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Apple announces iPad 2 in 2 colors, will feature dual cameras and A5 chip
After much fanfare, Apple officially announced the iPad 2 today with a new dual-core processor called the A5 and both rear and front-facing cameras. It is up to two times faster than the A4 chip and nine times faster graphics with the same amount of power consumption. The iPad 2 also has the gyroscope found in the iPhone 4 and the current-generation iPod touch. The iPad 2 is 33 percent thinner than the current model and weighs 1.3 pounds. It's even thinner than the iPhone 4; the iPhone 4 is 9.3 mm thick while the iPad 2 is 8.8 mm thick. It will be available in both white and black, with the white model available on day one (avoiding the fiasco that surrounded the while iPhone 4). There will be models that work with both AT&T and Verizon. The iPad 2 will also have HDMI mirrored video output up to 1080p through a $39 accessory. The price on the iPad 2 is the exact same pricing model as used for the original iPads starting out at $499 for a 16 GB Wi-Fi only version and topping out at $829 for a 64 GB model with both Wi-Fi and 3G. The iPad 2 will ship on March 11. Edit: Apple has updated its iPad page with the technical specs for the device. The back camera will support 720p HD video recording with up to 30 frames per second with audio and a 5x digital zoom still camera. The front camera will also have video recording, but is VGA and a VGA-quality still camera -- most likely the same one found in the iPod touch.
Steve Jobs makes surprise appearance to announce iPad 2
photo courtesy Engadget To much surprise, Steve Jobs is present today for the announcement of the iPad 2. Jobs went out on medical leave on January 17. He has been glimpsed in public a few times since, including at a dinner with US President Barack Obama. "We've been working on this product for awhile, and I didn't want to miss it," Jobs said to the crowd, who gave him a standing ovation. It's good to see you, Steve!
The iPad 2
Apple has just made its second-generation iPad official! It features a 1GHz dual-core A5 chip and, finally, cameras, both on the front and rear. The new CPU is said to be up to twice as fast, with graphics performance up to nine times better than on the original iPad, while power requirements have been kept the same. Battery life is, consequently, unaltered, with Apple promising 10 hours. Pricing, too, has been left unchanged, starting at $499 for a 16GB WiFi-only iPad 2 and stretching up to $829 for a WiFi + 3G SKU with 64GB of storage. The new tablet will come with an HDMI output capable of 1080p -- which will set you back $39 for the requisite dongle, called an Apple Digital AV Adapter -- but there will sadly be no rumblings of Thunderbolt connectivity here. What you will get is an enlarged speaker grille on the back, as expected, and the same 1024 x 768 resolution and IPS LCD screen technology as on the original iPad.Update: We've gotten our first hands-on with the iPad 2 and, boy oh boy, it's fast!720p video recording at 30fps will be on tap from the rear-facing camera, which can also do a 5x digital zoom if you're into that kind of thing, whereas the front-facing imager will record at a more modest VGA resolution, also at 30fps.There's a new cover for the device, which is best defined by Steve Jobs himself: "We designed the case right alongside the product. It's not a case -- it's a cover." Basically, it's a magnetic flap that protects the front and automatically wakes and puts the device to sleep according to whether it's open or closed. Guess we know what that proximity sensor was about now. These Smart Covers will cost $39 in plastic or $69 if you opt for leather.The iPad 2 is 33 percent thinner than its predecessor, at a mind-melting 8.8mm, and a little lighter at just over 600g, while paintjob options have been expanded: you'll get a choice between white and black. It'll be available on both AT&T and Verizon, and all variants start shipping on March 11th. Apple Retail Stores will start sales at the unusual hour of 5PM, which will probably make online pre-orders the fastest way to get yours.%Gallery-118170%In terms of new software, Apple's launching iOS 4.3 alongside the new iPad and bringing with it much improved Safari performance as well as FaceTime, Photo Booth, iMovie and GarageBand (the latter two costing $4.99 a piece) apps specifically for the newly camera-enriched iPad. Personal Hotspot capabilities are also arriving in the latest version of the OS, but they'll be exclusive to the iPhone 4, so you won't be able to share your 3G iPad's connection. The minimum compatible version of iTunes for the new iPad 2 will be the freshly released 10.2.%Gallery-118177%You'll find Apple's official PR and some slick promo videos below, or you can keep your mouse clicking and check out our first hands-on with the iPad 2.
Apple iOS 4.3 coming March 11 with iPad 2, includes new AirPlay features and FaceTime
Along with the iPad 2, Apple's releasing the final version of iOS 4.3, which features the Nitro Javscript engine from Safari on OS X, new iTunes Home Sharing features that let you play content from desktop iTunes over WiFi, and the updated suite of AirPlay features from the betas -- including the ability for App Store apps to share audio and video. Apple's also finalizing the new option that lets you assign the side switch to either rotation lock or mute, and it's adding Personal Hotspot support. There's also those rumored iOS versions of Photo Booth and FaceTime for the new cameras. It'll be a free download for all iPads, the GSM iPhone 4, the iPhone 3GS and the third- and fourth-gen iPod touch when it's released on March 11. When will it hit the Verizon iPhone 4? We don't know yet. %Gallery-118175%
Live from Apple's iPad 2 event (update: it's over!)
We're going to be liveblogging Apple's iPad 2 announcement (and whatever else they have in store). Check back at the times below, and get ready to make history together! 08:00AM - Hawaii 10:00AM - Pacific 11:00AM - Mountain 12:00PM - Central 01:00PM - Eastern 06:00PM - London 07:00PM - Paris 09:00PM - Moscow 11:30PM - Mumbai 03:00AM - Tokyo (March 3rd) 05:00AM - Sydney (March 3rd) Update: Phew! The event's just finished. Now here's a list of all our posts from this event: The iPad 2 iPad 2 first hands-on! iPad 2 vs. original iPad: what's changed? iPad 2 vs. Motorola Xoom vs. HP TouchPad vs. BlackBerry PlayBook: the tale of the tape iPad 2 gets a Smart Cover Apple's Digital AV Adapter also works with iPhone 4, fourth-gen iPod touch, and first-gen iPad Apple iOS 4.3 coming March 11 with iPad 2, includes new AirPlay features and FaceTime iMovie, GarageBand for iPad announced -- $4.99 on March 11th Apple ships 100 millionth iPhone, 15 million iPads sold in 2010 100 million books downloaded from iBooks, Random House titles added Apple slashes original iPad price to $399, iPad 2 not up for pre-order yet CE-Oh no he didn't!: Steve Jobs misquotes Samsung, asks what you're gonna do about it
iMovie, GarageBand for iPad announced -- $4.99 on March 11th
In addition to the announcement of the iPad 2, Steve Jobs just unveiled iMovie for iPad, so all your tablet video editing dreams are about to come true. So what does this new version of iMovie have in store for you? A precision editor, multitrack audio recording, some brand new themes, AirPlay to Apple TV, and the ability to share videos in HD. It'll be available on March 11th (the same day as the new iPad) for $4.99. %Gallery-118179% Apple's also just outed GarageBand for iPad. The app will boast several touch instruments, guitar amps and effects, 8-track recording and mixing, over 250 loops, the ability to email your AAC files, and it's compatible with the Mac version. GarageBand for iPad will also run you $4.99 when it's released on March 11th. %Gallery-118190%
iPad 2 gets a Smart Cover
We can't say we were expecting to be impressed by a case for the new iPad 2, but Apple's pulled something of a surprise out its hat with its new Smart Covers for the tablet. Available in multiple colors and in your choice of polyurethane or leather variants, the covers attach to the iPad with a self-aligning magnetic hinge and can also be folded into a triangle and used as a stand. What's more, they'll automatically wake or put your iPad to sleep when you open or close the cover, and they even pack a microfiber lining that cleans your screen each time you flip it open. As Steve Jobs explained, Apple designed the covers right alongside the iPad itself and, as he pointed out in true sound bite fashion, "it's not a case -- it's a cover." Look for the poly covers to set you back $39, while the leather ones will run $69 apiece -- video is after the break. %Gallery-118172%
100 million books downloaded from iBooks, Random House titles added
Apple's kicking off the iPad 2 event with some iBooks announcements. The first thing you need to know is that 100 million books have been downloaded to date from the company's bookstore. That's a lot of digital tomes, and there are more coming. Yep, that brings us to the second big piece of news -- Random House is bringing its entire US catalog, which includes 17,000 titles, to the store. We had an idea that was going to happen since the publisher just changed up its e-book pricing model, but the store now officially includes bestsellers by John Grisham, Dan Brown, and others. According to PCMag, some of those titles started to pop up in Apple's store yesterday, so get going and start reading.
Supposed iPad 2 photos from China
Yesterday, the Chinese website DGtle posted photos of what they claim to be the next-generation of iPad [original Chinese post]. The photos look reasonably legitimate and depict dual cameras, larger speakers, and a thinner, more rounded design reminiscent of the latest iPod touch. Notably missing are a standard USB port, SD card slot, and integrated mini-fridge. Although the photos appear to be real, it's possible this is a prototype or knock-off and not the final product we anticipate hearing more about in a matter of minutes. And, of course, the photos tell us little about the guts of the device. Continue reading to see more photos.
iPad 2: Our last second guesses
At TUAW, we love predictions, especially when we have few solid facts to rely on and rumors galore to work with. Here's what we're predicting for today's announcement. As always, we'll revisit our guesses after the fact and score our team for accuracy. Dana Franklin: I expect to see the iPad sequel of my dreams. A drool-worthy device that's sleeker, thinner, and lighter than the original and offers dual cameras with support for FaceTime. With GDC this week, today's announcement will definitely highlight the entertainment value of the iPad: perhaps offering bigger speakers and new peripheral support. The event will almost definitely showcase a parade of developers expressing their love for the platform or announcing new or upcoming software titles for the iPad. We may even see a sneak peek of iOS 5, featuring a more robust suite of could computing technologies integrated with MobileMe. Dave Caolo: Thinner, camera, more RAM, faster processor. Rich Gaywood: I predict for today: 1) a relatively modest iPad 2 upgrade 2) millions of blogs about how Apple disappoints 3) huge sales 4) profit!. Thinner, bigger speaker. Modest changes. More RAM would be the most visible user change, I think. more CPU and GPU don't matter much because developers won't target it aggressively as they'd leave too many sales on the table. Plus apart from games, I don't think I've used anything that feels like it's pushing the CPU. However, I am not going to drop £300+ upgrading just to increase the RAM.
Apple expected to ship 6.5 million iPads in Q1 2011
Digitimes is reporting that, according to an iPad supply chain source, Apple intends to ship 6 to 6.5 million iPads in the first quarter of 2011 (ending at the end of March). According to the source, 300,000 to 400,000 of those will be iPad 2s. Digitimes' source also points out that Apple had about 1 to 1.5 million iPads in the inventory channel in January, and since Apple only ordered about 2 million iPads in January, it surmises that Apple is already planning to phase out the first generation iPad in favor of the iPad 2, of which we can assume production will be significantly increased in March. However, if anything goes wrong with the production channel for the iPad 2, Digitimes points out that there could be a shortage of iPads because there will be no surplus stock of first generation iPads. Though, of course, this is speculation and, from Apple's track record, it is unlikely. Unless we're talking about a white iPad 2. [Via Electronista]
iPad 2 (or something) shows up in the wilds of China
Look, not even the source of these images is absolutely certain that the device in his possession is a legitimate iPad 2, but we can't very well leave you spending your entire day anticipating Apple's new tablet launch without a potential candidate for what it might eventually look like. The above mockup has been procured over in China (where else?) and seems to tally closely with speculation we've been hearing about this hardware refresh -- namely, a slimmer profile, an almost entirely flat back, bigger speaker, and of course, rear- and front-facing cameras. We've looked into the digits on the back of the device and the model number is one for the original Apple TV while the FCC ID is for a WiFi-only iPad, but those could be mere placeholders on what is, once again, a mockup and not a real working tablet. The SIM card slot looks to have been repositioned to a slot that was once expected to house an SD card reader. Other tidbits of interest here include the 3G antenna, whose white cover is expected to be black on final units, and the sloped power button and headphone jack, bringing those witty "jumbo iPod touch" jokes to mind. Boy, those never get old. Jump past the break for a few more pics.
iPad 2: The rumor buzz
As Apple's March 2 iPad announcement draws near, the interwebs are alive with rumors. In no particular order, here's the buzz that we're seeing flick across our in-boxes today. Will Apple produce a White iPad? That's what the 9 to 5 Mac blog thinks might happen, based on iPad parts they "acquired" early. The Wall Street Journal suggests that the iPad 2 will be more streamlined than its big brother, with a thinner and lighter build. They're also expecting models for both AT&T and Verizon data plans. iLounge is predicting dual-cameras. MacRumors has evidence that supports the much anticipated iPad camera scenario. If you're looking for a louder iPad, Gizmodo believes the iPad 2 may deliver a larger speaker system along with a more streamlined iPod-styled back face. PC Magazine notes that retail channels for the original iPad have begun to dry up, which may indicate an earlier shipping date than the more generally accepted early April timeframe, the anniversary of the original iPad. Numerous websites including Cult of Mac are considering the possibility that tomorrow's iPad will be a "disappointing spec bump" with a major redesign happening later this year, perhaps six months down the line. Bringing the iPad into refresh synchrony with the iPod (and maybe the iPhone) could be a valuable change on Apple's part. The Business Insider wonders if Apple will introduce a new Social App, perhaps linked to the iPad, and thinks that an iOS 5 announcement is very likely. What other rumors are you reading about? Let us know in the comments.
Steve Jobs said to be considering attending iPad 2 event
Word on the street is that our own Uncle Steve, currently on medical leave from his post as CEO of Apple, may be planning another public appearance, specifically at the (iPad 2) press event tomorrow. You may remember Medical Leave Steve from such appearances as dinner with the President, and walking on Apple's campus. What's interesting to me is the possibility raised by Kara Swisher. She has an interesting piece over on AllThingsD about her concerns that Steve showing up will be the real headline from the event, regardless of what we hear about the next generation of iPad. It makes sense he'd want to be there, even just behind the scenes. We've heard tell of meetings in his home about the next generation iThings, so of course, he'd want to show up to see their grand debut. On the other hand, given the health-related scrutiny he's already under, maybe he'll stay away so there's no chance of his appearance on stage being the headline grabber as people wildly speculate about how he's doing. If he appears on stage, that'll be nice, and I'll be glad to see him since, apparently, my invitation to dinner with Uncle Steve and the President got lost in the mail. If he doesn't walk out in his black mock turtleneck and jeans, I like to think he'll be backstage so that at least he can peek out and watch the event without being a distraction. Not that it matters much either way; we'll all be glued to the live coverage to learn about the new hotness from Cupertino.
We're liveblogging from Apple's iPad 2 event tomorrow... be there!
There's really no telling what could happen tomorrow at Apple's little event. Sure, the company could talk about its success with iOS devices, how well the iPad has sold, and then introduce a brand new version of the wildly popular tablet... but maybe there'll be surprises too. We can't say for sure at this point, but that's okay, because come 10AM PST (1PM EST), we're going to be delivering all the news as it happens with the industry's best liveblog right here on Engadget. If you want to follow along with the action, tune into this URL right here at the times below tomorrow. Just make sure you've got the popcorn and sodas ready -- this is going to be a fun one. 08:00AM - Hawaii 10:00AM - Pacific 11:00AM - Mountain 12:00PM - Central 01:00PM - Eastern 06:00PM - London 07:00PM - Paris 09:00PM - Moscow 11:30PM - Mumbai 03:00AM - Tokyo (March 3rd) 05:00AM - Sydney (March 3rd)
Is this the Apple iPad 2? (Updated)
BGR has snagged an image that is supposedly an accurate rendering of the upcoming iPad 2. It resembles images leaked last week of a reproduction iPad 2 that was purportedly designed using specifications obtained from Asian case manufacturers. Is this latest leaked image the real deal? Nobody knows at this point as any talented Photoshop whiz can whip up a nice-looking rendering and send it into a blog. Patience is a virtue, and we will have to wait until Wednesday's press event to find out what Apple has up its sleeve. Update: BGR updated its post with the following "Though it is highly likely that the image above will end up being a good representation of the iPad 2, it's looking like this image was created by an Apple fan and is not an official render."
The silly season: Two fun, fan-made videos of the iPad 2
With all the buzz of anticipation of the iPad2 expected release on March 2nd I thought it would be fun to put up a couple of videos circulating the Internets on just what to expect. The first one by Exkild is a full and detailed explanation of all the new magical features of the new 27" device. My favorite part of this 6:45 tour is expaining the new features in iTunes which will automatically download good music, delete bad music and if it finds a song by Justin Bieber, it self-destructs. The second one is a 1:45 action movie opus made by Evan Larimore, a guy who is really into movies. A huge iPad2 with the eye of HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey descends from space and wreaks havoc in the hand-held style of Cloverfield. Take a look. They're bound to give you a chuckle or two.
Engadget: iPad 2 thinner, faster, has cameras, no SD slot or high-res display
Our buddies at Aol Tech sister site Engadget have heard some details from very reliable sources (Engadget's Joshua Topolsky notes "these sources have been dead right on specific Apple plans and specifications for unannounced products in the past") regarding the second-generation iPad that will be announced on Wednesday, March 2. We've all been expecting that the new iPad will be somewhat thinner and feature at least a front-facing camera for FaceTime, but according to the Engadget sources, the planned SD slot and higher-resolution display will have to wait for a future device. The good news is that the sources are stating that the iPad 2 will have more RAM at 512 MB, which means fewer app crashes when multiple apps running are at the same time. It's also expected that the new device will be moving to a new generation of the Apple-designed CPU, rumored to be named the A5. Engadget is also speculating that an announcement and demo of iOS 5.0 and the associated SDK will be made, although the new iPad will most likely ship initially with iOS 4.3 loaded. Any speculation about updated cloud services is just that -- speculation. Whatever Apple has up its spacious sleeves for us next Wednesday, you'll find the best coverage here at TUAW. Be sure to join us as we liveblog the iPad event.
Sources: iPad 2 lands in thinner body with spec bump and cameras, SD slot and higher resolution display are out
The Apple rumors game can be a volatile thing. Just as we'd heard about last minute alterations to the Apple TV before it hit the market, we've gotten word from sources that the iPad 2 slated to be announced next Wednesday will be sans a few of the features we'd previously reported. Notably, that SD card slot and higher resolution display won't make it into the new model (the latter we'd been hearing rumblings about for a little while). What's the cause of the switch? Well our sources weren't crystal clear on the exact reasons, but the gist of what was explained to us centered around vague "engineering issues" which may have forced some changes at the eleventh hour. It's worth noting once again that these sources have been dead right on specific Apple plans and specifications for unannounced products in the past, and we have no reason to believe these changes are due to anything more than legitimate engineering decisions made close to launch. So what will we see on March 2nd? We're hearing it's most likely a thinner, spec-bumped variation of the original iPad with a screen size and resolution identical to the current model. More RAM (512MB) and a more powerful CPU (the A5) are expected as well. It's also a pretty safe bet the tablet will be sporting at least one camera up front -- though if some of those case mockups we've seen tell us anything, expect a shooter around back too. It's also almost guaranteed that we'll see the next version of iOS (number 5 in all likelihood, along with its SDK for devs), and an expansion of Apple's cloud services (that part is a little... foggy right now). Of course, that will perfectly set up Apple's announcement of the iPhone 5 in June, which is when iPad owners can likely expect to be using the new software. Regardless, we'll have the goods come next week, so stay tuned!
Apple preps Yerba Buena for March 2 event
San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center is getting all togged out for the March 2 event that should reveal the iPad 2. Crews began adding artwork to the building's windows overnight, including an Apple logo (naturally) and colorful dots that we'll leave you to interpret. iPad 2 rumors have inundated us for weeks, and it will be quite a relief to finally meet the iPad 2 once and for all. Most suspect that it'll have at least one camera, a thinner body, additional RAM and a higher-resolution screen (but not that high). The event is scheduled for 10 AM Pacific Time, and we'll have a meta-liveblog to keep you on top of all the info. See you then!
