Apple reveals iPad 2

Apple has revealed the iPad 2, which the company hopes will reinforce its position within the fledgling tablet market.

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The second-generation device was unveiled last night by Apple boss Steve Jobs, with new features including two cameras, a faster processor than its predecessor and the ability to share multimedia content via a local or home wi-fi network.

However, a much-rumoured USB drive did not materialise.

The new device, which comes out less than a year after the original iPad first went on sale, is 33% thinner than the previous version at just 8.8mm, although remains roughly the same weight. It is available in black and white.

Pricing models also remain the same at the first iPad.

The iPad 2 is released in the UK on March 25. Jobs said over 15m iPads had been sold since launching in June last year, which he said equated to over 90% of the market.

However despite the iPad’s popularity it has been criticised for not being Flash-compatible and its lack of USB or SD connectivity.

Other manufacturers have also launched tablet devices in the intervening months, including Samsung’s Android-powered Galaxy Tab and the Blackberry Playbook.

Apple used the unveiling to also announce a deal with publisher Random House to include its titles, numbering over 17,000 within its book store.

Jobs also said Apple has paid over $2bn (£1.2bn) to developers for iPad contributions.

Jobs appearance at the unveiling, despite his ill-health, saw Apple’s stock price increase by $3 (£1.8) instantly.

This story first appeared on newmediaage.co.uk

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