Apple unveils its newest iPad - it's FOUR TIMES faster, has 3D capability and a sharper picture than an HD TV
Apple launched its latest version of the iPad on Wednesday, armed with a Full HD display with 3.1 million pixels and a supercharged new processor.
The device will be available on March 16 and priced from $499-$829 - the same range as the iPad 2, which the technology giant launched a year ago.
The tablet will be powered by a super fast quad-core A5x chip, putting Apple's tablet ahead of competitors such as Samsung.
It will also offer a high speed 4G LTE network connection on both the AT&T and Verizon wireless networks.
Advanced: Apple claims the screen resolution on the new iPad, shown here with Phil Schiller, Apple's senior VP of Worldwide Marketing, is so sharp that the words on the screen are sharper than words in print
Bigger, faster: The third version of the iPad, pictured above, will be available on March 16 and priced at $499-$829. It's powered by a super fast quad-core A5x chip
Despite this, Apple claims the battery lasts 10 hours and the device is just 9.4mm thick.
'Who will come out with a product that's more amazing than the iPad 2?' Apple CEO Tim Cook asked the audience at the San Francisco launch event. 'Stop wondering - we are'.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF NEW iPAD
Up close, the new HD screen is very impressive indeed - particularly with apps built to take advantage of it - such as the new version of sky watching app Star Walk which can show 300,000 stars on screen at once.
Even on the home screen, though, icons are stunningly crisp - and printed words in iBooks are so sharp it almost hurts to look at them.
With Full HD video, there's a cinematic feel like watching a big flatscreen TV set - except the screen is in your lap.
Photos really pop out of the screen - and even ones taken on the device's 5-megapixel camera are crisp enough to zoom right in.
Overall, the device doesn't feel a huge amount faster, though - the new processor clearly has its work cut out just keeping the screen going.
And despite Apple's boasts, the games still don't look a patch on titles on Xbox 360 or PC - but as developers get to grips with the new hardware, that will change.
The screen, a larger version of the screen in iPhone 4s, is sharper than most 40-inch HD televisions.
Apple claims that the screen resolution is so sharp words on screen are sharper than words in print.
Mr Cook said: 'We are taking it to a whole new level and are redefining the category that Apple created with the original iPad'.
The new iPad also offers a 5 megapixel iSight camera which can record video in full HD.
Apple showed off new apps, including new versions of it's iWork apps such as iPhoto.
Many apps showed off the power of the new tablet - for instance editing 14 megapixel digital photos in full size on screen.
The processor is fast enough to handle a 3D game, Sky Gamblers, with 50 fighter planes battling on screen at once.
A new version of the hit iPhone title Infinity Blade showed off graphics similar to Xbox 360 and PS3.
A fresh edition of the GarageBand music software lets four iPads 'jam' together via Wi-Fi. Also, a newer version of iMovie allows users to record and edit full HD movies right on the screen.
The iPhoto app allows photo editing direct on screen, cropping pictures, editing lighting and adding effects such as red-eye reduction and black and White filters via the touchscreen.
The new iPad will be 9.4 millimeters thick, or 0.37 inches.
A tale of two iPads: The new Apple iPad (left) is shown next to its predecessor, the iPad 2 (right) at a launch party at Kings Place, London
Check it out: Members of the media get a first-hand look at the new iPad design during the event today in San Francisco
More to love: The new version of the iPad will be slightly fatter and heavier than its predecessor
That compares with 8.8 millimeters, or 0.34 inches, for the iPad 2.
The weight is going up from 1.33 pounds to 1.44 pounds for the Wi-Fi-only model.
The original iPad weighed 1.5 pounds.
Apple also confirmed that the new model will come in a version that can use Verizon Wireless' and AT&T Inc.'s 'LTE' wireless broadband networks.
They offer speeds that are faster than the '3G' networks used by previous iPads, and current iPhones.
The company says the new model also will be four times faster.
Apple also unveiled a new model of its Apple TV set-top box which offers full HD films, television and web channels such as YouTube.
The new iPad and Apple TV devices will be available on store shelves on March 16.
The device offers built-in access to Apple's iCloud offering users online access to films they have purchased on other apple devices such as iPhone.
Apple announced that films and TV shows in iTunes store would now be available in 1080p, or full high-definition.
The company also revealed a new, cheaper 'entry level' iPad 2 for $399 - cheaper than any previous model.
Mr Cook also left the door open for 'a lot more' innovation in the next year - possibly a reference to the new iPhone 5 widely expected to launch later in 2012.
When the device goes on sale next week in the U.S. and several other countries, it will be 'the iPad' or perhaps 'the new iPad' - not 'iPad 3' or 'iPad HD,' as some had speculated.
Crystal clear: A scene from the UK drama Downton Abbey is displayed during a test of Apple's latest iPad at an event in London
At last! Apple CEO Tim Cook introduces the new iPad during an Apple event today in San Francisco
The lack of a new name may cause confusion for buyers, particularly since the older model, the 'iPad 2,' will still be sold.
WHAT THE TECHIES ARE SAYING
Gizmodo:
'It's almost like looking at a glossy magazine page. It also has much more powerful guts, with a much faster processor, graphics and more memory.'
TechCrunch:
'As far as weight and shape, it?s almost exactly the same as the iPad 2.
They wouldn?t allow comparison shots - probably because the new iPad is a little thicker - but the dimensional differences are minor and the overall feel is near-identical.'
Engadget:
'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.'
TechRepublic:
'Apple is trying hard to get us to see the iPad as more than just a consumption device. It clearly wants this to be a viable option for more and more users to consider instead of a laptop.'
Last year, Apple sold 172 million of what it described as post-PC devices - iPhones, iPads and touchscreen iPods.
The company has now sold 315 million devices running its iOS operating system.
Apple had sold more than 55 million iPads around the world as of January this year.
In the run-up to launch, the new gadget ignited a frenzy among fans.
Data company Experian Hitwise says that one in 2000 of all internet searches have been for terms related to iPad 3 over the past week.
'Demand for the iPad 3 online reached its peak in the last week as 1 in every 2000 searches online were iPad 3 related,' says the company.
Some industry experts are even predicting the end of personal computers as touch-screen tablet-style computers grow in popularity.
Apple announced that more than 25 billion apps have been downloaded from its App Store by customers.
Long lines formed outside Apple?s flagship store in Regent Street in central London two years ago as hundreds vied to get their hands on the original iPad when it was launched.
Apple was forced to push back its original late April UK launch date because of ?overwhelming demand? for the device in the U.S.
The company sold more than one million iPads in the U.S. in the first 100 days making it a better seller than the iPhone.
Sarah Rotman Epps, an analyst for Forrester Research, said the device's Android competition has failed because most technology companies fail to see that the 'apps' are more important than the hardware.
APPLE iPAD 2
Screen size: 9.7 inches
Weight: 601g
Depth: 8.8mm
Screen resolution: 1024x768
Processor: 1Ghz Apple A5
Storage: 16GB-64GB
Camera: 720p, 30 frames per second
Connections: Wi-fi, 3G, Bluetooth, Apple 30-pin connector
LATEST iPAD VERSION
Screen size: 9.7 inches
Weight: 653g
Depth: 9.4mm
Screen resolution: 2048x1536
Processor: 1Ghz Apple A5X
Storage: 16GB-64GB
Camera: 1080p, 30 frames per second
Connections: 4G LTE Wi-Fi (Verizon and AT&T), Bluetooth 4.0, Apple 30-pin connector
-----------------------------------
iPad 3 launch: Apple introduces new HD tablet that's 4 times faster | Mail Online
- Features include retina display, 5 megapixel camera and 4G LTE capability
- Screen is sharper than most 40-inch living room televisions
- Latest version powered by high-speed A5x chip
- Apple boasts picture resolution so crisp that words will appear sharper than words in print
Apple launched its latest version of the iPad on Wednesday, armed with a Full HD display with 3.1 million pixels and a supercharged new processor.
The device will be available on March 16 and priced from $499-$829 - the same range as the iPad 2, which the technology giant launched a year ago.
The tablet will be powered by a super fast quad-core A5x chip, putting Apple's tablet ahead of competitors such as Samsung.
It will also offer a high speed 4G LTE network connection on both the AT&T and Verizon wireless networks.
Advanced: Apple claims the screen resolution on the new iPad, shown here with Phil Schiller, Apple's senior VP of Worldwide Marketing, is so sharp that the words on the screen are sharper than words in printBigger, faster: The third version of the iPad, pictured above, will be available on March 16 and priced at $499-$829. It's powered by a super fast quad-core A5x chip
Despite this, Apple claims the battery lasts 10 hours and the device is just 9.4mm thick.
'Who will come out with a product that's more amazing than the iPad 2?' Apple CEO Tim Cook asked the audience at the San Francisco launch event. 'Stop wondering - we are'.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF NEW iPAD
Up close, the new HD screen is very impressive indeed - particularly with apps built to take advantage of it - such as the new version of sky watching app Star Walk which can show 300,000 stars on screen at once.
Even on the home screen, though, icons are stunningly crisp - and printed words in iBooks are so sharp it almost hurts to look at them.
With Full HD video, there's a cinematic feel like watching a big flatscreen TV set - except the screen is in your lap.
Photos really pop out of the screen - and even ones taken on the device's 5-megapixel camera are crisp enough to zoom right in.
Overall, the device doesn't feel a huge amount faster, though - the new processor clearly has its work cut out just keeping the screen going.
And despite Apple's boasts, the games still don't look a patch on titles on Xbox 360 or PC - but as developers get to grips with the new hardware, that will change.
The screen, a larger version of the screen in iPhone 4s, is sharper than most 40-inch HD televisions.
Apple claims that the screen resolution is so sharp words on screen are sharper than words in print.
Mr Cook said: 'We are taking it to a whole new level and are redefining the category that Apple created with the original iPad'.
The new iPad also offers a 5 megapixel iSight camera which can record video in full HD.
Apple showed off new apps, including new versions of it's iWork apps such as iPhoto.
Many apps showed off the power of the new tablet - for instance editing 14 megapixel digital photos in full size on screen.
The processor is fast enough to handle a 3D game, Sky Gamblers, with 50 fighter planes battling on screen at once.
A new version of the hit iPhone title Infinity Blade showed off graphics similar to Xbox 360 and PS3.
A fresh edition of the GarageBand music software lets four iPads 'jam' together via Wi-Fi. Also, a newer version of iMovie allows users to record and edit full HD movies right on the screen.
The iPhoto app allows photo editing direct on screen, cropping pictures, editing lighting and adding effects such as red-eye reduction and black and White filters via the touchscreen.
The new iPad will be 9.4 millimeters thick, or 0.37 inches.
A tale of two iPads: The new Apple iPad (left) is shown next to its predecessor, the iPad 2 (right) at a launch party at Kings Place, LondonCheck it out: Members of the media get a first-hand look at the new iPad design during the event today in San Francisco
More to love: The new version of the iPad will be slightly fatter and heavier than its predecessorThat compares with 8.8 millimeters, or 0.34 inches, for the iPad 2.
The weight is going up from 1.33 pounds to 1.44 pounds for the Wi-Fi-only model.
The original iPad weighed 1.5 pounds.
Apple also confirmed that the new model will come in a version that can use Verizon Wireless' and AT&T Inc.'s 'LTE' wireless broadband networks.
They offer speeds that are faster than the '3G' networks used by previous iPads, and current iPhones.
The company says the new model also will be four times faster.
Apple also unveiled a new model of its Apple TV set-top box which offers full HD films, television and web channels such as YouTube.
The new iPad and Apple TV devices will be available on store shelves on March 16.
The device offers built-in access to Apple's iCloud offering users online access to films they have purchased on other apple devices such as iPhone.
Apple announced that films and TV shows in iTunes store would now be available in 1080p, or full high-definition.
The company also revealed a new, cheaper 'entry level' iPad 2 for $399 - cheaper than any previous model.
Mr Cook also left the door open for 'a lot more' innovation in the next year - possibly a reference to the new iPhone 5 widely expected to launch later in 2012.
When the device goes on sale next week in the U.S. and several other countries, it will be 'the iPad' or perhaps 'the new iPad' - not 'iPad 3' or 'iPad HD,' as some had speculated.
Crystal clear: A scene from the UK drama Downton Abbey is displayed during a test of Apple's latest iPad at an event in London At last! Apple CEO Tim Cook introduces the new iPad during an Apple event today in San FranciscoThe lack of a new name may cause confusion for buyers, particularly since the older model, the 'iPad 2,' will still be sold.
WHAT THE TECHIES ARE SAYING
Gizmodo:
'It's almost like looking at a glossy magazine page. It also has much more powerful guts, with a much faster processor, graphics and more memory.'
TechCrunch:
'As far as weight and shape, it?s almost exactly the same as the iPad 2.
They wouldn?t allow comparison shots - probably because the new iPad is a little thicker - but the dimensional differences are minor and the overall feel is near-identical.'
Engadget:
'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.'
TechRepublic:
'Apple is trying hard to get us to see the iPad as more than just a consumption device. It clearly wants this to be a viable option for more and more users to consider instead of a laptop.'
Last year, Apple sold 172 million of what it described as post-PC devices - iPhones, iPads and touchscreen iPods.
The company has now sold 315 million devices running its iOS operating system.
Apple had sold more than 55 million iPads around the world as of January this year.
In the run-up to launch, the new gadget ignited a frenzy among fans.
Data company Experian Hitwise says that one in 2000 of all internet searches have been for terms related to iPad 3 over the past week.
'Demand for the iPad 3 online reached its peak in the last week as 1 in every 2000 searches online were iPad 3 related,' says the company.
Some industry experts are even predicting the end of personal computers as touch-screen tablet-style computers grow in popularity.
Apple announced that more than 25 billion apps have been downloaded from its App Store by customers.
Long lines formed outside Apple?s flagship store in Regent Street in central London two years ago as hundreds vied to get their hands on the original iPad when it was launched.
Apple was forced to push back its original late April UK launch date because of ?overwhelming demand? for the device in the U.S.
The company sold more than one million iPads in the U.S. in the first 100 days making it a better seller than the iPhone.
Sarah Rotman Epps, an analyst for Forrester Research, said the device's Android competition has failed because most technology companies fail to see that the 'apps' are more important than the hardware.
APPLE iPAD 2
Screen size: 9.7 inches
Weight: 601g
Depth: 8.8mm
Screen resolution: 1024x768
Processor: 1Ghz Apple A5
Storage: 16GB-64GB
Camera: 720p, 30 frames per second
Connections: Wi-fi, 3G, Bluetooth, Apple 30-pin connector
LATEST iPAD VERSION
Screen size: 9.7 inches
Weight: 653g
Depth: 9.4mm
Screen resolution: 2048x1536
Processor: 1Ghz Apple A5X
Storage: 16GB-64GB
Camera: 1080p, 30 frames per second
Connections: 4G LTE Wi-Fi (Verizon and AT&T), Bluetooth 4.0, Apple 30-pin connector
-----------------------------------
iPad 3 launch: Apple introduces new HD tablet that's 4 times faster | Mail Online
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