Is the iPad Mini worth it? Video

Is the iPad Mini worth it? Video Transcript

-What's going on? Bring Tong here and welcome to the Apple Byte for all the good and bad inside the world of Apple. The new iPads are here and some of you might even be watching the show on them. I can assure you, I'm much bigger than real life. Now, there are no big secrets here with the iPads, but let's a look at a first look review of the iPad Mini with Scott Stein. -When the iPad Mini was announced, the whole idea was to take the iPad experience and make it smaller, and now, behold, this is a really small device. You notice the design is different and it's really taking a page more from the iPad touch. It's a curve anodized aluminum shell that goes all the way around the sides and is flat on the back and curve on the edges, and the taper over here a sort of aluminum vessel is a lot like the iPhone 5. There's a 5-megapixel iSight camera on the back. There is an HD FaceTime camera on the front that's similar to the 5th generation iPod Touch and similar to what's on the new 4 gen iPad. There's no flash on the back, but you can shoot 1080p video and you can take FaceTime calls and HD. You have a much faster processor at the top end level and an A6X and this is an A5. So, you have a performance gap and you also have retina display on that end and you also have a price difference. The 4th generation iPad starts at $499 for 16 gigabytes. This is $330 for starting 16 gigabytes, and this $330 is premium, but when you pick it up, it's gonna be hard to put back down. I'm Scott Stein and that's a look at the new iPad Mini available on November 2nd. -Alright guys, you know, it's still a cool product and a new addition to the lineup if you're willing to pay for it, but no retina display still a turn off for me at that price especially with a 7-inch Nexus at 199 for 16 gigs. It will be interesting to see how these all plays out this holiday season. Now, Amazon wants to make sure you know the iPad mini isn't the only kid on the block with the front page comparison between the mini and the Kindle Fire HD. Now, Amazon claimed the mini only had a mono speaker, but Phil Schiller responded to customer e-mail saying no, no, it is stereo. He actually use those words. Now, in response, Amazon then took down the comparison and Phil Schiller responded with rock on. Now, the semi controversial iPad 4th generation is also available, and it delivers on it's claims of being twice as fast when benchmark appears on the Geekbench database and showed up performance about double the speed of the third gen iPad and the fastest mobile device apple has produced today. CNET also received confirmation from Apple that iTunes 11 will in fact be delayed for a release in November in order to get it right. Now, this is a good thing people and after what we've seen with serious performance and maps, it's better to wait plus iTunes 11 is just another thing that we can be thankful for in November along with family, friends, good health, and my personal favorite, slinky tricks. You can do that, trust me. I've tried it. Now, big news that might not be the sexiest, but very significant. Apple announced a major change up in their executive management team. Senior vice president of iOS software, Scott Forstall in 2013. You know, the guy who serves directly in your soul during Apple videos. Well, he's played a big part in the evolution of Apple's mobile iOS, but reports from multiple outlet says that part his departure had to do with Forstall's refusal to sign an apology letter for Apple's revamp and embarrassing maps fiasco. Tim Cook put his name on he apology, but Forstall didn't. Forstall was also known inside the company for creating tension between the executives and having an abrasive that also clash with head of industrial design Jonathan Ive. Johnny Ive, Scott Forstall, Johnny Ive. Now, in addition to his current job, I will also take over leadership of human interface and I immediately expect, we'll see a more unified look between some of the services, so say goodbye to the green felt Game Center. Senior vice president of Mac software engineering, Craig Federighi will now lead both the iOS and OS X teams moving forward. In addition to that big change, senior vice president of retail John Browett is stepping down effective immediately after only 8 months on the job. He was criticized for his cutbacks on staffing and an increased focus on profitability at the expense of Apple's customer service according to some retail employees. Now, guys, I see the shake up as a good thing, and we'll see how it's all plays out in the long run. Alright, let's take a peek at the app of the week. I've been telling about how ridiculous Google voice searches, and it's finally available to iOS users in the Google search app. It's fast- -Who's Bruce Lee? -like real fast. The fast don't like. Plus, if you ask for something like the weather, it gives an instant result and a really cool interface that allows you to scroll through the hours each day. Now, Siri has an edge when it comes to the look and feel the result when you ask for things like sport scores or even nearby restaurants. So, it depends on what you're looking for, but Google search is worth checking out, and it's my favorite price, free. Also, guys, last week we told you we would read a few of your e-mails with your impressions from Apple's keynotes to see. If you think Apple has lost some of its magic. Rolling Chusaya chymes in with, "Nope, I think we have become quite spoiled and expect Apple to sweep us off our feet every time they introduce new product, but to be completely honest with you, I was impressed with all the new products except the iPad Mini, but Rolling, I like being sweep off my feet, just like the San Francisco Giants did to the Detroit Tigers in the world series 4 games to none. Alexandria Ison writes in and says, "Yo, Brian." You Alexandria. "Apple has definitely lost some of their magic. The products are still good, but they just aren't the ones pushing the industry anymore. I switched to a Galaxy Nexus after my disappointment in the 4S announcement and I've using Apple products since well before they release any iPhone." You know, I don't think you're the only one. Maduka from Twitter writes in with, "I should have won because I'm canyon #one love." That's crazy Maduka, I'm canyon as well. -No, you're not. -Well, because of that, I'm giving you-- check this out-- a Speck case for an iPhone 5 and an iPad, no go panda. Alright, that's gonna do it for this week's show guys. E-mail us at the Apple Byte at CNET.com and I will answer your questions. I'm Brian Tong, thanks for watching. I will catch you guys next time for another bite of the Apple.