Apple is looking to unveil the next-generation iPad early next month. According to a report by All Things D – who by the way have an impeccable record when it comes to Apple news – say the iPad 3 (or whatever it’s called) will be announced in the first week of March in San Francisco and will be available for purchase after a week or so.

When asked for the hardware, the site’s source claimed it will be “pretty much what we’ve been led to expect” like a faster processor, improved graphics, high-resolution Retina Display etc.

HTC on their Facebook page confirmed the release of Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) for its existing devices. By March-end, devices like HTC Sensation, HTC Sensation 4G, HTC Sensation XE and HTC Sensation XL will be running the latest version of Android OS.

Moreover, HTC also confirmed to roll out ICS for other devices later this year. The second batch of devices include HTC Rezound, HTC Vivid, HTC Amaze 4G, HTC EVO 3D, HTC EVO Design 4G, HTC Incredible S, HTC Desire S and HTC Desire HD.

Microsoft started sending invites yesterday for its Windows 8 event at Mobile World Congress. It’s a consumer preview event where Microsoft will give a detailed peek on the upcoming Windows 8 OS and most likely release the consumer-centric preview version to the masses.

Interesting thing about the event is the venue that confirms Microsoft’s focus for its Windows 8 OS.

The event will take place in Barcelona on February 29 from 3-5PM.

[Via The Next Web]

Here’s some good news for TouchPad users. HP has released the Android source code that was found in one of the TouchPads that ran Android OS out-of-the-box. The code was handed over to the CyanogenMod Team who are working on a proper port of Android OS for TouchPad.

The code has now been uploaded and though we’re one step closer to experience a flawless build of Android on TouchPad, the Wi-Fi driver is still missing. However, the good news is that the Wi-Fi driver is also based on GPL, which means HP can release the Wi-Fi driver code too but only after an ongoing investigation.

If you’re feeling itchy, you can try the Alpha ICS build for TouchPad.

Rootzwiki Forum

[Via Phandroid]

Samsung’s newly created category of phone / tablet will soon get a competitor from its archrival, LG Electronics. The Korean company is teasing a 5-inch smartphone / tablet device dubbed as Optimus Vu with an expected showcase at Mobile World Congress later this month.

While LG isn’t forthcoming with all the details, Engadget claims the phone will have a display with an aspect ratio of 4:3, a 1.5GHz Qualcomm processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB internal memory, NFC, 8MP camera and Android 2.3.

LG Blog

Sony has released a new firmware update for its PS3 gaming console. The update takes firmware to v4.10 and brings two changes – the first one is the renaming of PSN Account to Sony Entertainment Network Account. The name change Sony says is due to an effort to unify its PlayStation Network (PSN) and other Sony Entertainment Network services.

The second change is on the web browser front which now boasts an improved loading speed.

[Via PlayStation Blog]

Google’s Chrome web browser has been finally launched for the Android OS. The Chrome for Android adopts the same speed and simplicity you’d find on the PC web but is designed to be more intuitive and user friendly for mobile devices.

There’s sync support, omnibox and card-style tabs that makes it navigating through the tabs easier.

Chrome for Android is currently available in limited number of countries and requires Android 4.0.

Android Market

Just as expected, Nokia has released the much awaited Belle OS update for Symbian devices. The update arrives on devices running Symbian Anna OS which includes the Nokia N8, E7, E6, X7, C6-01, C7 and the Nokia Oro.

I just updated the Nokia E6 to the new OS and I must say, the first impressions are pretty good. The phone runs pretty smooth, UI is decent and the new notification bar is darn useful.

Other things Belle brings to the table are six home screens, 30fps support for HD video recording and more.

The update is available only via Nokia Suite.

[Via Nokia Conversations]

Kinect-powered hacks are not new but this Kinect hack developed by a team of Indian engineers is pretty unique and helpful to the visually impaired. Dubbed as viSparsh, it’s a haptic belt that detects obstacles and vibrates so as to signify oncoming obstacles to the visually impaired.

Basically, the Kinect sensor attached to the belt becomes the eyes for the wearer and transmits signals to the vibration motors, depending on the distance of the obstacle as well as its location.

Here’s a 9-minute video that shows how the device works.

viSparsh

[Thanks, Rakesh!]

The recent clampdown by the US government on sites distributing pirated content has claimed a new victim, albeit a volunteer one. Founded in 2005, BTjunkie has shut down their operations “voluntarily.”

Speaking to Torrent Freak, BTjunkie’s founder said that the recent actions against Megaupload and The Pirate Bay played a major role in their decision.

BTjunkie was one of the top 5 torrent sites in the world.

BTjunkie