Apple again rumored to grow iPad family with HD model and Pro apps
The on-again, off-again rumors of whether Apple plans to introduce a second iPad model during the 2011 calendar year received yet another twist this week, with an unverified report alleging the company may introduce a high-definition model and at least one "Pro app" this fall targeted at media professionals.
More specifically, the rumor floated by former Engadget editors and posted to their This is my next blog cites unnamed sources who claim an iPad with the much rumored double-screen resolution of 2048 x 1536 (1, 2) will debut as the "iPad HD" alongside the iPhone 5 this fall.
"The idea behind the product is apparently that it will be a 'pro' device aimed at a higher end market ? folks who work in video and photo production possibly ? and will be introduced alongside something like an iPad version of Final Cut or Aperture," the report speculates. "This product is specifically said to not be the iPad 3, rather a complimentary piece of the iPad 2 line. Think MacBook and MacBook Pro."
Such a move would presumably threaten to fragment both Apple's iOS device family and App Store in a manner the company has long strived to avoid in an effort to keep its mobile ecosystem simple and streamlined. Since the iPhone's inception, the company has committed to releasing a single iPhone model each year (with carrier and capacity options), and similarly one new iPad model each year.
Meanwhile, its App Store is broken down into the same two categories, apps for iPhones and apps for iPads. The latest rumor does not address whether the rumored Pro apps destined for the so-called iPad HD would be backwards compatible with traditional iPads, or restricted to the higher-end model. It also provides no color on why Apple would choose to fragment the iPad line with the addition of an HD display to one model in 2011 just months before introducing an entirely new family of iPads in early 2012 that could command the same treatment.
It should be noted that the sources attributed in the latest report have a mixed track record on future Apple products at best. For instance, they reported back in January that the iPad 2 would include the same illusive HD display, an SD Card slot and a dual GSM / CDMA chipset produced by Qualcomm -- all of which were inaccurate. The screen on the iPad 2 largely mirrored that of the iPad 1, there was no SD Card slot and Apple used separate baseband chips in the CDMA and GSM iPad 2 -- including an Infineon 337S3833 Baseband Processor in the GSM model.
However, those same sources did accurately predict that Apple would introduce a new streaming Apple TV last year priced at $99 and based around an A4 chip. But several other details in that report also turned out to be unsubstantiated, such as claims that the device would include 16GB of storage, support 1080p, and run Apple's traditional iOS.
As an aside, Thursday's rumor of an iPad HD was accompanied with claims that Apple's iPhone 5 will arrive in a slimmer, lighter form-factor than the iPhone 4. It states that reports over whether this year's handset will resemble an iPhone 4 or a completely new design have varied because Apple has been testing a more compact set of iPhone 5 internals inside existing iPhone 4 enclosures to mask them and the true identity of the iPhone 5 from the outside world.
More specifically, the rumor floated by former Engadget editors and posted to their This is my next blog cites unnamed sources who claim an iPad with the much rumored double-screen resolution of 2048 x 1536 (1, 2) will debut as the "iPad HD" alongside the iPhone 5 this fall.
"The idea behind the product is apparently that it will be a 'pro' device aimed at a higher end market ? folks who work in video and photo production possibly ? and will be introduced alongside something like an iPad version of Final Cut or Aperture," the report speculates. "This product is specifically said to not be the iPad 3, rather a complimentary piece of the iPad 2 line. Think MacBook and MacBook Pro."
Such a move would presumably threaten to fragment both Apple's iOS device family and App Store in a manner the company has long strived to avoid in an effort to keep its mobile ecosystem simple and streamlined. Since the iPhone's inception, the company has committed to releasing a single iPhone model each year (with carrier and capacity options), and similarly one new iPad model each year.
Meanwhile, its App Store is broken down into the same two categories, apps for iPhones and apps for iPads. The latest rumor does not address whether the rumored Pro apps destined for the so-called iPad HD would be backwards compatible with traditional iPads, or restricted to the higher-end model. It also provides no color on why Apple would choose to fragment the iPad line with the addition of an HD display to one model in 2011 just months before introducing an entirely new family of iPads in early 2012 that could command the same treatment.
It should be noted that the sources attributed in the latest report have a mixed track record on future Apple products at best. For instance, they reported back in January that the iPad 2 would include the same illusive HD display, an SD Card slot and a dual GSM / CDMA chipset produced by Qualcomm -- all of which were inaccurate. The screen on the iPad 2 largely mirrored that of the iPad 1, there was no SD Card slot and Apple used separate baseband chips in the CDMA and GSM iPad 2 -- including an Infineon 337S3833 Baseband Processor in the GSM model.
However, those same sources did accurately predict that Apple would introduce a new streaming Apple TV last year priced at $99 and based around an A4 chip. But several other details in that report also turned out to be unsubstantiated, such as claims that the device would include 16GB of storage, support 1080p, and run Apple's traditional iOS.
As an aside, Thursday's rumor of an iPad HD was accompanied with claims that Apple's iPhone 5 will arrive in a slimmer, lighter form-factor than the iPhone 4. It states that reports over whether this year's handset will resemble an iPhone 4 or a completely new design have varied because Apple has been testing a more compact set of iPhone 5 internals inside existing iPhone 4 enclosures to mask them and the true identity of the iPhone 5 from the outside world.
Comments
The qualitative difference is that, compared to Android fragmentation, there are far fewer iOS devices than android devices, and most users are using the latest iOS version.
I'm guessing it's iMovie renamed Final Cut Pro X for iPad.
It's Final Cut Studio 7 for the iPad - PSYCH!
Such a move would presumably threaten to fragment both Apple's iOS device family and App Store
Curious...
The iPhone 3Gs wasn't left behind when the iPhone 4 was released with its Retina display, so why would the iPad and iPad2 ?
As for fragmenting the iOS device family, well that's already happened.
The qualitative difference is that, compared to Android fragmentation, there are far fewer iOS devices than android devices, and most users are using the latest iOS version.
There are fewer iOS devices than Android manufacturers
The on-again, off-again rumors of whether Apple plans to introduce a second iPad model during the 2011 calendar year received yet another twist this week, with an unverified report alleging the company may introduce a high-definition model and at least one "Pro app" this fall targeted at media professionals. ...
This is such an absolutely ridiculous rumour it's hard to know where to start.
The only thing I find interesting about it is that because it comes from the revered Joshua Topolowsky, the tech press is actually taking it seriously, when if it came from almost any other source it would be roundly ridiculed (as it no doubt should be).
come on, if your gonna post an article, an use a graphic, lets not use one that is totally wrong OK?
Actually it's correct (potentially" there was an editor recently that remote logged into his Mac running FCPX and it looked like FCPX was a native iPad app running.
Kinda makes you say hmmmmmmmm.
I know the iPad is powerful, but surely such people need the capabilities of a Mac Pro/Macbook Pro?
But several other details in that report also turned out to be unsubstantiated, such as claims that the device would include 16GB of storage, support 1080p, and run Apple's iOS.
The 2nd-gen Apple TV does run iOS albeit with a different UI.
Is it really realistic to think that a tablet form factor could have anywhere near the processing horsepower to be useful to a professional video editor?...
Maybe not, but I'd like to see a version of FCPX for the iPad that would allow me to use all the features of FCPX in preview mode, and when I'm back at my desktop I can render the full-res.
Using the iPad for quick edits and stuff on a project instead of working from memory is a big plus. Rendering the hires can always wait.
Curious...
The iPhone 3Gs wasn't left behind when the iPhone 4 was released with its Retina display, so why would the iPad and iPad2 ?
I wonder why the author purported that when as you said compatibilty wasn't a problem for the 3GS and 4.
Is it really realistic to think that a tablet form factor could have anywhere near the processing horsepower to be useful to a professional video editor?
I know the iPad is powerful, but surely such people need the capabilities of a Mac Pro/Macbook Pro?
If the iPad were to get a "pro" designation I would assume it would get more computing power also more power just to run the RD efficiently. All that meaning a iPad Pro would need an A6 quad core chip making it nearly as powerful as the MacBook pros of just a few years ago.
But I'll add my personal skepticism. I doubt apple will unveil an A6 iPad this year. If they did what would they come out with next year?
Apple will unveil a completely new device -- the guts of an iPad with a keyboard and no touch-screen. Meaning: an Apple version of the Chromebook. This will become the Macbook Air. The iCloud is now in place for them to do what Google is doing.
(This prognostication could jive with the rumors that Apple has run Macbook Airs with A5 chips.)
The current Macbook Air will -- as Steve said at the release of the Air last summer -- be what the Macbook Pro lineup will be like.
I don't have use for an iPad, but am intrigued by the Chromebook. I want a web device with a keyboard, and the Chromebook just about fits the bill. But the OS is still unpolished.
My prognostication:
Apple will unveil a completely new device -- the guts of an iPad with a keyboard and no touch-screen. Meaning: an Apple version of the Chromebook. This will become the Macbook Air. The iCloud is now in place for them to do what Google is doing.
(This prognostication could jive with the rumors that Apple has run Macbook Airs with A5 chips.)
The current Macbook Air will -- as Steve said at the release of the Air last summer -- be what the Macbook Pro lineup will be like.
I don't have use for an iPad, but am intrigued by the Chromebook. I want a web device with a keyboard, and the Chromebook just about fits the bill. But the OS is still unpolished.
Unless Apple redefines iCloud, it does not support the equivalent of a Chrome book. Likely, your prognostication is doomed to be wrong.
As for fragmenting the iOS device family, well that's already happened.
The qualitative difference is that, compared to Android fragmentation, there are far fewer iOS devices than android devices, and most users are using the latest iOS version.
They all run the same version of the OS. (except the iPhone 3G and earlier, which is at least 2 years old).
In Android land, you can still buy phones which are several OS versions behind.
My prognostication:
Apple will unveil a completely new device -- the guts of an iPad with a keyboard and no touch-screen. Meaning: an Apple version of the Chromebook. This will become the Macbook Air. The iCloud is now in place for them to do what Google is doing.
(This prognostication could jive with the rumors that Apple has run Macbook Airs with A5 chips.)
The current Macbook Air will -- as Steve said at the release of the Air last summer -- be what the Macbook Pro lineup will be like.
I don't have use for an iPad, but am intrigued by the Chromebook. I want a web device with a keyboard, and the Chromebook just about fits the bill. But the OS is still unpolished.
How is Chromebook any better than a cheap netbook with Chrome running on it?
They all run the same version of the OS. (except the iPhone 3G and earlier, which is at least 2 years old).
In Android land, you can still buy phones which are several OS versions behind.
Actually the 3G runs the latest version until iOS 5 comes out, though it doesn't support all the features.
Is it really realistic to think that a tablet form factor could have anywhere near the processing horsepower to be useful to a professional video editor?
Professional editors were using Macs since before the PowerPC processor - e.g. 40MHz 68040 Mac Quadras. The iPad is the equivalent of a mid-range PowerMac G4 - so yes, it could be done. I wouldn't try previewing transitions on HD video in realtime, but the editing could easily be accommodated.
I doubt apple will unveil an A6 iPad this year. If they did what would they come out with next year?
It is very possible that the iPad updates could be moved to the Fall rather then in March. Right now the iPod, iPhone, and iOS will all come out around the fall so why should the the iPad be pushed back all the way to March? Also it is logical to update the OS at the same time you are updating the hardware.