Just how much trouble is Samsung really in?

If HDX 7 CASE business were a horse, its owners might be considering a trip to the glue factory right now. This week it announced that its operating profits were down a massive 60% compared to the previous year, with revenues down 20% in the same period.
It's important to keep some perspective here, because despite the drop the numbers are still massive: revenues and profits are still in the billions, and a small rise in the share price suggests that investors aren't worried yet. However, something is seriously wrong with Samsung's mobile phone business.
There are actually two somethings. The market's getting saturated, and HDX CASE is being attacked on all fronts.
In a statement, Samsung said that "smartphone shipments increased marginally amid intense competition." However, "the operating margin declined due to increased marketing expenditure and lowered average selling price."
In plain English, that means HDX CASE FOR KIDS is losing market share despite selling phones for less money. Sales of top-end smartphones are slowing, it's being pummelled at the low end by Chinese manufacturers such as Huawei and Xiaomi, it's facing stiff competition across Android from the likes of Motorola, LG, Sony and HTC, and it no longer has the phablet market to itself.
Even Apple's in that market now - and ironically, Apple's use of TAB 4 CASE FOR KIDS in its devices is helping to soften the blow from the softening smartphone market.
Trouble in store

The smartphone market is starting to look a lot like the PC market: largely saturated, with Apple taking the most profitable bits and everybody else running on microscopic margins. Samsung is cutting prices to compete, but so is everybody else - and there's nothing particularly unique about a Samsung device, because of course Google, not Samsung, controls the OS.
So far Tizen hasn't provided a compelling alternative, and that means Samsung really has two courses of action: compete on price, or compete by innovating. Samsung's track record with the latter is hardly stellar: it got lucky with big phones but it's generally better at copying than creating. The Galaxy A range is a good example of that.
Samsung is hardly doomed. It's worth more than 150 trillion dollars and phones are just one part of a product portfolio that ranges from hoovers to howitzers. But the smartphone market it dominates is clearly changing, and the days when Samsung could spend its way to success by buying tons of advertising and offering in-store incentives appear to be drawing to a close.
It's not that Samsung got bad. It's that everybody else got good.
The Galaxy Note 4 cometh, and we've had a play

Photo evidence points to 2GB of RAM in the iPad Air 2

It looks like the iPad Air 2 might double up to 2GB of RAM, at least if some new photos are to be believed.
The images, shared by Geekbar on Weibo, apparently show a 2GB Elpida RAM module for the kids ipad air case.
Of course a photo of a RAM module doesn't mean it will make its way into the next iPad, we could just as well take a picture of a sandwich and claim that will, but Geekbar reckons it will and it certainly looks a lot like the 1GB Elpida RAM module in the original iPad Air.

This isn't the first time we've heard this rumour either, as back in August supply chain sources claimed as much. It would make a certain amount of sense too, as there's a chance that the iPad Air 2 willsupport split-screen apps, which it would likely struggle to do on just 1GB of RAM.

So we'd say there's a fair chance of this happening. On the other hand the IPAD 4 CASE and TAB 4 CASE FOR KIDS both stuck with 1GB (though they don't have a split-screen feature) and although Geekbar revealed the iPhone 6's barometer it doesn't have much of an Apple track record beyond that.

Still, we'll be seeing the iPad Air 2 on October 16, so we should find out for sure soon.

Photo evidence points to 2GB of RAM in the iPad Air 2

Blackphone maker is building a privacy-centric tablet

Apple confirms iPad event will take place on October 16

iPad Air 2 leak shows off a thinner tablet with Touch ID

Cool gadgets: The best tech you can buy in 2014

HTC: Nexus 9 marks our tablet comeback

Someone reckons the iPad Pro will run both iOS and OS X

Apple confirms iPad event will take place on October 16

Right on cue, Apple has sent out invites for the next big iPad event, where we'll see the kids ipad air case and (probably) the iPad mini 3 - and it's happening on October 16.
In usual fashion, Apple's invitation is frustratingly cryptic. This one arrives with a colourful Apple logo and the line 'It's been way too long'.
What can we decipher from this? Not a lot, unless Apple is planning to surprise us with a really long IPAD 4 CASE. But we don't think that would be a great idea. It could, of course, be a hint at something else. Maybe something Apple TV related? A significant update has certainly been rumoured for a "long" time.
Or... an iPod? Could it be?
The KIDS IPAD 4 CASE is expected to make minor refinements on last year's Air, probably throwing in Touch ID too. As for the mini, we're less sure of what to expect, but there have been rumours of a name change to the iPad Air mini.
Go pro?

Rumours of an 12.9-inch iPad Pro have also been circulating heavily as of late but we're less certain that we'll see the tablet make an appearance at the event.
We reckon Apple may also put aside some time on October 16 to talk about Yosemite and what's next for the Mac - could we finally get the Retina iMac we've been clamouring for?
It'll be taking place at the Town Hall Auditorium in Cupertino, though TechRadar will be attending the European event in Kurfürstendamm, Berlin.

Perfect IPAD 4 CASE FOR KIDS

This ipad air case fit the ipad 2 perfectly and its not top heavy like the kids safe version.

We really liked this once we figured out how to get it on! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JOYQAC0

We weren’t used to this type of case, so it took us a few tries to figure it out. Then we couldn’t figure out how to put it to “sleep” like our old cover did (it covered the screen and would turn the screen off when shut). I found out that you have to turn the screen off by pushing the power button through the back of the holder, not by pressing down on the top of the holder. Now that we know how to fully use it, we love it! IPAD 4 CASE FOR KIDS

great deal IPAD 3 CASE FOR KIDS

I enjoy this product very much, ipad 2 case for kids http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MAYNKA6   as matter fact I’m using it right now. I read some negative reviews about this product, I think for the price, it is exactly what the IPAD 4 CASE user should have. It is sturdy but needs a little wearing in to hold your iPad upright, but after several days to a couple of weeks of use it performs better than when you first get it. I have found it a tad tricky to use the rear camera but with practice(maybe I’m just a dork) I can handle it. It is way better then I thought it would be. I even read a review that said it had a smell to it, I get headaches VERY easily from foul scents and I smelt nothing. The rotation is handy and the little circle that twists from landscape to portrait also shows the apple on the rear of the kids ipad air case nicely…also you can slip your hand through that space and hold it much like an artist would hold a paint pallet. I was, at first, a little concerned if it would actually fit the ipad 4 case for kids , it seemed, like maybe it could fall out of the hard plastic snap in area, however it does fit and hasn’t come out yet and it is somewhat difficult to remove, so it’s pretty snug in there and I don’t think it can fallout. The holes around for the ports for the earphones, camera and for the different plug-ins a well as volume and power controls are perfectly sized and easy to access. All in all, it’s a great deal and I am not going to purchase on as a gift! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K5N5F9S

IPAD CASES FOR KIDS the reviews

I purchased this case 9 months ago, and for those first 9 months, I was 100% pleased. My iPad Air snapped right in, with no undue force needed. It has a nice “grippy” feel to it, so that you always felt like you had a good hold on the iPad. The front cover easily tri-folds behind the iPad to serve as a “stand” for when you’re reading at a desk or table.The magnetic cover was great … easily closed securely and turned the iPad off.IPAD AIR CASE FOR KIDS/ipad case for kids /ipad 3 case for kids/ipad case for kids

But a couple weeks ago, I noticed the iPad slipping out of the case periodically. A big change from the secure hold the case always had had. And now, it doesn’t hold it at all …. the iPad really just “sits” in the case now, and is not held or secured at all.ipad 4 case for kids/ipad case for kids /ipad 3 case for kids/ipad case for kids

I’ve inspected the case and cannot see any cracks or chips, but whatever the problem is, it is no longer functional at all, since the iPad can easily slide right out.I have written the company about this, and will update this review when they respond back.IPAD 4 CASE FOR KIDS/ipad case for kids /ipad 3 case for kids/IPAD 4 CASE

UPDATE 8/1/14 : I emailed the company and heard back from them within 24 hours. They have offered to send a replacement product free of charge. I feel this warrants upgrading my review from its original 3 stars to 5 stars. I will update this review once I receive the replacement product.

Travellor Hot Kid proof ipad air case

Excellent product for the price and expected usage, but fit is so snug, it lifts the screen protector off the iPad screen. Since there is no built-in screen protection, this was an issue for me, but the bundled accessories, quality of the items included, the price and lifetime warranty make it a great deal.

INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:

1. Bumper – well made, sturdy, feels nice in the hands. 2. 8″ square microfiber cloth – thick, absorbent, soft. 3. Child sized, thick grip stylus with 3 tip replacements 4. 3.5mm port splitter 5. Screen Guard – weak glue, washable screen protector.

Reasons I like this product…

1. It provides small hands with a way to easily grasp the iPad kids case. 2. It’s durable. Made of tightly packed foam rubber, it’s likely to resist scrapes and bumps. 3. Placement of ipad 4 case for kids is recessed, making it less likely that the screen will be cracked if the protector and iPad combination is dropped flat on the front of the iPad. 4. Ports are not obscured by the bumper. 5. The back of the ipad 4 CASE for kids isn’t completely covered, thus allowing heat to escape from the device. 6. iPad is secure when installed properly into the bumper, which will provide maximum bump protection from the sides and corners, and some protection from impact to the back of the device. 7. It’s washable! Wipe it or rinse it without the device installed. 8. Excellent package deal! 9. Lifetime warranty.

Things I wish were better, but not enough to make me drop a star in the review rating…

1. The handles around the face of the IPAD 4 CASE are smooth and can get slick if hands are damp. Maybe some texture on the handles would help?

2. Screen protector placed on the iPad gets lifted on the corners when installing the iPad into the bumper.

There is no protective cover or bumper that will prevent the iPad totally, but there are some that do a better job than others. At this price point, with all the bundled accessories, I think you’d be hard pressed to find a better value than this The Friendly Swede option.

If you are inclined to spend much more on total protection that can be used by both adults and kids, I’d suggest an Travellor Hot Kid’s Freindly Freestanding Handle Case for Ipad 2/3/4 Ipad Air Ipad Mini (Original & Retina)- Sandproof Dustproof Shockproof. It offers 3-layers of protection, but isn’t as kid-friendly as this bumper with the handles, nor does it come with the accessories, at a low price.

Overall, this is a wonderful deal, but it may not adequately protect your iPad from rough use by kids, and placing your iPad into the bumper (even carefully…) can affect your screen protector by pulling up the edges and dislodging even the best screen protectors.

NOTE: I received this product from The Friendly Swede in return for my honest review.

TAB 4 CASE FOR KIDS

 i’ve had this galaxy TAB 4 CASE FOR KIDS for a few weeks and i like it very much. i bought this for two year daughter and loves it. it fits perfectly and the charging, volume and power are very easy to access. The case feels good in the hand and seems sturdy. i like the handle as it can be use in many position to watch movies or to type. i have not dropped the device yet but it seems it can take a beating i will keep updating my review, but so far i like it very much.

 If you are looking for a case that can withstand a 2 year old this is the case.galaxy TAB 4 CASE FOR KIDS caset

Perfect IPAD 4 CASE FOR KIDS

This ipad air case fit the ipad 2 perfectly and its not top heavy like the kids safe version.

We really liked this once we figured out how to get it on! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JOYQAC0

We weren’t used to this type of case, so it took us a few tries to figure it out. Then we couldn’t figure out how to put it to “sleep” like our old cover did (it covered the screen and would turn the screen off when shut). I found out that you have to turn the screen off by pushing the power button through the back of the holder, not by pressing down on the top of the holder. Now that we know how to fully use it, we love it! IPAD 4 CASE FOR KIDS

iPad mini 3: What we want to see

Our review of the iPad mini 2, or to stick with Apple's naming strategy, the iPad mini with Retina Display, found it to be a really capable little device.
Somewhat surprisingly it shares most of the cutting edge technology of its bigger brother, the iPad Air, and finally adds the Retina display which it had been lacking so sorely.
But it's not perfect. It's still too expensive, has no Touch ID sensor and the base 16GB capacity is rapidly becoming too small for many users.
Release date

We may not have to wait long for the iPad mini 3, as Apple is reportedly holding an event on October 16 where it will launch the iPad Air 2, there's no mention of the iPad mini 3 but it seems fairly likely that the two would launch side by side.
Failing that the Daily Dot reports that Apple will hold an event on October 21 where the iPad mini 3 will be announced, though this information predates the October 16 date above and also mentions the iPad Air 2, so its validity has to be called in to question
In fact while October 16 is looking likely for the iPad Air 2, we may not see the iPad mini 3 so soon, as sources speaking to Taiwan's Commercial Times claim that the iPad mini 3 might not arrive until early next year. We'd take that with a pinch of salt though as Apple has so far released one mini a year and announced them alongside a full sized iPad, so there's no reason to think it would change things up this year.
Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst for KGI, claims that the iPad mini 3 will come out towards the end of the third quarter of 2014 and that disappointingly it will have the same form factor as the iPad mini 2, which is thicker than the original iPad mini (athough only by 0.3mm).
Rumors

In fact it doesn't sound like Kuo thinks the iPad mini 3 will be a big product for Apple at all, as he reckons it will be sold in limited quantities while the iPad mini 2 will remain on sale at a reduced price. This is one occasion where we hope the rumors are wrong, but thankfully that's all they are.
More positively he predicts that the new iPad mini will get upgraded to an A8 chip and come with an 8 megapixel camera (up from 5 megapixels on the iPad Mini 2) and Apple's Touch ID fingerprint scanner.
Adding credence to that last rumor, fragments of code from the Biometric Kit included in iOS 7.1 reference the iPad and mentions of both Touch ID and Apple Pay for the iPad have been found in the iOS 8.1 beta code.
There are also a couple of images of what is supposedly the iPad mini 3 doing the rounds. The first is as blurry as early images often seem to be and it was anonymously sent to Nowhereelse.fr, so it's impossible to say how reliable the source is, but it appears to show a Touch ID fingerprint scanner built into the home button.

It's worth noting that this is apparently a prototype of the device, so even if it is legitimate it's possible that Apple could ditch the scanner before it finalizes the hardware.

But a more recent rumor also mentions that Touch ID will indeed be coming to the iPad mini 3 (as well as the iPad Air 2) and that Apple is currently working hard to make the sensor more durable than it is in the kids ipad air case.

The second leaked shot is clearer and appeared on the web viaAppleClub.tw with the posters claiming it not only shows the iPad Mini 3, but also the iPad Air 2 and the now released iPhone 6.

The iPad Mini 3, Air 2 and iPhone 6? (credit: AppleClub)

It appears that the two new slates both have the Touch ID ring we're now familiar with thanks to the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6.

It's also possible that Kuo could be wrong about the iPad mini 3 retaining its predecessors form factor, because we've now heard from  hat it will in fact be 30% slimmer, bringing it down to just around 5.25mm thick. With a new size it would also apparently get a new name, going by the 'iPad mini Air', though we suspect iPad Air mini is more likely.

If it gets slimmer it's also likely to get lighter, but there's no word on what it might weigh yet and even with these few rumors there's still so much that we've heard nothing about yet.

However we can take an educated guess that it will have the same 7.9 inch 1536 x 2048 display as the iPad mini 2 and that it will run iOS 8 on the new Apple A8 processor that made its debut on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

But with so little set in stone, what do we want to see in the next model?