Apple iSlate – 3G and Webcam?
One sign that an Apple product launch is pending often comes in the way of blunders by various top-level executives who may somehow be involved with the launch. Case in point: France Telecom’s deputy CEO Stephane Richard (France Telecom owns Orange) has been asked a couple of questions about the Apple tablet, to which he answered “Yes,” thus implying that the tablet will have a webcam and 3G connectivity.
The conversation has been caught on video. In it, Stephane is asked whether Apple will launch a tablet with a webcam in a couple of days, to which he answers “Yes”. He is then asked whether Orange users will be able to use it, and he again answers “Yes,” indicating that the tablet will have 3G connectivity.
Of course, this could have simply been noise in the communication channel. But it makes sense: Orange had an exclusive agreement with Apple to sell the iPhone in France, and Apple is rumored to be unveiling the fabled tablet on January 27, and launching it sometime in March. As far as rumors go, we won’t mind if this one is true.
Update: Orange is now backing away from these comments, saying in a statement that “These responses in no way reflect Orange’s confirmation of the existence of the rumoured device. The spokesperson was merely confirming that he is aware of the speculation surrounding a launch and that Orange would be delighted to have such a product were it ever to be available.” Is Orange simply trying to appease Apple for the leak, or was this an honest mistake by a bunch of overzealous tech reporters? We’ll soon find out.
