New iPad Mini greeted by smaller crowds

Apple launched its new iPad Mini Friday to less fanfare than past gadgets have received, USA Today reports.

The iPad Mini launched in the U.S. and 33 other countries, priced at $329. Although Apple fans still lined up worldwide to receive the new gadget, the lines were shorter than a usual Apple launch, USA Today said.

However, CNN reports that more than 750 people lined up outside of Apple's flagship store in downtown New York City despite the damage from Hurricane Sandy.

The lackluster response may be due to Apple's requirement to pre-order the device and arrive to pick up at a scheduled time, CNN said.

Critics see this new launch as one of the first defensive moves made by Apple playing catch up with Amazon's Kindle Fire and Google's Nexus 7, CNN reports.