iPad Mini 2 now in the works

Barely have users of Apple's new iPad mini begun to acquaint themselves with the device that work has started on the next generation of the 7-inch iPad, a tech site reported.

 

A report on CNET cited a research note from RBC Capital Markets that chipmakers are preparing for the next-generation iPad mini.

 

The CNET report said the research note also noted Samsung is on track for coming out with a smartphone with a bendable display and possibly an early intro for its Galaxy S4.

 

It quoted an Apple note from RBC Capital Markets analyst Doug Freedman as saying, "iPad Mini Gen-2: Apple's gen-2 iPad mini is getting pulled-in, and is likely to have several new suppliers, with TXN (Texas Instruments) gaining content."

 

Such a message may hint that Apple is moving up the introduction of the next iPad Mini, CNET said, but added there are few other details.

 

Texas Instruments has supplied components to iPads in the past, including relatively obscure silicon like touchscreen line drivers.

 

Samsung's road map

 

CNET also cited the remarks on Freedman's research note: "Samsung handset road-map: Samsung display will be ready to ship unbreakable plastic substrate screen by 2q end, with bendable in 2h13."

 

This would mean unbreakable screens by the end of the second quarter of 2013, and bendable screens by the second half of the year.

 

He also said Samsung's flagship Galaxy 4 smartphone may "likely ship a month early if carriers want it at end of March, [semiconductor companies]...support will start mid-Feb." — TJD, GMA News