05/14, 11:36am
Reverses upgrades to iOS 5.1.1
The unofficial iPhone Dev Team has released a new version of redsn0w, its jailbreaking utility for iOS devices. The v0.9.11b4 update lets users restore old IPSW files to A5-based Apple devices, including the iPhone 4S, third-generation iPad, and iPad 2; previously, only devices prior to the iPad 2 could be downgraded, thanks to the limera1n exploit. The update means that A5 devices can now be downgraded from iOS 5.1.1 or 5.1 to 5.0.1.
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05/07, 4:31pm
First-, second-gen iPads included in discounts
Apple has further knocked back the cost of refurbished iPads at its online store. The iPad 2 is now available for as little as $319 in the case of a 16GB Wi-Fi model, a $30 price drop. Other models have had their prices reduced by up to $50, such as the 64GB 3G tablet, which is just $629. The only other exception in fact is the 16GB 3G, which has been slashed by $30 to $449.
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05/04, 7:23am
iPad 2 shifts 32nm process for A5 processor
Apple’s cut-price iPad 2, which it continues to sell alongside its new iPad, has been given a boost with a shift to a new 32nm A5 processor from the original 45nm iteration. Although using fundamentally the same architecture, the die-shrunk version has been shown by Anandtech to draw less power offering significant improvements in battery life. The latest iPad 2’s carrying the updated dual-core processor are designated by the model number ‘iPad 2,4’ and utilize Samsung’s 32nm high-k + metal gate LP transistors, which helps to explain the performance differential.
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04/26, 11:10am
iPad almost totally dominates
The iPhone 4S was far and away the most-activated device during the March quarter by Good Technology enterprise customers, a new study by the firm says. The phone represented 37 percent of activations, roughly four times the amount of any other device. The iPad 2 took home second place at 17.7 percent; the third-gen iPad came in fourth at 4.3 percent, but was only available for less than one month in the quarter, and nevertheless accounted for 12.1 percent of all of the March activations Good tracked.
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04/20, 6:05pm
Low prices on iPads, iMacs and more
Today at Apple's online store prices continue to fall on refurbished iPads, iMacs and more. The refurbished 16GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi is now $349 after a $50 price cut and is available in white or black, while the 16GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G is now $479. The refurb. 32GB iPad with Wi-Fi is now $399 after a $100 price break. Also priced at $399 is the refurb. first-gen. 16GB iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G.
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04/18, 6:50am
Logitech launches iPad Ultrathin Keyboard Cover
Logitech has taken the wraps off its new Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the new iPad and the iPad 2. The device is touted as an all-in-one solution that offers an ultrathin screen protector and built-in keyboard. The cover utilises aluminium in its construction to help keep weight down and includes a stand to hold the iPad at a suitable angle for typing over a Bluetooth connection.
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04/06, 11:00pm
Features USB port, charging, tactile keyboard
A new notebook case for the iPad 2 has been announced from a distributor in Japan, offering a tactile, MacBook Pro-like "chiclet" keyboard and styling to resemble a netbook. The unit allows both the keyboard and the iPad to be charged using an optional multi-headed connector and includes a standard USB port. The combination case, which is also offered via Amazon Japan, is made of silicone rather than metal for lighter weight.
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04/05, 12:10pm
Third-gen iPad yet to be approved
Apple has received certification to start selling locally-assembled units of the 16GB iPad 2 in Brazil, MacRumors claims to have learned. While Apple already sells every model of the iPad 2 in the country, most are assembled in China. The third-generation iPad has yet to be certified for sale in Brazil, whether from Chinese or Brazilian factories.
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03/27, 2:05am
Survey covered 'younger, tech-savvier' sample
A new survey from Baird Equity Research paints an even brighter picture for Apple's iPad, with nearly 40 percent of a sample of 488 US citizens saying they plan on buying either the new iPad or the discounted iPad 2 in the next three months. In a similar group of non-US respondents, 51 percent indicated that one of the two current iPads models were in their short-term future. The poll's sample was said to be a "younger, tech-savvier group on average."
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03/19, 12:50pm
2012 iPad LCD given top marks
Continuing some of the more in-depth examinations of the new iPad, a detailed screen comparison at DisplayMate has shown a major improvement in Apple's tablet display quality, albeit at a cost. While the 2048x1536 resolution is an obvious advantage, the display analysis team saw that the new screen saw big improvements in other areas, most of all color accuracy. While the iPad 2's display got just 61 percent of the standard color range, the new iPad's screen was near-flawless, with 99 percent accuracy on top of "perfect" contrast and gamma levels.
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03/14, 12:35pm
New version uses 'latchless' cover
Accessory maker SwitchEasy has released a updated version of its Canvas case for the iPad. The new model fits both the third-generation iPad and the iPad 2. Further separating it from the earlier, iPad 2-only model is an updated lid, which uses a latchless and self-adhesive design. As before, magnets in the lid turn an iPad on and off.
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03/13, 9:30am
Win an AViiQ Smart Case
MacNN has teamed up with AViiQ to give away two AViiQ Smart Cases for the iPad 2. Read on to find out how you can win one of these high quality, anodized aluminum cases from AViiQ.
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03/12, 4:30pm
Report raises questions about inspections
Apple inspected a Pegatron plant building iPad 2s mere hours before an explosion injured at least 59 people, according to workers interviewed by NPR. The number of injured was initially pegged at 61, but Apple currently claims 59. NPR says it met with 25 victims of the blast last week, such as He Wenwen, who was calibrating a machine used to polish iPad 2 backs when the explosion happened.
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03/07, 2:45pm
Upgraded tablet simply 'the new iPad'
As a part of its third-generation iPad event, Apple announced that iOS 5.1 will be released later today. Few features have been revealed, but the focus is on a Japanese version of Siri for the iPhone 4S. Previously Siri was restricted to English-, French-, and German-speaking users.
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03/07, 5:50am
Samsung launches latest suit against Apple
Samsung has filed a new lawsuit against Apple in its home market of South Korea. The new lawsuit claims that that the iPhone 4S and the iPad 2 infringe on three of its patents and comes on the eve of Apple’s special iPad 3/HD launch event today. Specifically, Samsung claims that Apple has infringed on three of its utility patents including the way data is displayed, an aspect of the iOS user interface and the way Apple has implemented SMS.
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03/06, 4:45pm
Gear should be backwards-compatible with iPad 2
While accessory makers have prepared new products for the next-generation iPad, most or all of these should work with the iPad 2, CNET reports. The site says it has heard from three company representatives who all say they expect the new iPad to have only minor changes in thickness, even if they're not absolutely certain. "We've been told there will be some minor changes in the thickness, but we don't have any specifics," one representative states.
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02/29, 9:30pm
Ideal for teachers, presenters, developers
A new application for Macs leverages the AirPlay technology found in the iPhone 4S and iPad 2 to mirror the screens of those devices onto a Mac running Snow Leopard or higher. Called Reflection, the app can simply show the screen or put a "device shell" around the screen to simulate the look of an iOS device and its contents. The program utilizes the AirPlay abilities to wirelessly stream visual and audio information from the device to the Mac.
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02/28, 1:45pm
Still thinner than iPad 1
A new photo depicts the iPad 3's shell as being 0.81mm thicker than that of the iPad 2, according to Apple.pro. In the image, both tablets are being measured using digital calipers. The iPad 2 registers at 8.69mm, while the iPad 3 is a straight 9.5mm. Apple's official specifications list the iPad 2's thickness as 8.8mm.
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02/28, 7:25am
Low prices on refurbished Apple items
At Apple's online store today save on refurbished iPads starting at $399 for the first generation 16GB iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G after a $130 price cut. Refurbished iPad 2 models start at $419 for the 16GB current generation iPad 2, or $499 for a 64GB iPad 2. Or save $100 for the refurb. 64GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G, now $729.
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02/27, 6:10pm
Retailer enters clearout mode
Best Buy is taking the step of deleting the iPad 2 from its inventory systems, a leak at the retailer indicates. One screenshot reportedly shows a white 32GB model as deleted, but the source of the leak claims that other models have also been removed. The change comes alongside a confirmed $50 discount on all iPad 2 models.
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02/27, 2:20pm
Knocks $50 off all iPad models in stock
Ahead of strong indications of an imminent iPad 3 announcement, Best Buy has dropped the price of the iPad 2. The electronics retailer has knocked $50 off of every iPad 2 in stock. Such discounts are rare, suggesting a link with the iPad 3.
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02/22, 6:30pm
Attach iPads to front or back seats
Minnesota-based Bracketron and California's Scosche Industries have both recently released new iPad accessories aimed at letting users mount their iPads inside their automobiles. Bracketron is offering both a cup-holder-based mount as well as a headrest mount that is compatible with a wide variety of tablets and e-readers, while Scosche has unveiled an iPad 2-based sequel, the Backstage Pro II mount.
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02/13, 9:35am
Could signal escalation in Apple vs. Proview
Officials in the Chinese city of Shijiazhuang raided an unnamed Apple reseller over the weekend, reports claim. In all 45 iPad 2s are said to have been confiscated; despite the limited scope of the raid, Chinese news sources indicate that a number of other vendors have decided to hide their iPad stock rather than risk losing it. Shoppers should nevertheless still be able to buy iPad 2s from official and unofficial sources in the city.
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02/07, 12:45pm
Refurbished Apple products.
Today at Apple's online store save on iPads, iMacs and more. A selection of refurbished iPads include the first generation 32GB iPad with Wi-Fi, now $399 after a $100 price cut. Also priced at $399 is the 16GB iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G. Currently iPad 2 models start at $419 for the 16GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi in black or white. A $100 price drop can also be found on the refurbished 64GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G, now $729.
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01/24, 7:00pm
Refurbished iPads, iPods and more
At Apple's online store today save on a variety of refurbished Apple products from iPads and iPods to MacBook Pros. Starting at $399, after a $130 discount, is the refurb. 16GB iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G. The 32GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi is available as well in both white or black for $499. At the top of the iPad pricing scale is the refurb. 64GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G in black or white for $729 after a $100 price break.
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01/23, 9:40am
OS X, Windows releases updated
The makers of the Absinthe jailbreak for the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S have released a minor update, v0.2. The code does, however, fix two important glitches, including one in which devices would fail to reboot properly after the exploit was pushed. The other involved icons appearing white on devices' homescreens.
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01/20, 1:05pm
Absinthe ready to go
(Update: Windows too) The promised iPhone 4S and iPad 2 untethered jailbreak has been posted as of Friday. Absinthe lets Mac users crack iOS 5 on the modern Apple hardware to run Cydia as well as other unsigned apps. Demand is such that the main host, greenpois0n, is currently having trouble; Chronic Dev Team contributor Josh Hill warned that the jailbreak might not run at first, since it's dependent on reaching the greenpois0n site.
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01/18, 7:05am
Canadians hit by clay iPad scam
Canadians have been hit by up to 24 known cases of iPad 2s being sold substituted with clay at major retailers in Vancouver, including Future Shop, Best Buy, Walmart, and London Drugs. According to CTV News, customers were sold boxes that looked like new. However, while perfectly sealed, they were given weight by clay, where in at least one instance, a charger was also replaced with clay.
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01/10, 5:55pm
Tablet has revolutionized kiosk industry
Following the introduction of Lilipad's kiosk display cases, two more companies have joined the fray of making commercial-quality stands and cases for the iPad and iPad 2 to be used as touchscreen kiosks. Kiosk Group are offering a collection that focus on complying with the latest Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, while Griffin has come out with its own line that offer different amounts of access to the front-panel controls.
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01/04, 2:20pm
Cord-On-Board tucks USB cable alongside iPhone
Accessory makers Cirago and CaseInity have separately unveiled several new accessories for iOS devices. Cirago has produced three, chief among these being the Aluminum Bluetooth Keyboard Case for the iPad 2. Brushed aluminum is combined with padding at the corners to cushion an iPad; to use the keyboard, a person must pull the tablet from the case and sit it in a built-in stand either vertically or horizontally. The case costs $90.
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12/30, 1:25pm
Refurb. deals from Apple's Online Store
Today at Apple's online store save big on refurbished Macs starting as low as $519 for a Mac mini originally released in June 2010, it features a 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of RAM and dual 500GB hard drive. Currently iPad models start as low as $399 for the first generation iPad with Wi-Fi, and go up to $729 for the refurb. 64GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi +3G.
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12/20, 9:55am
Extends legal battles to new level
Apple is suing Samsung over cases for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 as well as an assortment of cellphones, Bloomberg reports. At a court hearing in Sydney, Australia, Apple said it has issued a notice of infringement to Samsung, and will file a statement of claim. Samsung is accused of violating patents and registered designs; a lawyer for the company, Katrina Howard, elaborated that the cases are accused of infringing at least 10 patents.
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12/19, 9:55am
Businesses, buyers snared
A sting operation involving undercover New York Police Department officers resulted in 141 arrests last week, according to an announcement. The NYPD say that having identified a number businesses throughout New York City -- including some thought to have received stolen goods before -- the undercover officers went out to sell iPhone 4s and iPad 2s with the claim that they were stolen. Devices were offered at prices between $50 and $200.
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12/15, 4:05pm
Kindle Fire trumps iPhone 4S
Three Apple-related search terms have placed among the fastest rising in Google's Zeitgeist charts for 2011. The annual effort catalogs the popularity of various searches, as well as broad trends. The fastest-rising Apple search term in the top 10 overall was "iPhone 5," coming in at number six. "Steve Jobs" was ninth, while "iPad2" closed out the 10 leaders.
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12/12, 10:00pm
Covers back of iPad, Smart Cover compatible
Accessories dealer USB Fever is offering a humorous back cover for the iPad 2 that allows it to resemble an original 1984 Mac, complete with an image of a floppy drive and the famous MacPaint "Hello" screen. The snap-on cover, which sells for $37, is made of ABS thermoplastic with cutouts for the Apple Smart Cover to still hinge over the front the iPad if desired, and also has cutouts for the camera and other ports and buttons.
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12/09, 1:15pm
Low prices on refurbished iPads
Today at Apple's online store save big on refurbished iPads, starting as low as $399 for a 32GB iPad with Wi-Fi and 3G that was originally released April 2010 and features a 9.7-inch widescreen display, Bluetooth 2.1 support, TV and video streaming capabilities, and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 hours. An $80 price drop is available on the refurb. 64GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi support and HD video recording, now priced at $599.
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12/09, 10:50am
Holidays, iPad 3 may be motivations for Apple
Apple has once again dropped the cost of refurbished iPad 2s at its online store, checks show. A 16GB Wi-Fi model now costs only $419, $30 less than a recent figure, and $80 off the price of a new equivalent. 32 and 64GB Wi-Fi refurbs have been cut by $50 to $499 and $599, while 3G tablets are still $80 to $100 off their brand-new prices.
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12/02, 9:30pm
Repeat of stunt from last year, says tipster
Clothing and accessories discounter TJ Maxx may be planning a repeat of a publicity stunt from last year, where it sold iPads at a $100 discount in extremely limited quantities as a "door buster" type promotion. A tipster to The Verge says the chain will put the 16GB Wi-Fi iPad 2 on sale tomorrow (December 3rd) for $399, $100 off. The report also said that stores would be limited to 15 units on hand, and that perhaps not all stores would be getting stock.
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12/01, 3:50pm
Gadgets retake Yahoo spotlight
"iPhone" was the top search term on Yahoo during 2011, the company has announced. Most of the top 10 list consists of celebrities, the second- and third-place spots in fact belonging to Casey Anthony and Kim Kardashian. Yahoo remarks that a piece of electronics hasn't dominated the list since 2002, when Sony's PlayStation 2 occupied the top spot. The last technology-related term to peak was filesharing service KaZaA in 2003.
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11/25, 12:05pm
Black Friday puts crush on supplies
US retailer Best Buy has completely exhausted its online stock of the iPad 2, a check shows. All models are now listed as "sold out online," including even top-end 64GB 3G tablets. Stock was available as recently as earlier today.
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11/23, 10:10am
Macs, iPads, iPods see discounts
A leaked pamphlet shows the some of discounts Apple is planning to offer for this year's Black Friday sale, according to 9to5Mac. In terms of computers, the company is taking $101 off the iMac, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. iPad 2 discounts range from $41 to $61, depending on storage capacity, and a similar philosophy applies to the iPod touch, which is getting between $21 and $41 off. Both the 8 and 16GB iPod nanos are $11 chepaer.
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11/22, 8:45pm
Smart cover functionality, stability bumpers
Accessory maker Booq has launched a new line of full folio-style cases for the iPad 2 that replicate Apple's Smart Cover functionality while also providing full protection for the back and sides of the device as well. Offered in four colors, the simply named Folio case features rubber stability bumpers to keep the iPad in place when using it in presentation or video-watching mode.
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11/22, 2:25am
Significant savings, but very limited quantities
Canadian bank TD Canada Trust will be offering its credit card customers an unusual TD Rewards special on Black Friday: a chance to buy a brand-new 16GB (Wi-Fi) iPad 2 for $299, a savings of $220 from the normal Canadian retail price of $519. The iPad is one of two "red hot deals," signalling a drawing requirement to "win" the opportunity to buy one at that price.
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11/17, 4:55am
ClamCase issues new all-white case for iPad 2
ClamCase has introduced an all-white keyboard case for the iPad 2. Recalling the now superseded white MacBook, the new case is also thinner and lighter than previous ClamCase designs. However, it retains a high-grade polycarbonate plastic shell, and a scissor-action chiclet keyboard that is now also in matching white.
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11/14, 11:00am
lilipad iPad 2 kiosk products
Accessory Workshop has announced the launch of the tyPad 2, a Bluetooth keyboard case designed for the iPad 2. Offered with Bluetooth 3.0 and Secure Simple Pairing, the second generation tyPad's re-engineered keyboard has an unobstructed space bar, larger dual-shift keys, Apple shortcut and command keys, and a longer-lasting battery. The new case is both lighter and slimmer than previous models and carries a retail price of $100. In addition, the company has also announced that it plans to release a limited edition tyPad 2 made from carbon fiber in December.
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11/09, 2:00am
Can be used in landscape or portrait mode
Following on from the earlier OnBeat speaker stand for the iPad 2, JBL has now added the OnBeat Air, essentially the same stylish speaker dock, now with added AirPlay for wireless connection and music streaming. The unit features adaptable clamps that allow various iOS devices to be fitted in either horizontal or vertical orientation, and is able to charge the iOS devices as well as play them either wirelessly or through a 30-pin dock connector.
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11/04, 2:30pm
Price cuts on refurbished iPads
A wide selection of refurb. iPads are available today at Apple's Online Store starting at $399 for the 64GB first generation iPad originally released in April 2010. The current generation 16GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi is now available as well in both white or black for $449. At the top of the iPad pricing scale is the refurb. 64GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G in black or white for $779 after a $50 price break.
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11/02, 11:00pm
Flaw could give unauthorized users limited access
Expanding on earlier reports, the newly-released iOS 5.0.1 beta for developers appears to fix an issue where, under a very particular circumstance, a pass-coded iPad 2 could be woken from sleep by unauthorized users with limited functionality. Though not the main focus of the 5.0.1 update, the fix does close a rare security flaw in iOS.
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11/01, 4:55pm
iPad 2 sits just outside top five
Verizon's 4G LTE network has taken top place in a PCWorld list of the best products of 2011. LTE allows for much faster speeds than HSPA- or EVDO-based 3G networks, in some cases giving performance on par with wired connections. Second place in the list is occupied by the MacBook Air, Apple's ultraportable notebook. Its design has been copied by computers based on Intel's Ultrabook standard.
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10/31, 4:40pm
Two iPad 2s, FaceTime put a virtual hole in a man
An ingenious costume idea for Hallowe'en has been shared by YouTube member onemeeliondollars and involves two iPad 2s taped onto the wearer's stomach and back with a FaceTime chat between them. This way, the wearer looks like he's missing a center section. The iPad 2 on the front sends what it "sees" in front of it to the screen of the iPad 2 on the back, and vice versa.
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