14 DAY TRIAL // At an event scheduled to go live in the coming hours, Tim Cook and his fellow Apple execs are about to unveil the third-generation of tablet computers, and likely other stuff too. Softpedia fans can catch all of the key announcements right here, on this page.
At this point, the iPad 3 is almost fully confirmed. Apple’s third tablet computer is expected to boast a high-fidelity Retina display with 2048x1536 pixel resolution at a density of 260 ppi (pixels per inch). This is said to be the key feature of the iPad 3 and, in all senses, who could disagree?
The next-in-line enhancement (by importance) should be the processor. Some say it’s quad-core (A6); others believe it’s dual-core with an enhanced GPU (A5X). Either way, the silicon is likely to yield some impressive graphics on the tablet’s new display, as well as more processing power for the new apps it will handle.
Based on the numerous hardware leaks in recent months, the iPad 3 should boast an enhanced camera as well. In fact, according to the latest chatter in the Apple blogosphere, the iPad may arrive with a dedicated version of iPhoto, making it every photographer’s dream - not as much for shooting, as for organizing and editing.
The tablet’s design is said to be almost identical to the iPad 2. Internal changes have reportedly caused the chassis to swell by as little as 0.8 millimeters - an almost indistinguishable change. The battery life is expected to remain at 10 hours.
In addition to the iPad 3, Apple is also widely believed to introduce a third-generation Apple TV, as well as new software offerings and perhaps some accessories.
On the TV subject in particular, the rumors have been quite divided. Numerous analysts expected Apple to unveil a full-fledged HD TV set (and they probably still do).
But recent rumors indicate the device will be similar to the current Apple TV offering, and that it will share the same processor with the iPad 3. It will reportedly output video at 1080p, and it's said to be more integrated with the entire range of Apple products. It might gain a new accessory today (i.e. a remote).
Apple’s event is scheduled to go live at 10:00 A.M. PST (local time) at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California.
We’ll be updating this piece with Apple’s key announcements as they unfold. Refresh this page from time to time to catch the latest updates from Tim Cook & Co.
Update 1
Apple has gathered all members of the media at the entrance to the YBCA.
The company is now asking everyone to take their seats and turn off their cell phones in anticipation of today's announcements.
Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, takes the stage to "talk about the post-PC revolution," and the success of Apple's retail stores worldwide.
He then delves into a discussion about Siri. "Siri is your best friend... who gets things done just by asking."
Looks like we might get the first glimpse of Siri on an iPad today.
"We thought it might be fun to let you listen to Siri from other parts of the world this morning," says Cook. He demos Siri speaking with an Australian accent, then with a French and German accent, and finally confirms Siri for Japan - rolling out "over the next few weeks."
Cook now giving an update on the App Store:
- 585,000 apps currently available - over 25 billion downloads (surely this isn't news to anyone anymore) ...etc.
Now iCloud.
"iCloud keeps all of your content synced across all of your devices," says Tim. "It's simple, it's elegant, it's automatic, it just works."
- 100 million users - iTunes in the Cloud now supports movies (with the ability to re-download titles) - TV shows support 1080p
Update 2
New Apple TV announced!
- 1080p HD video - new interface bringing the former Front Row closer to iOS - third party apps - $99 price tag in the US - ships next week (pre-orders available now)
Eddy Cue up on stage for some demo time:
Update 3
Tim is back to talk more iPad. "We think that iPad is the poster child of the post-PC world."
"The momentum behind iPad has been incredible and it has surprised virtually everyone."
"Everyone's been wondering... who will come out with a product that's more amazing than the iPad 2?"
"Well stop wondering. We are," Tim proudly states.
"Today we're announcing the new iPad, and it is amazing," says Tim Cook. "We are redefining the category that Apple created with the original iPad."
The new iPad (Tim hasn't confirmed the actual dubbing yet) has:
Retina Display: "Photos are just going to look amazing on that gorgeous high-resolution display."; 2048 x 1536 resolution; 3.1 million pixels; 264ppi (pixels per inch);
(more features after the break)
(more features)
A5X processor with quad-core graphics.
iSight camera: 5-megapixel illuminated sensor, 5-element lens, IR filter, ISP controller (much like the iPhone 4S), 1080p video recording.
Voice Dictation (Phil Schiller now on stage to demo): "The iPad like all great iOS devices has a great keyboard and now you'll see there's a new key on the bottom: a microphone."
LTE / 4G wireless.
10 hours of battery life (9 hours on 4G).
LTE partners confirmed: Verizon, Rogers, Bell, Telus and AT&T
Users can make the new iPad into a personal hotspot (just like the iPhone). Apple says carriers will allow it.
Now a breakdown of the all the new features of the new iPad (with Phil Schiller).
Pre-orders begin today. Physically available in US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan and more come March 16th.
Pricing begins at $499 for the base 16GB configuration. $599 for 32GB and $699 for 64GB. The 4G model (with the same storage options) is $629, $729 and $829.
Update 4
(btw iOS 5.1 is available today!)
Apple has updated all the stock apps on the iPad.
"Everything has been updated, but as you remember when the iPhone 4 went to the retina display, developers didn't have to do anything and their apps looked better."
Apple now inviting third-party developers up on stage to demo the various new capabilities of the new iPad (mostly leveraging the higher pixel density).
Apple is featuring both game developers, and companies who are developing productivity software (nothing new here).
Phill Schiller confirms updates to Apple's iWork productivity apps: Pages, Keynote, Numbers. Free update to existing users, $9.99 for newcomers.
GarageBand and iMovie updated as well! Notably, GarageBand gains Smart Strings, a Note editor, and the ability to sync up to iCloud.
iMovie gets storyboards and new editing tools.
Update 5
Apple introduces iPhoto for iPad!
Apple says "It gives you great new ways to browse through all those photos, and it has truly groundbreaking ways to edit those photos."
Randy Ubillos, Chief Architect for Photo and Video apps, hops on stage to demo the thing.
He says iPhoto on the iPad will "reinvent" photography. The demo shows off some cool editing features, complete with some impressive effects. The app supports photos up to 19 megapixels large.
The app costs $4.99 and it's available today.
Update 6
Apple will continue to sell iPad 2 at $399 (a $100 price drop) for the 16GB WiFi-only model.
Tim Cook is back on stage.
"2012: There's a lot to look forward to. We are just getting started."
And that's a wrap, people. Join us soon for a closer look at each of the new products announced by Apple today.