Apple yesterday launched the new 4G LTE iPad, which features retina display, and a five megapixel iSight camera.
The third-generation tablet also has Apple's new A5X chip with quad-core graphics and 1080p HD video. Despite the added features, Apple says the new iPad still delivers the same all-day 10-hour battery life.
With the launch of the latest generation, the iPad 2 will be offered at a more affordable price, starting at $399.
“The new iPad redefines the category Apple created less than two years ago, delivering the most amazing experience people have ever had with technology,” says Philip Schiller, Apple's senior VP of worldwide marketing. “The new iPad now has the highest resolution display ever seen on a mobile device with 3.1 million pixels, delivering razor-sharp text and unbelievable detail in photos and videos.”
The display of the latest version delivers four times the number of pixels of iPad 2, so dense that the human eye is unable to distinguish individual pixels when held at a normal distance, making Web pages, text, images and video look incredibly sharp and realistic, says the company.
It adds that the new A5X chip with quad-core graphics was specifically designed by Apple to deliver a fast, responsive user experience while supporting the retina display.
Drawing gamers
Reuters says while stopping short of vaulting ahead of Motorola and Samsung, the device is capable enough to help safeguard its two-thirds market share. It adds that analysts say the screen is a notable feature for non-techie customers, as is the faster connectivity since it's something mainstream consumers can identify with.
“iPad WiFi + 4G with built-in next generation 4G LTE has the most comprehensive support for fast networks worldwide including HSPA+ and DC-HSDPA, and now both CDMA and GSM iPad users have the ability to easily roam internationally.”
Personal Hotspot can be used to share the network connection on the iPad with up to five other devices using WiFi, Bluetooth or USB.
According to Reuters, Apple shares closed barely higher yesterday, up 43c at $530.69. They hovered around $530 throughout the unveiling event.
Talk first
The new iPad also supports dictation. Instead of typing, users can tap the microphone icon on the keyboard, then say what they want to, tap done and the iPad converts the words into text. Dictation also works with third-party apps, so users can update their Facebook statuses, tweet, or write Instagram captions.
The new iPad WiFi models will be available in black or white at a suggested retail price of $499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32GB model and $699 for the 64GB model.
The new iPad will be available in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Switzerland, UK and the US Virgin Islands on 16 March.
Refined TV
Apple also launched its new Apple TV featuring 1080p programming yesterday.
This includes iTunes movies and TV shows, Netflix, Vimeo, and photos in HD.
The company says the new Apple TV features a simpler, refined user interface making it easier to access purchased movies, TV shows and music with iTunes Match from iCloud.
Apple TV will be available on 16 March for a suggested retail price of $99 through the Apple online store, Apple's retail stores and Apple authorised resellers.
** Jon Tullett, ITWeb's news analysis editor, will delve into the new iPad in more detail later this afternoon.
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