The Gadget Blogger: Tech Week: Apple iPad 2 unveiled and Steve Jobs back

News of the Week
Like this week’s top news event could be anything other than the Apple iPad 2. Before the launch event had even kicked off we were inundated with iPad 2 coverage as rumours and speculation grew. As some rather official looking iPad 2 pictures leaked online, retailers and networks reported stock shortages for the original iPad, hinting towards an imminent iPad 2 arrival. Adding fuel to the iPad 2 speculation fire a photograph of a white iPad 2 front emerged creating a storm of rumours around a lighter-hued tablet incoming.

Also ahead of the iPad 2 unveiling there was a flurry of Apple staff stories kicking off with rumours head designer Jonathan Ive is planning on leaving Apple for a return to the UK. This was followed in mixed fashion with news that Steve Jobs had been refused a honorary knighthood by Gordon Brown but might make a surprise appearance at the iPad 2 launch to unveil the tablet.

Fulfilling such rumours Jobs appeared on stage in San Francisco to officially unveil the Apple iPad 2. Set for a UK launch on March 25th following a March 11th US arrival priced $499 the iPad 2 will land with dual cameras, a dual-core processor and a slimmer, lighter form factor. Launching alongside the iPad 2 were a number of iPad 2 accessories. Whilst Orange and T-Mobile confirmed they would sell subsidised iPad 2s, O2 announced they would not and Apple cut the price of the original iPad by £100.

Away from Apple and mobile stories were the talk of the week as the world’s first dual-core smartphone, the LG Optimus 2X was confirmed for a March UK launch as fellow dual-core blower, the Samsung Galaxy S II has made available for pre-order with a £599 price tag and May launch date. Elsewhere RIM declared most future BlackBerry handsets would launch with NFC technologies built in as standard.

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App of the Day | Cut the Rope HD
A true competitor to Angry Birds’ title of addictive app supreme, and a well thought-out, simple gaming app
T3 App Chart | Top 10 iPad Apps | Cut the Rope HD Review
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Features of the Week
It is that time of the month again here in T3 Towers, no, not THAT time of the month but the time when you all rush to your local newsagents and break out your iPad to get hold of the latest issue of T3 magazine and T3 for iPad. We have many reasons for you to go out and buy it but you all know you are going to get both anyway.

Like we could leave the iPad 2 out of the features section this week. Ensuring that your iPad 2 news overload make sense and you understand each and every nook and cranny of the slimmed down tablet we bring you the T3 Apple iPad 2 guide: Everything you need to know about the second-gen tablet.

A battle has started within the T3 offices and has quickly kicked out into the wider world. Which side of this life defining war will you fall, Team Apple or the Android Army? Check out our head-to-head and join the march to take your side to victory via the corresponding Facebook pages.

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T3 Podcast - The web's biggest audio gadget show
The T3 tech team discuss the weeks top news and their gadget of the week, the Apple iPad 2
T3 Podcast episode 172
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Reviews of the Week
Have you recently splashed out on an original-generation iPad and are ruing the decision with the arrival of the iPad 2? Fret not all you need to do is spruce your tablet up with one of our group test review of the best Apple iPad docks.

Ever wanted to step into the ring with the greats of the boxing world? Well now you can as EA Sports Fight Night Champion hits the stores. We have reviewed the boxing release where you can line up as Ali, Hatton, Tyson and Haye amongst many others.

So, apparently, Apple this week released something known as the iPad 2. Who knew? Well, just to make sure we headed on down to the Apple event to bring you a hands-on review of the Apple iPad 2 with video and expert opinions to boot.

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Video of the Week | Apple iPad 2 hands-on review
We go hands-on with the year's likely must-have gadget the Apple iPad 2
Plus: Sony Vaio S quick video | HTC Incredible S hands-on video | LG Optimus Pad video review
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