Purported iPad mini cases surface ahead of expected launch

Now that it’s been all but confirmed that Apple will be hosting a media event in September, the spotlight turns to the focus of the meeting. Obviously, a new iPhone is a given. But what else will Apple be unveiling that day?

One report suggests that we could see the rumored iPad mini at the event, although there is still no actual evidence that such a product exists. But that’s not stopping case-makers from ramping up production…

9to5Mac points to some new DeviceWear cases that surfaced on the web earlier today, and appear to be made for a smaller iPad. The images were taken down shortly after they went live, but 9to5Mac was able to score a couple of photos.

“Now we’re seeing a first glimpse at some iPad mini cases. According to a few tips we received, case maker DeviceWear posted and took down a website for their own iPad mini cases. We’re not too sure what to make of that, but last year, case maker Case-Mate did the same for the iPhone 5. “

As you may recall, the iPhone 5 design depicted in the Case-Mate images turned out to be fake — likely a publicity stunt that was piggybacking on the media attention and anticipation surrounding Apple’s new iPhone.

But real or not, these images do depict a smaller iPad that lines up perfectly with previous reports. The tablet appears to be extremely thin, and has the smaller 19-pin dock connector that Apple is expected to start using in its iOS devices from here on out.



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Apple’s AuthenTec purchase indicates an e-wallet fingerprint service

Apple’s $356 million acquisition of mobile security firm AuthenTec (already under investigation, by the way) has been already deemed by one analyst as a move meant to bolster security of iOS devices in enterprise. Now another analysts chimes in with speculation that the transaction, still pending approval, will probably help Apple create a mobile payment system around future iOS devices built around an e-wallet fingerprint service…

Financial Post quotes RBC Capital Markets analyst Amit Daryanani:

The largest feature that could be added due to the AuthenTec acquisition would be a move to an e-wallet fingerprint service.

While the current security offerings for the iPhone are solid, we believe fingerprint security could allow for a secure mobile e-payment service offering.

AuthenTec’s hardware and software could theoretically be used in future iPhones to let one unlock the device and make payments simply by swiping their finger over a built-in touch sensor aking to fingerprint sensors seen on many HP notebooks, for example.

The analyst’s view is shared by writer Mike Elgan, who similarly speculates that AuthenTec’s technology potentially gives Apple’s devices the bets user identification system there is:

AuthenTec technology would help Apple offer a system that’s secure, even over something as inherently insecure as Bluetooth.

The store would know that the customer is really you, and you would know that the only one you’re giving your money to is the store, not the creepy weirdo in the bathroom using his laptop.

This actually makes more sense to me than the notion that Apple bought AuthenTec for enterprise security. The next iPhone is supposed to come with an NFC chip for secure wireless payments.



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AllThingsD reaffirms September iPhone launch [updated]

Last night, iMore published a report claiming that Apple was going to unveil its new iPhone, and other products, at a media event on September 12th. The note also said that the handset would be released the following week.

While a September launch seems a bit early, considering last year’s timeframe, evidence is really piling up in its favor. In fact, a new report is out this afternoon reaffirming the date…

AllThingsD‘s John Paczkowski reports:

“iMore was first to report that the company has scheduled a special event for Wednesday, September 12, and now we’ve confirmed it as well. Sources tell AllThingsD that Apple is currently planning an event for that week. And while we haven’t yet confirmed its focus, history suggests it will indeed be the new iPhone. One thing’s for certain, though: Apple is ramping up for a big fall product cycle.”

Paczkowski’s sources have been extremely accurate in the past. AllThingsD has correctly reported on a number of Apple rumors this year including the iPad event date, and Apple’s all-new Maps application in iOS 6.

With two accurate, but separate, sources pointing to a September 12 event, we have no reason to believe otherwise. Of course, Apple could change the date between now and then. But for right now, all systems seem to be a go.

In addition to an all new iPhone, Apple is widely expected to unveil a smaller iPad and some new iPod products this fall. Whether those will all happen at the September event, or a separate one at a later date, still remains to be seen.

Update: for what it’s worth, The Verge is reporting that its sources have also confirmed the September 12 event date.

Update 2: The Loop’s Jim Dalrymple has added his weight to the proposed September event date with his usual confirming “Yep.” Jim was Macworld’s editor at large for several years and is known to have sources deep inside Apple. We suggest you mark your calendars.



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Australian airline to serve up in-flight entertainment via iPads

This is pretty interesting: Qantas, an Australian airline, is now handing out iPads to passengers on all of its B767 airliners. The tablet is being used to provide an in-flight entertainment service, called QStreaming, which features more than 200 hours of on-demand content.

QStreaming is free, and offered to all Qantas Business and Economy class customers. Here’s a brief overview of the new service:

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Smart TV alliances reportedly being formed over iTV rumors

Rumors that Apple is eyeing HD TV set making biz have persisted for a couple years now, but no solid iTV evidence surfaced thus far apart from Jobs’ vague “I finally cracked it” quote from Walter Isaacson’s bio book.

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