14 DAY TRIAL // A Japanese blog that has been known to accurately predict previous Apple announcements now claims to have learned that Apple is planning a “small” event to introduce its next-generation tablet computer.
Picked up by various high-profile sites and blogs dealing with Apple matters, the macotakara.jp report appears to be given more credit than it ought to be getting.
The Japanese blog does, indeed, state that “Apple seems to open a small event to introduce next generation of iPad”, though it is hard to interpret these words as the result of an actual info leak.
Basically, anyone can say “Apple seems to be doing something".
This doesn’t necessarily mean that the source of the rumor has been working around the clock to find out those specific things.
In fact, Cupertino seemed to be planning a spring 2011 event since last year, to be perfectly frank, while many also believe Apple will have an event as early as this month.
The Japanese report adds that “Release date seems to be considered at March, though it's not clear if it will be started at the same time all over the world.”
Furthermore, macotakara does not indicate where this information is coming from, nor when it was obtained, leaving a lot of room for speculation on behalf of Apple-centric sites and blogs.
In any case, Cupertino is widely believed to prepare an early 2011 introduction of the iPad 2, featuring:
· NFC (Near Field Communications) capabilities, which would extend its wireless abilities; · front- and back-facing cameras; · new connectivity via a rumored Mini DisplayPort and possibly a Mini SD port; · a new, thinner enclosure, possibly made from carbon fiber, if we are to go by the latest rumors; · an improved screen, though not Retina-grade. · most likely a major new version of the iOS mobile operating system adding photography apps, and other cool new features.
According to various reports, Apple has not abandoned the idea of launching a smaller iPad (boasting a 7-inch screen), though it seems very unlikely that this is happening any time soon.