Apple is considering taking on Sony and Nintendo in the gaming market with a 6 inch handheld iPad which suppliers in Asia say could have a 3D screen.The device which at this stage is “purely” a prototype will, if launched, use a 3D display screen possibly made by Sharp who have also developed a 7 inch 3D display screen for Nintendo. Another supplier is tipped to be LG Display.
Aimed at the gaming market the device will compete up against the Sony NGP device, the new Sony Ericsson Xperia and the Nintendo 3D DSi.
Several gaming designers have told SmartHouse that Apple is looking to expand their portable gaming offering across both the iPad, iPhone and direct to TVs in a home. A dedicated portable device designed specifically for gaming makes a lot of sense” said an Electronic Arts Executive.
SuperApple, a European web site, speculates that the new tablet could be released mid-year, but a more plausible release date might be late in 2011 just in time for the peak Xmas New Year shopping period.
They said that Apple might also want to have a cheaper option to compete with 7 inch tablets like the RIM PlayBook or the HTC Flyer.
