Apple has been unusually indiscreet about what it plans to unveil this week: the next iPad.
In invitations e-mailed to press last week, Apple attached an image of a calendar page peeled back to reveal the corner of an iPad. We get the picture.
But what about the next iPad, and what else can we realistically expect from the March 2 event? Here’s a quick rundown of what Apple is likely to introduce Wednesday.
iPad 2
The iPad 2 is probably going to be a modest upgrade from the current tablet. Credible reports suggest that major changes include a faster processor, more RAM, a front-facing camera for video chat, and a thinner and lighter overall design.
There’s been a bit of debate surrounding the iPad 2’s display. Some have bet on the iPad 2 gaining a high-resolution display that Apple could call the “retina” display, similar to the iPhone 4’s screen.
However, well-sourced Apple blogger John Gruber insists the next iPad will have the same resolution as the current one, or 1,024×768 pixels. A super high-res display would probably be cost-prohibitive today, Gruber argues, due not only to the cost of the display, but also because of the amount of RAM required for such high-res graphics.
That’s a reasonable analysis, because it’s probably a high priority for Apple to retain the iPad’s $500 starting price, which competitors are failing to match. A higher-res display would more realistically come in a later-generation iPad when costs for both screen technology and memory come down.
Like the current iPad, we can expect the iPad 2 to be bundled with 3G options for both Verizon and AT&T subscribers. We don’t expect a 4G iPad until the faster 4G networks are more ubiquitous.
iOS 4.3
The latest version of iOS for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch has been in beta for a few months, and Apple on Wednesday will likely announce an official release date for the upgrade.
New features seen so far in iOS 4.3 include improvements to interface elements, wireless hotspot support for AT&T iPhones and new multitouch gestures for controlling the iPad.
The new multitouch gestures for iPad are by far the most interesting new feature, but Apple has already told developers that it was only providing gestures as a preview to collect feedback on how they should work; the feature will not go live in iOS 4.3.
App Demos
Every iOS hardware event has been packed with app and game demos to show off new hardware and software features, so expect lots of these on Wednesday.
MobileMe Reboots?
There continues to be speculation about Apple rebooting its paid MobileMe service to have more seamless online integration. The Wall Street Journal suggests the service this year will become a free “locker” for photos, music and videos to reduce the need for devices to carry a lot of memory. Furthering this speculation, MacRumors points out that Apple has discontinued sales of MobileMe both online and in retail stores.
However, we have doubts a new MobileMe will go live Wednesday, as Apple said in a recent investor meeting that its new data center for managing cloud services will not be open until spring to support MobileMe and iTunes.
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