Summary of Apple March 2nd iPad press event

Apple

Today was the day that Apple officially announced the iPad 2. Despite being on medical leave, the event was presented by Apple CEO Steve Jobs (who got a standing ovation for his appearance). Here are some of the highlights (aside from the iPad 2 of course):

  • 100 million iBooks downloaded since their introduction
  • Apple has 200 million customer accounts with attached credit cards across iTunes, App Store and iBooks
  • App Store has now paid out US$2 billion to developers
  • Apple has now shipped over 100 million iPhones and shipped 15 million iPads in 2010 (from its April introduction to December)
  • Apple’s tablet competitors described as ‘flummoxed’
  • App Store now has over 65,000 iPad specific applications
  • Apple iPad 2 introduced – More on that here
  • New iPad 2 accessories include an HDMI-out cable (1080p) for US$39 and a Smart Cover that folds into a stand (available in polyurethane for US$39 or leather for US$69)
  • iPad 2 first device to use iOS 4.3
  • iOS 4.3 comes with improved Safari browser performance (Javascript now twice as fast), iTunes home sharing, Airplay improvements, iPad switch preference (mute or rotation lock, Photo Booth, personal hotspot (iPhone 4 only) and Facetime improvements
  • iOS 4.3 to be available on March 11th for free for the iPad, GSM iPhone , and the iPod Touch (3rd and 4th generation only)
  • New iPad apps: iMovie (with new themes) for US$4.99 and Garage Band for iPad for US$4.99

And that’s it for another Apple product introduction…