iPad 3

Dev Team member MuscleNerd just tweeted a picture of an iPad 3 running Cydia 1.1.5. While this proves that the new iPad can be jailbroken, it does not mean that there is a new jailbreak right around the corner. It could still take a few months before anything is finalized and it's made public. The screenshot below shows a jailbroken third generation iPad running iOS 5.1. MuscleNerd wrote: "Just a first step, still lots of work to do! No ETA!"

Earlier today we told you that the Dev Team and a few other iOS hackers were working on finding vulnerabilities in iOS 5.1. Pod2g, i0n1c and an unnamed person "close to the Cydia repo scene" have been looking into various unrelated methods to jailbreak Apple's new tablet. The Dev Team also warned new iPad owners not to update its firmware if they want to jailbreak their device in the future.

Apple created a new section in the iTunes App Store called "Great Apps for the New iPad." It features some of Apple's favorite applications that are compatible with the third generation iPad's new Retina display. If you bought a new iPad and own already own some of these apps, you should upgrade to the newest versions. This is also a great resource for first time iPad buyers who are new to the App Store.

The Kindle and Twitter apps have also been updated with high-resolution graphics for the new Retina display. Read on for Apple's complete list of iPad 3 compatible apps.

Now that the iPad 3 is officially available the next big question is: "When will it be jailbroken?" Luckily the Dev Team and a few other developers are already working on a solution. Yesterday iOS hacker i0n1c, posted several pictures of a jailbroken iPad 2 running iOS 5.1. On Friday, the Dev Team said i0n1c is using a completely unrelated method to the one they're working on.

The Dev Team wrote on their blog that "the method used to jailbreak the iPad 2 four months ago (before corona) still works even in 5.1." This is an important step in the right direction since it allows the Dev Team to get their hands on the required kernel dumps on the iPad 3. The Dev Team added that someone "close to the Cydia repo scene" is working on an entirely new jailbreak method, and pod2g is also working on finding vulnerabilities in 5.1. That's four possible chances that there will be a new jailbreak soon.

Amazon released version 3.0 of their Kindle app for iOS devices. The iPad version is now optimized for Retina display. Other changes include a new library design where you can view your content in an updated look, and Cloud view to easily access all of your content in the cloud.

The Kindle app allows you to read Kindle books, newspapers, magazines, textbooks and PDFs on your iPad. Early iPad reviews revealed that the Kindle app featured blurry text on the new device. Version 3.0 eliminates this problem.

The third generation iPad is bigger, badder and more power hungry than the iPad 2. All its new features like Retina Display, LTE and extra RAM are great, but they require more battery consumption to operate. Apple did an amazing job of giving the new iPad the same amount of battery life (about 10 hours) as the iPad 2, but does the massive new 11,666mAh battery take longer to charge? According to an early review from TechCrunch it does.

"So how was Apple able to keep the battery life the same while adding LTE and without drastically changing the design? It appears that they’ve had a fairly major breakthrough in their battery technology. While the new battery clearly isn’t much bigger than the old one, it can hold much more juice (42 watt-hours versus 25-watt-hours). The downside of this is that I’ve found it takes quite a bit longer to charge the new iPad. As in several hours — you’ll probably want to do it overnight."

Apple's new iPad will be available on March 16 at 8:00 a.m at all Apple store locations. If you're looking for alternatives to standing in line there are a few options. AT&T and Verizon will also be offering the next generation iPad through all sales channels on March 16. However, carrier retail locations are known for not having enough product to meet demand, and only want to sell you their data plans. Since the iPad does not require a carrier contract there is no reason to buy a data plan right away. You must also choose either AT&T or Verizon since the iPad is only configured to work with one. If you're buying a 4G model, Verizon is the better choice due to its superior LTE network and free personal hotspot service.

Apple also announced that the new iPad will be available at Best Buy, Radio Shack, Sam’s Club, Target and Walmart. It's unknown if these retail outlets will have enough supply to meet demand, but they do offer you an alternative to standing in line at an Apple store.

It looks like the leaked Apple advertisement was correct, and Apple stores will be opening early to the sell the new iPad. According to an official Apple press release, the third generation iPad will be available at Apple retail stores on March 16 at 8:00 a.m. local time in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and the UK; along with Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Apple employees will be on-hand to offer free Personal Setup service for any customizing needs. The iPad 3 will also be available at AT&T stores, Best Buy, Radio Shack, Sam’s Club, Target and Walmart in the U.S..

AT&T has officially announced they will be selling the new iPad through all sales channels on March 16. People who did not pre-order the iPad 3 in time, or do not wish to camp outside their local Apple store can try AT&T retail shops on Friday. Remember, if you're planning on buying a 4G model, AT&T is not offering free hotspot support like Verizon.

The new iPad 4G models have the ability to utilize high-speed LTE networks and share the connection with up to 5 other devices. This makes Verizon's superior LTE network and free personal hotspot support the better deal.

According to an advertisement sent to 9to5Mac Apple stores will be opening at 8am on Friday, March 16th for the launch of the third generation iPad. My local Apple store says they will be opening normal hours (10am), but told me to keep checking the Apple website in case anything changes.

Demand for the new iPad has pushed online delivery estimates to "two - three weeks." This means if you want an iPad 3 on March 16th you will have to wait in line at your local Apple store. The 9to5Mac tipster said Apple employees will be pulling an overnighter in anticipation of the big event.