With the first generation iPad about to turn a year old, rumors of the next generation iPad or the iPad 2 as it is known now, have already started circulating.
A Chinese newspaper claims that according to “industry sources”, iPad 2 would feature as many as 5 new features.
While the veracity of that claim is yet to be ascertained, here are those features you might already be curious to learn about.
This feature would obviously mean that the next generation iPad might get a front video call camera – and with it, Facetime support as well (obviously). What we are doubtful about is whether Apple will choose to add a rear camera to the iPad 2, now that most of its competition have started flaunting their camera laden tablets. Do you think Apple would want to be left behind?
New display technologyThe second feature addition is claimed to be a new display technology that the iPad 2 would come with. With Apple unlikely to use Super AMOLED displays, this can only point towards a higher resolution screen with tweaks to the existing screen technology or will it be a retina display that measures 9.7 inches across with an insane amount of pixel density? Well my guess is as good as yours but retina display would be awesome.
3-axis GyroscopeThe iPhone 4 already has a 3 axis gyroscope and it would only make sense for the technology to be introduced in the next generation iPad. In all, this would be a great boon for all you iPad gamers who would now get a much improved motion gaming experience.
Better mobilityWhile this cannot be touted as a feature addition, this certainly is important. In Steve Job's last public appearance at the quarterly earnings call, he had severely criticized the makers of smaller tablets whilst adding:
"The reason we won't make a 7-inch tablet isn't because we don't want to hit that price point, it's because we think the screen is too small to express the software."
So what we know for sure is that unless Jobs would want to eat his own words, the 9.7 inch screen on the iPad is definitely not getting smaller. In that case, what would be the meaning of “better mobility”? Well, since a size change is almost out of question, the only way the updated version would get better mobility is by reducing the weight and making the product easier to carry around, doesn't it?
USB Support
Lastly, we have the much sought after USB port option. This would certainly turn out to be a boon for all iPad 2 users. The first generation iPad used the same old Apple's standard 30 pin dock connector to communicate with your computer. With USB ports (most likely, a mini USB port) the iPad would be finally free from its dependence over the proprietary dock.
What do you think about these new features? What's on your wish list for the next gen iPad?
[Via ComputerWorld]
Kinda doubt the whole USB thing. As far as wether or not Apple should have a rear facing camera, I can't see much use for it other than to take a picture of documents to have them converted into PDF files.
I'm kinda turned off by the iPad with the release of the MacBook Air. I always wanted a highly portable computer that turns on instantly. The only thing the iPad has is the ability to run apps from the app store. Cross the iPad and MacBook Air and we have the perfect device… for me at least.
It will with osx lion…
iPhonehacks, any news on when the next gen will be available?
Unless the screen is capacitive there would be no point.
I really, really doubt we'll ever have an iPad with Retina Displays… How much is that going to cost?
By doubling the screen size, we'll get 2048 x 1536 px!
This is more than the pixels I've got in my MacBook Pro 15" with "high resolution" display! (1680 x 1050)
If you haven't been paying attention for the last 10 years or so, Apple has done yearly updates to nearly all it products with features that should have been in the previous version, to keep their loyal fanboys upgrading. So whenever the ipad originally came out, add a year give or take a month, that's when the next one will be here.
Trust me, no ways is USB coming to the iPad.
I just know I've been waiting for the ipad2 since the first iPad came out. Never got that o e as I new it was missing to much.
The next gen iPad will come with as few new features they think they can get away with and still have their loyal band of followers pay top dollar for, as has been the case of every next gen iPhone. After this many years the pattern should be obvious. If you want an iPad with every feature u desire, don't buy their next pos
Obviously the apps will be os x specific.. Besides how long do you think it will be untill touch screen will be offered as an option? Judging by the patents they looking into maybe not as long as u'd think… (the ones previously posted by Iphonehacks)
So, you guys say all this is to come on the next iPad, and then just suggest that it comes with these options? That's ridiculous. That's like me saying, "New iPhone to provide coffee making abilities." And then just saying, "wouldn't that be cool?"
Easier to just write "around April".
As an iPad developer the last thing I want to see is the Retina display! The processor would need to be doubled in size to make up for the extra processing that would require, besides I thing the current resolution is equivalent to desktop PC dot pitches so what’s the point. OMLED only makes sence from the point of view of battery life! In my opinion it would need to be true color OMLED and not the poor high color found in Samsung phones which suffers really bad banding on gradient fills. The USB port will definitely happen, although I suspect it will be a low powered micro USB.
Personally I would like to see 512mb (or even better 1gb) of ram and a beefed up processor. This is what will be required to keep ahead of the competition. A front facing camera is a definate, but I’m not sure a rear camera is a necessary requirement.
Apple should have launched iPad 2 in time for Christmas
No need to, this will be the 1st Christmas that the ipad is available. They will milk the this ipad for as long as possible.
Besides, there’s not much competition right now, so Apple probably won’t release iPad2 until there’s more competition on the market eating into iPad sales.