Apple Planning to use Retina Display in iPad 2

Earlier, we reported that Apple has been rumored of working on the second generation iPad which will be shown in February next year. Now, a Taiwanese news website DigiTimes has noted that Apple will be adding five new features in the iPad 2 according to a source who tipped the information to Economic Daily News, a Chinese-language news paper. These features include Retina display, front facing camera for FaceTime, USB Port, and smaller form factor.

Now we know you're slowly getting mad at us for writing too much about Apple who doesn't bother launching the iPad in India. However, there is no harm in staying abreast with developments that might help instead of staying aloof. Rumor mills and spin doctors are already speculating the theories that Apple will show off in a smaller 7-inch iPad 2 sometime early next year. Also, this new iPad would be slimmer than the current generation one as per Apple's patent application. So we can expect a form-factor of anything between 7-inch to 9-inch.

In the iPad 2, Apple would be using Retina Display technology with thinner glass panels. The IPS-panel technology based Retina glass is a bit costly but they improve the color and image quality. Hence, expect that part to add up to the total price of the iPad.

Industry based component makers also stated that Apple would be adding a USB port to make the iPad 2 more connection friendly. This kind of contradicts Apple CEO Steve Jobs' response to an Apple product fan - We don't see USB 3 taking off at this time. No support from Intel, for example. So instead, we can expect USB 2.0 in iPad 2. Sounds like some cryptic chronology - USB 2.0 in iPad 2 and may be USB 3.0 in iPad 3. That's Apple for you.

For the gaming frenzy folks, Apple will add 3-axis gyroscopic sensors to enhance the possible gaming experience. Finally, Apple will add a camera in the front panel to enable FaceTime which is already available to iPhone 4 and iPod touch 4 devices. Once again, I'd like to point out that these are just preliminary buzzes you'll hear till the actual product is shown off.