Apple's third-generation iPad is getting closer to arriving in China, with the country's Telecommunication Equipment Certification Center providing a mandatory license for an unnamed 3G-compatible Apple-made device, which is most likely the new iPad.

But, there are still some hurdles. Apple need to reach an agreement with Proview over the ownership of the iPad trademark in China, with negotiations starting up again recently. Apple have reportedly tabled a settlement of $16 million, but is much, much less than the $400 million that Proview is holding out for.

The new iPad is destined to be a China Unicom-exclusive, who is Apple's original operator partner, and LTE will not be featured in China as no network is operational in the country.

POST A COMMENT

Ahead of Computex next week, Intel have released details on 14 new dual-core Ivy Bridge-based processors. Core i5 and i7 processors will be among the first to drop, with Core i3 variants arriving later this year.

The Core i3 processors will also be joined with new Pentiums and Celerons, too. Out of the 14 new dual-core processors, six of them are desktop-grade, which means the remaining 8 of them are destined to mobile and ultra-low voltage. Ultra-low voltage chips sport a "U" in their name, which gives their identity away.

With Computex happening next week, we should expect to see a slew of Ultrabooks sporting the new ultra-low voltage Core processors. We should have a bunch of hands-on talk with various models, chips, Ultrabooks and so forth, so check back each and everyday next week for our coverage of Computex!

Earlier on today we were at a GIGABYTE press conference at the Regent hotel in Taipei where the Taiwanese laptop maker introduced its latest laptop ahead of Computex which starts on Tuesday next week.

That's welcome the X11 to the party. This is a 11.6-inch laptop with a 1366x768 resolution display. GIGABYTE aren't calling it an Ultrabook since it doesn't quite meet all the specifications required by Intel to do so, but it essential is an Ultrabook. GIGABYTE is calling it a Carbonbook since the materials mostly used are carbon. The carbon on some areas of the laptop are covered by a plastic UV finish to protect it. The UV material does smudge very easily - GIGABYTE staff at the event were continually cleaning the surface of the X11 laptops on displays for the crowd of media in attendance.

It comes with Windows 7 installed and features an Intel Core processor (sorry, we didn't get the exact model), 4GB of DDR-III memory, a 128GB SSD and one USB 3.0 port. The system is powered by a motherboard featuring the Intel HM77 chipset with Intel HD Graphics 4000. So, you aren't going to be playing new games like Battlefield 3 with all the image quality settings turned up, but it should be able to offer support for some new games with quality levels turned down...

Apple's next-generation mobile operating system, iOS 6, is expected sometime in the coming months, but BGR is reporting about their Maps app which will support 3D mapping. Apple aren't using Google's mapping data this time around.

BGR has sourced some exclusive information, and photos, of Apple's new Mapps app, with the app featuring an updated user interface as well as a brand new navigation bar. This bar is said to be silver instead of blue. The current Maps app follows the normal blue iOS color scheme, but it looks like Apple could move toward a silver theme for iOS 6, like the iPad.

The iPhone Maps app has a floating 'locate me' button in the bottom left corner. In order to access 3D mode, you'll have to peel back the lower right corner of Maps. Once 3D has been enabled, you can switch in and out of 3D mode by tapping a 3D icon in the lower left hand corner. Apple's acquisition of C3 Technologies has helped them back 3D mapping into their Maps app, which should be a great feature in the new iPhone and iOS.

Apple are currently testing, and putting the final touches on its 3D mapping functionality, with it being tested in build 10A3XX of iOS6. BGR does state that the above image is a mock up based on what Maps should look like, as their source has told them.

POST A COMMENT

The previous US Customs and Border Protection ban over the HTC One X and EVO 4G LTE has been lifted, after the customs review went into effect on April 19 preventing the sale of the two smartphones. AT&T did receive some units, and last week, Customs released a handful of the units to carriers for sale in anticipation of the release.

HTC e-mailed Wired saying:

HTC has completed the review process with US Customs and HTC devices have been released, as they are in compliance with the ITC's ruling. Future shipments should continue to enter the U.S. and we are confident that we will soon be able to meet the demand for our products.

HTC stated that before the phones arrived that they had already fixed the link patent issue to sidestep their ban, with Customs officials inspecting the modified phones to make sure they complied with the ITC's ruling. No ETA has been given on when we should expect full retail availability.

POST A COMMENT

ASUS have introduced a new all-in-one PC featuring Intel's third-generation Core processors. The new ASUS ET2411 is a 23.6-inch Full HD multi-touch LED-backlit beast, sporting Windows 7, HDMI, and much more.

The touch-screen alone is something that makes the ET2411 standout. The ET2411 also comes with ASUS' SonicMaster Technology which boasts louder volumes, and improved clarity. The all-in-one PC can also be used as a secondary display on another PC by connecting other PCs, laptops or tablets through its HDMI input.

ASUS' ET2411 is also wall-mountable for those with a smaller apartment or house, or those wanting to have it look stylish. It can be specced with a Core i5 or i7, comes with 2GB of RAM (expandable to 8GB), 500GB HDD, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, DVD/Blu-ray drive, two USB 3.0 ports on the side, 3 USB 3.0 ports on the rear, HDMI-in and out, VGA, card reader, GbE connectivity, and a Kensington lock.

The ET2411 weighs in at a total of 10.8kg. and comes in just one color, black.

Got a spare $10,000? Too late. The rare prototype iPad that featured two 30-pin dock connectors has sold for an astonishing $10,200, $200 above the original asking price.

The unit sported dock connects on the bottom and left side of the iPad, and was a fully functional unit except for a faulty digitizer, which renders the touchscreen inoperative. The prototype did still include Apple's "Switchboard" testing software included.

Seven bidders were at the hammer for the device, with 23 bids issued for the device. The unidentified buyer placed the winning bit with just two minutes to spare. What makes the device so rare is that it's just so scarce, as well as no one outside of Apple owns a dual dock-capable iPad.

The $10,200 prototype iPad lacks any trademark and regulatory markings that are found on a retail iPad, but it does sport a prototype ID number as well as part numbers and copyrights from prior to the official iPad launch. Both dock ports are reportedly fully functional.

POST A COMMENT

Amazon and Microsoft have made the Amazon Instant Video streaming media application available to Gold-level Xbox Live subscribers. Right now, over 17,000 streaming videos are available right now, for free, on the Xbox 360.

The service on the Xbox 360 now gives Xbox users access to Amazon's 120,000-strong library of purchasable videos to watch on the console. Watch lists are manageable from either a web interface, or locally on the Xbox 360 itself.

Xbox Kinect technology is also compatible, which can be used to search and play videos, as well as the traditional controller interface. Purchases made from Amazon are instantly loaded onto a watch list for easy selection from the 360.

Amazon joins an ever-growing list of companies on the Xbox 360, such as Epix, CinemaNow, Crackle, Dailymotion, ESPN, Verizon FIOS, Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO, MLB, and more.

POST A COMMENT

Could those words be any more mysterious? Apple CEO Time Cook when questioned about the lack of Facebook integration on iOS, said "Stay tuned". Considering that Facebook have nearly 1 billion users, and Apple's handshake with Twitter and its integration with iOS, we have to wonder, 'why not Facebook?'

Cook adds "Facebook is a great company, and the relationship is solid. I saw Sheryl (Sandberg) earlier outside. We have great respect for each other."

When Swisher reffered to Jobs calling Facebook "onerous", Cook responded with:

They have their way of doing things, but people say that about us as well. Just because they have a point of view doesn't mean we can't work with each other.

Jobs had previously referred to Facebook term's when negotiating the Ping integration as "onerous", which means "involving a burdensome amount of effort and difficulty". Post-IPO Facebook could be different, knowing that Apple have a considerable amount of power in the industry compared to a few years a...

Facebook share's are continuing to tank, where they've started to dip below $29 per share, where at the time of writing, they're sitting at $28.19 per share. Considering they started at $38 per share, this is quite the fall from grace for the social networking company.

This drop has pushed their once $100 billion-plus valuation, down to a market cap of just $61.66 billion. This is a disaster considering the confidence in the stock pre-IPO, just over a week ago now. Traders can also now "short" Facebook shares, betting that the price will continue to fall. Sam Hamadeh, founder of analyst PrivCo, said that most of the options were "bearish" meaning that traders were betting on price falls. He also said that popular contracts were putting Facebook's share price in the mid-$20's for June and July, with PrivCo estimating Facebook shares were worth $25 ahead of the IPO.

I think we should see shares stabilize at around the mid-$20's mark, as PrivCo states. I think the initial offering was a quick cash-grab for those "in the know", but I'm no financial expert. It really seems that way from everything that is happening with the Facebook IPO.

POST A COMMENT

We know that NVIDIA are set to unleash the GK104-powered GEFORCE GTX 660, which should arrive during Computex in Taipei next week. Until then, we have to look at a photoshopped picture of the card itself.

VR-Zone reports that they've checked with their sources, and the product is indeed, legit. The top left of the card has a photoshopped 6-pin PCI-e power connector highlighting that it only draws up to 150W and no more, which is a great sign for power-conscious gamers.

If the GTX 660 pulls just 150W of power, NVIDIA have done a great thing with Kepler. Gone are the days that Fermi splashed out on your wallet sucking down all that juice on your rig, less than 150W of power on a mid-range card like this is great.

We should have more news, in-person, at Computex next week.

POST A COMMENT

BBC aired a report last week, in reference to the UN's Security Council, and the screens behind presenter Sophie Raworth showed a large graphic. This graphic was the UNSC icon, but had nothing to do with the Security Council, because it was the badge of the United Nations Space Command, the military agency featured in Halo.

You can see, a quick Google image search would be mistaken for Halo's UNSC. UNSC can mean United Nations Security Council, or alternatively in the Halo world, the United Nations Space Command. Viewers spotted the error quickly, and the icon was replaced in later editions of the bulletin.

A spokesperson said:

BBC News makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all images broadcast. However, very occasionally mistakes do happen. Unfortunately an incorrect logo was used during a segment on last week's News at Once bulletin and we apologise to viewers for the mistake.

Master Chief would be proud.

POST A COMMENT

Google Nexus 7, get to know it, because it's going to be something quite big over the coming months. Nexus 7 is a 7-inch tablet with a 'HD Ready' 1280x800-pixel screen, NVIDIA's 4-PLUS-1 Tegra 3 SoC which clocked in at 1.3GHz and is manufactured by ASUS.

It features a five-point multi-touch hardware-accelerated screen, which takes advantage of Tegra's fifth 'companion' core and Synamptics IP. Pixel density on the Nexus 7 is a little higher than 215 pixels per inch.

Being a Google device, it sports the very latest version of their mobile OS, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. It has been previously reported that Android 5.0 would be Jelly Bean, but it seems Google is outfitting their $199 tablet with the latest deliciously-named OS. Android 4.1 is the next step from Google, with Android 4.2 being the step after.

It also includes OpenGL ES, the latest version released by the Khronos Group, but performance is not up to the usual Tegra 3-powered devices, with Rightware's Taiji OpenGL ES 2.0 test having a frame rate of just 18fps.

But for this price, who can complain? We hope to see more news on this in the coming days, and weeks.

POST A COMMENT

Windows 8 Release Preview is out a little early, and whilst it's just a Chinese version, it's been said that users have been able to install an English language pack through Windows Update. The leaked ISO has been confirmed and tested by a few websites such as PCBeta (Chinese) and WinUnleaked (English) and is available right now various torrent sites. Personally, I'll be waiting for the official version of the OS, which is expected sometime next week, right in the middle of Computex.

Build 8400 does include some goodies, such as improved multi-monitor support, a new boot screen, as well as updated wallpapers and cursors. The final version of Windows 8 is expected to not include the translucent Aero Glass, but is present in the current build of Windows 8, including build 8400.

Build 8400 improves upon Metro, where we see News, Travel and Sports apps have been added. Also, DigiTimes is reporting that sources have told them Microsoft may increase the price of OEM versions of Windows 8, which could make it harder on system builders to keep their prices sharp, especially on the Ultrabooks.

Pricing should be unveiled in the coming months, or even at Microsoft's keynote at Computex on June 6. We will be there in force, and will update you with the news as it happens.

POST A COMMENT

Intel has inked a deal with Devicescape which could see the inclusion of Devicescape's virtual network into Intel-powered Ultrabooks and tablets. While Intel doesn't actually build these devices, they provide the silicon and software to manufacturers who design and assemble them and then sell them to the general public.

Devicescape has crowdsourced an entire network of open access points around the globe. However, not every access point gets added to Devicescape's network. First, the access point has to pass Devicescpe's standards for speed, reliability and availability. Only then will it be added. Of the 100 million or so access points seen, only 8 million have made the cut.

"Smart Connect will work on lid open and lid closed scenarios," Devicescape CEO David Fraser said via email. "So, you'll be automatically connected no-matter the state of your PC." The connection is completely automatic and works even with the lid closed. Imagine walking into a store and sitting down to find all of your email and RSS feeds synced. The future looks great.

No word on whether or not Intel or its partners would charge for the service, but it is highly unlikely that they would for a couple of reasons. First, the access points are free to Intel and would be accessible by the users without the service. Second, INtel is facing competition from ARM so this would be a way to differentiate their somewhat similar products.

POST A COMMENT

Attorneys representing the now defunct upload site MegaUpload have filed a motion with the court to dismiss criminal piracy charges due to the fact the US had no jurisdiction. "Megaupload does not have an office in the United States, nor has it had one previously," MegaUpload's lawyers wrote in their motion to dismiss. "Service of a criminal summons on Megaupload is therefore impossible."

The filing came today and is just the latest in a long drawn out court battle between MegaUpload and the United States. The sad part is that millions of legitimate users have been affected and their files, some the only copy, have been put into jeopardy at the hands of the US government. The issue at hand is that MegaUpload has never had a US-based agent or office:

Wholly foreign corporations, therefore, may not be prosecuted for alleged violations of federal criminal law unless they waive service In short, a corporation such as Megaupload cannot be brought within the jurisdiction of this Court for criminal proceedings absent its consent.

The company's lawyers have once again asked for funds to be released to allow for a proper defense. DotCom and three other managers are in New Zealand where they continue to fight extradition. "We told the court that the United States lacked probable cause to take down the entire site," said Ira Rothken, the attorney leading MegaUpload's worldwide defense.

According to Sony's market research and general common sense, water proof smartphones are something that everyone wants. Finally enough people have sounded off that Sony has decided to appease them. The Sony Xperia Go appears to replace last year's Xperia Active and the Xperia arco S appears to be an international Xperia arco HD.

Sony Xperia go specifications:

• 3.5" Reality Display powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine with 480 x 320 resolution
• 5MP fast capture camera goes from sleep to snap in just over a second
• Scratch resistant mineral glass display with wet finger tracking
• Highest level of dust and water resistance in a smartphone - IP67 Rating
• 1Ghz dual core processor gives consumers super fast performance
• 512 MB of RAM, 8 GB of internal storage plus MicroSD slot
• Launching on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, with an upgrade to Android 4.0 on its way
• To be available in black, white and yellow colours
• 1305 mAh battery capacity
• Weighs 110 grams, 9.8mm thin

A new discovery has been made by a Cambridge University researcher that a chip used by the US military features a security backdoor which could have massive implications on on national security. The chip, which was built in China, cannot simply be reprogrammed as the security backdoor is physically present on the silicon.

Sergei Skorobogatov of Quo Vadis Labs at Cambridge University said:

Our aim was to perform advanced code breaking and to see if there were any unexpected features on the (US Military) chip. We scanned the silicon chip in an affordable time and found a previously unknown backdoor inserted by the manufacturer. This backdoor has a key, which we were able to extract. If you use this key you can disable the chip or reprogram it at will, even if locked by the user with their own key. This particular chip is prevalent in many systems from weapons, nuclear power plants to public transport. In other words, this backdoor access could be turned into an advanced Stuxnet weapon to attack potentially millions of systems. The scale and range of possible attacks has huge implications for National Security and public infrastructure.

Now, let's be fair: it isn't a sure thing that the backdoor was introduced by the Chinese. It's more probable that the backdoor was present in the original design as a debugging tool for the designer. This is a common practice and these backdoors are often present and not malicious.

Thought your FiOS fiber connection wasn't fast enough? Well, you won't have to worry any more as Verizon has just announced speed upgrades to all of the FiOS tiers except for the base 15Mb/s connection. The increase in speed across the board is at least double, and in some cases triple, so there will be no more waiting for downloads.

Even the uploads have seen a boost in speed, though not quite as much as the downloads. Verizon is touting that both a 2-hour HD movie download and a 10GB backup will finish in 22 minutes or less on the faster connection. Verizon is saying that they are increasing the speed because of people needing it for uses like previously described.

There is no announcement regarding pricing. It's possible that there could be a price drop, although I don't see that in the cards. There also could be a price increase, although I don't see that as very likely either. We'll just have to wait until the speed rolls out this coming June. Verizon just needs to get the availability increased as I would love to get this to my house.

POST A COMMENT

Solid state drives are becoming a dime a dozen as more manufacturers intro models at lower and lower prices. These drives often don't sacrifice any performance to save costs. Today OCZ has introduced a new set of Agility 4 SSDs "for Mainstream Users Requiring the Best Price-to-Performance Ratio." We haven't tested that claim quite yet.

The newest line of solid state drives by OCZ is powered by an Everest 2 controller platform and "excels in real-world compressible and incompressible workload performance." OCZ is claiming the drives consistently exceed transfer rates of up to 400MB/s, and up to 85,000 random write IOPS. The press release says: "The dual core controller architecture also includes an advanced error correction code (ECC) engine, dynamic wear-leveling, auto encryption, and Indilinx Ndurance 2.0 technology that addresses and overcomes specific shortcomings of NAND flash memory to extend flash life well beyond the manufacturer's rated program and erase cycle specifications."

"For mainstream storage applications, there is no product better suited in the industry than our Agility 4 SSDs, providing the ultimate in access speed, application performance, endurance and reliability, at price points that most cost-conscious users will find appealing," said Ryan Petersen, CEO of OCZ Technology.