New Next-Generation iPad Case Offers Further Hints of Larger Speaker

Earlier today, a rumor surfaced from a Japanese blog claiming that the next-generation iPad will include a larger speaker grille extending around to the rear of the device. The physical feature has been the subject of considerable speculation since a number of cases purportedly designed for the device contain much larger hole in that location than would be required for the existing speaker design.

Another rumor surfacing at the same time as the initial cases claimed that the next-generation iPad will offer an SD card slot, leading some to speculate that the larger hole at the location of the speaker might be to accommodate such a slot, but today's rumor suggested that the next-generation iPad will indeed simply include a larger speaker in that location.

115044 ipad 2 case speaker
Claimed second-generation iPad case showing mesh cover for speaker
(Note: iPad and rear features are clearly mockups for illustrative purposes.)

Working from the new information, Engadget discovered a new case posted on trade site Alibaba.com that seems to support the speaker claim by showing what appears to be a speaker grille mocked up in the area of the larger hole. While the case depicted in the listing clearly contains mockups of the existing iPad in the front view and camera and speaker grille in the rear view, the image suggests that case vendors are designing their cases with the idea that the feature near the bottom rear of the device is in fact a speaker and not a card slot or other physical connector or button.

Top Rated Comments

drjsway Avatar
160 months ago
I love how people bash on companies like Bose stating that they charge a premium for the brand. The funny part is this is done on a Mac forum by the same consumers who pay a large premium for using outdated processors just because someone smacked an Apple logo on the hardware.
I do admit the OS is worth it, but lets be serious. :rolleyes:
Comparing Apple to Bose is utterly ridiculous. Apple charges a premium for a premium product. Bose charges a premium for absolute junk.

The problem is, most consumers have no idea what good sound is. It's the same reason why TV stores set their all TVs in VIVID mode with all the colors out of whack, crushed blacks, pumped saturation. Picture quality is absolutely horrendous yet it makes people buy TVs.

Bose takes $2 drivers (not an exaggeration, they really use clock radio quality parts) and manipulates the sound to fool uneducated consumers. To anyone who thinks Bose sounds good, you have no idea how your music should really sound. It's like putting a ton of make up on a cheap hooker and charging supermodel prices for her.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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