The 5 Best Ways to Properly Secure Your Computer

Computer security is a constantly evolving and highly multifaceted game of keeping one step ahead of all possible threats through contingency planning. If you can manage to do this effectively, then you will never have to worry too much about protecting your physical computer or, more importantly, the information that it contains.

Follow the following tips and you'll be far ahead of most people when it comes to effective computer and data protection.

1. Don't Leave Your Machine in the Hands of Strangers

This is probably the single most basic and essential piece of computer security advice, and one that many people completely forget to take advantage of. No matter how well secured through more complex mechanisms your laptop, PC or any other device is, if you freely let somebody you can't completely trust use it unsupervised, you've compromised the machine and invited all sorts of potential intrusions into the computer itself.

Untrustworthy but computer savvy people who are given access to a computer while nobody’s looking can quickly and easily download or install all sorts of malicious programs, ranging from keystroke loggers that send these people reports on everything you've typed on a daily basis (passwords, for example) to spyware and viruses. Bottom line: restrict how you let others use your computer and keep a careful eye on those that are allowed to do so.

2. Install Trusted Antivirus and Anti-Spyware Software

Again, we're still dealing with a fairly basic security procedure that's also crucial to robust computer security. By installing well trusted antivirus software and programs that sniff out spyware and malware, you'll be able to cover, track and destroy the vast majority of malicious programs and protocols that try to weasel their way into your machine through numerous different access points.

AVG Antivirus (free or premium version) and Spybot Search and Destroy are excellent choices for both kinds of security applications respectively.

3. Set Up a Login Barrier and Protect it Well

A machine that has no login prompt protection is like a diary that's been left out in the open; anybody who wants to peek at your private information only needs to open it in order to see. Avoid this simple mistake by at least taking a few minutes to set up login protection through your operating system's internal security options.

If you want an even more powerful (way, way more powerful) layer of login access security, then encrypt your entire hard drive with programs like BitLocker and TrueCrypt so that any time you leave your computer unused or turned off, a long password is needed to decrypt and access its internal information. While OS based login security can easily be bypassed, an encryption based login barrier is basically impenetrable unless someone knows the password to open it up.

4. Encrypt Your Valuable Data

We've just mentioned doing this exact same thing in the above tip on login protection, but it's so important that it deserves its own unique mention. Using free open source programs like TrueCrypt and BitLocker, you can either encrypt your entire hard drive so that it stays untouchable and unreadable unless you type in your decryption key (a specialized long password) or you can set up an internal encrypted file where your most sensitive information is placed and encrypted while leaving the rest of your less important data open to viewing.

The first option is the more secure of the two but both are nearly foolproof methods of keeping your information secure from prying eyes in the event of computer theft or hacking.

We mentioned using open source encryption programs above and this wasn't without a good reason; by using an open source encryption system over a proprietary business designed solution, you're guaranteed to be protected by software whose source code has been thoroughly opened for inspection by any digital security expert who wants to know how secure it really is.

5. Back Up Your Data Regularly

Computer security can only go so far at protection your machine from theft, damage or destructive intrusion. Beyond the margins of security that defensive tactics give, you're still left with a constant possibility of losing your machine or its internal data anyhow. To counteract this thoroughly and minimize the cost of data loss from a machine you weren't able to protect at some point, simply make sure that you back up everything you have on your computer to a remote storage medium.

This could be an automated cloud based synch and backup system or a physical external drive to which you save your data through easily available synching software like Fbackup or Synchback. Either way, by regularly scheduling data backups, at least your valuable personal files will still be safely in your hands even if the worst possible thing happens to your actual computer.

About the author: John Dayton has written for the tech industry for over 15 years and has gained a wealth of knowledge over that time. John also covers LWG's forensic engineers and other computer recovery and security services in his free time.

Microsoft allowed to make 7-inch tablets on Windows 8

Observers there was an assumption that in the near future we can expect to see a 7-inch tablets n / a Windows 8, as well as digital "reading» Microsoft Reader.

Such a conclusion is made on the basis of the experts that Microsoft has simplified the minimum system requirements for installing Windows 8. According to ZDNet, now a partner to install the software giant called OS devices may be fitted with screens with a resolution of at least 1024 x 768 pixels, not 1366 x 768, as previously.

Such a change in the minimum screen resolution for devices with Windows 8 speaks of course Microsoft to segment 7-inch tablets .

By the way, in the most popular tablet - iPad Mini is used by Apple's 1024 x 768. A little above this parameter in such known devices like Nexus 7 on Google and the Kindle Fire HD (1280 x 800).

It is important that the resolution of 1024 x 768 Aspect ratio assumes a 4:3, and 1366 x 768 - as 16:9. Since Soup 4:3 more comfortable for portrait mode, which is especially popular for reading e-books, for Microsoft partners with the new requirements a good chance to enter the market of digital readers on the basis of Windows 8.

It is possible that the release of such a device may be included in the plans of most Microsoft, signed in May 2012, a partnership with the largest U.S. bookstore chain Barnes & Noble. Under the terms of the treaty obligations Microsoft is investing 605 million dollars in the business partner for over 5 years.

Mary Jo Foley (by ZDNet), known for repeated reports about future software corporation, said the possibility of issuing company's own tablet based on Windows is quite real. In support of his hypothesis Foley provided a link to the resource, which published the full text of the contract between Microsoft and B & N, which refers to the probability of release of Microsoft Reader - Reader connected to the online Bookstore B & N.

Five imperatives that we must follow in order to accomplish a smooth transition to the cloud

In today's Virtual Era, the role of IT has changed due to the speed at which technology is evolving, and it requires the same evolution of our IT teams. In order for the teams to support, and carry out the goals of their organizations, they need the infrastructure to grow while becoming more agile and efficient. However, there are some challenges that come with these changes. Many companies, especially smaller ones that are just getting started, lack the resources with which they can use to make these changes. Additionally, it can be difficult to manage the outdated hardware and software which is used.

It's important that we begin working towards streamlining processes and making better use of the cloud in order to gain an edge over our competition, while fulfilling our company's objectives. There are five imperatives that we must follow in order to accomplish a smooth transition to the cloud. Each of these will help to transform IT as we know it and will help to reduce the costs and complexity. On their own, they each aid in self-funding and reduce costs and overhead expenses. Together, these five imperatives help IT become more agile, efficient and allow the IT team to use their time, energy and financial resources to focus on other areas of innovation and growth for the company. Let's take a look at the five imperatives:

Leverage the Power of Virtualization

The first thing that should be done is to virtualize data in order to boost efficiency. By removing touch points, silos and servers, costs are dramatically reduced. This task can prove challenging for companies who have an inflexible system that won't allow for full integration at the present. But since technology is ever-changing, more and more resources are becoming available which will help you be able to unify everything seamlessly.

Manage Your Data

Today, data is being created at unprecedented levels and it's difficult to manage due to it being relatively unorganized and inefficiently stored. We need to have it organized so that we can find what we want, when we want it with little effort. Our data needs to be able to be moved around easily and transferred to the device on which we want it, at the moment we want it. While it may seem reasonable to just add more storage devices to organize and handle the vast volume of data, the better choice is to virtualize it so that it can be everywhere, all the time. Virtual storage that is optimized and automated is the answer. Our data needs to be protected, able to be recovered and archived so that it can be integrated with our organization's existing infrastructure.

Enable Mobility

Many of us do our work virtually, working from home, around town or even while travelling the world. We may have team members that we seldom see face-to-face, if we've ever met them at all. It's essential to be able to have access to data and applications from anywhere there's a wi-fi connection, at any hour of the day. Our teams also work with a variety of devices, such as tablets and smart phones, so it's important that they have safe connections that allow employees access to the information which they need to get their work done.

Consumerize IT

As our workforce becomes more tech-savvy, IT needs to be made accessible to everyone in order to enable our employees to work remotely with their own devices of choice. There's a vast array of devices, operating systems, hardware and software that our team members are comfortable using, so the IT organizations need to put systems in place to ensure that our data is monitored, protected, secure and backed-up, while still remaining accessible to everyone in the company.

Transition To the Cloud

In order to leverage our resources, work more efficiently, reduce costs and streamline management, we need to make the move to the cloud. A remote server and nas storage make this possible. Each company has its unique needs and will go about their transition differently. However, getting into the cloud paves the way for a more advanced, efficient working environment.

As we make move forward into this Virtual Era, and transition to a more mobile work environment, we must keep these five things in mind. Not only will it help with the transition, but it will ensure our data is secure, yet available to the people that need it.

The author works with Dell and writes on technology related content. Find out more about Dell Virtualization or cloud computing

The updated tablet Apple iPad mini will be released in III quarter

The new iPad mini will display with a resolution 4 times higher than in the display of their first mini-tablet (it will be 2048 by 1536 pixels). As a result, the density of points of the new iPad mini will increase from 163 ppi to 324 ppi.

Recall that the main stream of criticism the first tablet buyers and reviewers was directed precisely on scarce device display.

Resource AppleInsider.com, citing the publication CNYes (Japan), reported that sales iPad mini 2nd generation high-resolution display will begin in the 3rd quarter.

Release iPad mini in other Country was launched in December 2012. The device has a screen with a resolution of 1024 by 768 resolution (pixel density - 163 per inch), which is significantly inferior to other Apple mobile devices today.

CNYes also reports that Apple is preparing a 5th generation full-sized iPad, which will be similar in design to the iPad mini.

In early March, there was an information that the new iPad released, possibly as early as April.

Build Trouble-Free & Impressive Apps for Mobile

Nowadays, billions and billions of people from almost all walks of life don't leave their home without a mobile phone in their hands. Therefore, it doesn't come as a surprise that applications developed for these devices are becoming the trend, and many of these kinds of apps are being developed and uploaded on the store.

However, what makes an app stand out among the rest? With the tight competition, it can be very hard to build an impressive app that will attract your target audience. Nevertheless, it can still be done, provided that you just keep in mind these simple tips.

Application Design & Usability

There are no set usability standards when developing apps for mobile phones, since these devices come in different screen resolutions, functions, etc. With that, it's almost impossible for the developer to solve some issues that might arise from the app. That's why it's very important for the developer to learn first the hardware of their target device, and design their app accordingly.

As a start, do not build any kind of app without first building a workflow chart. That way, you will be properly guided on the development process, and you'll be assured that you don't go overboard.

Do not get carried away with so many features for your app. Doing so may complicate the usage of app and make it hard for users to appreciate it. The K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid) Principle applies to this. Also, try not to fit lots of information on the app, as it could make the app look cluttered, and hard to see. In general, try to only use the features that you really think are necessary, and then optimize it to fit the small stature of the device.

Also, do not leave the users hanging when they use your app. Try to make your application loading time as fast as possible. Long loading times could deceive the user into thinking that the app has already malfunctioned. If the app is loading content from the web, put a loading indicator for it.

Application Testing

Not everyone will use the app the same way as you do, so it's important that you first test the app multiple times. First, you can test it yourself, and then select yourself a minor testing group that will use the app and point out any errors that might come up. Doing so will ensure the integrity of your app to the end-users, and it lets you know about any design flaws, or even security holes, that you might have missed during the development process.

Conclusion

As stated before, with the wide variety of mobile phones nowadays, there are really no set guidelines for app developers to follow. It really is just a matter of studying your target device, being familiar with it, then developing the app, which takes advantage of the features of the device.

However, if you just follow these guidelines, and determination, you'll be assured that you will get to build that impressive app that will be enjoyed by many mobile phone users.

Author Bio:
Sunny Popali is SEO Director at http://tempocreative.com. Tempo Creative is an Phoenix inbound marketing company that has served over 700 clients since 2001. Tempo's team specializes in digital and internet marketing services including web design, SEO, social media and strategy.

Mini-tablet Samsung Galaxy Note III will be presented in August

Release in the first half of the new flagship series S, and the second - "Giant" stilusnoy line Note to Samsung has become a tradition.

So this year the output Galaxy S4 is expected within a week, and the Galaxy Note III, according to the edition of Korea Times, - at the end of August, just before the opening of the exhibition IFA 2013.

According to a Samsung, who asked to remain anonymous, in the second half of the year a 5.9-inch smartphone-tablet (it was previously assumed that the diagonal third Note will be 6.3 inches ). Machine receives a matrix Super AMOLED (like all the flagships of the Korean manufacturer), even more functional new S-Pen and 8-core 1.8 GHz Exynos chip 5 Octa, announcement of which was held at the CES 2013.

True, most of all, contrary to the predictions of individual analysts, the model is not equipped with a flexible screen, as long as Samsung is not ready to start mass production of such.

Recall that the Korean company at the recent MWC 2013 introduced Galaxy Note 8.0 - a new tablet with an 8-inch display.

BlackBerry Application Development: All You Need to Know About It

BlackBerry is undoubtedly one of the leading names in the mobile application development industry. Getting your apps developed with BlackBerry has its own advantages. The more BlackBerry apps arte developed, the better gets the quality of services offered to the Blackberry users. The sole aim of these developments is to cater to the needs of the users. Users have been making suggestions and reacting to the designs brought out by the company, for the past years and that is how the company knows what a user needs today.

Let us take a quick look at the BlackBerry Apps development.

The Advantages

1. The latest BlackBerry development processes ensure strong mobile applications, which come up with features, hitherto unknown.
2. The apps hence developed compatible with several platforms like MDS, JAVA or the J2ME.
3. Almost every new app developed by BlackBerry comes with new features in contacts, messaging as well as calendar.
4. Synchronization of data in one's device with his or her computer is also made easy by some of the developments.
5. From the point of the developer, he would get to use advanced processing, upgraded graphics, multitasking etc while developing a BlackBerry app.
6. The more is the number of BlackBerry apps developed, the better will be the quality of the innovations get. Applications like advanced cloud based services will also be coming.
7. Some other benefits are advancement in real time marketing, operational efficiency, enterprise grade reliability, secure messaging as well as presentation of content.
8. It also offers progress in real time marketing, enterprise grade reliability, operational efficiency, secure messaging and content presentation.

Developing One's Own BlackBerry App

1. The initial stages would require you to create a rather simple application. BlackBerry application development is always begun in this manner. It is important that you gather worthy insight and experience of app development.
2. Go through the RIM's Developer site, where you will get a lot of tips and information on creating a BlackBerry app. To get a taste of them, download apps and try them out. You would get the codes for your application development from this site.
3. Search for the online developer community. Become a member of it, put forth your questions, and discuss your problems. This way you will get a lot of tips and solutions.
4. Also, there must be a local developer community within your vicinity. Try locating and joining it. This community will meet regularly to discuss their own problems.
5. BlackBerry holds an annual conference of its application developers in San Francisco, California. Try to visit this conference. When the experts speak you would be at awe of them and would learn a lot of tips from them as well. You might also get a glimpse of what BlackBerry plans to do in the future.
6. Make sure you have tested your application in more than one device. The testing is obviously the most expensive apart from being the toughest as well. All the major model combinations are to be tried.
7. Before you, finally sell the app or introduce it to the market, make sure that it has been freed from all kinds of flaws.

James Pattrick is a freelance writer, professional blogger, and social media enthusiast. He is known for writing informative articles on Technology, Home Security and Security Equipment related issues. He is a regular author on süperbahis giriş. You can follow him on Google+, Facebook and twitter.

The History and Current Application of Video Conferencing Solutions

Video conferencing solutions may be thought of as the whole gamut of technological and proceduralprocesses used to facilitate a video conference. A video conference is any conference, meeting or conversation that is facilitated by video and audio technology, and which allows persons not all physically present at the same location to confer with each other.

Video conferencing has been around in various forms since the invention of the television, which was initially demonstrated by sending an image through a solid (coaxial) cable to another room. In its modern form it was used by the Third Reich to communicate between post offices in major German cities.

Clearly the march of audio visual technology has been swift and constant: and the modern video conferencing solution bears little resemblance to the small crackly sets used in the 1930s. Modern video conferencing solutions may use large, high definition plasma or LCD screens and superb audio transmission software to create the impression that participants are actually in the room with their confederates. In the early part of the 21st century, video conferencing rooms were set up in which life size images of conference attendees were displayed on huge monitors arrayed down a boardroom table: the effect given was as though the other half of the room was "inside" a television screen.

Essentially, modern video conferencing solutions rely on a core software technology able to stream audio and video together in real time. The real time element is important in conferencing because delays can result in confusion. One person may answer a question posed by someone in another country while that person is still talking, and the resulting stilted conversation rapidly loses sense and flow.

In order for the visual and audio information to be collected, the system requires cameras and microphones. The camera collects the visual and the microphone collects the audio. A high level design component of the system, then, is its ability to match the video and audio streams properly so that the lips of the person speaking are synchronised with the sounds coming out of his or her mouth.

To play back the transmitted data, the system must also have a screen of some kind. The display device must further be linked to speakers outputting the audio information. The design and placement of speakers in relation to the screen can be important: the human ear is a sensitive device itself, and can identify if a voice is coming from somewhere other than the image that looks as though it is doing the "talking".

The video conferencing system is tied together by a computer which is essentially any processing unit capable of taking the disparate signals, decoding them from their streamed packets and running them through the required outputs. The same processing unit must simultaneously be sending its own coded data packets to the other part of the video conferencing solution.

This is a concept inherent in all video conferencing solutions that there be a minimum of two units in different locations.

About Author:
Mary is a freelance systems analyst. He is currently writing a thesis on the design of video conferencing solutions.

Features of Apple iPhone 5 16GB

The iPhone 5 was launched across India on 2nd November, 2012. The new edition was launched very soon after the last launch in the iPhone series. This iPhone earned its fame for homing the 6th generation of iOS which has since received an upgrade to the iOS 6.1. The iPhone 5, in true Apple style comes with a host of improvements over its predecessor that the company has been consistent about.

It comes in three versions of inbuilt memory - the 8, 16 and 32GB. We are about to do a review of the 16GB version of the iPhone 5.

Design

It has a very compact candy bar design. Its slim and tall dimensions of 4.87 x 2.31 x 0.30 inches are further enhanced with a body weight of mere 112 grams. The phone is 18% thinner and 20% lighter than the iPhone 4S. The phone is similar in looks to its predecessors except for the back which is made of anodized aluminium with ceramic inlays (on the white and silver model) or pigmented glass (on the black and slate model) on both ends of the phone.

Display

The iPhone 5 received half an inch raise in display size offering users a 4 inches LED-backlit IPS LCD capacitive touch screen with display size of 640 x 1136 pixels. The device has more length but retains the width of the previous iPhones. It has the retina display that was introduced with the 4S, which offers high pixel density of 326 ppi. The dimensions allow users to view more data on a single page.

Processor & RAM

The iPhone 5 has a 1.2GHz dual core Apple A6 processor with 1GB of RAM. Apple claims that the A6 chipset is twice as fast as the A5 chips that were built in the previous iPhones, also offering better graphic experience. The chip size is also 20% smaller, allowing the company to reduce the body size of the device. With these features, the phone promises a fast browsing experience. The absence of a quad core processor is likely to raise some eyes though.

Operating System

The iPhone 5 comes with iOS 6 in the box and the new update of iOS 6.1 has recently been released which can be installed into the device. The iOS 6.1 comes with over 200 new applications including enhancements added to the existing applications. Some of the features include LTE support for more carriers, enhancements for Siri app, downloading individual songs from iCloud, a new Maps app and much more.

Camera

It has an 8MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash which records videos at 1080 pixels. There is a 1.2 MP front camera that is useful for video calling. The front camera also has HD video recording facility, which means FaceTime can be done with HD video calls. The iPhone 5 also has a new feature called the Panorama Mode which allows users to take multiple photos at a time which are then stitched together to give panoramic photo. besides this the camera also offers features such as Back-illuminated sensor (BSI), Auto focus, Touch to focus, Digital image stabilization, Face detection, Geo tagging, High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode.

Memory & Battery

The phone comes in two other versions beside the 16GB version we are discussing. The Apple phones have never really offered the memory expansion provision externally. This is a major drawback of Apple phones. Also, users cannot use the entire 16GB of memory available; about 4GB of the 16GB is untouchable.

It's built with a 1,440mAh battery offering up to 8 hours talk time and 225 hours on standby on both 2G and 3G connections.

Verdict

The iPhone 5 version 16GB is different from the other two versions only in terms of the memory space available, the rest of the features remain same. It is a really great device with beautiful looks and features. Also add to it all the latest Apple features, be it the processor, camera or design. The device is available at a price of around Rs. 45,000.

Author Info
The Author of this post is Julia. She wrote several tech posts for 91mobiles.com. It is the one stop destination for comparing mobile phones. You can view detail features and specs of Apple iPhone 5 and avail best low price.

Sony Xperia T get an upgrade

Sony has recently announced the release of updated Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Smartphone Xperia T. It is worth noting that the update was immediately available on the website after the PTCRB.

The smartphone will certainly get Google Now, Project Butter, as well as improved notification bar and some other interesting features.

It is worth noting that the people of the Netherlands update is now available. Soon the update will be available in other countries.

Tablet Slider LG Tab-Book Z160 for Windows 8

As expected, at CES 2013, LG unveiled a new tablet PC for Windows 8, made ​​in the slider form factor. Thanks slaydernoy layout LG Tab-Book Z160 was another hybrid ultrabook and tablet running on "eight." A more accurate name - the 11.6-inch tablet with a sliding keyboard.

To use the device as a laptop user only has to press the button on the side of the keyboard and put forward, which is used as a stand. To use the device as a tablet keyboard in one motion slides under the screen.

This design increases the weight to 1.04 kg (LG Tab-Book Z160 heavier than a usual tablet, but lighter than a standard laptop.) The second drawback (traditional for all sliders) - no keyboard touchpad, which necessarily present on keyboards tablets such as "transformer". In this deficiency simple explanation for the TouchPad is no more space, so the keyboard is used as the base.

At the core of LG Tab-Book Z160 processor is Intel Core i5 Ivy Bridge. The tablet has a 11.6-inch display with 720p matrix IPS. Memory - 8 GB capacity solid state drive - 160 GB.

Canon starts selling the first SLR camera, video recording format 4K

Unique camera Canon Cinema EOS-1D C was announced in April of this year, but goes on sale just now. The first opportunity to purchase a new product worth 12 thousand dollars were residents of Japan, the device will appear in the U.S. next week. In addition to its direct functions of photography, model Canon Cinema EOS-1D C can shoot video with Ultra HD or 4K (4096h2160 pixels) at 24 frames per second.

Minute video recording in this format is 3.76 gigabytes of disk space to store photos and records in camera uses CompactFlash memory cards. EOS-1D C equipped with a full-size 35mm CMOS-sensor with a resolution of 18.1 megapixels, dual processor Digic 5 + and a display diagonal of 3.2 inches.

Novelty is compatible with EF lenses and allows RAW-images with a maximum resolution. Regime poses called Canon Log Gamma allows you to record high quality videos in a wide dynamic range (HDR), and provides a uniform footage while shooting at the same time with other cameras Cinema EOS . Camera Canon EOS-1D Cinema C manufacturer plans to sell around the world, but the exact release date for Europe is not yet known.

Facebook for iOS updated and optimized for speed

Facebook has answered the pleas of millions of mobile users with the release of a new application for iOS. The social network has finally addressed the most glaring issue of the company's iPhone and iPad applications: speed.

Facebook 5.0 for iOS dropped on the App Store today, and the new version amounts to a complete do-over. The application looks essentially the same, but it's now twice as fast in three areas: launching the app, scrolling through the News Feed, and opening photos in feed.

"As you scroll down your news feed, all your friends' stories appear faster than ever. A banner lets you know when new stories come in, and you can tap once to immediately see the latest updates," iOS product manager Mick Johnson said in a blog post on the update.

The photo opening experience has been transformed from painfully slow to nearly instantaneous. Users can now tap a photo to open it right away and pull down to close the photo just as quickly. Notifications should now also load just as swiftly.

Perhaps now the Facebook experience on iOS devices won't be an exercise in patience. Should that prove to be the case, the social network will have a far better opportunity to monetize its mobile service, as members would be more likely to engage with Sponsored Stories and application ads.

By Jennifer Van Grove

Apple's New iPad, It's Faster and Screen Is Better

Apple just announced the newest iPad, which will be called the iPad, and not the iPad 3 or iPad HD or iPad: Eddie Bauer Edition or with any other modifier. The big hits: it's got a better screen ("better" in this case meaning Apple has stolen all the pixels in the world and crammed them into the new iPad), a faster processor, an optional 4G LTE chip, and some software updates.

So the big news here is the screen resolution, which is bonkers. At 2048 x 1536 pixels, it has significantly more pixels than not just the old iPad, but also your 1080p HDTV and just about any other "HD" screen you've got lying around. Apple's again referring to it as a "Retina Display," which means that you won't be able to see pixels with your bare, weakened, organic eyeballs, at least from the 15-inch distance Apple estimates most people have between their eyes and their iPads. (Note: Apple is clearly excluding cats, which have more sensitive eyes and sit closer to the iPad anyway. This is offensive, probably.) That'll mean every publisher is going to have to re-do their apps for the new resolution, the same way they had to for the transition from the iPhone 3GS to the iPhone 4.

Also included: a new processor, dubbed the A5X, that provides quad-core power. The Tegra 3, which powers a few Android tablets, is also quad-core, but Apple needs the power to burn through the kinds of apps that will take advantage of the new display. Plus there's a 4G LTE antenna, either for AT&T or Verizon, which is pretty great--we're totally impressed by LTE, so it's great to see it here. And Apple has presumably worked some kind of gypsy magic to keep the battery life steady at 10 hours for Wi-Fi and nine hours for 4G--we've seen LTE absolutely slaughter battery life in phones, but hopefully Apple's worked that out.

Oh, and the company also announced a new Apple TV! Seems like basically just a firmware upgrade, though it's not clear if older Apple TVs will get it. There's a new version of the software, some nice bonuses like being able to use iCloud for 1080p movie streaming, and shows available the next day for purchase. No Siri, though, which bums us out because we spent all morning dreaming about how sweet that'd be.

The iPad and Apple TV both maintain pricing: iPad starts at $500, moving up from there due to storage and 4G inclusion, and the Apple TV costs $100.

By Dan Nosowitz