Sam OliverAccording to Taiwanese industry publication DigiTimes, the suppliers are completing validation for the second-generation iPad, which will maintain the same 9.7-inch screen when it debuts in the first quarter of 2011.
"Component suppliers of iPad are expected to start shipments for the second-generation iPad at the beginning of 2011," the report said.
Specifically cited suppliers were TPK Touch Solutions, WinTek, Cando, Cimei Innolux. Together, they are said to be validating "ultra-thin glass-based touch panels with Apple."
As reported last week by AppleInsider, Apple plans to move aggressively on adding FaceTime functionality to its entire line of iOS devices, leaving the iPad as the last device to receive the upgrade. A person with proven knowledge of the company's future plans indicated that an iPad equipped with a forward facing camera is already in the advanced testing stages at Apple.
Though Apple typically follows an annual upgrade pattern for its devices, it was said that Apple could refresh the iPad line ahead of this year's holiday season. That person indicated that the FaceTime-equipped iPad was tracking for an introduction no later than the first quarter of 2011.
FaceTime is Apple's open standard for video chat. Currently available on the iPhone 4 and fourth-generation iPod touch, it requires Wi-Fi to operate.
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38 Comments
Apple should get it here BEFORE the competition gets theirs to market! If not, they should at least announce the fact that it is coming soon. This would stop many from purchasing one of the others.
Face time will be HUGE. This will make the iPad one of the best selling Apple products in a LONG time.
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This makes sense. Undoubtedly they'll go to an annual refresh cycle, and this move will set it into the right spot.
A person with proven knowledge of the company's future plans indicated that an iPad equipped with a forward facing camera is already in the advanced testing stages at Apple.
So much for those who defended the original exclusion. They claimed that it would give "up the nose" shots of the speaker, and so Apple was wise to exclude the functionality.
Maybe Apple had its own agenda for excluding the functionality?
I'm waiting, I'm waiting.
I've already setup a credit at my Apple reseller - they take trade-ins - for the next model. I do a few regular video chats and my friends always get pissed when I Skype them from the iPad.
Apple should get it here BEFORE the competition gets theirs to market! If not, they should at least announce the fact that it is coming soon. This would stop many from purchasing one of the others.
Face time will be HUGE. This will make the iPad one of the best selling Apple products in a LONG time.
Skip
And that will stop people from buying the current iPad knowing a new one is scheduled on the horizon.