The much anticipated iPad Mini is now a reality. Here’s the skinny:

• 7.9 inch screen
• can hold it in one hand
• starts at 16 GB
• dual core A5 processor (same as iPad 2)
• smokin-hot cameras (front & back)
• available in WIFI and cellular versions
• lightning connector (same as newest iOS devices)
• Pre-orders begin October 26 – in stores November 2
• Priced starting at $329

More info on the Apple web site.

Geared to show the world LIVE today via streaming to your Apple TV, we’ll soon find out what Apple has in store for us with new products. Much expected … is The iPad Mini.

If you have turned on your Apple TV today and don’t yet see the new app Channel “Apple Events”, then likely all you need to to is restart the device. Here’s an image of what you’ll be looking for. If you have this new channel, you’ll be able to watch today’s event, live.

Enjoy!

While it’s true that Apple doesn’t typically stream their press conferences to the public, today they will be making an exception. Apple has added a new section on their Apple TV devices. HOWEVER, the new channel is only being reported by some users. So it’s not clear if the event will be streamed worldwide.

Today is a big day for Apple fans with a new special media event being held by Apple. While we still don’t know for sure exactly what Apple will be showing us at the event, it’s safe to say that this is going to be the official unveiling of the new in smaller iPad mini. If you have an Apple TV set-top box, an interesting icon has turned up today on the device. Normally we get the news second-hand through third party blogs. If you have an Apple TV check yours to see if the new channel has been added. If so, you’ll be able to watch the event live.

Live Streaming Apple Event: The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. Eastern.

October 23 has arrived and today is the day that many are expecting we’ll hear some official word from Apple about their new products in time for the Christmas 2012 shopping season.

There are many (myself included) who have followed the speculation of a smaller Apple tablet device … one that we refer to as the iPad Mini. Although Apple has been very tight-lipped on the subject of an Apple iPad Mini, there certainly appears to be enough evidence of a mid-size product in particular since many popular case manufacturers have added iPad Mini to their web sites. This is likely to be positioned for new cases and accessories once the word is official. In fact there are SOME manufacturers who have already made their “iPad Mini” cases available for purchase.

Invitations to the media event were tagged with the subject line “a little more to show you” and there are perhaps a few things this can mean … the lightning connector (which is the new smaller dock connector on apple devices) may now come standard on the iPad 3 (the new iPad), and it also might mean that we’ll see a new Mac Mini, and the long-awaited iPad Mini as well.

For the most part Apple has dominated by being the forerunners of product creators that others have followed. If they announce an iPad Mini today this is likely the first time that Apple will follow in the shadows of other tablet designers by releasing a mid-size tablet.

While each iPad has been a wonderful product, there’s still room for a touch device that’s sized between an iPod Touch and an iPad.

• Lighter
• Less expensive
• More portable

Though it may have been arguable whether or not Apple would embark on the journey of making a smaller less expensive iPad, it’s becoming less and less of an “IF” situation and more a matter of WHEN. In recent weeks speculation has heated up and now the Wall Street Journal is reporting that production is underway.

What is an iPad Mini?

An iPad Mini is the much anticipated device that fits between an iPod and an iPad, both in dimensions and in price.

And although Steve Jobs said that a 7-inch tablet was a size that the company wasn’t interested in, the fact remains that there is demand and GROWING demand at that. Kindle Fire HDs and Google Nexus 7s are proving to be popular Android tablets, let alone Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs in various 7-inch sizes, the big question since the iPad first emerged was when Apple would release one of its own.

Likely this coming holiday season, smaller tablets will be one of the most popular gifts so the time is ripe for Apple to launch the speculated iPad Mini.

Ipad Mini possible launch date:

There is no official confirmation yet but the buzz has it that we can expect an announcement of the iPad Mini on October 17 2012. ‘Fortune’ is reporting that a well trusted source has indicated that press invitations for the event will be sent out October 10. If all this is true, then chances are, that an iPad Mini will be available to ship in early November, likely November 2 2012. This would put the release of the iPad Mini smack in the middle of the holiday shopping season, a smart move for Apple.

Who wants an iPad Mini?

There are three basic potential customers.

1. Those looking for a less expensive iPad.  The New iPad’s lowest priced model is currently $499. So we can expect an iPad mini to be priced less than that. Hopefully less than the iPad 2, which is presently $399 for the 16GB or $399 for a refurbished 32 GB iPad 2. (Just to note, the refurbished iPad 2 comes with a one year warranty and comes with new glass and a new outer shell. All are refurbished with replacement parts for any defective modules identified in testing.  The refurbished unit is put through a thorough cleaning process and inspection and receives a brand new serial number. Many are expecting the price point to slip in below $300, but since the newest iPod is $299, I would be surprised if that happens. Perhaps a price point of $349 to $399 is more likely.
2. An iPad Mini that you can hold with one hand. For me … weight is a factor. Whether I’m reading a book or magazine, I normally use only one hand to hold it. I find the weight of the iPad is a bit too much for one hand (unlike many of the 7-inch devices).
3. Small enough to toss into a purse or backpack. Dimensions are very important to those on the go especially students and commuters. The dimensions have been the hold-back for ME and here’s why: I already have a MacBook Pro. When I’m travelling I take my MacBook. I don’t need something to replace my MacBook, but having a portable device that fits into a purse or backpack and it becomes more attractive to many who don’t yet own an iPad. While an iPad’s 10-inch size is perfect for on your desk or coffee table, it’s a bit too large for the subway or classroom. For students already carrying plenty of books and binders a slightly smaller handheld device is better (though the screen size on an iPod or iPhone is too small for many daily tasks).

So there you have it and here’s what this market segment is looking for: An iOS device that is slightly less expensive, can be held with one hand, small enough to fit into a purse or backpack, and yet still runs all our favorite Apple iOS apps and is connected to our Apple ID in the same manner as our Macs, MacBooks, and iPhones. In short … we do need an iPad Mini, and I look forward to its release date … in the fall of 2012.

Released on Wednesday this week, the newest operating system for Apple’s devices is out, and it’s worth the download.

The free update is available for iPod Touch, iPad, and iPhone. But note that the older devices aren’t able to run the new OS, so if you have a 3rd generation iPod touch, a 1st gen iPad, or an iPhone prior to the iPhone 3GS (for example an iPhone 3) then this operating system isn’t for you and you might be considering an upgrade anyway.

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES:

About 15% of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices were already running Apple IOS 6 just 24 hours after Apple launched its 6th generation mobile software. And why not. Not only is the update free, but it adds new features and smoother experiences for everyone.

While it’s true you may never use some of the new features, it’s likely you’ll find something in this update you love.

FACEBOOK INTEGRATION: At first glance I like this concept. Similar to the integration of Twitter in iOS 5, you can now share to facebook without having to use the facebook app. Whether it’s a web site url or a photo on your device, sharing is much easier than before since facebook is now part on the list of share options when you touch the share icon. I had been hoping this feature was in the pipes, and it’s finally here.

PHONE: Reply with a message: also very useful. If you’re unable to take an incoming call you now have the option to reply with a preloaded message (such as “call you later”, “what’s up?” and so forth). Option B … You can send the caller directly to voicemail (do not pass go do not collect $200), or your iPhone can remind you to return the call later.

There are 200+ upgrades and tweaks in all.  But not all of them will operate on all iOS 6 devices.

MAPS: Apple’s new map app replaces Google MAPS and implements turn-by-turn navigation … BUT only if you’re using a newer device. Same holds true for Fly Over. But if you’re using an older phone for example for example iPhone 3GS you’ll still likely like the new app since the compass works quite nicely. There’s no need to mentally orient your brain to the map to determine what direction you’ll be turning next.  It’s more like a regular GPS.

DO NOT DISTURB: Perhaps one of the most useful but under-rated new features. Not only can you put your phone in a true SILENT mode, you can also tweak the settings to allow certain notifications or calls to still come through. Perhaps useful during dinner or while at the theatre. When Do Not Disturb is activated, a user’s phone can still receive incoming calls, messages and other notifications, but won’t alert you until later, keeping the iPhone’s screen dark, its vibrations still and its tones silent. The Do Not Disturb tool marks a refreshing admission by a tech company that we actually have a life beyond our gadgets. Nice.

PASSBOOK: I can see a lot of value in this, since I already have been doing this manually. For handwritten notes, account numbers, shopping lists and important receipts, I snap a photo and store them in a dedicated album called NOTES.  Passbook is now a dedicated app, where you can store coupons, tickets and boarding passes.

Yes there are 200+ tweaks to Apple’s mobile platform. And while you may not use all of them, you’ll likely find some hidden gems you love. And if your hardware is older and unable to run some of the newest features it might be enough motivation to whip out your wallet and upgrade to a newer device.

I was just reading a blog post by marketer Matt Bacak where he states that content is king, promotion is queen. An interesting phrase if you haven’t heard it before. The top two are Guest Blogging and Video Marketing.

Guest Blogging is just like it sounds. You blog as a guest on someone else blog, and it provides additional traffic to your own sites as well as credibility.

Video Marketing, which somewhat goes without saying doesn’t it? Here’s why it’s important … YouTube videos are one of the most logical and straight-forward ways to get a high placement in Google’s search results.  They’re worth the time and effort.

Matt’s other 15 tips are listed here, which include some golden nuggets you may not already be employing.  Enjoy.

And we are LIVE!

Ginny’s newest music collection of background instrumentals is actually a combo pack featuring royalty-free music in a variety of genres, rounded out with music stingers, sound effects (drum impacts) and loopable music clips, and then topped-off with some wide-format 16:9 motion video backgrounds for your sales videos.

Samples and all the details are here: Media Studio Generators 2

Choose from four license levels starting with “for your use”, ready to use in any commercial production you create, and three levels of resale licensing options. For information about Resale Licensing for this collection, visit the reseller’s page.

For about two years now many have felt that an iPad mini is on the horizon, in spite of Steve Jobs’ opinion that it simply isn’t the right size. I disagree with Jobs. In my opinion there are of course two very clear markets for a seven or eight inch tablet size, which are students and commuters. Simply put, it’s more portable and more economical.

Apple is always tight-lipped about it’s upcoming new products and rightfully so. But recent speculation now cites that we’ll soon see a 7.85 inch Apple tablet coming in September or October 2012. Although it may not be called an iPad Mini at all; some of the names I’ve tossed around include iTab, iTablet, or even iGo, but a recent blog post from a Japanese blogger states that Apple has decided to go with the term iPad Mini. Is it speculative? Until the day the iPad Mini is officially announced, it’s 100% speculation and rumor.

We’ve long expected apple to jump into the mid-priced tablet market with a $200 to $250 economy model, and an iPad Mini is an excellent way to achieve this more economical price point, since it will be less expensive to manufacture.  In fact, at around $200 to $250, it could compete head-to-head with many other popular portables, for example Kindle.

Personally, I don’t see it as IF, but rather WHEN Apple will invade the 7-inch tablet world, and I’ll speculate, that it will be THIS FALL, adequately in time for Christmas.

Rumors are currently crawling through cyberspace, and the most recent news claims that the mini will get the name “iPad Mini”.

Some say it’s a scaled-up iPod rather than a scaled-down iPad. But isn’t an iPad really a scaled-up iPod to begin with? Other than a possible name or its size, very little is known about the iPad mini. All that will soon change … as Apple once again INVADES and DOMINATES … this time … with an iPad Mini!

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