Katie Marsal
The cases, spotted by iLounge, both show a rear-facing camera on the left side of the device, as well as a larger cutout on the bottom where the speaker exists on the first-generation iPad. One case, from Shenzhen MacTop Electronics, suggests the device will be slimmer than the current iPad.
The second case, from Kodawarisan, shows many of the same features and dimensions, but the documentation accompanying it also mentions an SD card slot, in addition to FaceTime. That has led to speculation that the large space where the speaker exists could also house a place to put an SD card.
The current iPad has only a 30-pin iPod connector as a port, but Apple does sell a "Camera Connection Kit." The adapters in that kit include a USB port, to allow a camera to connect directly to the device, as well as an SD card slot, allowing users to import photos and videos from a camera card.
The cases also show the same placement for the mute switch and the headphone jack. They also do not show a space for a second 30-pin dock connector on the side for landscape orientation docking, a feature that has been rumored.
As reported by AppleInsider in September, Apple plans to move aggressively on its FaceTime video chat standard. Part of those plans include a camera-equipped iPad, which would allow users to video chat with other others on a range of devices, including Macs, the iPhone 4, and fourth-generation iPod touch.
One report this week claimed that Apple's overseas manufacturing partner, Foxconn, plans to ship the next-generation iPad within 100 days. That would allow Apple to stock up on the device in order to have enough supplies for an April launch.
Update: Even more cases alleged to fit the iPad 2 are on alibaba.com. Like the two spotted previously, they also show a larger hole where the speaker is on the current-generation device. They are included below:
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Andrew O'Hara
Andrew Orr
William Gallagher
Malcolm Owen
Stephen Silver
Christine McKee
Charles Martin
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47 Comments
Speaking purely as a share holder in this instance, I sure hope all this industrial espionage doesn't hurt iPad sales over the holidays! The other thought is maybe these backs are not for an iPad at all but I guess the dock size makes that unlikely ... so fake maybe? The changes do seem rather predictable though although I still struggle to imagine holding one up to take pictures. I can see the complaints already ..."Man falls off cliff due to wind while holding iPad up to take picture."
I hope it has at least the same battery life even if it is thinner. I'd rather have a longer life on this machine (especially with Facetime and other new battery consuming features) than thinner. Keep it the same size with more juice!
The two things that will sell me on an ipad, a webcam & sd card reader built in. make it more travel friendly please!
I hope it has at least the same battery life even if it is thinner. I'd rather have a longer life on this machine (especially with Facetime and other new battery consuming features) than thinner. Keep it the same size with more juice!
But if thinner means lighter (and assuming the same battery life), that would address the 2nd most frequently heard complaint about the iPad. Size being the most frequent.
Speaking purely as a share holder in this instance, I sure hope all this industrial espionage doesn't hurt iPad sales over the holidays! The other thought is maybe these backs are not for an iPad at all but I guess the dock size makes that unlikely ... so fake maybe? The changes do seem rather predictable though although I still struggle to imagine holding one up to take pictures. I can see the complaints already ..."Man falls off cliff due to wind while holding iPad up to take picture."
I highly doubt anyone will use the camera for photography.. Camera will be used mostly by augmented reality apps and FaceTime camera switch-a-ro..