High-tech hot topics in the blogs: iOS 4.2, tablets from Acer, News Corp's iPad-only newspaper

Hot topics in the tech blogs for the week ending November 26 include the release of a big software update for iPad users, new tablets and hybrid laptop from Acer, News Corp's Daily newspaper for tablets, updated Netflix pricing and Black Friday sales.

The release of Apple iOS 4.2
The long awaited software update for iOS devices arrived this week, bringing the iPad's software in-line with that of other iOS devices. The update provides users with over 100 new features including multitasking, folders, unified inbox and Game Center for iPad users plus the addition of AirPlay and AirPrint for all iOS 4.2 users. Bloggers were delighted to discover the Find My iPhone feature is now free for non MobileMe users with new devices.

Acer shows off a range of new tablets, hybrid laptop
During a New York press event Acer unveiled a flagship 10.1 inch Android tablet with a 1280x800 resolution screen, 5MP camera and full multitouch support, a 10.1 inch Windows 7 tablet, plus a smaller 7 inch Android tablet. The company also took the covers off a dual-screen Windows 7 home premium multitouch laptop-tablet hybrid called the "Iconia."

News Corp's Daily newspaper for iPad
News Corp and Apple are tipped to be on the verge of announcing a new tablet-only publication called the Daily. The digital newspaper is rumored to cost $0.99 a week and will be automatically dispatched to users' digital devices on a daily basis. Bloggers suggest Apple will also "announce a subscription plan for newspapers based on the model of its iTunes music download service" to cater to this style of distribution.

Netflix moves towards becoming a streaming-only service
American DVD, Blu-Ray and on-demand video streaming company Netflix announced a new $7.99 a month plan for customers who only want to stream content (and not rent physical DVDs or Blu-Ray discs). Netflix's existing unlimited DVD-by-mail plans were increased in price.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals
In the lead-up to America's mammoth Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales bloggers helped would-be purchasers with articles about the best shopping comparison apps and lists of highly discounted tech products and electronics deals.