The Rumour Mine: New iPad in March, geoDefense 2 delayed indefinitely, and Bejeweled 3 for iPhone

And we're back to hardware rumours.

It feels like just yesterday we were hungry for details on the next iPhone and predicting what it would be called. Ahh, the good old days.

Expect plenty of speculation on Apple's hardware plans in the weeks ahead, particular as MacWorld and other trade shows get mouths moving.

In the meantime, there are plenty of new games to jabber on about, including two big sequels that could be heading to iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad next year.

New iPad models to go on sale in early March

There's been plenty of chatter about the next iPad, but don't get too bogged down in speculation regarding features. Apple has a way of packing features that nobody ever could have guessed and the next iPad is sure to be the same.

What you can expect, however, is a release in the early part of 2011. March seems likely. Apple routinely announces new products at the start of the year. Accounting for manufacturing time and shipping, a March release following from a late January or early February announcement is a safe bet.

What isn't clear is the device's form factor, processing power, storage capacity, and other vital specifications - any personal wishes? At the very least, I'm hoping the thing has stereo speakers so I don't have to to use headphones to get good audio.

Next up from PopCap Games: Bejeweled 3 for iPhone, iPad

It's been some time since we've heard anything from Seattle-based developer PopCap Games. Word has it that after wrapping up production on the Plants vs Zombies HD for the iPad launch in April, resources were shifted to an iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad port of match-three puzzle Bejeweled 3.

Recently released for PC, Bejeweled 3 has been a long time coming - nearly six years have passed since the previous full instalment (not counting Bejeweled Twist, of course). An iOS release would be nothing short of a big deal and apparently PopCap is investing a lot of energy into making this port right.

It's unclear whether all of the PC version's new modes and features will make it into the portable versions. Zen and Quest modes are sure to make the cut, but any combination of Lightning, Butterflies, Poker, Diamond Mine, and Ice Storm modes may not. In-app purchases could be a way of offering cut modes for anyone wanting the full package.

Regardless of the final slate of features on iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, Bejeweled 3 will be one to keep an eye out for next year.

geoDefense 2 to miss 2010, indefinitely delayed

One of the early iPhone and iPod touch hits, Critical Thought Games's geoDefense lit up the charts with its insanely difficult breed of tower defence. The sequel, which had been slated for release this past autumn, has mysteriously fallen off the radar. A source tells me that geoDefense 2 won't make it out before the end of 2010: more disappointing, however, is word that the delay is indefinite.

To be clear, this isn't the sort of indefinite delay synonymous with cancellation: on the contrary, it signifies that Critical Thought Games isn't confident when precisely development of geoDefense 2 will end.

In simple terms, the developers don't know when they will be finished with the game. Think of it as an undefined release date: they're working on it, but they don't know when it'll come out.

It's not great news given anticipation for the title, though you can be happy with the fact it's still being worked on and will download to your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad some time in the distant future.