Apple has stepped up its assault on the tablet computer market with a string of new features for its flagship iPad.
The next-generation iPad will feature a high-definition retina display and an improved camera, dubbed “iSight”. The technology giant heaped pressure on its rivals with a cut-price iPad 2, priced at $399 (£254).
Apple also increased its presence in the living room with an enhanced set-top box, Apple TV.
At a launch event in San Francisco on Wednesday, the Apple chief executive, Tim Cook, described the iPad as “the poster-child of the post-PC world”. He claimed that rivals launched more than 100 copycat tablet computers last year alone.
“The iPad is about post-portable computing. And it’s outstripping the wildest of predictions,” he said. “We think the iPad is the poster child of the post-PC world. The momentum behind iPad has been incredible and has surprised virtually everyone.”
“We have redefined once again the category that Apple created just two years ago. Across the year you’re going to see a lot more of this innovation – we are just getting started.”
The next-generation iPad will feature a high-definition retina display, which Apple said boasts more pixels than a high-definition TV.
The slightly-heaver device will feature improved photo and video taking, with a greater resolution camera and a HD video recorder. It will be able to connect to high-speed 4G networks and run an Apple-built A5X processing chip.
“This is the best mobile display that has ever shipped and it’s a real revolution,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s vice president of global marketing.
Apple held back from announcing a branded TV set – against some expectations – but film fans will be able to play high-definition content for the first time, with its 1080p Apple TV. The new Apple TV will cost $99 (£62), the same as the previous version.
Movie fans will be able to wirelessly store films on multiple devices with Apple’s improved iCloud storage system.
The announcements fell short of what some commentators were expecting from the technology giant, which is the world’s most valuable company by market capitalisation.
“Apple has so far played the TV game half-heartedly,” said industry analyst Mark Mulligan. “If Apple gets it right it can transform the internet experience in the living room and make the first bold step to removing the distinction between the TV experience and the internet.”
Cook, who took over from Steve Jobs in August last year, said that Apple sold 172m “post-PC” devices in 2011, accounting for 76% of its total revenue in the final quarter of that year. culled….
(The Guardian)
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