iPad: official launch and details

So Apple’s event held yesterday was indeed to present the iPad, the official name for the famous Apple tablet. Steve Jobs introduced it as the best device for data sharing: music, video, mail, pictures, games. It has iTunes with completely different graphics, thought out specifically for the new format. Also integrated is Youtube with their new HD format.

The device unlocks like the iPhone and integrates Safari in a more evolved version than the one present on the iPhone, although it does not feature Flash. All the known softwares have been enhanced in order to offer the best experience in a device this size. Mail is similar to the Mac OS X version, with a left column for details and the main mail window on the right.

The photo application interface is really interesting. Besides synchronizing automaticalyl with iPhoto, it’s completely multi-touch with many gestures that were studied in order to optimize the interaction. The iTunes interface is now expandable and it introduces a new mode called Pop Over, which allows users to view the information about the song being played.

Also the calendar application has been enhanced: new appointment viewing modes that are similar to the iCal from Mac OS X. The iPad also has an integrated Maps application (and although it does seem to be based on Google’s services, Steve Jobs didn’t mention it).

The device also allows users to buy movies, TV series, music videos and songs, and apparently it will also be possible to buy e-books directly from the e-book application. The device measures 5″ and its screen is a 9.7″ multi-touch display, like the iPhone, with 10 hours of battery duration. The processor was specifically designed for it, it’s called Apple A4 and it has 1GHz. It’ll be available in 16Gb, 32Gb and 64Gb versions, all of those with Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth. No mention to a GPS antenna just yet.

All the iPhone applications are completely compatible with the iPad without the need of adaptation. When the user buys an iPhone application, it is directly brought to the iPad as well. The developers will have a good piece of work if they want to, in order to adapt their application for such a large screen.

Here are some pictures and the official presentation video, found on the official iPad website. Enjoy!

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