Apple announces iPad mini for $329; shares fall

Apple introduced a smaller iPad, saying it will start at $329. It also updated its full-sized tablet and unveiled new Mac computers, including a 13-inch version of a MacBook Pro with sharper, “Retina” display.

Barnes & Noble launches new Nook HD

Barnes & Noble is rolling out two new versions of its Nook tablet with sleek new hardware and a sharper high-definition screen. The bookseller’s move heightens the already intense tablet wars heading into the holiday season.

Your best chances for getting an iPhone 5 this weekend

IHNATKO: You can always buy an iPhone 5 through Apple’s online store. They’re currently reporting a shipping delay of 3 to 4 weeks. You should that time to congratulate yourself on your mastery of the whole “deferred gratification” thing. You are clearly an elevated being, unafraid to spend three weeks staring at your own soul without the distraction of material goods. Your reward is an elevated awareness.

If you can’t get an iPhone 5 yet, you might get the cool new EarPods

ANDY IHNATKO: Not every current iPhone owner will be able to get the iPhone 5, because they’re still under contract and don’t yet quality for an upgrade. Not everyone will be able to afford one, either. And not everybody will even necessarily want one. Everyone will probably want and can afford the redesigned earbuds that come with the iPhone 5, however.

iPhone 5 delivery time pushed back after strong pre-sales

Delivery times climbed quickly as Apple Inc. started taking orders for the iPhone 5 on Friday, suggesting strong demand.

iPhone 5’s superior design is Apple’s breakthrough

IHNATKO: So Apple’s big iPhone and iPod announcements Wednesday were important on two fronts. First, Apple needed to continue to move those two lines forward technologically, functionally, and aesthetically. But they also had to keep the excitement for Apple design going.

Microsoft unveils ‘Surface’ tablet

Microsoft has unveiled Surface, a tablet computer to compete with Apple’s iPad. The 9.3 millimeter thick tablet comes with a kickstand to hold it upright and keyboard that is part of the device’s cover. It weighs under 1.5 pounds.

Here’s what could be coming from Apple at WWDC

ANDY IHNATKO: Let’s talk iPhone, Apple TV, apps and more ahead of Monday’s Worldwide Developers Conference.

E3 video game expo: Sony pumps life into PS Vita, Move controller

LOS ANGELES — Sony Corp. has breathed new life into its handheld Vita and announced a tie-up with author J.K. Rowling that could cause Harry Potter fans to fly on broomsticks into the world of games.

The Japanese console maker indicated Monday it could be …

Facebook testing accounts for kids

Though Facebook bans children under 13, millions of them have profiles on the site by lying about their age. Now, the company is testing out ways to allow younger kids on its site without needing to lie. It would be under parental supervision.

Ravenswood firm’s software helps local retailers offer customized products

Chicago tech entrepreneur Rachel A. Brooks honed her customization-software idea in a reality-TV-like setting: In a tech incubator challenge, she lived in a house in San Francisco for three months with six other would-be tech superstars, sharing ideas, networking and sizing each other up in …

Results make up for awkwardness of iPhoto for iPad

ANDY IHNATKO: Any review of iPhoto for iPad has to deal with an awkward truth: It isn’t a terribly intuitive app. During your first go, you’ll find yourself feeling mystified about what certain buttons do; you’ll be confused about how certain functions operate; and it’s going to take a good while before you discover impressive features that are hidden deep inside the interface, or behind a multi-touch gesture that you haven’t learned yet.

ComEd launches smartphone app

ComEd announced the launch Monday of a new mobile application for smart phones and an interactive outage map.

Google ‘Zerg Rush’ Easter Egg eats search results

The latest Google Easter Egg will have you battling for your search results.

As users discovered this morning, a Google search of the phrase ‘Zerg Rush’ releases flying O’s from the Google logo which slowly eat your search results if not clicked on.

If you …

Google Drive runs into content rights controversy

Google CEO Larry Page recently wrote that he hopes to show the company is “deserving of great love.” But the Internet search leader may need to win more trust, based on the suspicions swirling around Google Drive, a new online storage service for personal documents, photos and other content.