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Apple's March 7th event roundup: the new iPad, Apple TV refresh and everything else
Weren't able to keep up with all the news from the unveiling of Apple's new iPad today? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Whether you're looking for more info about its Retina Display and LTE-connectivity, the refreshed Apple TV or related bits, we've listed links to our coverage of everything "new and noteworthy" after the break. Happy perusing! Oh, and be sure to check back to our the archive of our liveblog and pre- and post-event broadcasts for a few extra doses of "amazing."
Engadget's new iPad post-event wrap-up broadcast: live from San Francisco!
Phew! We managed to survive the unveiling of Apple's next iPad, and now we're back outside of the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California in order to bring you our live, on-site wrap-up of today's bevy of announcements. It'll be Tim and Darren on the mics once more, and there's a video here that's just waiting for your attention. Can't catch it live? It'll loop ad nauseum once we've wrapped up and headed out for the evening. Which, naturally, translates into "going to find some really, really exceptional coffee." P.S. - Have a look at all of today's iPad action right here, or relive the liveblog here! Update: And we're done! But you can relive the magic after the break.
Apple's 2012 launch event: watch it online now
Well that was quick. Apple has already done the courteous thing and offered up today's full launch event for your viewing pleasure. Marvel at the new TV unit, be bamboozled by exactly how much money Apple is now making and gasp at the battery times of the new LTE iPad -- all over again. Hit up Apple's own events site below for the full show.
Apple TV vs. the new Apple TV (2012): what's changed?
The Apple TV might still be a hobby, and thus not the main event at Tim Cook's Apple presentation today, but Apple's participation in the living room has had its fair share of rumors, speculation and dreams. The fact that the user experience has been streamlined is the big news today, but there is also a modest spec bump that includes the ability to play and output 1080p. Other than that you can easily see after the break how well the new Apple TV matches up with its predecessor.
Apple TV (2012) hands-on!
It's not that the new Apple TV wasn't rumored, but still -- announcing it here at the new iPad launch? Bold, Apple. Really bold. Looks as if Apple's hobby is now becoming a right-hand man for the iPad, and given the increasing importance placed on AirPlay, it's no wonder that the next Apple TV feels less like a standalone box and more like a killer $99 accessory for your iPad. We got a brief look at the new 1080p-capable set-top box here in San Francisco, and not surprisingly, it's small. Really small. In fact, it's just as tiny as the prior Apple TV. It's hard to glean much about the functionality given the limited setup we're seeing here, but suffice it to say, to-be iPad buyers are apt to become the largest sect of Apple TV buyers if the two are marketed together correctly. It'll ship alongside the new iPad on March 16th for $99, with a revamped user interface and 1080p output being the only notable differences. Same HDMI output, and we're told that those with slower connections can opt out of 1080p in the settings menu. Moreover, content partners are working around the clock to add 1080p versions to the store, and naturally SD and 720p content will remain for those on older Apple TV units. You can bet that we'll be taking a long, hard look at the wire-free wizardry in our full review; for now, however, there's a gallery of shots below demanding your attention. For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!
Netflix on new Apple TV supports 1080p, all boxes get integrated signup and pay via iTunes
Even though Apple didn't make any huge changes on its new Apple TV box, it does come with a slight spec bump for Netflix. On the third generation Apple TV, Netflix will take advantage of its higher resolution output with 1080p streams, just like other platforms like the PS3 and Roku. Don't have the new box? You'll still get a slightly more integrated experience, now that new users can sign up directly from the Apple TV, and pay via their iTunes account.
The new iPad vs. the tablet elite: ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity 700, Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and Toshiba Excite X10 LE
You may be thinking, how does that new iPad stack up against the best slates we've seen? Well, you're about to find out. Truth be told, two of these behemoths -- the ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity 700 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 -- were just announced, but impressive spec sheets earned them a seat at the table. We'll cut out the jabbering and get right down to business. Follow us down past the break for a breakdown of features before you decide which tablet will soon be yours.For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!
Apple new iPad hands-on (update: video!)
Here she is -- the iPad HD! Er, new iPad. Breaking away from the numerical tracking system used before (and still used in the iPhone range), Apple has decided to highlight the most major change in its newest slate by simply dubbing it "new." By and large, the new guy is the same as the old guy (Home button included), but with a few nice amenities that could very well convince OG iPad owners to upgrade. Upon touching the HD variant, it's not the overall form factor that grabs us -- it's the screen. Given that we're unashamed Pixel Density Enthusiasts 'round these parts, seeing a 2,048 x 1,536 resolution display in the same area as the prior 'Pads is stunning. Nearly two months ago to the day, ASUS wowed our entire CES trailer with a reported 1,920 x 1,200 display on the TF700T; this, however, is something that really needs to be ogled to truly appreciate. In fact, the first viewing conjured up familiar feelings -- ones that came to light when placing the iPhone 4 beside the iPhone 3G for the first time. Unsurprisingly, Apple has managed to produce something that's truly beautiful to look at, and while we've yet to see the full potential of having this many pixels on a 9.7-inch slate, we're guessing a cadre of game developers are already hard at work in order to remedy that. Beyond being dazzling from a density standpoint, colors are sharp and accurate, and viewing angles are predictably ridiculous; even taking a peek from an extreme side angle gives way to a fairly solid image with next to no washout. %Gallery-150077% For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!
The new iPad vs. iPad 2: what's changed?
The Apple announcement must have passed you by, but Tim Cook has put an end to this cycle of rumors, speculation and dreams with an actual product, at least for today. We don't expect the user experience of iOS to be anything else but smooth, but for those of us who care about what lingers beneath that 3.1 million pixel display, head on past the break as we delve into how the newest arrival to the Apple family matches up. For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!
Apple drops iPad 2 price to $399 for the 16GB WiFi-only model, $529 for the 3G version
Facing soaring demand for budget tablets (and one in particular), Apple has announced it will sell the iPad 2 alongside the new iPad, with last year's model tumbling to a more palatable price of $399 for the WiFi-only model, or $529 for the 3G version. That entry-level price in particular puts it in more direct competition with a slew of mid-range tabs that previously undercut the iPad, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus and others. Specifically, though, Tim Cook & Co. hope that lower price will attract not just thrifty consumers, but schools looking to issue iPads in large numbers -- a move that dovetails with the release of iBooks textbooks and the iBooks Author OS X app earlier this year. Though this is the first time the company's offering two iPads at once, this strategy is old hat for Apple, which has long been taking that tack to sell more iPhones. What's notable is that usually the trade-off (aside from year-old specs) has been that users have had to settle for devices with minimal built-in storage, which you naturally can't expand with a memory card, this being an iDevice and all. In this case, though, the iPad 2 will still be offered with 16GB of built-in storage, as opposed to, say, eight gigs. Still, depending on the size of your library, this might be a good time to get acquainted with iCloud, if you haven't already. For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!
Apple introduces iPhoto for iPad, updates Garage Band, iMovie and iWork
Apple's busy introducing a whole bunch of new apps to go along with its shiny new iPad, and iPhoto is near the top of the list. The "reinvention" of the iconic photo software will be available today for $4.99, and offers a plethora of features, such as bezel gestures, effects, multi-touch editing and direct beaming. You can also easily tweak white balance, exposure and saturation, and you can add geotags, notes and captions. Another highlight of the new iPhoto is the Journal, which allows you to pick and choose certain images to push to iCloud for web viewing. Interestingly, the announcement comes right on the heels of Adobe's competitive offering. To complete the circle of iLife at today's event, Apple announced significant updates to iWork, iMovie and Garage Band. iWork's refresh utilizes the new iPad's Retina display and offers 3D charts, and each individual app -- Keynote 1.6, Numbers 1.6 and Pages 1.6 -- will be ready for purchase today for $9.99 (or free, if you already have the apps). Next up is iMovie, available for $4.99, which now offers the ability to turn your HD movies into trailers and adds a few more advanced editing tools. Finally, Garage Band introduces a new feature called Jam Session, which lets you and three of your friends connect iOS devices together wirelessly and play together in real-time. Just as before, newbies can get the updated app for $4.99. For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!
Apple reveals next-generation apps for the new iPad: Infinity Blade: Dungeons, SketchBook, SkyGamblers (video)
While Apple's ensured all of its home-baked apps are making the most of the new iPad's retina display and new A5X chipset, it also had a handful of third-party app developers ready to show what the new hardware's capable. First up was Namco, who revealed the iOS-exclusive SkyGamblers, an Ace Combat-styled jet combat simulator. There looks to be a whole load of detail crammed into both the plane models and background -- something all those extra pixels can certainly help with and something we'll want to take a closer look at when it lands later this month. Taking a different approach, Autodesk's SketchBook app took the opportunity to show off the level of detail its sketches were now capable of, alongside a new engine for the ink. Now, we're not exactly sure what that entails, but we're sure it's going to make our works of art really zing. The app can even export images larger than 100 megapixels and will be out in April. Finally, Infinity Blade developers Epic Games took to the stage to unveil Dungeons -- the next iteration of the swiping and slashing gladiatorial battler. It appears the battle system has been recast once again and HDR lighting ensures the game will arrive dripping in optical honey. We'll be taking up swords to get a hands-on with these very soon. Update: We've just added the trailer to the next chunk of the Infinity Blade saga. It's right after the break. For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!
New iPad has 'world ready' 3G, LTE for Verizon, Rogers, Bell, Telus and AT&T
At Apple's ongoing press conference, the company has just revealed its new retina display-equipped iPad will feature high speed LTE connections on Verizon, Rogers, Bell, Telus and AT&T networks, as well as 3G that works around the world. It brings "the most bands ever", but it looks like we'll still be looking at separate devices that work with either Verizon and AT&T, but not both. Besides the 3.1Mbps EV-DO and 7.2Mbps HSPA that were on the iPad 2, the new slates add 21Mbps HSPA+, 42Mbps DC-HSDPA and 73Mbps LTE connections. Not sure you need that speed on your tablet? Maybe your other devices will appreciate it, since these also have personal hotspot functionality built-in.For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!
Siri sort-of comes to the new iPad, does voice dictation only
Ever since Siri showed up on the iPhone 4S, she's been put to work in a variety of non-Apple approved ways and unofficially ported to other iDevices, including the iPad. Now Apple's next-gen iPad has made its auspicious debut in San Francisco with a splash of Siri on board. It's not the full voice assistant, but the new tablet does have voice dictation software that supports US English, British, Australian, French, German and Japanese. Not only that, but the dictation feature is available in third-party apps as well, so you'll be able to speak your tweets and status updates on Apple's new slate. For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!
The new iPad puts the camera back in focus: 5 MP sensor, AF lens, 1080p video
Tired of taking average shots with that 1280x720 non-AF camera module in your iPad 2? Well rejoice! The new iPad packs a five megapixel backside-illuminated sensor, five-element f/2.4 autofocus lens with IR filter and captures video at 1080p -- slightly better specs than the iPhone 4. Apple's built the ISP (Image Signal Processor) right into the new A5X chip, enabling features like face detection and image stabilization -- just like the iPhone 4S. We're expecting some pretty impressive performance from the iSight -- as it's now called -- so stay tuned for our hands-on later today.Update: Check out Apple's sample pictures in the gallery below.For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!
The new iPad is official, with Retina display, LTE and A5X CPU. Available March 16th
So, what'd you have in the office pool? iPad 3, iPad 2S, iPad HD? Doesn't matter, really. All that matters is that it's here! This is the next generation of Apple's iOS slate and, as usual, she's a beaut -- and yes, she's still rockin' a physical button. As was rumored this thing is packing a Retina display, potentially making this the most pixel-packed slate on the market. The 9.7-inch screen plays host to 3.1 million pixels in a 2048 x 1536 arrangement -- that's 264ppi. It's not just a higher resolution though, the screen also boasts improved color saturation. Of course, what would a new iPad be without some updated guts. The new model has an A5X processor and quad-core graphics chip. Apple even claims its newest sliver of silicon can deliver four times the performance of a Tegra 3 -- we'd say dems fightin' words.There's also a new iSight camera on board that's quite similar to the version inside the iPhone 4S. It's only five-megapixels, but it does have a backside illuminated sensor with a five element lens. It's also capable of capturing 1080p video, which should come as no surprise. We're also excited to see the keyboard sporting a brand new dictation key that lets you speak instead of type -- yes, just like on Android. The new software inside will also let you use the slate as a portable WiFi hotspot... so long as the carriers are game. It even has the ability to recognize at least some bezel gestures, as revealed during its iPhoto demo.Perhaps most exciting though, is the new connectivity options -- you guessed, LTE! The new iPad is sporting 21Mbps HSPA+, but it's also rocking an LTE radio capable of pulling down 73Mbps on both Verizon and AT&T here in the US. Outside of the states Rogers, Bell and Telus will also be scoring 4G flavors of the iOS tablet. Amazingly enough, even with an LTE antenna on board, Apple is still claiming to get 10 hours of battery life. That's probably partially do to the slightly increased weight of 1.4lbs, though the 9.4mm thickness is nothing to sniff at.The new iPad will be available March 16th, starting at $499 for the 16GB WiFi model and scaling up to $829 for the 64GB version with 4G. So, on the price front, nothing has changed. Pre-orders start today in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia, with much of the rest of the globe to follow on March 23rd. For more details hit up the PR after the break.For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!
Apple reveals 1080p Apple TV: $99, arrives March 16th
It looks like we were blind-sided a little by that decidedly iPad-esque invite, because Apple has something more for us -- it's just announced the latest iteration of Apple TV and it can do 1080p video. The new UI inches slightly closer to iOS territory, with a splash of new color and a whole range of third-party apps willing to play with the new box. This includes access to Photo Stream alongside old favorites like Netflix, Flickr and YouTube. Expect improved connectivity to the iCloud (including your movie content) and better integration of your iTunes playlists directly from the refreshed UI. The good news: the price is going nowhere -- the new model matches the 2010 version at $99. The bad? You'll have to wait until next week to get your hands on one. Pre-orders start today.For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!
iOS 5.1 available today, brings Japanese-language Siri
We're live from Apple's event in San Francisco where Tim Cook has just announced additional language capabilities for Siri. That disembodied helper, ushered in by the iPhone 4S, is now getting a localized Japanese equivalent as part of the iOS 5.1 update rolling out today and slated to hit Japan over the next few weeks. Looks like those prior leaks were right on the money. Now we'll just have to wait and see if that camera slider makes the cut.For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!
Apple next-generation iPad liveblog!
March 7, 2012. Hard to say if it's a day that'll live long in terms of historical significance, but you can bet it'll be an important milestone in the history of Apple's iPad family. The next iPad (iPad 3? iPad HD? iPad 2S?) is due to be unveiled by Tim Cook at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California, and we'll be here live to bring you the goods as they're unwrapped. If you've managed to arrive in this time wrinkle before 03/07/2012, there's still a reliable fabric of reality intact. Just be sure to bookmark this landing page and return at the time listed below, or a few hours early for those interested in seeing Tim and Darren live from the streets of SF. March 7, 2012 10:00 AM PST
Engadget's iPad 3 pre-event broadcast: live from San Francisco!
You're in the right place! Apple's iPad 3 launch event will go down at San Francisco's own Yerba Buena Center for the Arts here in just a few hours, but we've got Tim and Darren on-site early to talk shop from just outside the venue. Hit the play button here to join in on the fun -- we'll be chatting about rumors leading up to the unveiling, hopes and dreams for the future, and whether or not the Atari Jaguar has a chance to make a comeback. Just kidding.Psst... after we go offline, you'll be able to watch repeats right here. Also, our liveblog (sans video, of course) will commence at 10:00AM PT, and you can follow along right here.
