The iPads and iPhones are thought to be rather expensive devices, especially if compared to cheap mid-range smartphones and tablets that are so popular now. For example, the new iPad is sold for about $550, and the 16GB iPhone 4S costs about $580 at Amazon without any contract, and though in case of iPhones you can find more affordable iPhone deals with mobile operators, the monthly fees are still rather high. But anyway, the price of the latest iPhones and iPads is nothing compared to the price of some apps that are designed for them.

Yesterday I was looking for new iPad apps and accidentally stumbled upon an app for… $1000. I couldn’t believe my own eyes, but then I found out that there are other apps at that exact price, too. Well, I can’t really afford downloading and trying them at the moment (and it’s not that I really need them now), but it was interesting to learn that such expensive apps do exist. And here they are:

1. iVIP Black

The iVIP app for the iPad and the iPhone is widely known in some circles – it helps you get VIP treatment in a number of hotels, restaurants, casinos and other places. iVIP Black is the cooler version of this app and is expected to attract even more attention to your persona. But to get it you have to not only be able to pay $999.99 for it, but be a real millionaire and VIP person, too.

2. Agro

The next iPhone app you can get for the same $999.99 is Agro. Unlike the previous app, this one seems to be more useful – it is designed for agronomists to help them create inspection reports in all possible agronomy fields. I guess all those reports can be created manually, too, but this app is supposed to help agronomists save much time, so maybe some of them will be ready to pay that much for it.

3. MobiGage Laser

The next app you can buy for $999.99 is MobiGage Laser, though its developers say they’d sell it for $25,000 if it was possible. Just like the previous app, it’s also useful for people who work in a specific area. The app has a Leica laser and can measure different objects with high accuracy, so it can be really useful in manufacturing plants.

4. iStutter

If you have spare €799,99 (more than $1000), you can also buy the next expensive app designed for iOS-based devices – iStutter that can analyze your vocal fold activity and help you get rid of stuttering or any other speech problems. Well, you obviously need to be a stutterer to find a use for this app. On the other hand, a

5. BarMax CA

And the last $1000 app that can be found on iTunes is BarMax CA – perhaps the coolest app in the list. It’s actually a complete bar exam prep course made by Harvard lawyers that includes lectures for more than 12 subjects, tests, different tasks and much more. Education is the best investment ever, so I guess a teaching app is really worth the money you pay for it, even if it’s $1000 for a single app.

I guess there are other expensive iPad and iPhone apps out there on iTunes, but I haven’t discovered them yet. If you’ve stumbled upon an app that is absent from this list, please drop us a line!

Carrollton, Georgia

Plus a prize for anyone willing to dress up their dog like one of the characters in the Dog Chase or Dog Chase Free ios game.

“So, how good a Dog Chase player are you?”, asks Debbie Ray, Dog Chase creator and owner of Rowdy Apps. For many users, Dog Chase has been the go-to iPhone App to kill time and have some fun sharing a run through the park. So, how good are you at Dog Chase? Really?! “Come on and play – I triple dog dare you!”, teases Ray.

First of all, you’ll need a copy of the Dog Chase game (if you don’t have it already) – there are 2 versions:

a lite version (Free) http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dog-chase-free/id507528760?mt=8

and the full version (.99¢) http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dog-chase/id504195736?mt=8 .

Take your pick – you can use either in this photo contest.

Just snap a picture of your high score, post it to your Facebook account (or via a TwitterPic) and get ready to send it to us. The person with the highest score, according to our rules, will win a gift card from Amazon. Don’t forget to post your results through your social media accounts at places like Facebook and Twitter.

In the wild world of app popularity, the creators of Dog Chase, along with a talented group of other app developers, will soon be running a contest where they will judge the best Dog Chase inspired pictures uploaded to our users Twitter and public Facebook profiles in the month of May, 2012.

And remember, there are 2 chances to win!

One contest winner will be awarded a Amazon gift card prize for having the highest verifiable score.  The second winner will receive a Amazon gift card prize based on dressing up his/her dog in a Dog Chase character costume. So you have 2 chances to win!

The contest is judged based on best dog costume and highest score, so make sure you take as many Dog Chase related pictures as possible to win your own Amazon gift card. Then go to our Dog Chase Contest Page at: www.tinyurl.com/c8oxh8y and enter as a user. Don’t forget to Like all the Facebook profiles listed and fill out the entry form too.

Who will the big winner be? It could be anyone, so go and dress up your dog and get a few pictures, or play your best game ever and post the high score to your Facebook or Twitter account and you could win a new Amazon gift card in practically no time at all. Winners will be posted online.

Visit Dog Chase online (http://tinyurl.com/c8oxh8y) for official contest rules.

This contest is sponsored by Rowdy Apps, the application developer, and several other App Making friends – check out the site to see who they are. Apple is not a sponsor of this contest or affiliated with this contest in any way. Void where prohibited.

Device Requirements:

• iPhone
• 4G iPod touch
• iPad 2 Wi-Fi
• iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G
• Requires iOS 3.0 or later

Pricing and Availability:
  Dog Chase is only $0.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category.

Contact: (Debbie Ray)
Rowdyapps.net
(Carrollton, GA)
Email: rowdyapps@rock.com
Web: http://www.rowdyapps.net

The Archos Arnova 10b G3 comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen with 1024 x 768 resolution, just like most tablets in the current market (including the famous Samsung Galaxy Tab 2), while the other model’s screen is a less standard 9.7-inch one with the same resolution (so it’s expected to be a bit better, though I’m not sure human eyes will be able to catch the difference).

As for the other specs, both tablets have ARM Cortex-A8 processors clocked at 1GHz, 1GB of RAM and 4 or 8GB of internal memory, which makes them not as competitive as we would like them to be: after all, some manufacturers now make smartphones with more powerful processors, even quad-core ones clocked at 1.5-1.8GHz, and tablets shouldn’t stay behind, too, so the CPUs of these Archos tabs seem to be a bit outdated — even those dual-core Sony phones are expected to show better performance. 4/8GB of built-in memory doesn’t seem to be enough, too – even the new iPad with 64 gigs was a disappointment… On the other hand, the Archos tablets will have microSD card slots, but the biggest cards are only 32GB, so the tablets can only have about 40 gigs of memory even with a card.

So what do we have here? Two new tablets by Archos with strange names you’ll never remember to say aloud. And theirs specs are not really competitive… Will anyone buy them? Well, yes. If these tablets come at a low price, they’ll no doubt find their place in the tablet market. But if Archos asks too much for them, I’m afraid they’ll be doomed.

A new report is out from Chitika, the advertising platform that also tracks and publishes their findings on web traffic data and trends.  According to their new report released yesterday, the Android OS has most devices in use, but the iOS platform (Apple’s iOS that runs on iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad) dominates the mobile web browsing stats.  This means, more people are browsing the web on their Apple devices way more than people with Android smartphones.  And as an owner of an Android smartphone, and previous owner of an iPhone, I can definitely see why.  My Android smartphone IS NOT the most friendly, or easiest device in the world to work with.  But within the iOS stats, the iPad is found to be dominating mobile web browsing.  Chitka reports higher click thru rates and higher overall stats from the iPad as opposed to any other iOS device.

via IBTimes

If you’re the proud owner of touchscreen device such as the Kindle Fire, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, or any other Android tablet, then you may be interested in our best selling stylus pen list below to help you use your Kindle Fire and other tablet or touch device more efficiently.

The stylus pen for the Kindle Fire, iPad, and all other touch devices and tablets is really just an answer to a problem discovered by new Kindle Fire owners when they first received their tablet.  If you are lady who tends to the care of her nails, then you discovered the inconvenience of and dilemma of using your new touch device with a brand new set of nails that you just had done.

Or if you live up north where the weather turns cold and you were forced to wear gloves, then you were faced with an equal dilemma of how to use your new Kindle Fire, iPad, or other touch device without having to take your gloves off.  Both of these problems, and more, brought out the invention of the stylus pen for Kindle Fire, and also the stylus pen for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and all other touch devices like the Android tablets.  The stylus pen allows users to engage and interact with their Kindle Fire or touch device without ever having to actually use their fingers.

Since the iPad has been out since 2010, and with the new Kindle Fire released toward the end of 2011, there’s been plenty of time for manufacturers to release an entire array of stylus pens.  But with a line of products building up, especially on Amazon, that leaves the door open to start viewing the highest rated and the best selling stylus pens.

Here are the 5 best selling stylus pens according to Amazon’s ranking structure.  And hopefully this list will help you in deciding what the best stylus pen is for your touch device:

#1:  Bundle of 14 Colorful Stylus Universal Touch Screen Pen

• Pack of 14 universal lightweight stylus pens – 9 x normal size (4.5 inches) and 5 x short (1.7 inches)
• Colors as pictured: Black, Purple, Pink, Red, Blue, Light blue, Green, Gold, Silver
• 100% compatible with touch pad devices such as ipod, ipad, iphone, kindle fire & more
• The Friendly Swede® microfiber cleaning cloth 5.5×3.0″
• Premium quality accessories – Hand picked or produced by The Friendly Swede

#2:  Bluecell 4 Pack of Purple Pink Stylus Universal Touch Screen Pen

• 2 different colors for a single purchase ( 2 X Purple + 2 X Pink )
• Built-In soft head for protecting your screen and increase sensitivity
• Light-weight design
• Clip design for easy storage, can be clipped in your pocket, book, diary, etc
• Compatible with Apple iPad, iPhone 4G/3G/3GS, iPod, Kindle Fire and any tablets or smartphone

#3:  Universal Capacitive Stylus Pen

• Fulling Compatible with All Capacitive Touch Screen Tablets and Cell Phone including The New Apple iPad / iPad 4G LTE released 03/07/2012 (newest model), and Kindle Fire
• Top of the line precision, responsiveness and durability
• Use with any app for greater comfort and control
• Great Gift for any Tablet/Phone user, comes in a MiniSuit aluminum gift box

#4:  Bluecell 3 Pack of Stylus Black Green Pink Universal Touch Screen Pen

• 3 different colors for a single purchase ( Black+Green+Pink )
• Built-In soft head for protecting your screen and increase sensitivity
• Light-weight design
• Clip design for easy storage, can be clipped in your pocket, book, diary, etc
• Compatible with Apple iPad, iPhone 4G/3G/3GS, iPod and any tablets or smartphone
• Includes Bluecell Cable Tie

#5:  Pack of 9 Colorful Stylus Universal Touch Screen Pen

• Package with 9 premium medium sized universal stylus pens (4.5 inches)
• Colors: Black, Purple, Pink, Red, Blue, Light blue, Green, Gold, Silver
• 100% compatible with touch pad devices such as ipod, ipad, iphone, kindle & more
• The Friendly Swede® microfiber cleaning cloth 5.5×3.0″
• Premium quality accessories – Hand picked or produced by The Friendly Swede

*** BONUS Stylus Pen from Amazon

AmazonBasics Stylus for Touchscreen Devices

Including Kindle Fire, Apple iPad 2, the New iPad, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab, BlackBerry PlayBook

• Stylus for Touch Screen Device/Apple iPad
• Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
• 8 mm stylus diameter

What about you?  Do you have a particular line of stylus pens that you prefer?

Are the stylus pens above ones that you have purchased, and if so, what are your thoughts so far with your new stylus pens?

Actually, it’s not really difficult to speed up an Android tablet or phone, and no special knowledge is necessary for this. Just follow the five easy tips below:

1. Android Booster

Unlike Apple’s iPhone and iPad, Android tablets and phones can boast a huge number of apps created to make them work faster. Android booster, for example, is an application tailored to increasing the performance of your Android tablet or smartphone.

It holds a wide range of abilities, from checking your battery usage to monitoring data usage. However, its number one ability is to increase the speed of the Android device.

Through killing tasks that are not needed, along with easy app and widget management, the Android booster speeds up the phone efficiently in a way that does not harm your general use of the device.

The interface is extremely easy to use which enables all users to effectively speed up their phone/tablet through custom editing.  Plus the app can be downloaded from Google Play for free, which is also very nice.

2. Advanced Task Killer

Advanced Task Killer is a free application that is similar to Android Booster, in that it closes unnecessary apps and tasks that are harming the performance of your tablet or phone.

However, it differs in that it focuses on task killing rather than other additional functions such as battery reports, which results in an app that takes up less storage and is more defined to task killing if that is the specific action that you wish to take.

The app is still very versatile however, with different settings regarding what types of apps are disabled when not in use, or how many by default. The app also enables easy editing of widgets in use that can drain the speed of your device.

3. Remove Widgets

Despite their flashy appeal, widgets drain the processing power of a tablet or phone significantly when overused, which results in a device being sluggish and less responsive. These widgets constantly work in the background of your device, and through graphics that are often featured on such widgets, can often require a large amount of power to keep working.

So removing widgets that aren’t actually needed, or removing all widgets entirely can often reap massive rewards for your Android device’s speed. This simple tip works on Samsung’s Galaxy tabs (though I guess it’ll work on the devices of other manufacturers as well) and almost all Android smartphones, including the new ones like the Sony Xperia S.

4. Change Web Browser

Overall, Android is an extremely good operating system, which pushes the boundaries of smartphones and tablets and provides a great user experience. However, the chink in its armor is the web browser that it includes within the operating system, which is awful.

The speed which it operates at has gained it criticism from almost every reviewer, and often it will not work at all. For this reason we suggest that every person wishing to speed up their web browsing downloads an alternative browser on their device and remove the Android browser. Some of these browsers take up more room than the Android browser, but it is certainly worth it.

Opera Mini is a nice alternative – it is certainly quicker than the Android browser, and in many ways is more user friendly through its tile navigation system, which allows users to keep their favourite on the main screen, and is far less clumsy than the list system employed by the Android browser.

5. Remove unused apps

Many apps can sit on a phone unused, and subsequently clog up the system memory and the storage, which in turn can make the phone or tablet work less efficiently. This includes apps which the provider supplied you with initially, which are never used by the tablet/phone’s user but use up a large amount of memory.

Removing these apps can often speed up your device, especially when the storage is almost at its limit.

However, the new iPad has been catching some flack in one major area.  Gaming developers who want to push the highest-profile Retina display-optimised games are disappointed in these games are running at sub-retina display resolutions.

Here are 4 games where the iPad is simply not capable of pushing the high retina display that gamers desire:

#1:  Infinity Blade II

This high end smartphone game is one of the most popular in the App Store and gamers desire to take advantage of the amazing graphics.  But on the new iPad, Infinity Blade II runs at just 1440×1080, which is much lower than the new iPad’s full resolution capabilities of 2048×1536.

#2:  Mass Effect Infiltrator

Point and click gamers rejoice with Mass Effect Infiltrator.  But again, just like with Infinity Blade II, you’re looking at only 1440×1080 – and again, significantly lower than the 2048×1536 resolution of the new iPad.

#3:  Galaxy On Fire 2

Galaxy On Fire 2 actually is running at full resolution on the new iPad, but is bogged down with a lower framerate than their 1024×768 iPad 2-specific counterparts.

#4:  Riptide GP

Again, with Riptide GP you have the same problem as you have with Galaxy On Fire 2 – full resolution but a lower framerate than the iPad 2 counterpart.

via pocketgamer.com

Image via Tennessean.com

From testing to interacting with students in a collaborative online environment, the Kindle Fire is bringing a new level excitement for learning to two Cheatham County, Tennessee elementary schools and one middle school.

According to The Tennessean, these schools have implemented the myON Reader Program from Capstone Digital.  The program is designed to provide access to the largest integrated library of digital books, complete with reading programs for all levels, testing, record keeping, and interactive learning.

With the release of the new myON reader program, the Cheatham County school district agreed to purchase 80 Kindle Fire devices to see if the tablets could facilitate a more productive learning environment.  And so far, the students and teachers couldn’t be more excited about the new Kindle Fire pilot program.

According to the teachers, the students have found a new love for learning and can’t wait to get out the Kindle Fire’s to start reading.  And the tests that are administered through the myON program are just like the tests the students take for assessment.

“It is wonderful to see these children so excited over learning,” said Dianne Williams, the district’s chief academic office.

The Kindle Fire pilot program is not only looking to help improve reading and education, but administrators see the Kindle Fire as the future for text books.  Already, the teachers who are engaged with the Kindle Fire program can find their teacher’s edition textbooks online.

School administrators think that within two years, elementary through grade twelve could have Kindle Fire tablets integrated into the classroom.

What do you think?  Is the Kindle Fire, or other tablets like the iPad, the future of education and textbook delivery?

via Tennessean

Limited Quantity Deal:  32% off, buy now for only $475 (originally $699)

Buy It Now – Limited time only

MegaPlex Digital Projector allows you to create an instant movie theater with your iPad, iPhone, or iPod.

Everyone loves creating videos with their iPhone, iPad, and iPod.  But not everyone enjoys watching those videos on the smaller form factor screens that these devices provide.  So what if you could create an instant movie theater out of your iPad, iPhone, or iPod where a room full of people can sit and enjoy your movies or apps just like they were sitting in the movie theater?  Well now that’s possible with the Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD 720p HD 3LCD Portable Digital Dock Projector and Speaker Combo for iPod, iPhone and iPad.

With the MegaPlex Digital Projector for the iPad, iPhone, or iPod, you now have a highly mobile (on the go) movie theater projector for your movies or office presentations.  The MegaPlex takes center stage for your home or office by projecting video, movies, apps, presentations, or sports, with connectivity across Apple devices. Plus, it works as a speaker dock for indoor and outdoor use.

Epson MegaPlex Digital Movie Project for iPad, iPhone, & iPod

Promo video from Epsilon for the MegaPlex Digital Projector for iPad, iPhone, or iPod

Epson MegaPlex Digital Movie Project for iPad, iPhone, & iPod

Daas provider OnLive has taken the concept one step further though by offering Windows on the iPad through the use of an app.  The only problem is that with Windows 7, which OnLive has been using, is the virtual instances of the OS is a violation of Microsoft’s licensing policy.

So instead of using Windows 7, OnLive has made a switch to Windows Server 2008 R2, which is basically the equivalent of the Windows 7 OS.  According to Brian Madden, Windows Server 2008 R2 can be provided as a remote desktop for users via RDS CALs, and the RDS CALs are available via Microsoft’s SPLA program which is something anyone can have access to.  And by making the switch to Windows Server 2008, OnLive has side stepped the licensing issue and is now legitimately bringing Windows OS to the iPad.

According to Ars Technica, Microsoft has issued a statement about OnLive and the licensing issues at stake stating that OnLive did tell Microsoft of its new Windows Server-based setup. However, it will take some time for Microsoft to inspect the service and ensure that it meets all licensing requirements. “We’re pleased to have been told that the OnLive Desktop application is now accessing our software by hosting it on Windows Server, an important step in delivering any Microsoft-licensed desktop-like service to the public,” Microsoft said. “Based on this information, we will work with OnLive to take a closer look at its service and ensure it is operating according to its license like thousands of other partners and utilizing our standing pricing and licensing terms.”

So again, with OnLive bringing Windows to the iPad, this will make the iPad the best selling Windows tablet.  OnLive sounds like the iPad equivalent of Fusion or Parallels for Mac.

What do you think about OnLive bringing Windows to the iPad?

Do you feel OnLive is still violating Microsoft licensing even though they are now leveraging Windows Service 2008 R2?

Check out the video of OnLive:

This is a guest post from Bryan Craig who writes about Apple, the iPad and tablets in general.  If you’d like to submit guest posts to Tablet Crunch, contact us.

There are many who say that the tablet world consists of the iPad and then the rest. True, there are now arguably
some iPad competitors – Amazon’s Kindle Fire, for instance, has seen an impressive number of sales and risen to #2 in
the tablet market. But the statistics show that as far as #1 goes, there is only one contender – the iPad. It is therefore
interesting to consider what makes the iPad so successful.

Below we’ll examine three major factors that make the iPad so successful

(1) Brand recognition – Ask anyone you know to name a popular tablet. It’s more or less a certainty that they will say the iPad. Similarly, if you ask ten different people to name a tablet manufacturer, the commonest answer will undoubtedly be “Apple.”

Apple were huge before the iPad was released in 2010. And they’ve become even bigger since. The sheer size of the company and reach of the brand makes their tablet the first choice for the vast majority of consumers. Some analysts have estimated that Android tablets will have a larger share of the tablet market than the iPad by 2015. But given how dominant and widely-recognized Apple already is, it’s hard to imagine any tablet overtaking them in the near future. Quite simply, everyone knows Apple. And almost everyone likes them, as well.

(2) Apps – another major factor behind the success of the iPad is the number and range of apps. Apple has the biggest tablet app store around. But it’s not just about the number.  It’s the flexibility too. There’s an app for virtually
everything, nowadays. You can play games, listen to music, uncover new recipes, paint a picture or even search for a house.  Whatever you want to do, there’s probably an app for just that.

The apps create innumerable possibilities for iPad owners and obviously multiply the value of the tablet many times over. When you purchase an iPad, you’re getting hold of a tablet with an ever-expanding range of exciting applications. Many of these are free. And those that are paid are often very much worth the investment.

(3) Ease of use – Ever since the 1st generation iPad was released, users have commented on the tablet’s ease of use. Recently, Mashable featured a video of a 2 year old child playing with the iPad as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

The iPad has always been fast, and with the release of the new model it’s faster than ever. The touch-screen is highly-responsive. It’s easy to navigate your way through the software and different options. And you don’t need to worry about constantly charging the battery – the iPad’s battery life is superb. Whilst there may be tablets that outdo the iPad in terms of some “specs,” there can hardly be any that are so easy to use.

These three factors have made the iPad immensely successful over the last two years. And it looks as if things are only going to get better. Now is an exciting time for iPad fans. For one thing, there’s the new iPad, which is receiving the highest ratings from its owners. The Retina display (the feature users like the most) is thought of as a “game changer” by many commentators and tablet owners. What’s more, the addition of a 4G LTE option has made the iPad even more appealing, particularly to users who can’t always access Wi-Fi.

But there are other things currently arousing interest in the iPad. When launching the latest model, Apple also lowered the price of its 2nd generation tablet. As a result, it’s now easier than it ever was to get your hands on a cheap ipad 2. Interestingly, the one complaint some users made with regard to the new iPad concerned the price. So the cheaper 2nd generation tablet should go a long way to placate them.

But if rumors are to believed, then Apple have not stopped there. In order to extend the appeal of the iPad and potentially break into new markets, Apple are thought to be working on an iPad mini. One would expect that such a tablet would only enhance the success of the iPad, with millions of price-conscious users finally being able to purchase a precious Apple tablet.

Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook

Amazon’s Gold Box Deal features the 13.3 inch Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook with its powerful 1.6GHz i6 processor, 500GB of storage, 4GB of RAM and super thin and sleek form factor.

** UPDATE:  Deal Sold Out **  I’ve been watching this deal since 5:00 am EST when the status said “Coming Soon”.  Then, out of nowhere, the deal got moved to “Sold Out” status.  I think it’s unlikely that the deal sold out so quickly, especially based on the comments on the deal page.

One thing is for sure – this 13.3 inch Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook is stacked with specs.  It’s almost hard to believe this Ultrabook carries a 500GB hard drive!  Along with 4GB of RAM and a 1.6 GHz i6 processor, this Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook is a great buy today as the Amazon Goldbox Deal.

This Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook is preloaded with Windows 7 Home Premium Edition on a 64-bit motherboard.  The 64 bit part means the RAM can expand from 4GB to at least 8GB or perhaps even more, giving you a lot of room for expansion in processing speed.

The Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook carries a sleek design with a super thin form factor.  The Samsung Series  Ultrabook weighs less than 4lbs and has a diameter of less than a U.S. nickel.  The Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook was designed for one purpose – ultra mobility with super powerful computing power, along with looks that will impress everyone who sees you with it.

With all the power of the 4GB of RAM and the 1.6GHz i6 processor comes the SuperBright Technology that allows for a super high-resolution display with 16 million color saturation bits.  The Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook sets the standard in high resolution display technology.

Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook

The Amazon Kindle Fire was released on November 15th, 2011 on Amazon.com and since that day, the Kindle Fire has been, and continues to be, the #1 best selling product on Amazon.

The Kindle Fire has trumped the previous best selling product on Amazon – the Kindle e-reader.  But not only has the Kindle Fire been the #1 best selling product on Amazon for the past 5 months, but it also lays claim as the best selling Android tablet on the market.  Previous to the Kindle Fire, there have been a lot of Android tablets come and go as manufacturers make efforts to capture some of the tablet market share from Apple’s iPad.  But even though a lot of Android tablets have come to market, the Kindle Fire has risen – literally overnight – to be the #1 best selling Android tablet.

See an updated list of the Best selling tablet computers here.

What can we determine from the fact that the Kindle Fire has beat out the previously best selling product on Amazon, the Kindle e-reader, and all other products on Amazon?

1)  Tablets are popular:  without stating the obvious, tablet computers are very popular with consumers.  We’ve seen this with the Apple iPad selling millions of units in the first weekend of a new launch.  And we are seeing the popularity expand beyond the iPad with Android based tablets like the Kindle Fire.

2)  Content is king:  along with the Amazon Kindle Fire being an Android based tablet, I think more importantly it’s a device that is a doorway to Amazon’s massive content vault.  With Amazon Prime members getting access to over 19 million movies, TV shoes, songs, magazines, and books – along with thousands of popular Android apps and games like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Pandora, the Kindle Fire is a nothing short of a massive content portal.

I’m a firm believer in the fact that in order for a tablet computer to be successful, there has to be a strong content offering that accessible from that tablet.  The 7 inch Kindle Fire is not, according to specs, the most souped up Android tablet on the market.  In fact, a lot of the Kindle Fire complaints center around the performance of the Kindle Fire.

But despite it’s shortcomings in specs and performance, what people love about the Kindle Fire is the content accessibility.  And until manufacturers can start releasing tablet computers with substantial content access, I believe the Kindle Fire will continue it’s domination in the Android tablet space.

Will we ever see Apple release the 7 inch iPad, sometimes referred to as the iPad mini?  Yes, it’s true… Steve Jobs was quoted as saying the 7 inch tablet was dead on arrival.  It was during an earnings call back in October 2010 when Steve Jobs made the following comments, “7-inch tablets are tweeners: too big to compete with a smartphone and too small to compete with the iPad…  These are among the reasons that the current crop of 7-inch tablets are going to be DOA — dead on arrival.”  However, time has proven that Steve Jobs may have been a bit premature in announcing the death of the 7 inch tablet.  Look no further than the Amazon Kindle Fire for proof otherwise.  So with the 7 inch tablet apparently not DOA, there are rumors floating around that in the deep, dark caverns of the Apple labs, 7 inch iPads are actually being tested.  Nothing confirmed, of course, but plenty of talk, rumors, and buzz.

via pocketnow, wired, thetalkshow, technobuffalo

And here we go… Apple is having to face customer complaints over WiFi connectivity issues with their newest device – the new iPad.  With an internal AppleCare document being published by 9to5Mac, new light is being shed on poor WiFi performance in some of the new iPad models.  Customers claim that in places where strong WiFi signals abound, as proven by other people’s devices and signal strength, the new iPad is showing weak WiFi signals.  Compared to the overall sales volume of the new iPad, the complaints are comparatively small.  Nonetheless, Apple has issued instructions to all Apple Stores to ‘capture’ and replace all affected new iPad models.

via Engadget, 9to5Mac, Apple Support thread

What’s amazing to me are the photos that are starting to emerge of Ashton Kutcher and Steve Jobs side by side.  This images show, clearly, why Ashton Kutcher has been pegged as the character to play the role of Steve Jobs in the movie.

Check out these side by side images of Steve Jobs and Ashton Kutcher:

first image via Mashable

I was stunned when I saw the side by side comparison photo below of Ashton Kutcher and a dated photo of Steve Jobs.  When looking at the photo, it’s clear that Ashton Kutcher is the perfect candidate to play Jobs in the upcoming movie that will depict the life of Steve Jobs.

According to Hollywood reporter, Ashton Kutcher is attached to star as Steve Jobs in Jobs, an independent biopic being produced and financed by Five Star Institute’s Mark Hulme.

‘Principal photography’ is set to begin shooting in May for the upcoming film Jobs, while the film crew waits for Ashton Kutcher to come back from break after filming Two and a Half Men.

via Hollywood Reporter, Apple Insider

There is really no other tablet that comes even close to the sales volume of the iPad in the U.S. and other developed countries where both the iPad and other Android tablets are sold.

And looking at the Android tablet market, the Amazon Kindle Fire is the dominant force in the same demographics.

But in South Africa, the story is a bit different.  

Although yes, the iPad is big kid on the block in the tablet market, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is giving the iPad a run for its money.  Since the iPad was launched in South Africa back in April 2010, there have been 205,00o total units sold.

Impressive numbers for South Africa to be sure.

But look at what Samsung is achieving with sales figures.  The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is selling at a clip of around 20,000 units per month in South Africa.

But the tablet offering from Samsung doesn’t stop there – they also have a the Galaxy Tab 7.0 (Samsung’s 7 inch Android tablet) which is also selling strong, comparatively speaking.

According to Samsung’s Chief Operating Officer for Africa, George Ferreira, Samsung has sold 180,000 tablets in South Africa since the beginning of 2011.  

This equates to around the same volume that Apple is selling the iPad at in South Africa.  And most of the Samsung Galaxy Tab sales have come through mobile phone providers offering data contracts with bundles.

In the United States, and every major developed country in the world, the iPad dominates the tablet market.  But in South Africa, the iPad has just a little over 50% of the tablet market with Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 and the Galaxy Tab 7.0 both competing strong against the iPad.

The only question I have is this:  is what’s happening in South Africa a reflection of what’s to come in the United States’ tablet market?  Or perhaps in other developed countries in the world where both the iPad and the Galaxy Tab are being sold?

My guess would be no.

And the reason I say “no” is because of the Amazon Kindle Fire.  The Kindle Fire is currently only sold in the United States.  And here in the U.S., the Kindle Fire absolutely and definitively dominates the Android tablet market.

So once Amazon opens up the Kindle Fire to the global market place, I would venture to say that the Galaxy Tab market will be diminished dramatically.

What do you think?

Can Samsung’s Galaxy Tab actually compete against the iPad – or the Kindle Fire for that matter – in places like the United States or other developed countries in the world?

The CaseCrown Bold Kindle Fire Case

Take advantage of this great special offer on the CaseCrown (Purple) Leather Kindle Fire Case that’s normally $31.32, but is only sale now for only $19.21 – that’s a 39% off sale!

As a proud owner of the new Amazon Kindle Fire tablet, you obviously want to make to sure it’s fully protected while you are on the go.  The CaseCrown Bold Kindle Fire case is the perfect companion to ensure that not only is your Kindle Fire tablet protected and secured at all times.

The high quality velcro straps will secure your Kindle Fire tablet tightly inside the CaseCrown leather case while the genuine purple leather exterior makes you proud to be carrying around the Kindle Fire.

The CaseCrown Bold leather Kindle Fire case is also equipped with a stand that ensures convenient hands free use, no matter what the angle may be.  Set the Kindle Fire up on your desk at work, or on your tablet at home for the kids.  No matter what your needs may be, the CaseCrown Bold Kindle Fire case is the perfect companion for your busy lifestyle.

The CaseCrown Bold Kindle Fire Case

Original Price:  $31.32

Sales Price:  $19.21

CaseCrown Bold (Purple) Kindle Fire Case Features:

• Soft interior to prevent scratches
• All features are accessible
• Cover has flip capability to transform the case into a horizontal viewing stand
• Open interior pocket for easy insertion of Kindle Fire and velcro flap to secure it in place
• Colors shown in pictures may slightly differ from actual product due to lighting and color settings

CaseCrown (Purple) Kindle Fire Case Video:

The CaseCrown Bold Kindle Fire Case

You know, when you wake up on the fine Saturday morning, perhaps when it’s cold outside and all you want to do is curl up with one of your favorite newspapers.

Well what about curling up with a entire handfull of your favorite newspapers… wouldn’t that just be a whole lot better than only one?

I think so.

Since it’s the weekend and you might be looking to curl up with some great newspapers, I thought it might be a good idea to recommend to you some of the best and most popular Kindle Fire newspaper subscriptions.

Below are the 6 best selling Kindle Fire newspaper editions available, according to Amazon’s ranking structure.

6 Best Selling Kindle Fire Edition Newspaper Subscriptions

#1 – The New York Times

The New York Times on Kindle is dedicated to providing news coverage of exceptional depth and breadth, as well as opinion that is thoughtful and stimulating. Widely quoted, and often hotly debated, The New York Times is held by its readers to the highest of standards and continues to be regarded by many as the nation’s pre-eminent newspaper.

#2 - The Wall Street Journal Kindle and Digital Plus

Subscribe to The Wall Street Journal Kindle and Digital Plus and get access to WSJ on all Kindle e-Ink devices, the WSJ Kindle Fire App, Kindle for iPad, Kindle for Android, WSJ.com, the WSJ iPad app, and all WSJ smartphone apps. Experience everything you love about The Journal including, What’s News, Opinion, Marketplace, Money & Investing, Greater New York, Personal Journal, WSJ Weekend and more – anytime, anywhere from any device.

#3 - USA Today Daily Paid No-Ads Edition 

The USA Today Paid No-Ads Edition features no ads, and contains most articles found in the print edition, but will not include all images. It is available on all Kindle E Ink display devices as well as on Kindle for iPad, iPhone and iPod, and Kindle for Android. It is automatically delivered wirelessly Monday through Friday at 5 AM East Coast time.  USA TODAY is the nation’s top selling newspaper, offering the latest in news, business, sports, entertainment and lifestyle stories.

#4 - San Francisco Chronicle

This Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper is the 14th largest in the country, with a daily circulation of 375,000 in the Bay Area alone. It provides comprehensive coverage of local, regional and international news, entertainment and sports, and is one of the only papers in the United States with a regular column devoted to the architecture industry.  The Kindle Edition of The San Francisco Chronicle contains most articles found in the print edition, but will not include some images and tables. Also, some features such as the crossword puzzle, box scores and classifieds are not currently available. For your convenience, issues are automatically delivered wirelessly to your Kindle starting at 5:00 AM San Francisco local time.

#5 - The International Herald Tribune

The Kindle Edition of International Herald Tribune contains most articles found in the print edition, but will not include some images and tables. Some features such as the crossword puzzle, box scores and classifieds are not currently available. Also, please note that International Herald Tribune features a combined weekend edition on Saturday, and therefore does not publish on Sundays. For your convenience, issues are automatically delivered wirelessly to your Kindle so you can read them each morning at 5:00 AM Paris local time.

#6 - The Boston Globe

The color Kindle edition of The Boston Globe is now available on the Kindle Reading App for your Android device. Download issues at no extra cost from Archived Items.  The Boston Globe is the most widely circulated daily newspaper in Boston, Mass., and in the greater New England region. Awarded numerous Pulitzer Prizes, The Boston Globe provides comprehensive local, national, and world news and features columns in news, arts and entertainment, business, sports, travel, life, and real estate. Notable contributors include Ty Burr, Ellen Goodman, Jeff Jacoby, Bob Ryan, Dan Shaughnessey, and Dan Wasserman.

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Relax & Read Some News!6 Most Popular Kindle Fire Edition Newspapers bit.ly/HHBPKS #tablet #ipad

— Robert Holland (@TabletCrunch) April 1, 2012

I just finished reading the articles on Seeking Alpha and WSJ about how Google is getting ready to open a store, similar to iTunes and Amazon, as a place to sell Android tablets.

Google feels the need to this as a way to help lift the sales of Android tablets, which have been meager at best.  Currently, the best selling Android tablet on the market is Amazon’s Kindle Fire which sold between 4 – 6 million units during Q3 2011.

What drives me crazy is how publications, smart and well funded publications, can miss the boat completely on what Google is up to here.  When it comes to dominating – or at least competing against – Apple’s iPad with Android tablets, the only you have a shot is through the combination of content and pricing.

So many people think that specs are the major influencer in tablet sales.

Folks, if specs were the biggest factor affecting Android tablet sales, then the Asus Transformer Prime would be killing the iPad right now.

But it’s not – and you wanna know why?

The reason is because of the lack of content.

Content & Price Is Everything

I know, I know… specs are important and they have their place.  But unless you are able to offer something unique in the way of content, you mine as well save your money manufacturing a tablet and just build PC’s instead.

Look at Amazon’s Kindle Fire.  This 7 inch touchscreen tablet with a slow and sluggish web browser, sky rocketed to the #1 best selling Android tablet on the market – and it happened almost overnight.

So what was the power behind the 4 – 6 million Kindle Fire units selling in Q4 2011 alone?

It was the content that Amazon was able to offer through Amazon Prime, coupled with the fact that the Kindle Fire sold for only $199.  These two elements – content & pricing – are what drove the Kindle Fire to success.

How To Beat The iPad

So it goes without saying that content is king when it comes to Android tablet success, along with a low end pricing model.

This is why I believe Google launched Google Play with its own online store.   Because they knew the only way to compete in the tablet market is to have a substantial amount of content readily accessible via the Android tablets.  And what better way to accomplish this than through Google Play.

You mark my words:  ”Google Play” is Google’s answer to the iPad.

image via Wired

Google Play is the latest iteration in Google’s attempt to compete against the likes of iTunes and Amazon Prime.  The content offering on Google Play, although early in it’s launch, is growing substantially.  Google figures if it can strike the same content deals with the distributors that Apple and Amazon have, then it can produce a content offering that will hopefully draw customers.

In fact, Google sees the opportunity to actually offer something better – ubiquitous access to content via the web.  Meaning, if you have an internet connection on any device (iPad, Android tablet, iPhone, Android smartphone, etc…), then you have access to Google Play – and if you have access to Google Play, then you have access to your content.  All of the above is what breathes new life into the Android tablet market.

This is something that the Kindle Fire does not offer.  In fact, it’s one of the biggest complaints from Kindle Fire users – not being able to download videos from the cloud, only music.  With Google Play, these issue do not exist – if you can access Google Play from any web connect device, you have access to your entire library.

The Impact of Google Play on Tablets

I’ve always held the philosophy that when it comes to tablets, content is king.  The reason why the Kindle Fire has been so successful, even despite the all the Kindle Fire complaints, is because of Amazon Prime and the massive content offering.  And it’s not only the reason for the Kindle Fire’s success, but inversely is the reason for other Android tablet failures.

Google Play will breathe new life into every Android tablet on the market.  Google Play gives a viability to Android tablets like the Asus Transformer Prime with its quad core processor.  Now that you have access to a content platform like Google Play, you can really put the Transformer Prime to work and maximize it’s processing power.

Google Play Shortfall

Google Play does have its shortcomings however, and right now the biggest one I see is the lack of TV shows.  Amazon Prime, and even Netflix, has a huge draw in that it offers a lineup of TV shows – for example, all six seasons of Lost, and every episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

But I can’t imagine that TV shows are too far behind with Google Play.

So what do you think?  Will Google Play breathe new life into the Android tablet market?

So I decided to do some looking around to find some of the coolest Kindle Fire sleeves that are on the market.  I didn’t want to find just any ol’ Kindle Fire sleeve though – I wanted something that was… well… unique in design, color, and patterns.

What I found was pretty cool.  And in fact, all three of these sweet looking Kindle Fire sleeve patterns are made by the same manufacturer – Built.

All three of the Kindle Fire sleeves are available on Amazon right now and they all carry over a 4 out of 5 star rating from customers.

This means, customers love their Built Kindle Fire sleeves.

Let’s take at look at these three cool Kindle Fire sleeve patterns, and then you tell us what you think.

‘Scatter Dot’ Kindle Fire Slim Neoprene Sleeve Case by Built

Check out the ‘Scatter Dot’ Kindle Fire Sleeve on Amazon (Only $24.99)

The BUILT Kindle Compatible Neoprene Sleeve in Scatter Dot (Scuba Blue interior) is the ideal case for your latest generation Kindle. This sleeve features BUILT’s proprietary hourglass shape and form to hold your Kindle tight, with a soft inner lining to protect your Kindle screen from scratches.

‘Vine’ Kindle Fire Sleeve Case by Built

Check out ‘Vine’ Kindle Fire Sleeve on Amazon (Only $24.99)

The BUILT Kindle Compatible Neoprene Sleeve in Vine (Raspberry Sorbet interior) is the ideal case for your latest generation Kindle. This sleeve features BUILT’s proprietary hourglass shape and form to hold your Kindle tight, with a soft inner lining to protect your Kindle screen from scratches.

‘Lush Flower’ Kindle Fire Sleeve Case by Built

Check out the ‘Lush Flower’ Kindle Fire Sleeve on Amazon (Only $24.99)

The BUILT Kindle Compatible Neoprene Sleeve in Lush Flower (Bright Fuchsia interior) is the ideal case for your latest generation Kindle. This sleeve features BUILT’s proprietary hourglass shape and form to hold your Kindle tight, with a soft inner lining to protect your Kindle screen from scratches.

So what about you?

Do you know of any other cool Kindle Fire sleeve patterns out there?  Who makes them?  How much?  Share in the comments below.

The popular Kindle Fire cover by Kate Spade of New York called Sprinkle Dot, becomes unavailable on Amazon.

Not only do you get the standard “Currently Unavailable” message on the product page, but it follows up with We don’t know when or if this item will be back in stock.  

The Sprinkle Dot Kindle Fire cover has been one of the most popular Kindle Fire covers from the Kate Spade line and has received great reviews (4 out of 5 stars) from customers who’ve purchased the Sprinkle Dot Kindle Fire cover.

So for now, you’ll just have to settle for one of the other Kate Spade of New York Kindle Fire covers.

Shop for other Kate Spade Kindle Fire covers

With Amazon remaining silent over it’s plans on the new Kindle Fire 2, that leaves the rest of the world to start conjuring up all sorts of rumors about what – and now how many – Kindle Fire 2 tablets we may actually see.  There have been reports now that range from Amazon releasing a 9 inch Kindle Fire tablet that will compete directly against the new iPad, to a newer version of its current 7 inch model which is being called the Kindle Fire 2.  And now there are rumors that Amazon is getting ready to actually release three new Kindle Fire tablets by the end of 2012.  These three Kindle Fire tablets are expected to be  a low-end 7-inch, 1,024-by-600 model; a midrange, 7-inch model with a higher 1,280-by-800 resolution; and a high-end, 8.9 inch tablet with a 1,920-by-1,200 display.  So with all the rumors about the new Kindle Fire 2, who knows what in the world we’ll see this year from Amazon.  I know one thing, Jeff Bezos and crew have been listening intently to all of the Kindle Fire complaints, you better believe they are hard at work to address those concerns in the new Kindle Fire 2.

via pcworld

Apple has found itself in some hot water over the new iPad’s 4G LTE limitations in Australia and the misleading advertising that leads some people to believe they will be getting 4G speeds.  

Customers in Australia are complaining that Apple’s advertising of the new iPad leads them to believe they will be getting 4G speeds with the new tablet.  The only problem is in Australia, and nearly everywhere else in the world, the new iPad cannot reach 4G speeds – big problem since Apple advertises the new iPad as a WiFi + 4G tablet.

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) took aim directly at Apple earlier this week over the misleading advertising and Apple has agreed, slightly, to post signs where ever the new iPad is sold that will hopefully clarify the whole 4G issue.

Along with posting signs, Apple has also agreed to email every single customer who has purchased the new iPad to offer refunds if they chose to return their iPad, according to SMH.com.

The whole issue here is that Apple’s new iPad is tuned to only work with 4G networks in the United States and Canada.  The 4G networks in places other than those two countries operate at a different frequency, causing the new iPad to lose its 4G capabilities.

What do you think about this whole 4G limitation with the new iPad?

Do you think customers will actually be returning the new iPad for a refund?

via Sydney Morning Herald, SlashGear

There just so happens to be a reason after all as to why Apple CEO Tim Cook was hanging out in China yesterday (I’m being facetious of course…).  Yesterday, news broke that China has granted permission to Apple to release the new iPad (or iPad 3) officially into what is Apple’s largest and most profitable market.

Tim Cook was in China yesterday under a closely guarded agenda that included talks with Beijing’s mayor and a visit to Apple’s (legitimate) flagship store there in the capital city.  I say ‘legitimate’ because in China, there are also lot’s of fake Apple stores popping up.

It can be expected that the new iPad in China will be of the WiFi only type due to the nearly insurmountable hurdles required to access the government controlled data network in the country.

Still, China is Apple’s biggest and most profitable market.  And it’s well worth the time and effort for the CEO to do some facetime in the country.

via engadget, ibnlive

There were a couple of thoughts I had initially when looking at these pictures.  Like, isn’t the driver going to be seriously distracted driving down the road?  And second, what happens when, if you are in an accident and the passenger side airbag deploys?   But aside of those questions, I’m really digging the idea and innovation – if nothing else the creative spirit of experimenation.

I think ultimately that someone like Steve Jobs would be proud of something like this!  After all, wasn’t it Steve Jobs who, when hospitalized for long periods of time because of his illness would start drawing up iPad mounts for things like hospital beds?

Check it out – here’s some pics of the iPad dashboard mount for the Honda Element.  You can see the whole spread here.

and so it begins…

and the final product…

Check it out:  The New iPad Act