Laskys E-Zine

March the 2nd 2011 saw the unveiling of the new iPad2 from Apple. Steve Jobs took to the stage at around 6pm GMT to a standing ovation. Jobs started with the numbers

• 100 million iBooks have been downloaded so far
• Apple paid out $2 billion to app developers
• 100 million iPhone’s now shipped
• 15 million iPod’s sold in 9 months in 2010
• $9.5 billion revenue
• 65, 000 dedicated iPad apps (vs. 100 Android tablet apps)

As expected, due to leaks online. The new iPad is 33% slimmer, lighter (1.3lb in weight) and with 9x faster graphics performance. The iPad is powered by an A5 dual core processor, has front and rear facing cameras and with 10 hour battery life. It also features finger print resistant coating, HDMI output, 30 pin connection and 1024 x 768 screen resolution (no retina display unfortunately).

Prices on the new iPads will be like for like vs. last years range so (e.g the equivalent 32GB with Wi-Fi and 3G ).

New Apps

iMovie

Featuring precision editing, multi track video recording, AirPlay streaming and the ability to add audio tracks, background sound and voiceovers.

GarageBand

Touch instruments such as Drums, Guitars and Pianos, connect your own instruments and 8 track recording.

Smart Covers

This was where I got bit excited. They fasten in place using magnets and switch the iPad 2 off when closed. The covers offer a slimmer fit than the previous cases, and they also act as a stand for your iPad 2. Apple also claims that they help to keep the screen clean. Various micro fibre colours will be available and also in leather.

iOS 4.3

Updates to the operating system allow users to play music, films and TV found on an iTunes Library already stored on either a PC or Mac computer.  AirPlay also allows streaming from third party applications and web sites. iSO 4.3 will be available from the 11th March 2011.