Apple Presents: Ipad 2

Steve Jobs hit the stage today at the Apple Conference. What did he announce?Well, it's pretty obvious, the Ipad 2!  Check out the features after the jump!

Steve Jobs hit the stage, despite rumors of illness and man-flu because in his own words, "I've been working on this product for quite some time and I just couldn't miss it".

First, the facts. The iTunes store has surpassed 200 million accounts and cumulative earnings for developers have been over $2 billion. Apple has also recently shipped their 100 millionth iPhone. Quite an achievement for the company!  Next, Steve started talking about the Ipad and how companies who once laughed at the concept have been copying the same ideas. Apple has sold 15 million iPads in 2010 (from April-December), accounting for $9.5 billion in revenue, and 90% market share. Wow!

Following that the Ipad 2 was announced. The features included:

A faster new A5 processor, Dual-core processors, 2x as fast for CPU performance, 9x faster graphics and the "First dual core tablet to ship in volume." Rear and front facing cameras and the gyroscope built into Iphones and the Ipod Touch. It's also thinner than the Iphone 4 and the current range of Apple phones and Ipods, and 33% thinner than the Original Ipad. Its also shipping in both Black & White and has the same battery life as the original iPad (30 days of standby battery time). The price points are EXACTLY the same as the current Ipads. It also includes HDMI out, which is a pretty nice feature, with 1080p output.

A case has also been built for the Ipad 2: The Smart Cover will cover the glass, but wont add substantial size or weight to the device. It automatically powers on the iPad 2 and puts it to sleep when opened and closed. It attaches to the device via magnets.

Also announced was iOS 4.3. iOS 4.3 will also support expanded iTunes home sharing, streaming media to and from your Mac or PC to your iOS device. Apps and websites in IOS 4.3 can stream video to Apple TV via AirPlay, which is a pretty cool feature.

Apple also previewed a few new App's at the event. These App's included Imovie for the Ipad (A feature I am very interested in), which allows for Precision editor and multitrack audio and Garageband for the Ipad. This version includes Touch instruments, guitar amps and effects, 8 track recording and mixing, 250+ loops, and is compatible with the Mac version so you can seamlessly transfer projects from one device to another.

If like me you were on the fence.....I'm sure you'll be like me and planning on getting this machine ASAP. It's pretty awesome.

It will ship March 11th for the US, and the 25th in 26 other countries.

Thanks to Engadget for the pictures.