Things are busy, busy, busy as the April 3 date for the iPad to go on sale. Apple is working to drum up lots of content for the new device in a variety of areas.
Games are the predominant type of app being tested on the iPad, making up 44% of the total, according to info from Flurry Analytics. Entertainment apps — including videos — come in second with 14%. Social networking programs made up 7% of the total, followed by sports, travel, lifestyle, and utilities.
Apple is also reportedly working hard to get TV shows on the iPad. “The Wall Street Journal” (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703523204575129862264704190.html) says Apple has put its magazine, newspaper and textbook projects “on backburner” as it concentrates on cutting media content deals in the weeks before the iPad’s launch. The article says Apple has postponed its rumored “iTunes TV” plan to offer “best of TV” packages as US$30 per month subscription services “because few media companies were interested.”
Instead, Apple wants to cut the price of individual TV shows to 99 cents, down from the $1.99 and $2.99 currently charged for most shows on iTunes. However, most TV studios are balking at the price cut, worried that it would “jeopardize the tens of billions of dollars in subscription fees” cable and satellite companies pay now for their content. On the other hand, according to the “WSJ,” Apple argues that lowering the price could create new markets.
If you want to develop anything for the iPad, be prepared to deal with Apple’s heavy veil of secrecy. According to “BusinessWeek” (http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/mar2010/tc20100318_833402.htm”) is taking some very stringent security measures when it comes to developers of potential products and content for the device. Would-be testers of the tablet-style computer must promise to keep it isolated in a room with blacked-out windows, the article adds, attributing the info to “four people familiar with the more than 10-page pact that bars partners from disclosing information about the iPad.”
“To ensure that it can’t be removed, the iPad must also remain tethered to a fixed object, said the people, who asked not to be named because their plans for the iPad have not been made public,” says “BusinessWeek.” “Apple won’t send out an iPad until potential partners send photographic evidence that they’ve complied.”
As mentioned, the iPad — now available for pre-order — is due to hit the stores April 3. At least the Wi-Fi only versions will; the Wi-Fi + 3G model will hit US store sleeves in late April. In addition, all models of iPad will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April.
The Wi-Fi iPad sells for a suggested retail price of US$499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, $699 for 64GB models. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available in late April for a suggested retail price of $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB. iPad will be sold in the US through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers.