Apple finally revealed the 3rd-generation iPad, but that's not all they had in store for us during their press event in San Francisco. Tim Cook took to the stage and also introduced to a new version of Apple TV and, of course, iOS 5.1. Read on for all the details!
We'll start with what everyone has been waiting for, the new iPad. Just as all the rumors suggested the new iPad will come equipped with a 2048 x 1536 Retina display sporting 3.1 million pixels, which Apple claims is 1 million more than an HDTV. Powering the new slate will be Apple's new A5x quad-core processor that apparently provides “four times the performance” of the Tegra 3 chip making its way to Android tablets.
Apple also revealed that the new iPad is sporting their new iSight camera, which is comprised of a 5-megapixel backside illuminated sensor, 5-element lens, IR filter, and ISP built into the A5X chip – slightly more than what we get with an iPhone 4S. The iSight camera will also shoot 1080p HD video at up to 30 frames per second.
The new iPad will feature the same 10 hour battery life as its predecessor and the long-rumored 4G LTE connectivity has been confirmed. Just like previous iPad iterations the new version will be available as as a WiFi only device or a data carrier model. Carriers include Verizon and AT&T in the U.S., but like the iPad 2 there is no universal 4G model.
The new iPad is also getting some upgrades on the software side thanks to iOS 5.1 which is available beginning today. Most notably is a new Siri-powered voice dictation feature which will allow you speak words to your keyboard rather than typing them. Updated versions of iMovie, GarageBand, iPhoto and the iWork suite have also been introduced today and if you've already purchased the app the update is free.
So what's this new iPad called? Well, its not iPad 3, its not iPad HD and its not iPad 2S. Nope, Apple is simply calling it iPad. Its a little confusing considering the iPad 2 will continue with a reduced price point, but Apple has been doing it like this with the iPod Touch for years. I guess we'll have to live with it.
Finally we're on to pricing and those of you anxious to pre-order the 3rd-generation iPad will be happy to hear that pricing remains the same with the 16GB WiFi-only model starting at $499, 32GB at $599 and 64GB at $699. 4G LTE capable devices come in at $629, $729 and $829 respectively. The new iPad will be available in stores and online March 16th and will once again be available in black and white versions.
A new version of Apple TV also got some love at the event. New features include 1080p streaming along with a new streamlined interface. Also, users will now have the ability to pull movies and other videos from iCloud and Apple TV's price point will remain the same at $99. Its up for pre-order now and will available March 16th.
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