Despite a growing tide of "evidence" (a term used with a hearty grain of salt here), not all tech observers are convinced.

CNN: More reports suggest a smaller iPad is coming

Dr. THOMMES: And this fact that we are a later generation is probably also good news for our existence here, because what observers have been finding is that it is the more metal-rich stars that are seem to be more likely to have planets orbiting them.

NPR: What Makes Our Solar System Special?

Here in New York, hundreds of analysts, journalists and industry observers are bustling around the blue-tinted environs of Pier 36 in the Lower East Side for the launch which starts at 10am EST (7am Pacific).

FORBES: Live Blog: BlackBerry 10 Launch