The new iPad unveiled by Apple today has four major improved features from previous models, but without a price increase. Pre-orders for the new iPad, which will have fast 4G capabilities carried by AT&T and Verizon, begin today and the device will hit the street on March 16.
Here is what you need to know for starters.
1) 4G LTE technology will make this incredibly fast
While there were no game-changing new features introduced today, most consumers will appreciate the laser-fast connectivity, web surfing, and video and entertainment viewing that the new iPad will provide. It’s hard to think of a tablet being better than the iPad, so the best improvement we can think of is to make it faster.
2) Everything you like about the iPhone 4S camera will now be available in new iPad
The biggest wrap on the iPad 2 was its substandard camera (although the original iPad didn’t have a camera at all!). No longer. The 5-megapixel sensor changes the landscape for tablet photography. To boot, stabilization software will help us get used to taking pictures with a heavier device (this iPad will be 1.4 lbs, more in line with the weight of the original iPad.
3) Voice recognition technology – just don’t call it Siri
Most of us expected the new iPad to include voice recognition technology. What we didn’t anticipate, however, is that Apple would unveil new voice technology and not fully incorporate the Siri software assistant into the device. As many users typically use Siri while driving, time and experience will shed light on what context we will use the new technology.
4) Better Graphics!
Not just gamers will appreciate the 3.1 million pixels and A5X processor contained within the new iPad. But the games, like the newly unveiled Infinity Blade: Dungeons, are now comparable to any you can find on a console, PC or other device. Apple’s iPhoto for iPad will also make the shutterbugs happy.
5) Must-See Apple TV
While we were hoping for an actual television, more specific integration between iPads and Apple TVs, or a new ecosystem entirely for TV apps, the new Apple TV will recommend movies and TV programs based on what you like to watch. Like the most recent version, it’s $99. The new Apple TV will also display coverflow titles similar to what is found in iTunes.
6) Can’t beat the price
The new iPad will start at $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi-only model, and $629 for models that will run at 4G speeds. No information yet from the cellular providers on what prices to expect contract-wise.
Stay tuned to Appolicious for more coverage and analysis of the new iPad, and, of course, what apps you will want to download to it right away.
