Quite often when Apple are due to upgrade a product stock levels of the older model can begin to run low at various retailers. This is what happened before the current model was released in March of last year. As 9To5 Mac are reporting this was also the case last year with MacBook Air and MacBook Pro refreshes.

Sources are claiming that the iPad 2 Wi-Fi+ 3G model are becoming constrained with supply shortages extending beyond Apple’s own distribution channels. Many major retailers are now showing a no stock status for the 3G version of the iPad 2. These include the likes of Orange and the Carphone Warehouse in the UK.

The Carphone Warehouse normally stocks six versions of the iPad 2 and only has stock for the black 64GB 3G unit. Meanwhile Orange has shortages for fifty percent of its iPad 2 range. It has to be noted though there doesn’t seem to be any shortages of the Wi-Fi only model. With shortages of only the 3G model this could mean that Apple may be keeping the iPad 2 Wi-Fi only model, and having the new iPad 3 as the premium model.

Apple could also offer the iPad 2 at a lower price with a possible $399 price level, and currently is on offer for $419 for a refurbished model. Even new models can now be purchased as low as $429, and some US retailers such as Best Buy and Walmart are also reporting some shortages in a few stores.

Have you recently purchased an iPad 2?

According to a report on SlashGear the iPhone Dev team has announced that the jailbreak is almost complete. All that is left to do is streamlining the user’s experience of the jailbreak. So far Apple devices using the A5 processor have been resistant to various hacking attempts, which haven’t been helped by Apple making it more difficult for users wanting to install unofficial software.

The Dev Team has revealed that all the “technical hurdles” with getting the jailbreak working have been fixed. Now all that is left is to get the final build as bug free as possible, and to suit a variety of users systems. There will also be several different ways of actually using the jailbreak tool.

A GUI for PC and Mac is being promised, along with a command line interface which will help beginners with the process. It will also help to debug and set up different options. Eventually the Corona tool will be integrated into the existing redn0w jailbreak tool, which will offer a different GUI and better compatibility.

The iPhone 4S using iOS 5.0 (9A334), 5.0.1 (9A405) and the other 5.0.1 variant (9A406) will be compatible, and along with the iPad 2 using iOS 5.0.1 (9A405). iPhone 4S users are urged to stick with iOS 5.0 if they haven’t already upgraded. Update: The jailbreak is now live and you can get it here.

Will you be jailbreaking your iPhone 4S or iPad 2?

New Year tends to mean discount and sales and one of the most popular consumer electronics devices that are set to receive a significant price cut this year is Apple’s iPad 2, that is if market analysts’ predictions are correct. Every year Apple follow a fairly strict plan of action which is why many believe their flagship tablet device will be coming down in price to $399 as their next generation model is expected and will likely cost $499.

However Apple has deviated from their traditions in the past and one rumor that is circulating is that the company intend on bringing out two versions of their new tablet. This could change up the industry completely if it does happen. According to DigiTimes one of the devices will be aimed at the mid-range segment of the market while the other will be for the highest end. The iPad 2 is thought to then cover the low-end so between them all areas of the market will be covered which could spell trouble for competing manufacturers.

The pricing strategy will prove to be the crucial part of their future plans, an area where their rivals are struggling to compete. It is not yet known where the entry level price for their new iPad will lie but what is certain is that other manufacturers will be hoping to better them. The difference between the two new iPads is thought to be the resolution with the mid-range model having the same panel as the iPad 2 and the high-end having a high resolution of 2048 x 1536, both are thought to have A6 processors.

Which strategy do you think Apple will choose?

First up we have a case for the iPhone 4S that is called the Trident Kraken, and promises to provide the ultimate protection for your smartphone. The Kraken has been likened to the popular OtterBox Defender, which we have reviewed not that long ago. According to a review here, the case is really tough and even has a built-in screen protector.

For $49.99 you basically get a two-in-one case with a soft silicone inner that can be used alone and the tough polycarbonate shell when something tougher is needed. There is also a removable metal kickstand, silicone plugs to protect all of the devices ports and inputs, and a holster/belt clip.

Another case that aims to offer great protect for the iPhone4/4S is the Survivor Extreme Duty Case from Griffin, which is priced at $49.99. It has been tested and certified to meet or exceed both the US Department of Defense Standard 810F, and the UK Department of Defense Standard 00-35.

It promises to protect your iPhone from extreme conditions such as rain, sand, shock, dirt, and vibration. The Survivor has been made from a polycarbonate shell that is not only shatter resistant, but also features rugged shock absorbing silicone.

The case also features that all important screen protector and hinged plugs protect all of the devices inputs from the elements. A detachable heavy duty clip will let you fix your handset to a belt or bag strap. Click here to find out more about the Survivor case for the iPhone 4/4S.

For the iPad 2 there is the extra rugged Military Edition Case that has multiple barriers of shock absorption. You will find a built-in polycarbonate screen protector with microfilm dust filters that offer the ultimate protection for your iPad 2.

There is also added protection for the devices front and back cameras, and is priced at $69.95. Below we have rounded up some videos reviewing various cases for both the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S.

What type of case do you use for your mobile device?

According to TechWorld those tablet owners who use a password protection to access their device will find that anyone can access it with the new iOS. The flaw lies with the Smart Cover which due to a glitch allows people to bypass the password screen.

To make this happen, the power button is held down until the device asks if you want to power off, then the Smart Cover is placed over the tablet. Once the Smart Cover is opened again, the power off screen can be cancelled and the device is accessible with no password entry.

The glitch has been mainly reported by those who have upgraded the iPad 2 to iOS 5, however there were some issues concerning this with devices that were still using iOS 4.3. The company is aware of the issue and is working on a fix.

There have been concerns with the iOS 5 upgrade on older generation models, suggesting that the update could be the end of your device as you know it. Battery life problems were mentioned by many of those who upgraded their iPhone 3GS. In general the fact that an older generation device was able to experience the latest software was appreciated more than frowned upon. Have you experienced this problem with your iPad 2? What other problems, if any, have you had with the iOS 5 upgrade?

There are certainly high expectations for Siri, but we all have to remember that it is in beta, so you would have thought that Apple would have made it available for the iPad 2, as this would have helped to develop the system to get it out of beta as soon as possible? There is a fear that an iPad 2S will be coming instead of an iPad 3 – it does make you wonder, as Apple are ahead in the tablet game.

Having said that, if Apple were to make a habit of just releasing S versions, then the competition will pounce like a Killer Whale to a Seal. Let’s not read too much into this, just remember that Siri will be in beta for a while, so Apple thought it would be better to just make it available to their new smartphone and wait to the full release to give it to second-generation iPad users.

The iPhone 4S never got the attention that is deserved, people seem to moan that it is not the update that they wanted and that Apple is using Siri to make the new handset sound more than it is. We do not call a new processor, new camera, improved graphics and antenna and also Siri a small upgrade. People seem to be holding onto what a phone looks like on the outside.

Okay, so the A5 processor is looking old now compared to rival CPUs coming to market, but we seem to forget that Apple gets more out of their hardware because they build their software as well, so no custom UI’s.

For those who are not certain if they want a new iPhone 4S and would rather wait for the iPhone 5, then take look at Siri in action in this video below. Come on Apple tell us why Sire is not coming to the iPad 2, as we are expecting it?

Bloomberg are reporting that analysts JP Morgan in Hong Kong have seen Apple making cuts in its orders for the iPad 2. The orders for several vendors have been lowered by about 25%, and are the first cuts seen so far for the tablet PC.

For a manufacturer such as Hon Hai this could mean a drop from 17 million units during the fourth quarter to 13 million. Some of the cuts for the iPad 2 could be down to the tough economic issues currently affecting the world, but may also mean Apple running down its inventory for the device ahead of the next version due for 2012.

Research company Gartner Inc is predicting that the Apple iPad could account for 73% of the tablet market for sales this year. Devices running the Android operating system from the likes of Samsung are only expected to achieve 17%. It has been reported before that Apple have no need to rush out a new iPad, as competitors have so far failed to make an impact on the company’s market share.

There is the rumored Amazon Tablet thought be launching anytime soon, with many tipping the device to be the one to finally take on the iPad. Other companies have been busy cutting the price of their devices to try and stimulate sales.

It sounds too good to be true doesn’t it, an iPhone 5 and an iPad 2, but that is one scenario which actually may take place according to this report over at 9to5Mac which suggests that it is a done deal between Sprint and Apple.

Just like the carrier-specific versions of the iPad 2 for Verizon and AT&T, Sprint may soon be getting their own version too, and it could be either a version for Sprint’s old 3G network, or their speedy 4G WiMAX network which continues to be one of their major selling points. If Sprint does get a WiMAX iPad next month, you can see the bragging rights from a mile away – ‘Sprint’s first 4G-capable iPad 2′ which would take a direct potshot at Verizon and AT&T.

Although unlikely to happen, a perfect scenario would be for the Sprint iPhone 5 to have 4G WiMAX support too, but this may prove to be too much hassle for Apple as they look to release versions for three of the four major carriers in the US. There is no release date attached to the Sprint iPad 2 rumors, but the report also states that it could launch alongside the iPhone 5 or just afterwards.

Whatever happens though, now seems to be the perfect time to switch to Sprint, as it looks like they are definitely getting the iPhone 5 at least, one which may have an unlimited data plan to beef it up even further. What are your thoughts on this? Are you impressed with the way that Sprint are quietly going about their business in the mobile industry?

If the statistics continue as they are, another 2 million people will be added to the list of tablet owners over the next year. As you can see the number represents a significant growth, however no all of them will be getting an iPad. In fact according to the reports, only half of those 2 million intend on getting one.

The nearest competitor to Apple in this market is currently Samsung with their Galaxy Tab. amongst the potential tablet consumers 6% will be aiming to get a Samsung tablet according to the survey and 28% are still unsure as to what brand they will invest in. this means the dominant share in the market over the next year could be up for grabs.

One theory behind Apple’s success in the tablet market comes from Kantar’s Global Consumer Insight Director, Dominic Sunnebo, who believes it is linked to their smartphone market success, i.e. the success of their iPhone. He revealed that ‘80% of people who already own an iPhone and plan to purchase a tablet intend to buy an iPad.’ This is an advantage that for the meantime none of the other manufacturers are able to compete with.

Some of the other findings from the survey revealed that 41% of tablet owners have used their device with Wi-Fi outside of the home and 90% have used Wi-Fi with it at home. Also 3% of the subjects have no knowledge of tablets, while only 16% say they have a strong knowledge of them.

Check out the article at the Guardian for more details on Apple’s UK tablet market success. How long do you think their dominance will last?

There are and have been problems with Apple products, and this was shown the most with signal issues in the iPhone 4, but its hard to ignore what Apple has done with the iPhone, iPod, and iPad, they’re a trend setter.

Success with mobile devices in 2011, 2012 and the years to come will be based on the support from third-party developers. If you get some really innovative developers onboard, then users will connect much better with the hardware created. It’s great having the best specs, but without the right apps, long-term success is just not possible. Brands want loyalty and this comes with satisfaction after the purchase, which is helped in most part by superior apps when it comes to devices like mobile phones, tablet’s, and even televisions.

With the news that Apple shipped 200m iOS devices and has seen 15 billion app downloads (4.5 billion for Android) from their selection of 425,000 apps (Android has 200,000), this just shouts out to developer’s who also know that Apple’s consumers have credit cards registered with iTunes. Android is growing fast but when it comes to a business opportunity with app development, Apple is still the most attractive.

Google has made Android OS more open to development and this has attracted a lot of fans, and support from many OEMs. Android has a larger range of carriers at the time of writing as well, although this may change once Apple release iPhone 5, especially if we see a global chip (we can hope).

Today we found a nice report from Flurry, a service that tracks different platforms and developer support. The report looks at Q1 to Q2 and new project starts, which seems to point to the iPad 2 and Verizon iPhone slowing Android’s growth. You can read the full report in this article.

What do you make of these findings that show Android has lost support from developer’s to iOS? Those of you that like the iPhone 5 or Nexus 4G, may want to see this early insight.