iPad 2 Underlines Apple's Dominance of Tablet Category
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Published:
Week 9
March 2011 -
Image Source:
Apple
News
On 2 March 2011, Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the iPad 2 at a media event in San Francisco. Apple's second-generation tablet is about 30 percent thinner and 15 percent lighter than its predecessor, at 8.8 mm thick and weighing about 600 g. It is powered by Apple's next-generation dual-core A5 CPU. Other enhancements include front- and rear-facing cameras, a three-axis gyroscope, a switch to lock screen rotation, and HDMI out. There are no changes to the device's memory configuration or 9.7 inch display. Apple claims that the device offers the same 10-hour battery life as the first-generation iPad.
The iPad 2 will run iOS version 4.3, which offers faster JavaScript execution in the Safari browser, improved AirPlay wireless streaming, and support for personal hotspot services on 3G variants. This software upgrade will also be available to iPhone 3GS models and GSM variants of the iPhone 4, as well as third- and fourth-generation iPod touch devices and the original iPad.
The new iPad will be available in the US on 11 March and in 26 other countries on 25 March. Variants will support CDMA EV-DO and 3G HSPA networks. Retail pricing remains the same as the first-generation iPad.
Apple also announced that Random House would join the other five largest publishing houses and begin selling its 17,000 titles through Apple's iBooks store.
