apple’s upcoming iPad in the next few weeks. The hype surrounding iPad 3 continues to grow and people really do what to see what Apple has in store for them.