Next iPad to Add Five New Features including USB Port?

[Oflife]

Facetime has a limited use

To date, all attempts to introduce video calling have failed. I have not seen ONE person using an iPhone 4 for it, even in WiFi hotspots. We tried it with our family. My mother and brother hated it. People don't like knowing they appear on the other end with a fat broad face or similar, with nose sticking right into the camera lens.

Yes, it is great for kids and grandparents, but then, most devices come with webcams or cameras anyway, so other than the excellent quality of Facetime (which is purely because it is using WiFi so the bandwidth is there), what is the value proposition for Facetime on the iPad beyond the iPhone implementation? If it is for business teleconferencing, there will need to be additional functionality to ensure it is useful, not just a gimmick.

I have only used a phone camera once, to beam a rock concert live to a friend for 10 minutes. I would never do that with an iPad because it is too large.

 

[Oflife]

Facetime has a limited value proposition

To date, all attempts to introduce video calling have failed. I have not seen ONE person using an iPhone 4 for it, even in WiFi hotspots. We tried it with our family. My mother and brother hated it. People don't like knowing they appear on the other end with a fat broad face or similar, with nose sticking right into the camera lens.

Yes, it is great for kids and grandparents, but then, most devices come with webcams or cameras anyway, so other than the excellent quality of Facetime (which is purely because it is using WiFi so the bandwidth is there), what is the value proposition for Facetime on the iPad beyond the iPhone implementation? If it is for business teleconferencing, there will need to be additional functionality to ensure it is useful, not just a gimmick.

I have only used a phone camera once, to beam a rock concert live to a friend for 10 minutes. I would never do that with an iPad because it is too large.

 

[Nishi100]

To date, all attempts to introduce video calling have failed. I have not seen ONE person using an iPhone 4 for it, even in WiFi hotspots. We tried it with our family. My mother and brother hated it. People don't like knowing they appear on the other end with a fat broad face or similar, with nose sticking right into the camera lens.

Yes, it is great for kids and grandparents, but then, most devices come with webcams or cameras anyway, so other than the excellent quality of Facetime (which is purely because it is using WiFi so the bandwidth is there), what is the value proposition for Facetime on the iPad beyond the iPhone implementation? If it is for business teleconferencing, there will need to be additional functionality to ensure it is useful, not just a gimmick.

I have only used a phone camera once, to beam a rock concert live to a friend for 10 minutes. I would never do that with an iPad because it is too large.

Skype?
Fring, if your friends have android phones.
Yahoo messenger app now supports video calling.
And I'm sure MSN or a dev, will bring / has already has out an app so tht you can "chat" to you MSN / Windows live.

*Windows doesn't deserve the font: "Century Gothic;" all it deserves is: "Times New Roman." (I can't really talk as I have MSN)

It doesn't have to be 4x the resolution, all it does is have the same aspect ratio.

Things can be upconverted automatically. Halo 3 on the Xbox 360 actually runs at a resolution of 560p, but it gets upconverted to 720p, or 1080p or downconverted to 480p based on what tv you have, automatically. And it looks fine. The iPad can do the same.

I expect to see either....

1440x1080
or
1280x960

on the next iPad. It would be higher resolution while retaining the same aspect ratio. It could upconvert everything.

1280x960 is the bare minimum, so the iPad could atleast play 720p quality videos (1280x720) without reducing the quality.

However, a resolution of 1440x1080 would allow apple to (misleadingly) claim that the ipad's resolution is 1080p

It'll "break" all the current apps. That's why the iPhone 4's resolution was doubled by 2; so all the apps worked, without the developer needing to change it.

 

[janstett]

Anyone else like to connect his/her iPod classic on the iPad?

A matter of having all songs at hand.

AudioGalaxy is a worthy successor to Simplify Media. Stream everything to your iPad.

 

[bpaluzzi]

Clearing up a few things on here:

#1 - USB is asymmetrical. Devices and hosts have different functions and different plugs. The micro USB plug used on phones, etc, as well as the "Square" socket used on printers are for DEVICES. The flat rectangular socket used on computers is for HOSTS. Which one are you suggesting the iPad would have? I don't see either one happening, but especially the host socket, due to power supply requirements, the ability to interface a file system, and driver requirements. The device plug is redundant, as all functions provided by that are already provided by the dock connector.
You can't plug a USB flash drive into a device plug -- the flash drive is a device already.

#2 - You need to read the EU law a bit more. The iPad/iPhone/iPod is ALREADY compliant. The only thing required is that the cable terminates in a type-A (into HOST) plug. Just like the charging cable on an iPod. The charger bit needs to output power via a (disconnectable) USB-A socket.

The ONLY chargers that need to change are the 1-piece chargers, where the wall socket connection leads directly into a non-removable cord, and that cord terminates in something other than micro-USB B. Nokia chargers, etc.

 

[kryca]

We all use marketing terms, we use them for convenience NOT because we don't know / are dumb.

As soon as you let companies shape your language, you become part of their marketing. I hope you're being paid for that.

It's just a high resolution display. And in 5 years it will simply go by "display".

 

[billysea]

As a games dev, I really hope the next iPad stays the same OR 2x resolution... Call it what you want

Don't make games for it if you just want to be lazy.

 

[OGDaniel]

I can't imagine what sort of functionality a USB port would have. Everything else is obvious though.

 

[Nishi100]

As soon as you let companies shape your language, you become part of their marketing. I hope you're being paid for that.

It's just a high resolution display. And in 5 years it will simply go by "display".

What difference does it make?

Saying:
The iPhone 4 has a retina display.
The iPhone 4 has a high resolution display.

And anyway, the phrase, "retina display", means: IPS panel, LED backlighting, 300ppi or above at a certain distance.

Therefore,
high resolution display ≠ retina display.
high resolution display = HD

However,

high resolution display ≈ retina display.
high resolution display = HD

becase high resolution display is a single part of what retina display is and HD is basically a high resolution screen, at 1920 x 1080.

If you understand this, then you have a brain like me (bad thing).

Oh and BTW, in 7 years time; don't say "I can now download 4K movies, from iTunes;" say, "I can now download four thousand and ninety six by two thousand three hundred and four (4096 x 2304) *sized* movies, from iTunes"

 

[jamesryanbell]

USB and retina display I will believe when I see.

Who said anything about retina display? It just said "improved display technology". NO WAY that's going to be the same pixels per inch as iPhone. Not happening. I'd seriously wager a lot of money on that (and win).

 

[The.316]

Video calling has been used for a few years now here in Europe, and while I, along with a lot of my friend, have it available, we rarely use it. It will be interesting to see what the "five" new features will be.

 

[Nishi100]

Who said anything about retina display? It just said "improved display technology". NO WAY that's going to be the same pixels per inch as iPhone. Not happening. I'd seriously wager a lot of money on that (and win).

My guess is optical lamination.

And, please Apple, please, blacks that look black - not yellow, or dark grey. (I've just got the Samsung Galaxy S - and the blacks and whites are beautiful; and the IPS display is as good as the iPhone 4's.)

 

[lewisdorigo]

I've heard some similar things from some people at Apple.

I've been told that they're testing something that's "not quite a retina display, but close" for the iPad 2, that'll have about 230PPI, which'll mean near 1080HD on a 9.7" display (they emphasise that it's being tested, and that it doesn't mean it'll be in the finished product). They say it'll "look a lot like the iPhone 4, but without the glass back".

They haven't said anything about a USB Port, and I personally doubt it as it would add unnecessary thickness. I speculate it'll get a MicroSD card that will be limited for photo/video in the Photos app (similar to the MicroSD Adapter in the Camera Connector Kit).

I don't know if the info that these people are providing me is correct so take it with a pinch of salt (as the old saying goes), but I'm gonna give the benefit of the doubt.

 

[Piggie]

I want two speakers in the next iPad.

But no-one else seems to be mentioning it.

Come on, how many years ago did we consider Mono to be good enough?

The speakers itself is fine, but how great to have another one on the other side.

Before anyone moans about video and portrait mode.

Come on, most people will watch TV and Video in landscape mode.

Even if in portrait mode a speaker on the top and bottom would still be better than just one. For music also.

Games would be so much nicer with stereo.

 

[antster94]

I know for certain I will be buying this iPad if it has a higher res screen!

 

[Saladinos]

Apple have been adding USB support slowly through the camera connector, which supports far more than just cameras. iOS is extremely capable, and Apple want to take it far. USB could be just the thing to do that. External device support has also been something that Apple has been encouraging, mentioning BP meters and all kinds of things that they would like to see compatible with iOS.

looking forward to iOS 5. A USB stack would extend iOS a lot.

 

[jmull]

Really?

They are still selling the iPad? Who is buying those thing anyway? I mean 5 bejamins for a 10" coffee serving tray is a little steep even if it does show pictures and little tiny websites. While I'm complaining, when are they gonna fix find-my-ipod already? It's incomplete: half of the features don't work.

 

[jtara]

iPad and iPhone have always had a USB port, from day one. Of course, every iPhone and iPad comes with a cable with a 30-pin dock connector on one end and a male USB connector on the other end.

They just don't have a standard USB connector on the device itself, nor complete software support.

The Camera Connection Kit consists of two little dongles - a dock connector to memory card adapter, and a dock connector to female USB adapter.

The latter can be used to connect to the USB port on your camera (with an additional, not-supplied USB to mini or micro USB adapter cable) or a USB memory stick. It also is reported to "just work" with quite a few USB peripherals in specific classes - such as USB microphones and headphones.
So, there clearly IS some USB support in the software.

Adding a USB connector will complicate things a bit, as the dock connector is multi-purpose, containing signals (such as analog line-level audio and analog component video) that aren't present on USB. So, to retain current functionality they would have to either keep the dock as well or add additional connectors.

EU is mandating micro-USB ports for charging all cell phones (they don't have to be functional for data usage). Jan 1, 2012 is the drop-dead date. So, yes, USB WILL be coming to at least the iPhone, if not the iPad. I think they'd look rather silly if it wasn't also a functional USB port.

My guess is that the current dock will stay, along with the existing use of the dock-to-USB cable allowing the iDevices to be used as a USB peripheral. They will add a micro-USB connector that can be used to either charge the device or to plug-in a USB peripheral, obsoleting the Camera Connection Kit.

Since this has to be in place by Jan 1, 2012, it would seem logical that the next hardware spin for both devices will have this.

 

[gnasher729]

Impossible, right now!

But, I agree that they won't put any other resolution, except double the current res; as it'll break all the apps.

In theory, any company can put a retina display in a 9.7 inch screen; however, it'll just be very expensive, the product will need massive processing power (but I can't see a ATI 4850m in the iPad, with good heat management and the same size) and the chance of dead pixels will increase dramatically.

However, in the future (iPad 3/4/5), when GPU's are more powerful, but still have the same efficiency as the current GPU in the iPad; then we will see a retina display.

There are three problems with doubling the resolution in every direction.

1. Producing the display: That is an absolute problem. No idea how Apple could get these devices in the numbers needed at any reasonable price. One mitigating circumstance is that single bad pixels might be so tiny to be virtually unnoticable, so there could be fewer panels that can't be sold because of dead pixels.

2. Power consumption: I think that shouldn't be too bad. I think most of the power goes into actually producing light. With four times as many pixels, there is one fourth of the light produced per pixel. I think the power consumption of the display itself wouldn't be much higher.

3. Graphics power: That depends. It might be possible to have 3D games run at original resolution (you won't be able to see any difference with action games running at thirty frames per second). Or doing the geometry calculations at full precision, but the color calculation at half precision (that would be exactly the same calculations that you would do with antialiasing for the original resolution). Where the higher resolution really matters is for displaying text, and that is not too hard for a graphics card.

 

[8CoreWhore]

Well, the edge cannot get thinner as there'd be no room for the headset jack, etc. So, for it to get thinner, it'd have to be towards the middle.. Which is all battery... No way would Apple cut battery life. It's not getting a display any smaller than the current size.

They'll prolly add a front facing camera for face time, but back camera is unlikely but possible.

The only way they'll do USB is if they're forced to add it to the iPhone in Europe, in which case they'll add it for the world, and then add it to the iPad for uniformity. They can limit it to function no more than the current data port, plus camera connection kit.

 

[Fraaaa]

They are still selling the iPad? Who is buying those thing anyway? I mean 5 bejamins for a 10" coffee serving tray is a little steep even if it does show pictures and little tiny websites. While I'm complaining, when are they gonna fix find-my-ipod already? It's incomplete: half of the features don't work.

That joke was funny the first 5 millions units sold...

 

[Full of Win]

To date, all attempts to introduce video calling have failed. I have not seen ONE person using an iPhone 4 for it, even in WiFi hotspots. We tried it with our family. My mother and brother hated it. People don't like knowing they appear on the other end with a fat broad face or similar, with nose sticking right into the camera lens.

Yes, it is great for kids and grandparents, but then, most devices come with webcams or cameras anyway, so other than the excellent quality of Facetime (which is purely because it is using WiFi so the bandwidth is there), what is the value proposition for Facetime on the iPad beyond the iPhone implementation? If it is for business teleconferencing, there will need to be additional functionality to ensure it is useful, not just a gimmick.

I have only used a phone camera once, to beam a rock concert live to a friend for 10 minutes. I would never do that with an iPad because it is too large.

Until they add 3G to the options, its pretty much moribund.Even then, its still iffy that it will ever take off. Actually, the only time I've ever seen someone using the FFC was a few days ago during Black Friday, where a guy was using it to allow the girl he was with to see how she looked in different hats...that I'm sure he had to buy afterwards.

 

[Lesser Evets]

I want two speakers in the next iPad.

I am not so concerned with great speakers on the device, but if they put them in the keyboard dock it would be nice: dock and hear great sound.

 

[bpaluzzi]

EU is mandating micro-USB ports for charging all cell phones (they don't have to be functional for data usage). Jan 1, 2012 is the drop-dead date. So, yes, USB WILL be coming to at least the iPhone, if not the iPad. I think they'd look rather silly if it wasn't also a functional USB port.

My guess is that the current dock will stay, along with the existing use of the dock-to-USB cable allowing the iDevices to be used as a USB peripheral. They will add a micro-USB connector that can be used to either charge the device or to plug-in a USB peripheral, obsoleting the Camera Connection Kit.

Since this has to be in place by Jan 1, 2012, it would seem logical that the next hardware spin for both devices will have this.

Once again: No, the micro-usb b port is NOT required. All Apple products are currently within specification: "An EPS provided with a detachable cable shall be equipped with a USB Standard-A
receptacle".

From: TECHNICAL ANNEX TO MOU REGARDING THE HARMONISATION OF A CHARGING CAPABILITY FOR MOBILE PHONES , Date: January 12, 2010

There is NO change mandated by the EU for apple products.

b

 

[powers74]

"retina"

The marketing (not technical) phrase "retina display" does not dictate any particular DPI.

I guess I don't get what you're trying to say.