Leaked iPad Mini 2 Shell Shows Similar Design

Earlier we had reported about Apple Plans for the new iPad Mini and iPad. This time around an extensive gallery of latest leaked iPad Mini 2 images by Sonnydickson suggests that the plan is very pretty much on track.

In more than 20 images of the iPad Mini 2, unibody chassis showing a silver-finish device are of a WiFi + Cellular version, going by the plastic antenna insert on the upper rear panel.

A similar design to the first generation iPad mini. Perhaps the only difference looking at the rear shell is again one that we’ve seen before. Instead of being a glorified sticker on the outside of the iPad shell, the Apple logo looks to be embedded within the metal back panel.

As far as the display is concerned, an obvious upgrade over the first-gen iPad mini is bound to emerge. Apple will indeed opt for a Retina display on the iPad Mini 2. Both Samsung and LG Display are apparently supplying panels, while other sources have confirmed that 2048 x 1536 is the target resolution, just like the full-sized iPad with Retina display.

The iPad mini release date is unknown, though speculation suggests that it could be before the holiday season beginning in October – 12 months after the original iPad mini made its debut. This seems more likely than the launch on September 10 event.

Apple is yet to officially send out invites to its upcoming event, As of the latest rumors, the event will see not only fresh iPhones announced.

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Apple Acquires 'Passif Semiconductor': Low-Power Design Chip Developer

Apple seems to be on an acquisition spree lately. In another low-key acquisition, the company has bought Passif Semiconductor, a California based communication chip developer that specializes in low-power designs — technology that could be useful in developing a smartwatch-like wearable device. Not a lot is known about the company, but what is known is that, the company has applied for a few patents, among them one titled ‘Autonomous battery-free microwave communication system’. The application describes a battery-free microwave frequency communication device which includes a capacitance, at least one antenna, a microwave energy harvesting system, a microwave frequency transceiver and a control system. Details on the purchase were first reported on Thursday by Jessica Lessin, a tech reporter who formerly worked for The Wall Street Journal. Passif’s current products include wireless radios for Bluetooth Low Energy profiles. It’s also unknown how much Apple paid for Passif, but according to Lessin, the iPhone maker attempted to buy the chip-maker years ago “a for a price in the mid-tens-of-millions of dollars.” Amy Bessette, a spokeswoman for Apple, has confirmed that the Cupertino giant has indeed acquired Passif Semiconductor. “Apple buys smaller technology companies at various times and it does not discuss its plans or purpose behind those acquisitions.” quoted Amy Bessette. The acquisition may be linked to Apple’s rumored “iWatch” development, an anticipated wrist-worn device that is expected to connect with devices like the iPhone while also measuring biometric data for fitness and health purposes. Apple has also been aggressively hiring personnel from the medical sensor field in an apparent attempt to bolster its team for the rumored “iWatch.” In a rare move, Apple has even openly filed for ownership of the iWatch name in a number of countries around the world. Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook revealed in May that his company had at that point acquired 9 companies since October of 2012. He also said that his company had picked up the pace since 2012, when Apple acquired companies at a rate of one every 70 days. Since Cook’s comments in May, Apple has acquired three more companies. In addition to Passif, it bought public transit and navigation firm ‘HopStop’, as well as crowdsourced mapping data startup ‘Locationary’. While the buyout of Passif will help Apple’s future hardware, the benefits of the ‘Locationary’ and ‘HopStop’ purchases will most certainly be seen on the software front.

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Report : Apple will use Samsung Retina Display in the next iPad Mini

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Apple has chosen Samsung to supply the displays for the next generation iPad Mini, which will also boast a retina resolution. As originally imagined, Apple was intending to only employ LG and Sharp for the supply of the LCD panels, but the it seems due to lack of supply, the displays have been also ordered from Samsung’s display division. Apple has often been known to test components before confirming the final elements of the build. Earlier reports had stated that Apple will not launch an iPad Mini Retina this year, but if the present report is to be believed, not only will Apple Launch a iPad Mini with a high resolution Retina Display, they will also employ their arch nemesis with the job of providing hardware for the unique build. Apple has tried to completely block off purchasing from Samsung, but the korean giant is probably the only producer of high quality panels that can be produced at an economical and profitable price. Apple presently gets their displays form AU Optronics, who have clearly stated We cannot take [Apple's] orders because our rate of output efficiency is too low to be profitable, the company doesn’t make a profit from manufacturing the current iPad Mini’s screens. - said an AU Optronics manager. In these desperate time it appears that Apple might just have to buy a LCD technology company, but unfortunately for them none are for sale.

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