Based on a image sent via email by Apple to the press, inviting them to an event Mar. 2 in San Francisco, the media has presumed an announcement confirming the release date of the iPad 2 even if they do have other products in need of the near yearly refresh.
In an article on USA Today’s website, Edward C. Baig says, “The invitation that just arrived in my inbox shows a calendar with a big number 2 (signifying the March 2 date) curled up against what is for sure an iPad — you can see raindrops on the screen background and a slice of the Maps icon in the upper-right corner of the iPad display.”
Underneath the image is text that reads, “Come see what 2011 will be the year of.” Apple is obviously making reference to 2010 being commonly-called the “year of the tablet,” because of the initial release of the iPad. It seems they still want to dominate this years tablet industry, even though this year holds more competition with the release of other tablets, such as Motorola’s Xoom and Blackberry’s Playbook.
MSNBC’s Technolog blogger, Wilson Rothman, pointed out that, on the image, the calendar date covers up most of the iPad, not allowing viewers to discern whether the newest version of the iPad will have a front-facing camera.
The front-facing camera is just one of the many specs being talked about surrounding the upcoming launch of the iPad 2. Talks about specs, though, are not just speculations, they are hopes. Wired online reveals five specs they hope to see added to the new tablet: cameras, a heftier speaker, an SD card slot, a better dock connector and a non-slippery case. (The writer claims that everything about the iPads current outer shell is exemplary, but could use a more clenchable facade or a USB port).
To me, the most desirable of these five specs would be the front-facing camera. This would enable users to use Apple heavily marketed Facetime capabilities, and likely, the ever-so-loved (by me for one) Photobooth application. However, this would not do much good for those who would want to use their handy tablet device to take exterior photos. How about we hope for a rear-facing camera too?
Apple’s intent to dominate the tablet industry by releasing in the near future, have many wondering, what will this do to Xoom, Motorola Mobility’s tablet on Verizon’s network, which releases tomorrow? PCWorld suggests that the launch of the iPad will cripple the success of the Xoom, saying:
This is not just a predicament for non-Apple tablet companies like those going with Android; webOS; Windows 7; or RIM with a replacement for Blackberry 6; but for consumers, as well. How will we choose which tablet to purchase? If we should upgrade to iPad 2 now or wait for version three. Well, I say, it all depends on the specs.
If Apples Mar. 2 announcement leaves our hopes dashed, there might be some tough choices at hand.
