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…