iPad-focused Apple event geared for October 22

Photo of Apple's Phil Schiller introducing the iPad 3 with Retina Display (by Gadjo Sevilla)It has been nearly a year since the iPad mini was launched and the Lightning port toting 4th generation iPad hit the market, so many were expecting an October announcement from Apple. Looks like October 22nd is the likely date for another Apple event that's likely focused on the iPad, iPad mini, OS X Mavericks and that gorgeous beast, the Mac Pro.

Apple's CEO Tim Cook promised some exciting new products for the Fall, so the timing's definitely right specially since the holiday buying season, usually one of Apple's strongest quarters, is around the corner. What are we expecting this time around. A redesign of the iPad that's more similar to the iPad mini with thinner bezels and a thinner and lighter frame. Possible Retina Display for iPad mini and even some other surprises.

Source: The Loop

Samsung introduces the curved smartphone with the Galaxy Round

That concave smartphone above is the Samsung Galaxy Round, it is launching tomorrow in Korea under the SK Network and it features a slightly curved 5.7-inch OLED screen with a 1080p HD resolution. Aside from the unique curvature of the screen, which is oddly similar to some HDTVs that we're seeing this year, the Galaxy Round will offer some software tweaks to enhance the screen's use. If it is on a flat surface, simply push down on the Galaxy Round to tilt it up slightly and it displays time and notifications. The new phablet-sized device will cost the equivalent of $1,000. No word on yet on North American availability. 

Source: Engadget

Review: Griffin Technology WoodTone Headphones

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The headphone market has never been more saturated with an unbelievable range of choice in price, finish, design and special features that aim to differentiate each brand. Aside from sound quality, companies are exploring a variety of materials and treatments. Longtime accessory maker Griffin Technology has turned to wood as the inspiration of its latest line of over the ear headphones.

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BlackBerry to lay off 300 Waterloo-based employees

 BlackBerry has laid off 300 more employees based in their Waterloo, Ontario headquarters, as part of the 4,500 layoffs expected while the company prepares to be acquired.

“As previously mentioned, we are in a period of transition and we must focus on enhancing our financial results to be in a better position to compete in this current mobile environment,” said a BlackBerry spokesperson in an emailed statement to the Financial Post.

BlackBerry has trimmed more than 7,000 jobs since 2011 as it attempted to restructure and refocus its product line to better compete with popular handsets from Apple and various Android OS vendors like Samsung and HTC.

4,500 employees are expected to be let go for the next three quarters as the company reels from a recent almost $1 billion loss.

Source: Financial Post