New iPad Models Spotted in Device Logs

Multiple new iPad models are being tested in Cupertino and the nearby Bay Area, potentially confirming rumors suggesting several refreshed iPads are launching in the near future.

New iPad model identifiers have been spotted in device data collected by mobile marketing company Fiksu and were shared by TechCrunch this morning. Four identifiers have been popping up in data logs, but that doesn’t necessarily correspond to four new devices as WiFi and WiFi + Cellular iPads historically have different model numbers. Fiksu believes the numbers correspond to between two and four new iPads.

Below are the iPad identifiers that have been found along with their corresponding count, as provided by Fiksu. Only a small number of visits have been seen, which Fiksu says is “about the same number we see being tested about a month before release.”

– iPad 7,1 – 17
– iPad 7,2 – 11
– iPad 7,3 – 5
– iPad 7,4 – 10

These identifiers are similar to identifiers for existing iPad Pro models, which are as follows:

– 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi) – iPad 6,7
– 12.9 inch iPad Pro (Cellular) – iPad 6,8
– 9.7-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi) – iPad 6,3
– 9.7-inch iPad Pro (Cellular) – iPad 6,4

At the very least, the presence of these identifiers suggests there are a minimum of two new iPad models in the works, in line with rumors suggesting Apple is working on both a revamped 10.5-inch iPad Pro that will effectively replace the 9.7-inch iPad Pro and a new 12.9-inch model.

The 10.5-inch iPad Pro is said to feature a nearly bezel-free edge-to-edge display that allows Apple to fit a larger screen in the same 9.7-inch form factor, and it is said to include an A10X processor and Touch ID built directly into the display.

Rumors sourced from reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have suggested there are supposed to be three new models on the horizon, including a 12.9-inch tablet, a lower-cost 9.7-inch tablet (priced as low as $299), and the flagship 10.5-inch tablet, while Japanese site Mac Otakara has claimed Apple could be working on four iPads, the three mentioned by Kuo along with a 7.9-inch iPad mini Pro model.

Though Fiksu is seeing only four identifiers, it’s possible additional iPads are in development but haven’t been found in device logs as of yet.

On the other hand, it potentially indicates we’re going to get a new 10.5-inch model and a new 12.9-inch model, with no new iPad mini or refreshed lower-end 9.7-inch model. This scenario doesn’t fit Mac Otakara’s prediction, but should Apple lower the price of the existing 9.7-inch iPad Pro, it does fit in with what Kuo has predicted.

Apple’s new iPads could debut as soon as later this month, according to supply chain analysts who shared the information with MacRumors this morning. Apple may be planning an event or a release for late March, perhaps even as early as next week.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer’s Guide: 12.9″ iPad Pro (Caution)
Discuss this article in our forums

Best app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

Everyone likes apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers make paid apps free for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up while you have the chance. Here are the latest and greatest apps on sale in the iOS App Store.

These apps normally cost money, and this sale lasts for a limited time only. If you go to the App Store and it says the app costs money, that means the deal has expired and you will be charged. 

More: 200 Awesome iPhone Apps | The best Android apps for almost any occasion

YConvert PRO

Not sure how to invest your money? YconvertPRO offers you a solution with the new currency conversion feature.

Available on:

iOS

RecApp

RecApp is the most advanced voice recording app on the App Store. It includes a set of special features for those who use their iPhones for professional activities.

Available on:

iOS

Coyn

Coyn is all about efficiency. Experience the most unique user-interface and enjoy managing your cash. Simply swipe up to add expenses and swipe down to add income.

Available on:

iOS

SaveAgram

Download videos and photos from Instagram with ease. Simply enter the Instagram link, press ‘Download Instagram’, and the video and/or photo is saved.

Available on:

iOS

Week Cal Widget

See your week’s events right from the notification center. Scroll up and down or scroll previous and next week, offering a full calendar at your fingertips without unlocking your device.

Available on:

iOS

Budget and expense tracking

Where did your money go? Try this easy and simple expense tracker that promises to be perfect for tracking expenses quickly and completely.

Available on:

iOS

Watch videos with distant friends via new Google app Uptime

Why it matters to you

You don’t have to watch YouTube videos alone even if there’s no one around you. Just check out Uptime, a new app from Google.

In this day and age, you’re never really alone, even if there’s no one next to you. Driving home that idea is a new app from Google that wants to make your video watching experience a more social one. Because who says you have to binge watch The Great British Baking Show all by your lonesome? Meet Uptime.

Say hello to #Uptime! Share and watch videos together. Download now from the App Store https://t.co/Bwo7e4xCgy. Use invite code: PIZZA pic.twitter.com/w9MzqwCibi

— Uptime (@uptimeApp) March 11, 2017

Developed by Google’s startup incubator Area 120, which was first established last year to encourage Google employees to come up with their own startup ideas, Uptime lets you connect with your friends via YouTube videos. Currently available exclusively for iPhone (we know that’s weird considering it’s … a Google product), the app simply requires you to sign in with your Google account, then find your friends. From there, you’ll be able to watch kitten videos (or whatever else you find on YouTube) together in real time, and provide commentary by way of Facebook Live-esque emojis and written comments as you watch.

More: No Hollywood budget, no problem: here are the best free video editing apps

We’re sure no one will be surprised to hear that the UI looks much like Snapchat’s, because apparently everyone is looking to borrow from the same source these days. But even so, Uptime certainly serves a different purpose from that of existing social media platforms, allowing users to gather around different screens, together.

It’s unclear what the future holds for Uptime — whether it will gain a web or Android app, or if the platform will even be around in a few months’ time. But if you and your friends all happen to be iPhone users and have been dying to watch a video together from across the country (or the world), you might do well to check it out.

The app is free to download and has the invite code PIZZA.

BlackBerry wants to shield your screens from prying eyes with Privacy Shade

Why it matters to you

You don’t want people reading off your phone from over your shoulder. Stop them with the new Privacy Shade from BlackBerry.

It may no longer be manufacturing its own devices, but BlackBerry would like to remind us all that it’s still here, and still relevant. In a blog post published last Friday, the smartphone maker turned software company announced the delivery of a new app called Privacy Shade that promises to “let you read emails, messages, and personal content at any time without worrying about snoopers, even if someone is looking over your shoulder.”

The release comes hot off the heels of two new BlackBerry phones — there’s the KEYOne from TCL that made its debut at Mobile World Congress, and the BlackBerry Aurora from BB Merah Putih that just came out for Indonesian users. And now, all BlackBerry owners can  rest assured that their private information will stay private.

More: Latest BlackBerry device comes from Indonesia, and is named the Aurora

With Privacy Shade, BlackBerry users will be able to adjust the transparency of their screen filter to suit their surroundings. They can also obscure parts of the screen they’re not actively viewing or using, so most of the display appears dark and inscrutable to prying eyes. If you’re running a device with Android OS 7.0 Nougat or higher, you’ll be able to add BlackBerry Privacy Shade to your Quick Settings, and if you’ve a BlackBerry with a Convenience Key, you can assign the Privacy Shade to said key.

Similarly, should your device support Swipe Shortcuts, you can make the Privacy Shade one of your shortcuts, and regardless of what kind of device you may have, you can toggle BlackBerry Privacy Shade on or off via an optional dedicated notification in the notification tray.

Installing the app is simple — you need only to search Google Play for the app, or use this link to open up Privacy Shade directly.

BlackBerry has also rolled out a few other updates, like auto-enabling CC or BCC settings when sending an email, and additional Hub integrations like support for Kik and Telegram. For a full list of updates, check out BlackBerry’s blog post here.

Royal Caribbean brings smart home automation to its latest Celebrity Edge cruise

Why it matters to you

Royal Caribbean’s next ship will make the check-in process simpler and faster, and you’ll be able to use your smartphone to control your cruise experience.

Royal Caribbean Cruises has unveiled a new ship in its Celebrity series that was completely designed in 3D. The Celebrity Edge won’t be operational for some time, but the company offered a sneak peak at how technology will improve a guest’s experience on the ship.

At 1,004 feet long and 128 feet wide, the Celebrity Edge can carry 3,373 guests in total, as well as 1,320 members of the crew. It features 1,467 staterooms, 14 passenger decks, 12 passenger elevators, and more.

More: How Carnival’s small, wearable Medallion crafts a cruise just for you

As Carnival highlighted in its announcement earlier this year, Celebrity Edge will feature “friction-less arrival,” meaning guests won’t have to wait in long lines for a check-in process. This will work through a combination of facial recognition software and geo-fenced beacons.

Guests won’t also have to carry anything other than their smartphone to access their rooms — key-less entry is now possible via the cruise’s app. Similarly, every part of a guest’s room will be controllable via a touchscreen panel — from lighting and window shares to room temperature and more. These smart home-like features include preset scenes that could be used to help guests go to sleep or wake up in the morning.

A Virtual Concierge app also allows guests to order drinks, book dinner reservations, and more. The map will make use of smartphone sensors to improve mapping services based on a guests’ location.

More: Incredible Sony World Photography Awards shortlist might give you the travel itch

One of the many features that makes the Celebrity Edge unique is the Magic Carpet — a glass structure that’s the size of a tennis court. What’s neat is that it’s able to traverse 13 stories, like a massive elevator, and it’s uses can change depending on the deck where it’s temporarily docked.

Royal Caribbean announced Celebrity Edge at an event in Miami on Monday, and we’ll add more details about the upcoming cruise as we learn more.

Android Central 327: Cutting the cord

This week, we’re taking a break from phones to talk about cutting the cord, and saving money in the process.

Phil Nickinson, former EIC of Android Central and recent recipient of award for Most Modern Dad, joins Daniel and Russell to chat about the current landscape of getting rid of cable, and what options are out there.

From the best streaming service — PS Vue, DirecTV Now, Sling and Tivo — to the best TVs, speakers, remotes and internet plans, this podcast covers it all.

More: How Modern Dad ditched Cable TV and cut the cord for good

Featured products

• NVIDIA Shield Android TV box
• Le Eco Super4 X65 TV
• Logitech Harmony Elite remote
• Logitech Harmony Companion remote
• Roku 4 Ultra streaming box
• Chromecast Ultra streaming dongle
• PlayStation Vue streaming service

Podcast MP3 URL: http://traffic.libsyn.com/androidcentral/androidcentral327.mp3

Here’s what to do when your Daydream controller won’t charge

Dealing with a remote that won’t charge is frustrating, but there is an easy way to deal with it.

Daydream View has taken mobile VR a leap forward by implementing a remote that allows you to interface with apps and experiences. This remote is necessary to do much of anything in a Daydream app, and it adds layers to the types of games that you can play. However, if your remote won’t charge then you’re in a rotten situation. Thankfully while this problem is extremely frustrating, there is a pretty simple way to troubleshoot the issue.

Read more at VR Heads!

PlayStation VR’s Cinematic Mode received an update and it’s better than ever

Did the PlayStation 4.50 patch change PSVR?

PlayStation patch 4.50 is here, and with it comes a bunch of significant changes to the PS4, as well as a few changes to PlayStation VR. Cinematic mode and the Social Screen received notable upgrades, and you can now also watch 3D Blu-Rays within your headset. Let’s take a deeper look at exactly what the changes bring and what they mean for PSVR.

Read more at VR Heads!

Galaxy S7 Nougat update hitting Canada Mar. 20

Poutine, long winters, and delayed Android updates — all part of the Canadian dream.

Canadian Samsung Galaxy S7 owners can finally relax about that damn Nougat update. Weeks and months after it hit the rest of the world, Canadians can expect Android 7.0 Nougat for the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge on March 20, at least on Rogers. Telus, Bell, Freedom Mobile and others will likely follow suit shortly afterwards.

It’s unclear why the Canadian variants have taken so long to be updated — Canadian carriers have a tendency to overcompensate on network quality control, and the inconsistent rollout of VoLTE has hampered update speed in the past — but the good news is that it’s finally coming. That it took almost a year from the phone’s release is not a legacy Samsung should be proud of, though, but Canadians can expect a lot of great new features, including a refreshed UI, proper display scaling, improved performance and battery efficiency, multi-window mode, and more.

At this rate, though, Canadians should get their Nougat update well before the unlocked variant of the GS7 in the U.S. — some consolation, right?

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge

• Galaxy S7 review
• Galaxy S7 edge review
• U.S. unlocked Galaxy S7
• Should you upgrade to the Galaxy S7?
• Best SD cards for Galaxy S7
• Join our Galaxy S7 forums

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Take your pick of 3 popular iOttie car mounts for $13 today only at Amazon

Our friends at Thrifter are back again, this time scoring you big discounts on popular iOttie car mounts!

It’s no secret that you shouldn’t be driving and using your phone in your hand, but people still do it. Instead of putting your life at risk to view an incoming email or driving directions, head over to Amazon and buy an iOttie smartphone car mount for less than $13. There are 3 different styles to choose from so you’re bound to find one that works for you. As a price comparison, you’d normally pay about $20 per mount.

These universal mounts will accommodate nearly any size smartphone, with or without a case. iOttie makes the best car mounts on the market, period. Its Easy One Touch 2 (on sale for $12.77 today) is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 27,500 Amazon reviewers.

See at Amazon

For more great deals on tech, gadgets, home goods and more, be sure to check out our friends at Thrifter now!