Jobs delivers iPad 2 (week in review)
Steve Jobs makes surprise appearance at the iPad 2 unveiling, while Facebook addresses security--again. Also: Charlie Sheen takes Twitter by storm.
It wasn't so much Apple's new tablet that caused the most buzz but who was on hand to unveil it.
At an invite-only event in San Francisco Wednesday, the company took the wraps off the iPad 2. And Apple CEO Steve Jobs, who is taking a leave of absence from the company, returned to unveil the new product, which is expected to be a hot seller.
As anticipated, the new tablet has two cameras and is faster with dual-core processors. They just about double CPU performance and make the graphics speed nine times faster, while using the same power as the processor from the first iPad. The iPad 2 is thinner than the older model. It went from 13.4mm in thickness on the old iPad to 8.8mm in thickness on the new one. And it works not only on AT&T's 3G network, but also Verizon Wireless' 3G network.
• Five things the iPad 2 didn't get
• iPad 2: Big trouble for Android tablets?
• The iPad's new engine: The A5 chip
• What you need to know about the iPad 2 (FAQ)
• Apple giving $100 refund on recent iPad purchases
In addition, Apple took the wraps of the latest version of it mobile operating system, iOS 4.3. This upgrade brings a few new features like AirPlay support for apps that will include photo slideshows and porting audio from apps to other devices. It will be available on March 11, and it supports iPad, iPhone (GSM), and iPod Touch.
Jobs' surprise appearance at the iPad 2's unveiling brought event attendees to their feet for a standing ovation. It was Jobs' first appearance at an Apple event since announcing his third medical leave from the company, and an unexpected one at that.
Jobs appeared at ease with the crowd, soaking up the warm reception when first entering the stage, as well as commanding the role of master of ceremonies for the hour-and-15-minute presentation. "We've been working on this product for a while, and I didn't want to miss today," he said.
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