A Scotsman living in Japan
Apple had a fantastic year in 2011 due to the launch of the iPad. Long awaited in some quarters, and hardly even thought of in others, the touch screen tablet PC was an instant success. With one swift move, Apple seemingly reinvigorated a long lost market for touch screen computers. As they redefined the phone market with the Multi-Touch iPhone, they have created a whole new one with the iPad.
Since its launch, Apple have sold millions of iPads. As with any successful product, this has lead to a small minority moaning about the ‘missing features’ of this great device. This happens with every Apple launch, and we’re certain that Steve Job’s won’t be losing any sleep over it. What it does mean is that the buzz around the possible launch of the iPad 2 this year is well an truly in overdrive. Let’s take a look at some of the features we could possibly be seeing on an updated version of the iPad. These fall in to two broad categories, the ‘dead certs’ and the ‘we’re dreaming’.
The iPhone 4 featured a updated screen with the latest Apple technology, the Retina display. This offers an even clearer picture and it is hotly tipped that it would be logical that this feature will come to the iPad 2.
Apple have really been pushing their FaceTime technology recently. This is a video calling application that makes use of the front facing camera not only on Macs and MacBooks, but also on the iPhone 4. It is a given that the iPad 2 will feature a front facing camera to really help them push this technology forward.
If there is one thing where the speculation is rife, it is about the possible other features that the iPad 2 could have. Top of the list perhaps is the possibility of screen size options. Many of Apple’s competitors in the touch screen tablet market have opted for a smaller 7 inch screen, and many customers are vocalizing the fact that they prefer this. People are wondering if Apple will follow suit and offer an ‘iPad Mini’ options.
The other feature that people can’t quite get their head around is whether the iPad will feature a conventional USB port. Apple have refused to add this to any of their other portable devices, so it is unlikely that this will happen any time soon, though they could surprise us and all the manufacturers of iPad accessories out there who will have to scrabble to make new cases and peripherals to go with the new features.
Whatever the new features of the next iPad it is sure to be a big hit with consumers. A lot of people will be happy with the updates, while others will still be left arguing about what should have been included. No matter which camp you are in, you can’t deny that the iPad is a fantastic bit of kit to own.
29.01.2011. 08:31