Updated games use iPad 2's 9X graphics boost, campers brave rain at Apple's NYC store
Campers outside Apple's landmark Fifth Avenue store in New York City have weathered the elements waiting for the iPad 2 launch at 5 p.m. [updated with more pictures]. Also, some of the iPad's top-selling games have been updated to take advantage of the additional graphics horsepower in the iPad 2.
Lines of people await iPad 2
Apple's decision to only sell the iPad 2 at its retail stores and select partners on launch day has ensured that customers around the country are lined up for the second-generation device. It's a change from last year, when initial preorders were delivered in the mail on the launch Saturday.
Outside of Apple's iconic Fifth Avenue store in New York City, dozens of people have been queued since more than 24 hours before the iPad 2 is set to go on sale. Analyst Brian White with Ticonderoga securities said the line in Manhattan has grown to about 100 people as of this afternoon.
Those waiting to be among the first to get the new iPad have also had to brave the elements, as soggy weather has plagued the Big Apple. Outside the Fifth Avenue store, customers have been waiting, holding umbrellas and wearing ponchos as they camp out.
Below are some pictures taken from the New York lineup. Thanks to AppleInsider reader Ryan for the photos.
Update: More shots:
And thanks to reader Tim for this drive-by picture taken outside of Chicago's North/Clybourn Apple Store at 12:30 p.m.
Games updated for iPad 2
Three bestselling iPad games -- Real Racing 2 HD, Infinity Blade, and Dead Space HD (iTunes links) -- have already been updated to take advantage of the more powerful graphics capabilities of the iPad 2. The next-generation tablet features Apple's custom-built dual-core A5 processor.
Apple has claimed that the iPad 2 processor offers graphics capabilities that are up to nine times faster than the first-generation iPad. The new tablet also has double the RAM of its predecessor.
The A5 chip is believed to be based on the SGX543 chip, which is also expected to appear in the anticipated iPhone 5 later this year. The new graphics processor allows the iPad 2 to output 1080p high-definition video through a separate HDMI connector.
In addition, Real Racing 2 HD has also been updated to utilize the gyroscope found in the new iPad 2. Apple first introduced the gyroscope for iOS devices last year with the iPhone 4, allowing even more precise motion controls.
Lines of people await iPad 2
Apple's decision to only sell the iPad 2 at its retail stores and select partners on launch day has ensured that customers around the country are lined up for the second-generation device. It's a change from last year, when initial preorders were delivered in the mail on the launch Saturday.
Outside of Apple's iconic Fifth Avenue store in New York City, dozens of people have been queued since more than 24 hours before the iPad 2 is set to go on sale. Analyst Brian White with Ticonderoga securities said the line in Manhattan has grown to about 100 people as of this afternoon.
Those waiting to be among the first to get the new iPad have also had to brave the elements, as soggy weather has plagued the Big Apple. Outside the Fifth Avenue store, customers have been waiting, holding umbrellas and wearing ponchos as they camp out.
Below are some pictures taken from the New York lineup. Thanks to AppleInsider reader Ryan for the photos.
Update: More shots:
And thanks to reader Tim for this drive-by picture taken outside of Chicago's North/Clybourn Apple Store at 12:30 p.m.
Games updated for iPad 2
Three bestselling iPad games -- Real Racing 2 HD, Infinity Blade, and Dead Space HD (iTunes links) -- have already been updated to take advantage of the more powerful graphics capabilities of the iPad 2. The next-generation tablet features Apple's custom-built dual-core A5 processor.
Apple has claimed that the iPad 2 processor offers graphics capabilities that are up to nine times faster than the first-generation iPad. The new tablet also has double the RAM of its predecessor.
The A5 chip is believed to be based on the SGX543 chip, which is also expected to appear in the anticipated iPhone 5 later this year. The new graphics processor allows the iPad 2 to output 1080p high-definition video through a separate HDMI connector.
In addition, Real Racing 2 HD has also been updated to utilize the gyroscope found in the new iPad 2. Apple first introduced the gyroscope for iOS devices last year with the iPhone 4, allowing even more precise motion controls.
Comments
-Peter
The iPad 2 can decode 1080p video, but it can only output 720p.
-Peter
Hmm. How do you figure?
The iPad 2 can decode 1080p video, but it can only output 720p.
-Peter
Actually, that's the wrong way around. The iPad can only decode up to 720p*, but with the HDMI adapter will output at a 1920 x 1080 resolution. So it decodes the 720p info then upscales, presumably using a built-in hardware upscaler.
*
Video formats supported: H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, Main Profile level 3.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format
The iPad 2 can decode 1080p video, but it can only output 720p.
-Peter
Are sure Peter? Looks like the tech specs on Apple's page say Video mirroring and video out support: Up to 1080p with Apple Digital AV Adapter or Apple VGA Adapter (cables sold separately)
That sound right? Where else would they get 9x the performance from, if not an MP2.
Campers outside Apple's landmark Fifth Avenue store in New York City have weathered the elements waiting for the iPad 2 launch at 5 p.m.
Not quite the same story in Austin
Three bestselling iPad games -- Real Racing 2 HD, Infinity Blade, and Dead Space HD (iTunes links) -- have already been updated to take advantage of the more powerful graphics capabilities of the iPad 2.
>implying that graphical processing isn't embarassingly parallel and likely only very minor changes were needed
UE3 is already multithreaded, so that's pretty much covered. Let's see someone put out an iPad2-exclusive tech demo and REALLY push the hardware.
also inb4Fandroids crying about Tegra2
Actually, that's the wrong way around. The iPad can only decode up to 720p*, but with the HDMI adapter will output at a 1920 x 1080 resolution. So it decodes the 720p info then upscales, presumably using a built-in hardware upscaler.
*
There a test somewhere using Oplayer app playing 1080p video file and it played fine.
Not quite the same story in Austin
I'd be willing to bet that in the "permanent"stores, rather than in the 2 week only "popup store" that you're so anxious to quote .... it may be a different story altogether. Just curious to know why you didn't "think" to point out what kind of store this was. hmmmm?
I'd be willing to bet that in the "permanent"stores, rather than in the 2 week only "popup store" that you're so anxious to quote .... it may be a different story altogether. Just curious to know why you didn't "think" to point out what kind of store this was. hmmmm?
There are no lines outside the Mall of Georgia store either. NYC is going to be a different story because of population per square mile. So based on those pictures looks like many are just walking by in the rain.
There is no great conspiracy because people are saying there are no lines. It was already noted several days ago in most places lines will be short.
I can?t believe you people are so concerned about a gadget when a tsunami has killed millions and will cost all the money in the world to repair the damages. You guys are so selfish! I say you should do the right thing and not wait in line today so I can have a better chance at getting an iPad 2.
Well seeing a another 6.6 quake hit a few mins ago and a tsunami just hit the West Coast of the US I would say your post wins the 2011 award for and Epic Failure at humor.
I'd be willing to bet that in the "permanent"stores, rather than in the 2 week only "popup store" that you're so anxious to quote .... it may be a different story altogether. Just curious to know why you didn't "think" to point out what kind of store this was. hmmmm?
There are no lines outside the Mall of Georgia store either. NYC is going to be a different story because of population per square mile. So based on those pictures looks like many are just walking by in the rain.
There is no great conspiracy because people are saying there are no lines. It was already noted several days ago in most places lines will be short.
Yeah Newbee, don't be a tool. I chose that link because it was funny. You really shouldn't try to read between the lines when you are illiterate.
Yeah Newbee, don't be a tool. I chose that link because it was funny. You really shouldn't try to read between the lines when you are illiterate.
LOL! In any case, there are at least 200 people at the 14th street store. There were like 150 at the Soho store at 11 am when there weren't even 50 people here and there were 250 people at 5th ave.
I'd be willing to bet that in the "permanent"stores, rather than in the 2 week only "popup store" that you're so anxious to quote .... it may be a different story altogether. Just curious to know why you didn't "think" to point out what kind of store this was. hmmmm?
Plenty of line at the Barton Creek Mall location before noon. Domain probably has many more since it's a bigger store and is collocated with condo complexes.
Also, are they that insecure of themselves?
That impatient?
How they succeed in life is beyond me.