Apple Launches Speedier, Lighter iPad 2

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Apple formally announced its next-generation iPad in a San

Francisco event March 2, ending months of speculation over how the company

would advance its popular tablet. Officially dubbed the iPad 2, the newest

device includes hardware upgrades that bring it level with the newest high-end

competitors, most notably the Motorola Xoom.

In a twist that surprised many audience members, in light of his recently-announced leave of absence for undisclosed medical reasons, Apple CEO

Steve Jobs took the stage to unveil this latest offering. “I didn’t want to

miss it,” he said, as media

furiously live-blogged his comments. CNN also provided a slightly-delayed

live stream.

Jobs then painted a quick picture of Apple’s inroads into

the mobile scene: 100 million iPhones shipped, $2 billion to developers in app

sales, 200 million accounts for the company’s three online storefronts (iTunes,

App Store, iBooks), and 15 million iPads sold.

“Is 2011 going to be the year of the copycats? I think if we

did nothing, maybe a little bit,” he said. “But we haven’t been resting on our

laurels.”

That was the cue for the iPad 2 to appear on the giant

screen behind him. “What have we learned? What can we improve?” Of the tablet,

he said: “It’s a complete new design. First thing is: it’s dramatically faster.

We have a new chip we call A5.”

For more, read the eWeek article: Apple iPad 2 Includes Speedy A5 Processor, Thin Body, Cameras.

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