You read it here first.

I’m pleased to be the first to bring readers this global scoop with my spy photograph of Apple’s new product, snapped on San Francisco’s Market Street yesterday. This will be announced, along with iPad3, in Q1/2012.

The Apple Shoeshine stand. G3, kit lens @20mm.

I have it from two reliable sources that Sir Jony Ive has said it still needs a bit of work, but remains confident that the final version will be available for sale in April. As you can see, the prototype has taken quite a beating, having been in development for over a decade. It will have the unique distinction of being the first Apple product to be made in America, using American labor, in a generation.

Rumors of a competing Microsoft version abound, but the last three prototypes collapsed, significantly delaying time to market. Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer, who insisted on personally testing what was intended to be the final version, is recovering well from his injuries. While still in a coma, and given to frequently screaming “Developers!, Developers!, Developers!“, his vital signs seem fine. We wish him well.

No details on pricing of the Apple version yet, but expect little change from $10,000, which will make it competitive with the much missed Apple Lisa.