- Apple expected to launch a second-generation iPad mini tomorrow
- It could also unveil the iPad 5, as well as a new line of Mac computers
- This is the same day Microsoft's Surface 2 and Surface 2 Pro go on sale
- Nokia is additionally set to launch a 6-inch device at an event in Abu Dhabi
- Tablets will compete against Amazon, Tesco and Argos in Christmas sales
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With only a day to go until Apple unveils what is expected to be its next-generation of iPads, speculation about a new Nokia phablet has surfaced.
If the rumours turn out to be true it would mean almost all the major phone and tablet companies will have released, or be about to release, new devices in the run up to Christmas - creating fierce competition among the retailers.
Nokia is set unveil what's been dubbed Lumia 1520 at an event in Abu Dhabi the same day Apple will be announcing its own new products in London and California.
Both events will also coincide with the official release of Microsoft's Surface 2 tablet.
The Nokia rumours come from leaked images and details that appeared on a Chinese website over the weekend. The listing on Nokia's official Tmall shop, pictured, describes a new handset, running Windows phone, on sale for CNY4,999 (507)
The rumoured Nokia device is shown with a 6-inch 1080p screen, 20MP PureView camera and a Snapdragon processor, pictured
The Nokia rumours come from leaked images and details that appeared on a Chinese website over the weekend.
A listing discovered by Engadget on Nokia's official Tmall shop shows a new Nokia handset, running Windows phone, on sale for CNY4,999 (507).
It's described as arriving in 'October 2013' and has a 6-inch 1080p screen with a 20MP PureView camera.
Nokia is also rumoured to be working on a 10.1-inch full HD tablet called Lumia 2520, expected to run the Windows RT OS.
Rumours suggest it will have a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 processor.
It may also come with a 6.7-MP main camera and 2.0-MP front-facing camera.
Microsoft announced its Surface 2 tablets last month and they officially go on sale tomorrow.
Reports in July suggested Microsoft lost around $900m due to poor sales of its original Surface devices.
Called the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, the latest tablets run the latest Windows 8.1 operating system - which caused its own problems at the weekend when the update was pulled over security problems.
After months of rumours, Apple confirmed it would be holding a launch on Tuesday by sending invites to journalists last week entitled 'We still have a lot to cover.'
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS WEEK'S LAUNCHES
APPLE
Experts believe the tech giant could be about to announce a new iPad mini and an improved iPad - dubbed iPad 5.
It's likely the iPad mini 2 will keep the current 7.9-inch screen and not drop to 7-inches, in a bid to stay slightly bigger than Google's Nexus 7, Tesco's new Hudl and the MyTablet from Argos.
If Apple adds the Retina display seen on its new iPhones and larger iPads, its possible the second-generation iPad mini will be heavier and thicker.
The camera is due an upgrade, too, and it's thought Apple would move to an 8MP rear-facing lens, with the possibility of even a 12MP camera being added.
The iPad mini is expected to launch at around 269 for 16GB and then in 80 increments for the 32BG and 64GB models.
Models with 3G and 4G access will cost more.
Apple's 16GB iPad 5 is expected to cost around 399, this raises to 479 for 32GB and 559 for 64GB.
NOKIA
A listing discovered on Nokia's official Tmall shop shows a new Nokia handset, running Windows phone, on sale for CNY4,999 (507).
It's described as arriving in 'October 2013' and has a 6-inch 1080p screen with a 20MP PureView camera.
Dubbed Lumia 1520, it is set to be the company's first phablet, with a 6-inch screen.
Other specifications also include 2GB RAM and 3400 mAh battery.
The device is expected to come in 32GB and 64GB version.
The Lumia 1520 is also expected to have a 20.7-megapixel PureView camera.
Nokia is also rumoured to be working on a 10.1-inch full HD tablet called Lumia 2520, expected to run the Windows RT OS.
Rumours suggest it will have a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 processor.
It may also come with a 6.7-MP main camera and 2.0-MP front-facing camera.
MICROSOFT
Microsoft announced its Surface 2 tablets last month and they officially go on sale tomorrow.
Called the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, the latest tablets run the Windows 8.1 operating system.
The Surface Pro 2 has the same ClearType HD display as its predecessor.
It is said to be 20 per cent faster, and Microsoft has added 75 per cent to its battery life.
The Surface 2 runs Windows 8.1 RT version - a scaled-down version of the full operating system that has been designed specifically for mobile devices.
It is powered by an Nvidia Tegra 4 processor and comes with up to 10-hour battery life for video playback.
Additionally, the Surface comes with a 3.5MP front-facing camera, and a 5MP rear camera.
Surface 2 is available in 32GB and 64GB models and starts at 359, while the Surface Pro 2 comes in 64GB and 128GB versions and starts at 719.
The invitation showed a number of colourful leaves around the Apple logo in the background.
Experts believe the tech giant could be about to announce a new iPad mini as well as an improved iPad - dubbed iPad 5 - at the event.
This would be almost a year to the day since Apple's CEO Tim Cook unveiled the first generation mini, and the release would see the tablets go on sale in time for Christmas.
Apple historically launches products on a Tuesday, making them available for pre-order the following Friday, before putting them on sale the Friday of the week after.
Apple sent official press invites last week, pictured, to a launch event taking place in London on Tuesday. The firm is expected to launch its next generation iPads at the event, including the iPad 5 and the iPad mini 2. The design suggests Apple could be introducing colours to its new tablets, in the way it did with the iPhone 5C
This suggests any new devices announced on 22 October will be on sale by 1 November.
Google was the first company to release its new tablet, with the latest Google Nexus by Asus device announced in July.
Tesco then unveiled its 119 Hudl tablet before Argos announced its own cut-price device, called MyTablet, last week.
Amazon's high-resolution Kindle Fire HDX tablets will go on sale in the UK from next month, meaning there is a glut of new tablets on the market in time for Christmas.
Leaked photos have already hinted at what Apple's tablets could look like, including a range of colourful cases.
Microsoft's Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, pictured left to right, run the updated Windows 8.1 operating system and go on sale tomorrow - the same day Apple and Nokia are expected to announce new products
LEAKED SHOTS SHOW NEW APPLE SOFTWARE LOGOS
A number of new icons have appeared on Apple's official site, and in the Built-in Apps folder of its latest handsets.
The images include updated GarageBand and iPhoto logos as well as new designs for the iMovie, Keynote, Pages and Numbers software.
They have each been redesigned to fit in with the flatter look of the iOS 7 software.
This hints at the fact Apple may release new versions of its apps and software at its launch Tuesday.
During the iPhone announcement on 10 September, Apple's CEO Tim Cook said: 'Our teams are hard at work on some amazing new hardware, software and services that we can't wait to introduce this Fall and throughout 2014.'
The current iPad mini came out in November 2012 and if Apple follows suit, this would confirm a mid-October announcement followed by an early-November sale date, in time for Christmas.
The price of the current iPads is also being cut in various regions, suggesting a new tablet is coming.
It's likely the iPad mini 2 will keep the current 7.9-inch screen and not drop to 7-inches, in a bid to stay slightly bigger than Google's Nexus 7, Tesco's new Hudl and the MyTablet from Argos.
If Apple adds the Retina display seen on its new iPhones and larger iPads, its possible the second-generation iPad mini will be heavier and thicker.
However, leaked photos of the casing suggest it will be thinner, meaning Apple may wait to add the high-definition display to later models.
According to Apple site, 9to5Mac, the rumoured iPad 5 will also keep the 9.7-inch, high-resolution screen seen on older models.
The camera is due an upgrade, too, and is thought Apple would move to an 8MP rear-facing lens, with the possibility of even a 12MP camera being added.
A new range of iPads are expected to launch on 22 October. These leaked images from technology site Tactus, allegedly show the rear shell of the iPad 5, pictured, with coloured cases. Apple could also unveil a second-generation iPad mini
The rear of the rumoured iPad 5, left, and iPad mini 2, right. According to 9to5Mac, the rumoured iPad 5 will keep the 9.7-inch, high-resolution screen seen on older models. The camera is due an upgrade and is rumoured to move to an 8MP rear-facing lens, with the possibility of even a 12MP camera being added
Apple is set to launch a new range of iPads on 22 October. This would be almost a year to the date since CEO Tim Cook, pictured, unveiled the iPad mini
Leaked images from Tactus additionally suggest the iPad 5 will be thinner than its predecessors.
Technology site Expert Reviews believes Apple will stick with its traditional pricing strategy for both models and charge the same price for its new products as it did for the outgoing models.
For example, the 16GB iPad 5 is expected to cost around 399, this raises to 479 for 32GB and 559 for 64GB.
If Apple additionally follows its iPad 4 launch and introduces a 128GB iPad 5 model, this should start at around 639 for 128GB, while 4G-ready models will cost more still.
Similarly, the iPad mini is expected to launch with at around 269 for 16GB and then in 80 increments for the 32BG and 64GB models. Models with 3G and 4G access will cost more.
Apple could also launch a new line of Mac computers including a Macbook Pro and Mac mini at the event.
Both are expected to be fitted with Intel's Haswell processors that boost speeds and battery life. 
Amazon's 7-inch and a 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX tablets, pictured right to left, are three times faster than older models. They have higher pixel-per-inch displays than Apple's current iPad - making text or images sharper. They both go on sale in the UK next month
ged, wirral, 6 minutes ago
Apple need to do something new!