Apple unveils iPad 2

As predicted, Apple used its event today to debut the new iPad. Most of the rumors about its feature set proved true, including dual cameras (front...

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As predicted, Apple used its event today to debut the new iPad. Most of the rumors about its feature set proved true, including dual cameras (front and back), dual-core processors, a gyroscope, and a thinner, lighter frame.

The new model sports a 1 GHz dual-core processor, which Apple claims provides "up to nine times the graphics performance" to make gameplay "smoother and more realistic." Nine times!

Other new features include an HD camera in back, and a VGA camera in the front to support the FaceTime app. The newly-included gyroscope is built to work in conjunction with the accelerometer and compass in previous models. Finally, this model is about 33 per cent thinner and 15 per cent lighter than last year's iPad.

Apple also introduced a new accessory called the Smart Cover. It's a tri-fold piece of magnetic-lined leather that serves to protect the screen, can wake the iPad or put it to sleep by covering and uncovering it, and can fold to become a keyboard or video stand.

The new iPad goes on sale starting at 5 p.m. on March 11. The WiFi-only versions cost $499 (16 GB), $599 (32 GB), and $699 (64 GB). The 3G models, now available from AT&T or Verizon, cost $629, $729, and $829 for the same space tiers, respectively.

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  • reply
    March 2, 2011 3:15 PM

    Comment on Apple unveils iPad 2, by Steve Watts.

    • reply
      March 2, 2011 3:17 PM

      [deleted]

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      March 2, 2011 3:17 PM

      Summary: New iPad revealed! Same price as the old model, but thinner, lighter, etc. It goes on sale March 11, and sports a more powerful processor, cameras, and a gyroscope. Plus Apple made a nifty little screen cover doohickey.

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      March 2, 2011 3:26 PM

      i'm flatly excited

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      March 2, 2011 4:18 PM

      OVER UP TO 9,000 TIMES FASTER

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      March 2, 2011 4:32 PM

      i want dual core in my "old" ipad.. boo

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      March 2, 2011 4:57 PM

      Moar liek ipad 1.5 AMIRITE.

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      March 2, 2011 10:06 PM

      you have to love the hardware. Apples restrictions on how you can use it...not so much love

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        March 2, 2011 10:10 PM

        What restrictions (I don't have one, just curious of your opinion)

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          March 2, 2011 10:26 PM

          He thinks Apple is still being controlling with the App Store, but he's been using Android for too long and doesn't know that they fixed that.

          But that said, the new in-app subscriptions thing is kind of retarded for developers (though awesome for users!), but it will probably get fixed, as it has already been refined to not apply to "Software as a Service" apps.

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          March 2, 2011 10:32 PM

          its not like a PC or Mac

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        March 3, 2011 2:08 AM

        thats what the Dev Team are for!

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      March 2, 2011 11:02 PM

      If they made it with 160gb (or at least 128), and the ability to just transfer music files over without iTunes or any other software (think a USB hard drive...my Archos can do it Nd it's so fucking convenient and quick), and the ability to browse my music in the file folder structure it's stored in when I copy it over (like my Archos or anything running rockbof), I'd be all over this. I have an iPod touch right now that I use as a PDA...but for music I just find my Archos to be better...but if Apple would make something that would just work for all my needs (at least my music and portable video needs) I'd be fine with buying it. Hell, as a PDA I've been fairly happy with this iPod Touch (I'm typing this post out on it right now), I just wouldn't want to use the thing as an MP3 player.

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        March 2, 2011 11:17 PM

        I just put every goddamn thing in dropbox. Apps are getting smarter about sending that shit about too. Shame about that one dude sperging about VLC, though.

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      March 3, 2011 2:06 AM

      Questions i'll need an answer to before i 'upgrade' my already awesome 64gb 3g one.

      1) Speaker - is it any louder? That would be a nice selling point for me

      2) HD video - VLC media player couldnt cope with HD videos, if the new processor can that would be another selling point

      3) Charging compatability - will it charge of a normal USB pc cable or will i still get 'not charging' on lots of things

      If anyone knows?

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        March 3, 2011 2:10 AM

        Also this Smart Cover sounds cool BUT does it not protect the back at all? So its not actually usable as a cover then?!?!

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        March 3, 2011 2:11 AM

        On 3), ipad1 charging needs 10w and there's no way you can support that off standard USB. It has a maximum power of 500mw, I think.

        Or put another way, you could charge off standard USB, but it would take 20x longer than charging off their adapter and no one would do it.

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      March 3, 2011 4:43 AM

      Why is this on the shack front page? Are we turning into gizmodo?

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        March 3, 2011 4:45 AM

        The layout didn't tell you that while awkwardly fucking you in the ass?

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          March 3, 2011 4:50 AM

          Is that what the feeling is? I didn't even get a reach around :(

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        March 3, 2011 5:05 AM

        iOS is a pretty large mobile gaming platform nowadays

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          March 3, 2011 5:17 AM

          Should they start posting news briefs about the latest farmville update?

          • reply
            March 3, 2011 5:19 AM

            Not the same... damn these threads can be negative at times!

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              March 3, 2011 5:27 AM

              It's pretty close. The android/apple markets have maybe a handful of decent time wasters between them in a sea of garbage and facebook just has the garbage.

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                March 3, 2011 6:03 AM

                The iOS gaming market is at 24%. That's larger than the PSP market share. That's why it gets reported on, just like the NGP or Nintendo 3DS.

                http://www.macworld.com/article/148226/2010/03/iphone_gaming.html

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                  March 3, 2011 6:51 AM

                  Farmville has over 80 million people playing it. By your logic all we should talk about is that, and a few outliers like console games and world of warcraft.

                  http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/20/farmville-community-surpasses-80-million-players/

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                    March 3, 2011 7:09 AM

                    Are you for real?

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                    March 3, 2011 7:19 AM

                    Well there was 10Xs more bitching when consoles first started getting covered here. Say what you want but iOS is a viable platform and has a shit ton of indie games. Indie games are a very good thing.

                  • reply
                    March 3, 2011 7:27 AM

                    The difference is that Farmville isn't really much of a game - it's more about decorating your farm. And giving money to Zynga, of course.

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                      March 3, 2011 7:37 AM

                      I'm just saying that what games there are on mobile devices aren't many steps above farmville or any other facebook game. They aren't so micro transaction based, but they are still little more than short time wasters that hardly qualify as games.

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                        March 3, 2011 7:48 AM

                        What about ports of games like Final Fantasy or Riven? Or Infinity Blade, or Galaxy on Fire?

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                          March 3, 2011 8:02 AM

                          I'd never heard of Galaxy on Fire, which looks fucking awesome. I changed my mind, maybe there can be actual games on mobile devices. I'd agree Riven and FF count as well despite not liking any FF games, but I heard that infinity blade was hardly more than a tech demo.

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                            March 3, 2011 8:25 AM

                            Infinity Blade isn't that deep, I agree, but at least it's not a match-three game or a Cut the Rope clone.

                          • reply
                            March 3, 2011 10:28 AM

                            Dude there are a shitton of good iPhone/iPad games, and I play more games on my iPhone than my PS3 and PC combined at this point.

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                    March 3, 2011 7:47 AM

                    What a wonderfully retarded argument. I do say sir do you publish some sort of subscription based periodical that I might sign up for? I would rather enjoy basking in its delectitude.

                  • reply
                    March 3, 2011 8:25 AM

                    Mobile game coverage happens on this site, and often too, so it makes sense to cover the release of the platforms on which they're based. Get over it, or used to it. Pick one.

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            March 3, 2011 5:45 AM

            [deleted]

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        March 3, 2011 5:06 AM

        Even scarier is that there's no official news post about the Unreal tech :(

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        March 3, 2011 5:13 AM

        [deleted]

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          March 3, 2011 5:37 AM

          My Ti86+ had a lot of games too.

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            March 3, 2011 5:42 AM

            This... this is it. The worst analogy.

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            March 3, 2011 7:24 AM

            Do EA, Activision and the other usual suspects publish games in their mainline franchises for it?

      • reply
        March 3, 2011 7:25 AM

        [deleted]

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      March 3, 2011 6:04 AM

      It looks like the iPad isn't trying to kill the competition with hardware considering the Xoom is similarly spec’d if not a bit better, but apple know they already own the market this year anyway. It's funny that Microsoft were the first to start talking about tablets and they seem to be the last to actually release one. If they do I really hope it's good and can compete.
      In terms of gaming:
      Apple – Apps, MobileMe? But no flash.
      Market share – > 80%
      Android – Apps, flash and PlayStation suite.
      Market share - < 20%
      Microsoft – XBLA, Microsoft Surface? Kinect intergration? and Apps? (Angry bird and PVZ are coming).
      Market share – 0

    • reply
      March 3, 2011 7:16 AM

      wow, it really is a lot thinner http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/gadgetlab/2011/03/MG_5154-copy.jpg

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      March 3, 2011 7:51 AM

      I know the higher resolution display rumors were dispelled before the announcement, but damn that was the thing I was hoping for the most. That and the bump up in speed.

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        March 3, 2011 8:06 AM

        same. bump in speed and resolution update would've made it a lock for me. now I'm not so sure.

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      March 3, 2011 11:06 PM

      No thanks to Apple. I'm going for Samsuang Galaxy Tab. Andriod is for the win.

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        March 4, 2011 2:06 AM

        galaxy is a fine device, but i stick to my ipad1 thanks

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          March 4, 2011 3:59 AM

          Yeah I'm considering sticking with the 1 too... although i love white... tough one!

          And yeah nothing wrong with Galaxy either, all pretty damn cool!

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