Apple has brought together the media to see their latest product. We'll write-up a thorough summary of the event in a bit.
For now, here are the notable announcements as they happen:
iPad
- "The intersection of technology and liberal arts." A device that bridges the gap between laptops and smart-phones (a 3rd category device) - "Way better than a laptop, way better then a phone."
- Prices starting at $499 for the 16GB model. 32GB is $599, 64GB is $699. The 3G models cost an added $130 (i.e. $629, $729, $829).
- Shipping in 60 days (April 1).
- "It’s half an inch thin and weighs just 1.5 pounds. That's thinner and lighter than any netbook. Has a 9.7 inch IPS display."
- 1 gHz Apple A4 chip
- Select models: 3G wireless data plans through AT&T at 250 MB/month - $14.99, unlimited plan - $29.99 (as well as free use of WiFi hotspots). Activated directly on iPad itself. No contract.
- 10 Hours of active battery life - a month of standby life.
- 16, 32, or 64GB of flash storage.
- Wireless: WiFi 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR.
- Accelerometer, Compass, Speaker, Microphone, and 30-pin connector.
- Accessories: iPad dock, iPad keyboard dock, cases.
Here is Apple's iPad introduction video:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tjtrZl7sdQ&feature=player_embedded
Other features:
- Syncs with iTunes exactly like an iPod Touch (management and backup).
- Ebook reader - iBooks app (looks like a bookshelf). Introducing the iBook store for one touch purchases (like iTunes). Harper Collins, Macmillan, Penguin, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette on board. Customizable font choices and sizes, drag pages by flicking or tapping.
- IWork - Keynote (drag and drop slides, select multiple slides by tapping), Pages (touch typing, advanced text-wrapping), Numbers. Each app costs $9.99.
- Safari, mail, contacts, photos (with events, faces, places, and built-in slideshows), maps, and calendar apps included.
- Runs all 3rd-party applications from the iTunes app store.
- Gaming - Target multiple contacts in a first person shooter game by touch-drawing an HUD box around each enemy. Need for Speed Shift - tapping the mirror allows players to look behind them. Accelerometer controls.
- Newspapers - Martin Nisenholtz: "We’re incredibly psyched to pioneer the next generation of digital journalism.” Features in-line videos, expandable pictures.
- "We have the iTunes store built right into the iPad.
- "YouTube - including YouTube in High Def."
- Looks, in general, like a larger version of the iPod touch - giant touch screen display (no physical keyboard).
- New SDK out today with iPad tools.
What do you think of the iPad? Think you'll be running Need for Speed Shift on one?
Thanks to Gdgt Live for the photo-assists.