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Apple announces new iPad and Apple TV

Teaser
Just as was speculated, Apple officially introduced their new iPad and Apple TV at an event today in San Francisco.

Apple has always known how to introduce a new product, and they've definitely delivered today in an event in San Francisco. Apple CEO, Tim Cook, took the stage at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and officially introduced the new iPad and Apple TV.  

The new iPad

In a departure from Apple's customary naming techniques, the next-generation iPad will apparently be referred to as the "new iPad" from here on out. Nonetheless, the device still manages to pack quite a punch and Apple has outfitted it with the following interesting features:

·  Retina Display: The most widely rumored feature did indeed come to light, as the new iPad now features a 2048x1536 pixel Retina Display. The display features 264ppi and 3.1 Million total pixels, which is around 1 Million more than an average 1080p display. The Retina Display also offers 44% better color saturation than the iPad 2 to go along with the improved resolution.

·  A5X Processor: Though it's not an A6 SoC, the A5X powering the new iPad features 4 times the performance of NVIDIA's Tegra 3 according to Apple. In addition, the chip offers quad-core graphics and helps power the Retina Display.

·  iSight Camera: Apple is taking a cue from the iPhone 4S with the new iPad's optics, as the tablet now comes with a rear-facing 5MP sensor that features a 5-element lens, IR filter and ISP built directly into the A5X chip. The camera also features the regular auto-focus and auto-exposure.

·  1080p Video Recording: In order to better utilize the new iPad's Retina Display, the tablet can now record in full 1080p quality. The video camera also features auto-stabilization that helps record the best videos. 

·  Voice Dictation: Contrary to popular rumors, the new iPad won't come with Apple's popular Siri, but it does feature voice dictation. Just like on the iPhone 4S, a microphone button on the corner of the keyboard helps enable this feature.

·  4G LTE: Last but not least, Apple announced that the new iPad will support 4G LTE for both Verizon and AT&T. With speeds of up to 72MPBS, the 4G models will also be available from Telus, Roger and Bell in Canada.  The devices can also be used as personal hotspots depending on the carrier, and the non-4G models will all come equipped with worldwide-ready 3G. 

Even though Apple has tacked on a high-res display and 4G, the new iPad has comparable battery life to the iPad 2, with 10 hours over Wi-Fi and 9 hours over 4G. On the other hand, the new iPad is slightly thicker at 9.4mm and weighs in at 1.4lbs.

Furthermore, in an unApple-esque move, the company declared that the iPad 2 will still be available from stores, albeit with a $100 discount that should make it appealing for schools and budget shoppers. As for the new iPad, it will be available from March 16th (pre-orders begin today), with prices starting at $499-$699 for the non-4G models and $629-$829 for the 4G versions.

 

Apple TV

Although it was overshadowed by the announcement of the new iPad, the next generation of Apple TV was also unveiled in San Francisco today. The new device, which features the same design as the old model, now supports 1080p video and features a streamlined user interface. The device retains its $99 price tag and should be available next week. 

Apple iPad 3. Gen 2012-03 (iPad Series)
Processor
Apple A5x 2 x 1 GHz, Cortex A9
Graphics adapter
Display
9.70 inch 4:3, 2048 x 1536 pixel, glossy: yes
Storage
64 GB SSD, 64 GB 
Connections
1 Docking Station Port
Networking
802.11a/b/g/n (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0, 4G, LTE, dual carrier HSPA+, UMTS, 3G
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 9.4 x 241.2 x 185.7 ( = 0.37 x 9.5 x 7.31 in)
Battery
43 Wh Lithium-Polymer, non removeable
Camera
Webcam: iSight 5MPix, FaceTime VGA
Additional features
24 Months Warranty
Weight
662 g ( = 23.35 oz / 1.46 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
829 Euro

 

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Omar Qudsi, 2012-03- 7 (Update: 2012-05-26)