Apple will likely introduce a 7.85-inch iPad

The rumors so far are pointing to a thicker iPad 3 with very high-resolution retina display and possibly a smaller iPad in the 7.85-inch range. A new part has surfaced on a Chinese iPhone site called TVC-Mall that is for an iPad. The catch is that the part has a design that is different from what the original or iPad 2 uses.

This has raised suspicion that the part may be for the iPad 3. The internal iPad cable is reportedly for the microphone inside the tablet. Rumors regarding Apple’s plans for a new, smaller tablet got resurfaced on Friday, thanks to new reports from the component supply chain via DigiTimes. The site says that Apple will likely introduce a 7.85-inch iPad before the fourth quarter of 2012.

The smaller form factor released later in the year is intended as a way to “cope with increasing market competition, including the 7-inch Kindle Fire,” according to DigiTimes’ sources. Apple will source the 7.85-inch panels needed for the device from LG Display and AU Optronics, the sources told the publication, with production intended to get underway “at the end of the second quarter of 2012.” The displays reportedly had the same resolution as the iPad 2′s screen, which should ease the software conversion process for developers.

Not that it should surprise anyone, but Kindle devices are selling incredibly well. This number includes sales of both the Kindle Fire tablet and the black-and-white Kindle e-readers. Even though they are staunchly different products, Amazon has been referring to all models as "Kindles." Amazon promised to deliver a software update for the device, saying it will "improve performance, touch navigation, and give customers the option to choose what items display on the carousel." Nevertheless, Kindle Fire will be one of the most-gifted products this holiday season.