Report: iPad3 to be launched on Steve Jobs' birthday?

Will the next-generation iPad, Apple Inc.'s popular tablet computer, be launched on the birth anniversary of the late Apple co-founder, the late Steve Jobs on February 24? Taiwan's Central News Agency cited a report by a local Chinese-language newspaper that quoted sources in the supply chain that this may be the case. CNA said the "Economic Daily News" cited its sources in the supply chain that the next iPad could be launched between mid-first quarter and end-March in 2012. A separate article on Apple enthusiast site 9to5mac.com said Apple has released new products on Jobs' birthday before. "For example, the Thunderbolt MacBook Pros earlier this year, and the re-designed Safari 4 beta in 2009," it said. Jobs, born on Feb. 24, 1955, died last October after a battle with cancer. He was credited for devices such as the iPhone, iPod and iPad. CNA also quoted "Economic Daily News" as saying local iPad3 component makers need to keep working during the Lunar New Year holiday to meet the delivery deadline. It also quoted other reports showing main assembler Hon Hai Precision Industry's iPad division will allow its employees only five days off during the Lunar New Year holiday, while staff at the company's other divisions will have a longer holiday. The CNA report added casing producer Catcher Technology said at least some of its employees will have to work overtime during the Lunar New Year holiday. Other high-end component suppliers such as battery maker Simplo Technology, connector maker Amer International Group and optical lens supplier Genius Electronic Optical Co. are all planning to ask at least some of its employees to work during the Lunar New Year holiday. CNA cited market analysts who said that while the first quarter tends to be a low season, Apple's busy suppliers reflect Apple's urgent demand for iPad3 delivery and the likelihood that first quarter sales are expected to be robust. Meanwhile, CNA said Google Inc., one of Apple's competitors in the tablet market, may launch its tablet gadget in six months. It cited market sources who said Google may pick Taiwan's Compal Electronics as its partner in producing its brand name tablet computer. 'Friday launches' A separate article on PC Magazine noted Apple usually unveils gadgets at press events on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and launches those products on a Friday or Saturday. "Feb. 24 is a Friday, so if there's any truth to the rumor, the iPad3 would probably hit stores that day but be introduced earlier in the month," it said. It noted the iPad2 hit stores on Friday, March 11; it was unveiled on Wednesday, March 2. Jobs, who at the time was on medical leave, returned to show off the new tablet. Also, it said the first iPad was unveiled on Wednesday, Jan. 27 and hit stores on Saturday, April 3. — LBG, GMA News