Today Apple officially launched their much anticipated tablet device, the Apple iPad. Apple is describing the iPad as the best way to experience the web, photos, and email. The device features a whole range of new apps from apple designed specificlly for the larger screen and multitouch interface. Today at the Apple Keynote, many of the new apps were showcased. The iPad is going to add a whole new level of gaming to apple devices.
A quick overview of the iPad: It is essentially a giant iPod touch. The device is about 9.5″ x 7.5″. It features WiFi technology, and there is an option to upgrade to 3G as well. The WiFi version weighs about 1.5 lbs and the WiFI+3G version will weigh 1.6 lbs. The iPad will come with a 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive. The device starts to retail at $499 US for the 16GB WiFI version, and up to $829 for the 64GB version with WiFi + 3G capabilities. Data plans in the US will start at $15, and be $30 for unlimited data.In terms of new apps, there is something called iBooks.
The iBooks app is described by Apple as a great way to read and purchase books.1 Just download the app for free from the App Store, and you’ll be able to buy everything from old classics to new bestsellers from the built-in iBookstore. Once you’ve bought a book, it’s displayed on your Bookshelf. To read it, all you have to do is tap on it and it opens up. The high-resolution, LED-backlit screen displays everything in sharp, rich, color, so it’s very easy to read, even in low light. Apple has also teamed up with the New York Times to offer an enhanced version of their publication, featuring embeded video.
Drumroll please….. The big announcement we’ve all been waiting for turns out to be a “faster” iPhone. Sure we got a couple new features but not nearly what we were expecting. Let me give you a run-down on the iPhone 3G S features:
Video Camera
Apple is included a “remarkable” new video camera in the iPhone 3G S. You can now shoot video on your iPhone 3G with this 3 megapixel camera and then edit it right on your phone. Of course, you can then “share” the video via MMS, e-mail, or even you tube. The editing on the iPhone 3G S consist mainly of just selecting start and stop points for the video.
Voice Control
You can now control your iPhone with the sound of your voice. This means a whole new world of possibilities has been opened in terms of iPhone Apps. Built in already, you can now call contacts, dial a number, or play a son using just voice control on the iPhone 3G S.
Speed
The final part of the iPhone 3G S update is the “S” part - speed. Apple claims that the iPhone 3G S can load web pages, apps, take pictures and open e-mail attachments up to 2x faster than on the previous version of the iPhone.
The iPhone 3G S will be available on June 19th. A more detailed review will be coming once we get our hands on an iPhone 3G S.
There are a lot of rumours circulating about a new “cheap” iPhone being released at the upcoming apple developer conference. Releasing an affordable iPhone could mean a huge increase in market share for Apple as the iPhone would become accessible to so many more people. AT & T already offers a refurbished 8Gb iPhone for $99. The only problem with purchasing a refurb model is the 90 day warranty. Stay tuned for an update soon about the $99 iPhone.
