As expected, Apple announced the 3rd generation iPad with a 264ppi Retina Display with a resolution of 2,048 x 1,536 pixels.
The rear camera has a 5-megapixel backside illuminated sensor, Hybrid IR filter, 5 element lens which is capable of recording 1080p video. The processor is an Apple A5X with quad core graphics (to drive the higher resolution display as well as provide horsepower for the apps which will take advantage of this display).
The device also includes updated mobile capabilities with 4G/LTE (partners include AT&T, Verizon, Rogers, Bell, Telus). As with prior versions, they come in 16, 32, and 64GB WiFi only at $499, $599, and $699 respectively. With 4G cellular data, the price points are $629, $729, and $829. Colors again include black and white. A 128MB model will need to wait until pricing comes down.
Battery life still clocks in at 10 hours (WiFI; 9 hours on 4G). 9.4mm thick and 1.5 pounds (just slightly thicker and heavier). Impressive considering the additional 1 million pixels which this device needs to handle. Preorders today, device is available on March 16. The iPad 2 16GB model will be sticking around with a $399 price (WiFi) lowering the entry point for the 9.7″ tablet.
Lot of folks were wondering what Apple would officially be calling this next version; they are just calling it “the new iPad”… which I presume means getting away from this numbering scheme and focusing on the simplicity of the brand. So it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise if the next iPhone is just referred to as “the new iPhone” as opposed to iPhone 5.
As I’d mentioned in this prior post, the game changer with a higher resolution display is how it would drive apps (especially games). Some of the game demos shown during the event unsurprisingly ups the ante especially against traditional gaming consoles.
Apple also introduced iPhoto for the iPad (makes sense due to resolution – this thing is a perfect digital photo album as well as for some editing) for $4.99
Apple also updated the Apple TV with support for 1080p output (again, not surprising given the higher resolution of this new iPad) and includes a new UI which takes advantage of the higher resolution. One bummer, still no announcement of apps (again, think games) for Apple TV.
Apple also announced an iOS update to Siri for the iPhone 4S with new languages (Australian, French, and Japanese).
