Before 2012 is over, we thought we'd take a look back. The world of smartphones, tablets, and e-readers continued to evolve this year. Book readers light up, phones continue to grow, and new technologies are invading the market.

This year brought many new advancements in technology, and opened the door for older innovations to come to the forefront. 2012 has seen a lot of trends, some more ridiculous than others, but a few stood out by sheer force in numbers. We may wish some patterns in mobile tech would kick the bucket, but most of these deserve to be popular.

Let’s take a look at this year’s hottest mobile hardware trends and celebrate surviving yet another supposed apocalypse.

Smartphones keep growing

Remember when the 5-inch Dell Streak seemed huge? Not anymore. Now that size is pretty much standard – even the iPhone got taller this year. Samsung’s successor to the Galaxy Note, the aptly named Galaxy Note 2, packs a 5.5-inch screen and people are actually buying it, lusting over it even. These days, a 4-inch iPhone seems tiny. Even Windows Phone 8 has joined the party with the Nokia Lumia 920 reaching 4.5 inches, unashamed of its larger body and heavyweight status. In 2012, phones continued to get bigger, from an average of 4.3 inches to 4.7 or 5 inches and consumers responded by throwing down some cold, hard cash.

Computers become tablets and vice versa

Back when the Motorola Atrix was ‘da bomb, we all thought smartphones would be the new computers. It turns out we aren’t quite there yet. However, the tail end of 2012 has seen a whole herd of hybrids – previously teased at tech events earlier in the year — finally strut their stuff in the limelight. Tablets are either the new computers or computers are the new tablets … we don’t know yet. Microsoft has the Surface RT, a well-intentioned but ultimately flawed attempt at creating a tablet experience that is equal parts production and consumption. Lenovo brought us the Yoga 13, a reimagining of the laptop, bestowing upon it the ability to transform into a tablet using a nifty 360 degree hinge. Then we’ve seen devices like the Samsung Smart PC and HP Envy X2, 11-inch tablets that connect to matching keyboard docks when a laptop is needed. It will be interesting to see how this trend evolves (or flops) in the New Year. 

The 7-inch tablet army

This year we saw a flood of 7-inch tablets, from the Nexus 7 to the Kindle Fire HD, but the form factor was truly legitimized when Apple went back on its word and released the iPad Mini. It was more expensive than its Android competitors, though that didn’t stop it from becoming a hot ticket item in 2012. With the 7-inch tablets winning blend of portability and affordability, we can see this tablet size persevering alongside its 10-inch counterpart. Let’s just hope the market shies away from 6 and 9 inch tablets; two sizes is enough.

Tech giants, Google and Microsoft, join the competition

Until this year, Apple was the only company in control of an entire product line including smartphones, tablets, and personal computers. Google had the smartphone and tablet bases covered before but its own Nexus line only dealt with smartphones. In 2012, however, the Nexus line grew into the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 – two tablets. Add those to the Chromebook laptop and Google can finally go toe-to-toe with Apple, competing on almost every level. Microsoft has a 10-inch tablet in the Surface line, as well as revamped Xbox software to compete with iTunes. Microsoft hasn’t started manufacturing its own smartphone yet, but the rumors are already circulating. All it needs now is a mini tablet to complete the trifecta. Regardless, compared to last year, Microsoft definitely takes home the award for “Most Improved.”

Rise of 1080p

As these things tend to go, screen resolutions continued to climb this year. 720p is now the standard and high-def 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixel) screens are the newest trend. HTC has the Droid DNA, LG and Sharp has announced 1080p displays. It’s only a matter of time before the rest of the smartphone world joins in.

Clover Trail

Intel is almost completely shut out of the mobile processor market by its competitor, ARM, but it hopes the Clover Trail will change all that by combining long battery life with fast performance. Clover Trail hasn’t been around quite long enough to be sure it will live up to its promise, but that didn’t stop manufacturers like Samsung and HP from placing the technology in the latest Windows 8 hardware. This year, if the device focus was on superior mobility, then you could bet Clover Trail would be a part of the plan. Let’s hope 2013 brings good news as far as Clover Trail’s real-world performance. 

The iPhone is challenged

Love it or hate it, Samsung’s Galaxy S3 was the first phone to truly match the iPhone in terms of brand identity and consumer interest. 2012 was the first year I heard people seriously considering an Android phone over the latest iPhone. It wasn’t just Samsung either. HTC release the One line and tightened up its product offerings, making the One X a memorable and extremely attractive Android device. Then there is the HTC 8X and Lumia 920, both Windows Phone 8 devices that actually have people considering Microsoft. The iPhone 5 may arguably be the most beautiful handset available but the decision is no longer cut and dry, not with Android and Windows Phone 8 finally delivering the goods.

More exciting budget phones 

So-called budget phones like the Nokia Lumia 820 and HTC One S no longer seem like bargain bin knock-offs. Rather, lower cost alternatives to flagship devices only got sweeter this year. Using the Lumia 820 as an example, the decision between it and the 920 was almost a question of personal preference based on design, rather than a pure spec battle. Similarly, the budget HTC One S – a subset of the One X – was more than enough for most people and the One X seemed almost an unnecessary expense. Of course, we would like to see Apple join the party next year and offer an option for a more affordable iPhone.

Cameras matter more

The Nokia Lumia 920 basically rode the waves of its camera hype when Windows Phone 8 devices were announced, relying on its Pureview technology to stand out beside the HTC 8X and Samsung Ativ S. Ever since the iPhone 4S put a focus on camera technology, photo snappers have been growing in importance. The iPhone 5 included a sapphire lens, Windows Phone 8 introduced photo add-ons called Lenses, and Android beefed up the stock camera app. This was definitely the year to leave your point-and-shoot at home and start posting to Instagram.

E-readers light up

It may seem like a small step forward, but this year, e-readers finally began to do what watches have done for decades: light up. Beginning with the Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight and then moving on to nearly every other high-end dedicated e-book reader, front-lit screens have taken over, allowing book fans to finally read in the dark. Even Amazon has responded to the trend, releasing the Kindle Paperwhite in recent months.

NFC hit the mainstream (sort of)

We can’t really say with any confidence that NFC (near field communication) has taken the world by storm, but it certainly is making a mark on the mobile industry, appearing in smartphones, tablets, and laptops alike. The idea behind NFC is stellar, sharing information between devices without annoyances like login names and Bluetooth pairing. The trouble lies in a lack of consumer knowledge on the subject and major players like Apple skirting the technology. For those of us that have used NFC, its inclusion on any smartphone seems like a no-brainer. Good thing so many hardware manufacturers have taken that first step as it is high time NFC hit the big time.

TechRadar has reached out to Microsoft to ask whether it plans to launch any more iOS games with Xbox achievements, but we're not really expecting a response until after the holidays at the earliest.

Despite being a dark horse in the smartphone wars, Windows Phone may do well this holiday season. Here are some of the best social apps - and their requisite alternatives - for Windows Phone 8.

So, how is Windows Phone doing? It’s hard to say. As perhaps the last dark horse competitor in what would otherwise be an Apple-Android race, Microsoft’s mobile OS is a cipher. Despite much early praise for the “flagship” Nokia Lumia 920 and “signature” HTC Windows Phone 8X, commenters have been swift to write off any discernible aesthetic edge the devices may have because of the platform’s lack of serious developer support. That Google has refused to develop for Windows is a serious blow to the OS’s legitimacy.

Then again, Microsoft’s marketing clout cannot be denied. The brand has pumped untold millions into their PR push, daring anyone to say they don’t at least recognize these devices. And, while there have been numerous missteps along the way, it seems to be working. Even though hard numbers are a fiscal quarter away, Nokia’s shares are up and AT&T stores state demand for the Lumia 920 is high. Clearly someone is buying these things. But one large problem remains, and that’s the state of the Windows Phone app marketplace. If you’re buying a smartphone, you probably want to be able to use Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr… the list goes on and on. 

So what’s a new Windows Phone user to do? Sharing online is one of the first things you’ll ever do with your brand new smartphone. But Windows Phone is unique in that it simply doesn’t have as many top-shelf apps to get social with. But where there’s a will, there’s always a way. Calling all new Windows Phone users out there: Here are the social apps you’re going to need and want. Time to hit that install button. 

Official apps actually worth a damn

Much has already been said about how innovative and glanceable the People Hub and Me Tile combination is, and all that holds true. Windows Phone does a great job of aggregating your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Skype profiles in a way that feels much more natural than on platforms. So if you want to browse your feed or Timeline without bothering with all the extraneous dross or even just want  to — gasp! — call a friend, you can do it quickly and with ease.

But if you want to do more than that, you’ll need to download the apps.

Microsoft’s WP8 Facebook app is… good, mostly. It takes advantage of all the lovely UI flourishes of the OS, and it acquits itself nicely in terms of performance and stability thanks to a recent update. You shouldn’t have any trouble drilling down into friends’ profiles, but it has a learning curve seeing as it’s so wildly different from iOS and Android’s presentation.

Much the same can be said for LinkedIn–you can search for new contacts and explore colleagues’ profiles at a whim. As for Skype, well…  it can’t hurt that Microsoft owns the company. As such, they’ve baked some of its features into the OS by allowing you to make voice and video calls from within the People Hub, but you still (somewhat inexplicably) need to download the official app before that integration can happen. It’s strange, but Skype for Windows Phone 8 is still in Preview so hopefully future iterations will improve on said weirdness.

Tweeting with the best of them

Windows Phone’s Twitter app, on the other hand, is mediocre at best. It approaches tweeting in a rather bare-bones way, making it hard to do some of the things even casual tweeters have become accustomed to.

But, much like iOS and Android, Windows Phone doesn’t lack for a few great, full-featured Twitter clients for people who need a little more.

I’m recommending two.

First, Rowi is a fan-favorite among Windows Phone users, and the acclaim is well-deserved. It’s interface is clean and lightweight enough to get out of the way of your feed when you just want a quick look, but can edit photos, translate tweets via Bing, and save articles for later via apps like Instapaper and Readability.

Meanwhile, glƏƏk! gets points for trying to stuff as much functionality as it can into an already fine app. While it has lower information density, the app can do just about everything Rowi can do while throwing in voice controls, lock screen images, and a live tile for when you want to check what retweets you’ve gotten. And the dev team is very supportive.

Tumblr-ing along

Where else will you find your favorite gifs? Tumblr doesn’t have an official offering on Windows Phone, and that’s unfortunate. Thankfully, it isn’t really missed since Blueprints is such an excellent alternative. The app can handle multiple Tumblr blogs attached to the same account, and you can do anything from check your favorite longform blogs to trip down the meme rabbit-hole. Highly recommended.

We actually need those stinking badges…

If checking into new places is your thing, it’s a good bet you’ve used something like Foursquare before to find restaurants, venues, and night spots you and your friends might love. So it’s a good thing Foursquare has been on Windows Phone since forever. It’s less good that the official app itself is a laggy, buggy mess.

Luckily, the third-party app 4th & Mayor is a worthy surrogate. It’s minimal and nimble, letting you earn your badges and drink in peace. Exactly what the proprietary Foursquare app should be.

Redditors, rejoice!

If you truly understand and appreciate what it is to be a part of the Internet — as funny and scary a place as it can so often be — you must visit Reddit from time to time. You don’t have to be a Redditor or even a card-carrying member of 4Chan, but only understand that Reddit is a microcosm of the Web at large. Therefore, Windows Phone had to find its way there. It’s a rule.

Baconit accomplishes that with considerable aplomb. It has everything; you can login, contribute, and troll subreddits to your heart’s desire. The way it renders comments with content can be a little unwieldy at times, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better client than this.

 

Wherefore art thou, Instagram?

Ah, Instagram! Well, first and foremost, no, there is no Instagram client for Windows Phone. What’s more, the way Instagram handles its API means that there are no third-party apps that will allow you to contribute to the service. Seeing as Instagram is swiftly becoming one of the tentpole apps for both iOS and Android, that Windows Phone 8 has been left in the dark is a problem that needs to be fixed sooner rather than later.

Or maybe not. Considering the entire ToS imbroglio, maybe you don’t need Instagram anymore and want an alternative. Lomogram is probably the best you can do, and that’s not so bad. It has more than 40 filters, light effects, borders, and all the horrid hipster things we love, but without the iffy privacy issues users might be worried about.

We’ve known that ZTE is also working on a 5-inch 1080p smartphone for a little while now, but it seems that the first press shot of the ZTE Grand S has now surfaced.

Not much is known about ZTE’s phone, other than they are clearly aiming at a more premium market than most of their devices are targeted at. Considering most of the announced 1080p smartphones we’ve seen have had quad-core processors and around 2GB of RAM, it is probably safe to say this will be similarly equipped.

It is confirmed at this point that the ZTE Grand S will be making the rounds at CES 2013, so we will likely have much more information about the handset at that time.

Check out our picks for the best free antivirus software so you can rid your system of possibly damaging adware and other malware.

We all know there are tons of impending viruses and other malware just waiting to wreak havoc on our computers. From worms to Trojans, malware saturates the software landscape. Luckily, there’s just as many free antivirus programs to combat the threat of an impending invasion. If you’re looking for protection but don’t want to shell out the money for peace of mind, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the best free antivirus programs that money doesn’t have to buy.

Ad-Aware Free Internet Security

Lavosoft’s Ad-Aware is one of the most trusted spyware tools and has been a benchmark in the industry for years. The free version provides real-time anti-virus and malware protection, and the latest in emulation technology and identity protection. Also featuring a scheduler, Lavosoft is excellent at continually updating software based on user concern. It even has a silent “game mode” option to subdue those pesky pop-up notices we all know and loathe.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Much has happened since Malwarebytes first introduced its application back in early 2008. Now boasting a whopping 200 million downloads worldwide (and counting), Malwarebytes offers quite a bit more for the nonexistent price tag. It continues to provide advanced malware protection and quick removal while utilizing Chameleon technology to get the application running on already infected systems. When malware blocks Malwarebytes from running properly, the software triggers the “mbam-chameleon” app that helps install and update the necessary drivers required for the program to run. The app then targets the processes that blocked Malwarebytes from running in the first place before scanning for other threats. Access to the knowledgeable support network and the slew of language options are an added perk to the free software. The paid version, which costs $25, opens up real-time scanning and a scheduler for updates and scans.

Microsoft Windows Defender

This software has slowly been improving over the years, and we think it’s finally worth a look. Microsoft Windows Defender offers real-time protection against spyware and pop-ups, and helps improve overall performance. Its monitoring system recommends actions when urgent attention is required, but interruptions are minimal, which helps you stay on task. The software supports 64-bit platforms, updates quickly, and sports a simple user interface.  You can also schedule your scanning and removal times to a time that’s convenient for you. Be sure to check the system requirements as Windows Defender no longer supports Windows 2000 or any other prior version of the Windows operating system.

AVG Free Anti-Virus

This popular free anti-virus software packs something extra: free anti-spyware protection built right in. It isn’t as potent an anti-virus solution as some free competitors, like Avira AntiVir Personal, but the spyware detection makes a compelling bonus, especially considering that most anti-virus companies (including Avira) only bundle that functionality into their paid packages. At $50, the paid version offers protection for instant messages, email, downloads, and identity theft, as well as phone support. A mobile version of the software with added incentives, such as a remote wipe and a phone locator, is also available for Android smartphones.

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus isn’t as quick or intuitive as its paid counterpart, Avast Pro Antivirus, but it certainly does the trick on a budget. Aside from the usual virus and spyware protection, the software comes with a slew of customizable installation options that you can toggle, as well as an Auto Sandbox that places programs deemed suspicious aside so they don’t harm your computer. It also dons a visually appealing UI and contains a comprehensive remote assistance feature that allows you to establish a connection with other users when you need a bit of help. The program’s customizable options cater to the more tech-savvy crowd, but the default settings will do just fine for any beginner.

Panda Cloud Antivirus

What sets Panda Cloud Antivirus apart from its competitors is in the name: the cloud. The program primarily uses cloud computing, meaning remote servers carry the weight of scanning and carrying out various antivirus functions so your computer doesn’t have to. The software is relatively lightweight – it doesn’t require much in the way of resources – and runs off a local cache when the network is unavailable. It also provides options for Web filtering along with optimized and custom scanning to isolate specific folders and files. It doesn’t get much simpler than Panda Cloud Antivirus, but simplicity sometimes comes at a cost; the software is notorious for bogging down your system. The ad-free paid version ($30) features multilingual tech support, a community firewall, and automatic USB vaccination that helps protect against potentially harmful files found in portable storage devices.

Avira Free Antivirus

Independent tests from AV-Comparatives.org consistently place Avira near the top of the list for detection rates – and the latest software is no exception. When it comes to viruses, worms, and Trojans, Avira Free Antivirus offers solid protection and performance while maintaining a sleek user interface that is easy to navigate and customize depending on your level of expertise. Although a bit slow depending on the amount of data stored on your machine, scanning is well-optimized and hassle-free once underway. However, some aspects of the software can be overly complicated at times and the accompanying toolbar is a double-edged sword, adding greater security bundled with ads.

Comodo Antivirus Free

Comodo Antivirus Free provides a solid line of defense against typical malicious threats like viruses and other malware. It also protects against other infectious sources, including email, instant messaging, and gaming. Its built-in detection technology, Defense+, prohibits anything to run other than the most trusted software, and comes with a barrage of warning alerts. Other features include Auto Sandbox, and a firewall (even in the free version). Although the software may be a bit paranoid, upping the ante when it comes to over-the-top malware detection, it falls a bit short when it comes to disabling what it has deemed potentially hazardous. 

What do you think of our best free antivirus software list? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below.

[Main image via Pavel Ignatov/ShutterStock]

BlackBerry's new N-Series QWERTY smartphone has been spotted just a month left before launch day.

With a January 30th release date just over a month away, screenshots and photos of BlackBerry’s new OS 10 software, including a variety of device photos, are making their way to the web, giving us a preview of what RIM will be hoping to sell by the end of January. The BlackBerry N-Series, which has a QWERTY keyboard, hasn’t gotten much attention from the leaked images department, but it looks like the N-Series has got a shot. In these shots, found by CrackBerry, it looks like a taller, more handsome BlackBerry Bold with a larger display, full QWERTY keyboard, and front camera.

The N-Series, possible known as the BlackBerry X10, was also seen in a lineup alongside the BlackBerry Z-10, and another unknown QWERTY BlackBerry device. As per BlackBerry OS 10′s claims, all the new devices will feature a new sensual UI, powerful messaging features, and supposedly up to 30,000 apps on launch day. One things for sure: From now until January 30th, all eyes in the mobile world will be on RIM’s last ditch effort to amaze us with BlackBerry OS 10. Does anyone think Obama will upgrade?

In the second article in our weekly Life and Tiles of a Windows 8 Convert series, Andrew details his first days, and instant crush on Windows Phone 8 and the Nokia Lumia 920. But will this love affair last?

Due to circumstances beyond my control, securing a Nokia Lumia 920 in Canada (my Northern home) was an unfairly hellish affair. It was two full weeks before I finally held that hulking, black slab in my sweating palms, but it was worth it. I was in love. Though my knuckles dragged on the pavement, unable to support the tremendous weight of Nokia’s latest brick, I was assured it would get easier by my sales rep, Kelly, who flashed her own Samsung Galaxy Note 2 at me. A week or so later and it seems her prediction has come true. Not only have I adjusted to the Lumia, but I am flourishing. I’m enjoying the Lumia’s bulky build and actually find it more comforting than a lighter device. The Lumia 920 feels solid, built to last, meant to conquer.

The whole experience has been surreal, like I have been let into an exclusive, underground club. I show my phone off at every opportunity, making sure I check my Twitter feed in the most conspicuous way possible. I smirk as friends marvel at the Lumia’s bold design and rainbow-colored operating system. They ask things like “What kind of phone is that?” “Is that the new iPhone?” “Can I hold it?” and I humor them, handing my Lumia over so they can swipe through the foreign-looking Live Tiles. As kindly as possible, I break the news that what they are holding is not the next iPhone. Most are surprised to hear Microsoft is behind the operating system.

This all sounds very self-absorbed and ostentatious but coming from an iPhone 3GS – after a brief affair with a Nexus S – the Lumia 920 is paradise. At least, for now. Why shouldn’t I share that experience with everyone that comes within ten feet of me? Yes, it’s obnoxious and probably annoying as hell, but I feel like it’s my duty to spread the word.

My Lumia and I have our own fun too, it’s not all about the glitz and glamor of popularity. I have spent hours downloading new apps and experimenting with Live Tile configurations. The core software is speedy with hardly a hiccup. Most of my core app needs are met as well: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc. It’s not all perfect. Some of my favorite apps, like Pocket and Dropbox are missing, which I am struggling to live without. I bought Angry Birds Star Wars (my new favorite version of the popular physics game) and basked in the supersized screen. Obi Wan “Bird” Kenobi soared effortlessly through the air before blasting through a tight group of piggies. It was like freedom in on a 4.5-inch screen.  

The standout aspect of Windows Phone 8 is its fluidity. WP8 is leagues ahead of Android in terms of stutter-free animations. Apple’s iOS is generally smooth as well, but WP8 still feels faster, even if it is grounded more in perception than reality. Not only is WP8 it fluid, but it’s also one of the most visually consistent operating systems on the market. Design elements like the cut-off text and a focus on typography remain prevalent throughout the user experience. Core apps like Phone, Mail, and Messaging all showcase this minimalist approach to smartphone software with impressive results. Some third-party apps succeed at this, but others need work. Even with a lackluster turnout from developers, it is an impressive feat for a relatively new mobile platform – Android only recently implemented a cohesive design. Consistency was never a problem in iOS, and Windows Phone is finally up to snuff.

The cloud storage offered by Microsoft Office has already proven itself to be useful. The other day I was in a coffee shop working on an article and instant messaging with my editor. In the middle of our in-depth discussion, catastrophe struck (an event I will delve into at a later article) and I was forced to hastily vacate the premises. I had no time to alert my editor of the situation as I quickly slammed my laptop shut, grabbed my bag, and ran out. On the way to another, more secure location, I pulled out my Lumia 920 from a pocket and picked up right where we left off. The conversation was synced with the cloud so I was able to tell my editor what happened. And as we continued to chat, I used my Lumia to open the document I had been working on along with some point form nonsense in OneNote. This might seem commonplace, files syncing in the cloud, but it was the way it came together that has me falling for the platform. I didn’t have to specifically save my document to SkyDrive because that happened automatically. My smartphone knew it was the most recent document I had been working on and provided a link to it when I opened the Office app.

It may be too early to tell, but it feels like this is truly Microsoft’s time to shine. 

Stay tuned next Monday for the next edition of Life and Tiles, where Andrew’s WP8 honeymoon comes to a halt. To catch up, read the entire Life and Tiles of a Windows 8 Convert series.

So what is the cutoff before a phone is more of a tablet that can place calls?  Evidently bigger than 6.1 inches as far as Huawei is concerned.

The Chinese-based company recently announced the Ascend Mate, an impressively large 6.1 inch 1080p Android phone.  The new phone is set to be officially unveiled at CES 2013 alongside the Ascend D2 and Ascend W1, but Huawei’s Chairman of Devices Richard Yu could not wait to show off the Ascend Mate.

Yesterday at a Huawei store in Guangzhou China, the chairman revealed the monstrous device to shoppers.  The encounter can be seen in the video below.

The Ascend Mate is rumored to have a thickness of nearly 10mm, have a 361ppi LTPS display,  quad core 1.8GHz HiSilicon K3V3 chip, and a life sustaining 4,000mAh battery.  The price will run just short of ¥3,000 (approximately USD $480).

What do you think, how big of a phone do you think is too big? Would you consider purchasing this monster of a device?

Apple is preparing to release another update to its iPad in March, less than six months after launching the fourth iteration of its popular tablet, a new report claims. The fifth-generation iPad is said to be lighter and smaller than the current model, possibly with narrower side bezels like those on the iPad Mini.

In what surely has to be one of the final Apple-related rumors of 2012 – and there have been more than a few of them this year – the Cupertino company is reportedly just months away from unveiling yet another update to its full-sized 9.7-inch iPad. The claim comes from Macotakara, a Japanese website that has previously called it right with a number of Apple-related predictions.

Macotakara says that according to “an inside source” the fifth-generation iPad will be unveiled in March 2013, less than six months after the launch of the current version. The updated device will be 2mm thinner, 4mm shorter and 17mm narrower, a significant decrease that appears to suggest the side bezels of the next iPad will resemble those of its little brother, the iPad Mini.

With the third- and fourth-generation iPads actually thicker and heavier than the iPad 2, you can bet engineers at Apple have been looking at ways to shrink down the extra internal tech required to power the device’s high-resolution Retina display in order to get the tablet back down to size.

The website failed to note any under-the-hood changes we might see with the next version. The current iPad is powered by a 1.3GHz A6X dual core processor, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera and 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, all of which could be improved upon the next time the product receives a refresh.

The expected March date makes a certain amount of sense, with the first three iterations of the iPad following a March/April release cycle. But could it really come so soon after the fourth-generation iPad, which launched just last month? In many ways it’s easy to see that Apple would want to move towards a more frequent release cycle, keen as it is to maintain its dominant position in the tablet market.

Macotakara’s report also says the tech giant is currently working on the next iteration of Apple’s smaller iPad, the Mini, expected to launch with a Retina display and faster A6X processor, which backs up other recent reports suggesting the same.

[via 9to5mac]

For Newsweek, the future is digital. After nearly 80 years, the print edition of the venerable news magazine is rolling off the presses for the last time. The final cover was tweeted by Newsweek on Sunday just prior to it hitting newsstands.

Newsweek’s print edition is about to hit newsstands for the final time after rolling off the presses for almost 80 years. The publication will continue as a subscription-based mobile app and web magazine called Newsweek Global.

Newsweek tweeted its final December 31 cover on Sunday, showing a full-page black and white photo of its former Newsweek offices which the organization vacated in the mid-’90s. It goes with the hashtagged headline “#LastPrintIssue”, seemingly a nod to its all-digital future or simply an attempt to create some Twitter buzz.

The venerable news magazine announced its decision to scrap its printed offering in October following reports that the company was losing somewhere in the region of $40 million annually.

Explaining the move in a piece titled A Turn of the Page for Newsweek, editor Tina Brown wrote, “We are transitioning Newsweek, not saying goodbye to it. We remain committed to Newsweek and to the journalism that it represents.”

She continued, “This decision is not about the quality of the brand or the journalism – that is as powerful as ever. It is about the challenging economics of print publishing and distribution.”

A tie-up with web-based news site The Daily Beast in 2011 saw online traffic to its joint site increase markedly as a result. A selection of Newsweek articles are available on the free Daily Beast site, while entire digital editions are currently available – for a fee – to those with iOS, Android, Kindle and Nook devices.

Earlier this month it was reported The Daily Beast was examining the idea of introducing a metered access model that would allow readers to view a number of articles for free before requiring payment for continued access, a move that would no doubt come as a big disappointment to its mass of followers.

For Newsweek, the decision to change was simple – with more and more readers going online to seek out its journalism, a print-edition readership half of what it was 20 years ago and costs spiraling out of control there really was only one way to go.

On Sunday Brown tweeted, “Bitter sweet! Wish us luck!”