Steve Jobs has announced the next version of the iPad, which has a processor that’s twice as fast as its predecessor and graphics which are nine times the speed of the original iPad. The new iPad also has two video cameras, front and rear facing, and a built-in gyroscope.
The dual-core processor is an Apple A5 and although Apple hasn’t released details, it is widely believed to be based on an Arm Cortex A9 design. Despite the faster processor, better graphics and additional features, the iPad 2 is 33% thinner than its predecessor, making it thinner than an iPhone 4. It’s also 2lbs, just under a kilo, lighter and comes in two colours: black and white.
The new iPad has the same ten-hour battery life as its predecessor and over a month of standby time. It’s available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions and is priced the same as the original iPad. It will ship on March 11 in the US and March 25 in other countries, including the UK, said Jobs.
The iPad 2 also has the ability to mirror its video output using the Dock connector to connect to an HDMI input on a display at resolutions up to 1080p. A new Dock adaptor allows video to be output over HDMI while the iPad is docked or charging.
Jobs also announced a new case for the iPad 2. Called SmartCover, the new case is held to the iPad using magnets, folds over to make a stand, and wakes the iPad automatically when it’s removed.
