'Leaked' iPad 3 mic hints at design overhaul

A supposed leak of a replacement microphone for Apple Inc.'s next iPad has triggered speculations of a design overhaul for the popular tablet line.

 

Tech site CNET said a "replacement microphone" unit claiming to be for the iPad 3 was leaked on TVC Mall's site.

 

"The unit (originally discovered by Cydia Blog), when compared with the iPad 2's current part, shows a major change in the shape of the device. With a change this major, one might assume that the entire interior of the iPad 3 could be getting an overhaul. And by means of extrapolation, that could signal a significant case redesign. Ah, conjectures," CNET said.

 

Yet, CNET said a possible microphone redesign would not necessarily result in a case change.

 

Besides, it said Apple seems pretty well set on the general look and feel of the iPad lineup.

 

CNET also theorized the updated mic is most likely a response to accommodating Apple's expected A6 processor of other new technologies.

 

Such technologies may include an updated Bluetooth, more RAM, USB 3.0, or near-field communication.

 

On the other hand, it said the more intriguing rumors at this point are still the "when" rumors.

 

'Some reports have the iPad 3 announced and available as early as February, while others suggest mid- to late summer," it said. — TJD, GMA News