Steve Jobs announced the next iPad today, the iPad 2, at a press event in San Francisco. The new iPad 2 has a dual-core A5 processor with twice the CPU power, nine times the graphic performance, and it keeps the 10-hour battery life. It will go on sale March 11 in the United Sates for $499 for 16GB and $599 for 32GB Wi-Fi-only models. The Apple website claims the iPad 2 is 33% thinner, 15% lighter, and has smart covers.
Yesterday IHS iSuppli noted that the Motorola Xoom bested the original iPad with two cameras, and lo and behold, the iPad 2 has two cameras, including a front-facing VGA camera. The touchscreen resolution remains the same at 1,024 by 768 pixels.
New features of the iPad 2 are:
- Two cameras for FaceTime or photo taking with Geo-tagging.
- HDMI video out port to connect via a $39 cable to TVs and monitors.
- Find My iPad, will show you where your iPad is on a map.
- You can set a passcode lock to prevent unauthorized access to your
device and configure iPad to delete all your data after too many
unsuccessful passcode attempts. - IPad Side Switch - Customize the
switch on the side of your iPad to lock the screen
rotation or mute the volume, so you can lock your iPad display in
landscape or portrait. Or quickly go from volume on to volume off.
Configure the side switch in Settings to toggle between your options. - AirPlay to stream content from your iPad to HDTV via Apple TV.
The Smart Covers work side-by-side, on top or underneath the iPad. The iPad Smart Cover falls into place and stays put to protect
your iPad screen, yet it doesn't add bulk. Open
the Smart Cover and your iPad wakes up instantly. Close it and your iPad
goes to sleep automatically. It also works as a stand to hold up the iPad for viewing videos. The covers come in ten bright colors as well as leather covers.
The iPad 2 will run iOS 4.3
Apple has sold more than 15 million iPads and has 90% share of the market.